Get access to the best, easy, everyday recipes to take control of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s symptoms for long-term relief with these featured recipes from the three Hashimoto's & Hypothyroidism cookbooks written by Emily Kyle.
The Thyroid Diet: What You Need to Know
The thyroid functions as a hormone-regulator, affecting many organs within the body.
When the thyroid is underactive, not enough hormones are being released, leading to problems beyond the thyroid.
Hashimoto’s disease, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is classified as an autoimmune disorder that often causes hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid.
Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid) occurs when the thyroid gland is not producing a sufficient level of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Can Thyroid Diets Help?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is seen in around 5 out of 100 people and it is the most common reason why people experience hypothyroidism.
In the U.S., over 14 million people have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s.
Women are more likely (about 8x to be exact!) to have Hashimoto’s than men.
The disease is more prevalent for women between the ages of 40 and 60.
Studies have found that genetic factors contribute to a person’s likelihood of developing the condition, in addition to environmental factors and other autoimmune disorders.
More recent studies have looked into nutrition as a factor in the development of Hashimoto’s.
While there is still a lot of research being done on nutrition and Hashimoto’s, researchers have found evidence that certain micronutrient levels play a role in the disease.
High iodine intake and deficiencies in selenium, iron, and vitamin D have been linked to Hashimoto’s.
Diet can also help in the treatment of Hashimoto’s disease, which is why I am proud to have authored three thyroid cookbooks:
- The 30-Minute Thyroid Cookbook: 125 Healing Recipes for Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s
- The Hashimoto’s AIP Cookbook: Easy Recipes for Thyroid Healing on the Paleo Autoimmune Protocol
- The Easy Thyroid Diet Plan: A 28-Day Meal Plan For Symptom Relief
Important Nutrients to Consider
The prevention and treatment of different diseases include a nutritional approach more and more these days.
The management of Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism is best when approached in a holistic lifestyle way.
People are becoming more proactive and the medical field is catching up to the philosophy that medical problems should be prevented rather than treated.
Medicine is becoming less reactive, and we have discovered that prescribing medications to treat a problem is not a long-term solution.
For those who are diagnosed with Hashimoto’s or any other autoimmune disorder, diet can make a difference and help to treat a disorder and therefore, relieve symptoms.
For those with Hashimoto's or hypothyroidism specifically, there are some key nutrients that it is important to be aware of.
Iodine for Hashimoto's
Iodine intake is very tricky for people Hashimoto’s because individuals should take in less iodine, but it is also important to ensure you are consuming enough.
The main food sources of iodine are kinds of seafood (seaweed, scallops, shrimp, salmon, and tuna), animal products (yogurt, milk, eggs), and fruits like cranberries and strawberries.
You should also watch out for iodized salt, which is a major source of iodine.
Selenium for Hashimoto's
People with Hashimoto’s can benefit from adding more selenium to their diet.
Selenium is found in soil and gets passed on to plants. Foods high in selenium are Brazil nuts, oysters, wild-caught tuna, sunflower seeds, high-quality pastured meats, and mushrooms.
Vitamin D for Hashimoto's
People with Hashimoto’s are encouraged to increase their intake of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that supports the body’s absorption of calcium.
The easiest way to get vitamin D is to step outside into the sunshine!
However, those of us that live in places with cold, dark winters need to find other ways to get our vitamin D.
Food sources of vitamin D are fish, cod liver oil, wild-caught salmon, sardines, and organic dairy products.
Additional Nutrients to Consider for Hashimoto's
Additionally, foods high in phytonutrients, quality fats, and probiotics are all beneficial to people with Hashimoto’s.
An overall nutritious diet full of fruits, veggies, healthy fats, and whole grains can benefit everyone, especially those with an autoimmune disorder.
While diet can help increase or decrease your intake of micronutrients, some patients may benefit from additional supplementation as part of an individualized treatment plan when working with their registered dietitian.
Should A Thyroid Diet be Gluten-Free?
There is no clear evidence that a gluten-free diet can prevent autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s.
However, a connection has been found between Hashimoto’s and Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder where the intake of gluten damages the small intestine.
Due to this finding, people with Hashimoto’s are advised to follow a gluten-free diet as a part of treatment, along with getting tested for Celiac disease.
Even if Celiac is ruled out, it is recommended that all Hashimoto's patients abstain from gluten indefinitely.
Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats that are not certified gluten-free.
These grains are often in bread, pasta, cereals, and baked goods, to name a few.
Be sure to look for gluten-free certification, especially if you are diagnosed with Celiac disease or a gluten-free label on packaging at the grocery store.
The Best Hashimoto's Diet & Thyroid Diet Recipes
Many of the recipes found here on my blog inspired the recipes that went into my first cookbook, The 30-Minute Thyroid Cookbook and my second cookbook co-authored with my husband, The Hashimoto's AIP Cookbook.
Below you will find a collection of the best recipes containing foods good for thyroid support for a healthy Hashimoto's diet, thyroid diet, thyroid healing, and more.
Drink & Breakfast Recipes
The most delicious drink, smoothie & breakfast recipes to help support a healthy thyroid & Hashimoto's diet.
Sides, Sauces & Salads
The most delicious side dishes & sauce recipes designed to help support a healthy thyroid & enjoyable thyroid healing diet.
Lunch & Dinner Recipes
The most delicious lunch & dinner recipes designed to help support a healthy thyroid & enjoyable Hashimoto's diet.
Sweet Treats
The most delicious sweet treat recipes designed to help support a healthy thyroid & enjoyable Hashimoto's diet.
