Paleo diet for Hypothyroidism

laurende1022

Has anyone tried the paleo diet for thyroid issues? I've been recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism and trying to do as much research as possible. I understand it's going to have to be a life change, not just a short term diet. Has anyone had success with making this transition? I'm a little apprehensive.

LaurenBourlier_fitness

I was recently diagnosed as well but have not looked into Paleo yet. I agree that this needs to be a long term change in diet rather than a quick fix. Will you let me know if you find anything out about the paleo?

PeachyCarol

Are you under the care of a doctor for this?

Correct dosage of medication/correct medication is far more important than diet in management of thyroid disease.

Autoimmune paleo protocol claims are unsubstantiated.

The only theoeretical dietary link out there is between hypothyroidism and gluten because some people who have Hashimoto's disease also have celiac disease (raises hand).

Unknown

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coburngirl2

Hypothyroid doesn't necessarily mean autoimmune disorder. I'm hypothyroid due to thyroidectomy for cancer. An Endo that I speak with regularly who also had thyroid cancer, said the best "diet" is a lower carb diet. I feel less sluggish and more motivated when I avoid processed, starchy or sugary foods...I have a group on here called thyroid cancer/thyroid problems. Feel free to check it out and I hope you get to feeling better!

senecarr

Actually hypothyroid was probably not common in paleo populations, mainly because the people with it would have died. Modern medicine is the reason you know you have the issue, not your tribe's shaman, why wouldn't you go with modern medicine's recommendations for how to treat it?

jrosto

Hypothyroidism is related to weight gain, low activity levels, and just overall feelings of sluggishness.

Following a Paleo/Primal lifestyle will help lose the weight, increase activity, and feel better.

It may not get your thyroid hopping, but can help reduce the amount of synthroid you will need to be taking.

PeachyCarol

coburngirl2 wrote: »

Hypothyroid doesn't necessarily mean autoimmune disorder. I'm hypothyroid due to thyroidectomy for cancer. An Endo that I speak with regularly who also had thyroid cancer, said the best "diet" is a lower carb diet. I feel less sluggish and more motivated when I avoid processed, starchy or sugary foods...I have a group on here called thyroid cancer/thyroid problems. Feel free to check it out and I hope you get to feeling better!

I generalized with Hashi's simply because it's usually the cause of primary hypothyroidism and it's the only reason there's a tenuous dietary link ever made.

My bad.

betthouston

Hi Laurende,

I've had Hashimoto's for 25 years. I've progressed from a mild form to my thyroid being pretty calcified and I've had to have biopsies and ultrasounds. Out of 6 different Endocrinologists I've had over the years, only one has ordered detailed blood work (without prodding) and agreed that how I was FEELING was just as important- if not more important- than what my test numbers said. Hashimoto's can be tricky. I have found that you must be your own advocate and learn everything you can!

Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease and many people with it also have 'leaky gut' (exceptionally permeable intestines) which can cause inflammation responses in your body. It can also trigger other autoimmune diseases. So it is not just a matter of taking a pill and being done with it. Don't ever let anyone tell you that, because it's just not so. Most people with Hashi's tweak their meds over time, and some of us have levels that fluctuate a lot which can throw you off. On the other hand, for some folks it's not too disruptive and they do just fine with low doses of meds.

Read as much as you can! Mary Shomon is a fantastic source and has written some great books. I highly recommend her advice. She is also a Hashi's patient who had to figure things out for herself.

I just ordered Sarah Ballantyne's books- The Paleo Approach (focuses on autoimmune diseases) and her cookbook. I am reading it now and am planning to do the elimination diet for 6 weeks. I've had a lot of symptoms that are causing me to feel they're an inflammatory issue: intense headaches, joint pain, pronounced fatigue, maddening itching, especially after I eat certain things. And my seasonal allergies are crazy this season. So I'm going to get strict and hope the anti-inflammatory food and the elimination diet helps. I know a few people who have been helped a lot with this plan, so I'm hoping I will be too.

I wish you all the best! If you have any questions, feel free to send me a PM.

LKArgh

Hypothyroidism is a very common medical condition, which means there is also a huge margin of profit for people selling books and other products. It is a matter of taking a pill, making sure you are checked regulalry and adjusting your dosage. Very simple and very effective. Or you can make it into something much bigger than what it really is, blame mysterious symptoms to it, and spend money and effort to fad approaches.

paleogal1129

I'm currently trying a paleo diet to address some of my own autoimmune conditions. Feel free to add me if you'd like a person to chat with about becoming paleo. I would suggest books to read like The Primal Blueprint (which is good introduction) Practical Paleo, which is a good over all guide, and the Paleo Approach by Dr. Sarah Ballentyne. Her book is fantastic! It's specific to autoimmune conditions, but covers how to help treat and heal your disease (or at least put it into remission) through diet in lifestyle. I love it because it does all talk about how to work with your doctor and the new lifestyle to seem maximum benefits. The Paleo Approach references over 1200 studies, which definitely leads some credibility to her recommendations. Best of luck to you!

russkiballerina

I'm Addisonian (literally no thyroid hormones at all, my thyroid is pretty much dead, I don't produce cortisol or estrogen, either) and I'm vegan. Works perfectly for me. Before going vegan I was paleo for a little bit but it did affect my glucose quite a bit because I am on steroids.

