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Should Your Thyroid Remedies Include A Gluten Free Grain Free Lifestyle?

May 17, 2019 by Heidi and Jeanette 13 Comments

The Connection Between Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, Thyroid Disorders, and Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune disorders are very common, especially autoimmune thyroid diseases. At least 10 percent of the population suffer from a thyroid disorder and an estimated 13 million people in the United States have thyroid dysfunction and don’t know it. (R)

In some populations, the prevalence is almost 25% (R)

Up to 20% of women greater than 60 years of age have subclinical hypothyroidism as well. (R)

The complex relationship between environmental, genes, gut health and diet will be explored in this blog post.

Autoimmune Disease

An autoimmune disease is when the body sees its own cells as a foreign invader and starts to attack itself. Some examples include diabetes, Celiac Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Autoimmune diseases can attack either

A single organ or tissue (ie the pancreas in diabetes, and the joints in RA. (1)

Can wreak havoc on the entire body organs and systems like in lupus. (1)

In the case of the thyroid autoimmunity, it is defined by thyroiditis or inflammation of the thyroid gland. There are three types of thyroiditis which include Hashimoto’s, Drug-Induced Postpartum thyroiditis, and subacute thyroiditis. (2)

One autoimmune disease involving the thyroid is thyroiditis or inflammation of the thyroid cells. In this condition antibodies will attack the thyroid, leaving its cells damaged and inflamed. This is often an autoimmune disease and is caused in part by a virus, bacteria, drugs, food reactions, or pregnancy. (2)

Thyroid remedies, therefore, often benefit from concepts that help other autoimmune conditions, including lifestyle changes. Autoimmune conditions continue to be on the rise, suggesting that environmental factors are the biggest influence. Therefore, environmental factors, including food, could play a role to cure hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the US. (3). This autoimmune disorder is when antibodies form and attack the thyroid leading to chronic inflammation. This disorder tends to be hereditary and runs in families. This disorder primarily affects middle-aged women, but can also occur in men, children, and women of other ages. (4)

Hashimoto’s does not have any unique characteristic symptoms. It progresses slowly over many years and will only be present as thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies in the blood. Hashimoto’s causes slow and chronic inflammation which will damage thyroid cells and lead to an enlarged thyroid or (goiter). If untreated it can result in a reduction of thyroid hormone production leading to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, increased sensitivity to cold, dry skin, depression, muscle aches and reduced exercise tolerance, and irregular or heavy periods. (4)

Postpartum & Painless Thyroiditis

This inflammation of the thyroid occurs after delivering a baby. It is characterized by elevated levels of thyroid hormone known as thyrotoxicosis and is followed by a temporary low level of thyroid hormone or hypothyroidism. (2)

Post-Partum thyroiditis occurs in about 5 to 10 percent of pregnant women. Some populations are at greater risk for this condition and they include those with already existing autoimmune disorders, those who test positive for antibodies, those with a history of thyroid dysfunction, and previous post-partum thyroiditis, and those who have family members with thyroid issues. (5)

Post-Partum Thyroiditis occurs after the delivery of a baby, while Painless Thyroiditis occurs in men and also non-pregnant women. There are two phases of these conditions. The first phase is known as the thyrotoxic phase which is when there is excess thyroid hormone being produced. Hypothyroidism is the second phase. About 1/3 of patients will go through both phases while one-third of patients will only experience one of the two phases. The thyrotoxic symptoms will last anywhere from one to three months and include anxiety, insomnia, palpitations (fast heart rate), fatigue, weight loss, and irritability. The hypothyroid phase occurs one to three months after the thyrotoxic phase and can occur over a period of 9 to 12 months. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, depression, and reduced exercise endurance. About 80 percent of patients will regain normal function of their thyroid within 12 to 18 months after symptoms surface. (2)

The cause of this disorder is unknown but it is thought to be similar to Hashimoto’s. In this condition, anti-thyroid antibodies including anti-thyroid peroxidase and antithyroglobulin antibodies are formed. Women with these antibodies are more likely to develop post-partum thyroiditis. It is believed that women who develop this condition already may have a thyroid condition that just does not show any symptoms, and is triggered after pregnancy when immunity can waver. (5)

Subacute Thyroiditis

Subacute thyroiditis is another inflammatory thyroid condition that has the same pathology as painless and post-partum thyroiditis but often will trigger thyroidal pain. Subacute thyroiditis features excess production of thyroid hormone for one to three months. But some patients with pain will not endure this thyrotoxicosis. Like in painless and post-partum thyroiditis thyroid abnormalities will subside after 12 to 18 months in about 95 percent of patients. This condition is the major cause of pain in the thyroid and usually does not reoccur after symptoms subside. (2)

Drug-Induced & Radiation Thyroiditis

Drug and radiation can cause inflammation of the thyroid. It can be caused by interferon and amiodarone. This condition is characterized by short-lived thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism. Symptoms usually subside once the medication is no longer taken. Effects of radiation are usually permanent.(2)

Acute/Infectious Thyroiditis

This is a sudden inflammation brought on by an infection. Symptoms include pain, illness across the organs and tissues. It also features painless enlargement of the thyroid and low thyroid function (hypothyroidism). Once the infection goes away the inflammation goes away. (5)

Grave’s Disease

Unlike Hashimoto’s Graves’ disease is inflammation of the thyroid gland causing an overproduction of thyroid hormone. An increase in thyroid hormone can rev up the metabolism causing weight loss, nervousness, a fast heartbeat, and sensitivity to heat. Fifty percent of those with Graves’ disease will exhibit a symptom called exopthalmos or bulging eyes. (6)

Thyroid Remedies & the Gut

Like most disease states, the management of thyroid autoimmunity starts in the gut. This complex system is regulated by an outer intestinal tissue called the epithelium. This intestinal epithelial is a barrier that protects it from the outside environment. (7) This membrane is also linked together by channels called tight junctions (TJ) proteins.

The TJ helps to transport substances into the gut for the digestion of nutrients, water, and electrolytes. These channels should remain closed. However, If there any malfunctions in the TJ it can lead to unwanted visitors including antigens, pathogens, bacteria, and viruses leaking out into the bloodstream. (7)

When the channels are constantly open the gut will be permeable and leaking substances, hence the term “leaky gut.” (7)

Gut infections due to candida or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) lead to an imbalance of bacteria in the microbiome and result in leaky gut. These often occur due to nutrient-depleted diet, chronic stress, and medications such as antibiotics, steroids, and birth control pills. (7)

While this barrier is the first line of defense, the body’s immune system provides other avenues of defense when the gut is compromised. When it detects a foreign invader the immune system will produce an immune response in the form of mucus, antibodies, and immunoglobulins. (7)

Once the gut becomes compromised it can set off a chain reaction of immune responses which can lead to autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease (CD), autoimmune hepatitis, type 1 diabetes (DM1), multiple sclerosis (MS), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). (7)

Just like in other diseases, as TJ weaken, the intestinal barrier begins to erode, leaving the body exposed and susceptible to bacterial antigens. These foreign invaders can lead to an immune response which autoimmune conditions. (8)

Different factors can attribute to having a leaky gut.

Genetic

Having a close relative who has leaky gut will give someone a great risk for having the same condition. However, when there is a genetic link it must be activated by an environmental trigger. Toxins (taken in through the skin or orally), high antibiotic use, chemicals (in food and products), or a poor diet high in processed foods and sugar and low in fiber can lead to getting an autoimmune disease. (7)

Environmental

Those without a genetic link may have to look to their diet and lifestyle for the cause of their leaky gut as these habits can play a role in immune function. Environmental triggers include diet, poor stress management, smoking, alcohol consumption, and toxins such as heavy metals, viruses, bacteria, emotional stress, and drugs. (9)

Hygiene Hypothesis

In regards to the environmental triggers, there is also the “hygiene hypothesis” which assumes the cause of autoimmune disease had to do with our obsession with cleanliness and having little exposure to microorganisms as children. According to this theory, it shows there could be some protective properties from certain microorganisms while others can increase the risk of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). (10)

Epstein-Barr Virus

The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) has been associated with thyroid autoimmune disorders.

