Is Yogurt Safe for People with Hashimoto's? Exploring Dairy and Thyroid Health

Can You Eat Yogurt with Hashimoto's? A Deep Dive into Dairy and Thyroid Health

What is Hashimoto's Disease?

Well, first things first—if you're here because you're dealing with Hashimoto's, I totally get why you’d be concerned about your diet. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks your thyroid gland, often leading to hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). It can cause a range of symptoms, from fatigue to weight gain, hair loss, and even depression. Honestly, managing Hashimoto's is not easy, and diet plays a big role in how well you feel day-to-day.

Now, you’re probably wondering, "Can I still enjoy yogurt?" It’s a fair question, and one I had to ask myself when I was diagnosed. There’s a lot of mixed advice floating around, and it can get overwhelming. Let’s break it down.

The Role of Dairy in Hashimoto's

Okay, so here’s the thing: when it comes to Hashimoto's, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer about whether you should eat dairy, and specifically yogurt. For some people, dairy can be inflammatory, while for others, it doesn’t seem to cause any issues. But, and this is important—dairy, especially full-fat yogurt, does come with some potential benefits, especially when it’s packed with probiotics.

Dairy and Thyroid Function: Should You Be Concerned?

Actually, there are some concerns about dairy products affecting thyroid function, particularly when you’re dealing with autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's. You see, some dairy products can interfere with thyroid hormone absorption due to their high calcium content. But, it’s not as clear-cut as it sounds.

I spoke to a nutritionist a few months ago who mentioned that the effect of dairy on thyroid medication absorption depends on when you take your medication. If you're taking thyroid medication, you should ideally wait at least 30-60 minutes before consuming dairy to avoid any interference. Honestly, I never paid much attention to this until I had to tweak my routine and noticed a difference in my energy levels after being more mindful of when I ate dairy.

Yogurt: The Good, the Bad, and the Probiotic

Okay, let’s get into yogurt. I love yogurt—who doesn’t, right? But with Hashimoto's, there are a few things you need to think about. The right type of yogurt can actually be a great food choice for people with Hashimoto’s, mainly because of the probiotics and gut health benefits. Having a healthy gut is more important than you might think, especially when your immune system is compromised.

Probiotics and Immune Health

Honestly, when I was first diagnosed, I didn’t realize how much the gut could influence autoimmune diseases. But it turns out, a significant amount of your immune system is tied to your gut. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt can help support a healthy gut microbiome, which is super important for managing autoimmune conditions.

I started adding unsweetened Greek yogurt to my diet because it's higher in protein and lower in sugar, which is a better option for anyone, not just those with thyroid conditions. Plus, the probiotics can help regulate your immune system and promote better digestion. My gut felt way better, and believe me, my mood and energy levels seemed to improve too.

What About Dairy Sensitivity?

But here's the kicker—some people with Hashimoto's have a sensitivity to dairy. This can exacerbate inflammation or digestive issues. If you suspect dairy is bothering you, it might be worth trying a dairy-free option like coconut or almond milk-based yogurt to see if it makes a difference. Honestly, I’ve had friends who noticed significant improvements in their Hashimoto’s symptoms when they eliminated dairy for a period. One of them swore that her bloating and skin breakouts improved just by cutting out dairy, and she felt less fatigued.

The Best Yogurt Choices for Hashimoto’s

So, now that we’ve talked about the potential pros and cons of yogurt with Hashimoto’s, let’s talk about the best types of yogurt you can eat. I know, I know—it sounds like there are a million different kinds out there, and it’s hard to know which one’s the best for your thyroid.

Greek Yogurt: The Protein Powerhouse

If you’re going to choose a yogurt, I’d recommend Greek yogurt. It’s packed with protein, low in sugar, and has a thick texture that I personally love. Greek yogurt also contains more probiotics than regular yogurt, which, as I mentioned earlier, is great for gut health. Just make sure to go for the unsweetened varieties—sugar is the enemy here, not just for your thyroid but for your overall health.

Non-Dairy Yogurt Alternatives

If you can’t tolerate dairy or prefer to avoid it, no worries! There are plenty of dairy-free yogurts available. Options made from coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew milk are pretty tasty and packed with probiotics as well. I tried coconut yogurt for a while, and while the texture was a bit different, I still got the same digestive benefits. Plus, some of these alternatives are fortified with calcium and other vitamins to give you that extra nutritional boost.

Should You Eat Yogurt if You Have Hashimoto's?

Alright, let’s wrap this up. Can you eat yogurt with Hashimoto’s? It really depends on your individual tolerance. If dairy doesn’t bother you and you enjoy yogurt, there’s no reason to avoid it—especially when it’s packed with probiotics and protein. Just make sure to time it right with your thyroid medication.

But, if you have a sensitivity to dairy or if you’ve noticed that eating yogurt makes you feel worse, it might be a good idea to give it a break or try a non-dairy alternative. Honestly, listening to your body is key. And if you’re unsure, always talk to your healthcare provider—they can guide you based on your specific needs.

So, in short: Yogurt can be part of a healthy diet with Hashimoto’s, as long as you keep a close eye on how your body responds.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.