If you're on synthroid, (which you likely are), just pay attention to whatever foods won't upset your GI too much, you should be fine, though

snikkins

I'm also hypothyroid. I take my meds, eat at a calorie deficit, and lose weight. Try not to over complicate things until the simple stuff isn't working.

editorgrrl

snikkins wrote: »

I'm also hypothyroid. I take my meds, eat at a calorie deficit, and lose weight. Try not to over complicate things until the simple stuff isn't working.

^This. I have Hashimoto's (autoimmune thyroid disease), and I lost the weight (and have maintained for a year) by learning to log everything I eat & drink accurately & honestly. Logging is simple, but it ain't easy. Logging works.

I followed the advice in the Sexypants post: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants/p1

Kalikel

This paleo thing is really pissing me off. I'm all for everyone eating whatever diet they choose, including the healthiest ones and the most unhealthy. I don't care what other people eat.

But these paleo people have passed their diet off as a cure for cancer, mental illness and now thyroid disease.

THEY know it's all false. They're trying to sell books and don't care.

Do not take your health info based on anything you find online or in ridiculous books. Take it from your doctor. If you don't completely trust him, get a second, third, fourth opinion, but don't base your health on what these vile people are selling.

There's a place in hell for those who dole out incorrect medical advice to make money and those paleo people are going there.

And please don't give these people more money. They don't deserve it.

senecarr

Kalikel wrote: »

This paleo thing is really pissing me off. I'm all for everyone eating whatever diet they choose, including the healthiest ones and the most unhealthy. I don't care what other people eat.

But these paleo people have passed their diet off as a cure for cancer, mental illness and now thyroid disease.

THEY know it's all false. They're trying to sell books and don't care.

Do not take your health info based on anything you find online or in ridiculous books. Take it from your doctor. If you don't completely trust him, get a second, third, fourth opinion, but don't base your health on what these vile people are selling.

There's a place in hell for those who dole out incorrect medical advice to make money and those paleo people are going there.

And please don't give these people more money. They don't deserve it.

They also came dangerously close to releasing a paleo cooking book that could have killed children with the dietary guidelines and foods it recommended feeding kids.

Debmal77

laurende1022 wrote: »

Has anyone tried the paleo diet for thyroid issues? I've been recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism and trying to do as much research as possible. I understand it's going to have to be a life change, not just a short term diet. Has anyone had success with making this transition? I'm a little apprehensive.

So that would be a no for synthroid????

Kalikel

senecarr wrote: »

Kalikel wrote: »

This paleo thing is really pissing me off. I'm all for everyone eating whatever diet they choose, including the healthiest ones and the most unhealthy. I don't care what other people eat.

But these paleo people have passed their diet off as a cure for cancer, mental illness and now thyroid disease.

THEY know it's all false. They're trying to sell books and don't care.

Do not take your health info based on anything you find online or in ridiculous books. Take it from your doctor. If you don't completely trust him, get a second, third, fourth opinion, but don't base your health on what these vile people are selling.

There's a place in hell for those who dole out incorrect medical advice to make money and those paleo people are going there.

And please don't give these people more money. They don't deserve it.

They also came dangerously close to releasing a paleo cooking book that could have killed children with the dietary guidelines and foods it recommended feeding kids.

They really should start arresting people for practicing medicine without a license. Also for any damage that results from giving advice that people follow that ends up harming them.

editorgrrl

jrosto wrote: »

Hypothyroidism is related to weight gain, low activity levels, and just overall feelings of sluggishness.

Following a Paleo/Primal lifestyle will help lose the weight, increase activity, and feel better.

It may not get your thyroid hopping, but can help reduce the amount of synthroid you will need to be taking.

No, it will not. The only cure for hypothyroidism is medication (hormone replacement), and diet has no effect on how much medication is required.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/expert-answers/hypothyroidism-diet/faq-20058554

Generally, there's no hypothyroidism diet. Although claims about hypothyroidism diets abound, there's no evidence that eating or avoiding certain foods will improve thyroid function in people with hypothyroidism.

OP, please get your medical advice from your endocrinologist, not strangers on the internet.

Anna83704

I used to believe the whole "just take a pill and you're fine" approach to my Hashimoto's. Until I began to suffer from horrible joint pain in my hands and inflammation everywhere. My doc suspected food allergies/sensitivities (which is very common w/ Hashimoto's), and had me do a 6 week elimination diet to figure out what was wreaking havoc on my system. Turns out, I turn into the Stay-Puft marshmallow man whenever I ingest gluten, dairy, soy or too much corn or nightshades.

