Autoimmune thyroiditis diet and lifestyle reviews. Autoimmune thyroiditis

Autoimmune thyroiditis(AIT) is a chronic inflammatory disease. The predisposition to it, according to experts, is inherited. The cause of the development of AIT can be an infection, bad ecological situation, deficiency or excess of iodine - any reason why the integrity of the organ is compromised. From the cells of the damaged thyroid gland, the protein thyroglobulin enters the bloodstream and causes a response defensive reaction body. Antibodies begin to attack both proteins and the gland tissues that produce them, and inflammation of the organ begins.

AIT of the thyroid gland is not a cause for concern at first. In the future, inflammation can provoke excessive secretion of hormones – hyperthyroidism. Gradually, the inflamed tissues of the organ are destroyed and replaced by connective tissue, and the production of hormones decreases - hypothyroidism develops. The diet for thyroiditis depends on the symptoms that appear, on your overall health and concomitant diseases. For example, with an excess of thyroid hormones produced, the breakdown of fat in the subcutaneous tissue, and if there is a deficiency, it slows down. The person feels overexcited or lethargic. At the same time, body weight decreases sharply or rapidly increases. All these troubles of hormonal fluctuations in AIT can be corrected with diet.

Reasons for using a diet for AIT

A diet for AIT does not replace the main treatment, but can successfully complement it, as well as mitigate concomitant diseases or even get rid of them altogether.

Principles of diet for autoimmune thyroiditis

The main principle of the diet for AIT is to limit those foods and dishes that could provoke inflammation in the body or increase it. Strong alcoholic drinks, spices, spicy and spicy snacks, pickles and marinades are excluded from the diet. It is recommended to limit nuts and nut products (in the form of butter or paste), chocolate and citrus fruits, cocoa and coffee. It is advisable to avoid rich strong broths, jellied meat and other dishes rich in extractive substances.

Meals for AIT should be fractional and sparing. You need to eat small portions every 3 hours and choose easily digestible foods. The preferred type of food is home cooking, since self-cooking It is easy to control the composition of dishes.

A very important principle of the diet for thyroiditis is control of proteins in the diet. The thyroid hormone thyroxine is a combination of 2 amino acids and 4 iodine molecules obtained by humans from food. Triiodothyronine is a protein modification of thyroxine in which one iodine atom has been removed under the action of a special enzyme. In order for the synthesized thyroid hormones to reach the desired organs and tissues, they combine with protein transport molecules. However, in AIT, these molecules are also destroyed by antibodies, so a protein-rich diet is absolutely necessary to stabilize the condition.

The principles of nutrition for thyroiditis depend on your overall health, which varies depending on the stage of the disease.

Features of well-being with AIT and correction of ailments with diet:

Subjective sensations can be very diverse and can be corrected by increasing or decreasing the calorie intake, mandatory inclusion of antioxidants in the menu, and compliance with the drinking regime.

Important elements to consider in the menu for thyroiditis

One of the key elements that products should contain is selenium. Experts have long noted that in areas where water and soil are poor in selenium, the incidence of AIT is much higher than the statistical average. Now research has explained this phenomenon. Thyroid hormones are inactive during their transportation throughout the body in conjunction with protein molecules. When the hormone reaches the organ or tissue for which it is intended, it detaches from the protein and is activated in the cell by a special selenium-dependent enzyme. If the body is deficient in selenium, thyroid hormones cannot enter an active state, although they continue to be produced and supplied to target organs. A person experiences all the symptoms of hypothyroidism, and the condition can be improved by including foods rich in selenium in the menu.

Another important element What you need to remember with AIT is iodine. Unlike selenium, you need to be careful with iodine and, if possible, minimize foods containing it.

A special role in stabilizing metabolic processes in AIT, especially in the case of excessive synthesis of thyroid-stimulating hormones, is played by B vitamins - thiamine, pyridoxine and cyanocobalamin. They restore nerve cells damaged by inflammation and improve energy processes in them. These vitamins control the smooth passage of nerve impulses between the thyroid gland and the brain on the one hand and from the thyroid gland to various organs on the other. Including nuts, various legumes and cereals, meat, liver and sea fish in the diet will help replenish the reserves of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 in the body. chicken eggs. Thiamine and pyridoxine are unstable to heat treatment. About a third of these elements are lost during cooking. Cyanocobalamin remains active even when boiled, but does not tolerate storage in the light.

