There are too many benefits of using protein powder to ignore and it’s something that pretty much every patient with Hashimoto’s (or thyroid disease of any type) should consider.
With that in mind, it makes sense that if you are going to use it, you want to use the right type to get all of these benefits.
What benefits am I talking about?
Well, here are a few:
- Protein powder can help you lose weight (1) – Protein powder is one of the easiest supplements to take to help manage your weight. Because patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis struggle with weight gain, using protein powder for this purpose is a no-brainer.
- It provides you with a quick and easy meal so you can stay on track with your dietary goals – Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone but it’s especially important for those with Hashimoto’s! Eating the right type of foods can help reduce inflammation and balance your immune system and the opposite is true if you are eating the wrong types of foods. Taking protein powder each day makes staying on your healthy diet much easier because it removes one meal that you need to worry about.
- It helps control your appetite (2) – Protein as a macromolecule has a profound impact on regulating your appetite. You can strategically use protein powder to help manage cravings and curb your appetite.
- It’s an easy way to get extra nutrients into your body – Patients with Hashimoto’s often struggle with many nutrient deficiencies. It’s easy to throw extra vitamins, nutrients, and botanicals into a protein powder to help you reduce how many supplements you need to take each day.
- It’s easy to prepare and tastes great – Lastly, protein powders (the good ones) taste great and are really easy to prepare!
For purposes of this article, we aren’t focusing on the benefits of protein powder as much as we are on the types of protein powders available, but it’s worth mentioning them here just to give you a reminder of why you want to use it if you aren’t already.
Before you run out and grab some random protein powder, let’s make sure you are using the right type:
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3 Main Types of Protein Powders to Consider
As you will soon find out, there are many types of protein powders available.
In this article, we will be primarily focusing on 3.
Why?
Because these are the most common and the ones that patients with Hashimoto’s tend to migrate towards.
They are also the ones that are most readily available and tend to provide the best benefits.
As you will see, choosing the best protein powder for your body isn’t as easy as it might sound.
Each type of protein powder contains pros and cons and each of these needs to be evaluated before making a choice.
As we go through this article, I am going to explain these pros and cons and when to consider certain types of protein powders.
In the end, I will provide you with some general advice as well as what I generally recommend for patients with Hashimoto’s.
Whey Protein for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
First up we have whey-based protein powders.
These are definitely the most common types of protein powders on the market and are frequently used by bodybuilders and people trying to lose weight.
If you walk into your grocery store (or local supplement store) you are sure to find plenty of whey-based protein powders.
Even though they are popular among the normal population, whey protein powders tend to get a negative reputation among patients with Hashimoto’s because they are dairy-based.
Whey is one of the primary proteins found in dairy products and is a byproduct of the cheese-making process (3).
If you’ve spent any time learning about Hashimoto’s then you are probably well aware that dairy can be a big no-no for patients with Hashimoto’s.
Dairy has the potential to exacerbate immune problems (4) and may, therefore, make Hashimoto’s worse.
Having said all of this, there may still be some redeeming qualities to whey protein which is why we need to look at the pros in context with the cons.
Pros of whey protein for Hashimoto’s:
Pro #1. Results in an increase in Glutathione
There seems to be something special about whey protein powder in that it can result in a natural increase in glutathione.
I didn’t believe this at first but after some research, this is definitely the case (5).
This has the potential to be a huge positive for patients with Hashimoto’s because glutathione is the primary mechanism by which your body protects your thyroid gland from inflammation and damage.
In fact, patients with Hashimoto’s often go out of their way to take supplements that contain glutathione!
This benefit most likely stems from the blend of amino acids found inside whey protein.
The ratio of certain amino acids likely provides just the right building blocks for your body to produce glutathione.
Even though this is true, whey protein also has the potential to cause issues.
So whether or not the benefits of glutathione production outweigh the cons will need to be determined on an individual basis.
Pro #2. Lowest calorie per protein compared to other protein powders
Another benefit to whey protein powder is that it has the lowest calorie per gram of protein compared to other protein powders.
Put simply:
Whey protein allows you to get the most protein at the lowest caloric cost.
