Hashimoto's and gluten

I would be interested in hearing your experiences with gluten when dealing with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Has going gluten free really helped???
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Replies

  • galgenstrick
    galgenstrick Posts: 2,086 Member
    edited February 2016
    Nope. I've had Hashis since I can remember, tried the gluten free thing and eliminating iodine a few years ago. No change in my antibodies, or thyroid hormones after 3 months.
  • senecarr
    senecarr Posts: 5,377 Member
    My understanding is that claims of Hashimoto's having to with gluten are quackery.
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    edited February 2016
    worddigger wrote: »
    I would be interested in hearing your experiences with gluten when dealing with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Has going gluten free really helped???

    If you have symptoms of celiac's then you need to be tested, as havign one autoimmune disorder will increase the risk for others. Of course celiac's just happens to be one of them, there are several other disorders you are far more like to have with Hashimoto's. Still, trying to treat symptoms of one will nto cure the other. So, if you do test positive for celiac's, follow an appropriate diet. You will still have Hashimoto's.
    Here is a brief list of what else you could have or develop, if you really need something to worry about ;)
    Addison's disease, diabetes mellitus, pernicious anemia, celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, vitiligo, among others, autoimmune gastritis often occur togethe, autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, antiphospholipid syndrome, autoantibodies against coagulation factor VIII.

  • worddigger
    worddigger Posts: 79 Member
    edited February 2016
    @aggelikik
    Are you *kitten* kidding me? I am fully aware of the ramifications of Hashimoto's and take care of myself accordingly with all diagnostic testing. Are you a doctor, if so, you apparently have not completed your ethics courses. Give me a *kitten* break.
  • AskTracyAnnK28
    AskTracyAnnK28 Posts: 2,817 Member
    I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in 2004 and never had an issue with gluten.
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    worddigger wrote: »
    I would be interested in hearing your experiences with gluten when dealing with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Has going gluten free really helped???

    Autoimmune disorders can run together, so as someone else mentioned, if you have symptoms of celiac, get tested.
  • ValerieMartini2Olives
    ValerieMartini2Olives Posts: 3,024 Member
    I am newly diagnosed with hashimoto's. I have been GF for 2 weeks now. While it doesn't help the pain/weakness/hair loss... It DOES help me with swelling, reducing the hives on my face, bloating on my stomach, and makes it easier to poo. I told my endocrinologist that I went GF and he said that was one of the best things I could do to reduce flare ups.
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    worddigger wrote: »
    +aggelikik
    Are you *kitten* kidding me? I am fully aware of the ramifications of Hashimoto's and take care of myself accordingly with all diagnostic testing. Are you a doctor, if so, you apparently have not completed your ethics courses. Give me a *kitten* break.

    Dude, calm down. Nothing inappropriate was said. Doctors don't routinely test for other disorders when you have Hashimoto's. I've had to claw and fight just to get diagnosed with Hashi's, much less anything else I might possibly have on top of it.
  • worddigger
    worddigger Posts: 79 Member
    @rml_16
    Yes, thank you, I am aware of that, and I do not have Celiac...
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    worddigger wrote: »
    @rml_16
    Yes, thank you, I am aware of that, and I do not have Celiac...

    Then going gluten free will not help you.
  • worddigger
    worddigger Posts: 79 Member
    @ValerieMartini2Olives
    Thank you for your response and for adding me... Best to you on this new journey... My endocrinologist didn't seem to have an opinion on the gluten thing. Happy to hear alternative views. I have tested negative for a spectrum of things, Celiac included, though I do find when I eat gluten, it seems to trigger a bit of an inflammatory response. Still reading the research on gluten, a lot of information out there...;):)
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    worddigger wrote: »
    @aggelikik
    Are you *kitten* kidding me? I am fully aware of the ramifications of Hashimoto's and take care of myself accordingly with all diagnostic testing. Are you a doctor, if so, you apparently have not completed your ethics courses. Give me a *kitten* break.

