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Here’s what actually helps—and what might be making you feel worse.
If you’ve ever Googled “how to heal your gut with Hashimoto’s,” you’ve probably ended up more confused than when you started.
There’s a lot of advice out there – some of it helpful, some of it outdated, and some of it, frankly, harmful.
The truth? Most gut-healing advice wasn’t made for women with autoimmune diseases… and especially not for those dealing with chronic stress, hormone imbalances, and a nervous system stuck in survival mode.
So let’s clear things up. Here’s a breakdown of the best advice that actually works—and the worst advice that might be making things worse.
THE BEST ADVICE (and why it works)
1. Start with reducing inflammation – not just eliminating food
Cutting out gluten and dairy can help, but if you’re not supporting your gut lining, managing stress, or sleeping well, you're just putting out spot fires.
What works: Diet plus nervous system regulation, gut lining support, and rest.
2. Eat enough. Seriously.
Undereating or constantly fasting while trying to “heal” your gut slows digestion and signals danger to your body—especially if you’re already inflamed.
What works: Eating regular, nutrient-dense meals that make your body feel safe.
3. Focus on what to add, not just what to cut
Healing isn’t just about removing food—it’s about adding gut-nourishing practices: bone broth, omega-3s, mindful movement, nervous system safety, and more.
What works: A gentle, additive approach that’s sustainable, not punishing.
4. Balance your blood sugar
Fluctuating blood sugar inflames your gut, hijacks your hormones, and triggers autoimmune flares—even on “clean” diets.
What works: Protein, fat, and fiber in every meal + consistent mealtimes.
THE WORST ADVICE (and what to do instead)
1. “Do the AIP perfectly—or don’t bother.”
This advice is all over forums—and it’s flat-out wrong. All-or-nothing thinking leads to burnout, binge cycles, and nervous system dysregulation. And guess what? That slows gut healing.
Try this instead: Follow a structured but flexible plan with support and mindset tools.
2. “If you feel worse, just push through—it means it’s working.”
This one is partly true—but oversimplified.
Yes, the first week or two of a healing elimination diet can feel rough. Your body is recalibrating from sugar, processed foods, gluten, and constant dopamine spikes. Your gut microbiota is shifting, your hormones are rebalancing, and your brain may even go through a mild withdrawal.
But the problem? Too many people are told to ignore all discomfort, no matter how intense. And that can lead to flares, shutdown, or burnout.
What’s actually helpful:
Normalize the rough start—but don’t glorify suffering. If symptoms get extreme or you’re spiraling mentally or physically, it’s a sign your body may need more nervous system support, nourishment, or pacing.
3. “You can heal your gut in 30 days.”
This one sounds nice – but for most women with Hashimoto’s, true gut healing is a longer process. Sure, you can make a drastic improvement in 30 days and start feeling a heck of a lot better! But if you aren't feeling just like yourself again after just a month, it's not because you’re failing, it's because your body needs safety and time.
Try this instead: Give yourself space and structure. Healing takes time, but it’s so worth it.
4. “It’s just about food.”
Nope. Your gut health is also deeply connected to your thoughts, stress, emotions, and how safe your body feels.
Try this instead: Address your gut and nervous system together—not one or the other.
THE TRUTH?
Gut healing isn’t a quick fix.
It’s not about being perfect.
It’s not about grinding harder.
It’s about listening to your body, supporting it step by step, and making it feel safe enough to finally heal.
✨ READY TO DO THAT – WITHOUT THE BURNOUT?
That’s exactly what I guide you through inside The Autoimmune Collective.
You’ll start with gut healing in Month 1, but we don’t stop there.
We support your nervous system, your mindset, your hormones, your habits—and help you make healing sustainable, not stressful.
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