As a rough estimate (though this value can change based on many factors), you can get about 20 grams of protein for around 90 to 100 calories of whey protein or 20 grams of protein for around 120 to 140 calories of plant protein.
While not a huge deal, this can be important for patients with Hashimoto’s who are also struggling with weight gain (a very common side effect of low thyroid function).
The small difference in calories between 20 grams of whey protein per serving and 20 grams of plant protein per serving is not huge, but it can add up if you are using 2-3 servings of protein powder per day.
For most people, this won’t matter but if you are using multiple servings of protein powder each day it may slowly add up.
Pro #3. It is rapidly digested and easily absorbed by the body
Whey protein, by virtue of its processing, is both rapidly absorbed and digested by the body.
This is both good and bad.
Good in the sense that you can be sure that the protein you are consuming is getting into your body and bad in the sense that you want to avoid heavily processed foods if you have Hashimoto’s.
Whey can come in concentrates, isolates, and hydrolysates and each of these formulations will vary in terms of how well they are absorbed.
It is felt that the isolates and hydrolysate forms are better absorbed than the concentrates.
One benefit to the processing of whey is that it may help to remove a substantial amount of lactose (6).
Unfortunately, this doesn’t apply to all forms of whey and even with the processing, some lactose may remain.
But it can make a difference if you are only marginally impacted by lactose.
Pro #4. It has a better taste profile compared to other protein powders
Another huge benefit is that many people are already used to the taste and flavor of whey!
This matters because you really should enjoy the protein powder you are using.
If you don’t enjoy it, or if you don’t like the taste, then you are less likely to use it consistently and, therefore, less like to obtain the benefits you want!
Because whey is dairy-based it also tends to go well with flavors that taste similar to ice cream and other types of dairy products.
This can be both a good and a bad thing, though, as you will soon find out.
Pro #5. It is rich in the amino acid leucine
Lastly, whey protein is rich in specific types of amino acids.
The one we care about for this discussion is leucine.
Leucine is an amino acid that plays a role in helping your body build lean muscle mass (7).
Those people who use protein powder are typically doing so to be healthy, to help with weight loss, and to help build muscle mass.
Whey protein contains an abundance of amino acids which help with these exact things.
Cons of whey protein for Hashimoto’s patients:
Con #1. Hashimoto’s patients may be sensitive to whey
We spent a lot of time evaluating the pros of whey protein but we must put those pros into context with the cons to get a full picture.
Perhaps the biggest downside to whey protein is that it may cause immune problems in patients with Hashimoto’s.
This immunogenic response stems likely from the dairy proteins found inside of whey.
Certain patients with Hashimoto’s experience inflammation (8) and, therefore, thyroid gland damage when using dairy products.
This isn’t universal, though, which is why whey may have a place for SOME patients with Hashimoto’s.
You definitely do not want to take whey protein (even with all of the benefits) if it makes your Hashimoto’s worse. Period.
Con #2. May cause gut discomfort
Next up, whey protein can cause a lot of gut discomfort including things like gas, bloating, stomach distention, pain, and even acid reflux.
It is felt that these symptoms likely stem from lactose (due to lactose intolerance) found in whey protein.
The issue with lactose doesn’t explain every case, though, as there are many forms of whey that have minimal lactose content but still cause these issues.
This means that some people just can’t tolerate whey protein for other reasons that we probably do not fully understand.
If you take whey protein and you notice any of these symptoms then that’s a sign you shouldn’t be taking it!
Con #3. Not all forms of whey protein are created equal
As mentioned above, there are many types and formulations of whey protein.
Some of these formulations are cheap and require extra processing by the body.
If you choose to use whey protein but use a cheap formulation of whey, you may experience negative side effects with minimal benefit.
If you opt to try whey protein as a patient with Hashimoto’s, then you will want to make sure you get an isolate or hydrolysate form and ensure that most or all of the lactose has been removed to give your body the best shot.
Con #4. Many contain inactive ingredients such as dyes and fillers
Lastly, whey protein powders, on average, tend to contain more inactive fillers, dyes, colorants, and binders, compared to plant-based protein powders.
If you ever go to the grocery store to look for whey protein powders then you will know what I’m talking about.
It’s not uncommon to find whey protein powders flavored in similar ways as breakfast cereals.
