Many people with autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s have high thyroid antibodies. You can reduce thyroid antibodies by focusing on anti-inflammatory foods and including selenium and zinc in your diet.
Moreover, stress management and regular exercise can make a big difference in your thyroid health
Here, I’m going to cover how to reduce thyroid antibodies through diet, lifestyle, supplements and medical treatment. Let’s get started and take back your thyroid!
What are Thyroid Antibodies?
Thyroid antibodies, including thyroid peroxidase antibodies, are proteins produced by the immune system that attack the thyroid tissue. This happens in autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s and Graves’. These antibodies are used to diagnose and monitor these conditions.
In autoimmune thyroid disorders the immune system activates T and B cells which damages the thyroid gland. Genetic predisposition can trigger this response. Thyroid antibodies are more likely to form in women than in men.
For example, in many groups, the number of women who are positive for TPOAb is almost twice that of men.
Even without symptoms having these antibodies increases the risk of developing overt thyroid disease and other autoimmune disorders.
Natural Ways to Reduce Thyroid Antibodies
Smoking, iodine levels and stress are risk factors for autoimmune thyroid diseases. By making daily changes we can support thyroid health.
1. Diet and Nutrition to Reduce
A deficiency in selenium or excess iodine can exacerbate autoimmune thyroid conditions so nutrition is important.
Supplements like selenium, zinc and vitamin D are important for thyroid health and reducing antibodies.
Incorporating specific dietary habits can make a big difference. Anti-inflammatory foods, essential nutrients and gluten free can reduce inflammation, support thyroid function and reduce thyroid antibodies.
2. Anti-inflammatory Foods
Anti-inflammatory foods was another area where we saw big improvements. These foods reduce swelling in the thyroid gland which reduces thyroid antibodies.
Leafy greens, various berries and omega-3 rich fish like salmon and cod have been shown to reduce inflammation related to thyroid dysfunction.
Here are the anti-inflammatory foods we recommend:
- Greens like spinach and kale
- Berries like blueberries and strawberries
- Omega rich fish like salmon and cod
The omega-3s in the fish were particularly effective.
3. Nutrient Dense Diet
A nutrient dense diet is important for managing thyroid antibodies. Nutrients like selenium and zinc are important for thyroid health and immune response modulation. Selenium supports thyroid hormone production and can reduce thyroid peroxidase antibodies, zinc is important for thyroid hormone function.
We made sure to include foods rich in these nutrients in our meals. Nuts especially Brazil nuts are great sources of selenium. Roasted seaweed high in iodine became a snack staple.
4. Gluten Free
Going gluten free can be life changing especially for people with Hashimoto’s disease – an autoimmune thyroid condition. Gluten can exacerbate inflammation and symptoms in these cases. For people with celiac disease removing gluten from their diet has been key to reducing inflammation and symptoms.
The Autoimmune Protocol diet which is gluten free has been beneficial. We saw big improvements brain fog and fatigue disappeared.
5. Stress Management Techniques
Reducing stress is key to reducing thyroid antibodies. Chronic stress can increase glucocorticoid production and worsen autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Techniques to manage stress not only improve overall well-being but also reduce antibodies.
We’ve seen big benefits from these:
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Yoga
- Deep breathing exercises
We’ve been recommend doing these daily and it’s helped us manage stress better.
6. Exercise
Exercise is great for thyroid health. It improves thyroid function and can reduce antibodies in hypothyroidism.
Specifically resistance training has been shown to reduce inflammatory cytokines which is good for overall thyroid health. Exercise improves mood and overall well-being and can control autoimmune thyroid diseases.
Do brisk walking, yoga or weightlifting daily and you’ll see changes in your health related to autoimmune thyroid conditions.
Supplements for Thyroid
Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) are signs of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, which are autoimmune thyroid diseases.
A study in the US found that between 13% and 23% of people had high amounts of TPOAb.
