Best Fruits for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

About 5 years ago I started experiencing some really odd symptoms and landed in an endocrinologist office. Unfortunately the Dr. I saw didn’t take it too seriously, blamed it on aging (I was about 40), being premenopausal and told me to “start lifting weights.”

Defeated, I pretty much left there and ignored all my symptoms. I did the whole work out thing with no results and even visited a weight loss clinic, again with very little results.

Fast forward to this past Jan 2024 and I started having issues with swallowing, the feeling of a lump in my throat, my ears blocked and my nose draining into my throat. A nurse send me for an ultrasound where 2 nodules were discovered on my thyroid.

A CT and some bloodwork later and turns out I have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

Personal Journey with Hashimoto’s

After falling asleep at 2 pm for years and slow but steady weight gain, I am actually relieved I have a name to this disease and it is not, in fact, just “getting older”. While I am trying to ramp up with a Synthroid and learning to get up early enough to take that so it doesn’t infer with having a cup of morning coffee, I have also started research on the best fruits, vegetables, and foods for Hashimoto’s to keep from having inflammatory attacks.

I also purchased a few books (Thyroid Healing has been a good one for me) and joined a Facebook group. I will note that joining the FB group is a bit overwhelming because other peoples medical symptoms has been a little scary- proceed with caution.

Fruits for Inflammatory Responses

Before you move on to the fruits and recipes I have listed below, one thing I want to say is that this disease is not a one size fits all. This is my personal process and you have to figure out what works, and doesn’t- work, for you.

While we can all agree that limited processed foods, sugars, and in some cases gluten, is good for your overall health, personal flare ups are not something that is consistent for every person.

You can’t just add cucumber juice or apple slices and expect a massive change.

• The best advice I got was to keep a food and beverage journal and try to document where I felt my best and worst. Basically, am I eating something that is causing me to have a better day versus a worse day.

All of that said, while no single food can cure Hashimoto’s, certain fruits can support overall health and potentially alleviate some symptoms. Fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and improve gut health.

Acai Berries

Benefits: Acai berries are renowned for their high antioxidant content, which helps reduce inflammation in the body—a common issue for those with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s.

They are also rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals such as magnesium and zinc. These nutrients support immune function and overall health. Additionally, the healthy fats in acai berries can aid in hormone production and thyroid health.

How to Enjoy: Acai can be enjoyed in smoothies, acai bowls, or as a juice. When using acai products like powders or purees, be mindful of added sugars.

My Top Pick >>>>>>>>>>: Acai Smoothie Bowl Recipe

Blueberries

Benefits: Blueberries are another powerhouse of antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and flavonoids, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation. They are also a good source of fiber, supporting gut health and digestion, which is crucial since gut health is closely linked to immune function.

How to Enjoy: Blueberries can be eaten fresh, frozen, or dried. Add them to your morning oatmeal or yogurt, or enjoy them as a snack.

My Top Pick >>>>>>>>: Add blueberries to overnight oatmeal or dive into this viral recipe for Nature’s Cereal.

Pineapple

Benefits: Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This can help reduce inflammation in the body, a common concern for those with Hashimoto’s. Pineapple is also rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system.

How to Enjoy: Fresh pineapple can be added to salads and smoothies or eaten on its own. Pineapple juice is another option, but be cautious of added sugars.

My Top Pick>>>>>>>>: Fresh Pineapple Salad Recipe or a Dragon Fruit Salad recipe that combines a blend of pineapple, strawberries, and dragon fruit.

Kiwi

Benefits: Kiwi is packed with vitamins C and E, antioxidants that can help protect the thyroid gland from oxidative damage. Kiwi also contains serotonin, which can help improve sleep—a critical factor in managing autoimmune conditions.

How to Enjoy: Enjoy kiwi sliced on its own, in fruit salads, or added to smoothies. Kiwi can also be a an addition to yogurt or cereal.

My Top Pick>>>>>>>>: Honey Fall Fruit Salad with Kiwi.

Pomegranates

Benefits: Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants, particularly punicalagins and anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress. They also support cardiovascular health, which can be beneficial since individuals with Hashimoto’s often have an increased risk of heart disease.

How to Enjoy: Pomegranate seeds can be sprinkled on salads, yogurt, or oatmeal. Pomegranate juice is another option but watch for added sugars.

My Top Pick>>>>>>>> Taste all the flavor with this pomegranate salad recipe.

Oranges

Benefits: Oranges and other citrus fruits are excellent sources of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps reduce inflammation. The flavonoids in citrus fruits also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

How to Enjoy: Oranges can be eaten fresh, juiced, or added to salads. Incorporate them into your diet as a snack or side.

My Top Pick>>>>>>>> Oranges brighten up this fresh winter salad recipe.

Strawberries

Benefits: Strawberries are loaded with vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants, all of which support immune function and reduce inflammation. They are also high in fiber, aiding digestion and gut health.

How to Enjoy: Strawberries can be fresh, frozen, or dried. Add them to smoothies or try in a spinach strawberry salad.

My Top Pick>>>>>>>> Strawberries rarely needed to be added to much, so this berry salad recipe is a great choice for a side or snack.

Mangoes

Benefits: Mangoes are a rich source of vitamins A and C, both of which are important for immune function and skin health. The antioxidants in mangoes help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress. Additionally, mangoes contain fiber, which aids in digestion and supports gut health.

How to Enjoy: Mangoes can be enjoyed fresh, sliced into salads, blended into smoothies, or as a topping for yogurt and oatmeal. Dried mangoes are another option, but be mindful of added sugars.

My Top Pick>>>>>>>> I love this fresh mango salsa which can be eaten on a spoon or scooped onto a taco.

Variety is Key: Try to incorporate a variety of fruits into your diet to ensure you get a broad spectrum of nutrients. Juicing, blending into smoothies, eating fresh, or adding to other recipes are all a great way to naturally improve your diet.

While managing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis involves a lot more than just adding new foods into your recipes, I have found it to be really valuable in how I feel overall.

Remember, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or adding specific nutrients or supplements. I find that focusing on foods that improve inflammatory response has been helpful for my own body and hope this is helpful for you too!

Much love to all my friends out there going through this experience. Its very hard and I will continue to add other articles on my own journey and what I find that works for me.

~Trisha