Milly Gaines
The thyroid gland is one of the organs most affected by autoimmune processes, and thyroid antibodies indicate autoimmune thyroid disease. Dietary triggers can lead to increased gastrointestinal distress, chronic inflammation, and a possible elevation in thyroid antibodies. Identifying and eliminating reactive foods from one's diet can lead to a dramatic reduction in symptoms and thyroid antibodies. While there is no consensus on a specific diet, some diets like the Paleo diet, AIP diet, gluten-free diet, and the Mediterranean diet have been reported to help reduce thyroid antibodies and improve thyroid function.
How to reduce thyroid antibodies with diet
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Identify food sensitivities | Identify and eliminate reactive foods from the diet. |
| Elimination diet | Identify dietary triggers to reduce symptoms. |
| AIP diet | Autoimmune Protocol diet that removes common antigenic foods. |
| Low-FODMAP diet | Removes short-chain carbohydrates that are difficult to digest. |
| Specific Carbohydrate Diet | Eliminates most carbohydrates and limits products with lactose and sucrose. |
| GAPS diet | Six-phase strict introductory detoxification process, followed by a regimen of fish, meats, animal fats, eggs, fermented foods, and vegetables. |
| Mediterranean diet | High intake of vegetables, low consumption of saturated fats, moderate consumption of fish, dairy, and wine, and low intake of meat. |
| Paleo diet | Provides specific macronutrient percentages that may be beneficial in reducing thyroid antibodies. |
| Gluten-free diet | Gluten contains a protein known as gliadin that resembles an enzyme the thyroid produces. |
| Vitamin D | Adequate levels of vitamin D are correlated with a reduction in thyroid antibodies. |
| Selenium | Selenium is a cofactor of deiodinases that activate T4 by converting it into T3 or inactivating both T4 and T3. |
| Zinc | Zinc is important for T3 receptor activation and can influence thyroid function. |
| Iodine | Excess iodine can negatively impact thyroid function. |
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What You'll Learn
The AIP diet
The AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) diet is an extremely restrictive elimination diet sometimes recommended to those who suffer from autoimmune disorders, including thyroid disorders. The diet focuses on removing foods that cause inflammation and replacing them with health-promoting, nutrient-dense foods. The AIP diet consists of two main phases. The first phase involves the removal of foods and medications believed to cause gut inflammation or imbalances in gut bacteria. This includes grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, nightshade vegetables, eggs, dairy, tobacco, alcohol, coffee, oils, food additives, refined and processed sugars, and certain medications. Instead, the diet encourages the consumption of fresh, nutrient-dense foods, minimally processed meat, fermented foods, and bone broth. It also emphasizes improving lifestyle factors such as stress, sleep, and physical activity.
The second phase of the AIP diet resembles the paleo diet in the types of foods allowed and avoided. The AIP diet is considered more restrictive than the paleo diet, which has also been reported to help people with Hashimoto's. The AIP diet is designed to be followed for life, which can be unrealistic for many people and may cause nutritional deficiencies, unintended weight loss, and an increased risk of eating disorders.
There is limited research on the effectiveness of the AIP diet for managing thyroid disorders. One study found that participants with thyroid disorders who followed the AIP diet experienced a slight decrease in inflammatory markers and positive observational survey results, but no improvement in thyroid labs. Another study of 16 women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis found that the AIP diet significantly improved quality of life scores and decreased inflammatory markers and disease-related symptoms. However, there were no significant differences in their thyroid function measures.
While the AIP diet may help reduce inflammation and improve quality of life for people with thyroid disorders, more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in managing thyroid antibodies specifically. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before starting any restrictive diet, especially if you have a medical condition.
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Elimination diet
An elimination diet can be a powerful tool for reducing thyroid antibodies, especially TPO antibodies. It involves removing inflammatory food triggers and common allergens such as gluten, eggs, dairy, soy, sugar, caffeine, and processed foods. This diet can help reduce immune complexes in the bloodstream, thereby reducing inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's.
The first step is to identify and eliminate food triggers. Gluten is a common trigger, and following a gluten-free diet can help lower thyroid antibodies. This is because gluten contains gliadin, a protein that resembles an enzyme produced by the thyroid, which can cause the immune system to attack it. Dairy and soy are also recommended for elimination as they are often reactive foods for those with Hashimoto's.
In addition to these specific trigger foods, it is important to consider overall diet quality. A thyroid-friendly diet that focuses on healthy, whole foods is recommended. This includes introducing lacto-fermented foods like pickled vegetables and sauerkraut, increasing dietary fiber, and taking probiotics to support gut health and restore healthy gut flora, which plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system.
While an elimination diet can be effective, it is important to note that it may not work for everyone. Some people may find it challenging to adhere to a restrictive diet long-term, and in some cases, it may even lead to the development of intolerances to healthy foods. Therefore, it is generally recommended as a corrective action for those who have failed less restrictive diets or have a history of multiple autoimmune diseases.
