Autoimmune conditions are characterized by the presence of autoantibodies. It’s no exception with Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. While most endocrinologists focus on improving the thyroid panel (TSH and thyroid hormones), very few conventional medical doctors will do anything to improve the health of the person’s immune system, and thus normalize thyroid antibodies. The main reason for this comes down to their training in medical school, as they aren’t taught how to address the autoimmune component of these conditions. And it admittedly can be very challenging to normalize thyroid antibodies, which I’ll talk more about later this blog post.
Before discussing how to lower autoantibodies, I’d like to briefly discuss what antibodies are. Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are Y-shaped molecules that help to protect the body against foreign substances called antigens. Examples of antigens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, chemicals, and there can even be dietary antigens. Essentially antigens lead to the formation of antibodies, and each antibody is manufactured to match a specific antigen. In autoimmunity, autoantibodies are produced against self-antigens, or against the cells of your own body.
I mentioned that antibodies are also known as immunoglobulins, and there are five immunoglobulin classes found in the serum:
Immunoglobulin A (IgA)
Immunoglobulin D (IgD)
Immunoglobulin E (IgE)
Immunoglobulin G (IgG)
Immunoglobulin M (IgM)
When discussing autoantibodies, we’re mostly referring to IgG. This includes the antibodies associated with Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s. IgG is further divided into four subclasses, and the majority of known antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases are caused by IgG1 and IgG3 autoantibodies, although IgG4 plays a prominent role in the pathogenesis of at least 13 autoimmune diseases. (1).
With Graves’ disease, unique IgG antibodies bind to and activate the TSH receptor on the surface of thyroid follicular cells, which leads to an increased production of thyroid hormones (1). Antithyroglobulin antibodies and antithyroperoxidase antibodies are also predominantly of the IgG class (2). It has been reported that Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can be divided into IgG4 and non-IgG4 thyroiditis (2).
The 3 Main Types of Thyroid Antibodies
Let’s briefly take a look at the three most common types of thyroid antibodies:
Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies. Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is an enzyme that plays a role in the production of thyroid hormone. TPO antibodies are the most common type of thyroid antibody. Although they are more closely associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, many people with Graves’ disease have elevated TPO antibodies.
Thyroglobulin antibodies. Thyroglobulin is a glycoprotein that is secreted by thyroid follicular cells, and when someone has anti-thyroglobulin antibodies this means that the immune system is attacking and damaging thyroglobulin. These antibodies are associated with Hashimoto’s.
Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins. Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins are associated with Graves’ disease, and they bind to the thyroid stimulating hormone receptor, which causes the excess production of thyroid hormone.
As I’ve discussed in other blog posts, it’s common for people to have multiple types of thyroid antibodies. So for example, some people will have both TPO antibodies and thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins, while some will have all three of these autoantibodies. And since people with Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s commonly develop other autoimmune conditions it’s also possible to have other types of autoantibodies as well.
What Causes Elevated Thyroid Antibodies?
I’ve spoken about the triad of autoimmunity in the past, as there are three factors which are necessary for autoimmunity to develop, and thus lead to elevated autoantibodies. These three factors include 1) a genetic predisposition, 2) an environmental trigger, and 3) a leaky gut. The triad of autoimmunity applies to all autoimmune conditions, and not just Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s.
A loss of self tolerance is also necessary, and this is when the immune system doesn’t recognize our tissues and organs as being “self”. I discussed how people develop a loss of self tolerance in a past article, but I’ll list some of the different ways below:
- Exposure to an environmental trigger
- Having certain genetic polymorphisms
- Decrease in regulatory T cells
- Low selenium levels
- Low vitamin A levels
- Intestinal dysbiosis (imbalance of the gut flora)
Can Thyroid Antibodies Be Normalized?
It is possible to normalize thyroid autoantibodies. However, there are a few things you need to understand. First of all, different labs will commonly have different reference ranges for the same autoantibodies. As a result, you might test positive for a specific autoantibody with one lab, but test negative for the same autoantibody with a different lab. So how do you know which lab reference range is accurate? First of all, you do need to keep in mind that everyone is different, and we can make the argument that some people might be fine even if their thyroid antibodies are slightly elevated according to the lab reference range.