The Epstein-Barr virus is also known as human herpesvirus 4, is a member of the Herpesviridae virus family. This virus can cause infectious mononucleosis (IM) better known as “mono” or the “kissing disease.” (11)

The way EBV leads to allergies and autoimmune diseases is not completely clear but it causes infections in the form of bacteria and viruses through both genetic and environmental triggers. The virus has also been seen to change how the body responds to foreign invaders. (12)

Once in the system, it can lay dormant but it that is not always the case and can result in a serious EBV-related illness later in life. That is why autoimmune diseases can be accompanied by severe symptoms. (12)

There is a link between EBV and several autoimmune disorders and is also a leading cause of thyroid autoimmune disease. Autoimmune thyroid disorders (AITDs) have occurred more frequently in those who also have been also positive with herpes virus DNA which points to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection as a cause for these conditions. Graves’ disease was also seen as more severe in those with infectious mononucleosis due to a primary EBV infection. (12)

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been shown as a cause for thyroid autoimmunity in both vitro and in vivo research. B lymphocytes infected with EBV produced an autoimmune response with a presence of thyroid antibodies in the blood of Grave’s disease patients as well as healthy subjects. This autoimmune response can increase the risk for thyroid autoimmune diseases or further intensify an already existing autoimmune condition. (13) Consistent findings have been replicated within human studies. Children with mono due to EBV infection were found to produce the same thyroid antibodies on B immune cells consistent with those found in test tube studies. These studies shed light on the production of Graves’ disease as a result of the Epstein-Barr virus. (14)

The EBV infection has also been seen in a high percentage (81%) of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease (62%) which can indicate there is a correlation between this virus and how thyroid autoimmune disorders can occur. (15)

Diet

Diet has been shown to be a big factor in setting off autoimmune as well as inflammatory responses. Two diet factors include processed sodium chloride and saturated fatty acids. These substances have been shown to be risk factors in diseases that stem from chronic inflammation including stroke, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune conditions. (16)

Processed and fast food is often high in sodium chloride which causes chronic inflammation among monocytes, while macrophages were limited in their ability to prevent an autoimmune response from T cells. (9) High salt diets have been shown to enhance inflammation in MS patients. This is evidence of how diet plays a role in autoimmune conditions. (16)

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) have been seen to improve gut health by producing butyrate. Butyrate is a substance that feeds the intestinal membrane (17) to help calm inflammation from toxic bacteria in the bowel.

When mice were given butyrate they had an increase in the number of Treg immune cells which have been shown to prevent autoimmune disorders. The incorporation of foods with SCFA can be helpful for decreasing autoimmune responses. (16)

Other substances that help produce SCFA are inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), resistant starch, and pectin. Inulin comes from artichokes, garlic, leeks, onions, wheat, rye, and asparagus. FOS is found in various fruits and vegetables, including bananas, onions, garlic, and asparagus. Resistant starch comes from rice, barley, grains, green bananas, legumes and potatoes that have been cooked and then cooled. Pectin is found in apples, apricots, carrots, and oranges. (18)

As we know, high intake of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) help promote regular digestion and improve bowel health. However, too many medium- and long-chain fatty acids (MCFA and LCFA) found in the Standard American Diet can worsen autoimmune symptoms in disorders like MS.(16)

Therefore, part of a way to regulate the thyroid naturally may include changes in SCFA intake, which may include coconut oil, MCT oil, or supplemental butyrate. Thyroid remedies may also include a reduction in processed foods with sodium chloride.

High Fat, Carbohydrate, & Sugar Diet

High consumption of unhealthy fat, refined sugar, and simple carbohydrates can affect the intestinal barrier and lead to bacterial overgrowth and leaky gut. Mice fed a 30 percent fructose solution for 8 weeks exhibited a loss of TJ proteins and an increase in toxic bacteria in the gut.(19)

Although we don’t have clinical trials yet, limiting high-sugar and certain types of fats including transfat and hydrogenated oils are likely part of how to control thyroid levels.

Zonulin & Leaky Gut

Zonulin has been shown to increase gut permeability and lead to an immune response. Zonulin was discovered in 2000 by a team of researchers at the Maryland School of Medicine. The protein is found in the cells of the intestinal wall and has been called a “tight junction regulator” since it controls the opening and closing of channels in the intestine. (20)

Zonulin is a haptoglobin protein. This type of protein binds with hemoglobin to prevent iron loss and kidney damage during hemolysis or destruction of red blood cells. (21)

Haptoglobin 2 (HP2) has been implicated in immune conditions including Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and T1D. Haptoglobin 2 has also shown up more in patients with IBD (UC and CD) when compared with healthy subjects. (21)

Haptoglobin measures the amount of destroyed red blood cells. This protein also indicates infection and inflammation depending on levels of detected in the blood. (22)

When the concentration of haptoglobin increases, it is known as the positive-acute phase, which means there is inflammation. The level decreases it is a negative acute-phase protein and indicates there is no inflammation.

There are two types of haptoglobin: haptoglobin 1 (HP1) and haptoglobin 2 (HP2). (23) Zonulin is the haptoglobin 2 (HP2), the precursor of haptoglobin 1 (HP1). (24)

HP1 has an anti-inflammatory effect compared with HP2 which is why zonulin is considered a toxin and harmful for the gut. (25)

Zonulin has been compared to the toxin secreted by the pathogen cholera. (26) Zonula occludin toxin or Zot for short is an intestinal toxin that is transmitted when food contaminated with feces is digested. Zot attaches itself to the intestinal membrane and opens the tight junctions channels. Open channels make the gut permeable and exposed to harmful substances entering the body. (27)

Next, the effects of how foods affect zonulin will be discussed and how these changes may help fix thyroid naturally.

Zonulin & Gluten Consumption

Zonulin is produced when gluten is consumed. It is also released when there is a bacterial infection. When there is zonulin present in the TJ between the intestinal cells do not close and there is an opening or “leakiness” in the gut. This can lead to an inflammatory response which will over time damage the intestines and causes an autoimmune response. (20)

Zonulin has been seen in autoimmune conditions like Celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis, and Multiple Sclerosis. (27)

When looking at blood levels those with Celiac disease had higher amounts of zonulin (0.033 ng/mg), compared with those who exhibited Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) (0.030 ng/mg) or diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) (0.012 ng/mg). Healthy individuals exhibited 0.007 ng/mg of zonulin. This is 78 percent less zonulin than those with Celiac, 76 percent less than those with NCGS, and 42 percent less than those with IBS. (20)

Diet also plays a role in zonulin production, specifically the consumption of gluten. Those with NCGS had decreased zonulin levels when they consumed a gluten-free diet. (20)

Findings from this research have shown the connection between zonulin production and how it can affect gut health. (20) In those with autoimmune disorders like Celiac disease, zonulin is produced so there is likely a possibility it will be produced in those with thyroid disorders. (28)

While Celiac disease can be rare, Non-Gluten Celiac Disease (NCGS) is prevalent and can often show no symptoms until there is a high amount of zonulin in the body. NCGS occurs when the gut lining is exposed to gluten-containing foods which can lead to either an immune and/or non-immune response. When consumed, gluten causes a rapid immune response that changes the gut microbiome and can upset the balance of bacteria. (29)

Reducing zonulin by reducing gluten in the diet may help regulate thyroid naturally.

Zonulin & Gliadin

Gliadin is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, spelt, and kamut. It is the water-soluble component of gluten.(30) Gliadin has also been shown to activate zonulin. (26)

Animal and human studies linked gliadin as the mechanism for both Celiac and DM1 autoimmunity due to the release of zonulin in the gut. (8)

When exposed to gliadin, mice and lab rats also experience increased intestinal permeability and a release of zonulin, which opens the epithelial channels and allowing food antigens to enter the blood stream outside the intestinal tract. (8)

Alternatively, when given a gluten-free diet the development of autoimmunity in both mice and rats was suspended. These animal models show the importance of how reducing gluten can prevent autoimmunity.(8)

Human studies showed more intestinal inflammation from gliadin antibodies in children with diabetes when compared with healthy subjects. Zonulin was also associated with the production of Glo-3A antibodies. These non-gluten storage proteins found in wheat are helping to diagnose gluten issues at an earlier stage. (31) Human studies showed a gluten-filled diet was responsible for increases in Glo-3A antibody levels in those with risk for autoimmunity showing there is a difference in the gut immune responses between those with autoimmunity and control subjects. (8)

Those sensitive to gluten are likely to be sensitive to gliadin and should stay away due to zonulin production. This substance has also been shown to activate zonulin production and increasing autoimmune response. (32)

Both gluten and gliadin removal from the diet may be part of how to improve thyroid function naturally.

Autoimmune Disease & The Zonulin Connection

Research on zonulin shows it to be a predictor in autoimmune diseases like Celiac, diabetes as well as cancers and conditions of the nervous system. In addition, zonulin is found on chromosome number 16 which is the same place where these disorders originate. (8) This shows the connection between autoimmunity and zonulin production.

