There have been several studies that have shown the strong link between gluten intolerance and autoimmune thyroid diseases or AITDs like Grave’s and Hashimoto’s diseases. The study researchers strongly recommend that anyone diagnosed should also be screened for AITD and vice versa.

Apparently the cause is a case of mistaken identity. This is because gliadin, which is a type of protein found in gluten, closely resembles that of the thyroid. When gliadin enters the bloodstream by breaking down the protective barrier found in a person’s gut, the immune system will immediately attack it for destruction. After an intolerance occurs, if you continue to eat foods that contain gluten, your immune system will continue to attack your own thyroid as well.

Unfortunately, our body’s immune response to gluten can last for six months. Unfortunately, the 80/20 rule does not apply to intolerance. This would mean that a diet that is “mostly” gluten-free does not completely end this autoimmune attack.

If you really want to prevent the immune destruction of your thyroid, you have to be adamant about being 100% gluten-free.

Lab tests

Unfortunately, standard laboratory tests alone cannot be relied upon to confirm that they are intolerant. Standard tests will only test for gluten antibodies that are already in the bloodstream. However, these antibodies in the bloodstream can only be seen when the gut has already become permeable enough for gluten to pass successfully, and this is already an advanced stage of intolerance. This would indicate that standard laboratory tests can only detect advanced cases of gluten intolerance and doctors would miss many cases of gluten intolerance that are still in the milder stages.

Stool analysis

Stool analysis can be very helpful in detecting earlier stages of gluten intolerance. This is because stool testing can detect antibodies while they are still in the digestive tract and have not yet reached the bloodstream. This was the same method used that helped experts uncover the fact that nearly 35% of Americans are intolerant to gluten.

Cheek smear test

Another method that has proven to be very helpful in evaluating gluten intolerance is the cheek smear test which helps determine certain types of genes that are linked to celiac disease and gluten intolerance. People who have HLA DQ genes were found to have a higher risk of celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and autoimmune disease compared to the general population.

It is unfortunate to note that many cases of gluten intolerance go undetected or untreated because some doctors and patients have the misunderstanding that this condition only leads to digestive problems. What many people do not realize is that it can also cause inflammation in the brain, respiratory tract, skin and joints where the effects do not have any obvious symptoms of leaky gut.

If you have thyroid problems and suspect that you have a gluten intolerance, seek a diagnosis immediately. Remember that early detection leads to earlier treatment that can greatly reduce your risks for autoimmune diseases or AITDs and other conditions associated with gluten tolerance.