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Can Gluten Cause Thyroid Disease?

Can Gluten Cause Thyroid Disease?

We know that thyroid disease is multifactorial, and has several different causes and triggers… but can gluten cause thyroid problems? Many people receive a hypo or hyperthyroid diagnosis as a result of having a blood test performed during a doctor visit. The typical standard of care is for the doctor to then prescribe lifelong medication to treat the condition.

It is extremely uncommon for a doctor to discuss the different triggers of thyroid disease.

Such is the case with thyroid disease and gluten sensitivity. Before breaking down the connection between gluten and thyroid damage, let’s break down some important thyroid concepts for you first.

What is thyroid disease?

The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland in your neck that controls your metabolism. It produces the hormones T4 (thyroxine, contains four iodide atoms) and T3 (triiodothyronine, contains three iodide atoms) which tell the body’s cells how much energy to use.

Types of thyroid dysfunction

When the thyroid is not functioning normally, it can lead to a number of issues. The thyroid can become overactive or underactive, or the body can start to produce antibodies against its own thyroid or thyroid hormone receptors. We can categorize thyroid dysfunction into two main categories, each with another unique autoimmune component:

  1. Hypothyroid – Hypothyroidism is a condition of an underactive thyroid gland – thyroid hormone production slows down and insufficient thyroid hormones are produced in order to keep your thyroid functioning properly. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, bloating, dry hair and skin, joint pain, elevated cholesterol, sleep disruption, infertility, depression, and cold hands and feet.
    1. Hashimoto’s – Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid.
  2. Hyperthyroid – Hypothyroidism is a condition of an overactive thyroid gland – your body makes too much of the thyroid hormones. Symptoms include fast heartbeat, increased appetite, anxiety, sensitivity to heat, or sudden weight loss.
    1. Grave’s Disease – Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition that causes your immune system to attack the thyroid and causes it to make more thyroid hormone than your body needs. It results in hyperthyroidism.

Prevalence of thyroid disease

According to the American Thyroid Association, more than 12 percent of the US population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime. The organization estimates that:

  • 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease;
  • Up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition;
  • Women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems; and
  • One woman in eight will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime.

Nutrient needs for proper thyroid function

There are a number of factors that play into the development of thyroid disease, but first lets focus on the often overlooked nutrient needs of the thyroid gland.

In order to regulate and make thyroid hormone, the body needs certain nutrients. These nutrients should be provided by the diet, but a healthy gut flora also plays a role in delivering nutrients for thyroid function.

  • First, the body needs protein, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B12 to produce TSH
  • Next, once TSH is produced, the brain sends a signal to your thyroid to make T4, which is the Thyroxine made up of the amino acid Tyrosine plus four molecules of iodine attached to it. For this, it needs the help of Vitamin C, B2 and B3.
  • T4 is the inactive form of thyroid hormone, and so the body needs to convert it to T3. To make this conversion, the body needs the help of the nutrients selenium and iron.
  • T3 is the active form of the hormone, but to get it inside of the cells in the body to help regulate our metabolism, the body needs vitamins A and D and omega-3 fatty acids.

The absence of any of these nutrients can suppress thyroid function and disrupt thyroid pathways, causing the thyroid to not work efficiently. Gluten induced malnutrition is one of the major mechanisms of thyroid hormone dysfunction.

Is Thyroid Disease Related to Celiac Disease and NCGS?

We know that celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) can be related to a number of other health conditions, from depression to skin concerns. But is there a link between celiac disease and NCGS and thyroid disease? Let’s take a look.

One study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology looked specifically at the prevalence of thyroid impairment among adult patients with newly diagnosed celiac disease. It found that there is a greater frequency of thyroid disease among celiac disease patients, enough to justify a thyroid functional assessment for newly diagnosed celiac disease patients.

Another study evaluated the genetic component to celiac disease and thyroid autoimmunity. It found that first-degree relatives of patients with celiac disease have a three-fold higher risk of developing autoimmune thyroid disorders and associated thyroid dysfunction. This means that if you have celiac disease, it may be worthwhile for your parents, children and siblings to be screened for both celiac disease and thyroid autoimmune disease.

