The Thyroid (and Hormone) Fixer Podcast: Thyropause, Menopause, Metabolism and How to Fix It · Dr. Amie Hornaman

597. Quick Fixes: Diets That Heal or Harm Hashimoto’s (Hypothyroidism)

January 20, 2026·51 min·4 clips

Discover why gluten can cause an autoimmune attack on your thyroid every time you eat it, even if you don't feel immediate symptoms.

Dr. Amy Myers, a functional medicine expert, explains how to navigate diets for Hashimoto's disease and hypothyroidism. She argues that generic diet advice often fails those with autoimmune thyroid conditions, requiring a more personalized approach. Myers emphasizes that food is a powerful lever for managing symptoms and reducing inflammation. She states that anyone with Hashimoto's or any autoimmune condition must eliminate gluten completely, as the protein gliadin can trigger an autoimmune attack on the thyroid. One gluten exposure can spike thyroid antibodies for up to six months, causing ongoing damage even without immediate symptoms. Myers also warns that non-gluten grains like corn and oats can increase gut permeability and inflammation, especially when treated with the endocrine disruptor glyphosate. Dairy tolerance is highly individual, requiring a personal elimination and reintroduction test to assess reactions like bloating or sinus issues. She advocates for high protein intake, recommending 90-150 grams daily to combat age-related muscle loss and support hormone production, but cautions against excessive intake that leads to weight gain. Myers promotes "protein bookending"—consuming 40-50 gram boluses in the morning and evening—often using her branded protein powder to meet targets. She debunks fat-free trends, stressing that healthy fats from avocados, olive oil, and grass-fed beef are essential for hormone production and thyroid function. Myers analyzes popular diets: carnivore can dramatically reduce inflammation for severe autoimmune cases but requires careful micronutrient management, while keto is effective for insulin resistance and lowering inflammation but may impact thyroid hormone conversion. She views paleo as a strong, gluten-free foundation but cautions that the Mediterranean diet's grains may be problematic, and vegan diets often lead to nutrient deficiencies and high carbohydrate intake. A surprising insight is that the body's reaction to a food is most clearly seen after removing it and then reintroducing it, revealing chronic symptoms previously mistaken as normal. Myers shares a personal anecdote about gaining weight from following a trainer's advice to consume 200 grams of protein daily, highlighting that even "good" calories must be balanced. She notes that protein stimulates IGF-1, a hormone that supports muscle retention and youthful cellular function, which naturally declines with age. The episode has a direct, motivational, and educational tone, blending scientific explanations with actionable advice and personal anecdotes. Dr. Myers adopts a conversational yet authoritative style, positioning herself as a disruptor of mainstream health advice. Listeners struggling with Hashimoto's confusion and seeking a clear, body-centric approach to nutrition will find this episode invaluable. Those without thyroid issues or who prefer non-confrontational, mainstream dietary guidance might find it too specific or product-promotional.

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