You can imagine that it takes a significant amount of work in the form of artificial flavors, dyes, and fillers to get there.
Unfortunately, these added inactive ingredients may cause issues for patients with Hashimoto’s and should be avoided if possible.
You can still find some clean versions of whey protein on the market, though, so if you want to try and use whey look for a clean version that is not artificially flavored and one that does not contain these fillers or binders.
Plant Protein for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Most patients with Hashimoto’s are very familiar with plant-based types of protein powders because they are frequently recommended by integrative and functional-minded practitioners.
When I reference plant-based protein powder, for purposes of this article, I am really talking about brown rice and pea protein powders.
These are the most common types but you can get plant protein from other sources such as chia, hemp, pumpkin, soy, and various other blends or combinations of these.
When thinking about using plant protein or not, you should always take into account the other ingredients you are getting along with it.
For instance, if you are getting your protein from hemp then you should realize that hemp protein will tend to have more fat in it compared to brown rice protein.
That’s because hemp naturally contains more fat than brown rice.
In addition, each form of plant-based protein powder will vary in its caloric content per gram of protein, in how well it is absorbed, in how it tastes, and in how it feels in your mouth.
The pros and cons listed below apply primarily to pea protein and brown rice protein.
Pros of plant protein for patients with Hashimoto’s:
Pro #1. Usually well tolerated by patients with Hashimoto’s
If you were to line up 100 patients with Hashimoto’s and give all of these patients both whey protein and plant protein, you would find that, on average, most patients would do better on the plant protein.
And by do better, what I really mean is that they would have fewer side effects, experience more benefits, and be more likely to use the plant protein long-term.
This is probably because plant protein powders do not contain dairy proteins or dairy sugars so you don’t need to worry about immunogenic reactions from the proteins or reactions to lactose like you would with whey protein.
Having said that, plant proteins can still cause issues with gas and bloating as we will soon discuss.
Pro #2. Usually well absorbed
Another benefit is that plant-based protein powders are still very well absorbed much like their whey counterpart.
They are probably not absorbed to the same degree as certain isolates of whey protein but even Hashimoto’s patients with gut issues are still able to obtain benefit from these powders.
Pro #3. The amino acid blend is close to that of whey
Lastly, the amino acid blend found in plant-based protein powders is similar to that of whey (9).
You should care about the amino acid blend of whatever protein powder you are taking because it certainly has an impact on what type of benefits you may experience.
In the case of whey, some of the benefits such as the increase in glutathione most likely stem from its unique amino acid composition.
In addition, its benefits on muscle building probably stem from its high content of leucine.
If we place whey protein as the amino acid blend standard then plant proteins do hold their own.
Their amino acid blend isn’t quite the same but it does come close in terms of variety and concentration, at least enough to provide benefits even if not to the same degree as whey.
Pro #4. Pea protein is usually cleaner compared to whey protein (free of inactive ingredients)
For the most part, pea protein powders are cleaner (on average) than whey protein powders.
This isn’t universally true, of course, but if you were to randomly grab a pea protein off of the shelf and a whey protein off of the shelf, you would find that the pea protein would have fewer inactive dyes and fillers.
Most people searching for plant-based protein powder are doing so because they are looking for a cleaner product and probably are aware that dairy-based whey protein powders can cause issues.
The manufacturers of pea protein powders know this and have created their products accordingly.
Cons of plant protein for patients with Hashimoto’s:
Even though pea protein powders are usually well tolerated by patients with Hashimoto’s, doesn’t mean that they will work for everyone!
Before using them consider these cons:
Con #1. The taste can be an issue, especially if you are used to whey protein powders
This is unfortunate but true.
The simple fact is that pea protein powders do not taste as good as whey protein powders!
If you’re like me then this may not be a big deal but it is for some people which is why it’s included here.
It is very important that you not only tolerate your protein powder but that you enjoy it.
If you aren’t enjoying it then you are less likely to use it every day.
For this reason, taste and texture are both important.
Pea protein powders tend to have a more chalky texture and are usually not as sweet as whey protein powders.
It’s relatively easy to make whey protein powder taste similar to ice-cream but it’s not very easy to do that when your base flavor is that of peas or rice.
