I posted my interview with Nora Gedgaudas last week that detailed the whole paleo diet thing. I’m two weeks in and am noticing amazing differences – which I’ll report back on.
Photo by Santiago Design
Anyway, I know a lot of readers on this site have an auto-immune disease of some sort. Nora very kindly talked me through her tips for anyone suffering AI, specifically hashimotos. It all fits. I’ve been told for years the paleo diet is ideal for AI issues. I thought you AI types out there would find it useful (apologies to everyone else…and apologies for my rambly chat…I was having a very “thyroidy” day that day…and you know how that goes…)
Remember, Nora’s out here in Australia in November with Nourishing Australia. I really recommend making it to one of the sessions.
Nora then went the extra mile and emailed me to confirm many of her complex points (your head spinning much from listening to the above?). I love that she uses the word “modulation” as the approach that needs to be taken.
It’s so very much about modulation.
The primary issue at hand is IMMUNE function (specifically, a need for immune modulation).
Most if not nearly all cases of autoimmune thyroid are profoundly tied to gluten sensitivity and/or celiac disease (either as an initiating or complicating issue). Avoiding ALL gluten and whatever cross-reactive compounds you have a sensitivity to should be 100%, immediate and permanent. Nearly all available testing for gluten sensitivity currently is quite unreliable…so if you think you aren’t gluten sensitive you may want to seriously reconsider revisiting this though more in depth testing. If it were me, I’d just assume an issue with gluten and avoid it like the plague.
Healing your gut is hugely important in this. It will be impossible, btw, without generating healthy glutathione levels.
Shoot for between 80-100 ng/mL 25 OHD (vitamin D) in blood tests.
Determining whether you are TH-1 or TH-2 immune dominance would be a next important step for you. Roughly 80-90% of all autoimmune thyroid cases do show as TH-1 dominant, however it’s important that a clear determination be made before making any assumptions. As someone with autoimmune illness, your immune system is polarized. Although we don’t know in which way we do know it is either TH-1 or TH-2 immune dominant. Anything you take or consume that enhances your dominant immune polarity will make you feel worse. Examples of a few supplements known to enhance TH-1 include immuno-stimulants such as Echinacea, Astragalus, licorice root extract, lemon balm, pomegranate fruit and maitake mushroom (as just a few examples). If you recognize any of these as something you react badly to this might be your polarity clue and you should avoid these things strictly in the future. TH-2 supplements include things like pine bark extract, green tea extract, coffee, grape seed extract, and pycnogenol (typically, flavonoids). Same thing. If you have typically done well or at least OK with these TH-2 stimulants then you may want to make a point of adding these to your daily regimen as a balancing support. If you don’t really know, then we can either test for it when I see you or focus more right now on TH-3 concerns (if you are extremely symptomatic you might not otherwise tolerate testing for TH-1/TH-2 polarity right now).
Your TH-3 immunity (T-regulatory cell) is likely consistently compromised, leaving you more prone to TH-1 and TH-2 polarity effects.
Three things that consistently support TH-3 pathways include vitamin D, omega-3 fish oil/krill oil and anything that will enhance and recycle your glutathione levels. Note that taking straight glutathione won’t help as it does not survive the digestive process. You must instead rely on precursors such as selenium (Brazil nuts are great for this), vitamin E (mixed tocopherols rich in gamma tocopherol, with tocotrienols in a glycerine and NOT soybean or other vegetable oil base, along with methyl donors (B12/sublingual methylcobalamin, B6, folic acid, betaine, DMG, TMG and SAMe) and sulfur containing amino acids, particularly N-acetylcysteine (NAC).Where there is one type of antibody there are often more, as yet undiagnosed. Poly-autoimmunity is increasingly recognized as exceedingly common. Cyrex Labs will soon be releasing a 96 tissue antibody panel as a “predictive array” toward determining present and future autoimmune conditions you are vulnerable to. There may be more you don’t know that could be very helpful to know.
If you want to read more about some of this go to www.thyroidbook.com and order the book by Datis Kharrazian. You’ll thank me.
