Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide — and it’s also an autoimmune disease. That means your immune system attacks your thyroid, slowly damaging its ability to produce hormones. But what does gluten have to do with it?
Many people with Hashimoto’s are told to try a gluten-free diet, even if they haven’t been diagnosed with celiac disease. In this article, we look at the evidence, who might benefit, and how to approach gluten-free eating if you have thyroid issues.
The Link Between Hashimoto’s and Celiac Disease
Hashimoto’s and celiac disease share genetic and autoimmune features. People with one autoimmune condition are more likely to develop another, which is why:
- People with Hashimoto’s have a higher risk of celiac
- People with celiac often have thyroid autoimmunity
In fact, medical guidelines often recommend screening people with Hashimoto’s for celiac disease, especially if they have unexplained digestive symptoms, anemia, or skin rashes.
If you have both conditions, a strict gluten-free diet is necessary.
What If You Don’t Have Celiac?
This is where things get more controversial.
Some people with Hashimoto’s but without celiac report:
- Reduced fatigue
- Less bloating or brain fog
- Lower thyroid antibodies
Several small studies have found that a gluten-free diet may help lower anti-TPO and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (markers of thyroid inflammation), even in people without diagnosed celiac disease. One pilot study found that women with Hashimoto’s who followed a gluten-free diet for six months had reduced thyroid antibody levels compared to those who continued their regular diet (Krysiak et al., 2018).
However, the evidence is still limited, and not all patients see benefits.
Should You Try Going Gluten Free?
It depends. Here are some signs it might be worth trying a gluten-free diet:
- You have Hashimoto’s and other autoimmune conditions
- You have Hashimoto’s and digestive issues, brain fog, or anemia
- You have Hashimoto’s and a family history of celiac
In these cases, talk to your doctor about testing for celiac disease before removing gluten. If results are negative, you can consider a short-term gluten-free trial under medical supervision.
Tips for Trying a Gluten-Free Diet with Hashimoto’s
If you decide to try going gluten free:
- Get tested for celiac first (you need to be eating gluten for accurate results)
- Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods: vegetables, lean protein, gluten-free grains like quinoa and buckwheat
- Avoid ultra-processed gluten-free products, which can spike blood sugar and add empty calories
- Keep track of symptoms and lab values (especially thyroid antibodies) to measure impact
Final Thoughts
Gluten isn’t the root cause of Hashimoto’s, but in some people, removing it may help reduce inflammation and improve how they feel. The gluten-free diet is not a cure, but for some, it’s a helpful part of a larger healing strategy.
👉 Learn more about other medical conditions that may benefit from a gluten-free diet or return to our Medical Resources section.