To summarize, an elimination diet can be a powerful approach to reducing thyroid antibodies, especially when combined with other therapies. It involves removing specific trigger foods, improving overall diet quality, and supporting gut health to reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response associated with autoimmune thyroid conditions.
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Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean diet is a healthy eating model that has been associated with a reduced risk of thyroid autoimmunity. It is largely plant-based and includes a high intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, with a moderate consumption of alcohol, dairy, fish, and meat.
The Mediterranean diet is characterised by a high consumption of foods from vegetable sources, such as legumes, fresh fruits, and vegetables, and a low consumption of saturated fats, with unsaturated fats like olive oil being favoured. It also typically includes a moderate intake of small oily fish, dairy products, and wine during meals. This diet provides a good amount of antioxidants and fibre, and a small amount of saturated fatty acids.
The diet has been found to positively influence gut microbiota, redox homeostasis, and immune system function, and it may be recommended for the prevention and management of autoimmune thyroid disorders. The nutritional components of the diet have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. Studies have also shown that a higher intake of plant foods and a lower intake of animal foods are associated with decreased thyroid autoimmunity, possibly due to reduced oxidative stress.
Oily fish, in particular, may play a role in reducing thyroid antibodies. Oily fish and other seafood are rich in selenium, iodine, iron, and zinc, which are beneficial in autoimmune thyroid disease. Iodine, in particular, is an important component of the Mediterranean diet, and is also found in milk, eggs, and certain fish, such as cod, haddock, and scampi.
The Mediterranean diet has been recognised by UNESCO as cultural heritage and is considered a healthy eating model. It is recommended for patients with autoimmune disorders and to promote cardiovascular health.
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Gluten-free diet
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the most common autoimmune disease worldwide, is caused by a lymphocyte infiltration within the thyroid gland and the subsequent production of antibodies against thyroglobulin (TgAb) and thyroid peroxidase (TPOAb). It is characterised by a high prevalence in female patients and frequent thyroid functional impairment. A gluten-free diet may support the health of the intestinal barrier, improve quality of life, and support thyroid health.
Research has shown that a gluten-free diet may decrease mean thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. In women who are euthyroid and drug-naive with chronic autoimmune thyroid disease, a gluten-free diet decreases antithyroid peroxidase and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies by 24% compared to women following a regular diet. A 2021 randomised controlled trial found that a gluten-free diet reduced serum titres of TPO-Ab and Tg-Ab, as well as increased serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D.
A gluten-free diet may also help improve symptoms in other autoimmune conditions. Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition that causes the body to react to gluten, is more prevalent in people with other autoimmune conditions, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. If you do not have celiac disease, you may still see an improvement in your Hashimoto’s symptoms by eliminating gluten, though the research is mixed.
If you have an autoimmune condition, it is important to talk with your doctor about the possibility of celiac disease and discuss methods of treating your symptoms. A dietitian can help you implement these changes in a healthy way.
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Vitamin D and mineral supplements
Vitamin D is important for people with hypothyroidism, as they are more likely to be deficient in this vitamin. Vitamin D supplements have been shown to improve TSH levels and thyroid antibodies in people with autoimmune thyroiditis. Sources of vitamin D include sunlight, supplements, fatty fish, fortified dairy products, milk, yoghurt, and orange juice.
Mineral supplements such as selenium, zinc, iron, and magnesium may also be beneficial for people with hypothyroidism. Selenium supports efficient thyroid synthesis and metabolism and may reduce levels of antibodies against thyroid peroxidase. Zinc is required for thyroid hormone production, and an optimal concentration is needed for healthy levels of T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Iron is also necessary for the thyroid to convert T4 into T3, the active form of thyroid hormone. Magnesium supplements may benefit those with Hashimoto's by lowering inflammation and reducing oxidative stress.
It is important to note that individual vitamin and mineral deficiencies should be addressed with a doctor before taking supplements. A blood test can determine your levels of these vitamins and minerals, and a doctor can advise on the appropriate dosage for any necessary supplements.
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Frequently asked questions
Thyroid antibodies indicate autoimmune thyroid disease. If you are experiencing symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, chronic inflammation, diarrhea, bloating, acid reflux, gas, or cramping, you may want to get tested for thyroid antibodies.
There are several diets that can help reduce thyroid antibodies. The AIP (autoimmune protocol) diet helps reduce inflammation caused by autoimmune disorders by removing common antigenic foods. The Paleo diet has also been documented to improve thyroid antibodies and hormones in people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease. The Mediterranean diet is also recommended for patients with autoimmune disorders.
Yes, it is recommended to avoid foods that trigger inflammation and discomfort. This may include gluten, soy, and junk food.
Yes, it is recommended to eat more anti-inflammatory foods. This may include foods rich in vitamin D, melatonin, vitamin A, B1, B5, B6, and C, proteins, and minerals such as magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, chromium, and zinc.
Yes, in addition to diet, it is important to manage stress as it can impact the immune system and aggravate the thyroid gland. It is also recommended to get tested for celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, as there is a correlation between autoimmune thyroid conditions and co-morbidities like celiac disease.
