Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is a chronic inflammatory disease... The predisposition to it, according to experts, is inherited. The reason for the development of AIT can be infection, poor environmental conditions, deficiency or excess of iodine - any reasons why the integrity of the organ is violated. From damaged cells thyroid gland the protein thyroglobulin enters the bloodstream and triggers the body's defensive reaction in response. Antibodies begin to attack both proteins and the tissues of the gland that produce them, and inflammation of the organ begins.

Thyroid AIT is not a cause for concern at first. V further inflammation can provoke excessive secretion of hormones - hyperthyroidism. Gradually, the inflamed organ tissues are destroyed and replaced connective tissue, and the production of hormones decreases - hypothyroidism develops. The diet for thyroiditis depends on the symptoms that appear, from general well-being and related diseases. So, for example, with an excess of produced thyroid hormones, the breakdown of fat in subcutaneous tissue, and with a lack - it slows down. The person feels excessive excitement or a sense of inhibition. At the same time, body weight decreases sharply or increases rapidly. All these troubles of hormonal fluctuations in AIT can be corrected by diet.

Reasons for using a diet for AIT

The action of thyroid hormones	Diet correction
Hypothyroidism anemia	Introducing foods rich in iron and ascorbic acid
Erythrocytosis in hyperthyroidism	Increase in daily fluid intake, decrease in vitamin C foods
Enhancement blood pressure	Reducing the amount of salt in the diet, avoiding foods high in cholesterol
Increased blood glucose	Refusal of "fast" carbohydrates, inclusion in the menu of foods rich in fiber
Increased protein breakdown in hyperthyroidism	Increased consumption of protein foods

The AIT diet does not replace the main treatment, but can successfully complement and mitigate it. accompanying illnesses or even get rid of them altogether.

Diet principles for autoimmune thyroiditis

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

Nutrition with AIT should be fractional and sparing. You need to eat in small portions every 3 hours and choose easily digestible foods... The preferred type of food is home cooking, since when self-cooking dishes are easy to control their composition.

A very important principle of the diet for thyroiditis is the control of proteins in the diet. 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 is torn off under the action of a special enzyme. In order for the synthesized thyroid hormones to reach the necessary organs and tissues, they bind to protein transport molecules. However, with AIT these molecules are also destroyed by antibodies, so a protein-rich diet is absolutely essential to stabilize the condition.

The principles of nutrition for thyroiditis depend on general well-being, which varies depending on the stage of the disease.

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

Early stage of the disease		Late stage illness
Symptom	Correction	Symptom	Correction
Sweating, feeling of constant heat, heart palpitations, irritability, general weakness, insomnia, strong weight loss	Increase in calorie intake, increase in the diet of foods with magnesium, mandatory inclusion of antioxidant vitamins in the menu	Dry skin constant chilliness, drowsiness, sluggishness, impairment of memory and concentration, persistent weight gain	Exclusion from the menu " fast carbohydrates, an increase in the diet of foods with B vitamins, vitamin C, a decrease in cholesterol-containing foods

Subjective sensations can be very diverse and are corrected by an increase or decrease in the calorie content of the diet, the mandatory inclusion of antioxidants in the menu, and adherence to the drinking regime.

Important elements to consider in the thyroiditis menu

One of the key elements that must be contained in foods 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 average. Research has now explained this phenomenon. Thyroid hormones are inactive during their transport through the body in conjunction with protein molecules. When a hormone reaches the organ or tissue for which it is intended, it is detached 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 become active, although they continue to be produced and delivered to target organs. At the same time, a person experiences all the symptoms of hypothyroidism, and the condition can be improved by including foods rich in selenium in the menu.

One more important element The thing to remember about AIT is iodine. Unlike selenium, iodine should be handled with care and, if possible, minimized foods containing it.

Selenium-rich foods mcg / 100g		Foods rich in iodine, mg / 100 g
Duck liver	68	Feijoa	350
Pork liver	53	Seaweed	300
Chicken egg	31	Pollock	150
Corn	30	Cod	135
Beans	25	Shrimps	110
Barley grits	22	Champignon	18
Pistachios	19	Spinach	12
Peas	13	Beet	7
Peanut	7	White cabbage	6
Broccoli	3	Buckwheat	4

A special role in the stabilization of 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 repair damaged by inflammation nerve cells, establish 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 different organs on the other. The inclusion of nuts, various legumes and cereals, meat, liver and sea fish in the diet will help to replenish the reserves of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 in the body, chicken eggs... Thiamine and pyridoxine are not resistant to heat treatment. When cooking, about a third of these elements are lost. Cyanocobalamin remains active even when boiled, but does not tolerate storage in the light.

