If your thyroid gland struggles to produce enough thyroid hormone—often as a result of chronic stress, gut issues, or poor diet—you can end up with hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid. While true celiac disease affects only about 1% of the population, research in the last few years suggests that a lot of people are sensitive to gluten1. Gluten-sensitive people are significantly more likely to develop thyroid issues, possibly because gluten can damage your gut lining2, interfering with your hormones and causing inflammation that reaches your thyroid. Gluten is also processed with bromide—which displaces iodine, a key mineral needed to balance your thyroid. If you have thyroid issues, try going gluten-free and see how you feel. You may notice a significant decrease in your symptoms. One of your thyroid gland’s main jobs is to regulate your carbohydrate metabolism. If you aren’t making enough thyroid hormones, your body struggles to balance your blood sugar3, which can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and metabolic issues. It’s a good idea to cut back on sugar even if you don’t have thyroid issues. It may be hard for the first week or two, but it’s worth it. You can take an iodine supplement or eat iodized salt, but from what I’ve seen in my patients, iodine in food form makes a bigger impact on thyroid function. Good sources of iodine include: A high-quality probiotic can help balance your gut bacteria and support the conversion of thyroid hormones. Look for a probiotic with Lactobacillus bacteria, particularly L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus. They’re some of the most beneficial bacteria for supporting thyroid function. At lower doses, however, naltrexone is great for autoimmune issues5 and is one of the most promising ways to treat thyroid disease. Low-dose naltrexone has virtually no side effects other than occasional headaches and trouble falling asleep, both of which are rare. It’s so, so important to manage your stress. Do some kind of self-care every day: meditation, aromatherapy, massage, an Epsom salt bath with essential oils, a walk in nature, reading a good book, or anything else that brings you joy and keeps you grounded. Make time to relax, even if you have to write it in your schedule and treat it like a meeting. And if you’re having trouble making time every day, start with once or twice a week and gradually work your way up. And as a bonus, acupuncture is a wonderful way to relax. It can relieve muscle tension and anxiety7, both of which are common in hypothyroidism A cutting-edge nutrition deep dive taught by 20+ top health & wellness experts
