Hashimoto's disease progresses slowly over the years. You may not notice signs or symptoms of the disease. Eventually, the decline in thyroid hormone production can result in any of the following:

• Fatigue and sluggishness

• Increased sensitivity to cold

• Increased sleepiness

• Dry skin

• Constipation

• Muscle weakness

• Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness

• Joint pain and stiffness

• Irregular or excessive menstrual bleeding

• Depression

• Problems with memory or concentration

• Swelling of the thyroid (goiter)

• A puffy face

• Brittle nails

• Hair loss

• Enlargement of the tongue

Mayo Clinic 

Treatment often consists of hormone replacement therapy. Common medications include Synthroid or Levothyroxine. 

Most Effective Diet Protocols for People Suffering from Hashimoto's are:

• Autoimmune Protocol Diet

• Anti-Inflammatory Diet (AID)

• Paleo

Avoid:

• Soy

• Dairy

• Gluten

Several supplements may help lower inflammation and thyroid antibodies in people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Plus, those with this condition are more likely to be deficient in certain nutrients, so supplementing may be necessary (23).

Beneficial supplements include:

• Selenium. Studies show that taking 200 mcg of selenium per day may help reduce antithyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies and improve well-being in people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (24 Trusted Source).

• Zinc. Zinc is essential for thyroid function. Research suggests that when used alone or alongside selenium, taking 30 mg of zinc per day may improve thyroid function in people with hypothyroidism (25 Trusted Source, 26 Trusted Source).

• Curcumin. Animal and human studies have shown that this powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound may protect the thyroid. Plus, it may help treat autoimmune diseases in general (27 Trusted Source, 28 Trusted Source, 29 Trusted Source).

• Vitamin D. People with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis have been shown to have significantly lower levels of this vitamin than the general population. What’s more, studies link low vitamin D levels with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis severity (30 Trusted Source, 31 Trusted Source).

• B complex vitamins. People with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis likewise tend to be low in vitamin B12. Taking a high quality B complex vitamin boosts levels of B12 and other important B vitamins (23).

• Magnesium. Low levels of this mineral are associated with an increased risk of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and higher thyroid antibodies. Plus, correcting magnesium deficiencies may improve symptoms in people with thyroid disease (32 Trusted Source, 33 Trusted Source).

• Iron. People with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are more likely to develop anemia. Iron supplements may be needed to correct a deficiency (3 Trusted Source).

Other supplements like fish oil, alpha-lipoic acid, and N-acetyl cysteine may also help people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (3 Trusted Source, 36 Trusted Source, 37 Trusted Source).

Note that supplementing with high doses of iodine in the absence of an iodine deficiency may lead to adverse effects in those with Hashimoto’s. Don’t take high dose iodine supplements unless a healthcare professional has directed you to do so (38 Trusted Source, 39 Trusted Source).

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