Products for a diet with thyroiditis

Nutrition for thyroiditis is planned based on the existing metabolic disorder. It should be light, but complete. The energy value of all products planned for the day should not exceed 2000 kcal. In order not to feel hunger against the background of restricting carbohydrates, the menu includes products with vegetable fiber(cereals, vegetables). Avoid the risks of exacerbation chronic inflammation the thyroid gland will be helped by gentle cooking. Food is boiled, baked, steamed.

What can you eat with thyroiditis, and what is undesirable

Products and dishes	Can	It is forbidden
Meat fish	Chicken, rabbit, turkey, beef, veal; river lean fish	Pork, lamb, duck, goose; sea fish, seafood
Dairy products	Cottage cheese, kefir, fermented baked milk, natural yogurt, unsalted and low-fat cheese	Hard cheese
Bakery	Wholegrain, Rye bread, bran baked goods	Soft and puff pastries, wheat bread
Cereals	Buckwheat, barley, pearl barley	White rice, semolina
Vegetables	Any, some of them - raw	Potato, sauerkraut, squash caviar
Fruits and berries	Any sweet and sour	Figs, peaches, apricots, grapes

Vegetarian food lovers who eat a lot of soy and soy products should be aware that some clinical observations have shown Negative influence soybeans for AIT. The phytoestrogens contained in it can slow down the work of the enzyme that triggers the conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine. However, this phenomenon was noted against the background of deep iodine deficiency and with significant regular use soybeans.

Drinking regimen for thyroiditis is moderate - up to one and a half liters free liquid per day, unless the doctor adjusts this amount. It is better to give preference among drinks to pure non-carbonated water.

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

A trip to the sea, autoimmune thyroiditis

Asks: 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.
The endocrinologist diagnosed me with "AIT atrophic forosis, subclinical hypothyroidism in the first detection."
On the second visit to 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 treatment of thyroid gland - linseed oil. Is it useful or not?
I'm waiting for advice. Thanks in advance.

How to deal with autoimmune thyroiditis? Take l-thyroxine before donating blood I'm 54. 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 take 125 mcg. In 2014, she performed an ultrasound scan and was diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis and hypoplasia of the shield. Zhel. Left lobe 0.25 mm, right 0.2, isthmus 1-2 mm. There were no operations on the thyroid gland. Please tell me how to stop the destruction of the shields. The gland and what will happen next if it does not exist at all? And another question one of these days I will go to donate blood for all hormones and antibodies, is it necessary to drink l-thyroxine before that and on this day? Thank you for your reply.

Diagnosed with diffusely toxic goiter and autoimmune thyroiditis of the thyroid gland Pregnancy 13 weeks: no thyroid ultrasound, analyzes: T3 sv-8.51 pm, T4 sv-30.22 pm, ttg-0.005 microns, and antibodies to ttg-0.69 units. Diagnosed with diffusely toxic goiter and autoimmune thyroiditis of the thyroid gland. Please tell me if this is true?

3 answers

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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 the additional use of iodine - in your case, this can aggravate the dysfunction of the thyroid gland.
Concerning linseed oil, then you can take it as auxiliary means; It will not help to cure the disease, but it will not bring harm either.

Alexander 2015-07-14 08:25

Nadezhda Sergeevna!
Thank you very much for your reply.
But, as the iodine grid showed, I have problems with iodine. And I thought that I needed to replenish the body with iodine. And this is the sea.
Please advise an approximate timetable for a seaside vacation, I mean "additional use of iodine"
Thanks in advance.

Alexander, "iodine grid" is a very, very dubious way of determining iodine deficiency.
If you really want to determine the level of iodine in the body, then you need to pass a daily urine test for iodine, this is the most informative technique.
I repeat that you have no contraindications to a trip to the sea, as for the rest regimen - you should avoid excessive insolation, especially protecting the thyroid gland. I repeat again that with autoimmune thyroiditis, additional sources of iodine (iodized salt, seafood, iodine preparations) will not only be unhelpful, but also harmful.

Respectfully yours, Nadezhda Sergeevna.

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If a person has autoimmune thyroiditis, their diet and lifestyle must be changed. They are an integral part of complex treatment pathology, the purpose of which is to eliminate the signs of the disease. They do not replace the main therapy, but they can stabilize the pathology and provide its longer-lasting compensation, in comparison with monotherapy of Hashimoto's thyroiditis with medications.

