Hypothyroidism And Celiac Disease - Has Anyone Reversed Their Hypothyroidism Via Diet?

[Evangeline]

I am a Celiac living with hypothyroidism. I have been gluten free for a year now and have found I am also intolerant to soy, corn and nightshades.

I am wondering: Has anyone ever reversed their hypothyroidism by just diet? Or will I need to use medication for the rest of my life?

[Igg postive]

  On 3/21/2011 at 7:23 PM, Evangeline said:

I am a Celiac living with hypothyroidism. I have been gluten free for a year now and have found I am also intolerant to soy, corn and nightshades.

I am wondering: Has anyone ever reversed their hypothyroidism by just diet? Or will I need to use medication for the rest of my life?

I have hypothyroidism for a while. I just started my diet over a week ago. I am feeling better from the gluten free diet already. It would be nice to think that my hypothyroidism could improve because of my diet. My guess is that further damage to the thyroid may be halted by being on the gluten-free diet but once the thyroid is damaged I don

[wheeleezdryver]

I was dx'd hypo about 8 years ago (had symptoms for at least a year before that). I just went completely gluten-free last Aug., have had no improvement with my thyroid so far. (as far as gluten issues, I am self diagnosed, so don't know if I'm gluten- intolerant or celiac).

I'm also lactose intolerant and fructose intolerant (plus all the other stuff I mention in the 'signature' that shows up below my posts), so I know just how much *fun* it is to deal with all of these *fun* issues...

[burdee]

  On 3/21/2011 at 11:05 PM, Igg postive said:

I have hypothyroidism for a while. I just started my diet over a week ago. I am feeling better from the gluten free diet already. It would be nice to think that my hypothyroidism could improve because of my diet. My guess is that further damage to the thyroid may be halted by being on the gluten-free diet but once the thyroid is damaged I don

[Igg postive]

  On 3/21/2011 at 11:19 PM, burdee said:

I was diagnosed with celiac disease and stopped eating gluten 6 years before I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism (actually Hashimoto's thyroiditis exacerbated by gluten intolerance). I had hypothyroid symptoms for YEARS, but mainstream docs only used the outdated 'normal range' for TSH during that time. So I was considered 'normal'. Only recently did I find a doc who used the updated (in 2003) TSH normal range and tested my free T4, free T3 and TPOab (Hashimoto's antibodies).

By the time I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my Hashi's antibodies were only in the high normal range. However I didn't easily convert T4 to T3. So taking T4 thyroid supplements didn't help much. When my doc saw that my free T3 was below normal, while my T4 was normal, we agreed that I need a T3 supplement. However, I only need a small amount (10 mcg daily) of T3. I no longer take any T4 supplement.

So I believe abstaining from gluten stopped further damage to my thyroid, which allows me to only take a small dose. However, I've also taken Low Dose Naltrexone (for neutropenia), which can also reverse Hashimoto's damage. After I was on LDN for only 8 weeks, my Hashimoto's antibodies decreased into the mid normal range.

I believe I will always need some thyroid supplementation, because I suffered irreparable damage to my thyroid during the 56 years I was undiagnosed (and misdiagnosed) for celiac disease. However, I'm glad I only need a small dose.

I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism (after I had noticeable nodule on my thyroid) for a while. Probably the beginning of a thyroid goiter. They gave me suppression therapy and in my case it worked. Since then I have been backed off T4 somewhat but given some T3 (like you my Endo does not think I am converting the T4 to T3 totally). I had hypo for a long time and like you undiagnosed for years. It has only been in the last four years since I had my gallbladder out that I have been having so much

[cassP]

  On 3/22/2011 at 1:19 AM, Igg postive said:

Burdee, I am wondering if Celiac can bring on hypothyroidism or is it just a separate autoimmune disease?

i believe Celiac can bring on Hashimoto's ... or even Hashimoto's bringing on Celiac. or just gluten bringing on both of them... for sure

they're their own autoimmune diseases- but they sometimes are directly linked. i recently read that the TTG antibodies themselves can stick to the thyroid tissue..

[cassP]

  On 3/21/2011 at 7:23 PM, Evangeline said:

I am a Celiac living with hypothyroidism. I have been gluten free for a year now and have found I am also intolerant to soy, corn and nightshades.