For example, the Labcorp reference range for TPO antibodies is currently 0-34 IU/mL. The Quest Diagnostics reference range for TPO antibodies is <9 IU/mL. I don’t know which reference range is more accurate, and we need to keep in mind that although the units are the same with these two labs, the methodologies can differ between labs, and there are other reasons why different labs have different ranges for the same marker.
In any case, if someone has TPO antibodies that are well above the reference range (i.e. 2,000 IU/mL), then we can conclude that this is abnormal. On the other hand, if someone has TPO antibodies that are consistently around 50 IU/mL does this mean that the autoimmune response isn’t as big of a concern? There’s some debate here, as some well known practitioners will say that a lower number doesn’t necessarily correlate with the severity of the autoimmune response, but I think it’s safe to say that most practitioners would still like to see the antibodies on the low side.
It’s also important to understand that it’s not always easy to decrease and normalize thyroid antibodies. In some people the thyroid antibodies will gradually decrease until they normalize without any setbacks. For others there will be more of a “rollercoaster” pattern, as the antibodies might fluctuate back and forth until they normalize. Then there are people with Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s who don’t experience any significant decrease in thyroid antibodies, and in some cases their antibodies gradually increase over time. During this latter scenario this usually means that the person’s triggers haven’t been detected and/or removed, the gut hasn’t been healed, and/or there are other underlying imbalances that need to be addressed. I’m about to discuss this further.
4 Steps To Lower Thyroid Antibodies Naturally
Earlier I discussed the triad of autoimmunity, and how this will determine whether someone will develop elevated thyroid antibodies. So for example, if someone has a genetic predisposition for Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s and they are exposed to a specific environmental trigger and at the same time they have an increase in intestinal permeability (a leaky gut), then autoimmunity is likely to develop. As a result, it shouldn’t be a surprise to learn that in order to lower thyroid antibodies you need to address these factors:
Step #1: Find the triggers. Not finding the triggers is probably the biggest reason why someone’s thyroid antibodies don’t decrease. Finding the triggers can admittedly be challenging at times, and usually involves doing a comprehensive health history, along with the appropriate testing. In 2018 I wrote a book that focuses on triggers, and while the title of the book is “Hashimoto’s Triggers“, a lot of the information in this book can benefit people with Graves’ disease as well. I also discuss triggers in my book “Natural Treatment Solutions for Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease“.
Here are some potential autoimmune triggers:
- Food triggers (gluten, dairy, corn)
- Stress
- Pathogenic bacteria
- Viruses (i.e. Epstein-Barr)
- Parasites
- Heavy metals
- Xenoestrogens
- Overtraining
- Estrogen dominance
Step #2: Remove the triggers. Once the triggers have been detected, obviously the next goal should be to remove them. Sometimes this is easier said than done. For example, if someone discovers that a specific food is a trigger, then of course they can remove this food from their diet. On the other hand, if an infection or chemical is the trigger, then it can be challenging to address these at times. Certain infections can be difficult to eradicate, regardless of whether someone takes prescription antibiotics or natural antimicrobials. And some chemicals are more challenging to eliminate from the body than others.
Step #3: Correct underlying imbalances. Sometimes other underlying imbalances can interfere with healing, which can in turn prevent thyroid antibodies from lowering. For example, inflammation is associated with autoimmunity, and while finding and removing the triggers will frequently resolve the inflammation, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes further action is required to resolve the inflammation, such as taking higher doses of natural anti-inflammatory agents (i.e. curcumin, resveratrol, glutathione). Having deficiencies in vitamin D, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids can make it very challenging to lower thyroid antibodies.
