Hashimoto's: Weight loss with the right diet
from Paulina
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a serious autoimmune disease. Over ten percent of Germans suffer from this thyroid disorder. Women are up to ten times more likely to be affected than men. This autoimmune thyroid disease also raises many questions. Hashimoto's thyroiditis begins gradually and without typical symptoms. Therefore, the inflammation of the thyroid gland is often misdiagnosed. In Germany, Hashimoto's is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. It is also frequently a reason why diets don't work. We want to inform you about the disease and show you how weight loss can still be successful with Hashimoto's.
What is meant by Hashimoto's disease?
The thyroid gland is butterfly-shaped and located directly below the larynx. Its function is to produce hormones that are essential for numerous metabolic processes and support various bodily functions. For example, thyroid hormones ensure energy metabolism, are important for body growth, and also influence our mental well-being.
When Hashimoto's disease comes into play, this process becomes unstable. Due to a malfunction of the immune system, the body's own antibodies gradually destroy the thyroid tissue . The thyroid gland, inflamed by the antibodies, initially enlarges and secretes increased amounts of thyroid hormones. If the disease is left untreated, the initial hyperthyroidism gradually develops into hypothyroidism .
You might be wondering how the disease got its name. Chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland was first described in 1912 by the Japanese physician Hakaru Hashimoto, after whom it also derives its evocative name.
What are the causes of Hashimoto's disease?
Those suffering from Hashimoto's disease have their immune system as an enemy. The immune system attacks the body's own tissues, specifically targeting the thyroid gland. This tissue becomes inflamed and, in some patients, is even gradually lost.
What triggers this process remains a mystery to science. The causes of this autoimmune disease are unfortunately still not fully understood. On the one hand, genetic factors are suspected. Some experts believe that the high iodine intake from contrast agents used in X-ray examinations can trigger the symptoms, provided there is a corresponding predisposition.
- High iodine dosage as with contrast agents
- Hormonal fluctuations due to puberty, hormonal contraceptives, pregnancy, or menopause
- Infections caused by bacteria and viruses (e.g., glandular fever)
- Nutrient deficiency
- Damaged intestinal flora
- Medications
- Mental strain and stress
Chronic stress poses a threat to our immune system. In extreme emotional situations, it can lead to the development of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and other autoimmune diseases.
What is the course of the disease?
Hashimoto's disease can vary greatly from person to person. In the early stages, there are usually few symptoms. The thyroid gland confronts the threat, balances the inflammatory processes, and continues to produce sufficient amounts of the necessary hormones. As the inflammation progresses, the thyroid gland may initially enlarge, which becomes visible as a goiter .
In some affected individuals, the situation temporarily reverses. Because the breakdown of thyroid tissue leads to increased hormone release, symptoms typical of hyperthyroidism, such as diarrhea, irritability, or weight loss, occur briefly. Only when the remaining cells are also too exhausted to ensure hormone production does the typical course of symptoms of hypothyroidism develop.
Hashimoto's disease can be accompanied by a whole range of physical symptoms:
- fatigue
- States of exhaustion
- Lack of concentration
- sensitivity to cold
- Sleep disorders
- Brittle skin, hair and nails
- constipation
- Muscle weakness
- Fluid retention in the tissues
- Voice changes and hoarseness
- Cough urge
- Low pulse
- Hearing impairment
- weight gain
Effects on the psyche
Cognitive impairment is not uncommon in Hashimoto's patients.
The ability to think clearly and concentrate is impaired.
Abnormalities may also be observed in mood and behavior .
The symptoms will become apparent. They can vary in severity, ranging from mild impairment to serious depression or panic attacks.
Whether the symptoms are actually a consequence of the thyroid dysfunction is not yet fully understood. Some specialists attribute the cause to thyroid antibodies. Others ascribe an independent process in the brain to the psychological symptoms associated with Hashimoto's.
How is Hashimoto's disease diagnosed?
The diagnostic process begins with a detailed patient interview. Doctors will ask patients about their individual symptoms and, as part of the subsequent physical examination, will palpate the thyroid gland.
To definitively diagnose Hashimoto's thyroiditis, antibody testing and an ultrasound examination are necessary. The presence of specific antibodies allows for a clear diagnosis of Hashimoto's and rules out other diseases.