Due to the increased awareness around NCGS, some studies have attempted to identify whether there is an increased prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among individuals with NCGS as well. A review of literature published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found promising evidence that a link may exist – particularly in those with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis developing NCGS. Another study compared individuals with celiac disease and non-celiac wheat sensitivity and found that similar proportions of individuals with non-celiac wheat sensitivity and celiac disease (29% in both cases) developed an autoimmune disease (predominantly Hashimoto’s thyroiditis).

While much of the literature that exists focuses on the link between celiac disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis when it comes to thyroid autoimmunity, there is also research supporting a link between celiac disease and Graves’ hyperthyroidism. For example, one study screened patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism for markers of celiac disease. The screening revealed antibodies to gliadin in 14% of patients screened and anti-tTG in 2% of patients screened. It also found that the prevalence of celiac disease in patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism was 4.5% as compared with 0.9% in matched healthy controls, suggesting a link between Graves’ hyperthyroidism and celiac disease.

It turns out, the link between celiac disease and thyroid dysfunction likely exists not just in adults, but in kids too. An extensive review of literature on the topic concluded that there is a “clear and strong association between celiac disease and autoimmune thyroid disorders.” The review underscores the importance to carefully and proactively screen both celiac disease and autoimmune thyroid disease patients at diagnosis and during follow up due to the prevalence of simultaneous presence of these two autoimmunity’s.

How a Gluten Free Diet Helps with Thyroid Issues

There isn’t just a link between celiac disease and thyroid dysfunction, there is also evidence to suggest that a gluten free diet can improve thyroid function and related symptoms in those with thyroid dysfunction, including those with autoimmune thyroid conditions. While much of the research focuses on Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, there is also some compelling research supporting the benefits of a gluten free diet for those with Graves hyperthyroidism.

The same study referenced above that looked at the link between celiac disease and thyroid disease also looked at the impact that a gluten free diet has on thyroid function. The researchers found that in certain cases, gluten withdrawal may single-handedly reverse the thyroid dysfunction.

One study studied the effect of a gluten free diet on a group of women diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The study split the group of women into those who followed a gluten free diet and those who ate gluten. The participants who followed a gluten free diet reduced thyroid antibody levels and also increased vitamin D levels.

Another study evaluated children aged 1-12 with celiac disease and concluded that compliance with a gluten free diet can help reduce incidence of autoimmune thyroiditis and also maintain a healthy thyroid in existing celiac disease patients.

Another topic of interest with respect to thyroid dysfunction is the symptom of obesity in those (particularly women) with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. One study attempted to take the evaluation of a gluten free diet on autoimmune hypothyroid a step further and compared weight loss in a group of women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis who followed a standard calorie reduction diet with a group of women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis who followed a standard calorie reduction diet and a gluten free diet. After six months, body fat content was statistically significantly lower in the group of women on the gluten free diet than in the control group of only a calorie reducing diet.

Gluten and Grave’s Disease

While research supporting the benefit of a gluten free diet on those with general thyroid dysfunction and with autoimmune hypothyroid (Hashimoto’s) is more robust, a number of studies have acknowledged that a gluten free diet likely benefits those with Graves hyperthyroid as well, and that there is enough evidence to warrant further research. One case review is particularly compelling. It followed a 37-year-old woman with Graves’ disease as well as thyrotoxicosis (excess circulating thyroid hormones in the bloodstream) that was not responsive to medical management. She tested positive for celiac disease, and after initiation of a gluten free diet, her thyrotoxicosis responded to medical management and thyroid health stabilized.

Can a Gluten Free Diet Prevent Thyroid Disease?

You might be wondering, if a gluten-free diet can help manage thyroid dysfunction, could it prevent thyroid disease to begin with? One review of literature on the topic attempted to answer this question, looking specifically at thyroid autoimmunity. The conclusion? Unfortunately, still not clear. While some studies suggested that gluten-free diet may aid in prevention of autoimmune thyroid disease, others found no support. However, the researchers concluded based on their review that “a beneficial effect of a gluten free diet may be expected, since in general, in children as well as in adults, intestinal inflammation and the associated dysbiosis, with or without underlying celiac disease, are known to promote extra intestinal autoimmune diseases.” Therefore, any measure, including a gluten-free diet, that would help to manage gut inflammation in celiac disease patients may positively impact the evolution and perhaps the manifestation of thyroid autoimmunity.