Rats prone to DM1 also have an increased intestinal permeability dominated by zonulin production. When given an oral zonulin inhibitor, these rats experienced no zonulin or autoantibody production. (8)

Preventing the loss of intestinal barrier cells by reducing zonulin production can help to prevent the onset of diabetes in animal studies. When replicated in human studies 50 percent of patients with T1D had exhibited leaky gut and also high levels of zonulin. This signifies that cells are sensitive to zonulin and it is very likely for it to bind to the intestinal barrier. (8)

Even 25 percent of family members unaffected by DM1 experienced increased blood levels of zonulin and compromised gut health illustrating that compromised intestinal permeability is a key component in the path of autoimmune diseases. (8)

Zonulin inhibitors administered to rats also prevented gut permeability further protecting the intestinal epithelium. A decrease in the level of antibodies produced was exhibited in animal studies. (8)

Even if you don’t have a genetic link you can still be susceptible to thyroid and autoimmune diseases. Human studies showed a gluten-filled diet was responsible for increases in Glo-3A antibody levels in those with risk for autoimmunity showing there is a difference in the gut immune responses between those with autoimmunity and control subjects. (8)

Zonulin production occurs in anyone who consumes gluten. Zonulin will damage cells and the tight junctions leading to a leaky gut. (33) After 48 hours the intestinal cells regenerate and the gut will heal. Only this doesn’t happen in those with a thyroid gluten sensitivity or Celiac disease. (34)

Thyroid disorders are often caused by leaky gut due to food sensitivities and allergies. Gluten in any quantity is damaging to the thyroid and will keep producing zonulin and perpetuating an inflammatory response. So every time someone consumes gluten they will continue to damage to their gut lining and harming the health of the thyroid. So those with a thyroid disorder are more likely to have a gluten sensitivity.(34) These sensitivities can have no physical symptoms and that is why it is imperative to get tested for gluten and wheat sensitivity NOT just Celiac disease.

Exposure to bacteria and gluten are powerful triggers to release zonulin production in the small intestine. Impairment of the intestinal wall results from food and water consumption and is a leading cause of allergies, sensitivities, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. (35)

How to fix the thyroid naturally? Eliminating gluten appears to be a reasonable place to start the journey.

Zonulin & Bacterial Overgrowth

Zonulin’s ability to open intestinal channels contributes to the presence of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. Like gluten, gliadin is another protein found in wheat and has also been shown to produce zonulin leading to the breakdown of the intestinal barrier. (36) High levels of zonulin have been produced in those with Celiac disease (37) when exposed to gluten or bacteria, fungi, or viruses. (38)

Genetic predisposition has also been shown to lead to zonulin production. Specifically, genes HP2-1 and HP2-2 produce zonulin in the intestine. Having one copy of these has been hypothesized to increase the risk factor for developing Celiac disease. Two copies of these genes will result in malabsorption due to the breakdown of the intestinal barrier. Those with CD had a higher percentage of HP2 genes when compared with healthy subjects. This indicates that only 7 percent of CD patients do not have the zonulin gene. (8)

It has been hypothesized that restoring gut barrier will help to reduce leaky gut. Research of a zonulin inhibitor was used in animal and double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled human models. Those given the placebo had a 70 percent increase in gut permeability verse no changes in the group given the zonulin inhibitor. Both groups exposed to gluten experienced an inflammatory response with IFN-y antibodies increasing in 4 of the 7 patients (57.1%) of the placebo group. Only 4 of the 14 patients (28.6%) in the inhibitor group had a reaction. The placebo group also had more GI issues than the inhibitor group. This evidence points to the fact that reducing inflammatory responses is important to reduce gluten exposure. (39)

The most powerful triggers for zonulin production were gluten and bacteria exposure leading to allergies, sensitivities, and inflammatory diseases caused by a compromised gut barrier. (39)

There is also evidence that when the small intestine comes in contact with bacteria it can produce zonulin and lead to intestinal permeability. (40) This autoimmune defense against unwanted microorganisms has also been seen with gliadin when placed on the inside of the intestine (41) specifically when gliadin binds to the cell receptor CXCR3 (42) with the help of the protein MyD88 (43) zonulin will be produced.(44)

Thyroid & Gluten Intolerance

Research shows gluten-free diets are recommended for those with autoimmune disorders including Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease. (45)

Even those with regular hypothyroid or hyperthyroid symptoms can benefit from going gluten-free. According to one study, 71 percent of patients normalized their intestinal barrier and also improved their thyroid symptoms by going on a strict gluten-free diet for one year. Removal of gluten from the diet may greatly improve thyroid abnormalities. (46)

A gluten-free diet should be considered as part of alternative treatment for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Treatment For Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Research is underway to find additional ways to help alleviate NCGS symptoms. One study uses probiotics to see if there is a reaction when gluten is introduced to a gluten-free environment. The controlled study evaluates how patients react to two slices of bread each day for 7 days while also taking either a placebo or the probiotic Bifidobacterum longum ES1, a patented probiotic bacterial strain. (29) Another study uses the enzyme Aspergillus niger prolyl endoprotease (AN-PEP) as a therapy for NCG. It was shown to digest gluten in healthy subjects. (47) A 2017 double-blinded, placebo-controlled study showed a tablet of this enzyme taken with a meal was effective at protecting the gut zonulin degradation in those sensitive to gluten. It was able to degrade small amounts of gluten and is not intended as a digestive aid and not to replace a gluten-free diet. (48)

Another treatment option has been that of ancient diploid wheat species. They are lower in toxicity when used in celiac disease cell studies. There is a lower amount of compounds known as Amylase-Trypsin Inhibitors (ATIs) in comparison with modern wheat. These compounds cause autoimmune responses by binding to cell receptors on immune system proteins. Enzymes are no match for the toll-like receptor ATI complex that is formed (48) Further research on these ancient kinds of wheat needs to be evaluated as a positive treatment for zonulin production. (49)

Although the best remedy for thyroid disorders still needs to be elucidated, non-celiac gluten sensitivity needs to be managed for the best outcomes.

There is no known cure for hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. The research authors generally agree, however, that gluten elimination could benefit thyroid function.

Knowing that gluten and gliadin are responsible for zonulin production and the breakdown of the gut lining, it is imperative to receive treatment. In order to prevent zonulin production and autoimmune response gluten must be removed from the diet.

Those with celiac and NCGS should be put on a gluten-free diet.

What is a Gluten-Free Diet?

A gluten-free diet does not mean you have to have a diet that is grain free. Instead it means eating only gluten free grains and avoiding any foods with grains, wheat, gluten, and gliadin. Those consist of both whole grains and non whole grains including wheat, barley, rye and oats that are not gluten-free. This also includes any packaged food that may contain wheat or gluten proteins.

What What You Can Eat on a Gluten Free Foods Diet

Foods That Don’t Contain Gluten

Fruits
Vegetables
Meats, poultry, and fish
Eggs
Dairy: Check labels for ice cream, yogurts, puddings, or other flavored dairy products.
Grains and other: Include rice & brown rice corn, teff, buckwheat, tapioca, sorghum, gluten-free oats (make sure they are labeled gluten-free)
Starches and flours that are potato, pea, nut-based or made with the grains listed above.
Raw nuts and seeds. If you get any flavored varieties be aware of any possible gluten containing ingredient. Be sure the label say gluten free
Oils and fats: all single-ingredient oils and fats like butter are gluten-free
Fresh herbs and spices are gluten free. Beware of some packaged spices may have gluten containing ingredients. Seasoning blends may have hidden gluten in the form of wheat starch, wheat crumbs or hydrolyzed wheat protein. If in doubt check the label for these ingredients
Bone broth
Gluten Free Drinks: Most beverages are gluten free with the exception of beer and some alcohols. Wine, Vodka made from potato or rice and Tequila made from 100 percent Agave are gluten free. Flavored beverages sometimes have gluten so make sure to check the label if you are unsure.

What to Avoid on a Gluten Free Diet

Foods that Contain Gluten or Might Contain Gluten

Meal Plans and recipes should not include any of the following:

Wheat and wheat products: Farina, kamut, semolina, spelt, pasta, barley, rye, oats that are NOT gluten-free
Baked goods such as bread, cakes, cookies, granola bars, pasta, and other sweets)
Processed or flavored animal products: Beef, chicken, pork, fish, shellfish and wild game; eggs, yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, milk (cow or goat)
Alcohol that is made of gluten-containing grains
Beer that is made from rye, wheat, barley, and other gluten grains
Seasoning blends, sauce mixes, gravies and dressings
Barley products and beer or ale made from barley
Malt products such as malt vinegar, malted milk, malt flavor
Soy sauce and teriyaki sauce
Energy bars, trail mix
Wheatgrass
Cereals, oats (unless they say certified gluten-free)
Breaded foods: meatballs, veggie burgers, deli meat, cold cuts, imitation crab Nuts: almonds, walnuts, peanuts, cashews, pistachios, Brazil nuts
Deli meat & cold cuts
Imitation crab
Veggie Burgers
Prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements
Stevia
Dark chocolate (70% or more cocoa) with gluten additives
Cosmetic products and skincare products
Wine with gluten cross-contamination from barrels sealed with wheat paste

If you are having reactions from “gluten-free” foods you may still be reacting to the trace gluten that can be present. Naturally, gluten-free foods may have gluten-containing ingredients added to them during processing, therefore it is always recommended to read labels before consuming.

