The Case:
- Carol is struggling with persistent fatigue, unexpected weight gain, and hair thinning despite following a gluten-free diet and taking supplements.
- She is seeing a functional medicine doctor and taking 12 different supplements researched for Hashimoto’s but still feels far from healthy.
- She is frustrated; unable to pinpoint what was holding her back from real progress.
Carol joined the Thyroid Mystery Solved program and we took a closer look at her diet. We discovered that, while she was eating gluten-free, many of the foods she consumed were still contributing to her inflammation, fatigue, and weight gain.
To help unpack why this happens—and how to make smarter food choices—I invited Jen Smiley, founder of Wake Up and Read the Labels and host of the Wake Up and Read the Labels podcast, to share her expertise on ingredient awareness and how misleading food labels can impact health.
The Hidden Dangers in “Healthy” Foods
Many people with Hashimoto’s and autoimmune conditions are advised to go gluten-free and dairy-free as a first step in reducing inflammation. However, as Jen explains, the problem isn’t just about eliminating gluten—it’s about what you’re replacing it with.
Many packaged foods labeled “gluten-free” contain additives, preservatives, and processed ingredients that can still cause inflammation. For example, Jen scanned a popular brand of gluten-free oats only to find that it contained maltodextrin, modified food starch, caramel color, and natural flavors—all of which can contribute to gut irritation and inflammation.
Jen warns us not to rely on the front of the label as it doesn’t tell you what’s actually inside the food. Just because something says “gluten-free” or “organic” doesn’t mean it’s truly healthy.
The Hidden Danger of Forever Chemicals
Many people assume that toxic chemicals like Forever Chemicals (PFAS) are only found in non-stick cookware or industrial waste. However, these chemicals are also lurking in food packaging, bottled drinks, and even some “healthy” products. PFAS are persistent chemicals that don’t break down easily, leading to long-term exposure and potential health risks like thyroid disruption, immune suppression, and inflammation.
As Jen Smiley explains, fast-food wrappers, certain sparkling waters, and even some “natural” food products can contain PFAS. For example, LaCroix and Topo Chico have tested positive for these chemicals, while cleaner alternatives like Mountain Valley, Olipop, and Spindrift have not. Since PFAS don’t appear on labels, avoiding them requires deeper research. This highlights the importance of choosing truly clean foods and beverages—not just ones with a “healthy” label.
Why the Ingredients List Matters More Than the Label
Many additives used in “healthy” packaged foods can cause inflammation and worsen Hashimoto’s symptoms. Some key offenders include:
- Maltodextrin – Often derived from GMO corn, this common thickener can spike blood sugar and contribute to leaky gut.
- Natural flavors – These can include up to 100 undisclosed chemicals designed to enhance taste but could be inflammatory.
- Brown rice syrup – A processed sweetener high in glucose that can elevate blood sugar. This could cause energy to spike and crash, causing people to reach for energy boosters like caffeine or sugar.
- Oats – Often contaminated with glyphosate, a pesticide linked to gut issues and inflammation.
Instead of relying on packaged gluten-free options, Jen recommends focusing on real, whole foods with minimal ingredients.
Smart Food Swaps for a Healthier Hashimoto’s Diet
If you’re trying to clean up your diet and reduce inflammation, here are some easy swaps Jen suggests:
- Instead of processed gluten-free oats → Try homemade grain-free Noatmeals (made from blended nuts and seeds).
- Instead of conventional protein bars → Choose simple-ingredient bars like Lara Bars or Thunderbird Bars.
- Instead of commercial nut milks → Opt for brands like Three Trees or Malk, which contain only nuts and water.
- Instead of store-bought salad dressings → Make your own using extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice.
Making the Most Healthy Choices
Carol was unknowingly consuming many hidden inflammatory ingredients in her (supposedly healthy) gluten-free diet. Once we identified the problematic foods and switched to clean, whole-food alternatives, she started seeing real progress.
We also focused on supporting her specific thyroid type—in her case, an “unavailable thyroid type.” By addressing her five Hashimoto triggers (including gut health and SIBO) we were able to reduce inflammation at the root cause. Interestingly, as we cleaned up her food choices, her SIBO symptoms improved dramatically, requiring much less intervention than initially expected.
Carol was thrilled, and of course, so was I.
The Results
Within three months, Carol saw remarkable improvements:
- She lost eight of the ten pounds she had gained, and her body continued to recalibrate.
- Her energy levels soared, and she no longer experienced the mid-afternoon crashes.
- Her hair stopped thinning and breaking, and she noticed new hair growth.
Are You Eating the Right Foods for Your Thyroid?
If you’ve been struggling with Hashimoto’s, fatigue, or unexplained weight gain, it might not just be about what you’re eliminating. It might be what you’re replacing it with. The quality of ingredients in your food matters more than what it says on the front of the label.
If you’re unsure about your thyroid type or triggers, I invite you to join my next free training at https://innatopiler.com/zoomcall/ where I’ll walk you through the key steps to understanding your unique thyroid and Hashimoto’s situation.
Eliminating Health Mysteries
For Carol, finding and removing hidden inflammatory foods was the key to breaking through her health plateau. Could this be the missing clue for you or someone in your life?
Links:
Free Thyroid Health Training Thyroid Mystery Solved ProgramResources mentioned
Thanks to my guest Jen Smiley. You can connect with her on her website, purchase her All Clean Swaps list, or grab her newsletter with recipes at thelabelletter.com
Related Podcast Episodes:
Could Glyphosate be Causing Gluten Intolerance? Are You Ignoring an Important Connection Between Gluten, Your Gut, and Hashimoto’s? With Vincent Pedre Best Kept Weight Loss Secrets for Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s with Michael Antonelli Want to Know What a Nutritionist Eats? Plus Ideas for YouThanks for Listening
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