iThei mdcdaelcinfd o c elllllrlllll tiThcl elThhlThscd mmshblkdho c dhpInitially, the production of self-reactive and autoantibodies occurs in the
draining lymph nodes but may then move over to the thyroid.
In the case of Hashimoto’s, antibodies to thyroid peroxidase enzyme or
thyroglobulin are produced. Most people with Hashimoto’s have an el-
evation of one or both of these antibodies, indicating an active immune
system attack.
Antibodies are used as an indicator of autoimmune activity—the more
antibodies, the more thyroid damage is occurring. Various labs use dif-
ferent ranges for antibodies. Generally, having TPO antibodies above 30
kU/L is consistent with having Hashimoto’s. Antibodies above 500 kU/L
are considered aggressive, while antibodies of less than 100 kU/L are as-
sociated with a reduced risk of progressing to hypothyroidism.
Taking iodine with elevated TPO antibodies has been described as “pour-
ing more gas on the fire,” as it flares up Hashimoto’s and causes an in-
crease in antibodies. Many integrative Hashimoto’s professionals recom-
mend avoiding or limiting iodine until the TPO antibodies are no longer
elevated or are below 100 kU/L.
Reducing Autoimmunity
It was once believed that after the autoimmune process is activated, it be-
comes independent of continuous exposure to the environmental trigger,
resulting in a self-sustaining and irreversible cycle.
However, examples of autoimmune recovery have discredited the “irre-
versible” aspect of this theory. It has been shown that continuous envi-
ronmental triggers are necessary to perpetuate the process. This means
the autoimmune process can be stopped and reversed when the triggers
are eliminated. One example of this is celiac disease, an autoimmune
condition in which gluten, an environmental trigger, has been identified.
In most cases of classical celiac disease, all symptoms resolve when the
environmental trigger (gluten) is removed.