Gluten, Mold toxins, and Parasite Cleanses

Welcome to Healthy Gut Healthy Thyroid!

This is your weekly roundup of the BEST actionable steps for those people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions who want to restore their health…by healing their gut. Whether you have hyperthyroidism or Hashimoto’s you will benefit from the content in this newsletter.

In today's issue:

• How gluten can trigger thyroid autoimmunity

• Testing for mold toxins

• Are any breads safe to eat while healing?

• Should you do an annual parasite cleanse?

How Gluten Can Trigger Thyroid Autoimmunity

The Impact of Gluten on Your Health

Gluten is a combination of prolamin proteins primarily found in wheat, as well as in barley and rye. Among these, gliadin is the most problematic protein in wheat, while glutenin contributes to dough’s elasticity.

Other proteins in this family include hordeins (from barley), secalins (from rye), and avenins (from oats). Although oats are technically gluten-free, they are often cross-contaminated with gluten during processing.

There are numerous reasons to avoid gluten, a topic I explore in greater depth in my books Hashimoto's Triggers and The Hyperthyroid Healing Diet. However, two primary concerns stand out.

First, gluten is inflammatory. It can disrupt something called oral tolerance by reducing regulatory T cells, which play a critical role in managing autoimmune responses. Even in individuals without autoimmune thyroid conditions, gluten consumption can still contribute to inflammation.

Gluten and Leaky Gut

Secondly, research indicates that gluten consumption increases intestinal permeability, commonly known as "leaky gut," in all individuals—not just those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Since a leaky gut is a key factor in autoimmune conditions, including Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s, gluten can be a significant barrier to achieving remission. However, maintaining gut health is equally vital for those dealing with non-autoimmune thyroid issues.

Given the abundance of gluten-free options available today, there is little justification for consuming gluten, especially during the healing process. Instead, focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods is ideal.

Can You Reintroduce Gluten?

Can gluten be reintroduced after regaining health? While some individuals permanently avoid gluten, others reintroduce it without adverse effects—though some may experience a recurrence of symptoms.

For those diagnosed with celiac disease, strict lifelong avoidance of gluten is essential. However, some functional medicine practitioners advocate for all autoimmune patients to avoid gluten permanently, even in the absence of celiac disease.

Am I 100% Gluten-Free?

While I strive to avoid gluten, I cannot claim to be completely gluten-free since achieving remission from Graves' disease. Though I primarily avoid gluten, particularly at home, occasional I am exposed to it.

Fortunately, this has not led to a relapse in my case, but this isn’t the case with everyone. Which is why only you can decide whether or not you choose to reintroduce gluten in the future.

For now, prioritizing healing is the best approach. Once you achieve a healthier state, you can assess whether gluten reintroduction is appropriate for you.

The Gluten-Glyphosate Connection

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, is an environmental toxicant that can disrupt the gut microbiome. If you consume processed or refined foods, there is a high likelihood of glyphosate exposure, particularly if these foods are not organic.

Many natural healthcare practitioners advise patients to avoid gluten, but there is ongoing debate about whether the true issue lies with glyphosate rather than gluten itself. This is because many crops, including wheat, are sprayed with glyphosate shortly before harvest.

Is Glyphosate the Real Culprit?

Some individuals who struggle with gluten-containing foods in one country may tolerate them in another, or they may find that ancient or fermented varieties, such as einkorn wheat or sourdough, are better tolerated. This raises the possibility that glyphosate, rather than gluten, may be the underlying issue for some people.

While I firmly believe that gluten can be problematic, it is undeniable that glyphosate exposure is a major health concern. To minimize risk, I recommend prioritizing organic foods whenever possible to reduce overall exposure to this harmful chemical.

In summary, both gluten and glyphosate are a concern not only in those with Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s, but also in those with non-autoimmune thyroid conditions. Because of this I not only recommend avoiding gluten while healing, but to also try doing whatever you can to minimize your exposure to glyphosate.

Foundations of Overcoming Hyperthyroidism

If you have hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease, toxic multinodular goiter, etc.) and are looking to avoid radioactive iodine and thyroid surgery, then you might be interested in my online course “The Foundations of Overcoming Hyperthyroidism”.

In order to reverse your hyperthyroid condition you need to incorporate the foundations. While going through this online course you'll learn hyperthyroid diet tips and other lifestyle factors that are essential to achieve optimal health.

In addition, you will also find out how to find and remove your triggers, which is one of the big key factors in reversing hyperthyroidism. Click Here more information on this course.

Save My Thyroid Podcast Review

I have a podcast called "Save My Thyroid", where I discuss how people with hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's can save their thyroid and regain their health. I also have a few thyroid-related books. And during each edition of this newsletter I'll either review a recent podcast episode, or I'll give some insights from one of my books.