I am wondering: Has anyone ever reversed their hypothyroidism by just diet? Or will I need to use medication for the rest of my life?

im also celiac with hashimoto's and graves. i also have additional intolerances including corn. im trying to avoid the soy- as it aggravates the grave's antibodies.

from what i understand- especially from reading on this forum- it is DEFINITELy possible after being gluten free for some time (sometimes at least 5 years)-> to end up lowering your thyroid medication. this could be from your actual thyroid antibodies coming down significantly or your gut healing so that you absorb more- or both.

i really hope our antibodies will come down significantly!!!!!! because- for me- the meds can only help to an extent because of my conflicting conditions

[burdee]

  On 3/22/2011 at 1:19 AM, Igg postive said:

Burdee, I am wondering if Celiac can bring on hypothyroidism or is it just a separate autoimmune disease?

I believe undiagnosed celiac disease (or even gluten intolerance) can cause autoimmune hypothyroidism as the gluten antibodies can attack any organ or body system and cause autoimmune damage. Docs define 'autoimmune' as the body attacking itself. However, they don't know why or how the body attacks itself. Nevertheless, in celiac disease we know that gluten antibodies attack the intestinal villae. So perhaps those antibodies leak through the gut and travel to other parts of the body and cause autoimmune damage. That isn't just my 'theory'. Other authors have written about that theory such as Ron Hoggan in "Dangerous Grains" and Stephan Wangen in "Healthier Without Wheat".

Abstaining from gluten may stop the body damage, but not necessarily reverse it. I've only seen one drug (low dose naltrexone) which actually reverses physical damage in autoimmune diseases like MS, Crohns and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. As I mentioned I was taking LDN for low white blood cells (actually neutropenia). After 4-1/2 months on LDN my WBC level went from 3.0 (normal range 4.0-10.7) to 6.2. Also my Hashimoto's antibodies (TPOab test) went from 53 to 36 after 4+ months on LDN. I hope LDN can completely eliminate my vulnerabilty to respiratory infections.

[jebby]

if you have had thyroid damage from Hashimoto's disease, you will always be hypothyroid, no matter if you are gluten free or not. You may find that you require a lower dose of levothyroxine due to improved absorption from the gut (due to being gluten free) but this is a non-reversible condition.

[burdee]

  On 4/16/2011 at 7:10 PM, jwhale said:

if you have had thyroid damage from Hashimoto's disease, you will always be hypothyroid, no matter if you are gluten free or not. You may find that you require a lower dose of levothyroxine due to improved absorption from the gut (due to being gluten free) but this is a non-reversible condition.

I was gluten free for 7 years before I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's. So I didn't expect my Hashimoto's condition to improve much after diagnosis. However, my Hashimoto's antibodies (TPOab) have decreased (and I've needed less thyroid supplement) after 4-1/2 months on low dose naltrexone. Rather than needing more thyroid supplement as time goes on, unlike most Hashimoto's patients, I need less.

LDN is not prescribed by many doctors, because Big Pharma won't do research on that drug, because it doesn't offer huge profits like other 'treatment' drugs. See Open Original Shared Link or just google 'low dose naltrexone'. Many holistic (treat causes, not just symptoms) docs are treating patients who have autoimmune conditions with LDN.

[T.H.]

  On 3/21/2011 at 7:23 PM, Evangeline said:

I am wondering: Has anyone ever reversed their hypothyroidism by just diet? Or will I need to use medication for the rest of my life?

I was just researching this today! I haven't found out specifics, but you might find research on black radishes and russian treatments for hypo and hyper thyroidism useful.

From the little I found today, there is a chemical that is more highly concentrated in the black radish than in the red one (although red has it too) that seems to help regulate the thyroid - makes it less likely to over or under produce. So radishes have been used by Russian doctors for quite some time to help threat thyroid issues.

I don't know more than that, yet, but it sounds like that might be the type of thing you are looking for, yes?

[GlutenFreeJess]

I am also a Celiac who has Hashimotos (Autoimmune Hypothyroidism)

[Gemini]

  On 4/16/2011 at 7:34 PM, burdee said:

I was gluten free for 7 years before I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's. So I didn't expect my Hashimoto's condition to improve much after diagnosis. However, my Hashimoto's antibodies (TPOab) have decreased (and I've needed less thyroid supplement) after 4-1/2 months on low dose naltrexone. Rather than needing more thyroid supplement as time goes on, unlike most Hashimoto's patients, I need less.

LDN is not prescribed by many doctors, because Big Pharma won't do research on that drug, because it doesn't offer huge profits like other 'treatment' drugs. See Open Original Shared Link or just google 'low dose naltrexone'. Many holistic (treat causes, not just symptoms) docs are treating patients who have autoimmune conditions with LDN.

