Thyroid gland diseases are common, and Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto thyroiditis represent two seemingly opposite problems, but they share a common autoimmune origin. Hyperthyroidism indicates excessive secretion of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), which accelerates metabolism, while Hashimoto is an autoimmune inflammatory process that most commonly leads to hypothyroidism (decreased hormone secretion) over time. We address them together because both have a strong immunological component – in hyperthyroidism, most commonly Graves' disease (autoimmune stimulation of the thyroid), and Hashimoto is an autoimmune process of thyroid destruction. Both belong to serious disorders because thyroid hormones affect the entire body – from energy and weight, to the heart and nervous system.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism:
- Weight loss despite increased appetite
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia), heart palpitations, high blood pressure
- Nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, hand tremors
- Heat intolerance, sweating, hot and moist skin
- Muscle weakness, fatigue, often tremor
- In women, irregular menstrual cycles; in Graves’ disease, characteristically bulging eyes (exophthalmos)
Symptoms of hypothyroidism (as a consequence of Hashimoto thyroiditis):
- Fatigue, drowsiness, sluggishness, depressive mood
- Weight gain despite normal appetite
- Feeling cold, cold skin, cold intolerance
- Dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails
- Slow heart rate, elevated blood cholesterol
- Constipation, muscle and joint pain
- Enlarged thyroid (goiter) or, later, thyroid reduction due to tissue destruction
In Graves' disease (autoimmune hyperthyroidism), the immune system creates antibodies that stimulate the thyroid to secrete hormones uncontrollably. In Hashimoto thyroiditis, antibodies (e.g., against thyroid peroxidase – TPO) and lymphocytes slowly destroy thyroid tissue, causing chronic inflammation of the gland; initially there may be a phase of transient hyperthyroidism (hashitoxicosis), and then hypothyroidism develops.
In both cases, immunological imbalance is the root of the problem: the body mistakenly attacks its own thyroid gland (either stimulating or destroying it). The inflammatory process in the thyroid and inadequate hormone levels also lead to systemic consequences – for example, in hyperthyroidism, accelerated metabolism causes oxidative stress (cells work rapidly and consume more oxygen, creating more free radicals), while in hypothyroidism, slowed metabolism reduces cellular antioxidant defense. In the thyroid gland itself, meanwhile, the inflammatory process creates oxidative tissue damage. Elevated antibodies and cytokines are present in the blood, especially in active Hashimoto or Graves, indicating systemic autoimmune activity.
Natural support for the body
Nutrition can help regulate autoimmune activity and alleviate symptoms of thyroid gland disorders. Spelt is particularly interesting in the context of the thyroid due to its selenium content. Selenium is essential for thyroid gland function – it is a component of deiodinase enzymes that convert hormone T4 to active T3, and is also a component of glutathione peroxidase that protects the thyroid from oxidative damage during hormone synthesis. Studies have shown that selenium supplementation can reduce antibody levels in Hashimoto disease and alleviate symptoms.
Spelt naturally contains more selenium than regular wheat, so including spelt in the diet helps the intake of this important mineral. Besides selenium, there are also iron and iodine in traces (spelt, like other grains, contains little iodine, but every source matters). Iron is important because anemia can worsen hypothyroidism symptoms, and spelt contains enough to contribute to anemia prevention. Detoxification is also important for the thyroid: toxins such as heavy metals, and even excess iodine or smoking, can worsen autoimmune processes. Chlorophyll from spelt binds some toxins and helps their elimination, thereby reducing the burden on the thyroid gland. For people with hyperthyroidism, who often suffer from weight loss and muscle mass loss, spelt provides quality proteins and carbohydrates for maintaining body weight and energy.
In Hashimoto hypothyroidism, which is accompanied by slowed metabolism and weight gain, spelt helps make the diet healthier and more balanced – it provides a feeling of satiety, prevents overeating sweets and thus helps in weight control, which is important because obesity worsens inflammation and hormonal imbalance. Also, many with Hashimoto also have elevated cholesterol due to slow metabolism; spelt, as we described, helps lower cholesterol thanks to fiber and phytosterols.
Through a combination of these effects – providing selenium and nutrients, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, supporting detoxification and metabolism – spelt represents a valuable addition to the diet for balancing thyroid gland function. Of course, it is still necessary to regularly monitor hormones and take prescribed therapy (e.g., antithyroid drugs for hyperthyroidism or hormone replacement for hypothyroidism), but natural support can ease the path to disease stabilization.