3 Ways To Lower Your Thyroid Antibodies

Today I am delving into the fascinating subject of how to lower your thyroid antibodies. It is likely that your GP has never mentioned antibodies to you, or offered to run any tests to find out your levels. Yet it is so important to know your status and healing strategies, as autoimmunity is behind 90% of hypothyroidism cases and up to 80% of hyperthyroidism. That’s A LOT!

Why is it important to know this?

It essentially means that your thyroid condition is a result of your immune system malfunction! This is why you can optimise your thyroid and thyroid hormones all day long, but if you don’t address the ‘autoimmune elephant’ in the room, your symptoms will persist!

Although initially, it might seem like bad news, it also means that there’s plenty you can do to improve your symptoms.

Antibodies and autoimmunity-related inflammation respond really well to healing protocols. It’s not just about crazy strict autoimmune diets that leave you feeling left out and deprived. (Also cutting out more and more food groups is not the answer!)

So what type of antibodies we should look out for?

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (hypothyroidism):

Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) test: Less than 10 IU/mL
Thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) test: Less than 10 IU/mL

Graves’ Disease (hyperthyroidism):

Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) and TRAb test: Less than 1.75 IU/mL

So, in theory, to put our Hashimoto’s in remission we should be aiming for close to zero antibodies. And we can aim to achieve complete remission and reach those numbers. However, if you’re currently over 500 IUs, you will most likely see a huge improvement in symptoms if your antibodies fall below 200 IU.

Again, progress over perfection here!

Thyroid antibodies for Hashimoto’s can reach 1000s, so if your result is below 150 you might not be experiencing any symptoms at all. It’s important though to take steps to address the autoimmunity as the antibodies are likely to increase/ fluctuate if we don’t do anything about it.

Why doesn’t your GP test for antibodies?

It doesn’t change what they do to help. A Hashimoto’s or Graves’ diagnosis doesn’t change the recommended course of action, so there’s no point in testing (in their eyes).

Lack of understanding of the condition and time to help. They simply haven’t been trained on the more holistic approach to thyroid conditions and might not even believe it works (despite mountains of scientific evidence). And even when they do, there is simply not enough time to get into that in the 10 minutes they have for your consultation.

Can I have no antibodies and still have Hashimoto’s?

It is possible that your antibodies are currently in remission but your thyroid glad has a typical Hashimoto’s nodular structure. So if you test negative but want to be 100 % sure- thyroid ultrasound will give you all the answers.

Can I have increased Hashimoto’s antibodies and not become hypothyroid?

Yup, it’s possible but you are definitely at a higher risk. Additionally having one autoimmune condition slightly increases the risk of developing other ones, so it’s always a good idea to start a healing protocol asap.

3 ways to reduce autoimmune inflammation and lower antibodies

Research tells us that for any autoimmunity to develop we need: a ‘wonky gene’ (genetical predisposition), enabling gut environment (aka ‘leaky gut’) and a trigger (environmental, physiological, emotional).

To truly get better and heal we need to address all of that. Yes, even the genes! Although we can’t change our genes we can influence our gene expression.

Here are 3 places to start to reduce your autoimmune inflammation and lower your antibodies:

1. Work on your gut

Your gut is where is all starts so it only makes sense to start your healing there! What’s my prescription for gut healing ?A gentle elimination protocol supported by gut healing supplements and foods (rebalancing the gut microbiome, supporting motility, repairing the leaky gut) followed by a methodical re-introduction and combined with lots of nervous system regulation.

I teach you how to do that step-by-step in my self study programme Thyroid Reboot. You can access it here from £70.

2. Heal your nervous system

Is your body ready to heal or ready to fight (or freeze!). Bringing sense of safety into our bodies, releasing stuck emotions and past traumas our body carries is absolutely imperative for long term healing. Bottom up approaches (working with the body i.e breath work, tapping, bodywork) are super effective on their own or combines with top down approaches like therapy and mindset work.

3. Balance your blood sugar

High levels of systemic inflammation driven by glucose spikes with drive your autoimmunity and symptoms further. If you’d like to see some super quick improvements in your energy levels and brain fog, focus on flatting that glucose curve. How do you do that? Start the day with savoury breakfast, aim for 25-30g of protein with every meal and move your body regularly- you will see some immediate improvements!

2 Supplements to reduce your numbers

1. Selenium.

You’ve probably been told to eat Brazil nuts as a source of selenium, which can be correct under the assumption the we can actually get to those nutrients (dependant on your digestion/ nutrient absorption). That’s why in the beginning stages of thyroid & inflammation healing I recommend supplementing with 200mcg selenium per day.

1. Myo Inositol.

Another one of my faves, mainly because it’s such a superhero supplement, scientifically proven to reduce thyroid antibodies, lower anxiety and support hormonal balance (especially if you struggle with PCOS). It comes in a form of a handy powder that you can chuck in your smoothie/ porridge. Dosage 4g per day.

1 Action: Test, don’t guess!

Confidently ask your GP.

Test privately – I recommend using Blue Horizon for thyroid testing. A simple finger prick test you can do at home will give you all the answers you need about your Hashimoto’s status. You can use my code WJ20AMN for 20% off.

How often to test?

Not too often, as antibodies naturally fluctuate, once a year or less often is advised for most.

Want to find out more about Hashimoto’s? Check out my masterclass…

Learn how to lower your thyroid antibodies and reverse your symptoms.

In my Hashimoto’s masterclass, we explore everything you need to know about Hashi’s!

We walk through testing including NHS and home testing and and share some real-life examples to help you interpret your results. I also give you tips on how to speak to your doctor and offer some actionable tips and a long-term strategy on how to lower your antibodies, which is crucial for Hashimoto’s management.
And most importantly, why it could be a good thing!

JOIN HASHIMOTO’S MASTERCLASS HERE

If you already have Hashimoto’s or have been recently diagnosed, then Bloom 🌻 my thyroid healing programme, can support you to reduce your autoimmune inflammation and lower your antibodies. We focus on targeted healing protocols: inflammation, autoimmunity, gut, adrenals, liver, nervous system, and thyroid optimisation.

Fully booked for April/May, but you can now join the waitlist for June 2023 start here.

Do you have any questions about thyroid antibodies or your own Hashimoto’s / Graves’ journey? Let me know!