Celiac Disease and Thyroid Health — What’s the Link? Why You Might Be Missing a Key Piece of the Thyroid Puzzle
- Emanuela Visone
- May 7
- 3 min read
If you’ve been doing “all the right things” for your thyroid—taking medication, eating better, trying to reduce stress—but you're still not feeling your best, there may be a hidden piece of the puzzle you haven’t explored: gluten.
At Embody Vitality, I’ve worked with countless clients whose health turned a corner once they understood how gluten was impacting their immune system, gut, and thyroid. Let’s dive into a powerful (and often overlooked) connection that could change your healing journey.
Did you know that 1 in 100 people worldwide have celiac disease—and many more have gluten sensitivity without even realizing it?
What’s even more surprising is the strong connection between celiac disease and autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. If you’ve been diagnosed with either—or struggle with symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or digestive issues—understanding this link could be the key to unlocking your healing potential.
The Autoimmune Overlap: Celiac and Hashimoto’s
Both celiac disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are autoimmune conditions. In simple terms, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue—in the case of celiac, it's the lining of the small intestine; with Hashimoto’s, it's the thyroid gland.
Research shows that people with one autoimmune disease are significantly more likely to develop another. That’s why many individuals with Hashimoto’s also test positive for celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. The underlying trigger?
Often, it’s gluten—a protein in gluten called Gliadin and glutenin found in wheat, barley, and rye.
The Science Behind the Connection
When someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity consumes gluten, it can cause intestinal permeability, commonly known as "leaky gut." This allows undigested food particles, toxins, and microbes to pass through the gut lining into the bloodstream—where they don’t belong. The body mounts an immune response, leading to widespread inflammation and confusion within the immune system.
Here’s where molecular mimicry comes in: some of the protein sequences in gluten are remarkably similar to the proteins in your thyroid tissue. Once gluten triggers the immune system, it can begin mistakenly attacking the thyroid as well. Over time, this contributes to the destruction of thyroid cells and worsening symptoms of hypothyroidism.
A Practical Guide to Going Gluten-Free (the Right Way)
If you suspect gluten is impacting your thyroid health, here’s how to start:
1. Identify Hidden Sources of Gluten
It’s not just bread and pasta—gluten hides in:
Soy sauce
Salad dressings and marinades
Processed deli meats
Soups and sauces (especially thickened ones)
Certain supplements and medications
Pro tip: Look for certified gluten-free labels and always read ingredients carefully.
2. Choose Thyroid-Friendly Swaps
Replace gluten-containing grains with nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory options:
Quinoa – high in protein and minerals
Wild or brown rice – gentle on the gut
Buckwheat – gluten-free despite its name, and rich in flavonoids
Almond, or coconut flour – great for baking
3. Support Gut Repair
Healing the gut is essential after removing gluten. Try:
Bone broth – rich in collagen and gut-soothing amino acids
Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, or coconut yogurt – these provide beneficial probiotics to rebalance the microbiome
L-glutamine, zinc, and marshmallow root – known to help rebuild the intestinal lining (try your best to always get from superfoods)
Client Story: Healing from the Inside Out
“After years of struggling with unexplained fatigue, stubborn weight gain, and anxiety, a client came to us for guidance. Although she had been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s years prior, no one had ever explored the role of food sensitivities. Through our functional nutrition assessment, we discovered a strong gluten sensitivity. Within weeks of removing gluten and supporting her gut with bone broth and probiotics, she began noticing significant changes—more energy, fewer flares, and improved thyroid lab markers over time.”
This story is just one of many I see. When the immune system calms down, the body can finally begin to heal.
It’s Not Just About Gluten—It’s About Listening to Your Body
At Embody Vitality, we believe healing starts by listening—really listening—to your body’s signals. Whether you’re dealing with fatigue, brain fog, digestive discomfort, or stubborn thyroid issues, food sensitivities like gluten may be playing a silent but powerful role.
You don’t have to guess or go it alone.
We’re here to help you connect the dots and create a personalized roadmap for vibrant health.
Ready to Find Out if Gluten Is Affecting You?
Book a free consultation with Embody Vitality to uncover how gluten or other food sensitivities may be sabotaging your thyroid health—and what steps you can take to restore balance and vitality naturally.