gluten and your thyroid
From a functional medicine/nutritional perspective, gluten is believed to damage the thyroid primarily due to the following mechanisms:
1. Molecular Mimicry
The protein structure of gluten, particularly gliadin (a component of gluten), shares a molecular resemblance to thyroid tissue proteins.
In individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, the immune system generates antibodies to target gluten. These antibodies may cross-react with thyroid tissue due to this similarity, potentially leading to autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease.
2. Intestinal Permeability ("Leaky Gut")
Gluten can contribute to increased intestinal permeability by stimulating the release of zonulin, a protein that regulates the tight junctions of the intestinal lining.
A "leaky gut" allows larger, undigested food particles, toxins, and microbial products to enter the bloodstream. This triggers an immune response that can exacerbate systemic inflammation and increase the risk of autoimmune diseases, including thyroid disorders.
3. Chronic Inflammation
Gluten can provoke chronic, low-grade inflammation in sensitive individuals. This inflammatory state can stress the immune system and affect thyroid function.
The thyroid gland is particularly susceptible to inflammation due to its high vascularity and the role of thyroid hormones in metabolic processes, which makes it more vulnerable to immune system attacks.
4. Impact on Nutrient Absorption
Gluten-related conditions, such as celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, can impair the absorption of key nutrients like iodine, selenium, zinc, and iron. These nutrients are critical for thyroid function.
For example:
Selenium is essential for the production of thyroid hormones and protecting the gland from oxidative stress.
Iodine is necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
5. Autoimmune Predisposition
Functional medicine recognizes a strong genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases in individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
The presence of HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes, often associated with gluten sensitivity, is also linked to a higher likelihood of developing autoimmune thyroid conditions.
6. Thyroid Hormone Receptor Interference
Gluten or gliadin antibodies may interfere with the thyroid hormone receptors, reducing the ability of thyroid hormones to act on target tissues, leading to symptoms of hypothyroidism despite normal hormone levels in the bloodstream.
Clinical Implications
Functional Medicine/Nutritional Health Coaches often recommend a gluten-free diet for individuals with thyroid conditions, especially Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis for these reasons:
Reduces immune system activation.
Lowers inflammation.
Improves gut health and nutrient absorption.
Minimizes cross-reactivity with thyroid tissue.
This approach is aimed at addressing root causes rather than just managing symptoms. If you would like to learn more, book a free consultation with me, follow me on Facebook as Healthy Eating and Life Plans and Instagram as Lynn Watson Rester. I will be posting more information on Thyroid health in the future. Please let me know if you have specific questions or autoimmune related topics you would like me to discuss. Reach me at lynnrester@healthyeatingandlifeplans.com