So I’ve been gluten free for about three months with as far as I know only one accidental gluten consumption. If you’ve read some earlier blogs you know that I went gluten-free because I was diagnosed with hashimotos and hypothyroidism. I didn’t want to have to go on medication for the rest of my life (my PCP’s suggestion) and so I thought I would try my naturopath’s suggestion (a gluten free diet). My blood work after being gluten-free for three months showed positive results. My thyroid was back in the normal range. And the antibodies for my hashitmotos (an autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid) were down 20-percent. I can’t say for sure that this had to do with gluten. According to my PCP it’s completely random, which is typical of thyroid problems. They fluctuate. According to my naturopath it is probably a combination of being gluten-free, supplements, and the body being random. Either way I was happy with the results and glad to feel like I might have some control over my body. I’ll continue to get my blood drawn every three months, but I’ve committed to trying gluten-free for one year. If my numbers stay low I will then consider re-integrating it as long as nothing changes.
I appreciate all that medical science does for us. I’m glad it’s an option that I have. But sometimes I wish it was a little bit less about masking what is wrong and a little bit more about fixing a problem, ideally before there is a problem. I wish it focused more on prevention.
So is gluten directly related to hastimotos? I’m not sure yet, but I’ll keep you posted at least on the results in my body.