Gluten-Free Food Labeling Is Voluntary

Products that are labeled “gluten-free” may still contain trace amounts of gluten. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) foods with a gluten-free label can still have up to 20 parts per million of gluten. This number was determined by the research on those with Celiac disease shown to have been able to tolerate without further symptoms or intestinal damage.

Products that included in this category are those that are even labeled “gluten-free” and may be enough to produce gluten symptoms. (50)

The “gluten-free label is not mandated by the FDA even if the product contains the “gluten-free” requirement. (51)

So What Does This Mean for Those with Celiac & NCGS

You should be aware there could still be gluten in your food. The best way to become gluten-free is to eat a high-quality diet of naturally occurring gluten-free foods.

With the rise in gluten Celiac and NCGS individuals, a whole new line of gluten-free processed foods has been developed for consumption. Note that in order for these foods to taste similar they will use binders and additives such as gums, carrageenan, xantham gum, and guar gums. These compounds have been found to damage intestinal barriers as similar to how gluten and wheat open the TJ and permeate the gut (52)

Abstaining from gluten will help to heal the intestinal wall and combat any digestive symptoms that may occur when gluten is consumed. Often for full recovery of the gut lining, those with NCGS should continue a gluten-free diet for the rest of their life. (53)

Information on the reintroduction of gluten to an NCGS individual is limited in the research (54) but it should be noted when gluten is taken out of the diet it has been shown to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. (55,56) It is important to understand that the data collected in this study was collected in 1986, much before people began following diets as a trend. (57) This likely creates a selection bias in the purported risks of a gluten-free diet because it is well-known that Celiac disease is known to increase the risk of many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease. (58)

Although gluten-free diets (GFD) seems to be the most important management strategy, it should be suggested only after careful examination and a definite diagnosis of NCGS. (29) The cure for thyroid disorders is likely multifactorial.

Summary

Thyroid issues, even if they are temporary are highly tied to the health of the gut. Often gluten is a pro-inflammatory food for many people with thyroid conditions. Elimination of gluten and healing of the gut are steps necessary for health benefits and improving function of the thyroid. A gluten-free diet plan is likely part of the best natural treatment for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Diets that eliminate gluten are helpful in seeing if there is any NCGS present. However, a sure fire way to know if you have a gluten sensitivity issue is to get a blood or stool test.

Celery Juice Testimonials and Proven Benefits

March 25, 2019 by Heidi and Kelly 2 Comments

Glass of fresh celery juice with two celery stalks and celery leaves on a white background by Thyroid Nutrition Educators

Celery juice testimonials are impactful because celery is harmless and has a lot of potential for benefit. Here are two testimonials from two health professionals, the history of celery, and the science that supports celery juice benefits.

Celery (Apium graveolens) history is vibrant. “He now has need of nothing but celery” meant that some unfortunate person was about to die, according to the ancient Greeks. The Greeks also gave celery to their prized athletes. The famous Grecian, Hippocrates, described celery as a nerve-rebuilder. He was likely on point and keenly astute about this matter as you will soon find out.

Kelly’s Celery Juice Testimonial

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism three years ago. After my diagnosis, I tried the elimination diet and food testing to see if food was to blame. The food testing results pointed to food sensitivities to gluten, soy, corn and rice.

As a patient, my goal was to eliminate my food triggers and explore a holistic regimen free of medications. However, I was advised by my endocrinologist to take 50 mcg of levothyroxine instead.

To be honest, I never felt comfortable with that decision. On the other hand, I opted to follow the advice in hopes that it would relieve my symptoms of hair loss (especially my eyebrows) unexplained fatigue, weight gain and constipation. Some of my symptoms did resolve themselves but I not convinced it was the medicine. I believed it was the celery juice.

Yes, celery juice! I jumped onto the celery juice craze by reading books by the Medical Medium Books written by Anthony William. According to the book, celery juice can starve pathogens associated with thyroiditis and other autoimmune conditions.

I was both excited and regretful that such a simple organic solution to my problem had been so easily accessible to me, yet I was unaware. Celery juice has this unique ability to break down pathogen’s cell membranes by destroying and killing the virus in Epstein-Barr (also known as human herpesvirus), HHV-6, Streptococcus and shingles.

The benefits of drinking celery juice I found to be the most useful was stomach bloating. I drink the recommended 16 ounces of celery juice every morning on an empty stomach, then have a healthy breakfast after a half hour. Celery is high in magnesium, sodium, potassium that play an important role in keeping you hydrated after a night’s sleep.

Currently, there is no significant clinical research on the benefits of celery juice in human digestion-yet. But studies using rodents suggest the celery can protect the stomach from ulcers and the progression of gastric cancers.

Other benefits of celery juice is the reduction of inflammation. Inflammation can present itself in joint pain, rashes, mucus build-up, coughing, or gut issues. Celery contains flavonoids called apigenin and quercetin, which are compounds found in a variety of inflammatory herbs and spices.

Also, the powerful properties of sodium work together to eliminate toxins from the body, including the gut. In my case, it helped with my asthma to reduce coughing and wheezing when exercising. Celery juice works to reduce inflammation, which heals your body from the inside.

The last benefit that really makes me juice everyday is normal bowel movements. Sorry for the TMI but this is a game changer!

When drinking celery juice, it acts like a natural detox which will kill off unproductive bacteria in the gut and help the liver function more efficiently. I would highly recommend trying celery juice or just investing in the Medical Mediums books.

Anthony Williams is not a doctor, but his research has found celery juice can destroy the viruses like Epstein-Barr, Strep, shingles. I have noticed some others changes as well, but I will let you discover yourself!

Heidi’s Celery Juice Testimonial

I have used celery juice for years too, but in a different way. I use a two stalks of celery in each and every smoothie I make. Hit blend, then you have celery juice! This way, the fiber in celery is retained. I usually blend it all up with other healthy vegetables.

I make organic celery juice instead of conventional because celery often comes up on The Dirty Dozen list for chemicals and pesticides.

Why? Celery has been used for thousands of years for medicine and I’m the first to try things that our ancestors used. The wisdom of our ancestors needs to be brought back. I also did some digging into the research about celery and found it fascinating.

I also struggled with thyroid issues in the past and know that the deep connection between toxins, stress, and thyroid function can’t be overstated. When I consistently drink my vegetable smoothie, I feel really great. I have improved sleep, focus, energy, and less painful menstrual cycles.

Celery History

The legends of celery are bigger than life. The history of plants and their use to aid human survival gives us clues and windows into the rich past about life, and possibly how we need to move forward with progress in the modern world which abounds with poor quality of health.

Imagine a time when celery was used strictly for medicine. This happens to be true for most of recorded history (1).

Archeological evidence suggests that celery seeds were transported in Switzerland around 4000 B.C. Celery is believed to have been cultivated for at least 3000 years; most of this time it is known to be used exclusively for medicine.

The first time celery was first recorded to be used as food in France was in the 1600s.

Celery likely originated in the Mediterranean regions, but wild celery, also known as smallage, grows in wet places over Europe and Asia. Celery that we know today was domesticated around the 1700s in Europe, and became widely used for food after that point.

Celery Juice Nutrition

Rich in nutrients, celery contains:

Vitamin K
Potassium
Folate
Fiber
Apigenin
Quercetin
Polyacetylenes
Luteolin

Uses for Celery

Celery is very versatile and adds a cleansing aspect to almost any food dish or drink. It has a very cleansing feel to the digestive tract, palate and teeth.

Here are some forms and ways to use celery(2):

Raw celery sticks
Celery juice
Celery leaves for soups
Celery seed extract
Celery juice powder
Celery dishes
Roasted celery
Sautéed celery
Celery seed supplements
Celery seeds in cuisine

Celery characteristics

Celery may not be your first choice in terms of taste for eating because of its sometimes powerful bitterness, stringy texture. Celery’s aroma and crunch lends itself well to cooking and dipping, however.

Taste can be improved easily with many flavor additions and cooking preparation methods. Check out 101 Cookbooks for numerous recipes to enjoy celery.

Celery Juice Benefits

Testimonials are great, so what does the science say about celery juice proven benefits? Here are the research studies as well as the legends that we have so far.

Celery Aphrodisiac Effects

Evidence of celery offerings to the tomb of Tutankhamun have been also been found (3). Romans were also known to revere celery; they dedicated celery to Pluto, their God of sex.

Celery was famous in history as a passion promoter, from the nymph Calypso owing her seven-year-long love fest with Odysseus to celery (4), to the mistress Madame d Pompadour invoking lust from Louis XV with celery soup (5). It has been used for centuries to treat impotence and as an aphrodisiac. Casanova is well-known to owe his amorous ways to daily consumption of celery (6).

What we know today: Celery helps lower blood pressure, improves cholesterol, and has at least 12 kinds of antioxidants that may improve cardiovascular function (7,8,9). Sexual dysfunction is often linked to poor circulation in the small blood vessels (10).