My antibody count went from 1200 down to the normal range of 36 after 5 years gluten free but I still need thyroid replacement. I am taking a lower dose but it's because I am absorbing now. Antibody counts will go down once the offending agent(gluten)is removed but you still have Hashi's. I don't believe it can be reversed if you have long standing damage. Once the thyroid is compromised, it rarely gets better to the point where you do not need to supplement. It's the same as Type 1 diabetes....you may be better able to control the condition but the pancreas is not going to produce more insulin again, once damaged.

[cassP]

  On 4/20/2011 at 2:18 AM, Gemini said:

My antibody count went from 1200 down to the normal range of 36 after 5 years gluten free but I still need thyroid replacement. I am taking a lower dose but it's because I am absorbing now. Antibody counts will go down once the offending agent(gluten)is removed but you still have Hashi's. I don't believe it can be reversed if you have long standing damage. Once the thyroid is compromised, it rarely gets better to the point where you do not need to supplement. It's the same as Type 1 diabetes....you may be better able to control the condition but the pancreas is not going to produce more insulin again, once damaged.

your numbers are encouraging!

so, im completely ok with being on meds the rest of my life- but id like to have a better "quality of life". i would like to know that if i can get my Hashi & Grave's antibodies down to within in range- then maybe i wont have so many episodes. ?? because the meds can only help so much- and only with the one condition. i'd like to be rid of the fluctuations

[Gemini]

  On 4/20/2011 at 7:59 AM, cassP said:

your numbers are encouraging!

so, im completely ok with being on meds the rest of my life- but id like to have a better "quality of life". i would like to know that if i can get my Hashi & Grave's antibodies down to within in range- then maybe i wont have so many episodes. ?? because the meds can only help so much- and only with the one condition. i'd like to be rid of the fluctuations

I can understand your dilemma because I still fluctuate a bit and I am in the midst of trying to figure it out. For the most part, I have good quality of life. However, one year ago my thyroid panel looked awesome. I felt great all year but about a month ago, I started to notice my nails were splitting...badly. I normally have beautiful nails...nails that people comment on they look so good. I started to have trouble getting my butt out of bed again in the morning. My exercise classes were a little harder for me to do. It was time for my yearly blood draw and just a few days ago got the word that my T3 is low and my TSH is back at 4. WTF!!!!!! My T4 is OK, though.

This happened 2 years ago but I went hyper/hypo and it was because I must have started to really absorb again and the dose was too high. The current swing low coincided with the allergy season and they were starting to bother me. I have also been undergoing 2 dental implants over the past year and, although it's not too big of a deal, it's stressful more than anything else. I think I am not a good converter but am taking a T3/T4 combo. I have upped the dose by a quarter grain so have to figure it out all over again. I am going slowly because, above all else, no way am I going hyper again!

The thing that is weird is that my fluctuations always happen in the spring. Not in the fall or any other season but the spring. I do not feel all that great in the spring due to seasonal allergies..it's my least favorite season, behind summer. The only thing that is different is I am now exercising twice a week and the class is hard. It's for my bones. I am blasted after the work-outs but feel great a couple of hours later. So, I am a bit perplexed right now. I doubt it's a food source that's the culprit because I seem to be stable the rest of the year. My antibodies have not changed...I am still in the normal range, thank God!

All I can offer is that it takes a long time for the thyroid to right itself after a celiac diagnosis. My antibodies were horrible for at least 5 years....they came down slowly but it sure took a long time for the inflammation to subside. Now there seems to be no inflammation but my numbers are dipping a bit. I did change meds 2 years ago from Levoxyl to Nature-throid because I needed the T3 also. I haven't been glutened and have no symptoms of that at all.

How long have you been gluten-free? I don't envy anyone who swings between high and low because I've been there and it's horrible. Low is bad but high is the worst. How good is your thyroid doctor? It is so hard to find someone who knows what they are doing.

Mine is good...she's not an endocrinologist but I've had bad luck with those people. She seems to think it's the allergies that are causing this blip, specifically molds. That might explain why it's spring which gets me.

I hope you find some relief..... I am sure you will but it does take awhile. It took 5 years to get my antibodies down to the normal range but I still have little episodes every so often. Finding and keeping a balance can be so annoying at times!

[nuttmegs17]

I have gluten intolerance and hashis. Just started on armour and hoping it will help. I sincerely hope that I will live a normal healthy life with all this. There are so many horror stories floating around I have to realy focus on the positive ones. I am hoping that now that i understand what tests to run and what to watch for and what not to eat, I'll feel better.

I am also feeling very isolated and upset lately. My best friends are being a bit judgemental bc they dont understand what is going on. Its hard for people to understand if they cant SEE what is wrong you know? But its hard when people you expect to support you during your lows, turn their backs a bit.