You can become accustomed to the taste and texture of pea protein powder over time, though, so keep that in mind if you don’t initially like the flavor or texture.
Con #2. Plant protein contains more calories per gram of protein
Next up, you should know that many types of plant proteins contain more calories per gram compared to whey.
Again, this isn’t always an issue but it can come into play in those people who are using 2-3 scoops of protein powder each day.
Con #3. Plant protein may come from a GMO source
Lastly, because plant-based protein powders come from plants, you have to pay attention to the source.
The base plant ingredient may be genetically modified which may negate some of the benefits that you are trying to get when using plant protein.
If you are someone who is trying to avoid inactive binders, fillers, dyes, and artificial colors then you are also probably the type of person that would be interested in avoiding GMO products.
It doesn’t make sense to go through the trouble of finding a clean plant-based protein powder only to find out that the main ingredient is genetically modified.
You can avoid this problem by sticking to organic protein powders or ensuring that the source of the plant protein is non-GMO.
Hydrolyzed Beef Protein Powder for Hashimoto’s
Last up we have hydrolyzed beef protein powder.
This is NOT the same thing as collagen but it does come from a beef source.
This type of protein powder has become popular among patients with autoimmune thyroiditis because it is 100% AIP compliant.
AIP (the autoimmune protocol) restricts the use of certain ingredients and, as a result, both pea and whey protein are not permitted.
If you are trying to stay AIP compliant then using hydrolyzed beef protein powder is one of your main protein powder options.
But what exactly is hydrolyzed beef protein powder?
I spent a lot of time researching it and I am still not 100% sure of the protein source.
You might think based on the name that hydrolyzed beef protein powder contains protein from the muscles of cows but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
Instead, it appears that the protein powder in hydrolyzed beef does come from a beef source but appears to be from a blend of ingredients including those parts of the cow which are undesirable for eating.
Pros of hydrolyzed beef protein powder for patients with Hashimoto’s:
Pro #1. It is both paleo and AIP-friendly.
There are many patients with Hashimoto’s who have had great success in using the AIP diet to help manage their thyroid antibodies.
I’m personally not a huge fan of the AIP diet in treating Hashimoto’s but it certainly has its place and it can be effective.
If you are someone who is strict in keeping to this type of diet then your best option for protein powder would be a hydrolyzed beef version.
As a quick aside, I personally haven’t seen a big issue for those people who are following the AIP diet but using plant-based protein powders like pea protein.
It shouldn’t cause any issues but you should be aware that pea protein would technically not be allowed if you are strictly following an AIP diet.
Pro #2. It may be ideal for those with multiple food intolerances
Next, if you are someone with multiple food intolerances then using something like a hydrolyzed beef protein powder may be your only option!
Believe it or not, there are many people who can’t tolerate dairy and many people who can’t tolerate peas or other plants such as pumpkin, hemp, chia, and so on.
If you are one of the unlucky few who can’t tolerate these foods then hydrolyzed beef may be your best and only option.
Cons of hydrolyzed beef protein powder for patients with Hashimoto’s:
Con #1. It is the most expensive per serving of all protein powders.
When it comes to cost, hydrolyzed beef protein powder is usually the most expensive compared to other protein powders.
The pricing per gram of protein usually starts with whey protein at the cheap end, then moves to plant protein powders in the middle, and finally hydrolyzed beef protein powders as the most expensive of the three.
Having said that, price is a tricky thing when it comes to your health.
I’m a firm believer that you should invest and be prepared to spend money on your health if what you are doing moves the needle and helps you to feel better.
It’s difficult to quantify or put a price on having more energy and living your best life.
But, if the high expense isn’t necessary or is only providing minimal benefit, then it may make more sense to place your investment elsewhere.
As with anything in life, you will need to figure out if the expense is worth it for your specific situation.
Just realize that you are paying a premium when you purchase hydrolyzed beef protein powder and could potentially be getting a cheaper source of protein.
Con #2. It is animal-based so it’s not ideal if you are avoiding beef due to religious reasons or due to allergies.
This one is pretty self-explanatory.
If you are avoiding beef for religious purposes or because you are allergic to it then you wouldn’t want to use this form of protein powder!
