question
Hello,
My [functional medicine] doctor has recommended I follow your diet. I've been reading the book and website and have a question. I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's autoimmune hypothyroid. I am also casein intolerant. Are their any specific changes I need to make to following the diet. I read this on the "Dr. Rosedale Support" site:
Question.
Since one of the effects of the Rosedale diet is a lowering of thyroid hormone, is there any danger for someone who prior to undertaking the dietary regime already has a low functioning thyroid will exacerbate the condition? Can you please check with Dr. Rosedale and confirm. I would be interested in hearing his reasoning if this is not a potential problem. Thanks in advance. Jim
Answer.
The Rosedale Diet lowers the active thyroid hormone (free T3), but TSH stays the same or lowers also, that is opposite to what happens with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a disease state, where the thyroid is low (or even normal to begin with) but where the pituitary gland, through thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), has to yell at the thyroid to get it to work. Being able to reduce thyroid on the Rosedale diet is like being able to reduce the idle rpm setting on your car because the engine is functioning better; the timing is right, it has good spark plugs, clean, high quality fuel, and does not need to rev up so much to stay running (like higher thyroid), and will in fact have greater acceleration (perceived available energy), while at the same time get much better milage; will run longer i.e. live longer.
I am still a bit confused what Dr. Rosedale thinks for someone in my situation.
Thank you so much,
Debbie
Odessa, DE
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Support Staff 1 Posted by Dr. Rosedale on 09 Jan, 2012 03:08 AM
Dear Debbie,
The Rosedale diet improves the function of the immune system, so it is likely to slow down Hashimoto thyroiditis, but not totally reverse it. The diet will have considerable impact on your thyroid, improving its function, reducing the amount of thyroid necessary for optimal health. Depending on what stage of Hashimoto's you're at, i.e. producing too much thyroid currently or too little, would determine the changes you would see on the diet. If you are on thyroid medication to rest your thyroid, your requirement is likely to reduce, as it would if you are at a more final stage where you are producing to little. In other words, from a practical sense, your thyroid will just have to be monitored and the dosage that you are currently taking will likely change.
Furthermore, your risk of acquiring type I diabetes is considerably increased, and therefore it would behoove you to follow my diet to reduce that risk also. Low casein dairy would be beneficial regardless, to reduce risk of type 1. Whey protein should still be fine. Thank you very much for the question.
Dr. Rosedale