understanding diet and hypothyroidism

[Fishface90]

I am new to this page, but have been diagnosed for a few years. I am also waiting on private blood test results as I know I do not feel right.

I have been reading a lot of posts and it is very eye opening, I had no idea I should be taking more care of myself other than just taking my medication.

I have a lot of reading to do, but I am overwhelmed by all the information on diet and vitamin levels etc. I am finding it hard to take it in.m and feel very confused.

is there anyone who can explain how to begin to take care of yourself through diet?

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

I think most GP's/Endos would have us believe that all you need to do is 'take these little pills and you will be fine'. Over time we then begin to realise that this is often not the case and yes it is certainly overwhelming and also confusing.

You can make dietary changes as simple or as complicated as you're prepared or need to do but if you do spend some time learning a little, and put a few things into practice you will be rewarded by feeling better in yourself. Happy gut, happy person, or as one nutritionist said 'put some love in your tummy'.

I put together a list of things that you can try and I learnt all this through bitter personal experience of having shockingly bad IBS and functional gut issues, leaky gut etc and being forced to try some pretty extreme diets.

►If you have Hashi's (positive antibodies) you should try gluten and possibly also dairy free, but take gluten out first then eliminate dairy also.

►Try a low FODMAP elimination diet. monashfodmap.com/ibs-centra...

►Try adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (must contain the ‘Mother’, see label) to a glass of water before your main meal. This helps acidify the stomach.

►Reduce sugar and processed (especially ultra processed) foods, they feed the bad bacteria.

►Add probiotic foods such as natural yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles. Dairy free versions are available in supermarkets or online. Ask staff to help you find the dairy free section, some supermarkets have a better selection than others. You can also make your own versions of these at home including water kefir. Many people swear by a daily glass of kefir.

►Eat the rainbow. This includes a variety of meats including game (if omnivore), vegetables and fruit.

joinzoe.com/learn/how-to-im...

[Fishface90 in reply to Jaydee1507]

thank you for your advice, there really is so much to take in.

Please can you tell me, when talking about gut health, is it to do with absorption of medication and vitamins? Is this why tummy health is so important?

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to Fishface90]

No it's not really about absorption although the teaspoon of apple cider venegar will help you absorb better and also contributed to gut health.

They do say that your gut is your second brain. There is a very close link between the brain and the gut and if the gut isn't working well the whole body can start having various symptoms like rashes, fatigue, brain fog etc

Dietary changes can take a long time to become second nature and can also be a steep learning curve. So pick one thing that you can change or improve or add, work on that and when thats second nature try the next thing. It won't happen overnight.

[Fishface90 in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thank you, I will continue to do some reading and make some small changes.

[userotc]

If you feel unable to improve your health via nutrition, consider a qualified Nutritional Therapist eg one that specialises in the endocrine system/thyroid, who will personalise your health plan. A forum can only do so much.