Top 8 Most Reactive & Inflammatory Foods for Someone With Hashimotos

It’s not secret that I have Hashimotos and Hypothyroidism. Maybe you do too. Or maybe suspect that you do. Maybe you have all the symptoms or a family disposition for it. Maybe you’re here just to gather information to arm yourself. Well, I’m happy you’re here because I want to talk today about Hashimotos and food reactivity. I know it sounds like a big and sophisticated word, but it’s simply how your body reacts to food. I want to stress the importance that not all reactions are physical. For example, sometimes people think that food reaction is inflammation, gas, bloating, etc. Those ARE reactions and inflammation to food. However, your body also reacts and is inflamed in ways that you may not physically be able to see (immediately), like how it affects your ability to absorb or digest food.

Before we dig into all the good stuff, I do like to always give a refresher. I love to give background information because maybe you’re 10000% new here and I don’t want to assume you know anything about anything! For starters, Hashimotos disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland, and it's particularly prevalent among women between the ages of 25 and 44. One crucial aspect of managing Hashimotos and reducing its impact on your health is paying attention to your diet. Certain foods can trigger inflammation/reaction and exacerbate thyroid issues. In this blog post, we'll discuss the top 8 inflammatory foods that women with Hashimotoss should avoid (even temporarily). By making informed dietary choices, you can better manage your condition and improve your overall well-being.

1 — Gluten

Gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye, contains proteins that may trigger inflammation and autoimmune responses. For people with Hashimotos, gluten can stimulate the autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland, worsening the condition and its symptoms. Avoiding gluten can help mitigate this inflammatory response and improve thyroid function.

2 — Soy

Soy contains compounds known as goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid function. This can be particularly problematic for those with Hashimoto's, as it can exacerbate the autoimmune attack on the thyroid. Reducing soy intake or consulting with a healthcare professional is essential to address this issue and prevent further thyroid damage.

3 — Dairy

Dairy products, especially cow's milk, contain proteins that can provoke inflammation and digestive problems in some individuals, including those with Hashimoto's. Lactose intolerance can also exacerbate symptoms, making it crucial to consider dairy-free alternatives for better thyroid health.

4 — Processed Foods

Processed foods are often packed with additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. They lack the essential nutrients your body needs and can contribute to inflammation. A diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, provides your body with the necessary nutrients to support thyroid health and reduce inflammation.

5 — Processed Sugar

High-sugar diets can lead to inflammation and hormonal imbalances, which can be especially detrimental for people with Hashimoto's. Managing blood sugar levels is vital to stabilize thyroid function and reduce autoimmune responses. Cutting down on processed sugar and opting for natural sweeteners can help maintain thyroid health.. 

6 — Artificial Sweetener

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame (found in Equal and NutraSweet), saccharin (Sweet'N Low), and sucralose (Splenda) are often marketed as sugar substitutes, but they can be problematic for those with Hashimoto's. These chemical sweeteners can disrupt the delicate balance of gut bacteria, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. This imbalance in the gut microbiome can contribute to inflammation, which is linked to autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's.

Additionally, some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners may interfere with hormonal signaling, affecting appetite regulation and metabolism. As a result, they can indirectly impact thyroid health and potentially exacerbate symptoms of Hashimoto's.

7 — Grains

Beyond gluten-containing grains, certain grains high in lectins and phytates can interfere with nutrient absorption and trigger inflammation. It's essential to recognize that Hashimoto's individuals may be sensitive to other grains. Experimenting with a low-grain or grain-free diet can alleviate inflammation and improve thyroid function. 

8 — Alcohol

Alcohol can disrupt hormonal balance, hinder nutrient absorption, and contribute to inflammation, all of which can adversely affect thyroid health. While moderate alcohol consumption might be tolerable for some, it's often advisable to limit or eliminate alcohol to promote a healthy thyroid and overall well-being. 

Next Steps

Ok, that was a lot of information. What do you do with all of that? Rome wasn’t built in a day and you don’t have to make changes overnight. Remember that Hashimotos success is all about time, consistency, and sustainability.

The path that I chose was to do one elimination at a time. I started with gluten and took a week to remove that from my diet, I then moved onto soy, dairy, and worked my way down the list. Some of the items were simple and it took me a few days, other ones were a little more tricky (like soy because of condiments) and it took me a little longer. The secret really is to making a plan that works for you and to implement it over time.

If you need resources on getting started, I have 3 resources to help you get started:

• A simple food inflammation elimination meal plan (the link shows you all guides that are included)

• A food inflammation elimination mini course. It includes the gut healing and anti inflammatory nutrition plan from above, plus additional education

• A full hashimotos nutrition plan course that gives you education, but also a tool to help you create a full nutrition plan based on your needs, preferences, and dietary restrictions.

• Bonus - if you need help figuring out the best solution, you can also submit the form through my CONTACT page to get me your details and I can share the best fit for you based on your details.