For the time being I would go on a purely anti-inflammatory diet that would include elimination of nightshades and even nuts (along with the rest of PBPM recommendations) for a time until you get inflammation under control.
Note that both TPO antibodies and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (as well as TSH levels) can fluctuate in all directions and can fluctuate between positive and “negative” levels (high or low) throughout the course of the Hashimoto’s autoimmune condition. Once Hashimoto’s has advanced to where more of the thyroid has been destroyed TSH levels tend to remain more chronically elevated.
Autoimmune triggers (and aggravators) can include antigen exposure (i.e., gluten, casein, soy, others), heavy metal toxicity (especially when one possesses antibodies to these substances), excess estrogen, gut inflammation and lipopolysaccharides (by product of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth/SIBO). Additionally, chronic infections and viruses such as EBV, cytomegalovirus and measles, as well as parasitic infections can all trigger and exacerbate autoimmune processes. With Hashimoto’s in particular there is also a strong genetic component, but the active expression of those genes would have been most influenced by epigenetic factors. The etiology of autoimmune expression is complex. Exacerbating and driving epigenetic influences include antigen/gluten exposure, hypoglycemia and insulin surges, estrogen surges, and stress.
Thyroid hormone supplementation in Hashimoto’s is only useful where elevated TSH is concerned, but even then is not likely to be sufficient to stave off the complex array of other symptoms which are immune related and not thyroid-specifically focused. However, sufficient thyroid hormone is certainly necessary for repairing the gut and other key metabolic and brain-related processes. Also, sufficient thyroid hormone is needed to dampen inflammatory cytokines and can make the autoimmune piece easier to wind down. Conversely—if you are supplementing with too much thyroid hormone this can suppress TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone) which is essential to producing the peptides that actually repair the gut. Too much thyroid hormone or too little can lead to generation or exacerbation of what is commonly termed “leaky gut”. Careful dosing with the appropriate thyroid hormone source (if needed) is essential. Nature-throid (containing both T3 and T4) is known to be gluten-free. Synthetic T4 works well for some—others are sensitive to all the additives they contain. “Synthroid” contains potential gluten sources, confectioner’s sugar and other potentially reactive compounds. Compounding pharmacies can usually provide sources of T4 that are additive free. This would, of course, be best discussed with your prescribing physician or a licensed natural health care provider.
There is reason to suspect that any depressed functioning thyroid might be iodine deficient (and/or bromide toxic), but haphazard supplementation can lead to adverse reactions and accelerated thyroid destruction in individuals with autoimmune thyroid. Iodine is known to stimulate TPO (thyroid peroxidase) synthesis and you are actively producing antibodies against TPO. Avoiding an activation of this tendency is important. This is a complex and controversial topic and one that should be discussed and carefully understood before implementing any iodine supplementation strategies. For now (and probably long term), it’s definitely best to avoid any iodine supplementation at all.
If you want to go about this more or less strictly from a dietary approach you can try the gluten-free/dairy-free approach combined with approximately 6-9 cups of green leafy and fibrous non-starchy vegetables per day (some of this can be juiced), a few brightly colored berries, grass-fed meat (including organ meats) and wild caught fish. Coconut products are good, too (milk, cream and oil).
Grass-fed bovine colostrum and proline-rich polypeptides can also be combined to powerfully aid in healing of the gastrointestinal mucosa and modulate your immune function. There is abundant peer-reviewed literature supporting this. You can Google “Proline-Rich Polypeptides” (sometimes also called “Colostrinin”–a particular patented version) for a wealth of information about the benefits of colostrum-related therapies.
The very good news here is that there are predictably helpful things you can do to successfully modulate autoimmune issues by addressing its underlying mechanisms. SO much more is known now than even just a year or two ago. The realm of functional management of autoimmune conditions is advancing rapidly!
Whew!
Warmly,
~Nora
Fascinating!
One bit that stuck with me in particular, is the excess estrogen. Since coming off birth control pills over a month ago I find my thyroid symptoms have dramatically reduced.