For those who are interested in “thyroid diet tips” I recently released two episodes-one related to hyperthyroidism/Graves’ disease, and one related to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

In the podcast episode “Hyperthyroid Diet Tips for 2025” I discussed how different types of foods and diet strategies impact those with hyperthyroidism and the role of diet in the thyroid healing journey

In addition, in a recent Q & A podcast episode I answered the question “What’s the Best Diet for Hashimoto’s?” In this episode I shared my dietary recommendations for people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. I discussed the pros and cons of common diet approaches, common foods to include and avoid, and the importance of reintroducing foods after an elimination phase.

Understand Your Tests

Testing for Mold Toxins

Mold toxins (also known as mycotoxins) are toxic compounds produced by certain mold species, and they can be found in various environments, including homes, workplaces, vehicles, and even some foods. One limitation of home mold testing is that even if results come back negative, exposure may still occur through other sources.

Above is a screenshot of the MycoTOX Profile®, a urine test from Mosaic Diagnostics that detects mycotoxins. Several other laboratories also offer mycotoxin testing.

Some of the key mycotoxins measured by the MycoTOX Profile include Aflatoxin M1, Ochratoxin A, Zearalenone, and Trichothecenes. Each of these can negatively impact health and contribute to a range of symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Mold Toxicity

The symptoms of mold toxicity vary widely. Some individuals experience severe fatigue, while others maintain good energy levels but develop neurological symptoms.

Common symptoms associated with mold toxicity include:

• Severe fatigue

• Anxiety

• Insomnia

• Memory loss

• Migraines

• Skin rashes

• Respiratory distress

• Sinus problems

• Neurological symptoms

The Impact of Mycotoxins on the Gut and Thyroid

A 2018 journal article highlighted that while the intestinal barrier serves as a defense against mycotoxins, some mycotoxins can still disrupt gastrointestinal function. According to the article, "mycotoxins can alter normal intestinal functions such as barrier integrity and nutrient absorption" (1).

Regarding their impact on the thyroid, as discussed in previous editions of this newsletter, a leaky gut is a key component in the development of autoimmune diseases. Exposure to mycotoxins that compromise intestinal integrity can, therefore, contribute to conditions such as Graves' disease and Hashimoto's.

Additionally, some mycotoxins have endocrine-disrupting properties. Zearalenone, for example, is a non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin produced by Fusarium fungi (2). Both Zearalenone and its metabolites can affect the reproductive system and may also interfere with thyroid hormone receptors (3), though further research is needed to confirm this effect.

How to Reduce Mycotoxins

If a urine test indicates the presence of one or more mycotoxins, the primary goal should be to reduce exposure. Whenever possible, it is essential to identify and eliminate the source of mold and mycotoxins.

In severe cases, remediation of the home—or even relocation—may be necessary. In other situations, dietary adjustments can help minimize exposure, a topic I discuss in detail in Chapter 17 of my book, The Hyperthyroid Healing Diet.

However, removing the source alone may not be sufficient to eliminate mycotoxins from the body. Additional interventions such as binders (e.g., activated charcoal, bentonite clay) and glutathione supplementation are often beneficial.

Mold and mycotoxins are complex topics, and I will continue to explore them in future editions of this newsletter. In the meantime, I have included an article and podcast episode in the "Additional Resources" section at the end of this newsletter for further information.

Ask Dr. Eric

During every issue I'll answer a few questions that I think can benefit most people with a thyroid or autoimmune thyroid condition. If you'd like for me to consider your question for a future edition of this newsletter email your question to [email protected].

QUESTION #1: Are Any Breads Safe to Eat While Healing?

Dr. Eric, I absolutely love bread, and was wondering if there are any breads that I can safely eat while trying to reverse my Hashimoto’s condition?

I’m often asked whether it’s okay to eat sourdough bread or other healthier types of bread while working to restore one's health. When it comes to sourdough, a few small studies have suggested that the fermentation process can degrade gluten, potentially making it safer for individuals with celiac disease (4)(5).

However, more recent research indicates that sourdough is not considered safe for those with celiac disease (6). While this newsletter primarily focuses on thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions rather than celiac disease, one might wonder: if sourdough bread were proven safe for individuals with celiac disease, could it also be a better option for those with other autoimmune conditions, such as Graves' disease and Hashimoto's?

Gluten Isn’t the Only Concern

Although gluten-free breads are widely available, many contain ingredients that should ideally be avoided. Additionally, most commercially available gluten-free breads are not organic, raising concerns about exposure to glyphosate, which I discussed earlier.

One exception I came across last year is a gluten-free, organic sourdough bread called Paca, whose “basic” version contains only two ingredients: buckwheat and sea salt.

