Gluten & Autoimmune Conditions

We often talk about the benefit of a gluten-free diet for those with autoimmune conditions.

An autoimmune condition is caused by an overactive immune system that begins attacking your own cells.

The reason behind removing gluten is that it can cause an immune response that can lasts for up to 3-6 months, which is why even small amounts of gluten can affect healing.

In the case of autoimmune thyroid conditions, or Hashimoto's, the link between the thyroid and gluten is due to molecular mimicry - which is when a substance like a protein from food (ie. gliadin in gluten) has structural similarities to our own healthy cells or tissues. This means that if an individual is sensitive to gluten, the body will amount an immune response towards both gluten and the thyroid.

Following a gluten free diet can also assist in reducing systemic inflammation which is often a component of autoimmune conditions.

While going gluten-free can be overwhelming, don't despair! There are SO many good and accessible gluten-free alternatives and brands out there these days which makes the transition a little smoother.

Some of my favourite gluten-free brand food options include:

〰️ Wholegreen Bakery sourdough bread

〰️ Noni’s gluten free bread

〰️ Mary’s Gone Crackers organic seed crackers

〰️ Orgran buckwheat crispbread

〰️ Olive Green organics brown rice cakes

〰️ Spiral Foods 100% buckwheat soba

〰️ Eco Organics mung bean / black bean pasta

〰️ Keep It Cleaner brown rice & quinoa / red lentil / chickpea pasta

〰️ Brookfarm gluten-free porrij