There are many spices that can benefit your health. Eating these spices on a regular basis can help to decrease inflammation, eradicate pathogens, balance blood sugar levels, etc. However, some spices have greater health benefits than others, and there are certain spices which should be avoided in those with autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. And so I’ve decided to discuss the health benefits of seven spices that most people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions can safely consume (although there are a few exceptions).
Spice #1: Garlic. I recommend for most of my patients to consume garlic. Garlic has many different benefits, but one of the main reasons I recommend it to my patients is because it is a wonderful antimicrobial. And many people with thyroid and autoimmune conditions have infections. In fact, the research shows that garlic has antibacterial (1) (2), antiviral (3) (4), antifungal (5) (6), and even antiparasitic activities (7) (8).
In addition to being a great antimicrobial, garlic has other benefits, as it can help people with cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure (9) (10). Garlic can also reduce inflammation (11) (12). And garlic also supports detoxification by increasing glutathione levels. Some people who have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) are unable to consume garlic because they experience gas and bloating.
Spice #2: Turmeric. Turmeric is yet another spice that most people can benefit from taking. Inflammation is a big factor in autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Graves’ Disease. And while there are numerous benefits of turmeric, perhaps the greatest one is that it is a wonderful anti-inflammatory agent. With regards to autoimmune conditions it can help to reduce proinflammatory cytokines (13) (14) (15) and increase regulatory T cells (16). Turmeric also can benefit cardiovascular health (17) (18), and it also has anticancer properties (19), as well as a neuroprotective effect (20).
Spice #3: Cinnamon. This spice has many different benefits, but one of the primary benefits is helping to regulate blood glucose levels. One meta-analysis showed that the consumption of cinnamon is associated with a statistically significant decrease in levels of fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglyceride levels, and an increase in HDL-C levels (21). However, there was no significant effect on the hemoglobin A1C (21). Another meta-analysis showed that cinnamon improves fasting blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes (22). Another study showed that cinnamon proanthocyanidins had inhibitory effects on advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), which are substances that contribute to increased oxidative stress and inflammation (23).
Cinnamon also seems to modulate the immune system, which can benefit people with autoimmune conditions. Regulatory T cells help to suppress autoimmunity, and there is evidence that cinnamon can increase regulatory T cells (24). Th17 cells are increased in autoimmunity, and cinnamon can potentially suppress these cells (24). Another study looking at the effects of cinnamon in multiple sclerosis also discussed how cinnamon increases regulatory T cells while decreasing Th17 cells (25). However, I must add that a recent study showed that cinnamon reduces serum T3 levels (26). However, keep in mind that this was conducted on male rats, and it’s just a single study.
H. Pylori is a bacteria that can be a potential trigger of autoimmune thyroid conditions. And there is evidence that cinnamon has an inhibitory effect on H. Pylori (27). A recent study also showed that cinnamaldehyde, which is a major active constituent of cinnamon, has an anti-inflammatory effect on gastric inflammation caused by H. Pylori (28).
Spice #4: Thyme. Thyme has numerous health benefits. First of all, it has antimicrobial activity against yeast and bacteria (29). I did come across an older in vitro study which showed that thyme had a significant inhibitory effect on H. Pylori (30). There is also evidence that thyme can increase the activity of the phase 1 and phase 2 enzymes that are involved in detoxification (31) (32). Thyme might also have anticancer effects as well (33).
Spice #5: Ginger. Ginger belongs to the family Zingiberaceae, and it is very well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce inflammation by suppressing prostaglandin synthesis, specifically inhibiting cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and also suppresses the formation of leukotrienes through the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase (34) (35). COX-1, COX-2, and 5-lipoxygenase are enzymes which play a role in the inflammatory process. In addition, 6-gingerol, which is a major compound in ginger, has shown to inhibit both Th1 and Th2 cytokines (36), and an imbalance of the Th1 and Th2 pathways are a factor in autoimmune conditions.
Ginger also can be beneficial for certain types of cancers, including prostate cancer (37), pancreatic cancer (38), gastrointestinal cancer (39), and breast cancer (40). Also, for those suffering from primary dysmenorrhea, a recent study also showed that ginger can be beneficial during the first 3 or 4 days of the menstrual cycle (41). Those with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes can also benefit from ginger, as a study showed that it improves fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein A-I, and apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I in patients with type 2 diabetes (42).
Spice #6: Sage. Sage has been used for the relief of pain, protection against oxidative stress, free radical damage, angiogenesis, inflammation, along with bacterial and viral infections (43). Many people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions have memory and concentration problems, and sage can potentially help to improve memory and cognition (44) (45).
Spice #7: Rosemary. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) also has numerous health benefits. First of all, it has antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties, and so it can help to reduce inflammation and inhibit the growth of cancer cells (46) (47) (48) (49). It also has been shown to have antitumor activity against breast cancer cells, possibly by modulating estrogen (50). There is also evidence that it can protect the liver (51).
Other Spices Can Be Beneficial As Well
Of course there are numerous other spices that can also be beneficial to consume. Examples include parsley, peppermint oil, cloves, cilantro, and oregano. According to Sarah Ballantyne, author of the Paleo Approach, these spices are all autoimmune-friendly. As a result, most people with Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis should be able to consume these spices without a problem.