Heart patients are sometimes given nitroglycerin to help with vascular blood flow and reduce chest pain (11). You guessed it; celery has natural nitrates that seem to have similar if not more mild functions (12). Celery does not contain the toxic version of nitrate known as nitrites (9).

Celery contains apigenin — a flavonoid and protein inhibitor that may boost testosterone levels in the testes.

Celery protects the testes from toxins such as phthalates (13). It also likely makes the body use insulin more effectively, making the blood vessels healthier (14).

Could erectile dysfunction be related to H.Pylori? If you needed one more reason to eat celery, it seems to reduce the chances of gastric ulcer by reducing H.Pylori infections.

H.Pylori increases type 2 diabetes risk by over 3 times (15,16). Type 2 diabetes is also associated with erectile dysfunction. More dots connected. Yes, a convoluted link, but it all starts to add up.

Not enough to get your heart pumping?

Celery also has androsterone, which is a natural steroid found in sweat, and it acts like a pheromone (17). In humans, pheromones are known to exert feelings of well-being, but in animals, are known to have very powerful signals for sex. Does this matter in humans?

Recent evidence suggests that men who eat more vegetables instead of carbohydrate-rich foods smell better to women, particularly their sweat (18). And to women, the scent is a very important quality in the opposite sex. While this study didn’t prove that celery itself is sexy to women, it further supports the hypothesis that diet matters in the arena of sex.

Were our ancestors right in their exertion that celery was an aphrodisiac? All signs so far point to yes. Is it the plant form of Viagra? I certainly hope not. With food and medicinal plants, it’s the long game and balance that matters. But a “celery a day keeps the Viagra away” should and could be put to the test without fear of harm, unlike the drug.

Celery digestion and liver detoxification benefits

Rich antioxidants in celery may also help protect the digestive tract and biliary system. What does history tell us? Ayurvedic doctors and ancient Romans have used celery to treat poor digestion and liver ailments. Here is the current science supporting that our ancestors were right in their assertions of celery healing the digestive tract.

Celery may reduce the toxic effects of alcohol. However, it is most important to NOT over-consume alcohol anyway for many reasons. Celery seeds were given to mice with gastric ulcers brought on by alcohol; celery was able to inhibit over 90% of stomach ulceration; this is a similar potency to the active control drug called omeprazole (19).

Celery Benefits for Infections

Due to celery’s antimicrobial properties, it may help fight infections. In fact, The University of Maryland Medical Center website for gastritis management notes that flavonoids in celery may prevent the growth of bacteria, which are responsible for gastritis, or inflammation in the stomach lining (20).

Celery seems to reduce liver fat, improve liver detoxification, and handle cholesterol metabolism in an enhanced way. How? Possibly because it seems to also protect the body from environmental toxins like bisphenol A and phthalates. It also improves liver enzyme function (21).

Celery Juice Benefits for Nerves and Mood

Celery cools a hot temper according to Danish folk medicine (22). Hot tempers or mood disorders are related to digestive issues in modern medicine.

Celery apigenin, exerts anxiety-reducing effects, possibly by modulating GABA receptors (23). High concentrations of apigenin also occur in chamomile, parsley, artichokes, peppermint, red wine, and licorice.

Apigenin also reduces cortisol levels indirectly because it is rich in bioflavonoids coumarin and apigenin (24). These compounds help to prevent your body from producing stress hormones in excess, which helps to calm your nervous system. Additionally, celery is also rich in magnesium, which promotes a calming effect, as well.

Celery apigenin also stimulates neurogenesis in adults (25); Hippocrates seemed to get it right. This means it helps the growth of new nerve cells.

All combined, the multiple mechanisms discovered in animal models point towards easing of emotional states that trigger digestive issues, plus many additional benefits that neurogenesis may afford.

Does Celery Fight Cancer?

Celery contains cancer-protective compounds including polyacetylenes, luteolin, and apigenin (26,27,28). Early studies have shown that polyacetylenes help reduce toxicity and fight against cancer formation, specifically breast cancer, pancreatic, intestinal cancer and leukemia (28,29).

Eating foods high in apigenin may reduce breast cancer risk by about 20%, and also seems to help prevent colon and pancreatic tumors (27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36). These compounds act to inhibit tumor growth factors and are involved in cell cycle arrest of cancer cells.

Celery for Pain and Inflammation

Celery for Gout

Celery reduces uric acid levels, a major contributor to gout symptoms. Additional research shows that celery seeds might have potential use in alleviating inflammation and pain associated with gout (37,38).

Celery seeds may provide strong pain relief by suppressing cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme involved in the production of inflammation(33).

The celery seed extract is as effective as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen for reducing inflammation and pain in rat models of arthritis (39).

Summary

Does celery prove to be medicinal, as our great scholars and legends suggested? Should we honor time-tested traditions and eat celery medicinally? Some medical experts and skeptics may say we don’t have enough evidence yet backed by randomized clinical trials.

But what do these trials measure anyway? If researchers look at one endpoint, they will likely miss the big picture; they miss numerous facets of celery and of many other diverse plants in this rigid form of research.

I would argue that waiting for randomized clinical trials might be fool-hardy. One of the most renowned medical journals, the New England Journal of Medicine, just recently published that we need to encompass many forms of research when making informed decisions about how to help heal people (40).

What a fresh breath of air in the sometimes snooty world of medical research.

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well.” Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own.

Yes, Virginia. I believe.

Essential Oils for Thyroid Health

March 9, 2019 by Heidi Moretti, RD Leave a Comment

Some of these links are affiliate links, that means when you sign up or purchase from these links I might receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. However, we only promote the products and services we love!

Essential oils may be helpful for thyroid health because they are known to help reduce some of the root causes of thyroid issues. You can do this by using a functional nutrition approach.

Read on to learn more about how essential oils can fit into your client’s lives.

What Does the Thyroid Do?

The thyroid is responsible for regulating metabolic rate through complex mechanisms and regulatory controls.

The thyroid makes thyroxine, an inactive form of a hormone, and also makes triiodothyronine or T3. The thyroid gland also makes calcitonin, a calcium-regulating hormone.

Thyroid releasing hormone (TRH), which regulates the production of T3, is made in the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland makes thyroid stimulating (TSH) hormone in response to T3 levels in the blood.

What Do Thyroid Hormones Do?

Thyroid hormones control:

Metabolism and appetite – your energy, ability to burn fat, and even use of nutrients in the body.
Body temperature and body reactions
Mood
Heart rate
Brain function
Muscle maintenance
Fertility and hormone balance
Bone strength

Thyroid hormones are affected by other organs in the body. If these organs aren’t functioning properly, it will reduce optimal thyroid function.

Those organs are:

The adrenal glands
The liver
The hypothalamus
The pituitary gland

Who Has Thyroid Dysfunction?

At least 10 percent of the population suffer from a thyroid disorder and an estimated 13 million people, or 50% of people, in the United States have thyroid dysfunction and don’t know it.

Up to 20% of women greater than 60 years of age have subclinical hypothyroidism as well

Chronic stress impacts hormonal balances in the body. This stress, including diet imbalances, can negatively impact the thyroid.

Natural thyroid support should aim to reduce stress. Essential oils play an important role to reduce stress.

What Causes Thyroid Problems?

Toxins, poor diets, stress, and inflammation are known to make thyroid function suffer. We know this is a real problem because a huge percentage of the population now have thyroid problems, including weight gain, altered metabolism, and more.

A great lifestyle can go a long way to helping your client’s thyroid function. It is empowering because your patients will see results in this area!

Use of essential oils is also emerging as a great way to support our thyroid health. Many plants that are mentioned here support overall health, thyroid, and metabolism in many ways.

Keep in mind, many research studies support mechanisms to improve thyroid function; however, many of the studies we have are still early phase.

Diet & Environmental Factors

Inflammation dictates a leaky gut, which in turn increases the risk of thyroid problems.

The root cause of many thyroid issues is imbalanced diet, processed foods, leaky gut, exposure to chemicals, and too much inflammation. Here is how:

Low thyroid levels are related to having too few antioxidants.
High thyroid levels cause oxidation and inflammation.
Leaky gut allows chemicals to enter the body that can drive inflammation and toxic burden.

Stress, imbalanced diet, food intolerances, toxins, and lack of protective plants in our diet also create this inflammatory response and low antioxidant levels.

Thyroid-adrenal connection

Chronic stress negatively impacts the thyroid.

How?

Cortisol from the adrenal glands function in a negative feedback loop with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This is known as the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid axis.

Cortisol signals to your hypothalamus, thyroid, and pituitary gland all to slow down. Stress also changes the conversion of T4 to T3, resulting in more reverse T3.

This is why essential oils have a lot of appeal as a therapy for the stress-related “Thyroid steal”. If you can prevent the chronic, elevated cortisol levels, you can reduce some of the negative aspects of low thyroid levels, such as:

Weight gain
Fatigue
Etc.