Diet foods for thyroiditis

Nutrition for thyroiditis is planned based on the existing metabolic disorder. It should be light, but complete. Energy value of all products planned for the day should not exceed 2000 kcal. In order not to feel hungry while limiting carbohydrates, the menu includes foods with plant fiber (cereals, vegetables). Avoid the risks of exacerbation chronic inflammation Gentle cooking will help the thyroid gland. Food is boiled, baked, steamed.

What can you eat if you have thyroiditis, and what is not advisable?

Fans of a vegetarian diet who eat a lot of soy and soy products need to know that some clinical observations have shown Negative influence soybeans for the course of AIT. The phytoestrogens it contains can slow down the enzyme that triggers the conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine. However, this phenomenon was observed against the background of severe iodine deficiency and with significant regular consumption of soy.

The drinking regime for thyroiditis is moderate - up to one and a half liters of free fluid per day, unless the doctor adjusts this amount. It is better to give preference among drinks to pure still water.

How autoimmune thyroiditis manifests itself, why it occurs, how to cope with the disease, see the video below.

Sanatorium-resort treatment for autoimmune thyroiditis is carried out in the absence of an active process and in a euthyroid state in sanatoriums of a given climatic zone.

The resorts have natural healing resources and special infrastructure. For treatment and prevention, several natural factors are used: climate, mineral spring water, therapeutic mud, etc. In the resort area there are sanatoriums - the main type of medical and preventive institutions. They are focused on the treatment of specific diseases, that is, each of them has its own medical profile, notes naturopathic doctor Svetlana Filatova in the book “Treatment of thyroid diseases using traditional and non-traditional methods.”

Climatic conditions, geographical position and natural factors determine the specifics of a particular resort. There are different types:
- climate-therapeutic, where they use the climate of certain geographical zones (deserts, mountains, steppes, coastal areas);
- mud therapy, where as remedy different types of mud are used;
- balneotherapy, in which the most valuable healing factor is mineral water, used for external and internal use.
- mixed resorts with a complex of natural healing factors.

Due to the existing special climatic and natural resources resorts use various healing methods: climatotherapy, aerotherapy (treatment with the fresh air of a resort), speleotherapy (treatment with the air of caves and mines), heliotherapy (treatment with solar radiation), thalassotherapy (use of sea water, algae, sea silt and fresh sea air for medicinal purposes) and balneotherapy (treatment with water from mineral springs).

For the treatment and prevention of thyroid diseases, climate therapy and balneotherapy, and in some cases mud therapy, are recommended. You can use spa treatment for hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis without complications.

For decreased thyroid function, treatment is indicated at resorts with hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide waters, for thyrotoxicosis - with iodine-bromine waters, for hyperthyroidism - with radon waters. For patients with thyrotoxicosis, staying at resorts with a humid subtropical climate and sulfide (hydrogen sulfide) baths are contraindicated, but hydrocarbonate-iodine mineral waters are recommended for internal use.

As a rule, the level of thyroid hormones increases in summer and spring, even in healthy people, therefore, patients with reduced or increased function for the thyroid gland, it is better to avoid going to the resort at this time. In addition, endocrinologists say that insolation (that is, exposure to sunlight) is contraindicated for diseases of the thyroid gland. For summer holiday they recommend temperate climate zones. The ideal time of year for treatment in southern coastal resorts is the so-called velvet season. By this time, figs, persimmons and feijoas (the main sources of iodine) ripen, and sea fish, seafood and algae are part of the therapeutic diet.

Balneotherapy is a treatment method based on the effect of mineral waters on the body. Balneological procedures are carried out at resorts where hydrotherapy is combined with proper nutrition, relaxation and influence climatic conditions. The main components of mineral water are sodium, calcium, magnesium, chlorine and sulfates. In addition to the main components, it contains (in varying quantities) iodine, silicon, bromine, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, etc. Only water from natural sources. Mineralized (purified with added salts) water does not have such properties.

Thalassotherapy (from the Greek thalassa - “sea” and therapeia - “treatment”) is a method of healing the body, using natural healing factors located in the seaside geographical area. Fresh air, sea breeze, estuary mud, seaweed, water and southern sun have a positive effect on the entire body.

ABOUT healing properties sea ​​water was known to people long before our era. The ancient Greeks considered the sea a source of life and energy. Swimming in it is good for health, as sea water contains trace elements and minerals that help improve metabolism. It has been proven that the composition of sea water corresponds chemical composition human blood. Trace elements and minerals contained in such water quickly penetrate the skin and blood and are distributed throughout the body. Sea waves soothe nervous system, eliminate depression, improve mood, massage and tone the body. Under their influence, a person feels a surge of strength and extraordinary lightness. Sea water- one of the main sources of iodine, therefore, for diseases of the thyroid gland, swimming in the sea is very useful.