Although I notice when she mentioned eating a lot of green, leafy veg she specifically didn’t mention avoiding goitrogenic compounds. Any reason?
Thanks! xx
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October 13th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
Hey Mia, in her book she does. But does say if they’re cooked and you don’t OD on them…not too harmful.
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Wow, this was brilliant Sarah! A lot to take in and process, so I imagine I’ll be listening to it again a few times. Very timely for me as well as my previously somewhat under control Hashi’s has just decided to throw everything up in the air again so I’m once again going down the path to working out how best to get everything under control.
In there you mentioned the coeliac possibility. Can I just offer some advice from my own experience to anyone that suspects coeliac disease? Don’t rely on just the blood test, a good gastro will be able to tell you that in actual fact only 90% of coeliacs will test positive on the blood test, so there are 10% of us who won’t. After over 27 years of symptoms and having doctors tell me that I “just” had IBS, a biopsy revealed that I was indeed coeliac. Even my endocrinologist who repeatedly sent me for coeliac blood tests remarking that he was sure I had CD didn’t know about the 10%. It was my dietician who finally recommended a good gastro.
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October 13th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
Yeah, I hear it’s the toughest thing to get to the bottom of…feel free to share details of your endo and gastro here for everyone!
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October 19th, 2011 at 11:54 am
I’m in Brisbane and my gastro is Dr Georgia Hume, based in Burbank, but goes to a few different clinics including one in Carina.
I have to say, she’s the nicest and most caring doctor I have ever met. As my dietician who recommended her told me, she “won’t leave a stone unturned”. She made sure to test for all sorts of things as well as CD, and has consulted with immunologists to clarify other possibilities. She asks about how my daughter is doing (2 year old who is also coeliac) and when my husband was post-chemo and having some complications, she rang her friend in pain management for advice for him. She’s rung me personally to discuss results so that I didn’t have to wait for my next appointment.
It’s funny, I have mentioned this in another comment, but last time I saw her for a check up she asked me how I was going with the diet and I told her I was now eating Paleo. She was so excited saying that she believes that’s how humans should eat and she herself eats Paleo.
On a total tangent… today is my first day trying the natural thyroid extract. My doctor has halved my thyroxine dosage and then added the natural extract for the rest. Fingers crossed it works! I had an allergic reaction to the T3 meds, so we’re trying this route. Just wanted to tell someone/some people, who know what I’m talking about and can understand the nervousness (and excitement – hoping that it might make a difference) of changing thyroid meds.
And Sarah, I just wanted to say what a truly amazing job you do with this blog. I can completely understand you wanting to turn off the “noise”, personally I don’t know how you manage to keep up with all the comments! But I am glad that at least for now, you have decided to keep the comments up, I have learnt so much and been given some great advice from other readers as well as yourself.
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Good read – I have autoimmune hashimotos AND make a lot of reverse T3 so cannot even take thyroxine for it. What I found out that has been a monumentally huge change for me was my MTHFR status. I have a genetic mutation which significantly impairs my ability to make glutathione and therefore have a toxic body from heavy metals, this is in spite of my fairly clean lifestyle. Would urge you to look into this is you have the condition as it is treatable and can help a LOT. Feel free to reply if you want more information on this.
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October 14th, 2011 at 7:11 am
Wow! Narelle, what is MTHFR status?
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October 14th, 2011 at 9:45 am
Hi Sarah
MTHFR is a genetic condition that can be checked for by blood test. It screws up methylation and trans sulfuration pathways meaning you do not produce an enzyme(s) that do this very well. It means improper production of certain neurotransmitters, ATP and glutathione. It stops you clearing homo-cysteine from your blood which is a major CV risk, causes autoimmunity because your detox pathways work on go slow at best. I wrote a blog post about it that might give you more info. If you have AI disease, CFS, Fibro or any other chronic issues, allergies or intolerance’s I would urge you to get the test. This Fix is active B vitamins which are hard to find but I get them from the US and it makes such a huge difference..have a read, happy to answer Q’s
http://narellew.wordpress.com/2011/09/23/what-you-lookin-at-m_th_f____r/
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Hey Sarah
Almost 2 yrs ago I was tired all the time, stressed, sickly. An array of Drs put it down to stress. I saw your blog and decided to change my diet. I have loosely followed lots of your food advice (haven’t entirely quit sugar, but don’t care much for it anyway.)
