How Functional Medicine Can Help Put Hashimoto's into Remission

If you’ve been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, you’ve probably wondered: Can this ever go away? The good news is that remission is possible, and functional medicine offers a path toward healing by looking at the why behind your symptoms instead of just managing them.

Here we will break down what Hashimoto’s really is, what “remission” means, and how diet, lifestyle, and a functional medicine approach can help you restore balance.

What Is Hashimoto’s Disease and Hypothyroidism?

Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition, which means your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland. Over time, this attack can cause inflammation and damage, slowing down thyroid hormone production.

That’s when symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair thinning, and feeling “off” start to show up. This underactive thyroid is called hypothyroidism.

When people talk about putting Hashimoto’s into remission, they mean calming that immune attack, so your thyroid can function more normally again and your symptoms ease up.

What Does “Remission” Mean?

Remission doesn’t mean Hashimoto’s is completely gone; it means the autoimmune activity has slowed down.

When your system has fallen into remission, the inflammation and antibody levels (like TPO and Tg antibodies) drop. This is what helps your thyroid hormones stabilize. You may find that your medication needs become more consistent or decrease slightly.

Even if some thyroid damage remains, achieving remission can make a huge difference in how you feel day-to-day, with more energy, a better mood, and a sense of harmony returning to your body.

Can Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism Go Into Remission?

It is possible for Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism to go into remission.

There is a difference between how conventional medicine and functional medicine view Hashimoto’s. Conventional medicine sees Hashimoto's as a lifelong condition that is solely treated with thyroid medication. In comparison, functional medicine takes a different view. It looks for the root causes, like chronic inflammation, gut imbalances, hormone issues, or immune triggers, and works to repair them.

By supporting your body’s healing systems, it’s possible to reduce antibodies, calm the immune response, and restore a healthier thyroid rhythm.

Diet and Hashimoto’s Disease Remission

It's imperative to note how food is an important piece of the puzzle when trying to put Hashimoto's into remission. Anti-inflammatory and nutrient-rich diets like the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), gluten-free, and whole-food diets help soothe the immune system and reduce flare-ups.

Foods high in selenium (like Brazil nuts), zinc (from oysters or pumpkin seeds), and iodine (from shrimp and tuna) help support a healthy thyroid.

It’s also important to limit foods that can trigger more inflammation, like gluten, dairy, and refined sugar. Although these suggestions offer generally good guidelines to follow, it's important to remember that everyone’s body is different. You should find out what works for your system.

Treatments That Support Remission

Most people do best with a mix of conventional and functional medicine.

Thyroid hormone replacement (like levothyroxine or natural desiccated thyroid) helps restore balance. But functional medicine goes deeper, looking for what caused the immune system to go haywire in the first place.

That might include checking for hidden infections, gut dysbiosis, toxin exposure, or unmanaged stress, all of which can trigger autoimmunity. Once these are addressed, the immune system has space to calm down and heal. 

Supplements for Hashimoto’s Disease Remission

There are also certain nutrients and herbs that can make a difference when used strategically.

• Selenium and zinc help lower antibody levels.

• Vitamin D and magnesium help support immune balance.

• Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation.

• Adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola help your body better handle stress.

Just remember, supplements aren’t one-size-fits-all. Testing first (and working with a practitioner) ensures you get what your body truly needs.

Lifestyle Habits That Encourage Remission

Remission isn’t just about diet or supplements. You also need to create an environment where your body can heal.

Focus on:

• Getting enough quality sleep so your hormones can regulate.

• Managing stress through yoga, breathwork, or even short daily walks.

• Moving gently, rather than pushing through fatigue.

• Reducing toxin exposure by choosing clean personal care and cleaning products.

If you can incorporate these small daily habits, they can end up making a big difference in keeping your immune system calm and your thyroid happy.

Functional Medicine Approach to Hashimoto’s

Functional medicine takes a personalized approach to Hashimoto’s. Instead of focusing on just the thyroid, it looks at the whole picture, including your gut, hormones, nutrient status, stress levels, and environment.

When you combine advanced testing, personalized nutrition, and lifestyle planning, this approach helps uncover why your immune system became overactive and how to guide it back into balance.

By following a functional medicine approach, you can find a realistic, sustainable path toward putting Hashimoto's into remission.

Final Thoughts: Empowering Patients Toward Remission

Putting Hashimoto’s into remission doesn’t happen overnight, but it is achievable. With the right plan, consistency, and support, you can calm the immune system, reduce inflammation, and reclaim your energy and vitality.

Working with a skilled functional medicine practitioner can help you uncover your root causes, make targeted changes, and move toward true healing, one step at a time.

Because living well with Hashimoto’s isn’t just about managing symptoms, it’s about restoring your balance, your confidence, and your quality of life.