Europe’s prevalence varies by area, with 10% to 15% of people having detectable
Supplements can be helpful for thyroid health. Specific supplements support thyroid function and can reduce thyroid antibodies in autoimmune conditions. For example aloe vera has been shown to reduce thyroid antibodies and improve thyroid function markers over time.
Selenium, zinc and vitamin D supplements are also important for thyroid health and antibody reduction.
Selenium and Zinc
Selenium and zinc are key for thyroid health. Taking selenium can reduce thyroid antibodies especially for those with autoimmune thyroid conditions.
A meta-analysis showed that giving Hashimoto’s thyroiditis patients extra selenium greatly lowered their TPOAb levels. Research shows 200 mcg of selenium daily can reduce these antibodies in Hashimoto’s disease.
Zinc is also important for thyroid hormone metabolism and immune function. 30 mg of zinc daily has been shown to improve thyroid function in thyroid patients.
Take Note: Avoid taking any medications without consulting your doctor or having a prescription. I strongly recommend getting your doctor’s advice first.
Vitamin D
Studies found that thyroid antibody levels were lower in people who didn’t eat gluten than in people who did. Deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to high thyroid antibodies. It’s important to maintain adequate levels as low vitamin D can affect thyroid function and immune responses.
Increasing vitamin D can modulate immune responses and reduce thyroid antibodies.
For those with low levels of this nutrient taking supplements can not only reduce antibodies but also improve thyroid function.
Medical Treatment and Monitoring
Thyroid health requires ongoing medical treatment and monitoring. Hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto’s disease is usually treated with levothyroxine but adding liothyronine may improve quality of life for some patients who are still symptomatic.
Treatment is monitored through regular testing and monitoring to ensure management is effective.
Medication
Levothyroxine is the treatment of choice for hypothyroidism especially when caused by Hashimoto’s disease. To maintain normal thyroid hormone levels the affected individual will need to take this medication for life. Over time dosage adjustments may be needed to manage the condition well.
To improve symptom management a synthetic T-3 hormone can be added to T-4 therapy. There are natural alternatives like Armour Thyroid derived from animal products but these can cause fluctuations in thyroid hormone levels.
Don’t use the medications I mentioned above without talking to your doctor first. Make sure to consult with your doctor first.
Testing
Testing for antibodies can help determine if Hashimoto’s disease is causing underactive thyroid so you can adjust treatment and levothyroxine dosage.
Follow up assessments are needed to check TSH levels and make any necessary changes in medication.
Other Therapies
Adding other therapies along with dietary changes and medical treatment can boost your thyroid health program.
By changing your diet to reduce inflammation you can improve thyroid function and reduce thyroid antibodies. A balanced diet is important for thyroid health and symptom reduction.
Along with these, other therapies like acupuncture and herbal remedies can also support thyroid health.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a good way to manage autoimmune thyroid conditions. This involves inserting fine needles into specific points of the body, stimulating nerve rich areas that may help control autoimmune thyroid symptoms and overall health.
Research shows acupuncture can relieve symptoms, improve quality of life and even reduce antibody levels in some. Those with autoimmune thyroid conditions may find this a great addition to their overall treatment.
Acupuncture improves blood flow and reduces stress hence a more balanced state for better thyroid function.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to support health including thyroid disorders. Herbs like Ashwagandha and Guggul are known to support thyroid function and reduce thyroid antibodies. These adaptogenic herbs can also manage stress and reduce inflammation associated with thyroid disorders.
Ashwagandha balances hormone levels, Guggul has anti-inflammatory properties that support thyroid function. Ginseng (both American and Asian) can relieve fatigue in people with chronic autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s.
Bonus tips : Chronic stress can make autoimmune responses worse. Antibody levels can go down with stress-relieving activities like yoga, awareness, or therapy.
Try these herbal remedies and medications under professional guidance or ask doctor first to add to your thyroid health program and reduce antibodies. As this types of disease require more tests so its best to consult your doctor.
