More research connecting gluten to thryoid disease

[TamraW]

This article is from Mary Shomon, thyroid patient advocate.

http://thyroid.about.com/cs/latestresearch/a/celiac.htm

Many of you know my antibody attacks quit after I quit gluten. Though I know the GF diet isn't for everyone, keep in mind that gluten be the source of your thyroid disease.

:) Tamra

[McMillanNelson]

gimel, Well said, Thank you for that post. I have not read "The Book" and don't have Hashis, so I found the brief explanation you made (simplified I am sure)  of how gluten is linked to thyroid disease in the book, helps me to understand that part of the augment better.

I also hope the group continues to get good heath updates form Tamara and others like myself who have made major diet and life style changes and achieved success.

In my case I have scientific data, Lab results and hair analysis, thyroid ultrasounds of before and after I made these changes. In my post above I mentioned that I am following a specific protocol, this is not the same protocol that is mentions in "the book"  but there may be some part of my protocol that is similar.

To everyone's good health,

Cheers

Mac

[gimel]

I think one thing we all need to keep in mind here is that you can disagree without being disagreeable.  I really believe that has been the intent of all the many posts.  I think that is why it took so long before the disagreement even came out into the open.  

There is clearly a lot about "the book" to disagree with.  There are far too many errors and conclusions that seem to be supported only by anecdotal evidence, predominantly from the type of doctors that don't normally deal with thyroid problems.  This leaves many open questions about the validity of the treatment protocols and even the basic motivation behind all of it.  

Tamra has been an important contributor to this Forum for a long time.  No one is questioning that she is feeling better as a result of going gluten free and other changes she has made in her diet and lifestyle.  I think we are all interested in her experience longer term and hope that we continue to be updated regularly.  Our questions are all about the mechanisms that have created this improvement.  

There are several ways that have been identified that could cause the improvement noticed by Tamra, other than the one promoted in "the book", which is that gluten intolerance causes the immune system to produce antibodies that also attack the thyroid tissue, because it is so similar to the molecular structure of gluten.  This basic assumption of the book is so central to the argument that it needs to be thoroughly and scientifically validated.  If it is indeed the basic cause of Hashi's, then shouldn't we  expect that going gluten free would result in elimination of thyroid antibodies, which should then reflect in test results?  This is some of the type of data that would be required as validation.

It's clear that Tamra did not intend for her posts to be interpreted as being unqualified recommendations based on scientifically valid data.  At times it was stated that going gluten free was not for everyone.  Unfortunately, I think that the enthusiasm from her improvement resulted in many posts that could have been easily misinterpreted as such by new members and others.  Clearly that is something we all need to guard against as we hopefully continue to be open to new ideas, but at the same time we have to carefully evaluate them for the ultimate benefit of all members.

[Barb135]

Neither do we want to see anyone leave the forum.  Yes, I'm sure Tamra has some very good insight into things other than g/f.  The problem is that's all we've been hearing from her for quite some time now and that's not all there is to treating thyroid issues; in fact, as we've pretty much shown, it really has nothing to do with thyroid health, since there's no scientific research that actually links gluten and Hashimoto's; other than the fact that both Hashi's and celiac are autoimmune and when one has an autoimmune, it's very likely they will get another.  

Again, there has been no persecution or "ganging up"; just a desire to clear the air; it needed to be done.

[magpieannie]

It's not the info. All very good points, but more the "tone" of it all. I like Tamra very much and I don't want to see her so offended that she never comes back to our forum as this would be a great loss for our community and to those who enjoy her postings. She has great insite and information about alot of things (and not just g.f.) and such a caring heart. Many seem to mistake that as her pushing some sort of personal agenda, yet I see it as wanting to share what has helped her in an attempt to help others. Yes, you are right that we need to be very careful to preface what we say as "opinion" and not fact, or with "no scientific evidence,"( which is lacking in the world of thyroid), but sometimes we get so "fired up" and excited when we feel that there has been some sort of a break through/improvement to our symptoms that we just forget to do this. I see this thread as a healthy reminder to us all to do this in all areas of advice (gluten free, vitamins, diet, blood levels, meds. literature etc..).  In doing so, hopefully we will keep frustrations from building over time with those who have differing thoughts on any one subject. Oh ,and by the way- just for the record - I do not see any of you as "bullies or persecuters, or victims" just passionet "thyroidians" who are valued advisors and caring friends. Sorry if I offended anyone!

[goolarra]

It's a long thread, but it's a very complex subject.  I've seen longer...some with a very one-sided view of this very same subject.  I think it's time to clear the air.  Several of us have unanswered questions still (I know I have tons), and it's time to address them.  I've suggested "giving it a rest" too, but that's a two-sided proposition.  Cite proof, or give it up.  I will be more than happy to endorse this if I ever see science supporting it.  However, as of yet, I have seen NOTHING.  Opinion, opinion and more opinion...which I do not share.  Testimonials..which I seldom give any credence.  I am one of the ones who had a bad experience with g/f.  I have seen no concessions so far, just accusations of "persecution" suggesting that all those commenting on this thread are simply "playground bullies" and have no valid opinion.  

[magpieannie]

It 's a very long thread. Maybe it's time to give it a rest. I still think you guys/gals and Med Help are the best even if I don't like this thread. LOL Keep up the good work as you all do a great job!