Etiology of autoimmune thyroiditis

The following factors can provoke autoimmune thyroiditis:

hereditary predisposition;
constant stress, depression;
infections;
chronic pathologies of the oral cavity;
radiation radiation;
the disease can develop in sunbathers;
bad ecology.

The diet for autoimmune thyroiditis of the thyroid gland has some features, if not observed, an exacerbation of the disease and deterioration of the patient's well-being is possible.

So that the disease does not turn into severe form you must adhere to a number of rules:

Nutrition for autoimmune thyroiditis should be balanced. You can not reduce the daily calorie intake... Depending on the lifestyle, it should be between 1200 and 2000 kcal. If it is less, then an exacerbation of pathology will be observed.
Since due to illness, you constantly want to eat, you need to eat often, but little by little. It is advisable to take food every 3 hours.
The diet must include meat and fish. They contain substances that normalize the thyroid gland. In this case, the fish must be eaten. fatty species and white meat is preferable.
Diet for Hashimoto's thyroiditis you need to include enough fruits and vegetables, since they contain many vitamins, micro- and macroelements, which have a positive effect on the patient's body.
You should not exclude from the menu dishes containing a lot of carbohydrates, since reducing their amount will provoke an exacerbation of the disease. The fact is that with their deficiency, the synthesis of thyroid hormones decreases and hypothyroidism develops. That's why be sure to use pasta and bread products... It is advisable to eat rye bread and preferably from wholemeal flour.
Often, with autoimmune thyroiditis, osteoporosis develops due to increased thyroid function. To prevent its appearance there should be enough calcium on the menu, there is a lot of it in eggs, cheese, dairy products.
In diet natural antioxidants must be present that help remove toxins and free radicals from the body. They are rich in freshly squeezed juices: carrot and beetroot.
It is useful to drink still mineral water. You need to drink up to 1.5 liters of liquid per day..

Prohibited and permitted products

With autoimmune thyroiditis, a number of foods must be excluded from the diet:

For the prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases, our readers advise "Monastic Tea". It consists of 16 of the most useful medicinal herbs, which are extremely effective in the prevention and treatment of the thyroid gland, as well as in cleansing the body as a whole. The effectiveness and safety of Monastic tea has been repeatedly proven clinical research and many years of therapeutic experience. The opinion of doctors ... "

Forbidden to consume caffeinated foods and sugar... They stimulate the synthesis of hydrocortisone and adrenaline, the main stress hormones that negatively affect thyroid function. In addition, coffee and tea have a negative effect on the nervous and cardiovascular system.
Vegetables of the Cabbage family, which include radishes, cabbage, turnips and rutabagas, can be eaten only after heat treatment. Fresh, these cultures provoke the growth of goiter. For the same reason, it is worth cutting back on soy products, millet, flax seeds, millet, peanuts, horseradish, spinach, peaches, pears, and strawberries.
It is worth giving up smoked, canned, pickled, spicy, fried foods, strong broths. And banned fast food, fish caviar, seafood, jellied meat.
Limit iodine intake, which are rich in seaweed, iodized salt.
You must completely abandon products containing gluten. These include cereals: oats, rye, wheat, and barley. The fact is that the gluten molecule has the same structure as the cells of the thyroid gland, which is why the immune system begins to synthesize antibodies.

The menu of patients with autoimmune thyroiditis must include:

animal protein, it stimulates the production of thyroid hormones;
fast and slow carbohydrates that reduce the likelihood of allergies, alopecia - pathological loss hair;
fats and unsaturated acids which are found in fish oil, liver, bone marrow and vegetable oils;
selenium, a deficiency caused by intolerance to large amounts of iodine, daily dose selenium is 200 mg, there is a lot of it in asparagus, unpolished rice, fish, mushrooms, poultry meat;
zinc, it is found in veal, nuts, buckwheat, garlic, legumes.

Most experts believe that iodine in autoimmune thyroiditis causes an exacerbation of the pathology. On the one hand, it is necessary to stimulate the thyroid enzyme thyroperoxidase, which is required for the synthesis of triiodothyronine and thyroxine. But, on the other hand, it is iodine that is the main target of an autoimmune attack in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. It has been proven that a sharp increase in its concentration in the body provokes reactive hypothyroidism. Therefore, its daily dose should be 50 mcg, and it is imperative that 200 mcg of selenium enter the body daily. Especially these ratios must be observed if Hashimoto's thyroiditis is caused by iodine.

