Based on PubMed | Is it true that honey can cure Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

No there is no reliable evidence that honey cures Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system gradually damages the thyroid, and the proven cornerstone of treatment for resulting hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine) when levels are low. ^[1] Honey can be a generally safe natural sweetener with some studied benefits for coughs and wound care, but there is no clinical evidence that it reverses thyroid autoimmunity or replaces thyroid medication. ^{[2] [3]}

What Hashimoto’s Is (and isn’t)

• Autoimmune process: In Hashimoto’s, immune antibodies target the thyroid, which over time can lead to underactive thyroid function. ^[1] This immune‑driven damage is not known to be stopped or “cured” by foods like honey. ^[1]
• Common outcome hypothyroidism: Many people eventually develop low thyroid hormone and need replacement therapy to normalize levels and relieve symptoms. ^[4] Hormone replacement treats the hormone deficiency; it does not “cure” the underlying autoimmunity. ^[4]

What We Know About Honey

• General uses: Honey has recognized roles as a topical wound aid and as an oral cough suppressant for some upper‑respiratory infections. ^[2] Major medical references consider honey generally safe for adults and children over 1 year, but they do not list thyroid autoimmunity as an indication. ^[3]
• Quality variation: Honey products vary widely in composition and quality, which adds uncertainty to any health claims. ^[5] No authoritative guidance recommends honey as a treatment for Hashimoto’s. ^{[2] [3]}

Evidence on Supplements and Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Some supplements have been studied for Hashimoto’s, but results are mixed and none are established “cures”:

• Selenium: Several trials show selenium may reduce thyroid antibody levels in some people, but evidence quality is limited and clinical significance (symptoms, medication dose) is unclear. ^{[6] [7]} Guidelines have not endorsed selenium as a universal therapy, and benefits if any appear modest. ^[6]
• Other compounds (experimental): Anatabine showed a reduction in thyroglobulin antibodies in one trial, but not in thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and more adverse events occurred; further research is needed. ^[8] These findings do not translate into a cure and are not standard care. ^[8]

Importantly, these data involve specific supplements studied under trial conditions not honey and even they do not demonstrate reversal of disease. ^[6] At present, there are no controlled human studies showing honey improves thyroid antibodies, thyroid function, or the course of Hashimoto’s. ^{[2] [3]}

Standard, Evidence‑Based Care

• Monitor and replace thyroid hormone when needed: Levothyroxine is used to restore normal thyroid hormone levels and relieve symptoms when hypothyroidism develops. ^[4] Dosing and monitoring are guided by TSH and free T4 tests. ^[4]
• Medication timing matters: Various foods and supplements can impair absorption of levothyroxine; taking it on an empty stomach and separating from calcium, iron, and certain antacids improves absorption. ^[9] This practical step often matters more for symptom control than any add‑on supplement. ^[9]

Is Honey Harmful for Hashimoto’s?

• Generally safe in moderation: For most adults, using honey as a sweetener is considered safe. ^[3] It does not treat Hashimoto’s, but it also isn’t known to worsen it when used in reasonable amounts. ^[3]
• Caution with blood sugar: Honey is mostly sugar and can raise blood glucose; those with diabetes or insulin resistance should be mindful. ^[10] Infants under 1 year should not consume honey due to risk of infant botulism. ^[3]

Practical Takeaways

• No cure claim: There is no evidence that honey cures Hashimoto’s or replaces thyroid medication. ^{[1] [4] [2] [3]}
• Focus on proven care: Regular thyroid labs and appropriate levothyroxine treatment remain the foundation. ^[4] Discuss any supplements with your clinician to avoid interactions with thyroid medication. ^[9]
• Lifestyle basics: A balanced diet, adequate iodine but avoiding excess, and addressing nutrient deficiencies (for example, if confirmed by testing) can support overall thyroid health, but should not be viewed as cures. ^[11] Tailored medical advice from your clinician is important because needs vary person to person. ^[11]

---

Quick Reference Table

Topic	What Evidence Says	Bottom Line
Honey for Hashimoto’s	No clinical trials showing benefit on thyroid autoimmunity or function	Safe sweetener for most adults; not a treatment [2] [3]
Selenium	Mixed RCTs; may lower some antibodies; unclear clinical impact	Consider only with clinician guidance; not a cure [6] [7]
Anatabine	One RCT: reduced Tg antibodies; no clear TPO effect; more AEs	Experimental; not standard care [8]
Standard therapy	Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto’s	Proven, guideline‑based care [4]
Medication timing	Food/supplements (iron, calcium, antacids) can block absorption	Take levothyroxine on empty stomach; separate from blockers [9]

If you enjoy honey, using it in moderation is generally fine, but for managing Hashimoto’s, work with your clinician on monitoring and proven treatments rather than relying on honey. ^{[4] [2] [3]}