Cortisol increases thyroid resistance, much like the resistance of insulin in the body when we have diabetes. Additionally, stress hormone increases estrogen levels, which elevates thyroid binding globulin, causing a net decrease in the thyroid function.

Stress also decreases thyroid releasing hormone from the pituitary gland, further worsening thyroid levels in the blood.

The main objective to help the thyroid function in this context is to dampen down stress!

Let’s review. Stress causes:

Reduces Thyroid Releasing Hormone
Increases thyroid resistance
Reduces T4 to T3 conversion
Increases estrogen which increases thyroid binding hormone

Essential oils that reduce cortisol response:

Geranium
Frankincense
Mandarin
Basil
Ylang ylang
Neroli
Petitgrain
Lavender
Rosemary

Other ways that oils that may help adrenal function:

Cinnamon bark essential oil –may help balance blood sugar and insulin
Helichrysum essential oil –Reduces stress and is anti-inflammatory
Manuka essential oil – Very relaxing and is spasmolytic
Rosemary essential oil – Reduces cortisol and may improve memory
Thyme essential oil – reduces stress, inflammation, and helps immunity

Thyroid-Liver Connection

Liver imbalances can reduce the function of the thyroid. To help liver detoxification processes, use oils like:

The Hypothalamus-thyroid connection

The hypothalamus is the control center for hormones, digestive, and the nervous system.

Essential oils can impact the hypothalamus because the aromatic compounds send signals from the olfactory bulb directly to the hypothalamus.

As part of the limbic system, the hypothalamus is deeply involved in memory, and the sense of smell intricately helps balance the hypothalamic response.

In addition to the aromatic effect of essential oils, compounds in essential oils called sesqueterpines can cross the blood-brain barrier.

These aromatic compounds increase oxygen to the entire limbic system. The result is an increase in endorphins, neurotransmitters, and more.

The sesqueterpines are a larger size molecule with 15 carbon atoms; this makes them less volatile than other essential oil compounds.

Oils high in sesqueterpines include:

Frankincense
Helichrysm
Blue tansy
Sandalwood
Cedarwood
Chamomile
Ginger
Melissa
Myrrh
Patchouli
Vetiver
Spikenard
Ylang Ylang

Other Ways Essential Oils Help our Thyroid?

Essential oils can help get to the root of many of thyroid imbalances, especially stress as described above.

Essential oils serve as a great source of antioxidants for the body and can help bring down inflammation.

This, in turn, helps the thyroid.

Here are some key essential oils that help balance and may help restore thyroid function.

Lemongrass Essential Oil: Lemongrass has potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Lemongrass is also a great essential oil for pain in the thyroid area.

Diluted lemongrass applied to the neck may help reduce thyroid discomfort and provide healing properties.

This is why lemongrass may be helpful for managing symptoms of thyroid nodules.

Ginger Essential Oil: Ginger essential oil is very beneficial to reduce inflammation.

It is also great to help the digestive tract work properly.

In cell culture, ginger also reduced leaky gut and inflammation.

A blend of ginger and lemon oil used as aromatherapy helped preserve the salivary gland in patients who were undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer.

Turmeric Essential Oil: Ginger’s relative, turmeric, is helpful in many ways to support thyroid health.

Leaky gut is a culprit that makes thyroid conditions worse. Turmeric essential oil may be beneficial for inflammatory bowel conditions, a condition known to have leaky gut.

These conditions are related to thyroid disorders. High levels of thyroid or T3 can cause stress on the body and inflammation as well.

Turmeric also reduced the stress on the body caused by too T3.(7) In a cell culture study, turmeric also reduced the growth of thyroid cancer cells.

Lavender Essential Oil: Elevated cortisol, or stress hormone, may impair normal thyroid function.

Lavender essential oil reduced cortisol levels by almost 70% in patients preparing for open heart surgery.

Lavender also reduces free radicals and oxidative damage while reducing stress hormone cortisol. Lavender has been scientifically proven to promote calm feelings.

Lavender is also a great essential oil for natural pain relief.

Sandalwood Essential Oil: Sandalwood promotes healthy mood and minimizes anxiety, a symptom that comes with a thyroid imbalance.

Myrrh Essential Oil: Myrrh improved all thyroid functions in mice, including improved conversion of T4 to T3 and increased uptake of iodine.

Like many other essential oils mentioned, myrrh reduces inflammation and has antioxidant activities.

Frankincense and myrrh block inflammation potently.

Myrrh prevented low thyroid levels in female mice by reducing markers of inflammation in the body.

Frankincense Essential Oil: Frankincense essential oil effectively blocks inflammation in the body and also enhances the effects of other essential oils.

Frankincense is used also to reduce pain and inflammation in joints.

Frankincense also may improve skin disorders that accompany thyroid issues such as dry skin.

Frankincense may protect the thyroid by reducing free radicals in the body.

Frankincense is one of the best essential oils for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Essential Oils for Healthy Metabolism

Low thyroid can cause a sluggish metabolism and weight gain. Essential oils that are Certified Pure Therapeutic (CPTG) quality can be used to help support a healthy metabolism, including grapefruit, peppermint oil, and cinnamon oil as well as ginger oil.

Other essential oils that reduce inflammation include the following:

Thyme
Clove
Rose
Eucalyptus
Fennel
Bergamot

How to Use Essential Oils for Thyroid

Apply directly to your neck area with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil.

Combining multiple types of essential oils may increase effectiveness. A good combination for help with the thyroid is clove, myrrh, frankincense, and lemongrass together.

We absorb essential oils directly into the skin, just like most things we apply to our body. Many essential oils use hexane and solvents to extract plant compounds. They even use chemical fillers! Use only Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG) oils.

The oils listed above can also be taken internally, using 1-2 drops twice daily, in an empty gel cap or diluted in water if using Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG) oils. Doterra oils for thyroid is one such oil.

As a general rule, use small amounts (1-2 drops) several times a day for the most benefit.

A great way to help overall health is to get an essential oil kit.

Safety

Essential oils are not a replacement for medication but can support the health of the body.
Routinely check your thyroid levels with your doctor and adjust medications as necessary.
Make sure to use caution if you are sensitive to any of the essential oils.
Do not use these during pregnancy unless under the guidance of your healthcare provider.

Summary

Essential oils are supportive of a healthy body and thyroid in numerous ways. You can help guide your patients and clients with essential oil use with some basic tips listed above. As with anything, essential oils can not work in isolation and should be part of overall medical management.

Functional Nutrition for Thyroid Disorders

March 3, 2019 by Heidi Moretti, RD 1 Comment

The movement of practitioners towards functional medicine and functional nutrition is a growing one for conditions like thyroid disorders and more, where treatment options tend to be limited and generally incomplete using modern medical practices.

Many practitioners in healthcare are seeking better ways to help people beyond guideline-based practice. They want to help people get to the root of their problem and empower them to heal faster.

Functional health is about optimizing what you want to do with your body and remove limitations that are caused by disease.

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is evidenced-based medicine that encompasses a closer look at risk-benefit analysis than standard conventional medicine. It is a very personal approach, not necessarily aiming to treat a diagnosis, but to get to the root cause of illness by working carefully to examine a patient’s history and triggers.

For example, the risks of nutrient deficiency are many, and the benefits of repletion of these deficiencies are high. These parameters, benefits, risks, odds, costs, and stakes are carefully considered. Conventional medicine routinely overlooks nutrition and food considerations in the healing process.

Functional medicine is a science-based field of medicine that focuses on healing rather than symptom management. Healing thyroid disorders is no exception.

It is a more comprehensive approach than today’s band-aid approach to medicine.

Functional medicine practitioners can be physicians, dietitians, naturopaths, and other certified health practitioners. Functional medicine training is post-graduate and is a highly rigorous type of training.

In this blog, the focus will be how all types of advanced-practice providers can learn to help heal their patients with the functional nutrition approach.

What is a Functional doctor? Functional doctors have advanced training over and above general practitioner degrees or internal medicine degrees. Typically they receive training through the Institute for Functional Medicine.

How to Define Functional Medicine

The functional medicine definition is essentially this: treating the root cause of illness.

Functional medicine is based on the premise that if you give the body what it needs, it has an immense ability to heal. Rather than treating downstream symptoms, a functional medicine practitioner aims to get to the root cause of illness.

The root causes of thyroid disorders and most chronic diseases today almost always are related to inflammation. By getting to the root of inflammation, the healing process can happen.

Functional medicine focuses on the individual, not mass prescribing practices. While some functional medicine practitioners may use some prescriptions, the focus is on a healing approach and curing illnesses through natural approaches whenever possible.

What is Functional Nutrition?

How is functional nutrition different than functional medicine? They are very similar and overlapping. Functional nutrition is generally practiced by a registered dietitian and functional medicine is practiced by a physician.