Lifestyle

In addition to diet, with autoimmune thyroiditis, patients need to adjust their lifestyle:

Gotta cut physical exercise... Due to autoimmune thyroiditis, many patients experience pain in the musculoskeletal system. They may have heart disorders, pressure constantly jump. In addition, due to a violation of the metabolism of substances, the likelihood of injury increases. Therefore, before doing any sport, you should definitely consult with your doctor who will select the optimal physical activity. Better to be outside and walk more. Walking on fresh air contribute to the production of vitamin D, which is necessary for the absorption of calcium.
Patients suffering from Hashimoto's thyroiditis should not sunbathe for a long time, as the UV rays of the sun will negatively affect their health.
At high level thyrotropin in seawater due to high content iodine in it is permissible for a maximum of 10 minutes.
It is important to limit the amount stressful situations, try to be less nervous and worry less.
With autoimmune thyroiditis, it is necessary to conduct healthy image life, stop drinking alcohol, get rid of nicotine addiction.
When the first symptoms of diseases of the nasopharynx appear, it is forbidden to engage in self-medication, you must immediately apply for a qualified medical help... This will avoid the development of complications.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for autoimmune thyroiditis. And what the prognosis of the disease will be depends largely on the person himself. It is important to strictly follow all the doctor's recommendations on diet and lifestyle, because even a single consumption of prohibited foods can provoke an exacerbation of pathology.

Still, it seems that curing the thyroid gland is not easy?

Considering that you are now reading this article, we can conclude that this ailment still haunts you.

You probably also had thoughts about surgery. It is clear, because the thyroid gland is one of the essential organs on which your well-being and health. And shortness of breath constant fatigue, irritability and other symptoms clearly interfere with your enjoyment of life ...

But, you see, it is more correct to treat the cause, not the effect. We recommend reading the story of Irina Savenkova about how she managed to cure the thyroid gland ...

First of all, an autoimmune disease develops when the immune system, which protects the body from disease, decides to attack healthy cells because it mistakes them for foreign ones. Autoimmunity is most easily understood as a "hyperimmune" condition. Depending on the type of autoimmune disease, it can affect one or many different types body tissues. Simple suppression the immune system is also insufficient 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 the overreaction of the immune system. A variety of metabolic, functional laboratory tests are recommended to determine the "immunostimulant" substances, and then to determine the diet, nutritional supplements and develop a lifestyle program to deal with the problem. Initially, most patients take a natural and medical approach. Over time, however, as the body recovers, you may become less rigid about these strategies in treating and controlling your disease.

Causes of autoimmune diseases

V the given time scientists pay insufficient 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 a genetic predisposition, contribute to the emergence 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, as a result of which a person begins to gain weight, and the two conditions are often linked. When the thyroid gland or thyroid hormones are targeted by an immune attack, the result can be a decrease in thyroid function and the condition can be difficult to diagnose. early stages... This is why it is extremely important for nutritionists and medical professionals 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 health problems.

What is the thyroid gland and how does it work

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the throat, under the Adam's apple, and is responsible for the production of several hormones that affect the energy production of nearly 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 acids 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 T4 prehormone to T3 hormone or insensitivity of hormone receptors in cells. Reduced activity of the thyroid gland promotes the development of 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 almost invisible, and the disease is extremely difficult to detect using clinical tests.

Who is at risk of developing autoimmune thyroiditis

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

What causes autoimmune thyroiditis?

Research shows that the combination genetic predisposition and pollution environment, can become a significant risk factor for the development of autoimmune thyroiditis. Both autoimmune thyroiditis and Basedow's disease, in families with a history of autoimmune diseases increases the risk of developing them. In addition, there are many environmental factors that can provoke this disease. Experts believe that it is likely that many factors at once, and not just one, contribute to the onset of hypothyroidism.

Toxins are of particular concern, especially those created from petrochemicals such as plastics (found in bottles for the water we drink), pesticides, fertilizers, dioxin, body care products, and airborne contaminants. 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 (because 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.
Constant stress sufficient to cause adrenal insufficiency - inhibits the conversion of T4 to T3 and weakens immune protection organism.
Pregnancy - Causes changes in the hormonal and immune systems in sensitive women during pregnancy or after childbirth. (see Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Pregnancy)
Injuries - surgical intervention or an accident.
Nutrient Deficiencies - In particular, iodine and / or selenium deficiency.
Bacteria in food - primarily Yersinia enterocolitic.