After a couple of weeks of palpitations (tachycardia) I have been diagnosed with Graves disease. I’ve gone back to the beginning and found your AI/thyroid posts incredibly helpful.
I don’t know why, of all the health/wellness blogs, I started following yours, but I credit you with the reason the symptoms are so minor. (other than the palpitations!)
I’ll be going through this information with a fine tooth comb, memorising it all. Thanks for everything. x
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October 14th, 2011 at 7:12 am
That gladdens my heart!!
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I got a bit lost at the mention of all these T-things ? Are they thyroid markers?
I have autoimmune disease (Crohn’s and systemic arthritis), which has made the last three years of my life an uphill battle.
I know that my health problems are related to adrenal burnout — I had a nervous breakdown ? slump ? at 25 and have not been able to get back up on the horse, so to speak.
I get very confused by all the dietary information I come across. I have so much information about various things to cut out… I am not sure what I CAN eat anymore.
I would love to know what you are eating on a daily basis at the moment sans sugar AND sans grains, not to mention nightshade vegies etc.
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October 13th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
I’m with amber. i’d love to hear what a day in your life from a food perspective looks like Sarah!
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October 14th, 2011 at 7:14 am
Kat and Amber – deal. And I hear you…It’s taken trial and error. But, yes, will do a post soon.x
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Hi Sarah
Thanks so much for all that you do for ‘us’ … you are my guide for all things related to thyroid and general health/well-being (which conveniently marries in with my Naturo/Nutritionist).
Keep on inspiring!
Jx
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Thanks so much for sharing Sarah; I REALLY appreciate your blog – it’s a great source of information and hope!
21 mths ago when I became quite unwell (terrible stomach issues + fatigue), I was diagnosed with Hashimotos and Celiac at the same time; I have no idea which came first. I underwent some allergy testing and have since been on a strict gf/df diet and my stomach is now quite good. I also come up hypoglycaemic; and am very sensitive to sugar.
I am on Thyroxine and my recent tests also showed low TSH, and low T3 levels. I am exhibiting some signs of adrenal fatigue and have just completed some adrenal saliva testing (awaiting results).
I am taking a number of supplements (Echinacea included) and am keen to do the TH1/TH2 dominance test. Do you know the name of the kit Nora mentioned?
Nora really is a wealth of knowledge isn’t she!
I am getting heaps better, but still am not quite optimal…I am keen to find out more and improve my health as much as I can! Thanks – you’ve given me heaps of good stuff to look at – Pituitary function, glutathione and colostrum…
Wishing you good health x
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Hi there Sarah,
Firstly thanks so much for your brilliant blog….really keeps me going sometimes. Just a real quick one as Im meant to be somewhere. Do you think this will work for me….? I dont have Hashimotos I have Graves Disease. Have had it for many many years undiagnised. I had RAI treatment 3 years ago and my thyroid died pretty much straight away. I became very very Hypothyroid and can only say that I was in HELL for 2 years. I was suicidal. There were too many symptoms and how it impacted my mind, soul, family relationships and freindships to go into here., But I am not the same person I was. I saying that…I clawed my way back to normality, so to speak and am functioning and living back in London…..but am stilll effected by symptoms that change throughout the day. My hormones are never stable and I went Hypo again in March so I increased my meds ( im on Dessicated Pigs Thyroid) and I started feeling a bit more normal but now Im going the other way and feel very Hyper…..
