Does Gluten Affect Thyroid Health?

Feb 21, 2025

If you’ve been diagnosed with a thyroid condition or suspect you may have one, you’ve likely heard whispers about the connection between gluten and thyroid health. Specifically, you may wonder, does gluten affect thyroid health? The answer is complex, but research increasingly suggests a strong link—especially for those with autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

In this guide, we’ll explore how gluten interacts with your thyroid, why this connection matters, and steps you can take to support your thyroid health.

Understanding Your Thyroid and Its Role

Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck, and its job is critical: it produces hormones that control how your body uses energy. These hormones impact nearly every organ system, influencing metabolism, growth, and overall vitality.

Unfortunately, thyroid dysfunction is common—an estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, and 60% of them are unaware of it. Most thyroid conditions, including hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, stem from autoimmunity, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland.

What Is Gluten, and Why Does It Matter for Thyroid Health?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and related grains. For most people, gluten passes through the digestive system without issue. However, for individuals with Celiac disease, non-Celiac gluten sensitivity, or other autoimmune predispositions, gluten can trigger an immune response that leads to widespread inflammation.

The connection between gluten and thyroid health lies in autoimmunity. Research shows that:

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, the most common autoimmune thyroid disorder, often coexists with gluten-related conditions like Celiac disease.
Gluten can compromise gut health, creating a “leaky gut” where the intestinal lining becomes permeable. This allows gluten proteins and other particles to escape into the bloodstream, triggering an immune attack.
The protein portion of gluten, gliadin, closely resembles the molecular structure of the thyroid gland. When the immune system attacks gliadin, it may mistakenly attack thyroid tissue as well.

How Gluten Can Wreak Havoc on Your Thyroid

When gluten affects thyroid health, it’s often through the following mechanisms:

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Consuming gluten increases the production of zonulin, a chemical that loosens the tight junctions in the gut lining. This creates a leaky gut, allowing harmful particles to escape into the bloodstream. Your immune system then attacks these invaders, creating systemic inflammation that can also harm your thyroid.
Molecular Mimicry

Gliadin’s structural similarity to thyroid tissue confuses the immune system. If you have autoimmune thyroid disease and eat gluten, your immune system may not only attack gliadin but also your thyroid gland, worsening the condition.
Nutrient Malabsorption

Celiac disease and gluten intolerance can impair the absorption of essential nutrients, such as iodine and selenium, which are crucial for thyroid hormone production. Without these nutrients, thyroid function can be compromised.

Could Gluten-Free Be the Answer?

For many with autoimmune thyroid conditions, removing gluten from their diet can significantly improve symptoms and thyroid health. Studies have shown that:

Women with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis may see changes in thyroid antibody levels after following a strict gluten-free diet for six months.
A gluten-free diet can help heal the gut lining, reduce inflammation, and minimize immune system attacks on the thyroid.

Steps to Support Thyroid Health

If you suspect gluten may be affecting your thyroid, here’s what you can do:

Test for Thyroid and Gluten Issues

Ask your doctor for a comprehensive thyroid panel, including TSH, free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies. Additionally, testing for non-celiac gluten sensitivity AND Celiac disease can provide clarity. We offer a free ‘Top-Labs’ checklist that includes these tests. You can get it here!
Adopt a Gluten-Free Diet

Removing gluten from your diet can support gut healing and reduce inflammation. Be mindful of cross-contamination and hidden sources of gluten.
Support Gut Health

Improving gut health is key to managing thyroid function. Incorporate gut-supportive nutrients like glutamine, and eat probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut to restore balance to your microbiome.
Add Selenium-Rich Foods

Selenium supports thyroid health and may reduce antibody levels in Hashimoto’s patients. A one-ounce serving of Brazil nuts provides nearly 1,000% of the recommended daily allowance of selenium.
Manage Stress

Physical and emotional stress can disrupt gut and thyroid health. Practice mindfulness, prioritize sleep, and consider incorporating adaptogens to support stress resilience.

What’s the Verdict on Gluten and Thyroid Health?

The evidence is clear: Gluten can profoundly impact thyroid health, especially for individuals with autoimmune thyroid conditions. While more research is needed, the link between gluten and thyroid dysfunction is compelling enough that experts recommend screening for gluten intolerance and Celiac disease in anyone with autoimmune thyroid disease.

If you’re navigating thyroid issues, addressing your diet—including eliminating gluten—could be a transformative step in your journey toward optimal health. Work with a healthcare professional to create a personalized plan for healing your gut and supporting your thyroid.

By taking these steps, you can reduce inflammation, restore balance, and reclaim your energy and vitality.