    Oh, it is one of those threads... You read some random blogs telling you would cure Hashimoto's by going gluten free, since apparently gluten free is the current fashionable cure for everything. Ok, yes dear, avoid gluten, it cures everything. Better now?
  • ValerieMartini2Olives
    ValerieMartini2Olives Posts: 3,024 Member
    aggelikik wrote: »
    worddigger wrote: »
    @aggelikik
    Are you *kitten* kidding me? I am fully aware of the ramifications of Hashimoto's and take care of myself accordingly with all diagnostic testing. Are you a doctor, if so, you apparently have not completed your ethics courses. Give me a *kitten* break.

    Oh, it is one of those threads... You read some random blogs telling you would cure Hashimoto's by going gluten free, since apparently gluten free is the current fashionable cure for everything. Ok, yes dear, avoid gluten, it cures everything. Better now?

    My personal opinion is no it won't cure Hashimoto's nor do I expect it to. I just started synthroid. I need medication. What I don't want is the swelling and flare ups and I have noticed a major reduction in swelling since going GF.
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    aggelikik wrote: »
    worddigger wrote: »
    @aggelikik
    Are you *kitten* kidding me? I am fully aware of the ramifications of Hashimoto's and take care of myself accordingly with all diagnostic testing. Are you a doctor, if so, you apparently have not completed your ethics courses. Give me a *kitten* break.

    Oh, it is one of those threads... You read some random blogs telling you would cure Hashimoto's by going gluten free, since apparently gluten free is the current fashionable cure for everything. Ok, yes dear, avoid gluten, it cures everything. Better now?

    My personal opinion is no it won't cure Hashimoto's nor do I expect it to. I just started synthroid. I need medication. What I don't want is the swelling and flare ups and I have noticed a major reduction in swelling since going GF.

    Some people who have had this longer than I have have told me that going low-carb has helped them. going gluten-free will mean you will have cut down on carbs, so that's probably made the difference. Also, you are newly on meds if you are newly diagnosed, so is it the gluten or the meds that is helping you?

    In addition, you may actually have celiac (see previous replies). It's extremely difficult to diagnose and even if you have the antibody test and they don't appear, that doesn't mean you don't have it.

    If going gluten free helped you and it isn't the meds alone (how are you certain of this?), then likely you have celiac and don't know it.
  • worddigger
    worddigger Posts: 79 Member
    @rml_16
    I am very calm, thank you. I did not ask to be diagnosed with hypotheticals, I just wanted to share experiences with others having Hashimoto's. I find it a bit disturbing to throw around medical advice without even knowing someone's history or what they are already doing to treat it. Good luck with everything...
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    worddigger wrote: »
    @rml_16
    I am very calm, thank you. I did not ask to be diagnosed with hypotheticals, I just wanted to share experiences with others having Hashimoto's. I find it a bit disturbing to throw around medical advice without even knowing someone's history or what they are already doing to treat it. Good luck with everything...

    Your post was asking specifically for medical advice and we are sharing our experiences, as well as our knowledge based on research and doctors' advice. There is no scientific evidence for what you want to do. There has been research done and it says it doesn't work. There is no effect.

    Cut out gluten if you want. I don't suppose it'll hurt you, but it's a serious PITA to eat that way. You attacked someone who offered you useful and well-meaning advice. One of the symptoms of Hashi's is, actually, irritability.
  • worddigger
    worddigger Posts: 79 Member
    edited February 2016
    @aggelikik
    One of those threads? No, actually I never said anything of the kind, or as to what my situation is, what I believe or what I read. I was just interested in how people with Hashimoto's are feeling when they eat gluten.
  • worddigger
    worddigger Posts: 79 Member
    @rml_16
    Oh, I see... If you believe that asking others to share their experiences is the same as asking for medical advice, than we clearly do not agree. Please just avoid the thread, we will both be better off...
  • worddigger
    worddigger Posts: 79 Member
    @galgenstrick
    Thanks for your reply. Hope you are feeling well!
  • UpEarly
    UpEarly Posts: 2,555 Member
    rml_16 wrote: »
    Some people who have had this longer than I have have told me that going low-carb has helped them. going gluten-free will mean you will have cut down on carbs, so that's probably made the difference. Also, you are newly on meds if you are newly diagnosed, so is it the gluten or the meds that is helpin.g you?