Con #3. The taste and mouthfeel are different compared to both plant and whey protein powders.
I’ve had the advantage of using many types of protein powders over the years including hydrolyzed beef.
I can tell you from experience that it tends to have a strange mouthfeel and taste compared to both whey protein and plant protein powders.
Whey protein usually dissolves the best of the three, followed by plant protein powder, and finally hydrolyzed beef.
If you are using something like a blender and putting your protein powder in a smoothie then the taste and mouthfeel aren’t a huge issue.
But if you are using your protein powder in just plain water then you may notice the difference.
Con #4. The source matters!
Whenever you are getting any ingredient from an animal you need to pay attention to the source!
The animal that you are consuming is a product of its environment, the food it was fed, its living arrangement, and so on.
All of these impact the quality of the animal product you are consuming.
For this reason, you need to make sure that your source is being treated correctly!
When it comes to beef products, check to see what country the beef is being sourced from and whether or not mad cow disease is prevalent there.
For reference, Argentina and New Zealand are two countries that have great practices when it comes to managing livestock.
If the source of your beef comes from these two countries then you can rest assured that you are getting a quality product.
Other countries will need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, however.
Tips to Help You Find the Best Protein Powder
Hopefully, you aren’t feeling confused right now and instead have a better appreciation for what it takes to find the best protein powder for your body.
If you’re feeling a little confused then allow me to provide some general guidance:
- Most patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis do VERY well with plant-based protein powder and this is usually the best place to start.
- If you know for sure that you can tolerate dairy and that your antibodies are controlled then trying whey protein may be worth a shot.
- If you are strictly following the AIP diet and trying to get your antibodies under control then using hydrolyzed beef protein powder may be ideal.
In addition to this guidance, here are some guidelines that you can use to help you avoid potentially harmful ingredients commonly found in some protein powders:
- If you have Hashimoto’s then make sure your protein powder is gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free.
- Avoid protein powders with artificial sweeteners and stick to powders that are sweetened with stevia or monk fruit.
- Avoid anything with artificial flavorings!
- Avoid protein powders with chemicals or preservatives that have been added to manipulate the mouthfeel or the taste of the product.
- Avoid protein powders with dyes, colorants, fillers, or binders.
- If you can’t pronounce the ingredients on the back of the label of any product then don’t put it into your body.
Wrapping it up
Protein powders can provide a lot of different benefits to patients with Hashimoto’s ranging from dietary control to weight loss and more.
To get these benefits, though, you must make sure you are using the right type of protein powder.
For most patients with Hashimoto’s, that means using a plant-based protein powder like pea protein or brown rice protein.
For others, that may mean whey protein or hydrolyzed beef protein.
The key is to find the protein powder that works for you while avoiding ingredients that may cause more inflammation and more harm to your immune system.
Now I want to hear from you:
Were you aware of the benefits of protein powder for those with Hashimoto’s?
Are you currently taking or using protein powder? If so, which type are you using?
Have you tried using whey protein powder before? Did it work for you?
Have you had any negative reactions when using plant protein powders?
Leave your questions or comments below!
i have graves’ disease, I got diagnosed with hypethyroidism, then my doctors put me on methimazole, i’ve been on 5 mgs for two years. they fail to educate me on my own thyroid and tell me my bloodwork is fine but I’m losing my eyebrows and all my hair. now I have all the symptoms of hypothyroidism. if I want to stop taking prescription medicine long-term all around. which one of your supplements would be ideal for me? if you could respond asap that would be amazing. you are so hot lol. im 17 btw.
Hi Paris,
Great question! I would recommend watching this 1 hour podcast that I did with Dr. Osansky which discusses treatments that can be done to help patients with hyperthyroidism get off of antithyroid medications: https://www.restartmed.com/how-to-prevent-thyroid-surgery-and-radioactive-iodine-ablation-therapy-dr-osansky-and-dr-childs/
Dr. Childs, hypothetically if ones thyroid numbers are a very suppressed Tsh , a low ft3, low ft4, reverset3 at a 7 . what could be the issue. Pituitary checked , all good there. On Tirosint and cytomil. Being sent to endocrinologist as family doc cannot figure it out , very worried about suppressed tsh and yet the patient still has hypo symptoms.
