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Archith’s Note

Garry isn’t just a writer, he’s a survivor and a guide. Living with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, a chronic autoimmune condition, he knows firsthand the daily challenges of managing health while trying to live fully.

Through his blog, Garry shares how adopting a gluten-free lifestyle transformed his journey. What once felt like survival has become a path toward greater energy, balance, and resilience. His reflections go beyond diet tips, they’re insights born of lived experience, offering readers both practical strategies and hope.

Whether you’re navigating thyroid health yourself or simply curious about the power of food and lifestyle in healing, Garry’s voice brings clarity, compassion, and encouragement. His stories remind us that even in the face of chronic illness, it’s possible to create a healthier, more vibrant life.

Garry: The Impact on My Body

I went through immense discomfort. My body suffered from confusing symptoms related to endocrinology, digestion, and energy regulation. It began to change in ways I couldn’t understand. I experienced:

• Persistent fatigue and sluggishness
• Unexplained weight gain despite no major dietary changes
• Sensitivity to cold
• Constipation and bloating
• Puffy face and swelling in hands or feet
• Dry skin and thinning hair
• Brain fog, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating

Diagnosing and treating these overlapping symptoms proved incredibly difficult for doctors. There is still no known cure for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, and while research is growing, it remains limited.

The purpose of this post is to share my experience and insights on how a gluten-free diet has positively impacted my health.

At times, individuals with certain autoimmune conditions need to avoid gluten. The reaction may differ in severity depending on the person.

Turning Point: The Gluten-Free Experiment

Amid this uncertainty, one recommendation stood out: Try a gluten-free diet. Although not backed by strong scientific evidence for Hashimoto’s, my doctors suggested it could help manage autoimmune symptoms.

It was a trial-and-error approach, but it worked for me.

Understanding a Gluten-Free Diet

My journey became about understanding my limitations in almost every sphere of life. It was then that my doctors recommended going gluten-free as a management tool for my symptoms.

A gluten-free diet excludes gluten, a protein found in barley, wheat, and rye. Typically, this means avoiding traditional breads, cereals, baked goods, and processed foods that may contain hidden gluten.

Today, many people choose this diet for health or lifestyle reasons. However, it’s important to balance a gluten-free diet to avoid nutritional gaps.

Food Before and After Diagnosis

I always preferred simple, freshly prepared meals. Most of my meals included bread, pasta, cereals, and vegetables. My body didn’t complain much in the pre-diagnosis days. However, the same routine disturbed me post-diagnosis.

I was asked to avoid the following foods that contain gluten:

• Processed foods
• Grains with gluten, like barley, wheat, and rye
• Wheat-based products (bread, pasta, crackers)
• Sauces and gravies thickened with flour
• Canned soups
• Breaded foods
• Beer and alcohol made from wheat or barley
• Snacks, oats, and supplements (unless labeled gluten-free)

Instead, I embraced foods like:

• Rice
• Corn and cornmeal
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt)
• Nuts and seeds
• Gluten-free breads and pastas
• Quinoa
• Buckwheat
• Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs
• U.S. staples like baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, and gluten-free oatmeal

I was advised to check ingredient lists carefully. Understanding cross-contamination and reading labels became essential.

Why a Gluten-Free Diet Mattered

In controlling symptoms associated with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis:

With time, I realized that a gluten-free diet was helpful because:

• My Hashimoto’s diagnosis overlapped with other autoimmune tendencies
• Reducing gluten helped ease inflammation and digestive discomfort
• My gut health improved, which supported better thyroid function
• My blood reports showed reduced inflammatory markers
• I experienced improved mental clarity and reduced brain fog
• Fatigue lessened, and my energy levels became more stable

Avoiding gluten is an individual choice. It depends on the person’s symptoms and should be guided by a healthcare professional.

My Weekly Meal Plan

Consuming a healthy and instructed diet was my goal. My plan was based on including lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and gluten-free whole grains. It was a great way to keep me and my family on track.

The plan was simple, nutrition-rich, and goal-specific, which made things easier.

Overcoming Challenges

Adapting to a gluten-free diet wasn’t easy. Adding it as a lifestyle change came with many challenges:

• Nutritional deficiencies (Vitamin D, B12, Calcium, Fiber, Iron)
• Limited gluten-free options in grocery stores
• Hidden gluten in sauces, condiments, and packaged foods
• Cross-contamination risks in restaurants
• Feeling restricted when eating out or traveling

It was overwhelming at first, but with time, I found substitutes and routines that worked.

The Connection Between Gluten and Autoimmune Disease

In several autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues. Gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye, can act as a trigger for some people.

My Tips for Going Gluten-Free

• Make gradual changes instead of drastic overnight shifts
• Consult a dietitian to maintain balance and avoid deficiencies
• Keep a list of gluten-free foods to stay creative with meals
• Always read food labels
• Explore gluten-free grains like quinoa and buckwheat
• Carry safe snacks while traveling
• Focus on whole, fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins

Final Thoughts

In my experience, going gluten-free was a wise decision to help manage autoimmune disease.

The benefits were many: improved cognitive function, reduced inflammation, better digestion, more energy, and overall well-being.

I encourage my readers to consider the potential benefits of a gluten-free lifestyle. It could support your health in unexpected ways. But always consult a healthcare professional before making dietary changes, because the best plan is the one tailored to your body’s needs.