I feel very sad, Ive withdrawn from life in many ways…..but trying to keep going. But its so lonely…. Im 46 single, no children, part time job and feel like a failure. Like I havent acheived anything….oh Im crying again now. ANyway I better get to work ( more stress). Sorry I just realised Ive just offloaded here….didnt mean to. Anyway Iloved this podcat and will try adn absorb it all again at another time. Just wondered if it could help me………. By the way my TPO antibodies are 1600 ( normal <50) and my Tsh is in range but by FT4 is low but my Ft3 is high. Oh confusion…
many thanks for any feedback….
luv u Sarah
Lauren
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October 14th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
Oh Lauren, I just want to hug you. I have felt what you feel in my own skin (have had Hashimotos for about 6 years) and oh Lord, the suicidal days/nights… I lost friends, boyfriends, jobs, my sense of self like you. I feel you. You aren’t alone, I just wanted to say that. And you dont realise how brave & strong you are for making it this far, because I didn’t see it when I was in the middle of it either. But dont doubt that you can do this, you CAN heal, you can get better. It always gets better.
I cant really tell you what to do cos I’m not a doctor, but after 6 years it was a combination of things that helped heal me. Therapy, kinesiology, gastro/ endocrinologist, Paleo and gluten-free eating all helped in their own way. Learning to love myself again was the MOST important thing for me, and that took time, but after that everything else fell into place. Baby steps, go slowly and kindly, and you will get there. Dont give up. xx
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October 14th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
Lauren,
So sorry you are going through all of this. Being single, not having kids and working part-time does not make you a failure. Be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up.
I’ve got hashimotos and did not do well on dessicated pigs thyroid, was all over the place. I do find thyroxine plus compounded T3 better, but don’t know if compounded t3 is available in the UK.
I found the forums on realthyroidhelp great, many people going through the same stuff.
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October 15th, 2011 at 9:15 pm
Lauren, know this: it’s all normal…at least when you’ve got hashimotos. I’ve experienced much the same and my journey is soooo bumpy. I take solace knowing it’s my “thing” that keeps me striving and it keeps me looking after myself. Have you looked into low T3 Syndrome? Also, this site here…http://thyroidbook.com/
It’s never ending isn’t it? BUT there is one solution to it all: reducing inflammation. I focus on that now…not the tests/medication. Because it’s all caused by the same stuff….
Love and lightness and long sleeps to you…. x
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Sarah,
I have been following a paleo diet for a quite awhile now but have slowly been leaning away from it. The reason is I believe it endorses the consumption of animal based protein at too high a percentage.
I am curious as to your thoughts on this and how and what you eat for your protein intake.
Thanks,
Sandra
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October 14th, 2011 at 7:17 am
Hi Sandra, I tend to agree….interestingly Nora does too and doesn’t advocate large amounts of protein in general. I try to eat it with every meal – an egg or two, cheese, yoghurt, a rasher or two of bacon to flavour a meal, a small tin of tuna, a sardine or two through a salad. I tend to eat one “piece” of meat a day….but I keep it quite small and organic and from farmers I know are ethcial (I live somewhere where I can do this). Ethically I don’t think it’s great to eat too much meat. I veer more towards fat.
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October 14th, 2011 at 8:57 am
Same here, in terms of very little animal meet and if and when I do it has to be from an “ethical” standpoint.
Curious, you advocate eating dairy. Here in the States dairy is a huge NO NO on the paleo diet. Do you use non-cow diary?
Also, how do you feel about legumes?
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Thank you for all of the work you do in helping us (and you) understand these conditions – your blog is interesting and informative. I was diagnosed with Grave’s disease last year and found Dr Sandra Cabot’s book on thyroid health excellent.
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October 14th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
I did Dr Cabot’s Liver Cleansing diet years ago and felt great on it.
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I got a bit lost at the TH-1 TH-2 thing too… anyone know where I go to get mine tested? Please?
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Hi to Sarah and All,
Would really appreciate the name of a good gp or naturopath that knows how to deal with Thyroid well. I’ve had graves for 10 years now and don’t feel well looked after with my current carers.. I think it takes someone with a special interest in this area to do the right tests and give the right advice. This is the first time that I’ve heard of the strong link between thyroid and celiac you would think that btw all the gps and endo’s I’ve seen someone might have mentioned it! Would greatly appreciate a good referal or two….
