iThei mdcdaelcinfd o c elllllrllll cf tthfeIn many cases, viral infections learn to live in harmony with the rest of
our bodies once the gut and adrenal function have been optimized. If
Hashimoto’s persists after gut and adrenal function has been restored and
if all other triggers have been eliminated, the next step should be to test
for viral infections.
Another hypothetical approach may be strengthening the Th1 branch
as this strengthens the virus-killing immune response. As this has the
potential to worsen autoimmunity, however, it may be akin to cutting off
your nose to spite your face!
Marshall Protocol
The Marshall Protocol, developed by Trevor Marshall, PhD, is a multi-
year treatment for autoimmune conditions of the Th1 variety. It includes
pulsed doses of antibiotics; high doses of the blood pressure medication
Benicar®; and avoidance of vitamin D, sunlight, and soy for a period of
one to five years.
Our immune system depends on vitamin D for proper immune system
function. Dr. Marshall proposes that only endogenous vitamin D (1,25-
dihydroxyvitamin-D)—the kind produced by our bodies from choles-
terol—is effective at modulating the immune system and that vitamin
D from the sun and supplements can be detrimental. According to Dr.
Marshall’s theory, supplemental vitamin D and its metabolites cause the
immune system to function improperly. Additionally, pathogenic organ-
isms can “hijack” the vitamin D receptor in our bodies, shutting down
our vitamin D production.
A vitamin D receptor agonist, Benicar® reactivates the vitamin D recep-
tor to produce endogenous vitamin D that correctly modulates the im-
mune system. Measuring vitamin D levels before starting the program
determines whether the person will benefit from the Marshall Protocol.
In 2008, it was reported that out of a cohort of twenty-four Hashimoto’s
patients undergoing the Marshall Protocol, seven of the nine patients
improved in their first year of treatment, while two showed intermediate
improvement. Three of five patients improved during the second year,
and six out of the ten beyond their second year improved. Two patients
did not improve in their second year of treatment, while a third did not
improve beyond two years. The researchers were not certain whether
these were treatment failures or the patients needed longer treatment.
This approach may be useful for people whose autoimmune conditions
are triggered by a viral infection.