    Many of my family members have celiac disease and I wouldn't call any of them remotely in the realm of low-carb! My dad eats copious amounts of GF bagels, certified GF oatmeal, GF pasta, homemade GF pancakes and Belgian waffles, and all the GF cake, pie, cookies, and brownies my mom will bake for him (she's a phenomenal GF baker)! Then add in lots of rice, fruit, and ice cream. The man loves his carbs! :D I'm not saying this is the healthiest diet, but going gluten free definitely doesn't mean automatic low carb.

    And yes -- I agree with you - eating GF is a major PITA! It's OK at home when you're cooking and handling all your own food, but traveling and eating out as someone with celiac disease is so difficult and fraught with peril!
  • worddigger
    worddigger Posts: 79 Member
    @senecarr
    Yes, I am familiar with that view, myself...there is so much self-motivated gain to be made with "quackery", it's rather sad, irresponsible and not exactly helpful to those seeking ways to feel better...hence our need to stay informed. Hope you are doing well with things, thanks for your reply!
  • worddigger
    worddigger Posts: 79 Member
    edited February 2016
    @AskTracyAnnK28
    Thanks for your reply. I do eat gluten from time to time, and notice a bit of inflammation when I do. (I think, anyways, haha) Hope you are doing well with everything and enjoying the gluten! :):)
  • mean_and_lean
    mean_and_lean Posts: 164 Member
    And yes -- I agree with you - eating GF is a major PITA! It's OK at home when you're cooking and handling all your own food, but traveling and eating out as someone with celiac disease is so difficult and fraught with peril!

    The good thing though is a lot of restaurants are aware of celiacs and gluten intolerance and can accommodate people who have issues. The main thing is asking the right questions about how they prepare foods. A lot of places are happy to make sure you don't get sick. I have a slight gluten intolerance and haven't had an issue getting gluten free foods when I go out to eat.
  • UpEarly
    UpEarly Posts: 2,555 Member
    And yes -- I agree with you - eating GF is a major PITA! It's OK at home when you're cooking and handling all your own food, but traveling and eating out as someone with celiac disease is so difficult and fraught with peril!

    The good thing though is a lot of restaurants are aware of celiacs and gluten intolerance and can accommodate people who have issues. The main thing is asking the right questions about how they prepare foods. A lot of places are happy to make sure you don't get sick. I have a slight gluten intolerance and haven't had an issue getting gluten free foods when I go out to eat.

    Sure -- lots of places 'try' and lots of places have GF menus. They say they're careful about cross contamination and they assure you that this sauce or that dressing is gluten free. But, very often restaurants screw up. I'd say the celiacs in my family get sick from cross-contamination or incorrect information anywhere from a third to half the times they eat out. Maybe because your gluten intolerance is only slight, you don't suffer the severity of symptoms that some celiacs do?

    GF has become more accessible in the last five years (since Paleo and eating GF became trendy), but I assure you, restaurants are still a minefield for people with celiac disease!
  • lavrn03
    lavrn03 Posts: 235 Member
    Worddigger
    I agree that some people are giving you advice BUT with a tone. Those that love to leave those types of postings don't hear it but those of us that wouldn't do.
    Anyway 2 friends of mine have found gluten to flare their symptoms up and when they cut back they feel so much better.
    Good luck!!!!
  • worddigger
    worddigger Posts: 79 Member
    edited February 2016
    @lavrn03
    Thanks for the info... It's weird, when I eat gluten I feel it in my limbs... But, I'm not Celiac and have tested negative for many other sensitivities, and like your friends experience, there has to be some connection...All we can do is what we feel best doing, I guess, and figure out what our issues are with food... Thanks, again!
  • mean_and_lean
    mean_and_lean Posts: 164 Member
    UpEarly wrote: »
    And yes -- I agree with you - eating GF is a major PITA! It's OK at home when you're cooking and handling all your own food, but traveling and eating out as someone with celiac disease is so difficult and fraught with peril!