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October 14th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Where do you live Griz? I”m sure many on this blog will be able to help.
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October 14th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
Hi Sarah,
I live in Melbourne, more specifically Highett but work in the CBD, also happy to travel anywhere in Melbourne to find the right gp/naturopath. Thanks
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October 14th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Griz,
I’ve had hashis for 13 years and it wasn’t until this year that a gp told me about gluten or soy. I’ve been gluten free for two years now, but decided on that myself from info on the net.
Have found most gps and endos useless when it comes to thyroid. This year I started to go to the naturopath and dr (both in Sydney)that Sarah mentioned many months back and have found them to be very well informed on hashis.
If you are not in Sydney, there’s a website called realthyroidhelp where you could ask for a recommendation.
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Hi Sarah,
Like many others, I have found your website and blogs a life saver!
I have spent years struggling with weight issues, constant yeast infections, constipation and very bad PMS (bloating, water retention etc). I am so out of whack with my reproductive hormones and rarely have a period….just all the symptoms (awesome!).
I have struggled to find a GP who is supportive and most test I have tend to come back ‘normal’ including thyriod. The usual treatment offered is to put me back on the contraceptive pill so I can have a period (which we all know is only a withdrawl bleed) which I refuse to do.
I do know I am hypoglycemic from a test that was done 10 years ago when I was at very unhealthy time in my life and about 20 kilos heavier.
I have been on a personal journey over the last few years which has involved getting into fitness, eating ‘well’ (or so I thought) but know I still tend to eat too much sugar and portions sizes are excessive.
I exercise every day but also struggle to moderate this…..I suspect that I am over stressing my adrenal system but have not followed this up. I know what needs to be done here.
I have not seen a ‘specialist’ yet but this is the next thing on my list.
I have purchased your book ‘I quit sugar’ and I am in the process of getting my new eating into practice (my activated nuts are baking in the oven as I write this!). I am excited and curious about how I will feel over the next few weeks and what will change for me. Like you, I know this is a lifelong journey and I will always need to be diligent and consistant with my eating and lifestyle.
I know stress plays a big part for me – this is also a work in progress.
I think most people will agree that one of the biggest hurdles is in social situations and recruiting support from loved ones. Its almost ‘culturally inappropriate’ not to eat sugar or drink lots of booze. However I am lucky I have a partner who is smart and supportive and puts up with my particular dietary needs. He is also on his own journey so the support is reciporical.
I am generally a strong willed person and tend not to give in the social pressure and I am also a planner so Im always prepared with food alternatives!
Anyhow, thanks again Sarah. I feel like I can relate to a lot that you share and I am even thinking of becoming an affiliate so I can blog my experiences and support your book.
Cheers, Jo
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Hi Sara,
Newcomer here. Thanks for your site, I love the quirky style
Cyrex labs doesn’t offer blood testing for international customers yet, which is a real bummer. I was wondering if you knew of any alternatives here in Australia?
The thing that really does my head in is this gluten crossreactivity. Because if you look at the list of foods it seems like it is everything except meat and lettuce! Eg. Milk, potato, rice …
Also I was wondering what you thought of this article which I found a bit scary: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/diet-pills-warning-for-older-women/story-e6frg8y6-1226164296934
I sympathize with what you’re going through, I just got diagnosed with hashi’s myself. I’ve been Paleo for a few months but haven’t noticed a difference, except in my mood which has really gone south
It’s good to see an Australian website on this stuff. I found that post of yours on sugar alternatives really really helpful.
Cheers, James
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October 15th, 2011 at 9:17 pm
Ta James,…I’m looking into the cyrex thing…will report back.
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Hi Sarah,
I don’t have auto-immune disease like so many of the people who read your blog, but I do have polycistic ovarian syndrome. (As it sounds like Jo Fitton above also has? Although she didn’t say so.) I’m so grateful for your original podcast with Nora, because I strongly suspect that her way of eating will put me on the path to nice, balanced hormones again. I’ve already changed the way I eat and ordered her book, which I can’t wait to read. (Hurry up Australia Post!!) I wonder though if you could convince Nora to give us a couple of tips for people with PCOS? Obviously go Paleo is tip #1.