[cassP]

  On 4/20/2011 at 7:36 PM, Gemini said:

How long have you been gluten-free? I don't envy anyone who swings between high and low because I've been there and it's horrible. Low is bad but high is the worst. How good is your thyroid doctor? It is so hard to find someone who knows what they are doing.

Mine is good...she's not an endocrinologist but I've had bad luck with those people. She seems to think it's the allergies that are causing this blip, specifically molds. That might explain why it's spring which gets me.

I hope you find some relief..... I am sure you will but it does take awhile. It took 5 years to get my antibodies down to the normal range but I still have little episodes every so often. Finding and keeping a balance can be so annoying at times!

i went on & off LOW & NO carb for the past 11 years... only been 100% gluten free since July 1, 2010. i had self diagnosed the celiac in june, and after going gluten free, got DH. then in October- dx with Hashi, jan- dx with Graves. i had celiac symptoms since my teens- and hashi symptoms (I THOUGHT) for only the last 6 or 7 years. but now im wondering if the Hashi started flaring up when i was a kid- BECAUSE- i had Beau's lines on my thumbnails since i was 8yrs. old- they completely disappeared after 2 months on thyroid meds!!!!! could it really have started that young?

anyways, i have a great endo- she's not perfect (she's not completely aware of ALL the symptoms that can come with thyroid disease)- but she's really nice and open & even put me on Armour.. AND even tested my RT3.

it IS ruff going back & forth. i feel better & worse since going on meds- so im really hoping that gluten free & certain supplements im on will help lower the abs.. cause the doc can only help me with my lab numbers really- she cant fix the internal fluctuations & swings i go thru...

funny u mention a season being worse- because i am thinking that, for me-> i may need to be on a higher dose in the summer. the florida heat & humidity WIPES ME OUT. about a month ago- we got our first day over 90 with tons of humidity- by the afternoon- i felt like i did before my diagnosis- i could not breathe at all- and i could barely drive home... then it all made sense- i remember now how i ALWAYS feel worse & irritable in the summer- and tired, and i always felt like i put on weight in the summer.

ok, ill stop blabbing now

[Gemini]

  On 4/21/2011 at 2:48 AM, cassP said:

i went on & off LOW & NO carb for the past 11 years... only been 100% gluten free since July 1, 2010. i had self diagnosed the celiac in june, and after going gluten free, got DH. then in October- dx with Hashi, jan- dx with Graves. i had celiac symptoms since my teens- and hashi symptoms (I THOUGHT) for only the last 6 or 7 years. but now im wondering if the Hashi started flaring up when i was a kid- BECAUSE- i had Beau's lines on my thumbnails since i was 8yrs. old- they completely disappeared after 2 months on thyroid meds!!!!! could it really have started that young?

anyways, i have a great endo- she's not perfect (she's not completely aware of ALL the symptoms that can come with thyroid disease)- but she's really nice and open & even put me on Armour.. AND even tested my RT3.

it IS ruff going back & forth. i feel better & worse since going on meds- so im really hoping that gluten free & certain supplements im on will help lower the abs.. cause the doc can only help me with my lab numbers really- she cant fix the internal fluctuations & swings i go thru...

funny u mention a season being worse- because i am thinking that, for me-> i may need to be on a higher dose in the summer. the florida heat & humidity WIPES ME OUT. about a month ago- we got our first day over 90 with tons of humidity- by the afternoon- i felt like i did before my diagnosis- i could not breathe at all- and i could barely drive home... then it all made sense- i remember now how i ALWAYS feel worse & irritable in the summer- and tired, and i always felt like i put on weight in the summer.

ok, ill stop blabbing now

I absolutely wilt like spinach in any heat and humidity also! I do not understand how people can live in Florida in the summer because New England can be bad enough. I think it goes along with the thyroid problems because thyroid does affect body temperature. Honestly, I would rather it be 30 degrees outside than hot and humid. I think there is something to the notion of some seasons are worse than others for thyroid control...I just have to figure it all out.

[cassP]

  On 4/21/2011 at 7:37 PM, Gemini said:

I absolutely wilt like spinach in any heat and humidity also! I do not understand how people can live in Florida in the summer because New England can be bad enough. I think it goes along with the thyroid problems because thyroid does affect body temperature. Honestly, I would rather it be 30 degrees outside than hot and humid. I think there is something to the notion of some seasons are worse than others for thyroid control...I just have to figure it all out.

YES ME TOO! i tell u- if it was 30 outside- i would be a little happier, more energetic, and a good 5lbs thinner. i hope i can move someday :/