Nutrition for Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism: What is the Difference?
The term Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism both involve an underactive thyroid gland and have specific nutrition recommendations.However, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and hypothyroidism do not mean the same thing, and the words cannot be used interchangeably.
In today’s article, as a registered dietitian, I will be going into the difference between Hashimoto’s vs. hypothyroidism and what nutrition advice I have for both conditions. Having low thyroid production can be influenced by your nutrition and lifestyle considerations. Taking a deeper look into your nutrition can be a great first step toward managing any condition! As always, make sure to consult with your doctor or a qualified health professional if you believe you may have issues with your thyroid.
What is Hypothyroidism vs. Hashimoto’s?
The reason hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s get confused is that they both involve an underactive thyroid. If you have an underactive thyroid gland, then you have hypothyroidism. It is an umbrella term that means your body has a low level of thyroid hormones. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition that is the most common cause of hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid. With Hashimoto’s, it is an ongoing disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid. This is what makes it an autoimmune condition.
Signs & Symptoms
When you have an underactive thyroid gland, there are a few signs and symptoms that can occur. Make sure to be aware of the common symptoms and if you are feeling any of these on a weekly or daily basis- get your thyroid levels tested!
A few common signs & symptoms are:
Fatigue and sluggishness
Dry skin
Increased sensitivity to cold
Increased sleepiness
Joint pain and stiffness
Constipation
Muscle weakness
Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
Nutrition Tips for Hypothyroidism & Hashimoto’s
Nutrition can play a pivotal role in the management of thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s. Here are just a few nutrition tips that you can start doing today to help!
Make sure your diet is rich in micronutrients from whole foods
Vitamins and minerals of interest are:
Selenium: brazil nuts, liver, animal proteins
Vitamin A, C, D, Zinc: whole foods or multivitamin
Omega 3 fatty acids: fatty fish, nuts & seeds
Iodine: iodized salt, seaweed, kelp, saltwater fish, supplement
Iron: meat, fish, vegetables, nuts & seeds
Vitamin B2, B6: greens, whole grains, meat, dairy, nuts/seeds
Address any underlying food sensitivities or intolerances
Feel free to check out my article that goes over this topic!
Make sure you are consuming enough high quality protein
Focus on gut health and healing your intestinal permeability
High-fiber foods, probiotics, prebiotics, fermented foods
Support your immune system
Reduce inflammation with anti-inflammatory foods: turmeric, antioxidants
Nutrition is not the only thing to look at- there are other lifestyle habits that can help you with your thyroid dysfunction. Don’t overlook the importance of a good night’s sleep (7-9 hrs/night) and a stress reduction protocol. This means being okay with taking time to rest and recharge when your body needs it.
The Takeaway
Both Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism can greatly affect your quality of life. Optimizing your nutrition can help alleviate symptoms and potentially lower your need for thyroid medication. If you are interested in additional help with your nutrition or additonal lab work, please reach out to me through my services page and I would love to chat! As a dietitian and personal trainer, I can help you create a routine that works with your condition and not against it!