I love your blog Sarah and I think you’re very brave for sharing your personal journey with everyone who cares to read about it. We all benefit a lot from the bits and pieces you post.
Fiona
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Hi Fiona, Nora has an article on PCOS in her blog you might be interested in. Here is the link: http://www.primalbody-primalmind.com/?p=754
Cheers!
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October 15th, 2011 at 9:44 am
Oh, good stuff. Thanks Lisa!
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October 16th, 2011 at 3:14 am
You’re welcome Fiona!
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Words cannot express how much I want to thank you for the interview and notes on how to live with auto immune. This is quality of life changing for anyone who suffers and listens to this. Hyperthyroidism, coeliac disease, dairy intolerant that’s me!
my weaknesses the chocolate has soy in it! So thank you so much I will try giving it up!
Lately my body’s been freaking out with soy chocolate, and coffee,
Coeliac testing is a bit of a joke, I actually failed the test in nz and then had the test in Australia 5 years later they proved I had the gene for it but didn’t,t get the full blown diagnosis from a biopsy because i had already cut it out of my diet and my gut damage had been somewhat healed. If I have wheat I cannot function, and I get an awful rash so I gave up on a medical diagnosis. The coeliac association has some great information on their website and I use there ingredients book like a bible because everything has gluten in it and sometimes you would never know. keep juggling!
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Hi Sarah & Fellow Sufferers
I have Hashimotos and am treating it with natural therapies and diet only (was on meds but they made me feel worse). I am now Gluten and Dairy Free and am working towards being completely Sugar Free also. Where I’m confused is with the ‘Dairy’ component?? Having read quite a few past posts I see that you include dairy in your diet. I thought that Dairy was also an irritant for thyroid sufferers? Is Dairy in or out?? I would love to re-introduce some healthy yoghurts … and my mouth waters for haloumi cheese! I would really appreciate your thoughts.
Jx
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Hi Sarah – love reading your blog. I have a friend who has AI and have been talking to her about a paleo style of eating which I have been following for about 8 months or so (while trying to battle a sugar addition from adrenal burnout). My friend’s doctor has her the Marshall Protocol. I am looking into this, but wondering if you have come across this and any experience you have. Love the I Quit Sugar book by the way!
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I’m new to your site & am sooooo happy to have found it (through Pinterest). I was diagnosed with adrenal hyperplasia at 4 yrs. old. My life emotionally was always a roller coaster. And then, as an adult, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I saw a handful of endocrinologists & a naturopath over the last 10 years, but their approaches to my situation never suited me. About 2 weeks ago I decided that maybe changing my diet would be the solution. Then I found your site & it has rocked my world. I am soaking in all this great information & can’t wait to implement it! This really is life changing for me and I want to thank you
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This is my first time here, and my sister in law sent me over. I have had Hashimoto’s disease for over 6 years, and have felt horrible. I just had my 3rd daughter 7 months ago and was so sick I could barely think clearly, my doctor kept on trying to put me all these depression medications etc. Finally I found a different doctor who know about the gluten and hashimoto’s connections. I have been Gluten Free for 2 months now, my thyroid gland which was once a huge goiter is now gone, and I have more energy than I have had in 10 years. There is such a connection between Hashimoto’s and gluten sensitivity, I tested negative for Celiac, but being GF has made all the difference. Thanks for this site, I will make sure I stick around
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[...] on, trying out some new techniques, like going paleo and talking to folk like Chris Kresser and Nora Gedgaudas. I’m starting to get some [...]
There are some studies that confirmed that a trial of thyroid medication prescribed to people with elevated thyroid antibodies but normal thyroid function, can:
- reduce inflammation of the thyroid gland
- reduce levels of thyroid antibodies
- shrink the goiter
- improve symptoms of depression
- possibly delay and/or prevent progression to hypothyroidism
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I am happy to have found a site that is Australian based!!
