Understanding Hashimoto's: A Functional Medicine Approach
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, often simply called Hashimoto's, is the most common autoimmune condition and the leading cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. We approach this condition with a functional medicine lens, focusing on identifying root causes, making sustainable lifestyle changes, and utilizing follow-up lab testing to stop the destruction of the thyroid gland.
What is Hashimoto's?
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Over time, this attack can impair the thyroid's ability to produce hormones, leading to hypothyroidism, or low thyroid function. Thyroid hormones are vital for metabolism, energy production, weight regulation, and brain function.
Patients with Hashimoto's often experience:
Fatigue
Weight gain
Brain fog
Dry skin and hair
Constipation
Sensitivity to cold
Muscle weakness
Hashimoto's is diagnosed primarily through bloodwork, looking for:
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): Elevated TSH often signals low thyroid hormone levels.
Free T3 and Free T4: To assess active thyroid hormone production.
Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies and Thyroglobulin (TG) Antibodies: High levels of these antibodies confirm an autoimmune attack on the thyroid.
Reverse T3: To determine if the body is converting thyroid hormones effectively.
We rely on this comprehensive bloodwork to create personalized treatment plans. We also monitor these markers regularly, especially after dietary and lifestyle interventions.
Molecular Mimicry: The Role of Gluten in Hashimoto's
One of the key concepts in autoimmune disease, including Hashimoto's, is molecular mimicry. In simple terms, molecular mimicry occurs when the immune system confuses certain dietary proteins, like gluten, with the thyroid tissue. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Because the structure of gluten is similar to thyroid tissue, consuming gluten can trigger an immune response that attacks both the gluten and your thyroid gland.
Why is Gluten a Problem in Hashimoto's? When patients with Hashimoto's eat gluten, their immune system can mistakenly cross-react, accelerating thyroid damage and worsening symptoms. Leading practitioners in functional medicine, including Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Datis Kharrazian, emphasize that a gluten-free diet is foundational for managing Hashimoto’s and stopping the autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland.
However, simply removing gluten is not enough. Many patients initially switch to highly processed, gluten-free products that are loaded with sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives. While these foods may be labeled "gluten-free," they do little to heal your gut, balance your immune system, or reduce inflammation.
Why Avoid "Gluten-Free Junk Food" and Focus on Whole Foods
While the gluten-free food industry has boomed, many products labeled gluten-free are just as unhealthy as their gluten-containing counterparts. Gluten-free cookies, breads, and cereals often contain:
Refined grains (like rice or corn flour)
Added sugars and artificial sweeteners
Inflammatory oils (like vegetable or canola oil)
These processed foods do not support healing. In fact, they can worsen inflammation, disrupt blood sugar balance, and further stress the immune system. The goal of a gluten-free diet in Hashimoto's is to reduce inflammation and allow the body to repair itself.
Instead of replacing gluten with processed alternatives, we encourage a diet centered on whole, nutrient-dense foods, including:
Vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, and cauliflower are especially important for supporting detoxification.
Healthy proteins: Grass-fed beef, organic poultry, wild-caught fish, and pasture-raised eggs.
Healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, and fatty fish like salmon.
Whole, gluten-free carbohydrates: Sweet potatoes, squash, quinoa, and brown rice.
By focusing on whole foods, patients experience improved energy, reduced brain fog, and better thyroid function.
Monitoring Progress with Follow-Up Labs
We believe that testing is essential for tracking progress. After implementing a gluten-free, whole-foods-based diet and making other lifestyle changes, we follow up with lab work at the 3-month mark to monitor:
Thyroid hormone levels (TSH, Free T3, Free T4)
Antibody levels (TPO and TG antibodies)
Many patients see significant reductions in their antibody levels and improvements in symptoms after removing gluten and focusing on healing foods. This retesting allows us to measure how well the thyroid gland is recovering and ensures that we are stopping the autoimmune destruction.
Taking the First Step
If you’ve been diagnosed with Hashimoto's or suspect you may have it, the first step is proper testing and guidance. At DoctorRobyn.com, we are committed to helping you identify the root causes of your symptoms and empowering you to take charge of your health. Through personalized plans, nutritional changes, and ongoing support, you can reduce inflammation, heal your thyroid, and feel your best again.
Schedule a consultation today to begin your healing journey.