Symptoms

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

anemia (both iron deficiency and malignant)
foggy mind (forgetfulness, slow thinking, constant loss of energy)
chest pain
cold intolerance
very cold hands and feet
cold weather exacerbates symptoms
dry, rough skin
early graying of hair
exhaustion after exercise
frequent colds and flu ( heavy recovery with these diseases)
headaches, including migraines
high cholesterol, especially LDL
infertility and miscarriages
low basal temperature
low libido
muscle cramps and / or tenderness
hair loss
restless legs syndrome
severe premenstrual syndrome
sleep disturbances
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. Decreased thyroid function can also have profound health consequences, including short stature, decreased alertness, and decreased IQ in babies born to hypothyroid mothers and quite possibly increased risk development of cardiovascular diseases.

What to eat for autoimmune thyroiditis

Once diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis, you need to balance your diet so that you help the body stop inflammation, balance hormonal background help the thyroid gland to produce hormones and convert them properly. When antibodies to thyroid cells are found in the body, doctors prescribe synthetic T4 hormone (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).

Thyroid nutritional support is the shortest path to healing. Eating a diet rich in high-quality proteins and fats, abundant in fresh organic vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, certain types of whole grains, and others nutritious foods, is a key factor. It is highly recommended to consume increased amount protein, as reduced thyroid function reduces the body's ability to use consumed proteins. However, people whose metabolism is driven primarily by their adrenal, thyroid, or sex glands require minor dietary changes despite being diagnosed with AIT. Also, in addition to your three main meals, try two to three snacks a day to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.

Squirrels

It is recommended to consume 40 grams of protein with each meal, especially animal proteins. In addition, at least 20 grams of protein should be consumed with every snack, and eating cold water fish is an exceptional choice as 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

Eat 4-6 tablespoons of "healthy fats" daily from avocados, 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 is very beneficial for the thyroid gland due to the lauric acid it contains, which soothes the endocrine system. Medium chain fatty acid in coconut products are quickly absorbed and are an excellent source of energy for the body, as well as useful for weight loss!

Antioxidant-rich foods

People with autoimmune thyroiditis also need to focus on consuming large amounts of antioxidant-rich foods as they are needed to combat free radical damage caused by inflammatory process... The emphasis should be on eating foods that are high in vitamin A, as they are especially beneficial since people with autoimmune diseases often develop vitamin A deficiency. This is because their bodies often cannot convert beta effectively. -carotene to vitamin A. Other antioxidant nutrients 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, greens, Swiss 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 stewed mustard greens and Swiss chard, sunflower seeds, almonds, avocado.
Iodine-rich foods: seaweed (especially very high quality dulce and kelp), seafood (mercury-free and caught in wildlife not raised on fish farms).
Zinc rich foods: oysters, crabs, beef (from cows fed natural feed), 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 harms to the body).

Vegetables

Consume at least 900 grams of colorful vegetables daily, lightly cooked or raw. Avoid eating vegetables of the cabbage family (collard greens, 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 moderate amounts... Eat 500 grams of fruit a day, plus 100 to 200 grams, once or twice a day, of whole grains or starchy vegetables. Whole grains should be eaten soaked or sprouted to make them more digestible. This is very important for people with impaired 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 from plastic bottles!

Functional nutrition and nutritional supplements

For people with a wide range of health problems, taking dietary supplements in powder form is a great idea. You can take undenatured whey protein concentrate (or another protein powder for those who are dairy intolerant or vegan / vegetarian), a mixture of algae, grasses, sea vegetables, a mixture of dietary fiber (fiber), 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 an easily digestible protein rich in sulfur-containing amino acids, which help to detoxify the body; healing chlorophyll and anti-inflammatory nutrients that help cool an overheated immune system and cleanse impurities from the blood, thyroid and thyroid hormones.

You can use these foods as a substitute for certain meals by taking them in smoothies or simply adding them to warm or cool liquids (water or tea). By mixing them with coconut water, you can further improve your health.

Best Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements are sold in many forms, predominantly in capsule and tablet form, which usually need to be taken several times a day. Not everyone can follow this supplement schedule. The powders can be taken once a day and is much more convenient that way. Since different products have different ingredients, it makes sense to use more than one and alternate between them. Some of the best of these are It Works Greens ™, Athletic Greens® and Garden of Life Perfect Food Green. They can be mixed with water or added to puree. Again, a supplement is not a substitute for a healthy diet, but good herbal supplements can certainly make your diet healthier in a meaningful way.