Ionized sea air, saturated with iodine, oxygen and other useful microelements, stimulates the formation of serotonin, under the influence of which contraction occurs blood vessels, blood circulation and metabolism are normalized, and the functioning of the respiratory organs improves.

Seaweed enriched with iodine and bromine has long been successfully used in modern endocrinology. The cellular activities of seaweed and human skin cells are similar, so everything is biological active substances, contained in lower marine plants, quickly penetrate the body and cause the necessary effect.
For the treatment of thyroid pathologies it is recommended sea ​​bathing or baths with sea ​​salt, as well as procedures using seaweed.

Prevention. Primary prevention consists of treating intercurrent diseases, sanitizing foci of infection, and controlling water iodization. Secondary prevention and medical examination are aimed at preventing the progression of the disease and the development of complications. All patients are subject to dispensary registration with examination by an endocrinologist or therapist once a quarter. Once a year—instrumental diagnostics and examination of thyroid hormones, antibodies to thyroglobulin, blood lipids, ultrasound of the thyroid gland. Held replacement therapy with individual selection hormonal drugs. At surgical treatment diseases dispensary observation carried out every 2 months for 2 years, subsequently - quarterly or once every six months. Treatment and rehabilitation measures involve correction of thyroid function, prevention of complications and preservation of working capacity. Indications for surgical treatment are a significant enlargement of the gland, leading to compression of vital organs, rapid growth of goiter and goiter that cannot be corrected with medication.

Social and labor rehabilitation. Patients are usually able to work; work in damp and cold rooms, with chemicals, and chronic stress is contraindicated. With the development of severe or moderate thyroiditis, labor rehabilitation corresponds to that for hypothyroidism. Sanatorium-resort treatment is carried out in the absence of an active process and in a euthyroid state in sanatoriums of a given climatic zone. Autoimmune thyroiditis includes juvenile thyroiditis, atrophic thyroiditis, and postpartum thyroiditis.

Diet for autoimmune thyroiditis is additional method treatment endocrine pathology thyroid gland. It does not replace the main treatment, but provides stabilization and longer-term compensation of the disease, compared to monotreatment of autoimmune and other forms of thyroiditis with drugs.

Treatment and diet will depend on the symptoms of thyroiditis, general condition and the presence of concomitant pathologies. To clarify the diagnosis and determine the severity, you must consult an endocrinologist.

Dr. Alena Vladimirovna Gorshkova - nutritionist, endocrinologist, physiotherapist, experience in working with endocrine and psychosomatic pathology which allows not only to select the optimal, modern treatment for the symptoms of the underlying and concomitant diseases, but to ensure the preservation and stabilization of the condition for a longer period through an integrated, well-founded and rational treatment approach.

Diet for autoimmune thyroiditis.

Autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Hashimoto's, chronic lymphomatous thyroiditis) belongs to the group of endocrine autoimmune diseases, which are based on the formation of specific antibodies to thyroid tissue. In this regard, a focus of chronic inflammation is formed in the gland. have characteristics. Diagnosis autoimmune thyroiditis determined only by an endocrinologist based on complaints, clinical data and diagnostic results.

The basic principles are based on limiting foods that provoke or increase inflammation and autoimmune reactions. Preference should be given to gentle and light food home cooking, since when cooking you control the composition of the food yourself.

Cannot be eaten a large number of:

• Nuts, nut butter, nut butter.
• Chocolate, cocoa, coffee.
• Alcohol products, energy drinks, beer.
• Strong rich meat and fish broths, jellied meat, brawn.
• For hypothyroidism, limit different varieties and types of cabbage.
• For thyrotoxicosis, exclude kelp (composition of sushi, rolls), feijoa, strawberries, iodine supplements, iodized salt, meat products, offal, iodized eggs, milk.
• Tomatoes.
• Citrus.
• Hot, spicy snacks.
• Marinades, pickles.

An example of the cause of deterioration: stress reaction + barbecue with hot sauce / going to a Czech restaurant.

1. Autoimmune thyroiditis subsides against the background of a special nutritional structure: small portions, fractional and sparing.
2. Give preference to vegetables, cereals, low-calorie fish and poultry.
3. If autoimmune thyroiditis is combined with thyrotoxicosis or hypothyroidism, you should consult a nutritionist or endocrinologist.

Diet for subacute granulomatous thyroiditis.

