THYROID HEALTH ARTICLES

Your thyroid doesn't work in isolation. It's in constant communication with:

• Your gut (via nutrient absorption and immune cells)

• Your brain (via the hypothalamus–pituitary–thyroid axis)

• Your nervous system (think: stress, mood, vagus nerve)

So when your gut is inflamed, don't work properly, or your good gut bugs are imbalanced, your thyroid certainly feels it.

Here’s how probiotics may support this network:

Brain fog and tiredness: Certain strains (like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum) support GABA (calming chemical) production and calm the nervous system so you're not always in "flight, fight or freeze".

Constipation: Sluggish digestion is common in hypothyroid women. Probiotics can improve motility and gut transit time, especially strains like Lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces boulardii .

Hormone conversion: While not a direct fix, healthier gut bacteria may reduce inflammation that interferes with T4 to T3 conversion. This is because about 20-40% of inactive T4 is converted to the active T3 in your gut.

Immune regulation: In Hashimoto’s, balancing the gut microbiome may reduce autoimmune signalling and support more immune tolerance.

So no, while probiotics won’t, and shouldn't replace your thyroid medication, they may help your body use thyroid hormones better.

Many women find that combining gut support with nourishing meals gets better results faster. You can start with eating mostly unprocessed foods, add AIP recipes (if you have active Hashimoto's), or trial targeted probiotics; every small step you take adds up to improving your gut and thyroid symptoms.

Note that not all probiotics are created equal, and if you're taking thyroid meds, you already know that timing matters.

Here’s what you really need to know:

Don’t take probiotics at the same time as your thyroid medication.
Levothyroxine absorption is sensitive. Leave a 3–4 hour gap between your meds and probiotics .

Best strains for thyroid support:

• Bifidobacterium longum – supports mood and gut lining

• Lactobacillus plantarum – relieves constipation and inflammation

• Saccharomyces boulardii – yeast-based probiotic for immune balance, especially after antibiotics

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG – shown to support GABA and anxiety regulation

Synbiotics (probiotics + prebiotics) may be more effective than probiotics alone for improving quality of life in hypothyroid patients. Prebiotics which are a type of fibre we can digest, so act as food for the probiotics (good bacteria). They include foods like garlic, artichokes, leeks, asparagus, and some other fruits and veggies.

How long to take them?
You'll need to stick with it for at least 4–8 weeks to get the full benefit. And if your gut is sensitive, always start low and go slow.

If you need a simple, food-first starting place, my Step-by-Step to Gluten-Free in 14 Days is perfect for you if you suspect you are sensitive to gluten, but don't know where to start. If you're already au fait with gluten-free foods, but struggle with know what to cook, check out The Gluten-Free Recipe Vault.