Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack and damage the thyroid gland. This leads to hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. There has been some speculation that sugar may play a role in Hashimoto’s, but the research is inconclusive.
How does Hashimoto’s affect blood sugar?
Although sugary foods do not directly cause Hashimoto’s, the disease itself can affect blood sugar levels. Hypothyroidism from Hashimoto’s can make it more difficult for the body to regulate blood glucose. This is because thyroid hormones play an important role in carbohydrate metabolism. When thyroid hormone levels are low, the body is less efficient at using insulin to lower blood sugar after eating. As a result, some people with Hashimoto’s experience greater blood sugar fluctuations and may be more prone to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia following meals.
Can a high sugar diet worsen Hashimoto’s symptoms?
There is some evidence that a diet high in added sugars and refined carbohydrates can exacerbate Hashimoto’s symptoms in people who already have the condition. Sugary foods tend to have a high glycemic index, which causes faster and larger increases in blood sugar levels. This triggers increased inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body — two factors that are already problematic in people with autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto’s.
Eating lots of sweets can also increase the risk of insulin resistance over time. Insulin resistance makes it difficult for cells throughout the body to respond to insulin and can worsen inflammation. However, it’s unclear whether sugar alone directly intensifies the autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland that underlies Hashimoto’s.
Potential ways sugar may aggravate Hashimoto’s:
- Increases inflammation
- Promotes oxidative stress
- Contributes to insulin resistance
- Causes blood sugar fluctuations
How does cutting out sugar affect Hashimoto’s?
Although more research is still needed, some small studies suggest that a very low-sugar diet may benefit people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. One study had 18 participants with Hashimoto’s follow a paleo diet that was free of grains, dairy, legumes, and added sugars. After 5 months, participants saw improvements in thyroid function, symptoms, antibodies, and other markers.
Another trial instructed 27 people with Hashimoto’s to remove gluten, dairy, eggs, and sugar from their diets for 3 months. This dietary change was associated with reductions in thyroid peroxidase antibodies, improved thyroid function, and enhanced quality of life.
However, both of these studies were small and did not isolate the effects of sugar specifically. More research is needed to determine if sugar restriction provides advantages beyond broader dietary changes like paleo or autoimmune protocols. Still, some people with Hashimoto’s feel better when they remove sweets and added sugars from their diets.
Potential benefits of sugar elimination for Hashimoto’s patients:
- Lower thyroid peroxidase antibodies
- Improved thyroid hormone levels
- Reduced inflammation
- Better management of symptoms
Should people with Hashimoto’s follow a sugar-free diet?
There is not sufficient evidence to definitively recommend a sugar-free diet for all people with Hashimoto’s. However, many patients may want to experiment with limiting added sugar to see if it provides symptom relief. People with autoimmune thyroid disease are often sensitive to blood sugar fluctuations and insulin resistance.
Rather than completely avoiding sugar, it may be beneficial to focus on getting sugars from whole food sources like fruits and dairy instead of processed foods and sweets. Moderating sugar intake and choosing less refined options when a sweetener is needed can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
People with Hashimoto’s who decide to restrict sugar should ensure they are still eating a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Sugary “treats” can often be replaced with healthier alternatives to support thyroid health without requiring an extreme sugar-free diet.
Tips for reducing sugar intake with Hashimoto’s:
- Limit added sugars and sweets
- Read ingredient labels carefully
- Choose whole fruit over juice
- Use small amounts of honey, maple syrup, etc. as sweeteners
- Opt for low or no sugar versions of condiments and sauces
- Bake with sugar substitutes when possible
What foods should be avoided with Hashimoto’s?
Some foods that may need to be limited or avoided to manage Hashimoto’s thyroiditis include:
- Gluten: Many people with Hashimoto’s are sensitive to gluten. Going gluten-free may help reduce inflammation and thyroid antibodies.
- Soy: Soy isoflavones can disrupt thyroid function and may potentially trigger autoimmunity in susceptible individuals.
- Certain raw vegetables: Raw cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower contain goitrogens that can impair thyroid function.
- Processed foods: Added sugars, refined grains, industrial seed oils, and chemical additives in processed items can further promote inflammation.
- Sugary foods and beverages: Limiting sweets, sodas, and juices helps stabilize blood sugar and manage symptoms.
People with Hashimoto’s should emphasize whole, nutrient-dense foods and minimize potentially irritating items. Some problem foods like dairy, eggs, nuts, and nightshades may also need to be removed if they aggravate symptoms.
Can sugar cause Hashimoto’s?
There is no evidence that sugar itself triggers or directly causes Hashimoto’s disease. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition caused by complex interactions between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Eating sugar does not appear to initiate Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in people without an underlying genetic predisposition.
However, diets very high in sugar and refined carbohydrates may indirectly contribute to development of autoimmune disease over time. This type of diet can lead to insulin resistance, metabolic changes, inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and nutritional deficiencies — all factors that may potentially influence autoimmunity risk.
More research is still needed to understand the role of sugar and diet in the onset of complex conditions like Hashimoto’s. But avoiding excessive intake of added sugars and focusing on an overall balanced, anti-inflammatory diet can be beneficial for supporting immune health.
What sweeteners can people with Hashimoto’s eat?
People with Hashimoto’s looking for alternatives to regular table sugar can experiment with these potentially less disruptive sweeteners:
| Sweetener | Glycemic Index | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Monk fruit | 0 | Natural sweetness, no blood sugar impact |
| Erythritol | 0 | Low calorie, does not affect blood sugar |
| Stevia | 0 | Extracted from plant, no calories or carbs |
| Xylitol | 7 | Low glycemic impact, may help dental health |
| Yacon syrup | 1 | Low calorie, prebiotic effect |
These alternatives may be less likely to exacerbate blood sugar fluctuations or inflammation. However, even natural sweeteners should still be used in moderation. Checking for any personal intolerances is also advised when incorporating new foods.
What foods help manage Hashimoto’s symptoms?
Emphasizing certain nutritious foods in your diet can help relieve symptoms and optimize thyroid health with Hashimoto’s. Beneficial foods to include regularly:
| Food | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Fatty Fish | Omega-3s reduce inflammation |
| Berries | Antioxidants |
| Gluten-free Whole Grains | High fiber stabilizes blood sugar |
| Nuts and Seeds | Plant-based protein, healthy fats |
| Legumes | Vegetable protein source |
| Probiotic Foods | Improve gut health and immunity |
| Green Tea | Antioxidant benefits |
Avoiding reactive trigger foods while emphasizing anti-inflammatory whole foods rich in nutrients can help counter inflammation and autoimmunity in Hashimoto’s.
Conclusion
In summary, there is limited evidence that added dietary sugar directly worsens or causes Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. However, very high sugar diets may exacerbate inflammation and symptoms in individuals who already have this autoimmune condition. Eliminating added sugars, sweetened beverages, and refined carbs may provide symptom relief for some people with Hashimoto’s.
Rather than an extreme sugar-free diet, moderating sugar intake and focusing on stabilizing blood sugar levels through whole, nutrient-dense foods appears most prudent. People with Hashimoto’s should also identify and avoid their own personal trigger foods while emphasizing anti-inflammatory foods rich in antioxidants and healthy fats. With mindful dietary choices tailored to the individual, many people with Hashimoto’s can find an eating pattern that helps minimize symptoms and optimize thyroid function.