In the initial period of the disease, intake of sources of vitamins and minerals plays an important role. Special attention should be paid drinking regime, it should be sufficient. It is necessary to exclude irritants gastrointestinal tract foods that enhance the immune system inflammatory reactions.

Nutrition is determined based on the phase of the disease: thyrotoxic, euthyroid or hypothyroid.

For the first one, it’s perfect. With euthyroidism, the diet is no different from the general traditional diet; the only thing that needs to be done is general strengthening measures.

Diet for subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis (postpartum thyroiditis).

Nutrition should provide a woman, especially if she is breastfeeding, with an optimal and complete amount useful substances. The duration of the diet is on average from 6 weeks to 3 months. Hypothyroidism requires a longer duration of drug and diet therapy. After repeated births recurrence of the pathology is often observed, so such patients require long-term and regular monitoring by an endocrinologist.

Limit food intake:

• Seafood, shellfish, crustaceans.
• Cocoa beans, chocolate, nut-containing sweets.
• Iodine-containing supplements and products, unless the nutritionist or endocrinologist indicates otherwise.
• Red and sour berries (currants, cranberries, lingonberries).
• Fish caviar.
• Spicy herbs and seasonings.

Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking, as these items aggravate the course of thyroiditis, slow down the onset of recovery, provoke inflammatory reactions and activation of autoimmune processes.

Don't forget about herbal medicine:

• Anti-inflammatory herbal medicine (infusion of chamomile, coltsfoot, anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical preparations)
• Hyposensitizing therapy (queenia, St. John's wort, licorice, yarrow, plantain).
• General strengthening therapy.
• Regenerative therapy.

Get help from an endocrinologist or nutritionist.

Questions from site visitors to endocrinologist and nutritionist Dr. Alena Gorshkova.

Hello, is it possible to take green coffee for autoimmune thyroiditis, I have had it for 3.5 years. I haven't explored the function yet. Thank you in advance!

It is possible, but in small quantities, 1-2 times a week. The function needs to be studied, as this will play a big role in choosing treatment tactics and diet therapy. Thanks for the question.

Ask a question to the doctor

Trip to the sea, autoimmune thyroiditis

Asked by: Alexander, Bui, Kostroma region

Gender: Male

Age: 53

Chronic diseases: not specified

Hello, my name is Alexander. I ask you to give me a professional answer.
An endocrinologist diagnosed me with “AIT atrophic phorosis subclinical hypothyroidism in the first detection.” I apologize in advance for the correctness of writing off the diagnosis from a prescription.) They prescribed me to take thyroxine daily, 50 mg.
On re-appointment I see the doctor on August 15th. But I want to go to the sea (Lazarevskoye), improve my health, and replenish my body with iodine, I seem to have a shortage of it.
Can I do it?
And second: I read on the Internet about folk medicine Thyroid treatment - flaxseed oil. Is this useful or not?
I'm waiting for advice. Thanks in advance.

How to deal with autoimmune thyroiditis? Take l-thyroxine before donating blood I am 54 years old. My name is Svetlana. About 25 years ago I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and hypoplasia of the thyroid gland. Only l-thyroxine was prescribed. All this time I have been taking 125 mcg. In 2014, I had an ultrasound and was diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis and thyroid hypoplasia. Zhel. The left lobe is 0.25 mm, the right is 0.2, the isthmus is 1-2 mm. There were no operations on the thyroid gland. Please tell me how to stop the destruction of the shields. Glands and what will happen next if it doesn’t exist at all? And one more question, one of these days I’ll go to donate blood for all hormones and antibodies, do I need to take l-thyroxine before and on this day? Thank you for your reply.

A diagnosis of diffuse toxic goiter and autoimmune thyroiditis of the thyroid gland was made Pregnancy 13 weeks: no thyroid ultrasound, tests: T3 sv-8.51 pm, T4 sv-30.22 pm, ttg-0.005 mk, and antibodies to ttg-0.69 units. A diagnosis of diffuse toxic goiter and autoimmune thyroiditis of the thyroid gland was made. Please tell me is this true?

3 answers

Don't forget to rate the doctors' answers, help us improve them by asking additional questions on the subject of this question.
Also, don’t forget to thank your doctors.

Hello, Alexander.

Your diagnosis sounds like “Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), atrophic form, subclinical hypothyroidism."
This diagnosis is not a contraindication to a trip to the sea. However, you should exclude additional use iodine - in your case, this may worsen thyroid dysfunction.
Concerning linseed oil, then you can accept it as aid; It will not help cure the disease, but it will not cause harm either.