However, because grains can be harsh on the gut, I usually recommend that my patients take a break from grains while healing—including most breads.

Are There Any Gut-Friendly Breads?

Many individuals with Graves' disease and Hashimoto's follow an autoimmune Paleo (AIP) diet. While I don’t have direct experience making AIP-compliant breads, a quick search for “AIP-friendly bread” will yield various recipes.

For those avoiding grains but not strictly following an AIP diet, searching for “grain-free bread recipes” can provide alternatives. However, just because a bread is grain-free doesn’t mean it’s gentle on the gut.

The Dark Side of Almond Flour

For example, some grain-free breads contain almond flour. While consuming almond-based bread occasionally may not be an issue, almonds are high in oxalates, making frequent consumption potentially problematic.

Ultimately, while there are some better options available, most breads—whether containing gluten-free grains, or even grain-free ingredients—are best minimized during the healing process.

QUESTION #2: SHOULD I DO AN ANNUAL PARASITE CLEANSE

"Dr. Eric, in an effort to heal my gut should I do an annual parasite cleanse?"

This is yet another controversial subject, as I've had different podcast guests offer different perspectives when it comes to treating parasites.

Dr. Jason Hawrelak is a probiotic researcher, educator, and clinician with over 20 years of experience treating gastrointestinal conditions. He is not a proponent of routine parasite cleanses, and when I interviewed him on my podcast, he mentioned that even if someone tests positive for a parasite (e.g., Blastocystis hominis), treatment is not always necessary.

On the other hand, Elizabeth Yarnell, a traditional naturopath who reversed her multiple sclerosis and has helped many others with autoimmune conditions, believes that everyone should undergo parasite treatment.

My Perspective on Routine Parasite Cleanses

There is no doubt that parasites can negatively impact gut health in some cases. While this is not always true, if a comprehensive stool panel reveals the presence of one or more parasites, I typically recommend an antiparasitic protocol.

That being said, I do not advocate for all my patients to undergo random parasite treatments. In fact, I did not follow an antiparasitic protocol when I was dealing with Graves' disease, and therefore, treating parasites wasn't necessary for my recovery. I have observed similar patterns in many of my patients.

Concerns with False Negative Tests

It is important to note that while comprehensive stool panels can provide valuable insights, a negative test result does not definitively rule out the presence of parasites. This limitation applies even to well-known stool panels such as the GI-MAP, GI-Effects, and GI-360.

This can be frustrating, especially considering the high cost of these tests. However, while these panels assess multiple markers beyond parasites, ParaWellness Research specializes in parasite detection and may identify infections that other stool panels miss.

The downside is that it does not analyze other important markers commonly assessed in comprehensive stool panels, such as opportunistic bacteria and inflammation indicators.

In summary, I do not recommend a parasite cleanse for all my patients, nor do I advise universal testing for parasites. However, if a patient tests positive or if I strongly suspect a parasite-related issue despite a negative test, I will not hesitate to recommend an appropriate antiparasitic protocol.

Additional Thyroid-Related Resources

Click Here for an article I wrote on mycotoxins

Click Here for the “Gut-Mold-Thyroid Connection” podcast episode (episode 107)

Click Here for podcast interview with Dr. Jason Hawrelak (episode 95)

Click Here for podcast interview with Elizabeth Yarnell (episode 30)

Click Here to access hundreds of thyroid-related articles and blog posts

Click Here to join the Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s community

Click Here to purchase one of Dr. Eric’s thyroid-related books

Click Here to work with Dr. Eric and his team

References

(1) Mycotoxin: Its Impact on Gut Health and Microbiota; Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2018 Feb 26;8

(2) Endocrine Effect of Some Mycotoxins on Humans: A Clinical Review of the Ways to Mitigate the Action of Mycotoxins; Toxins (Basel). 2023 Aug 23;15(9):515

(3) Comparative Analysis of Zearalenone Effects on Thyroid Receptor Alpha (TRα) and Beta (TRβ) Expression in Rat Primary Cerebellar Cell Cultures; Int J Mol Sci. 2018 May 11;19(5):1440

(4) Gluten-free sourdough wheat baked goods appear safe for young celiac patients: a pilot study; J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2010 Dec;51(6):777-83.

(5) Sourdough bread made from wheat and nontoxic flours and started with selected lactobacilli is tolerated in celiac sprue patients; Appl Environ Microbiol. 2004 Feb;70(2):1088-96

(6) Sourdough Fermentation of Wheat Flour does not Prevent the Interaction of Transglutaminase 2 with alpha2-Gliadin or Gluten; Nutrients. 2015 Apr; 7(4): 2134–2144

That’s a wrap