Step #4: Restore the health of the gut microbiome. Having a healthy gut is necessary for a healthy immune system, and in some people, healing the gut can be challenging as well. Although there is a lot of great information on the Internet and in books on gut healing, most people need to do more than just take gut-healing supplements and eat gut-healing foods, as you need to make sure to remove those factors which are interfering with gut healing. This may sound like common sense, but many people only focus on reinoculation (with probiotics) and gut healing, and while these are important, doing these alone many times isn’t sufficient to restore the health of the gut. For more information on this please read my blog post entitled “What Is The 5-R Protocol?”
Can Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) Lower Thyroid Antibodies?
I spoke about LDN in a past article entitled “Low Dose Naltrexone and Thyroid Autoimmunity“, and so I definitely would check this out for more information on LDN. This is an option for some people with Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s to consider, as LDN can lower thyroid antibodies in some cases by modulating the immune system. However, while I’m not opposed to my patients taking LDN, you need to keep a couple of things in mind. First of all, LDN doesn’t work for everyone. Second, even when it does work, LDN isn’t doing anything to address the underlying cause of the problem. That being said, I mentioned earlier how sometimes it can be challenging to find and/or remove autoimmune triggers, and when this is the case there’s nothing wrong with taking LDN to modulate the immune system while still trying to address the cause of Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s.
Is There a Role for IgG Autoantibodies in a Healthy Immune System?
Over the years some of the labs have lowered their reference range for thyroid autoantibodies, which suggests that there should be no autoantibodies found in healthy people. For example, some labs use a reference range of ≤1 IU/mL for thyroglobulin antibodies. But multiple journal articles discuss that small amounts of autoantibodies are present even in healthy individuals (3) (4).
One study found 66 autoantibodies that are common and abundant in the population, regardless of age, gender and disease status (3). It was suggested that IgG autoantibodies might be necessary and perform some key physiological function, including the clearance of intracellular debris during inflammation. Perhaps some autoantibodies have important physiological functions, and thus should be present in small amounts, while others don’t offer any benefits. Either way I think it’s safe to say that we don’t know everything about autoantibodies, and I’m sure we’ll learn even more about them in the future.
What Have You Done To Lower Thyroid Antibodies?
If you have the antibodies for Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s (or both), please let me know what you have personally done to try to lower them, and if you were successful in doing so. If you were successful in lowering and/or normalizing them please let me know! And if you were unsuccessful please let me know! Thank you for sharing your experience with everyone.
LDN works for me along with diet and supplements
I’m glad LDN has been helping you Lyn (along with diet and supplements). Thank you for sharing!
I’ve read that even if one gets rid of antibodies, the “problem” i.e. Hashi’s, is still present, even if the thyroid is removed by surgery…is that right? what about the effect of consuming black cumin seeds or oil? any recent results, any feedback?
With any autoimmune condition, normalizing the antibodies doesn’t mean that the condition has been permanently cured, as the goal is to get into remission and maintain a state of wellness. As for black cumin, here is a blog post I wrote on this:
https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/archives/can-black-cumin-help-people-with-hypothyroidism-and-hashimotos/
I’ve read this post some time ago, that’s why I asked about feedback.
It may sound strange but to some – Meditation to achieve Heart Brain Coherence, Mrhrr, Frankincense, and Nutmeg essential oils. While at the same time, Chaga, Astragalus, Reishi tea in the morning. Was Hashimotos in September of this year, and am know off medication altogether.
Some of the Herbal tincutures that also helped me with chronic severe insomnia are: Damiana, Stacys, and Vitality. Ashwaganda, and Shatavari. Deeply grateful for this healing 😀
Thank you for your comment Shelley, as I’m glad to hear that you’re off thyroid meds!
I have been battling with hyperthyroidism for over a year now and my TSH count just keeps getting higher I am on medication for it and my dosage was increased but still no luck in reducing it enough.
Not sure which way to go anymore.
Maybe You need steroids. My levels went quickly down when my doctor gave me steroid shuts in the hospital.
Steroids may help to lower thyroid antibodies, but they’re definitely not a permanent solution, as they don’t do anything to address the cause of the problem, and they also come with side effects.
You mean hypothyroidism?
Elevated TSH = hypothyroidism.