    The good thing though is a lot of restaurants are aware of celiacs and gluten intolerance and can accommodate people who have issues. The main thing is asking the right questions about how they prepare foods. A lot of places are happy to make sure you don't get sick. I have a slight gluten intolerance and haven't had an issue getting gluten free foods when I go out to eat.

    Sure -- lots of places 'try' and lots of places have GF menus. They say they're careful about cross contamination and they assure you that this sauce or that dressing is gluten free. But, very often restaurants screw up. I'd say the celiacs in my family get sick from cross-contamination or incorrect information anywhere from a third to half the times they eat out. Maybe because your gluten intolerance is only slight, you don't suffer the severity of symptoms that some celiacs do?

    GF has become more accessible in the last five years (since Paleo and eating GF became trendy), but I assure you, restaurants are still a minefield for people with celiac disease!

    My sister has celiacs and has no issues when she goes out to eat. When she goes to the local hibachi they prepare her meal separately in the kitchen.
  • ValerieMartini2Olives
    ValerieMartini2Olives Posts: 3,024 Member
    rml_16 wrote: »
    aggelikik wrote: »
    worddigger wrote: »
    @aggelikik
    Are you *kitten* kidding me? I am fully aware of the ramifications of Hashimoto's and take care of myself accordingly with all diagnostic testing. Are you a doctor, if so, you apparently have not completed your ethics courses. Give me a *kitten* break.

    Oh, it is one of those threads... You read some random blogs telling you would cure Hashimoto's by going gluten free, since apparently gluten free is the current fashionable cure for everything. Ok, yes dear, avoid gluten, it cures everything. Better now?

    My personal opinion is no it won't cure Hashimoto's nor do I expect it to. I just started synthroid. I need medication. What I don't want is the swelling and flare ups and I have noticed a major reduction in swelling since going GF.

    Some people who have had this longer than I have have told me that going low-carb has helped them. going gluten-free will mean you will have cut down on carbs, so that's probably made the difference. Also, you are newly on meds if you are newly diagnosed, so is it the gluten or the meds that is helping you?

    In addition, you may actually have celiac (see previous replies). It's extremely difficult to diagnose and even if you have the antibody test and they don't appear, that doesn't mean you don't have it.

    If going gluten free helped you and it isn't the meds alone (how are you certain of this?), then likely you have celiac and don't know it.

    I just started the synthroid today and have been GF for 2 weeks. Since going GF, I have NOT cut down carbs. I have actually increased carbs quite a bit. I do not have celiac's disease. It's Hashimoto's. Being GF has helped with swelling/hives/bowel function, but the meds are needed to reduce the pain, hair loss, weakness, etc.
  • worddigger
    worddigger Posts: 79 Member
    @ValerieMartini2Olives
    I know there are advocates of alternative thyroid meds, but for me, the Synthroid (name brand) has been a lifesaver. I have been on it at different doses, per fluctuations, for almost 25 years. I was just diagnosed with Hashimoto's last July during an extreme swing in levels, not knowing what the hell was wrong with me. It's amazing what that little gland does! Curious: you commented that your doctor said it was a good thing to cut out gluten ~ did he say why it would ease flare-ups? I am familiar with the theory of the gluten mimicking the thyroid gland, hence causing an autoimmune response when ingested. Anyway, happy to hear your progress with what you are doing...:)
  • Naley2322
    Naley2322 Posts: 181 Member
    Try giving up dairy and eggs. My cousin has it and tried the gluten free and paleo fad for like 2 years...didn't work...went vegan and Hashimo symptoms are pretty much gone after 4 months