The diagnosis is accompanied by a blood test. You can also purchase self-tests for home use from various providers. However, only a doctor can make a definitive diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
How is Hashimoto's disease treated?
There is currently no specific treatment for Hashimoto's thyroiditis . For hypothyroidism, tablets are prescribed to replace the missing hormone T4. These tablets contain the active ingredient levothyroxine and are usually taken by those affected for life .
In so-called latent Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the aforementioned antibodies can be detected in corresponding concentrations. However, the affected person experiences no symptoms whatsoever. In this case, physicians will discuss with the patient whether therapeutic measures are necessary. Regular monitoring of thyroid hormone levels and annual ultrasound examinations are common in this situation.
Hashimoto's and weight loss
Hashimoto's disease slows down the metabolism, making weight loss a challenge. Diets fail, and lasting weight loss seems impossible. We want to show you that weight loss is possible despite Hashimoto's. The focus is on exercise and dietary changes . With our SHEKO products , we can support you in losing weight healthily, and Hashimoto's no longer has to stand in your way.
Why can't I lose weight with Hashimoto's?
People with Hashimoto's often struggle with their weight. Losing extra pounds can be difficult and seem almost impossible. This is due to the slowing down of many metabolic processes caused by Hashimoto's. Your body produces less heat. Blood pressure and heart rate decrease. Digestion slows down, and regeneration processes are inhibited. As a result, the body requires less energy, and the basal metabolic rate drops .
If these processes become unbalanced, your body needs significantly fewer calories and excess calories quickly end up on your hips.
Nutrition for Hashimoto's – how weight loss becomes possible
There is much discussion about nutrition in connection with Hashimoto's disease. A recent publication summarizes 1,350 publications on the topic. 1 These cover various diets and dietary changes. The findings suggest that energy-reduced diets , avoiding gluten or lactose , and consuming black cumin may be beneficial.
Blood values of Hashimoto's patients may improve. However, no definitive conclusions can yet be drawn. The authors emphasize that further research is needed.
Different dietary patterns under scrutiny
Currently, no single diet can be recommended that will help every Hashimoto's patient. It is advisable to seek individual solutions, to get to know your body better, and ultimately to give it exactly what it needs in this particular situation. We would like to take a closer look at some dietary approaches and provide some general advice on which foods are beneficial for Hashimoto's and which should be avoided.
Gluten-free diet and Hashimoto's
If you follow a gluten-free diet , you eliminate wheat, rye, barley, spelt, and oats from your diet. Millet, rice, corn, buckwheat, and amaranth do not contain gluten and can still be consumed. According to current research, promoting this diet makes perfect sense. Dr. Izabella Wentz herself was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease in 2009 and has dedicated herself to researching the condition ever since. In a study of over 2,000 people with Hashimoto's, a full 76 percent reported being sensitive to gluten and suffering from diarrhea, fatigue, bloating, or constipation. After changing their diet, 88 percent experienced an improvement in their symptoms.²
Our Balance Shakes are also gluten-free, help you lose weight and also provide essential vitamins and nutrients that are indispensable for Hashimoto's disease.
Grain-free diet and Hashimoto's
Some people report positive results when they consistently avoid all grains . You can try this diet if your symptoms don't improve with a gluten-free diet.
In this context, we would like to draw attention to selenium intake.
People with Hashimoto's disease need sufficient selenium , which is preferably found in
Grains contain selenium. To prevent selenium deficiency, this nutrient must be consumed in sufficient quantities.
Supplement your diet. Brazil nuts, for example, are a good grain-free source of selenium. Our Balance Shakes also provide you with this mineral.
Dairy-free diet and Hashimoto's
Some people with Hashimoto's also suffer from lactose intolerance. This intolerance to lactose leads to an increase in TSH levels. Studies have shown that eliminating lactose from the diet was associated with a decrease in TSH levels.³
A dairy-free diet is recommended for some sufferers. Headaches or joint pain, in particular, can often be alleviated simply by avoiding dairy products.
- rice milk
- almond milk
- Cashew milk
- Hazelnut milk
- coconut milk
Are you wondering if you can still enjoy your favorite Balance Shake? Because we use high-quality milk or whey protein in our shakes, you'll find small amounts of lactose in our powder. The SHEKO powder itself contains 1.4g of lactose per 100g of powder. That's only 0.25g per shake. Depending on how sensitive your lactose intolerance is, you could perhaps prepare the shake with lactose-free milk.