What not to eat with autoimmune thyroiditis

Gluten is contraindicated in AIT

Unsaturated oils(including canola oil): These oils promote hypothyroidism because they contain many of the inflammation-promoting omega-6 fatty acids, and they tend to go rancid before being bottled (or rancid in clear bottles).

GMO soy: Harmful to the endocrine system and considered to be somewhat toxic. Soy is considered a good source of protein, however GMO soy is not recommended for patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, even in small amounts, as it damages hormonal system... The exception to this rule is fermented soy products (made from natural soybeans) such as tempeh, natto, and miso.

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

What else can you do 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 the additional nutrients that the body most often lacks in this condition.

Natural multivitamins: Take as directed on the package.
Antioxidant supplements: Take as directed daily.
Essential fatty acids: from fish or flax; 1000-2000 mg daily in two divided doses.
B Vitamin Supplements: Take in capsule or tablet form, but nutritional yeast is preferred.
Calcium: 250-300 mg (1-2 at bedtime). Calcium and iron must be taken two hours before or after you take thyroid medications so they won't interfere with your absorption. For details on which form of calcium to choose and how they differ, read here - Which calcium is better - an overview of the forms of calcium.
Magnesium: 200 mg 2 times a day.
Selenium: Supplementation with selenium (200 mcg) for 3 months has been shown to significantly reduce thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies and significantly improve well-being and / or mood. Note: It is recommended to take selenomethionine. 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 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, therefore, to ensure optimal immune function and the production of thyroid hormones is recommended additional reception supplementation of this vitamin. Take 1000-5000 IU of vitamin D3 daily to help you achieve the desired level of this vitamin in your body. After that, it is necessary to adhere to maintenance dosages (as recommended by a doctor).
L-tyrosine: From tyrosine hormones are synthesized in the thyroid gland. Its reception makes it possible to improve the functions of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and pituitary gland. L-tyrosine is recommended to be taken daily at 500 mg twice a day, but enough low level This amino acid is rare, so not all people with autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism need supplements.
Chromium: 200 mcg per day.
Iron: If your blood test shows an iron deficiency, take calcium and iron two hours before or after you take thyroid medications, as the medication will interfere with their absorption otherwise.
Zinc: If tests show zinc deficiency, take zinc supplements 50 mg daily.

Additional nutritional supplements:

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

Vegans may need to take in additional nutrients not normally found in enough in their diet that excludes animal food. They are advised to additionally take vitamin B12, vitamin D, L-carnitine, zinc and selenium.

Reduce your calorie intake by about 30%, and stop eating before you feel full, trying to eat nutrient-dense foods. (Shown to improve both immune and thyroid function.)
“Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a beggar” to prevent food overload at night, as gorging in the evening can contribute to weight gain.

Hello, Karina A visit to the solarium, baths, saunas, rest in warm countries - all this is possible with thyroid diseases, but very, very moderately. If there is a solarium and the sun, then, of course, it is advisable to use protective creams, not to stay in the active sun for a long time, to sunbathe during hours when it is less aggressive - in the morning before 11 o'clock, and in the evening after 17. Some doctors believe that with a confirmed diagnosis of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, indeed, any insolation is undesirable, therefore, exposure to the sun is recommended with protective equipment (hats, umbrellas). I think that completely depriving yourself of the sun is not true. Everything must be approached rationally and with a sense of proportion. If you don't have great need to get a tan in a solarium, it is better to refuse it, or take sessions that are minimal in time. Resting on the sea or just outdoors in the warm season, try to spend more time in the shade of parasols and hats. Do not over-open your body for tanning and do not expose yourself to the sun long time... And of course, it seems to me that you should not visit hot countries in the hottest seasons. I think you can always choose such a time for a seaside vacation so as to harm your health as little as possible.

Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is a defense reaction of the immune system to an unfavorable environment. That is, the tissue of the thyroid gland at some point has suffered from something (for example, from strong solar insolation, from the gas pollution of the microdistrict where you live, from radioactive damage - our gas stoves at home, for example, emit radon, and if You are a fan of a lot and for a long time to cook food on a gas stove, your immune system may react to this, etc.). And the minimally altered thyroid tissue is perceived by the immune system as foreign (it simply does not recognize it) and, protecting the body from a foreign agent, directs special cells - antibodies and other substances - to destroy it. Under the influence of this reaction, the tissue of the thyroid gland gradually dies, the thyroid gland stops functioning.

Insolation is not the only risk factor for developing an autoimmune disease. Chronic stress (emotional, physical) can contribute to this to no less extent. Therefore, it is necessary to try to avoid these unfavorable factors.