Thyroid symptoms can be directly caused by gluten intolerance. We hear more and more about eating “gluten-free” as we hear about the problems with gluten and as more products are now available to purchase. Just look for the “GF” on your grocery shelves.
WHAT IS GLUTEN?
Gluten is a composite formed from several different proteins. It is found most commonly in
- wheat and other related grains, such as
- barley and
- rye.
- Other cereal grains that contain gluten are durum,
- spelt,
- and einkorn,
- as well as farro,
- graham,
- kamut,
- and semolina.
GLUTEN IS USED IN AND HIDDEN IN MANY FOODS
Gluten is used to
- add texture
- add a characteristic chewiness to baked goods
- as a thickener
- a binder
- flavor enhancer
- protein supplement
WHAT IS GLUTEN INTOLERANCE?
Some people, more than 15% of the American population have developed an intolerance to these proteins. Many more, 1 in 133 Americans, have a very serious condition called celiac disease and must stay away from gluten in any form to save their very life.
WHAT ARE GLUTEN SENSITIVITY SYMPTOMS?
The following symptoms include anyone with a problem digesting and metabolizing gluten and basically “allergic” to it, but this list is also very specific to people with celiac disease. Make sure to read the last one.
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorption e.g. low iron levels
- Gastro-intestinal problems (bloating, pain, gas, constipation, diarrhea)
- Fat in the stools (due to poor digestion)
- Aching joints
- Depression
- Eczema
- Headaches
- Brain fog
- Exhaustion/Fatigue
- Irritability and behavioral changes
- Infertility, irregular menstrual cycle and miscarriage
- Cramps, tingling and numbness
- Slow infant and child growth
- Decline in dental health
- Diagnosis of an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Scleroderma or Multiple sclerosis.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A LOT OF THESE SYMPTOMS
If you have many of these symptoms, follow one of my guides in my Thyroid Reset Diet and eat “gluten-free” for at least 4 weeks. See how many of these symptoms stop. If you’re feeling better, then stay gluten-free.
If you continue to have a lot of these symptoms you need to see a thyroid trained practitioner immediately.