Recommended foods for Hashimoto's
Regardless of which diet you choose, these tips can serve as a starting point:
- You should consider vegetables as a staple food and integrate them into your dishes in various forms.
- Nuts, avocados, or algae oil provide healthy fats.
- Parsley, marjoram, oregano and other anti-inflammatory herbs should also be included in the diet.
- Water is the best drink.
- Unsweetened tea provides variety.
What exactly should I eat if I have Hashimoto's disease?
You're probably wondering which foods are suitable for Hashimoto's. We've put together a small selection for you.
| category | Groceries |
| Fruit | Fruit is at the top of the list. You should aim for at least one to two portions a day. Good choices include: apples, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, kiwis, and sour cherries. Avoid highly sugary fruits like bananas, pineapples, pears, mangoes, and grapes as much as possible. You should completely avoid sweetened canned or dried fruit. |
| Vegetables | Feel free to help yourself. All types of vegetables are allowed. You should only avoid highly sugary corn. |
| Sausage and meat | Lean poultry meat, poultry sausage, corned beef or cooked ham and head cheese are permitted. |
| Fish and seafood | There are hardly any restrictions here either. Only pollock or haddock are less advisable because these fish contain a lot of iodine. |
| Dairy products and eggs | You can use eggs in any form. Cheese should contain no more than 45 percent fat. Also, opt for yogurt, buttermilk, or low-fat quark. If you've decided on a dairy-free diet, use the alternative products mentioned. |
| Nuts and seeds | These provide you with healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins. A handful a day of almost all varieties is recommended, except for peanuts and salted nuts. |
| Oils and fats | Butter is only advisable in small quantities. Prefer rapeseed oil, linseed oil, olive oil, wheat germ oil, or walnut oil. |
Dietary supplements and Hashimoto's
A deficiency in vitamins and trace elements is also discussed as a cause of Hashimoto's disease. Certain vitamins and minerals should be consumed in sufficient quantities:
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
- selenium
- magnesium
- iron
- zinc
With our Balance Shakes, you're on the safe side. In addition to high-quality protein, they also contain all the vitamins and minerals mentioned . We also want to mention that our shakes contain iodine. This is required by law. If you have any doubts, please consult your doctor.
To get the bowels moving again
Your Hashimoto's diet should be particularly gut-friendly .
A daily intake of fiber and probiotics keeps your microbiome healthy. Our Gut Flora Weight Loss Companion provides effective support. It contains 6 billion CFU of lactic acid bacteria from three selected bacterial strains, which promote the beneficial bacteria in your gut and keep your microbiome in balance.
Boost your metabolism
A wholesome and balanced diet already does a lot for your metabolism. Avoid fast food and processed foods, cook fresh meals, and use foods that are good for you.
Our SHEKO metabolism program gives a sluggish metabolism a boost. It's perfectly designed for one month. Weight loss and Hashimoto's are no longer enemies. Try it out!
Practical tips for Hashimoto's
A balanced diet is a key to managing Hashimoto's disease and losing weight. It becomes even more effective if you also make some lifestyle adjustments.
Always on the move
Get off the couch! Exercise increases calorie consumption and raises your body temperature and heart rate. You build muscle and your blood sugar levels stabilize. Muscles need energy, and you can also increase your basal metabolic rate , making it easier to lose weight.
- Stroll
- Gardening
- ride a bike
- Climb stairs
- Dance
- To swim
- Strength training
Stress killer
Hashimoto's disease is often accompanied by psychological symptoms. You are much more susceptible to stress when you feel tired and lethargic. You can counteract this with sufficient sleep and the necessary rest breaks in your daily routine. Take time for yourself and the things that make you feel good. This could be a morning walk, a hot bath in the evening, yoga, or a good book. Positive experiences and thoughts are true stress relievers and beneficially support the disease and recovery process.
Summary
Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease that destroys the body's thyroid tissue. It is not curable, but is currently being meticulously researched. You can do a lot to alleviate the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Adjust your diet, get more exercise, and ensure you get enough sleep. Weight loss and Hashimoto's seem to be arch-enemies. Our Balance Shakes support you in eating a healthy, low-calorie diet. In combination with a change in diet, the pounds can finally start to melt away.
FAQ about Hashimoto's
Still have questions? Here you'll find answers to some frequently asked questions about Hashimoto's disease.
