Understanding Hashimoto's: A Functional Medicine Approach
Understanding Hashimoto’s
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is the most common autoimmune thyroid condition and a leading cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S. In Hashimoto’s, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to reduced hormone output.
Common symptoms include:
Fatigue
Weight gain
Brain fog
Dry skin and hair
Constipation
Sensitivity to cold
Muscle weakness
Testing for Hashimoto’s typically includes:
TSH, Free T3, Free T4 – measure thyroid hormone production
Thyroid antibodies (TPO & TG) – confirm autoimmune activity
Reverse T3 – helps assess hormone conversion and the impact of stress
This bloodwork guides treatment and allows us to monitor how interventions are working.
The Gluten–Thyroid Connection
One major dietary trigger in Hashimoto’s is gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Gluten can drive autoimmunity through molecular mimicry: parts of gluten resemble thyroid proteins, tricking the immune system into attacking both (PMC11892518).
A 2023 review found gluten elimination may reduce thyroid inflammation in some Hashimoto’s patients, especially those with gluten sensitivity (Frontiers in Endocrinology).
Not all studies agree, but many practitioners see improved energy and antibody levels when patients avoid gluten (PMC9101474).
Why Dairy / Casein Also Matters
While gluten gets most of the attention, dairy proteins—especially casein—can also act as immune triggers.
A study showed that removing both gluten and casein for 3 months improved immune regulation in Hashimoto’s patients (PMC11216022).
Many patients with autoimmunity develop cross-reactivity to casein because it resembles gluten and stresses the immune system (Thyroid Pharmacist).
Lactose intolerance and dairy can also interfere with thyroid medication absorption (AAEM Review).
Why “Gluten-Free” or “Dairy-Free” Junk Food Doesn’t Heal
The food industry now markets countless gluten- or dairy-free products. But processed alternatives—cookies, cereals, breads—often contain:
Refined starches (corn, rice, or potato flour)
Added sugars
Inflammatory oils (vegetable or canola)
These don’t reduce inflammation and can make Hashimoto’s worse. The goal isn’t just to swap foods, but to heal the gut and immune system with nutrient-dense whole foods.
What to Eat Instead
For patients with Hashimoto’s, we recommend a 3-month elimination of gluten and dairy—focusing on whole foods:
Vegetables: Cruciferous veggies (broccoli, kale, cauliflower) support detoxification.
Proteins: Grass-fed beef, pastured poultry, wild-caught fish, and eggs (if tolerated).
Fats: Olive oil, avocado, coconut oil, salmon, sardines.
Gluten-free carbs: Sweet potatoes, squash, quinoa, millet, brown rice.
Gut-healing foods: Bone broth, fermented veggies (if tolerated), collagen.
Tracking Progress with Follow-Up Labs
After 3 months of eliminating gluten and dairy, we repeat labs to track:
Thyroid hormones (TSH, Free T3, Free T4)
Antibodies (TPO & TG)
Many patients see improved energy, reduced brain fog, and sometimes a measurable drop in thyroid antibodies. This shows the immune system is calming down and the thyroid is being protected.
Taking the First Step
If you’ve been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s—or suspect you may have it—the first step is proper testing and a guided plan. At DoctorRobyn.com, we combine testing, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions to stop the autoimmune attack and help you feel your best.
Schedule a consultation today to begin your personalized healing journey.