Alexander 2015-07-14 08:25

Nadezhda Sergeevna!
Thank you very much for your answer.
But, as the iodine grid showed, I have problems with iodine. And I thought that I needed to replenish my body with iodine. And this is the sea.
Please advise an approximate schedule for a holiday at sea, I mean “additional iodine intake”
Thanks in advance.

Alexander, the “iodine grid” is a very, very dubious way to determine iodine deficiency.
If you really want to determine the level of iodine in the body, then you need to take a 24-hour urine test for iodine; this is the most informative method.
I repeat that you have no contraindications for a trip to the sea, as for the rest regime - you should avoid excessive insolation, especially protecting the thyroid gland area. I repeat again that for autoimmune thyroiditis, additional sources of iodine ( iodized salt, seafood, iodine preparations) will not only not be useful, but also harmful.

Sincerely, Nadezhda Sergeevna.

If you don't find the information you need among the answers to this question, or your problem is slightly different from the one presented, try asking additional question doctor on the same page, if he is on the topic of the main question. you also can ask a new question, and after some time our doctors will answer it. It's free. You can also search necessary information V similar questions on this page or through the site search page. We will be very grateful if you recommend us to your friends in in social networks.

Medical portal website provides medical consultations via correspondence with doctors on the website. Here you get answers from real practitioners in your field. Currently, on the website you can get advice in 46 areas: allergist, venereologist, gastroenterologist, hematologist, geneticist, gynecologist, homeopath, dermatologist, pediatric gynecologist, pediatric neurologist , pediatric surgeon, pediatric endocrinologist, nutritionist, immunologist, infectious disease specialist, cardiologist, cosmetologist, speech therapist, ENT specialist, mammologist, medical lawyer, narcologist, neurologist, neurosurgeon, nephrologist, oncologist, oncourologist, orthopedist-traumatologist, ophthalmologist, pediatrician, plastic surgeon , proctologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, pulmonologist, rheumatologist, radiologist, sexologist-andrologist, dentist, urologist, pharmacist, herbalist, phlebologist, surgeon, endocrinologist.

We answer 96.08% of questions.

Stay with us and be healthy!

Primarily, an autoimmune disease develops when the immune system, which protects the body from disease, decides to attack healthy cells because it mistakes them as foreign. Autoimmunity is most easily understood as a "hyperimmune" condition. Depending on the type of autoimmune disease, it may affect one or many various types body tissues. Simply suppressing the immune system is also not enough to reverse all the inflammation, degeneration, and loss of tissue structure and function that occurs during the autoimmune process.

"Healthy eating" with an emphasis on alternating a cleansing and detoxifying diet with a reparative diet is in a natural way curb immune system overreaction. A variety of metabolic, functional laboratory tests are recommended to identify "immune stimulants" and then determine diet, supplementation and lifestyle program to manage the problem. Initially, most patients choose a natural and medical approach. However, over time, as your body recovers, you may become less rigid in your adherence to these strategies in treating and managing your disease.

Causes of autoimmune diseases

Currently, scientists have not paid enough attention to identifying the causes or risk factors that contribute to the development of autoimmune conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and even some forms of diabetes. Constant stress, toxins, trauma and poor nutrition, plus genetic predisposition, contribute to the occurrence of aggression of the immune system against the tissues of its own body (sensitive tissues of the body are destroyed).

Autoimmune disease and thyroid function

Along with the obesity epidemic, hypothyroidism often occurs due to low thyroid function, causing a person to gain weight, and the two conditions are often related. When the thyroid gland or its hormones become the target of an immune attack, the result can be decreased thyroid function, a condition that can be difficult to diagnose. early stages. That is why it is extremely important for nutritionists, as well as medical workers learn to recognize symptoms and manifestations in the early stages. Hypothyroidism, if left untreated, can contribute to unwanted weight gain and a host of debilitating symptoms that can lead to serious problems with health.

What is the thyroid gland and how does it work?

The thyroid gland is small gland butterfly-shaped, located at the base of the throat, under the Adam's apple, responsible for the production of several hormones that affect the energy production of almost every cell, tissue and organ in the body. It controls metabolism, regulates body temperature, and affects body weight, muscle strength, energy levels and fertility.

The primary hormones produced by the thyroid gland (T4 and T3) are formed from the amino acid tyrosine and iodine. Hormone production depends on the hypothalamus, which monitors the body's need for more thyroid hormones and signals the pituitary gland to release these hormones. Thyroid-stimulating hormone, released from the pituitary gland, controls and influences the production of the above hormones. Level thyroid-stimulating hormone rises and falls in response to fluctuations in these hormones in the blood.