According to the Institute for Functional Nutrition, functional nutrition therapy is a leading-edge, evidence-based, systems biology approach to patient care that focuses on identifying root causes and imbalances to significantly improve patient health outcome.

Functional nutrition is able to hone in on the most critical part of the healing process-what we put in our body. For thyroid disorders, you will learn that food is central to the healing process on this website.

How Functional Nutritionists Help You Heal Your Thyroid

Functional nutrition is the center of functional medicine and functional nutrition practitioners have specialized training in helping a patient heal by meeting the unique nutritional needs of the individual.

When you see a functional nutrition provider, you will get individualized attention to help you feel better. Let’s take a comparison of a standard approach versus a functional nutrition approach.

Standard Nutrition Approach for Thyroid Disorders

Here is an example of a case report using a standard approach to a thyroid disorder.

A client has high blood pressure and is overweight with a hypothyroid disorder and chronic fatigue. A standard nutrition approach would be to cut calories, follow a DASH diet, and monitor weight trends. Most likely, a standard approach wouldn’t even approach thyroid concerns.

While some improvement may be seen, the client never really gets over the fatigue, doesn’t lose much weight, and never feels empowered with their health.

Versus

Functional Nutrition Approach for Thyroid Disorders

True case report. The same client above with high blood pressure, overweight and thyroid disorder. We reviewed the client’s entire life story, identified root causes to stress, digestive concerns, the onset of fatigue, the onset of digestive issues, exposures to toxins, chemical sensitivities, sleep patterns, diet patterns, food triggers and more.

With this individualized approach, the patient was able to help set their own goals, identify their own triggers to fatigue, identify food triggers to their illness.

The patient returns in 3 months, after getting to the root cause of her illness by improving her gut function with diet approaches, including gluten free and dairy free elimination diet and key functional nutrition supplements. Her thyroid function greatly improved, weight decreased substantially, fatigue was gone, sleep was completely better.

Functional medicine benefits thyroid function, whereas conventional medicine overlooks the effects of diet on thyroid function.

By getting to the root causes with functional nutrition, we not only changed numbers in the labs and scale, but we also changed her life. Nutrition help was at the center of her care as you can see.

How to Become a Functional Medicine or Functional Nutrition Practitioner

You will need specialized training post graduation and after obtaining your RDN, MD, NP, etc.

Here are some good options for training by accredited institutions.

Institute for Functional Medicine.

The Institute for Functional Medicine is the gold standard for functional nutrition and functional medicine training. It is the foremost leader in functional medicine training. Primarily physicians achieve certification here through a very rigorous process of modules and exam.

Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy

The Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy™ (IFNA™) is a clinically oriented online training and mentoring program founded by two of the nation’s premier integrative medicine nutritionists.

Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine Practice Group.

This is a practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. With over 5000 members and growing, DIFM offers a certification program in functional medicine.

Functional Nutrition Labs for Thyroid Function

A functional nutrition provider or functional doctor will obtain targeted labs that can address inflammation, gut dysfunction and more.

These labs can include, but aren’t limited to:

Organic acids
Gluten sensitivity testing
Other food sensitivity testing
Antibody testing,
Genomics
Microbiome analysis
Micronutrient testing

Functional Nutrition Supplements for Thyroid Disorders

Functional nutritionists and functional doctors have a deep understanding of nutrient metabolism and genetic or epigenetic expression. Nutritional deficiencies are common in thyroid disorders.

They can include vitamin D, Magnesium, Iodine, Iron, and many more.

An awareness that food sensitivities and concomitant autoimmune disease such as colitis make nutrient absorption challenging and supplements can become a requirement.

Functional nutrition supplements that may help the thyroid may include, but aren’t limited to:

Vitamin D3
Magnesium
Iodine
Selenium
Iron
Folate
Chlorella
Fish oil
Lemongrass
Ashwagandha
Essential oils can also be helpful

Restoring balance nutritionally can help heal leaky gut symptoms and provide nutrient substrates for thyroid tissue.

Functional Nutrition Thyroid Benefits

As described in the case study above, a patient-centered approach to healing is the premise for all health, including functional medicine thyroid benefits.

A functional nutritionist will have a deep and thorough understanding of the research of nutrients, foods and their effect on autoimmune thyroid disorders.

Thyroid disorders are generally inflammatory in nature and have autoimmune causes.

By understanding epigenetics, root causes of inflammation, and food triggers, functional medicine benefit for thyroid can be vast.

Eliminating food sensitivities to triggers such as gluten, dairy, soy, and/or corn, the immune inflammatory response can be calmed.

By replacing missing micronutrient and restoring gut function by reducing leaky gut, patients can help their thyroid function recover.

Functional Thyroid Doctor Versus Conventional Endocrinologist

A conventional thyroid doctor, or endocrinologist, has a few tools for thyroid disorder, which include surgical options, thyroid replacement drugs, advanced imaging, radioactive thyroid.

In contrast, functional nutritionists and functional doctors will focus on how to treat hypothyroid naturally in a way that best suits the individual patient.

How to Treat Hypothyroid Naturally Using Functional Nutrition

Treating the thyroid naturally is the cornerstone of functional nutrition.

Working with the patient to figure out ways to heal leaky gut helps tremendously (link to gluten blog).

Why do we address leaky gut? Leaky gut is related to most thyroid disorders.

Tight junction malfunctions in the gut it can lead to unwanted visitors including antigens, pathogens, bacteria, and viruses leaking out into the bloodstream.(R)

When the channels are constantly open the gut will be permeable and leaking substances, hence the term “leaky gut.” (R)

Gut infections due to candida or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) lead to an imbalance of bacteria in the microbiome and result in leaky gut. These often occur due to nutrient-depleted diet, chronic stress, food intolerance, gluten, and medications such as antibiotics, steroids, and birth control pills (R).

Once the gut becomes compromised it can set off a chain reaction of immune responses which can lead to autoimmune diseases such as thyroiditis (R)

Just like in other diseases, as tight junctions weaken, the intestinal barrier begins to erode, leaving the body exposed and susceptible to bacterial antigens. These foreign invaders can lead to an immune response which autoimmune conditions.(R)

How to reverse hypothyroid disorders? Address this gut barrier and autoimmune link.

While we know that prescription medications can’t reverse hypothyroid, functional nutrition can if the patient’s specific autoimmune triggers and antecedents are addressed.

Can we cure hypothyroid naturally? If it is caught early, it is very possible to treat the thyroid naturally.

Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Functional nutrition is highly effective at helping a patient decrease autoimmune thyroiditis symptoms and can even result in complete resolution of the autoimmune illnesses in some cases.

How?

By getting to the root cause of this autoimmune disease, understanding epigenetics, and more.

Hypothyroid natural remedies, using a functional nutrition approach, include:

Eliminating triggers and toxins
Removing toxic insults
Replace nutrients and antioxidants
Restoring gut function
Reducing stress
Reinoculate with beneficial probiotics

Summary

Functional nutrition and functional medicine help get to the root cause of thyroid disorders for your patients. The focus of The Thyroid Nutrition Educators is to help you learn the concepts of healing using a functional approach.

5 Tests to Measure for Optimum Thyroid Levels

February 23, 2019 by Jeanette Kimszal, RDN, NLC 1 Comment

Thyroid conditions are becoming a big concern for Americans. If even if you are not experiencing symptoms it is imperative that you get your thyroid checked. Everyone can benefit from thyroid screenings. As a clinician here are 5 blood tests that will help give a comprehensive look at your client’s thyroid health.

THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE (TSH) TESTS

This test measures the levels of the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in your blood released by your pituitary gland.

Elevated TSH

A HIGH TSH means the pituitary gland is releasing its hormone to get the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone. This shows the thyroid UNDERACTING due to a problem affecting the thyroid (HYPOTHYROIDISM).

Low TSH

A LOW TSH means the pituitary gland feels there is too much thyroid hormone in the blood and will slow or stop releasing TSH. Thyroid production will then decrease. This means they thyroid is OVERACTIVE and is producing too much thyroid hormone (HYPERTHYROIDISM).

“NORMAL” TSH

TSH is a golden standard for diagnosing and managing hypothyroidism but there is some controversy on how to measure and interpret the results of the test.

There is some debate about the NORMAL range for this test. Most labs in the United States us the reference range of 0.5 to 5.5 as normal. So the results would be as follows:

A TSH LESS than 0.5 would show an overactive thyroid or HYPERthyroidism.

A TSH GREATER than 5.0 indicated an underactive thyroid or HYPOthyroidism.

However, some medical professionals feel this is too wide of a range and instead they should use a lower range of 0.3 to 3.0. So the results would be

A TSH LESS than 0.3 would show an overactive thyroid or HYPERthyroidism.

A TSH GREATER than 3.0 indicated an underactive thyroid or HYPOthyroidism.

