The Short Answer

Gluten can trigger immune attacks in people with autoimmune conditions, particularly those with Hashimoto’s low thyroid, because gluten’s molecular structure mimics thyroid tissue. Testing through specialized labs like Cyrex can identify gluten sensitivity, but many autoimmune patients find symptom improvement simply by eliminating gluten from their diet, regardless of test results.

How Gluten Triggers Immune Attacks in Autoimmune Conditions

Many studies demonstrate a link between gluten intolerance and autoimmune conditions, particularly Hashimoto’s low thyroid, an autoimmune disease that damages the thyroid gland. This connection exists because gluten has a molecular structure similar to that of thyroid tissue. When someone with gluten sensitivity consumes gluten, their immune system can become confused and attack the thyroid gland itself. Gluten is the problematic protein found in wheat and wheat-like grains, such as spelt, kamut, rye, barley, triticale, and oats.

Understanding Your Hyperactive Immune System

The immune system protects the body from foreign invaders, including foods that trigger an immune response. When you eat a trigger food every day, your immune system becomes constantly engaged in battle. Over time, it becomes hypervigilant and hypersensitive, raising the risk of developing food intolerances and autoimmunity.

Some cases of gluten intolerance involve celiac disease, an autoimmune condition in which gluten triggers attacks in the gut, skin, or nervous system. Gluten sensitivity is more common than celiac disease overall, but people with autoimmune conditions, including Hashimoto’s low thyroid, have higher incidences of both. Others with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis may also benefit from gluten screening.

Testing for Gluten Intolerance and Autoimmunity

If you’ve been diagnosed with low thyroid function, screening for Hashimoto’s is essential — test for TPO and TGB antibodies, since Hashimoto’s causes most cases of low thyroid. It’s equally important to screen for gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, as both are more common in people with autoimmune conditions. Conversely, those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease should be tested for Hashimoto’s and other autoimmune thyroid conditions.

You can test for gluten intolerance through specialized labs like Cyrex. However, sometimes the immune system is so exhausted that it produces too few antibodies to yield a positive test result, even though gluten sensitivity is present. A total immunoglobulin test can help determine whether this is the case.

Eliminating Gluten to Protect Your Immune System

To best protect your immune system, it’s important to eliminate gluten completely if you have an autoimmune disease or gluten sensitivity. Taking small amounts or occasional “cheats” triggers immune responses that continue to damage thyroid tissue and other affected areas. Also, avoid foods contaminated by gluten, those prepared in shared kitchens, certain restaurants, or packaged foods with hidden gluten sources.

Because a proven link exists between gluten intolerance and autoimmune conditions, many people feel significantly better simply by removing gluten from their diet, regardless of whether testing confirms sensitivity. You may also find that your health improves when you remove other potential trigger foods, such as dairy, eggs, or other grains. Follow an autoimmune paleo diet for about a month, then reintroduce restricted foods one at a time every 72 hours to identify which foods trigger an immune reaction.

Many autoimmune patients are able to drive their symptoms into remission by eating a diet that eliminates gluten and other trigger foods. Although autoimmune conditions can’t be cured, they often can be successfully managed through diet and lifestyle approaches.

Contact RedRiver Health and Wellness to work with a functional medicine doctor who understands the connection between gluten, autoimmunity, and thyroid health.