Hypothyroidism can occur when dysfunction occurs in any of these glands, resulting in a lack of thyroid hormone production. It can also be the result of other problems, such as: ineffective conversion of the T4 prehormone to T3 hormone or insensitivity of hormone receptors in cells. Reduced activity of the thyroid gland contributes to the development huge amount physiological effects throughout the body.

Autoimmune thyroiditis

Autoimmune thyroiditis is the most commonly diagnosed form of hypothyroidism in developed countries, with symptoms affecting approximately 2% of the population. What makes this disease more insidious is that a significant number of patients diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis do not have any symptoms. Another small percentage of men and women suffer from a subclinical form of this disease, i.e. their symptoms are practically invisible, and the disease is extremely difficult to detect using clinical tests.

Who is at risk for developing autoimmune thyroiditis?

Autoimmune thyroiditis can appear at any age, even in children younger age, and can occur in people of both sexes. However, this disease is most common among women, usually between the ages of 30 and 50. At age 60, scientists estimate that 20% of women have hypothyroidism. According to various estimates, women get sick 10 to 50 times more often than men. This is believed to be because in women, the system that regulates immunity also regulates the reproductive cycle.

What causes autoimmune thyroiditis?

Research shows that a combination of genetic predisposition and pollution environment, can become a significant risk factor for the development of autoimmune thyroiditis. Both autoimmune thyroiditis and Graves' disease, in families with a history of autoimmune diseases increases the risk of their development. In addition to this, there are many environmental factors that can provoke this disease. Experts believe that it is likely that many factors, rather than just one, contribute to the development of hypothyroidism.

Toxins are of particular concern, especially those created from petrochemicals such as plastics (found in the water bottles we drink), pesticides, fertilizers, dioxin, body care products, and contaminants found in the air and tap water- contain substances that mimic the body's estrogens. These xenoestrogens are powerful destroyers endocrine system, and affect the balance of hormones. In particular, both dental fillings and fluorides in toothpastes and water are also endocrine disruptors. Mercury amalgams are especially dangerous (since they are very close to the throat) and can pose a serious threat to the thyroid gland.

Possible risk factors:

• Viral, bacterial infections or candidiasis.
• Chronic stress, enough to cause adrenal insufficiency, prevents the conversion of T4 to T3 and weakens the body's immune defenses.
• Pregnancy – causes changes in the hormonal and immune systems in sensitive women during pregnancy or after childbirth. (see Autoimmune thyroiditis and pregnancy)
• Trauma – surgery or accident.
• Nutrient deficiencies – particularly iodine and/or selenium deficiency.
• Bacteria in food – primarily Yersinia enterocolitica.

Symptoms

As stated above, autoimmune thyroiditis may be asymptomatic, but when symptoms appear, they usually begin with gradual increase thyroid gland (goiter) and/or gradual development of hypothyroidism, with the following symptoms:

• anemia (both iron deficiency and malignant)
• mental fog (forgetfulness, slow thinking, constant loss of energy)
• chest pain
• cold intolerance
• very cold hands and feet
• cold weather worsens symptoms
• dry, rough skin
• early graying of hair
• exhaustion after exercise
• frequent colds and flu (severe recovery from these diseases)
• headaches, including migraines
• high cholesterol, especially LDL
• infertility and miscarriages
• low basal temperature
• low libido
• muscle cramps and/or sensitivity
• hair loss
• restless legs syndrome
• severe premenstrual syndrome
• sleep disorders
• slow speech
• fatigue and muscle aches
• weak, brittle nails
• weight gain (obesity)

There are others, less frequent symptoms, among which increased blood pressure and excess earwax. Low thyroid function can also have profound health consequences, including short stature, decreased concentration, and decreased IQ in children born to mothers with hypothyroidism and, quite possibly, an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

What to eat if you have autoimmune thyroiditis

After autoimmune thyroiditis is diagnosed, it is necessary to balance the diet in such a way that you help the body stop inflammation, balance hormonal background, help the thyroid gland produce hormones and convert them properly. When antibodies to thyroid cells are detected in the body, doctors prescribe taking the synthetic hormone T4 (levothyroxine), and in addition to drug therapy, nutritionists recommend starting to adhere to a certain therapeutic diet(see Diet for autoimmune thyroiditis of the thyroid gland).