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s in 1996. I am gluten free. My body doesn’t tolerate foods with a lot of ingredients in it or flour of any kind combined to make a product. It does like long gaps between foods eaten. I still eat butter and cheese and have soy milk.
The supplements I take: fish oil, evening primrose oil, vit D/calcium, macca, chlorella, bentonite clay. I don’t take the last three every day as I find i can only tolerate them 2 or 3 times a week.
I have heard about organic sulfur crystals (MSM) being able to reverse autoimmune conditions. Do you know anything about this with hashimoto’s?
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I am an avid fan and follower of your web site – LOVE IT xxx
I also have Hashimotos and I am struggling to find a Glutathione supplement in Australia. Is there one you can recommend? I have also read that its more effective when used in the form of a transdermal cream as opposed to ingested.
This may be the missing link in the puzzle for me! Doing everything else right and have ben paleo for over 12 months.
Look forward to your reply.
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BLIMEY! Thats all fantastic information! I too am on the thyroid journey, no need to elaborate , its all just a version of the above stories.I am not yet medicated with thyroxine tho and have been holding out since i was a teenager and i am now fortyone! I am thinking of going on but I cant imagine coping with the fallout! Better the devil you know sort of attitude! All that aside, I am also a whole lot of other things, much like yourself, including a mother and a midwife. Though my midwifery career I have spent much time wondering on the effects of our birth and our first year of life, or more specifically the effects of what we do or do not experience in those months, early years.
Again, long story short….have you ever wonderend about the effects on your own health, that this time may have had? I will not go on, and i realise this is about cause and not management of. I chose to breast feed my children for almost two years and never let anything else contaminate their little guts til solids were introduced. I also chose to delay vaccination( I am aware this is VERY contraversal and so I simply mention it) and never to give antibiotics lightly……..I have an intuitive sense that these things play a huge role in the hugely increased AI issues that we seem to be noticing…..Blah Blah Blah…..I watch with interest.Thanks for this blog. Your doing a marvelous thing putting this out there. x josie
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Hi
Just wonderful information and so much to digest….so to speak. Just wondering if there is any mention anywhere about the effects of our first food(ie breast milk) and its profoun effects on preparing our guts for life of health?…being that I am a midwife I have found this to be a topic of great fascination to me.I have Hashimotos too it would seem, tho Im still on the journey of really being diagnosed, been going on since I was a teenager. But I have breast fed my kids exclusively AND postponed their vaccinations as a precautionary act to give them the best chance of a voiding this blimmen AI nightmare!
Anyways, thanks for your blog and its marvelous info….I am working on glutn elimination at this moment in time! Hard for the kids but trying my best!
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whoops just realised i have posted the same story twice…bother!
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thankyou for doing amazing things. i have been put on the diet of no gluten not much dairy protein veg and very small portions of fruit .no processed junk or alchol..Due to a autoimmune condition called lichen sclerosus.i am 22 and have been suffering for 2 years and only recently after having a operation and numerous doctors they finally told me what i had. i found a great immunoligist /naturopath who has put me on this diet and have seen improvements not really on my pain factor but everywhere else in my body .how long do u think it takes for the body to heal it self from autoimmune disease.??i am being as patient as i can ..i am doing all the rights things and i am very determined to GET MY LIFE BACK..have also found my niche and am going to fufil my dream of becoming a naturopath one day ..its such a hard struggle and u think its not going to work but i have full faith that i can do it .THanks for inspiring me and its great to hear other people are doing it aswell..cant wait to get your book and i pray that we all heal. If you no any info on lichen sclersos it would be amazing if you could let me no
)))))) ps can i buy the book anywhere in australia.:)
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Hi Sarah,
I’ve just come across your website and resound with much of what you have said.
I’ve been told that I have an evolving auto immune disease and so presently, although I feel rotten all the time, there is no way of diagnosing what may or may not eventuate. I’m wondering if you have come across any more accurate testing of AI’s.
Lack of energy and aches are my biggest struggles and I too make the choice to continue this life God has given to me.
Thanks.
Ali
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