Any Idea why this could happen.
Thanks so much,
Peggy
why do so many powders contain Gums? why are they bad?
Hi Monica,
Gums usually act as a binder and also help to balance flavor and smells of protein powders. They aren’t necessarily bad, especially in the low quantities found in protein powders and other supplements. Xanthum gun is frequently found in gluten free recipes when gluten can’t be used to bind together flour.
I use Vital Protein
Hi Debbie,
Vital proteins, while still beneficial, contain collagen which doesn’t contain the amino acid profile that other protein powders provide. For this reason, even though it contains protein inside of it, it really isn’t equivalent to the protein powders listed here. It does, however, provide benefits such as better hair, skin, nails, and gut health, etc.
I use Gundry’s Proplant protein powder and Vital Proeins collagen Peptides as I am both whey- and beef-intolerant.
Hi Margaret,
I’m not sure about the Gundry product but the vital proteins wouldn’t provide the benefits listed here due to the fact that it is collagen. Collagen is still beneficial, don’t get me wrong, but it doesn’t contain the amino acid profile that supports muscle building and the other benefits listed in this article.
What about Ancient Nutrition’s Bone Broth Protein
Hi Mark,
Bone broth is a good source of certain amino acids but doesn’t qualify as a protein powder like I am describing in this article. The push for collagen is fine for things like gut health, and hair, skin, and nails, but doesn’t contain the high concentrations of the amino acids primarily responsible for maintaining muscle mass such as leucine.
I can’t find a whey protein option in your store. Is there a brand you’d recommend? I’m super picky about taste and I tolerate dairy so figured that the whey would be best.
Hi Michelle,
I don’t really have a recommendation for whey protein at this time but just find one that is clean and from grass-fed cows and you should be good to go. I’ve heard good things about Whey+ from legion athletics but have not used it myself. I’m unlikely to create my own whey-based protein powder due to the fact that most thyroid patients don’t tolerate dairy.
My doctor is recommending FitFood Lean Collagen that features bovine collage Pepetides with HMB (a natural metabolite of leucine) would this be the same issue as all the other collagens (not really the protein powder I should be looking for as a Hashimotos Gal?)
Would others say they have amino acids like leucine in them?
Hi Michelle,
HMB is a breakdown product of leucine and leucine is something missing from regular collagens so there’s a chance it may be more effective at stimulating muscle growth than a traditional collagen protein powder. I haven’t looked into the research closely enough to say for sure but, for now, my recommendation would just be to take leucine in the forms listed in this article because we know they work. But you can certainly give it a try if you’d like.
Sorry…one last question, trying to purchase your functional fuel thyroid friendly protein powder in Dutch chocolate. Any ideas when you’ll have it back in stock?
Hi Michelle,
No ETA on that flavor right now as I am currently creating a new protein powder that will take over for the others. We are just working on flavors right now and it should be available in the coming months.
Also looking for recommendations!? It’s overwhelming.
Hi C C,
Look for a protein powder that has similar qualities as these:
https://www.restartmed.com/product/functional-fuel-complete/
https://www.restartmed.com/product/functional-fuel-detox/
Hi, I use Clean Lean Protein, by Nuzest. It is a premium European pea protein that is gluten/dairy/soy/lectin free and is NON GMO. I enjoyed your article, it has backed my own discoveries about the benefits of using a protein powder. I did notice that my muscle mass and strength have improved and my weight is manageable. I grown to love protein smoothies, they take a lot of stress out of sticking to a diet. There are many flavours and extra nutrition to add. My body craves it when I stop, so I guess that means it is working really well! I have not been willing to try any other protein as I cannot be confident of the same results. I appreciate the support and education you provide, something that is definitely lacking from doctors I have seen so far. Thank you for all the research and time you put into your articles.
Hi Marie,
Glad you found it helpful!
Hello I’m using ancient nutrition multi collagen protein
Hi Caroline,
Please see my reply to others who are also using collagen protein. Collagen is great for other purposes but doesn’t qualify as a protein powder due to its different amino acid composition.
