Hashimoto\'s Thyroiditis Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause

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Studies found Hashimoto’s patients have an increased number of
Th1 cells producing interferon gamma, which promotes inflamma-
tion. They also have more IL-2, IL-12, and IL-18 (cytokines produced
by the Th1 cells). Hashimoto’s patients also appear to have less Th2–
produced IL-4, thought to be protective against autoimmune inflamma-
tory disease.

Table   9:  Cytokines   in  Hashimoto’s

Cytokine Hashimoto’s

Healthy

Controls

Statistically

Significant?

IL-2 12.16 ± 0.66 7.36 ± 0.45 Yes

IFN-G 7.6 ± 0.33 5.09 ± 0.27 Yes

IL-12 3.57 ± 0.19 2.59 ± 0.23 Yes

IL-18 27.52 ± 1.75 15.16 ± 1.62 Yes

Adapted from: Phenekos C, et. al. Th1 and Th2 serum cytokine profiles char-
acterize patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (Th1) and Graves’ disease (Th2).
Neuroimmunomodulation. 2004;11(4):209–13.

Cells Found in Thyroids of Animal Models of Hashimoto’s

Th1 and Th17 were both found in the thyroid cells of mice with
Hashimoto’s, and it is proposed that IL-17 cells are critical to the devel-
opment of Hashimoto’s.

New research suggests Th17—rather than Th1—may be causing the
damage involved in the pathogenesis of Hashimoto’s. This would explain
why some Hashimoto’s patients present with a mix of Th1 and Th2 dom-
inance as well as with no clearly defined dominance.

Immune-Modulating Substances

Some natural substances have been shown to prompt our immune sys-
tem to produce more Th1 cells, including beta-glucan mushrooms,
echinacea, and licorice root. These products are sometimes advertised as
“immune boosters” or “immune stimulants.” Additionally, low-intensity
exercises like walking, tai chi, and restorative yoga; the probiotic strain
Lactobacillus plantarum: and Gyokuheifusan (an herbal formula in tradi-
tional Chinese medicine) have also been shown to support the produc-
tion of Th1 type cells in clinical trials.

In contrast, substances like pine bark extract, curcumin from turmeric,
green tea, and resveratrol have been shown to drive the production of