What medication are you on?
If T4 only maybe you are not converting to T3 effectively. Have you had your RT3 tested? A full Thyroid panel is recommended. That includes TSH, Free T4, Free T3, RT3, and antibodies.
I have hypothyroidism & I’m working with a naturopath. I think I’m having the same problem. My T4 isn’t converting to T3, well that’s what the naturopath says. Take some supplements & lately put on weight despite healthy diet. I don’t know what to do. Any advise will be appreciated.
Chanell, have you worked with a natural healthcare practitioner to address the cause of the condition? While taking antithyroid meds is necessary at times, I’m sure you know that it’s not doing anything for the underlying cause.
I have successfully used Lugol’s 5% solution — built up to 5 drops AM and 5 drops PM
July 2017 I removed meat from my diet. October 2017 I went further and became plant based. Between that time period my TPO antibodies dropped 100 points. From 220 to 120 and have remained there ever since. I still eat gluten and try hard to avoid soy(but it seems to be everywhere). I did not change anything else. I was a pretty healthy eater to begin with but this solidified by belief in how food affects us. Hard not to believe there is a correlation.
Thanks for letting us know about your experience Shar. While eliminating gluten doesn’t always result in a decrease in thyroid antibodies, I definitely would recommend going on a gluten free trial.
Caution — lengthy post – but doctor asked so here goes…
My TgAb levels were high along with elevated RT3. So I researched causes for both. I already knew I was positive for Epstein-Barr, and stress levels were high. As this article indicates, inflammation can be one cause. So I researched how to test for inflammation. That led me to test levels of high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) and homocysteine. hsCRP came back normal, but homocysteine came back elevated, confirming inflammation. So I researched causes of inflammation, which led me to several items including “food triggers” listed above. So, I paid for a comprehensive “food sensitivity” test done with blood spot testing. It tested for about 240 items. That test determined that (5) foods that I was eating almost daily as part of my “healthy” diet, were triggers for me. So I eliminated them. During this the same time, I tested my zinc, magnesium RBC, selenium and Omega 3 levels as all are important for thyroid health. Some were low so I started supplementing. I had already learned via an online forum that folate (in the form of methylfolate) was scientifically proven to help reduce inflammation. So based on research I began folate supplementation also.
After 6 months, I had my homocysteine (Hys) levels checked again as well as a comprehensive thyroid test (TSH, FT4, FT3, RT3, TPOAb, TgAb), Zinc, Se, and Mag. Hys declined and did RT3 levels so I knew that I my treatment plan was working.
During this time I also started “guided meditation” in the evenings at bedtime to help lower stress levels. I found to excellent sources from two guys on YouTube. After 9 months (which was last fall), I tested again. Both Hys and RT3 were back in normal range. Besides my labs being “normal” the real testament is that I feel mostly normal again. Energy levels much better, less brain fog, and dizziness. Hair loss has also slowed.
There are more details to my recovery but I wanted to help affirm what doc says above. It is possible to lower antibodies, and in my case to do so “naturally,” meaning no prescription medicines. I developed my own plan based on lots of research, and ultimately was able to find a doctor that strongly supports patient involvement. After reviewing my approach, he just said, “you are doing all the right things, just follow the plan and we’ll test again in 3-4 months.”
In case you were not aware, it is possible to order your own lab tests online, and w/o a doctors order. With the right choice, the out-of-pocket cost is manageable by most people. I also want to share that AFTER I was able to prove I was hypothyroid through my own out-of-pocket testing, I submitted claims to my insurance company, along with test results, and was able to get reimbursed. I could probably do a YouTube video on how to accomplish that. It was a learnined experience.
As part of my research, I took the time to document sources, cause and effect charts, my exact supplementation routines, test levels, etc. I just don’t have a way to share those yet.
Thanks for the information Richard! Can you please tell me what specific tests you ordered? We’re they ordered online? I have slight hyperthyroidism and want to find the original triggers.
Thank you so much for your comments Richard!