Are marine based collagen supplements good for hashimoto patients
Hi Vj,
They certainly have some benefits but those benefits would be different from those listed here. Collagen contains different amino acids and it is these amino acids that confer the benefit of various types of protein powders. Collagen has different amino acids from those found in whey, pea protein, soy, etc.
A lot of people get confused because they assume collagen counts as a protein which is only partially true. It does contain protein but it’s not the same type of protein as a true protein powder.
I am 15 years post full thyroidectomy for papillary carcinoma. I was hyperthyroid for 2 years 2000-2002-and managed to get off meds by concurrently using traditional meds and homeopathy (a complete mystery how it all worked but it did-just in relation to Paris’ post above). I became hypothyroid in 2004 and developed cysts and tumours in my thyroid.
In the last 15-18 months I’ve switched to naturthroid and in addition to feeling a lot better, I haven’t become anaemic-this was happening every 6 months for over 3 years.
I am 51 years old and feel like I have no idea how best to eat for my condition- There have been so many does and don’ts over the years and doctors saying things have been debunked in the interim-(Like grapefruit disrupts t4 uptake). I have gravitated naturally to soy, gluten and dairy free lifestyle. However, feeling I need to add some in, in moderation. Veganism and vegetarianism have not worked due to reactions to plant protein options.
Protein at every meal and 5 smaller meals a day seems to be helping. However pea protein powder absolutely doesn’t work for me, my tummy bloats to a rock hard solid state! I have yet to find a vegetarian protein powder that works. So I am gravitating back to whey.
Are there disadvantages to using whey in my situation-no thyroid? (Antibodies are in normal range as per testing-not elevated).
Does it inhibit thyroid hormones t3/t4?
Do I need to avoid soy, whey and gluten any more than the moderation that seems to work for me through my experimentation? Or is that meant simply to minimise inflammation?
# taste and texture of pea protein – my solution
As an aging athlete (65, f) with Hashimoto, I have been using pea protein powder for quite some years (European brands like myprotein or bulk). For me, the best solution taste-wise is adding the powder to soups like pumpkin, algae, curcuma+carrot … The best would certainly be cooking these soups myself from scratch. As I am busy I use organic instant soup powders, mix them with water, the protein and a bit of instant broth, boil it all up in the microwave and finally add some almond milk.
Hi Mat,
Glad you found something that works for you! I agree it would be better to get them from a food source but that’s not always practical for the reasons you mentioned.
# Essential amino acids
To save on calories, I also take EAA. They seem to help me control hunger (I am not technically overweight, never have been, but want to keep my weight at the low end to preserve my joints and soft tissue).
What do you think about supplementation with EAA?
Hi Mat,
Essential amino acids are fine to supplement with but it’s always ideal to get them from food whenever possible. The same is true for amino acids found it protein powders, it would be better to get them from real sources but it’s not always feasible or possible.
Like another commenter I had Grave’s Disease. However, my treatment plan (40 yrs ago) was ablation. I no longer have a thyroid as a result of this and take daily Armour Thyroid. I see a lot of thyroid things addressed but what about those of us who don’t have one anymore?
Hi Cathy,
With very few exceptions, anything you read on my blog directed at hypothyroid patients also applies to you. Information changes slightly when talking about recommendations for Hashimoto’s vs hypothyroidism but the information is largely unchanged when talking about hypothyroidism vs thyroidectomy/RAI.
I also have specific blog articles directed at those without a thyroid. I rarely ever email them out to my mailing list, though, simply because most people on my mailing list have hypothyroidism/Hashimoto’s but the information you are looking for is still on my blog.
You can find some examples below:
https://www.restartmed.com/thyroidectomy-5-things-every-patient-without-a-thyroid-should-know/
https://www.restartmed.com/weight-loss-thyroidectomy/
https://www.restartmed.com/thyroidectomy-supplements/
https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroidectomy-rai-bundle/
In addition to these specific articles, information directed at hypothyroid patients also applies to your situation (post-RAI/thyroidectomy).
Hope this clarifies!
I use Ancient Nutrition bone broth protein powders. I cannot tolerate whey or soy. The bone broth doesn’t taste bad and I’m able to tolerate them. I wasn’t aware of the benefits with Hashimotos. I’ve not tried any plant based except I’m currently drinking Kate Farms plant based shakes for the extra calories. I’m currently losing an unexpected amount of weight and may be placed back on a feeding tube. I also have severe gastroparesis.