Bromide In Gluten Containing Breads

A gluten free diet may also support the thyroid in that it involves avoiding wheat-containing bread, which typically contains bromide (appears as the ingredient potassium bromide on food labels). Potassium bromate is illegal in China, Japan, the European Union, Canada, Brazil and elsewhere because it has been linked to cancer in rats and mice. In the United States, however, it has remained legal since it was first patented for use in baking bread in 1914.

Commercial bakers love potassium bromate for its efficiency and consistency in bread baking – it bleaches the dough and enhances its elasticity, creating thin-walled bubbles as the bread rises. The end product is fluffy, soft, and white.

But when it comes to thyroid health, bromine can be quite detrimental. Once inside the body, it competes for the same receptors as iodine. Since the thyroid gland needs iodine to make thyroid hormone, bromine can inhibit proper uptake of iodine in the body and therefore prevent the body from being able to make thyroid hormone. Studies have shown that an increase in blood bromine levels can cause an increase in plasma TSH concentration. Therefore, one of the mechanisms by which a gluten free diet supports thyroid health is by avoidance of this detrimental ingredient.

What Causes the Link Between Celiac Disease and Thyroid Health?

Because of the apparent link between celiac disease and thyroid health, many researchers have attempted to hypothesize theories as to the root cause or contributing factors. Below are some likely scenarios:

  • Similar genetic mutations

Celiac disease and autoimmune thyroiditis are linked by similar HLA subtypes – this means that people with both celiac disease and autoimmune thyroiditis share certain genetic mutations, including HLA-DQ2, HLA-DR3, and B8.

Celiac disease often results in a damaged intestinal barrier and permeability of the intestine. This can lead to the leaking of antigens into the bloodstream, which can prompt an immune response and inflammation elsewhere in the body. This reaction can then trigger further autoimmunity.

Research has shown that thyroid and intestinal diseases prevalently coexist, not only due to a bacterial imbalance and damaged intestinal barrier or leaky gut, but also because the composition of the bacteria in the gut has an influence on the availability of essential micronutrients for the thyroid gland.

One study evaluated stool samples of a group of individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and found that there was a significant increase in the Bacteroides species of bacteria and a decrease in Bifidobacterium in samples of patients with Hashimoto’s. In addition, Lactobacillus species were higher in patients without Hashimoto’s thyroiditis compared with those with the condition who use oral levothyroxine. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are generally favorable to have in the gut, and were higher in those without thyroid disease. The study also found increased zonulin concentrations in those with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which indicates the presence of a leaky gut.

  • tTG cross reaction

Research has suggested that the tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies in individuals with celiac disease bind to thyroid follicles and may contribute to the development of thyroid disease in celiac disease.

Gluten containing grains are often heavily sprayed with endocrine disrupting pesticides – research is beginning to explore the implications of glyphosate and other pesticides on thyroid function. Individuals who consume these grains prior to celiac disease diagnosis may be unknowingly damaging their thyroid health as well.

How Nutritional Deficiencies Caused By Gluten Can Impact Thyroid Function

It’s clear that there is a link between celiac disease (and NCGS) and thyroid dysfunction, and that a gluten free diet can help manage thyroid conditions. However, there is another important link to discuss. That is that many of the nutritional deficiencies caused by gluten can impact the thyroid and its functions. Below are some common malabsorption-related deficiencies found in those with celiac disease and NCGS and how they may impact the thyroid:

  • Iodine: Iodine is a key player in thyroid hormone health and studies have shown that proper levels can support thyroid function. One study looked at pregnant women in particular, who, like those with celiac disease, are commonly deficient. The study found that a daily supplement containing 150 μg of iodine improved the iodine status from mild iodine deficiency to iodine sufficiency, which had a positive impact on thyroid hormone levels.
  • Selenium: Selenium has been implicated in the development of autoimmune thyroiditis and many studies have shown that selenium supplementation may decrease thyroid antibodies in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis.
  • Iron: Adequate iron status is required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones and research has shown that patients with subclinical hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis frequently have lower serum (blood) iron concentration and a higher prevalence of iron deficiency than do healthy controls. In fact, low iron stores may contribute to symptom persistence in patients treated for hypothyroidism in 5–10 % of whom symptoms remain despite being treated with levothyroxine (synthetic thyroid hormone).
  • Vitamin D: The influence of vitamin D on autoimmune thyroid disease has been widely studied. Most of the existing data support a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and a greater tendency for development of antibodies linked to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, and/or postpartum thyroiditis.
  • Protein – most Americans eat too many carbohydrates and not enough protein. Protein is absolutely necessary to form the backbone of thyroid hormone (particularly the amino acid in protein called tyrosine). Protein is also responsible for carrying thyroid hormone through the bloodstream to your tissues.
  • Magnesium – this mineral helps your body make TSH (the hormone made in your brain that tells your thyroid gland to make T4).
  • Zinc – like magnesium, this mineral also helps your body make TSH

Can Gluten Cause Thyroid Disease?

It is clear that a link exists between thyroid dysfunction, non celiac gluten sensitivity, and celiac disease. These conditions are increasing in prevalence but screening for one at diagnosis of the other is not yet a common practice. Understanding the relationship between intestinal health and thyroid health can help both patients and practitioners get to the root of their health concerns and symptoms, and to address them appropriately.

 

16 Responses

  1. You said T3 communicates with DNA. What is going to happen to people getting vaxxed and becoming transhuman with DNA it can’t communicate with? Thanks for the information. Ruby Edmondson

    1. Please don’t worry! – the vaccines don’t really contain trans-human DNA; that’d be waaaay too expensive!
      (& I note that Dr. O. hasn’t replied to this one.)

  2. What’s the mechanism between high insoluable fiber causing goiters? Recently diagnosed w ith nodules, would love to shrink these b4 someone gets the bright idea to do surgery on an enlarged thyroid gland, but doesn’t look like oxalates or lectins, then what? gut bacteria being overfed fibers? too much buyterate?, (gluten-free and nearly grain-free for 10 years). Thanks.

  3. Great, informational article! Thank you so much Dr. Osborne! I am gluten-free, I have Hashimoto’s and IBS -D Researching if I have hydrogen SIBO. My understanding is lactobacillus contributes to diarrhea?

  4. Hi, Thanks for the information. I am, however, very confused. I don’t see how what causes/exacerbates Hashimoto’s is the same as Grave’s. This doesn’t make sense to me. E.g. I have met someone who effectively managed her HYPOthyroidism by diet alone staying off broccoli etc but when reintroducing these went back to being hypo. I don’t understand, do they not then help a HYPERthyroid condition? Similarly should I avoid food that has higher iodine levels in it like Seafood? If I have Iodine supplements surely that will aggravate Grave’s? I have had Grave’s on and off for a few years now and I am really trying to find an alternative to medication and radio iodine or surgery. The consultant endocrinologist is pushing me towards radio iodine but I have an absolute horror of the idea of knocking out my thyroid for good and consequently being on medication for the rest of my life. Any clarification would be very welcome.

  5. Appreciate reading your book, No Grain, No Pain, very much. You mentioned vitamin B1, B2, B5, and B8 which I’ve never heard of. Nor can I find my multivitamin supplement Centrum Silver include them. Where can I find those four B vitamins? Are they in B Complex supplement? Thanks.

  6. What are the symptoms that can be detected early for thyroid sufferers who may not be aware that they have the disease?

    1. thinning hair or eye brows, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, to name a few. Believe doc listed some of these as well maybe in his ebook or elsewhere, but symptoms can easily be searched online.

  7. I was diagnosed with hoshimoto thyroid years ago and have been taking 350m of levetheroxine for years because Dr’s say my levels are dangerously high. How can I get this under control. I have been on a carnivore diet for 1 month now, so I have cut out a lot listed in your article. What test should I request from my dr.

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