That’s amazing Richard, thank you so much for sharing. It is very helpful to learn how you have managed your condition. I hope I can follow in your foot steps, it sounds very complicated to do all this alone so I hope I can find a good natural health practitioner who will assist me. All the best!
wow! amazing journey for you; I hope you do get the chance to share this information with everyone and anyone who needs it!! I would definitely start with a YouTube vid.
Thanks,
Debra
When I was first diagnosed my antibodies were 2,000 so I was hypothyroid as well.
that was 6 years ago. My TSH was normal. I tried every herb I read about to
lower my antibodies. I got so frustrated about being a bit over weight so I fasted
for 3 weeks and exercised everyday and my antibodies dropped to 400. I think
if we get down to our ideal weight for our height that has a lot to do with it. Also
eating gluten free, soy free and no refined sugar helps to keep the antibodies low,
also no alcohol or drugs. I was on birth control ortho novum 777 for many years
off and on growing up, they has estrogen in them and I think taking those pills had
something to do with me getting hashimoto’s. I am 52 and in menopause now. It
could be genetic as well since my sister and my aunt both blood related on my mothers
side have hypothyroid and are on medication. My aunt did not get enough iodine
and her thyroid was out of wack. So taking iodine as I do in a Sea Kelp food from
is good for the thyroid. And I am going to start strengthening my immune system to
build up my T cells to fight off any foreign invaders, I take Schiandra. There are so many things
to consider with hashimotos’s. I hope my journey helps someone and I hope we can find a cure
for this weird auto immune disease. I know the thyroid rebuilds itself every 2 years so trying to stop the destruction or slow it down at least will give the thyroid a chance to rebuild it self. I am sure stem cell therapy or immunotherapy would work but who can afford that?
Thanks for sharing your experience Donna!
So far, I have reduced my TPO antibodies by 100 and am now at 122. I am gluten-free and mostly grain-free as well. I eat a low oxalate diet (have been doing this for a year) because I had high oxalates on my organic acid test. I also have kidney stones. I am hoping that the low oxalate diet will continue to lower my antibodies because oxalates cause dysbiosis and mitochondrial damage. Oxalates are very toxic to us!
I believe my trigger was stress due to a knee injury.
I am not taking any medications, and only have a high heart rate left out of all the Graves symptoms. It has been a slow go, but I am determined to be pharmaceutical free. I take CBD oil daily.
Thank you for sharing your experience Hilary. Stress is a very common trigger of Graves’ disease.
Hashimoto’s once it’s there, it stays there! Nothing (teas, anything else, whatever!) can ever replace hormones! It’s about DIFFERENT things! Totally different! Alleviate, yes, to some extent, but that’ all, FOLKS!
Aurelia, you are correct about nothing replacing hormones, but 1) it is possible to reverse the autoimmune component, and 2) not everyone with Hashimoto’s needs to take thyroid hormone replacement on a permanent basis.
My doctor has been working with me since 2016 for Hashimotos. Just a few months earlier before diagnosis my father died. We were very close. Also at the same time I had 15 amalgam fillings removed by a biological dentist. My dr doesn’t know if the amalgam removal triggered the Hashi from mercury getting into my body somehow despite the safety precautions taken or there was mention of sudden grief from the loss of my father. Since then through two ELISA tests she has discovered foods my body doesn’t tolerate. I do not eat those foods. I eat mostly Paleo but with no dairy and I eat rice. I’m working on removing rice. She found I have active EBV but nothing she has recommended has helped. I have Candida in my gut and have been working on leaky gut since 2017. I must take aspirin two days a month for pain and that is bad for leaky gut. She also found I have high levels of mercury, lead and aluminum.I’m scared to use the EDTA and DMSA she recommended for two months. I have read in a Heavy metal chelation group how these things made some people’s health worse. My antibodies have stayed at around 330-360 since 2016. . Now she wants me to take LDN. To me a medication is a coverup not helping the root cause of the problem. At this point I don’t truly know what the cause of the Hashi is. Previously I was diagnosed with Graves in 2000 after the birth of my son and was on a very low dose of tapazol until 2013. Then I came of it slowly and remained stable. 2016 I was diagnosed with Hashi.