Hi Amanda,
While bone broth is still beneficial, it doesn’t provide the same benefits as other protein powders that are listed here. In regards to your weight, please see this article which can help you gain weight safely: https://www.restartmed.com/how-to-gain-weight-thyroid-problems/
I am hypothyroid and my naturopath recommended Oxyfresh whole superfood Vibe chocolate shake. I also have severe digestive problems so this shake replaced breakfast and lunch. It is very satisfying, and makes me feel full. Also it is pea protein and not one bit chalky tasting. It’s smooth an lovely. I mix it with half water and half almond milk, add some ice and a cup of strawberries and make an amazing shake in blender. It has 18 amino acids leucine being one of them. It has 7 superfood greens, complete amino acid profile, active probiotics and 180 calories. It has 45% iron; 110% thiamine; 80% niacin 12; folate 170%; biotin 1000%; phosphorus 25%; calcium 4 %; potassium 6%; riboflavin 130%; B6 110%; B12 250%; pantothenic acid 200%. It is low glycemic load. But bottom line, a meal replacement shake has to taste good. I’ve tried all kinds, nothing comes close to this and even my grandkids love it.
Hi Dr. Childs I have been hypothyroid most of my life. My thyroid numbers are in normal limits, and I am on levothyroxine still remain always tired. can you give me some advice. Kathy
Hi Kathy,
Please see this article for more information on how to solve that problem! https://www.restartmed.com/thyroid-fatigue/
How long after starting use of protein powder might one expect to experience benefits/notice improvements?
Hi Bonnie,
It depends on what type of benefits you are referring to! Some of the benefits should be realized almost immediately, like appetite suppression, whereas others may take weeks to months to take effect, like building muscle mass.
Aloha,
Long-time hypothyroid patient here, taking 25mcg liothyronine daily.
Also a long-time elite athlete, who has struggled with keeping the weight off as age advances (60).
Using whey isolate protein powder has made a big difference in my overall health, weight maintenance, and sleep quality since I started using it– and every little bit helps! I usually have 1 scoop in water with My lymch, and another scoop in water before bedtime.
The cleanest and most reasonably priced whey protein that I have found is from Protein Factory– they have a bunch of unflavored/ unsweetened options, some of which are grass fed. I use the German Whey, because the taste is neutral and its grassfed.
I don’t have any connection to the company or benefit in any way, I just like how I feel using their protein.
Best of luck to all who are on this journey, and a HUGE Thank You to Dr. Childs for sharing his expertise and wisdom– you give us hope, and that is a powerful thing!
Hi Leslie,
Glad you found what works for you! I would say it’s definitely unusual for thyroid patients to do better on whey compared to other formulations but there are definitely some like you here and there.
Hi! Two questions. Have recently read that the proteins in rice cross react act and cause the same autoimmune reaction as gluten. Having both celiac and hashimotos, this concerns me. I love the restart Med protein powder because of its nutrients. But… it has rice protein in it. Is it safe for those of us with celiac?
Also have heard that protein powders can clog up your kidneys… is that true?
Thank you for your awesome articles, research and supplements!
Hi Sharon,
Some people may not react well to rice for personal reasons but it is gluten-free so that isn’t an issue. In regards to protein powder and kidney function, there is a potential connection between the intake of animal protein and kidney stones but this is usually genetic and not an absolute thing. Animal protein is also high in creatine which may be what you are referring to as well? Either way, there are plenty of people on keto and carnivore diets who don’t have any kidney issues whatsoever.
Why do you not recommend AIP diet and what do you recommend? I have a really hard time finding any protein powders I can ingest and I have become AIP bc it seems to be the best that works for me so far, but I’m willing to try anything to not do further harm to my body.
Hi Sara,
I am not opposed to the AIP diet but I do believe there are better-starting options for most people. I’ve discussed my reasons for this recommendation here: https://www.restartmed.com/aip-diet/
What are your thoughts on Orgain plant based protein powders? Thank you
Hi Sheri,
Generally not a fan due to the addition of sunflower oil.