So if your doctor says your test is “NORMAL” you may want to get a copy of the results to see for yourself. This could be one reason why so many Americans go misdiagnosed for years before finding out they have a thyroid condition.

TSH SUMMARY

You should find out what your exact TSH result is, what reference lab values are being used to determine your results, and what TSH range they follow.

THYROID ANTIBODY TESTS

The body’s defense against bacteria and foreign invaders are antibodies. However, sometimes your body mistakenly attacks its own cells resulting in autoimmune disease. This is the case with some thyroid disorders. Antibodies will attack and damage the thyroid.

The thyroid antibody tests show if there are a lot of thyroid antibodies are floating in your blood and determine the health of your thyroid.

There are 3 types of thyroid antibodies that are found in the blood:

Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO) Test

Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO) is the most common test for detecting tissue damage and autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves disease, postpartum thyroiditis or other forms of thyroiditis.

Thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb) Test

Thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb) is an antibody that targets thyroglobulin, which is the storage form of thyroid hormones. This test is performed to see if there is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or thyroid cancer.

Thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TSHRAb) Tests

Thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TSHRAb) consist of 2 types of antibodies that stick to the outside of thyroid cells preventing TSH from getting to the thyroid. They are the Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) and the Thyroid binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII) antibodies.

Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) Antibodies

Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) is an antibody that sticks to thyroid cells and can lead to HYPERTHYROIDISM. This is ordered when a person shows signs of hyperthyroidism and is used to determine if they have Grave’s disease. The higher the levels the more active the Grave’s disease has become. You should note that the ascent of TSI antibodies does not mean you are not at risk for Graves. Some people with Hashimoto’s will also have periods of hyperthyroidism and present with TSI antibodies.

Thyroid binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII) Antibodies

Thyroid binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII) antibodies prevent TSH from getting to the thyroid cells and can result in HYPOTHYROIDISM.

Antibodies Test Results

Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) and Thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAb) are the most common antibodies to be tested.

Antibodies Within Range

TPO antibodies that are within range are considered normal with a lower possibility of getting Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

POSITIVE Antibodies Test Results

POSITIVE test results with TPO and/or TGAb thyroid antibodies in the blood of a person with hypothyroidism mean they have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves disease. For a person with these antibodies and hyperthyroidism they are likely to have autoimmune thyroid disease.

For those diagnosed with Graves’ disease and elevated TGAb antibodies could put you at risk for hypothyroidism.

NEGATIVE Antibodies Test Results

NEGATIVE ANTIBODIES RESULTS

If your antibody test comes out NEGATIVE and there is an under- or overactive thyroid condition present your client still may be at risk for a thyroid autoimmune disease.

NEGATIVE test results does mean there are NOT any antibodies in your blood at the time of test. However, there are some individuals who have autoimmune thyroid disease and do not have any antibodies present in their blood.

This is because antibodies can develop over time. That is why it is important to monitor the thyroid condition with antibody testing.

ELEVATED ANTIBODIES RESULTS

If your antibody levels are somewhat ELEVATED your client may be at risk for conditions like thyroid cancer, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, pernicious anemia, and autoimmune collagen vascular diseases.

Typically, if you see antibodies it means an autoimmune disease is present. This means that the higher the level of antibodies the more likely you are to have an autoimmune disease.

If thyroid antibodies are found in a pregnant woman this increases the risk of the baby developing hypo- or hyperthyroidism.

THYROID ANTIBODIES & THYROID CANCER

Antibody tests may not always work with thyroid cancer since thyroglobulin antibodies can provide false results. So other tests should be used to monitor thyroid cancer progression.

The levels of thyroglobulin antibodies can mask thyroid cancer progression, but the change in level of these antibodies can be used to monitor cancer treatment is working: decreases show the treatment is working while an increase in antibodies shows it is not effective.

Antibodies Test Summary

While even some healthy people may have thyroid antibodies in their blood. Antibodies increase with age are and are higher in women. If you test positive for thyroid peroxidase antibodies, it may indicate an increased risk for thyroid disease in the future and should be monitored overtime to see if they become elevated.

It is also important to know how your levels are changing over time. An increase in antibodies will tell you how if the condition is progressing over time.

TOTAL THYROXINE (T4) & FREE THYROXINE (Free T4) Tests

Thyroxine is a thyroid hormone. Thyroxine tests evaluate the health of the thyroid by measuring the level of hormone produced. This test diagnoses conditions like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, when TSH levels are abnormal.

There are 2 types of Thyroxine:

Total thyroxine (T4)

Total thyroxine (T4) constitutes for the most abundant form of thyroxine in the body. Free thyroxine (Free T4 or FT4) is the smaller amount of thyroid hormone not bound to any molecules so it is free floating. Since total T4 is bound to the protein it is affected by protein levels and is not as an accurate measure of T4 hormone as Free T4. Free T4 shows how much hormone is immediately available for your body to use which is why it is a better measure of hormone levels.

Free Thyroxine (Free T4)

Free thyroxine or Free T4 tests can help to find how much thyroid hormone is being produced, hyper- or hypothyroidism as well as distinguish a type of thyroid disorders, diagnose pituitary disorders, help to diagnose infertility in women, monitor the treatment of thyroid disorders, and monitor thyroid treatments, pituitary disease, and thyroid cancer in those whose tumor respond to TSH.

Thyroxine Ranges

Regardless of whether your T4 is high or low, abnormal lab results indicated that there is a problem with the thyroid. Normal ranges of total T4 and Free T4 are as follows:

Total thyroxine T4 (total T4) are 4.6-12 ug/dl
Free Thyroxine (Free T4) 0.7-1.9 ng/dl

HIGH levels of Free T4 may indicate HYPERthyroidism.

LOW levels of Free T4 may indicate HYPOthyroidism.

Thyroxine Test and the Pituitary Gland

T4 tests can also determine whether the thyroid condition resulted from a problem with the thyroid or the pituitary gland based on how much TSH is present at the time of the test.

LOW T4 could mean a thyroid or pituitary gland condition is responsible for hypothyroidism.

The thyroid is responsible if T4 is LOW and the TSH is HIGH.

The pituitary gland is responsible if both T4 and the TSH is either LOW or HIGH.

Thyroxine Summary

Some health professionals feel that if your free T4 is not in the top half of the reference range means it is not a healthy number and could show signs of thyroid disruption.

If your pituitary gland is the problem you want to work with your doctor to determine treatment options.

TOTAL TRIIODOTHYRONINE (T3)/FREE TRIIODOTHYRONINE (Free T3)

Triiodothyronine or T3 is another thyroid hormone that can be measured to determine thyroid dysfunction. Like T4, T3 is produced when the pituitary gland releases TSH.

Types of Triiodothyronine (T3)

Total Triiodothyronine T3 (T3) and Free Triiodothyronine T3 (Free T3). Total T3 is attached to a protein compound and free T3 flows through the body unbound to any substances. Like T4, Free T3 is thought to be a better measure of thyroid function than Total T3.

Triiodothyronine Ranges

Normal ranges for Triiodothyronine are as follows:

Free Triiodothyronine (FT3) 230-619 pg/d

HIGH levels of Free T3 indicate HYPERthyroidsim

LOW levels of Free T3 indicate HYPOthyroidsim.

Triiodothyronine Summary

These tests are useful in determining hyperthyroidism and its severity.

In some individuals with a low TSH, only the T3 is elevated and the FT4 is normal. T3 testing rarely is helpful in the hypothyroid patient, since it is the last test to become abnormal. Patients can be severely hypothyroid with a high TSH and low FT4, but have a normal T3. In some situations, such as during pregnancy or while taking birth control pills, high levels of total T4 and T3 can exist. This is because the estrogens increase the level of the binding proteins. In these situations, it is better to ask both for TSH and free T4 for thyroid evaluation. (R)

Some integrative medical professionals argue that T3 levels are not optimal if they are not in the top half or even top quarter of the reference range. This is something to ask your health care provider about when getting test results.

Typically this test is used along with the thyroid antibodies test to determine hyperthyroidism and Grave’s disease. It is also used to monitor existing thyroid conditions.

REVERSE (RT3)

Reverse Triiodothyronine or RT3 measures the other form of T3 found in your body. It is an inactive form of T3 hormone and is unable to carry oxygen and energy to cells as T3 does.

Integrative health professionals feel it is a better indicator for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring thyroid conditions specifically HYPOthryoidism.

RT3 is of interest to integrative doctors because they feel that elevated RT3 levels reflect hypothyroidism even when the T4, T3 and TSH values may be within normal range.

Reverse Triiodothyronine (RT3) Summary

If your clients have normal thyroid levels but still suffer from low energy and poor metabolism you may want to check for elevated RT3 levels.

Summary

Getting a complete thyroid panel is important for understanding the health of the thyroid.

Sources:
Lab Tests Online
Endocrine Web
Thyroid.org