Hashi's with very elevated TPO

[Sudan]

I have have hashi's for about 7 years now (started after pregnancy).  I just had to up my synthroid and went I went to the dr to check my levels I had him check my TPO and antibodies.  My TPO is 3225.0 (range 0-60) and antibodies are 161.2 (same range as above).  My TSH is down to 1.81 from 5.0.  I feel really good but am concerned about the elevated levels stated above.  Is there anything I can take to lower those levels?  With those levels being so high does it put me at risk for any other autoimmune disorders?

Thanks - Sudan

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

selenium 200mcg/day may help but the key is the TSH -- keep it in this range and the ab's may go down as a result ot the synthroid.

[GravesLady]

Once we have an autoimmune disorder whether is Hashi, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, diabetes, etc, we are more prone to getting another autoimmune disorder.

There is no cure or treatment for antibodies. However most symptoms of the hypo side of Hashi is, or at least manageable.

Antibodies wax and wan.

You might want to work with your immune system nutrition wise: vitamins and minerals, diet, exercise, stress relief, plenty of rest and sleep, etc. Stop smoking if you smoke, and drinking as well.

[Sudan]

Thanks for the info.  I was a bit confused about the elevated levels because I actually feel really good.  Are there certain supplements that I should take or is it just a case of a good multi vitamin?

[GravesLady]

I believe in taking them  in separate form and I am still working on the addition of more.

Some Nutrients That Support Immune Function
Zinc supports the thymus gland (which trains T-cells in the immune system).

Iodine supports activity of Natural Killer cells.

Vitamin C increases antibody production.
Combination of the vitamin C and bioflavonoids on a daily basis
Vitamin E with C increases T-cells, interleukin 2, and TNF.

Vitamin A normalized cell division and supports the thymus gland and antibody production.
Selenium supports T cell activity, NK cells and antibody production.
is also essential for healthy immune functioning
CoQ10 supports IgG antibody production.

Glutathione supports T cell activity.

B6 supports Tcells and B cells, plus 50 other enzyme reactions.
B vitamins, especially pyridoxine or B6 and pantothenic acid. Therefore the B vitamins have a very important role in the immune system function within the body.

Antioxidants (plant nutrients)“Antioxidants – Free Radicals”
Antioxidants are meant to work together, and in almost every circumstance, combinations of antioxidants have been proven to be more effective than single antioxidants.”

Citrus seed extract and garlic, are two other good supplements as far as bolstering and improving immune system function
essential fatty acids. These essential fatty acids are abundant in many cold-pressed oils

All minerals, and many trace minerals, are important to the proper functioning of our body and its immune system. The following, in alphabetical order, are of special importance:
Calcium, optimally about 16 mg. for every gram of protein consumed daily
Copper is usually adequate in our diet. Excess intake of Zinc can cause a copper deficiency that is similar to a Vitamin C deficiency as well as a form of anemia.
Germanium Sesquioxide greatly increases our body's supply of available oxygen.
Iodine is generally adequate in most diets. Sea vegetables are a great source.
Magnesium should be taken in amounts equal to or greater than Calcium.
Manganese needs to be replenished daily since ou excrete almost as much as the average diet supplies every day.
Potassium is provided in excellent quantities in sea vegetables.
Selenium is deficient in the soils of the Pacific Northwest.
Zinc is especially important for men. Too much can result in a Copper deficiency.
Other minerals and trace minerals of vital importance include Boron (bone and joint health), Chromium (glucose/sugar metabolism), Iron (red blood cells carrying oxygen; avoid Iron in supplemental form if there is cancer or potential for cancer), Molybdenum (immune support), Phosphorus (metabolism), Silicon (bone health), and Vanadium (metabolism).
Minerals compete with each other for digestion and absorption. Fiber also slows down and blocks some mineral absorption. Acid assists the digestion and absorption of minerals. The best mineral supplements are chelated with (bound to) amino acids, especially citrates.

Consume plenty of foods rich in vitamin B complex for generation and utilization of energy. Some examples would be meats, dairy products, legumes, brewer's yeast, whole grains, eggs, nuts and some herbs.


Well you asked ;)              
  

[Sudan]

WOW!! You are a wealth of knowledge.  Thanks so much for the info...

[Lake Lover]

GravesLady,

"Vitamin C increases antibody production."

Could you please provide your source for this information as I am unable to locate this anywhere on the web, nor have I ever heard this before.



Sudan,

http://www.suite101.com/lesson.cfm/19330/2899/4
"Thyroglobulin and TPO antibodies contribute to thyroid cell destruction and inflammation. These antibodies are present in high concentrations in people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or idiopathic thyroid failure."

Over time you will most likelyrequire more T-4 replacement which is why it is important to get tested at least yearly.

[Nissigus]

I actually just came across this forum and found it very interesting. I've had hashimoto's since is I was 17 so I guess that would make it about 20 years now. From what I understand, the antibodies are always present but at different amounts, it's kind of like litle flares that come and go, so that is why there are different amounts in your blood stream from time to time.  You will probably continue like this until your thyroid has been destroyed or dissolved.  Unfortunately, the nature of the disease is that your body looks at it's own tisssue as an intruder and attacks, hence the antibodies. At this point I have virtually tyroid left, one tiny spongy piece.  I rely completely on thyroid replacement.  As long as they kept careful track of my levels I managed to feel ok thru the whole ordeal.  I always knew when I was out of whack, by the way I felt.  Just make sure you have a good Dr. and keep up with tests frequently. As far as getting other autoimmune diseases, I'd alway lived in fear of getting another, because I have heard so many conflicting things on this.  My current Dr. told me that just because I had one auto-immune diease doesn't necessairly mean that I will present with another.  For now, I am going with that.  Lord knows this one has been enough!  Good luck to you! M.