Just diagnosed w/ Hashimoto

[blace572]

I was just diagnosed yesterday w/ Hashimoto Thyroiditis.  I am also a Type I Diabetic.  Can anyone offer advice on this?  I am doing research but would like to hear from actual patients.  Diet, life style..etc.  I greatly appreciate the help!

[Barb135]

It's not recommended that people on thyroid med use soy products because the may inhibit the absorption of the thyroid med.  

As far as the gluten is concerned, that is a personal thing.  Some people are sensitive to it and others are not. If you aren't, there is no reason to cut out your whole wheat bread.  

It is best to avoid refined sugar because it's basically empty calories that most of us don't need.  It's especially important for a diabetic to limit the sugar intake.  

The instructions that come with your thyroid med most likely tell you take the med first thing in the morning with a full glass of water and don't eat or drink anything else for 30-60 minutes.  The instructions that come with mine also say to space high calcium foods and calcium supplements at least 4 hours from your thyroid med because it, too, inhibits absorption of the thyroid med.  Other foods to avoid include raw cabbage, broccoli, etc.  I found a whole list of them by doing a search.  

blace572 ---- I would think that by following a "diabetic" diet - limiting foods that raise your blood sugar, should be fine for you.  If you try to choose healthy foods that are low on the glycemic index (meaning they don't raise blood sugar quickly), such as plenty of fruits and veggies, lean meats, low/no fat dairy, whole grains etc will be good.  This type of diet may also help keep you from gaining weight as so many of us "hypo's" do.  

Since you are taking vitamin b12 anyway, I'd strongly suggest that you go for a liquid or sublingual tablet as you will get better absorption from that.  A good multi would be helpful as well.  Keep up with the exercise as much as you can -- that will also help with your energy and blood sugar levels.  

[Nelly57]

Tamra,

You mentioned some things in your post that are new to me.  I've actually been drinking soy milk trying to lower my cholesterol and I eat whole wheat bread for the fiber.  I had no idea that these things were bad for us if we have Hashi.  This is so good to know.  I have hated the taste of the soy milk but was trying to stick it out.

I had also noticed that on the days I eat refined sugar that I actually feel worse.  Had no idea that correlated with this either.  Boy, I am finding so much good information here.  I am so glad I joined this forum,

Thanks,
Ronnell

[blace572]

Thank you both so much for your help!  I spoke to my dr yesterday who said he is not starting me on meds yet. He wants to see where i am on my next visit in 2 months. I just want my energy back. It is such a horrible feeling.  
My husband and I did research online and I have already started taking B12 and vitamins (3times a day). They are helping somewhat in getting energy.  I just started exercising too.  
I'm sure I will have lots of more questions as time goes on.  But, thank you both again!

[TamraW]

I have Hashi. I take Magnesium three times daily to help with joint pain and it really helps with the constipation. I avoid gluten if I can. On the days I break my willpower, I notice I'm constipated the next day.

The ugly truth of Hashi!!!

I don't use flouride toothpaste. I use Tom's of Maine, available at Wal-Mart.

Exercise daily. Limit refined sugar, but you probably do anyway.

I avoid soy as much as I can. Follow the directions for taking your thryoid meds carefully. Full glass of water in the morning and wait an hour before eating.

Keep up with your ultrasounds at least yearly. Biopsy the nodules. Hashis tend to get the nodules/goiter.

Find a good endo who treats your Hashi symptoms and not just NUMBERS!!! Too many docs rely on TSH and ignore low FT4/FT3 levels. If you feel your meds need to be upped, but the doc is relying on your TSH and says 'No way!' then find a new doc!

:) Tamra  

[goolarra]

Where to start?

Hashi's is the most prevalent cause of hypo in the U.S.  It is an autoimmune disease.  Yoiur immune system has started "seeing" your thyroid as a foreign substance and is attacking it.  This will continue until your thyroid is completely non-functional, unless your thyroid is removed (only recommended in "dire" circumstances for Hashi's).

Are you symptomatic?  

Hopefully, other members will pipe in with dietary/lifestyle recommendations.  My personal opinion is that healthful food, avoiding prepackage food, generally promoting good health is what's really important.  Many of us add supplements or avoid certain foods (e.g. gluten, soy), but I think this has to be done on an individual basis.  Hypo doesn't affect everyone the same way.  

You will eventually have to be on replacement hormones for the rest of your life.  When this should begin depends on your thyroid hormone levels and your symptoms.  It's important to have free T3 and free T4 and TSH tested every time you go in for labs.  You should get a printed copy of all your labs for your records and to establish a history.  Also, record symptoms you had when the labs were run and what your thyroid meds doses were prior to testing.  If you have FT3, FT4 and TSH, post them, if you'd like, and members will help you interpret them.

I don't want to overwhelm you with information.  Do you have any specific questions?