Hashimoto's/Hypothyroidism: Diet or Meds? Any real results with diet for anyone?

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's about two months ago although I have had many symptoms for about three years. Like many of you, I have been to several docs, and finally had a TPO test with high results but "within normal range" hormone results. Because of these results, general doc believes I have Hashimoto's but will not prescribe thyroid meds, pain meds, ultrasound, or mri and will not refer me to an endo or anyone else. Besides trying to find another doc, I have done lots of reading and research on the internet. I am finding lots of current info from docs that believe a lot of our symptoms can find relief if we change our diet. I am wondering if anyone has really experimented with this and if its really made a significant difference in your symptoms. Also, if you did try this, was it along side with your meds, or was it solely a diet change with no meds? Since I have been so recently diagnosed and have never been on any medications, I am just wondering if I should start by considering my diet. I don't eat terrible, but I could be much better! Anyone do a drastic diet, cleanse with significant findings...gluten, dairy, sugar, soy free kind of diets? How many of you are sure gluten contributes to your thyroid symptoms? My major symptoms are muscle stiffness and pain, particularly in the neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips, plus pain, numbness, tingling, and cold hands and feet. Fatigue plays a major role in my day as well. Any thoughts? I would love some feedback from anyone who has experimented with this for real...want to believe some of what I have read but want to hear from real people, not docs looking for clients. Thanks in advance!

Hi ChristyS,

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's over 10 years ago. Even with medication and hormone levels with in the norm, I still have lingering symptoms. I have heard a lot about diet changes helping with these symptoms, but I still have not changed what I eat....lol. I don't know what I am waiting for....I should just do it. I am glad you asked the question. I will be watching this thread for any answers.

Hi Christy,

I have Hashimoto's and I have tried a gluten free diet. It think that I did feel better, but
truthfully I just couldn't stick with it. My daughter suffers from ulcerative colitis (or Crohn's)
so we tried going gluten-free. But after a couple of weeks we just craved a slice of really
good bread and I wanted a beer. And they tell you it has to be all or nothing, so we gave it
up. We have really cut back on gluten, but we just can't give it up completely.

But I have made a lot of changes in my diet and I have noticed a huge difference. After
reading Why do I still have thyroid symptoms when my lab tests are normal? and Hope for
Hashimoto's, both authors talk about the importance of glutathione and selenium. People
who suffer from autoimmune diseases are almost universally deficient in glutathione. So I
searched for sources of glutathione. At first I started supplements but decided I really
needed to eat real foods containing it. That is difficult because heat destroys it. Anyway,
to get to the point, all of this searching led me to the book Nourishing Traditions by Sally
Fallon. It is FANTASTIC!

I have been preparing foods as they describe. Right now, I make my own kefir and piima
milk and have it every day. I have also started fermenting some vegetables and we are
drinking raw milk (I know that's controversial). I have always had intestinal problems and
am now doing so much better. My daughter is also doing well, she is not on any medication
for her UC at this time. There is a wealth of information in that book. The next thing I want to
try is sprouting grains. You can find out more information about it at the Weston Price
Foundation website.

I think repairing my gut has helped a lot. As Hippocrates said, " all disease begins in the gut"
and I don't think we get enough probiotics. I also take 200 mcg selenium daily. I have cut
way back on gluten and don't eat any vegetable oils, only olive, butter, coconut oil and
peanut oil. I try to eat only grass-fed beef. My biggest problem is cutting out sugar. That
has been my biggest problem because I have a horrific sweet tooth. Oh, and I have
pretty much eliminated processed foods.

Yesterday I came across an interesting website:

http://myhashimotosthyroiditis.com/is-there-a-connection-between-hashimotos-thyroiditis-and-celiac-disease/

It was weird because she describes how she was enjoying success because she was following
Nourishing Traditions! in fact, she said she was able to decrease her thyroid meds by a third.
That was the first time I had read about someone with Hashi's following that book. Anyway,
she decided to go gluten-free and was horrified to see her antibody count go from 1800 to
3400. So I don't know what to think about gluten. I guess everyone is different.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know what I have been doing. I definitely feel better. I
still take ARmour each day and I have no idea what my lab tests show because I haven't
had any since November. If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them.

Hi Mrsbugzy,

Wow, you have been gluten free for ten years, that is really something. The biggest problem
I had was finding a good gluten-free bread. Do you make your own? Do you have a good
recipe? Or is there a brand that you buy that you like? The best one we tried was Udi's
but even that is not that great. Corn really causes a problem for my daughter so the corn
tortilla wraps wouldn't work. Would love to have any tips you have to make it easier to go
gluten free. Thanks.

Shabtai bakery...best cakes EVER