Been battling with hypothyroidism for 37 years. Kept asking my Dr. for help. He kept saying I was fine. I assure you I was not. Long story short- I have no cartilage in my knees, been overweight for 37 years, cannot lose, no matter what I do. Is there a supplement I can take to help me lose weight, I don’t want to take medicine, would rather take the natural way. I can barely walk because of my knees. Somebody please give me an answer.
Had hyperthyroidism(Graves) for the last 6 years, was under medication only. From jan 2019 , with intermittent fasting, gluten free,sugar free, soy free has really freed me of this problem.
Also Ashwagandha tablet thrice a week and having turmeric+pepper+coconut oil has made me medication free and in normal range. Moringa leaves has also helped. I believe that if inflammation is taken care of most of the diseases are curable. Been without medicines for 4 months now. Never felt so alive and active before.
I’m unspecified autoimmune hyperthyroid..dt….dx with severe symptoms in feb-april elevated thyroglobulin anti bodies but no other ones..all were checked..
I mixed my L carnitin with the PTU dropped my tsh from .001 to .98 within 2 weeks…in end of April -may 1st 2019
3 weeks prior I was on meth..but had allergic rxn..hence my research h began..
My sed rate was always within normal range but on the upper end.i had already been red meat free for 7yrs
How do I find a natural physician in my area..soooo difficult
Steph
I have taken “Vachellia nilotica” fruits in powdered form with paste of Alovera, it has helped me for 15days, then I started to feel so worst that I was almost about to die but at least after 5years, my condition got normalised a little bit, and again to get healthy life I took the power of “Vachellia nilotica” and I got cuts in my throat internally and after a long time, it was diagnosed that I am suffering from hypothyroidism to get rid of this I again took “nux vomica” few drops, then the condition worsens and now I am physically so damaged that I am addicted to “sompraz-D 40, liv-52 DS”. Without them I am nothing.
Just to get a healthy life I have tried so many things that now even medication doesn’t even help me and even if take something, it gives me side effects only.
Should I try LPD in this condition, where a single move can risk my present condition????
I just had a comprehensive blood panel. All levels were perfect except antibodies which measured 70. How bad is that?
I was first diagnosed with Hashimotos 3 years ago and had terrible symptoms to the point of barely able to function. Im happy to say that all symptoms left within 2 months. What helped me was going off gluten and dairy, taking Raw Thyroid, selenium, magnesium, zinc, digestive enzymes, probiotics, ashwaghanda, B Vit, Vit D and the thing that seemed to help the most was acupuncture to heal IBS and restore proper liver function as well as saunas. I get a blood test every year but I’d like to know how to properly interpret the antibodies.
I have know that I’ve had hashimoto’s since 2016. My last thyroid panel showed a lowering of TPOAB (TPO) but an increase of TgAB (Thyroglobulin antibody) from 6 months earlier. Usually these have fluctuated together. Why would the TPO be lowered but the TgAB be higher? Why might cause this?
I’m currently on an iodine and liquid selenium protocol for the last 3 months. I just did labs so waiting on my results to see if this is helping me. I cant lose weight to save my life lol! I’m also taking my basal body temp every morning which is usually 97.0 Consistently. I know I’m under medicated but I have both TPO and thyroglobulin antibodies present..my TGAB levels are always greater than 1000 no matter what and TPO fluctuate with diet. My T4 is never above 0.9 no matter how much medication I’m on. I dont seem to convert well. I am beyond tired of paying Doctors of ever kind to help me with my Hashimoto’s disease with never obtaining any answers and never really getting better. I want help so badly but can’t find anyone that knows how to treat Hashimoto’s and PCOS. I’m 48 years old and so desperate for help. My maternal aunt passed away from hurthel cell and thyroid nodule cancer. Thyroid issues pcos and diabetes runs rampant on both sides of my family. What can I do? Where do I turn for help?