How I Reduced Inflammation and Thyroid Antibodies

12 Natural Steps That Helped Me Heal

Photo by Osha Key on Unsplash

Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease where the immune system is imbalanced due to inflammation and other factors. As a result of the inflammation and imbalance, it attacks the thyroid gland. What’s really happening here is inflammation… and that inflammation fuels the ongoing autoimmune symptoms so many of us struggle with.

When most people hear the word ‘inflammation’, they think of a sprained ankle or a sore back. But internal inflammation can show up in so many unexpected ways… think allergies, IBS, acid reflux, fatigue, brain fog, headaches, depression, aching joints and chronic pain. If it’s left unchecked, this kind of inflammation can eventually trigger more autoimmune diseases, or even contribute to conditions like Alzheimer’s and cancer. Scary, right?

The problem is, some people are living in such a constant state of inflammation, it becomes their new ‘normal’. They don’t realise how unwell they were feeling until they actually start to feel better!

That was me, 100%. Once I started taking steps to calm the inflammation in my body, everything began to shift… symptoms eased up, I had more energy than I’d had in years, and my brain fog lifted like a heavy cloud. Honestly, I couldn’t believe how rough I’d been feeling for so long. It had just become my baseline. And because doctors had always dismissed me, I thought feeling like sh*t was just part of life.

I’m so glad I stopped listening to them. I know now that if I’d carried on down that path, my health would’ve kept going downhill.

If you’re living with Hashimoto’s or any autoimmune condition, reducing inflammation is the most important thing you can do. The goal is to get the body into a calm, balanced state… because when the body isn’t constantly fighting fires, it finally has the energy and resources to heal. It can clear out toxins, repair damage, and just… get back to doing what it’s supposed to do.

So where do you start? The gut.

Most of us with Hashimoto’s develop food intolerances and allergies. That’s often because we’re also dealing with leaky gut… a common issue for anyone with autoimmunity. That’s why diets like AIP (Autoimmune Paleo) or grain-free tend to work well for us. They help to heal the gut and, in turn, reduce inflammation.

Here are the top 12 ways I’ve personally used to reduce inflammation (and I hope they’ll help you too):

12 Ways to Reduce Inflammation

1. Take Fish Oil Supplements
   Look for ones that contain both EPA and DHA: these omega-3s help calm inflammation and balance out the omega-6s most of us eat too much of.

2. Take Selenium
   Selenium has been shown to reduce thyroid antibodies.

3. Address Any Gut Infections
   A functional practitioner can run a stool test and/or a urine test (OATS) to check for issues like Candida overgrowth, SIBO or Mold toxicity (which are sooooo common in Hashimoto’s). Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can treat it naturally.

4. Cut Out Inflammatory Foods
   Try reducing or eliminating gluten, dairy, soy, refined sugar, caffeine, and alcohol - even just for a while - to see how your body responds. Personally, I feel my best without these.

5. Reduce Nightshades
   Some people (especially those with joint pain or arthritis) are sensitive to nightshades like tomatoes, peppers, chillies, and spices like cumin and paprika. This one is always a surprise to people because tomatoes are packed full of nutrients! But tomatoes are a common sensitivity with autoimmune patients. It’s worth experimenting.

6. Avoid GMOs and Choose Organic Where You Can
   Check out the Dirty Dozen - a yearly list of the fruits and veg with the highest pesticide residues. Prioritise buying these organic if you can: 👉 The Dirty Dozen – 2025

7. Add Turmeric to Your Diet
   Turmeric is amazing for reducing inflammation. Try adding it to teas, soups, or curries.

8. Heal Your Gut
   Drink organic bone broth and eat fermented foods like sauerkraut (if you don’t have histamine issues). This is a long game, but every change on this list helps towards this.

9. Eat Healthy Fats
   Think extra virgin olive oil, avocados, coconut milk which all help reduce inflammation and support your hormones and brain.

10. Balance Your Blood Sugar
    Stabilise blood sugar with gentle daily movement (like walking or yoga), staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and making sure every meal includes some fat and protein.

11. Meditate
    Even just 5 minutes of sitting quietly and focusing on your breath can make a difference. Start with twice a day and build from there.

12. Slow Down
    Rest isn’t a luxury - it’s essential. Make time for quiet, calming activities every day, whether that’s reading, sitting out in nature, or just doing nothing for a while.

You don’t need to do all of these at once. Start small - even just one or two can make a big difference. Listen to your body and go at your own pace. And if you need extra support, work with a functional medicine practitioner who understands how everything in the body is connected.

Every small step brings you closer to feeling like you again. Be patient. Be kind to yourself. You’ve got this 💛

Do I Have to Cut Out These Foods Forever?

Not necessarily! Once your gut is healed, you may be able to slowly reintroduce foods that once triggered you. In fact, the AIP diet isn’t meant to be forever — it’s a tool for healing, not a permanent lifestyle.

That said, some foods (like gluten, GMOs, and anything heavily sprayed with pesticides) tend to remain problematic for most people with Hashimoto’s. So it's less about being perfect, and more about creating a life that supports your health.

The cleaner your lifestyle - the fewer toxins, chemicals, and stressors you’re exposed to - the more your body can handle. When your gut lining is strong again, you become more resilient.

And remember - it’s not just what you eat, but also what you put on your skin, what you watch and listen to, and who you surround yourself with that impacts your healing.

Healing inflammation is holistic. It’s about creating a life that supports your body in every way possible.

👉 Now, I’d love to hear from you! Which of these tips are you already doing, and which ones are you curious to try next? Hit reply to this email [or leave a comment over on Substack]

Much love,

Dani

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