Guide

Hashimoto's without fear.

What happens to your thyroid, how to get a diagnosis, and how food and habits can support your body alongside the treatment your doctor prescribes.

What is Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's is an autoimmune thyroid disease: the immune system mistakenly attacks the gland, which over time produces less and less hormone. It is the most common cause of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and is much more common in women.

It develops gradually, so the symptoms are often blamed on stress or tiredness. With the right treatment and follow-up, most people live completely normal lives, and food and habits can help you feel better.

How to spot the problem

The most common signs. None of them alone is a diagnosis.

Chronic fatigue

Exhaustion and sleepiness even after enough sleep, with little strength during the day.

Sensitivity to cold

Hands and feet that are always cold, and feeling cold when others don't.

Weight changes

Difficulty losing weight, fluid retention and a puffy face in the morning.

Skin, hair and nails

Dry skin, more hair loss and brittle nails.

Brain fog

Feeling slowed down, poorer concentration and low mood.

Digestion and cycle

Slow digestion and constipation, and irregular or heavier periods.

The road to a reliable diagnosis

Biotin (vitamin B7) from supplements can interfere with thyroid test results. Tell your doctor about everything you take before your blood is drawn.

First stop

Endocrinologist

1

TSH

Blood

The first step: a pituitary hormone that rises when the thyroid is underactive.

2

FT4

Blood

Free thyroxine shows how much hormone the gland actually produces.

3

Anti-TPO

Blood

Antibodies that confirm the autoimmune process; they are elevated in most people with Hashimoto's.

4

Anti-TG

Blood

Thyroglobulin antibodies, an extra confirmation when anti-TPO is in range.

5

Ultrasound

Exam

Shows the appearance and structure of the thyroid tissue.

Food that supports your thyroid

On your plate

  • Vegetables, fish and olive oil as an anti-inflammatory base
  • Selenium-rich foods (e.g. 1–2 Brazil nuts, no more)
  • Enough protein with every meal
  • Foods rich in iron and vitamin B12
  • Vitamin D: check your level, it is often low

Avoid or limit

  • Ultra-processed food and excess sugar
  • Iodine supplements on your own
  • Coffee, calcium and iron at the same time as your medication
  • Strict diets and fasting
  • Gluten, if celiac disease is also confirmed

Celiac disease is more common in people with Hashimoto's, so it's worth getting tested for it too. A gluten-free diet isn't required for everyone, but it is essential if celiac disease is confirmed.

From knowledge to your plate.

The Bez zrna app helps you in the grocery store and in the kitchen.

  • AI label scanner
  • HOMA-IR calculator
  • Premium recipes in 9 languages

Other guides

This guide is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. For a diagnosis, interpreting your lab results or any change in treatment, talk to your doctor.