Nutritional support for the thyroid gland is the shortest path to cure. Eating a diet rich in high-quality proteins and fats, rich in fresh organic vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, certain types of whole grains and others nutritious foods, is the key factor. It is highly recommended to consume increased amount squirrel, because reduced function The thyroid gland reduces the body's ability to use the proteins it consumes. However, people whose metabolism is driven primarily by their adrenal glands, thyroid glands, or gonads require minor dietary changes despite a diagnosis of AIT. Also, in addition to three main meals, try to also have two to three snacks a day to maintain your energy levels throughout the day.

Squirrels

It is recommended to consume 40 grams of protein at each meal, especially animal proteins. Additionally, at least 20 grams of protein should be consumed with each snack, and eating cold-water fish is an exceptional choice because it contains omega-3 fatty acids. Whey protein is also good source, but if you are vegan or vegetarian, good sources vegetable protein for you will be:

• pace
• almond
• flax or hemp seeds

Healthy fats

Consume 4-6 tablespoons of "healthy fats" daily from avocado, nuts and seeds (especially pumpkin, chia and flax seeds), organic butter and ghee butter, olive oil and coconut milk, meat and vegetable oil. Coconut oil very beneficial for the thyroid gland due to the lauric acid it contains, which calms the endocrine system. The medium chain fatty acids in coconut products are quickly absorbed and are an excellent source of energy for the body and are also beneficial for weight loss!

Antioxidant Rich Foods

People with autoimmune thyroiditis should also focus on eating plenty of foods rich in antioxidants, as these are essential to fight the damage caused by free radicals caused by inflammation. Emphasis should be placed on eating foods that contain large amounts of vitamin A, as they are especially beneficial due to the fact that people with autoimmune diseases often develop vitamin A deficiency. The reason for this is that their bodies often cannot efficiently convert beta -carotene to vitamin A. Other nutrients with antioxidant properties that people with autoimmune thyroiditis may be deficient in include vitamins C and E, iodine, zinc and selenium.

• Foods rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene: carrots, veal liver, fish fat, eggs, Greek yogurt, lightly cooked spinach, kale, collard greens, chard, zucchini, red peppers, apricots, cantaloupe and sweet potatoes.
• Vitamin C Rich Foods: red bell pepper, parsley, broccoli, citrus fruits, romaine lettuce.
• Vitamin E Rich Foods: Lightly sautéed mustard greens and Swiss chard, sunflower seeds, almonds, avocado.
• Foods rich in iodine: algae (especially very High Quality dulse and kelp), seafood (mercury-free and wild-caught) wildlife, not grown in fish farms).
• Zinc-rich foods: oysters, crabs, beef (from cows raised natural food), sesame and pumpkin seeds.
• Selenium-rich foods: Brazil nuts, crimini mushrooms, cod, shrimp, halibut, perch, oats, sunflower seeds, brown rice (read more about selenium here - Selenium: benefits and harm to the body).

Vegetables

Consume at least 900 grams of colorful vegetables, lightly cooked or raw, daily. Avoid eating vegetables from the cabbage family (collard, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, etc.) raw, as these vegetables suppress thyroid function. However, you should not be too zealous - everything should be in moderation.

Carbohydrates

Fruits, grains and starchy vegetables should be consumed in moderation. Eat 500 grams of fruit per day, plus 100 to 200 grams once or twice daily of whole grains or starchy vegetables. Whole grains should be consumed in soaked or sprouted form - this will make them more digestible. This is very important for people with weakened digestion, as this condition is often seen in people with hypothyroidism.

Water

Drink at least 8 glasses of clean, filtered water daily. Avoid drinking water with chlorine and fluoride, as these elements are halogens and compete with iodine, which can lead to thyroid dysfunction. Also, remember: it is not wise to buy water in plastic bottles!

Functional foods and nutritional supplements

For people with a lot of health problems, taking nutritional supplements in the form of a dietary powder is a great idea. You can take undenatured whey protein concentrate (or other protein powder for those who are dairy intolerant or vegan/vegetarian), kelp blends, cereal grasses, sea vegetables, fiber blends including flaxseed meal and apple pectin.

It is recommended to take anti-inflammatory extracts of organic fruits and vegetables, as well as other therapeutic ingredients such as aloe vera, detoxifying herbs, ionic minerals, probiotic bacteria ( dairy products, probiotics, sauerkraut, etc.) and digestive enzymes. This combination provides the body with easily digestible protein rich in sulfur-containing amino acids that help cleanse the body of toxins; healing chlorophyll and anti-inflammatory nutrients, which help to “cool” the “overheated” immune system and cleanse the blood, thyroid gland and its hormones of impurities.

