Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland. As with any autoimmune disease, in this condition the immune system, which is designed to attack the germs, turns on the body and attacks the body.
Hashimoto's occurs when the body attacks the thyroid gland as if it were a virus. This leads to decreased function of the thyroid gland and disturbs the hormonal balance. The thyroid gland, in turn, is a very important organ, as it is responsible for regulating metabolism, growth, temperature, energy levels, and therefore it is important to be in good he alth.
Any thyroid dysfunction can affect metabolism, central nervous system, body temperature, muscle strength, menstrual cycle, cholesterol levels, weight.
What is the difference between hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's?
Not everyone who has Hashimoto's necessarily develops hypothyroidism, although it does happen. The difference between the two is that Hashimoto's is primarily a disease, while hypothyroidism is a condition that can occur as a result of a disease. In Hashimoto's, it occurs when white blood cells attack the thyroid gland and slow it down. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough hormones.
Eating a he althy diet can help alleviate the symptoms of Hashimoto's, and eating certain foods can make the condition worse.
See which products are recommended to avoid for Hashimoto's:
Foods with gluten. A 2015 study found a link between Hashimoto's disease and gluten sensitivity. According to some researchers, even gluten intolerance may be related to an autoimmune disease.
If you have Hashimoto's and your symptoms are not responding much to your therapy, try to eliminate gluten from your diet. Avoid eating foods like bread, biscuits, crackers, barley, rye.
Raw vegetables cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower, as they contain substances that disrupt the production of thyroid hormone. These substances, called goitrogens-glucosinolates, block iodine, which is essential for these hormones.
Soy. It also contains the aforementioned goitrogens, which are good to avoid in case of Hashimoto's. Unlike raw vegetables containing this substance, which disappear when cooked and can now be consumed without worry, this does not apply to soy. These substances remain in its composition even after cooking and processing.
Foods recommended for Hashimoto's
Foods rich in selenium and zinc are good for people with Hashimoto's, as these minerals help control hormonal balance and reduce inflammation in the body. Zinc and selenium are necessary for the transformation of thyroid hormones, helping to transform them from inactive to active.
Such valuable foods are probiotics, fermented foods, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, pumpkin, spinach, kefir, chickpeas, eggs.