In summary, most people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions can benefit from consuming spices. Numerous spices have anti-inflammatory effects (turmeric, ginger, rosemary), while other spices have powerful antimicrobial effects (garlic, thyme, sage). Other spices help to balance the blood sugar levels (cinnamon, ginger), while some can help to support detoxification (thyme). All of the spices I listed in this post should be fine for most people with autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
Suggested doses?
Is there a specific dosage of these spices to ingest to receive benefits?
Thank you,
Would like to ask about spices good for those with Graves Disease. Is there a certain amount that should be
taken and do they have to be fresh or can they be cooked with meals?
Thank you and I appreciate all the support and information I receive from you.
I have epilepst,long qt syndrome and take warfarin as I have a history of blood clots. I am unable to have most of the spices on your list. What can I do ?
THANKS IN ADVANCE OF YOUR HELP.
Dosing?
Just incorporate it into foods you make.
Ginger is great for a tea (smash a piece of the root and boil it for 20 minutes and add honey)
I also use it in chicken recipes along with garlic, rosemary, thyme and tumeric.
Tumeric tea is something Sanjay Gupta swears by.
Cinnamon and garlic should be staples in everyone;s home.
Adding coconut oil and cinnamon to your morning coffee is great for Hashimoto’s people.
Hi – I have just been advised by a Naturopath that coconut oil is actually very bad for thyroid problems & in fact women in general. Its an oestragen precipitator or something like that – the same as Soy. So if we rub it or take it in any way it causes our bodies to produce hormones for reproduction? Please advise because I used to practically live on coconut oil and used it on my skin for many years.
That is so NOT true. Dr Oz had a whole show about coconut oil and how it helps people with low thyroid, lose weight.
I have been using it for years and I have zero bad side effects.
Good fats are good for us.
Muscle test and you will know if it right for you. An experienced naturopath will test against your thyroid and the left side of your head….you will know in seconds if it something you should consume. When you learn how to test, your spouse or friend can help you test everything you eat or apply to your skin. I cannot have coconut oil. Everyone is not the same and can react differently to foods and products applied to our skin.
I have hypothyroidism and put coconut oil in my hair before I went to bed. I had to get up during the night to shower and wash my hair my head felt as though it was twice the size and it throbbed and itched and felt terrible until I could stand it no more and washed it all off. Even the bits of my skin round my neck where I had touched with my hands was itching. I since read coconut oil can affect hypothyroidism. Maybe it was just me but I evade any form of coconut oil.
I take a turmeric capsule each morning and have no bad effects I am thinking of taking a cinnamon capsule too. I bought a vegetable supplement for my husband and I because we eat loads of fruit and peas and cabbage but are not keen on veggies. Can’t remember the name of the supplement I took just remember they cost £47 and they suppressed my thyroid hormone and I was quite ill. First I thought my thyroid was going too low then I thought it was too high a dose my joints ached all over and wanted to sleep every time I sat down and eventually saw a doctor who reduced my thyroxine because I felt so bad then I felt worse so had a blood test and was told it was fine. My own GP said any active ingredient will affect the thyroid but it took ages for me get back to normal so watch what I take now.
Hello Oliver! This could be salicylate intolerance. Though coconut oil isn’t the worst for a salicylate intolerant some react quite strongly.
Best regards
I have Graves and have had extremely bad reaction to garlic (raw) but also to cooked garlic and also onions. I did some research and found this is a immune reaction that people with autoimmune diseases can have to these foods is this correct?.
Thanks Lynne
Same here as I have Grave’s also. I muscle test every food, spice, drink, etc. I eat now against my thyroid. SO EASY TO DO. That is how I figured out what was causing my hair loss. My son was labeled autistic as he lost his speech for 2.5 years plus suffering with a sensory disorder. A naturopath had him speaking again within 5 days after applying kinesiology (muscle testing)because we removed the foods he tested negative to. Muscle testing should be standard, especially when dispensing medications that alter your mood and cause depression.
I also cannot have most of the spices listed here. They make me irritable. Depression and suicide, sadly, is prevalent in my family…I come from a large family and the few of us not on antidepressants have to carefully monitor what we eat.
“Dose?” Nobody will die from excess cinnamon, tumeric, garlic and all the others.
Buy a whole ginger root, cut off a 2 inch section, smash it with a rolling pin, then simmer (once the water boils) for 20 minutes. Add honey to desired taste.
This tea tastes so good. You can grate ginger into almost any protein or brown rice. I use a teaspoon of coconut oil in my rice water. Once it cools and is reheated, the coconut oil, turns the rice into half the calories.
I have and use every single spice listed and many we have in our garden.
Great post, btw~
Which way eating these spices are the best, since I find that fried spices make a dish very tasty but very bad as it is difficult to digest or many stomach-related problem? Just fresh or raw seems good or better. Is it correct? Else which way? Thanks.
I get gelatin capsules for cinnamon. I fill them with cinnamon and take with water. Usually 2 capsules. You can fo that for all the powdered ones.
For ginger, I take fresh ginger root. Almost half inch. Remove the skin, chop it in smaller piece, size of a capsule. It’s quite easy. Takes seconds. Then put them all in my mouth and swallow with a glass of water. Kind of like taking 4, 5 capsules together!
Great information. I would change turmeric to the extract. Also cinnamon. They are both very high in oxalates otherwise.
I have had great results with fresh ginger and garlic.
Best regards
I’m glad you enjoyed the blog post Petra. And thank you for sharing your experience with others.