Hypothyroidism and the Gluten-Free Diet
November 08, 2011
Question:
Can a gluten-free diet help hypothyroidism?
From,
Melanie
Answer:
Hi Melanie. There is a relationship between celiac disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune hypothyroidism) because they are both autoimmune diseases. However, once diagnosed with hypothyroidism, the standard treatment is to replace the thyroid hormone by taking a daily dose of a synthetic thyroid hormone (Synthroid or Levothyroxine). Following a gluten-free diet does not help with hypothyroidism, except that if celiac disease is diagnosed, absorption of nutrients and medications may improve with the initiation of a gluten-free diet.
For more information, see NFCA’s article on Celiac and the Thyroid.
Sincerely,
Nancy Dickens, BS, RD, LDN
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