By Jennifer Whitmire, MS, MEd, MH, CHES, NEP
Diet, aka nutrients, are key factors in working with people with autoimmune thyroid disease while also homing in on blood sugar levels. Understanding how meat, dairy, and eggs impact Hashimoto’s and other autoimmune diseases along with blood sugar regulation can help you and your clients make educated decisions about dietary choices.
How many of us were told, “Diet has nothing to do with it?”
Really?! How can anyone think that nutrients don’t affect health? Everything we eat, correction! Everything we absorb affects our cells which affects our health. Leaky gut and/or dysbiosis are almost always involved in autoimmune diseases, so absorption can be very difficult in some cases. This means we need to take in the right nutrients and focus on ways to enhance the absorption, as well.
Hashimoto’s and Graves disease are closely linked to dietary habits. A quick glance through the research shows a connection between diet such as the S.A.D. ,standard American diet, which consists of high amounts of processed foods and animal-derived products and the development and progression of autoimmune thyroid disease.
Unfortunately doctors and most health professionals do not learn about nutrition other than extreme nutrient deficiencies in medical school. Even in some of my courses, I only learned about the Kreb’s Cycle, USDA Guidelines (It was the Food Guide Pyramid in those days), and the diseases Rickets, Berberi, and Kwashiorkor. How many people do you know have or had these illnesses?
So, most of our doctors learn about nutrition the same way the public does. When they do have time to take extra courses, it’s usually in their field, not in nutrition, so doctors are not confident in making nutrition suggestions.
AND, there is NO ONE SIZE FITS ALL!
If we could all just follow one diet and get great results, we would.
Autoimmune diseases are complex, multifactorial conditions influenced by genetics, environmental triggers, and immune response. Diet is just one of many factors leading to these conditions, and its role varies. In conventional medicine practices, doctors primarily manage thyroid disease with the medications taught in medical school like levothyroxine to normalize thyroid hormone levels.
Recently, my doctor retired, and I cannot tolerate Levothyroxine or Synthroid, and it took me 9 months of searching, calling, and in-person visits to find a doctor who would even talk to me much less prescribe something other than Levothyroxine.
If you haven’t read or heard my story, I had radioactive iodine in 2013 after a Graves diagnosis in 2007. I would do anything to go back to that day and walk out, but now it is a part of my story. This is my learning experience, so I can help others. (I’m not telling anyone to go against their doctor! Just do your own research and follow your intuition like I wish I had done.). Listen to my story here.
So How Does Meat Affect Autoimmune Thyroid Disease?
Studies show that red and processed meats increase autoimmune responses associated with autoimmune thyroid disease. The saturated fats found in animal foods and pro-inflammatory compounds in meat products have been linked to elevated levels of thyroid autoantibodies. It’s important to eliminate or significantly decrease meat intake for individuals with autoimmune thyroid.
Meat, especially red and processed meats, contains various nutrients and compounds that could influence immune function and inflammation. Saturated fats from all animal foods and heme iron found in meat have been associated with increased inflammation and increased risk of autoimmune diseases and even cancer.
Processed meats often contain nitrites and nitrates which are used as preservatives and flavor enhancers. These substances can form nitrosamines during cooking or digestion, which have been linked to increased inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. This inflammation and oxidation leads to damaged cells and an immune response.
Some research suggests that certain components in meat alter the composition of the gut microbiome. Dysbiosis, microbial imbalance, has been shown to lead to the development and progression of autoimmune diseases.
Some people with Hashimoto’s or Graves have sensitivities or allergies to specific proteins in meat, such as alpha-gal found in mammalian meats. Consuming these foods can trigger an immune response and inflammation.
Conventionally raised animals may be treated with hormones and antibiotics which can remain in meat products. These substances contain endocrine disruptors and contribute to inflammation.
If you must consume meat, choose wild or organic, grass-fed and grass finished products. But, if you have antibodies, it is best to avoid meat at least until inflammation is calmed.
What About Dairy?
Humans are the only animals that continue to drink milk beyond weaning, and they also drink the milk from another mammal, not their own?! I get it! I definitely drank my share of milk all the way up to my late 40s. If we called it Cow Breastmilk or Uttermilk, I wonder if that would help people stop?
Dairy products, including milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter, have been linked to Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease. Cow’s milk contains the hormones and nutrients to nurture a calf into a 1000+ pound animal in 1 year! Humans only weigh about 20 pounds at 1 year. Human body’s were not created to handle all of these hormones and nutrients. Human breast milk does not have the same composition as a cow’s.
First, if you are on levothyroxine or Synthroid, Lactose is a common component of levothyroxine formulations, which can lead to impaired LT4 efficacy in sensitive individuals. Lactose can interfere with the effectiveness of levothyroxine (LT4) medication used to manage hypothyroidism.
Many people are lactose intolerant, meaning they have difficulty digesting lactose, the sugar found in dairy products. Lactose intolerance can lead to symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea, which can lead to inflammation and are common symptoms of autoimmune thyroid.
Lactose intolerance can also affect the absorption of thyroid hormone medications, such as levothyroxine (Synthroid) used to manage hypothyroidism. Lactose-containing dairy products may interfere with the absorption of LT4, potentially leading to suboptimal thyroid hormone levels.
Dairy products are a dietary source of iodine because the equipment used to clean contains iodine. Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis. While iodine is necessary for thyroid hormones, excessive iodine can increase thyroid dysfunction. Some studies show that high iodine intake increases the risk of thyroid autoimmunity or thyroid dysfunction.
