Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. With Hashimoto’s, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid, damaging it and impairing its ability to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. This results in symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and feeling cold.
There is no cure for Hashimoto’s disease. However, symptoms can be managed through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes. Recently, there has been interest in using specialized diets like the carnivore diet to treat autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s. But can going carnivore and only eating meat actually cure Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
A Strict Carnivore Diet Eliminates Common Hashimoto's Triggers
The carnivore diet involves eating only animal foods like meat, fish, eggs, and small amounts of dairy. It eliminates all fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and plant-based foods.
Many experts believe there is a connection between diet and autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s. Certain foods may trigger an immune response that exacerbates autoimmunity in susceptible individuals.
Common food triggers for Hashimoto's include:
Gluten
Gluten is a protein in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It has been shown to stimulate autoimmunity in people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The carnivore diet eliminates gluten.
Soy
Soy contains compounds called isoflavones that may interfere with thyroid function and trigger the immune system in those with Hashimoto’s. The carnivore diet eliminates soy-containing foods.
Lectins
Found in many plant foods like grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, lectins may harm the gut lining and stimulate autoimmunity. The carnivore diet avoids foods high in lectins.
Nightshades
Nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and peppers contain alkaloids that may exacerbate inflammation and autoimmune conditions. Nightshades are not included in the carnivore diet.
By eliminating these common trigger foods, a properly formulated carnivore diet may help reduce immune system activation and inflammation in Hashimoto’s patients.
Meat Provides Nutrients That Support Thyroid Health
Animal foods emphasized on the carnivore diet are high in nutrients that are important for thyroid function, including:
Selenium
This mineral plays a critical role in thyroid hormone production and metabolism. Meat is the richest source of selenium.
Zinc
Zinc is required to activate thyroid hormones so they can be utilized by the cells. Meats like beef are excellent sources of zinc.
Vitamin B12
Crucial for energy production and metabolism, vitamin B12 deficiency is common in those with hypothyroidism. Meat provides the natural form of vitamin B12.
Iron
Low iron levels impair thyroid metabolism. Heme iron from meat is especially important, as it is more readily absorbed than plant sources.
Tyrosine
This amino acid is required to produce thyroid hormone. Meat, fish, eggs and dairy provide tyrosine in abundant amounts.
By providing abundant amounts of these nutrients, an animal-based carnivore diet may help optimize thyroid functioning in those with Hashimoto’s.
But There Are Also Potential Concerns with the Carnivore Diet for Hashimoto's
However, there are some potential downsides to the carnivore diet for those with autoimmune thyroid disease:
Lack of plant foods may increase inflammation
Although plants contain anti-nutrients, they also provide antioxidants and compounds that reduce inflammation in the body. The carnivore diet eliminates these protective plant compounds.
Fiber deficiency can disrupt the gut microbiome
The carnivore diet contains no dietary fiber, which nourishes beneficial gut bacteria. Lack of fiber may disrupt the microbiome and increase inflammation.
Nutrient deficiencies may occur over time
Although animal foods contain many important nutrients, avoiding all plant foods increases the risk for potential deficiencies in vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and others. This could impair thyroid function.
Sustainability challenges
Eating only animal foods long-term is challenging and not environmentally sustainable for many people. The restrictive nature may increase risks for disordered eating.
So while a carnivore diet may benefit some Hashimoto’s patients short-term, it likely won’t provide a lifelong cure. A more moderate approach is usually more sustainable.
A Targeted Elimination Diet May Be A Safer Approach
For many with Hashimoto’s, a targeted elimination diet can provide similar benefits to a strict carnivore diet without some of the potential nutrient deficiencies and sustainability issues.
This involves eliminating common trigger foods while still including non-starchy vegetables, low-sugar fruits, nuts, seeds, and other plant foods.
Foods to eliminate in a targeted approach include:
- Gluten
- Soy
- Refined oils
- Added sugars
- Processed foods
Foods to emphasize include:
- Grass-fed meats, pastured eggs, and fatty fish
- Non-starchy vegetables
- Low-sugar fruits like berries
- Nuts, seeds, and their butter
- Olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil
- Herbs, spices, vinegars, mustards
This balanced approach provides nutrients from both plants and animals to support thyroid and immune function. It also allows for some dietary carbohydrates to support gut health.
For many Hashimoto patients, targeted elimination instead of full carnivore provides noticeable improvements in symptoms and biomarkers with better long-term sustainability.
Should You Try A Carnivore Diet If You Have Hashimoto’s Disease?
The carnivore diet is an extreme approach that may temporarily reduce immune activation and symptoms by eliminating trigger foods for some Hashimoto's patients. However, the risks of nutrient deficiencies and sustainability challenges mean it is unlikely to provide a permanent cure.
A targeted elimination diet that removes problematic foods while emphasizing real, whole foods may provide similar benefits without the same level of dietary restriction. Working with a functional medicine practitioner can help determine your unique food triggers and customize an elimination protocol.
Proper medication and lifestyle strategies are also crucial in managing Hashimoto’s alongside dietary changes. In some cases, short-term carnivores could be worthwhile to identify food reactions. However transitioning to a more balanced, nutrient-dense diet is advisable for long-term thyroid and immune support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carnivore For Hashimoto’s
Can you completely heal Hashimoto’s with diet alone?
While diet and lifestyle changes are important, there are no dietary cures for Hashimoto’s disease. Ongoing medical treatment and monitoring are essential even with dietary modifications.
Is keto or paleo better than carnivore for Hashimoto’s?
Keto and paleo eliminate many problematic foods while providing more plant foods and sustainability than carnivores. They may be preferable starting points for many patients.
What foods should you avoid if you have Hashimoto’s?
Avoiding gluten, soy, refined sugars, processed oils, and artificial ingredients provides a foundation. Work with a functional medicine practitioner to identify your unique triggers.
What vitamins and minerals are important for Hashimoto’s?
Selenium, iron, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B12, magnesium, omega-3s, and antioxidants like vitamin C are particularly important for thyroid function.
Is cassava flour ok on an elimination diet for Hashimoto’s?
Cassava flour is naturally gluten-free. However, some react poorly to additional carbs or starches during elimination. Monitor symptoms and adjust intake accordingly.