You can use these foods as meal replacements, taking them in the form of a smoothie or simply adding them to warm or cool liquid (water or tea). Mixing them with coconut water, you can improve your body even more.

Best Herbal Dietary Supplements

Herbal dietary supplements are sold in many forms, mostly in the form of capsules and tablets, which are usually taken several times a day. This supplementation schedule is not something everyone can strictly follow. Powders can be taken once a day and are much more convenient. Because various products have different ingredients, it makes sense to use more than one and alternate them. Some of the best such products are It Works Greens™, Athletic Greens® and Garden of Life Perfect Food Green. They can be mixed with water or added to purees. Again, a supplement cannot replace a healthy diet, but a good herbal supplement can certainly make a significant difference to your diet.

What not to eat if you have autoimmune thyroiditis

Unsaturated oils(including canola oil): These oils promote hypothyroidism because they are high in inflammation-promoting omega-6 fatty acids, and they tend to become rancid before they are bottled (or rancid in clear bottles).

GMO soybeans: Endocrine disruptor and considered somewhat toxic. Soy is considered a good source of protein, but GMO soy is not recommended for patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, even in small quantities, as such soy damages hormonal system. The exception to this rule is fermented soy products (from natural soybeans) such as tempeh, natto and miso.

Spirulina and other algae: Although iodine deficiency may help cause hypothyroidism, American Thyroid Association warns that attempting to treat the disorder by consuming large doses of iodine, including the iodine found in sea vegetables such as spirulina, may worsen the symptoms of the condition. This is especially true if hypothyroidism is caused by autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease), an autoimmune disease in which the thyroid tissue is attacked by the body's own immune cells. Excess quantity iodine can stimulate these cells to become more active, exacerbating the autoimmune process.

What else is possible with autoimmune thyroiditis?

Since autoimmune thyroiditis can impair digestion, it is a good idea to support digestion with enzymes and probiotics, and supplement your diet with additional nutrients that the body is most often deficient in with this disease.

• Natural Multivitamins Directions: Take as directed on package.
• Antioxidant Supplements: Take as directed daily.
• Essential fatty acids: from fish or flax; 1000-2000 mg per day in two doses.
• B Vitamin Supplements: Take in capsule or tablet form, but preferably use nutritional yeast.
• Calcium: 250-300 mg (1-2 at bedtime). Calcium and iron should be taken two hours before or after you take thyroid medications so they don't interfere with their absorption. Read more about which form of calcium to choose and how they differ here - Which calcium is better - an overview of forms of calcium.
• Magnesium: 200 mg 2 times a day.
• Selenium: Supplementation of the diet with selenium supplements (200 mcg) for 3 months has been found to significantly reduce thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies and significantly improve well-being and/or mood. Note: Selenomethionine is recommended. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 400 mcg per day!
• Iodine: If supplements do not contain 150-200 mcg of iodine, use kelp supplements at 2-3 grams per day. This has been shown to help lower antibody levels.
• Vitamin D3: In autoimmune diseases, the human body is deficient in vitamin D3, so to ensure optimal immune function and the production of thyroid hormones, additional supplementation of this vitamin is recommended. Take 1,000-5,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily to bring your body's levels of this vitamin up to the required indicator. After this, you must adhere to maintenance dosages (as recommended by your doctor).
• L-tyrosine: Hormones are synthesized from tyrosine in the thyroid gland. Taking it makes it possible to improve the functions of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and pituitary gland. L-tyrosine is recommended to take 500 mg twice a day daily, but it is enough low level This amino acid is rare, so not all people with autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism need its supplements.
• Chromium: 200 mcg per day.
• Iron: If your blood test shows iron deficiency, take calcium and iron two hours before or after you take your thyroid medications, as the medication will otherwise interfere with their absorption.
• Zinc: If tests show zinc deficiency, take a zinc supplement of 50 mg per day.

Additional nutritional supplements:

• Take a variety of free-form amino acids (two 500 mg capsules) daily.
• Taurine (two capsules of 500 mg per day).
• Proteolytic enzymes on an empty stomach to eliminate inflammation.

Vegans may need to take additional nutrients not normally found in sufficient quantity in their diet, which excludes animal foods. They are recommended to take additional vitamin B12, vitamin D, L-carnitine, zinc and selenium.

• Reduce your calorie intake by about 30%, and stop eating before you feel the sensation. full stomach by trying to eat nutrient-rich foods. (Indicated to improve both immune and thyroid function).
• “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper” to prevent overloading your body with food at night, since eating too much in the evening can contribute to weight gain.