Understanding Hashimoto’s holistically: Focus on diet, gut & stress
2. July 2025
Understanding Hashimoto’s holistically: Focus on diet, gut & stress
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. The result: chronic inflammation and often hypothyroidism. Typical symptoms range from fatigue, weight gain and sensitivity to cold to mood swings. A holistic approach can help to better support the body.
Nutrition as an influencing factor
Diet plays a major role in autoimmune processes. Certain foods are considered potential “triggers” – in other words, factors that can promote inflammation.
Possible stress factors:
• Gluten: is poorly tolerated by some sufferers
• Sugar & highly processed foods: promote silent inflammation
• Iodine: can be problematic in large quantities with Hashimoto’s
Can have a supportive effect:
• Selenium (e.g. in Brazil nuts)
• Vitamin D, zinc, iron
• Fiber, which promotes intestinal health
Individual nutritional advice is advisable, as not everyone reacts in the same way.
The intestine as the key to the immune system
Around 70 % of the immune system is located in the gut. If the intestinal flora is out of balance, this can intensify inflammatory processes in the body.
Typical signs:
• Flatulence, intolerances
• Skin problems
• Concentration problems or “brain fog”
A gut-friendly diet, targeted probiotics or even temporary elimination diets can help to relieve the immune system.
Do not underestimate stress
Chronic stress can affect the hormone balance and the immune system. A permanently high cortisol level has a negative effect on thyroid function.
Reduce stress in everyday life:
• Relaxation techniques (e.g. meditation, breathing exercises)
• Regular exercise (moderate endurance training)
• Sufficient sleep and fixed routines
Toxopheresis: an innovative therapeutic approach
Toxopheresis – a procedure in which certain metabolic products, inflammatory messengers and antibodies are filtered out of the blood. The aim is to specifically relieve the immune system without suppressing the body’s own system. The method is carried out under medical supervision. Experience shows that patients report a noticeable improvement in their quality of life after treatment.
Conclusion
Hashimoto’s affects not only the thyroid gland – but the whole body. If you take nutrition, intestinal health, stress and modern therapy methods into account, you can often influence symptoms more effectively. Holistic medicine means understanding the interrelationships and taking an individual approach – always in close consultation with medical specialists.
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