Conventionally produced dairy products contains added hormones and antibiotics which can disrupt endocrine function and contribute to inflammation. The added hormones can also lead to estrogen dominance and the added antibiotics can lead to intestinal permeability aka leaky gut. Most dairy products are condensed which amplifies the amount of hormone per serving, as well.
Dairy proteins like casein and whey ae strongly tied to immune-mediated conditions and trigger inflammatory responses in some people. For people with autoimmune disease, consuming dairy proteins can aggravates already existing autoimmune processes and symptoms.
While these is no one-size-fits-all, anyone with inflammation or auto-antibodies should remove dairy at least until the antibodies are gone.
What about my pasture-raised, organic eggs?
Eggs have been connected to autoimmune thyroid disorders. Proteins found in eggs can trigger molecular mimicry exacerbating autoimmune responses.
While pasture-raised, organic eggs are generally considered a nutritious food, they do contribute to inflammation in some individuals, especially if they have sensitivities or intolerances to certain components in eggs.
Imbalanced Healthy Fats
While pasture-raised eggs usually have a higher omega-3 content compared to conventionally raised eggs, they still contain omega-6 fatty acids. An imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids promotes inflammation. For someone with an autoimmune disease, they are already inflamed, so it is best to remove them at least until antibodies are gone.
Common Allergen
Eggs are a common allergen. Allergic reactions to eggs are usually triggered by proteins found in the egg whites or yolks. Pasture-raised, organic eggs still contain these proteins, so they are not exempt from causing allergic reactions in those people.
Food Intolerance
Even without a true egg allergy, some people experience sensitivities or intolerance to certain components of eggs like the egg proteins. In these cases, consuming eggs may lead to inflammation, gastrointestinal discomfort, or other symptoms that do not feel like they came from food.
Contaminants
While organic eggs from pasture-raised hens are generally considered to be free from synthetic pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics, there is still a possibility of environmental contaminants, such as heavy metals, bacteria, molds, or persistent organic pollutants which can accumulate in eggs. Even pasture-raised chickens are usually fed chicken feed, and sometimes this feed can harbor mold or bacteria. The hay or other bedding materials can also harbor molds and bacteria and contain heavy metals. These contaminants can contribute to inflammation and other health issues.
Preparation
The way eggs are prepared and cooked can also affect their inflammatory potential. Frying eggs in oils or cooking them at high temperatures produces harmful compounds that promote inflammation.
Someone with an autoimmune condition, or any inflammatory issue, who wants to continue to eat eggs should first remove them for a minimum for 4 days, then add them back. Don’t add them back in tiny amounts, but eat eggs for breakfast and something that contains eggs again later in the same day. Then, they should pay attention to their body’s response, not just today but for the next 3 days. Itchy eyes, running nose, itchy skin, irritated and agitatedmood, shoulder or knee pain, or bowel changes can all indicate a sensitivity. Inflammation can show up anywhere in the body, so even if you don’t get a stomachache, you could still be getting an inflammatory reponse.
Do I Really Need to Watch My Sugar?
Not only does imbalanced blood sugar lead to problems with weight and teeth, it also creates inflammation and leads to insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders. High consumption of processed foods and animal-derived products can also contribute to metabolic disorders like insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism.
Keeping your blood sugar in balance is important for your entire health, but is it vital for someone with an autoimmune thyroid disease or any chronic health condition.
Hashimoto’s affects thyroid function, which affects metabolism, including how your body regulates blood sugar levels. Imbalances in blood sugar, such as frequent spikes and crashes, can exacerbate inflammation and potentially worsen autoimmune symptoms.
Imbalanced blood sugar promotes inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to a range of health issues, including autoimmune diseases. By balancing your blood sugar, you may help manage inflammation and eliminate symptoms associated with autoimmune thyroid.
Imbalanced blood sugar is associated with weight gain and obesity which can interfere with all of our hormones and complicate thyroid function and autoimmune conditions. Maintaining a healthy weight by balancing blood sugar can improve symptoms of Hashimoto’s and Graves, and all autoimmune conditions.
Imbalanced blood sugar can feed harmful bacteria and yeast which can lead to dysbiosis and intestinal inflammation. Since intestinal health and the microbiome is closely linked to autoimmune diseases, maintaining a balanced blood sugar response can help support a healthy gut environment.
Imbalanced blood sugar can contribute to fluctuations in energy levels, mood swings, and fatigue. By stabilizing blood sugar, you should have more consistent energy levels and improved mood, and even less brain fog.
What Can I Do?
We, The Jen Twins, understand the challenges of living with autoimmune thyroid disease while seeing and teaching clients. We know how frustrating it can be to be an expert in health and nutrition and still struggle with your health! We’re here to help you reclaim your health and balance your health with your business life.
Our personalized approach addresses the root causes of your condition, including adrenal health, leaky gut, liver function, and blood sugar. We look at your current health and health history and use a comprehensive approach to balance all of your systems easily and efficiently.
By working with us, you’ll receive individualized support and guidance tailored to your unique needs. We’ll provide you with the tools and resources you need to restore your health and effectively manage your symptoms along the way.
Our goal is to educate and empower you to make lasting changes that will improve your quality of life and prevent further deterioration of your health while also providing tools you can use to help your clients.
Don’t wait any longer to take control of your health.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let’s get started! Together, we can make a positive difference in your life and help you thrive despite this autoimmune thyroid disease.
Jennifer Whitmire, MS, MEd, MH, CHES, NEP
Wholistic Jen 
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