Currently, Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD) are the
foremost conditions that people think of when discussing autoimmune thyroid
disorders. While radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment, anti-thyroid drugs, and surgical
resection are currently at the forefront for GD; thyroid replacement therapy is used for
HT. Many studies are being performed to develop new treatment methods for Graves
and Hashimoto thyroiditis patients who do not respond to traditional treatments. While
herbal treatments are being tried for GD, studies are being carried out on changing
nutritional habits or additional food supplements for HT. While there are currently
many studies on traditional Chinese medicine in the literature for GD, nutrients for HT
are considered complementary treatments using their anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant properties. In patients with HT, the need for levothyroxine increases,
especially due to possible interactions of gliadin with thyroid antigens, the presence of
lactose components in levothyroxine preparations, and damage to the intestinal villi in
those with lactose intolerance. Therefore, the course of the disease may be better in HT
patients with additional dietary recommendations.
Keywords: Autoimmune thyroid diseases, Chinese medicine, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, Herbal therapy, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Thyroglobulin, Thyrotoxicosis.
