The thyroid gland, located at the front of your neck, makes hormones that control how your body uses energy. “These hormones are like the master switches for your body’s metabolism,” affecting breathing, heart rate, sleep, and digestion. When your thyroid isn’t working right, it can cause fatigue, weight changes, and more.

Hypothyroidism, often caused by Hashimoto’s syndrome, happens when your body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone, slowing metabolism by up to 40%. Too much hormone speeds it up by 60–100%, also causing health issues.

Your diet plays a big role in thyroid health. “Some foods are just not its friends,” especially sugar, gluten, and dairy, which trigger inflammation.

Gluten—found in wheat, rye, barley, pasta, and baked goods—contains gliadin, a protein that “often causes problems for our health, especially for the thyroid.” Even condiments may hide gluten.

Sugar, including from juices and iced tea, causes inflammation. Dairy can irritate the gut, making it harder to absorb nutrients. Consider cutting sugar, gluten, and dairy. Learn about healthy eating and “intermittent fasting,” and explore natural remedies to support your thyroid.