So I'm Paleo due to Hashimoto's. Really only because Paleo happens to eliminate what I shouldn't be eating anyway. That said, there are plenty of Hashimoto's and Hypo patients out there that don't have food sensitivities. If I was one of the lucky ones, I'd happily be a IIFYM type gal.

alyshalise

PeachyCarol wrote: »

Are you under the care of a doctor for this?

Correct dosage of medication/correct medication is far more important than diet in management of thyroid disease.

Autoimmune paleo protocol claims are unsubstantiated.

The only theoeretical dietary link out there is between hypothyroidism and gluten because some people who have Hashimoto's disease also have celiac disease (raises hand).

I have hypothyroid, pcos and just this past Friday got diognosed with celiacs

74Patricia

Oh thank you for not letting me feel so alone!!!

I am a month into going Paleo and feel terrific. I have celiac and hypothyrodism as well. I also have the skin form of Celiac, called dermatitis herpetiformis. I have tried everything from supplements, to creams, etc. to decrease the symptoms of this. I have found that since Paleo, I've had only 1 or 2 flare ups and that was when I re-introduced a meal with rice, or GF pasta. It has also decreased stomach irritability that comes with eating pretty much anything gluten free. I am under the care of a doctor for both diseases and will continue to do so, but I will also stay Paleo because I know it is improving my symptoms. I am not certain that it will "cure", but it definitely helps me tremendously!

shaumom

74Patricia wrote: »

I am a month into going Paleo and feel terrific. I have celiac and hypothyrodism as well. I have found that since Paleo, I've had only 1 or 2 flare ups and that was when I re-introduced a meal with rice, or GF pasta... but I will also stay Paleo because I know it is improving my symptoms. I am not certain that it will "cure", but it definitely helps me tremendously!

Re: paleo and celiac disease. There's no research that avoiding grains, like with a paleo diet, will help.

However...
1. There is research that shows that some celiacs do not heal unless they drop essentially all processed foods (study done on refractory celiacs, where all but two finally healed when doing this), and all grains but a GF type of rice. Higher sensitivity to gluten contamination was suspected, but no study has been done to follow up on this.
2. A couple cultivars of quinoa have been shown to actually set off celiac antibodies just like gluten does.
3. Some celiacs have been shown to have celiac antibodies react to GF oats, just like they do to gluten.
4. The majority of GF grains have never been tested to see if celiacs react to them (at least up to a few years ago). They've only been tested to see if they contain gluten, because the medical community was so certain that celiac only react to gluten (which now seems like it needs to be researched further, with the quinoa research study results). So if celiacs DO react to proteins in other grains, or some of them do, we have no idea, actually.

And add to this that a slowly growing number of celiacs are reporting essentially what you are, that they feel much better avoiding all grains? I would not be surprised in the slightest to find someday that we discover that there may be other grains that make celiac react, or that there could be perhaps different sub-sets of celiac disease where different grains trigger a similar reaction, or something else going on that we've never even considered yet.

Or in other words- you are DEFINITELY not alone in feeling bad with grains.



Re: hypothyroidism, though. The one little bit of research that might have some bearing. A recent study on a low fat diet vs. a low carb diet found that after one year on the low carb diet, participants showed lower markers of inflammation in the body. As paleo is often lower in carbs, and thyroid issues sometimes, if auto-immune related, can have higher inflammation, it might be that paleo could have a beneficial effect.

I have celiac disease and my thyroid numbers were climbing steadily. I was at the point where we were trying to figure out what to do because I'm allergic to a number of the meds, when I changed my diet, went grain free among other things, and my numbers dropped back down to normal within 6 months. I do not know WHY they dropped, and the dietary changes could have been coincidence, but if my diet goes off, my numbers start climbing again, so for me at least, there seems to be some effect. Again, what that is, I couldn't say. helped for me, though.

PeachyCarol

Anna83704 wrote: »

I used to believe the whole "just take a pill and you're fine" approach to my Hashimoto's. Until I began to suffer from horrible joint pain in my hands and inflammation everywhere. My doc suspected food allergies/sensitivities (which is very common w/ Hashimoto's), and had me do a 6 week elimination diet to figure out what was wreaking havoc on my system. Turns out, I turn into the Stay-Puft marshmallow man whenever I ingest gluten, dairy, soy or too much corn or nightshades.

So I'm Paleo due to Hashimoto's. Really only because Paleo happens to eliminate what I shouldn't be eating anyway. That said, there are plenty of Hashimoto's and Hypo patients out there that don't have food sensitivities. If I was one of the lucky ones, I'd happily be a IIFYM type gal.

I would posit that your food sensitivities are a separate issue from your Hashimoto's and I think it clouds the issue for new Hashi's sufferers to present an allergic response as being part and parcel of a genetic autoimmune condition.

There is absolutely no proven link whatsoever between any dietary malady* and Hashimoto's disease.

*caveat... because autoimmune diseases often travel in packs, some Hashi's sufferers also have celiac disease. This is also an autoimmune response, which is treated by dietary intervention. It's not a dietary issue.