Moderate-HighGBS: 85 (High Risk)autoimmune

Thyroid Optimization - Hashimoto's

Developer: Izabella Wentz, Datis Kharrazian

6-12 months to see antibody reduction, ongoing management

Protocol Overview

Root-cause protocol for Hashimoto's addressing autoimmune triggers (gluten, infections, toxins, stress) alongside thyroid hormone optimization. Goes beyond TSH suppression to reduce antibodies.

Conditions Treated

Hashimoto's thyroiditis

hypothyroidism

autoimmune thyroid

Protocol Steps

Comprehensive testing: TSH, free T3, free T4, reverse T3, TPO antibodies, thyroglobulin antibodies, vitamin D, selenium, zinc, iron panel (ferritin), B12, morning cortisol, celiac panel

Thyroid medication optimization: Most need T4/T3 combination (not just levothyroxine/Synthroid) - Nature-Throid, WP Thyroid, or synthetic combo (levothyroxine + liothyronine). Dose to optimal free T3 (upper 1/3 of range), free T4 (mid-range), ignore TSH once on medication

Gluten elimination: Mandatory - molecular mimicry between gluten and thyroid tissue. Even "gluten-sensitive" individuals with Hashimoto's must be 100% gluten-free for life

Autoimmune protocol diet (AIP): Eliminate gluten, dairy, grains, legumes, nightshades, eggs, nuts, seeds for 60-90 days, then reintroduce systematically

Selenium: 200-400mcg daily (lowers TPO antibodies in studies, essential for thyroid conversion) - selenomethionine form

LDN (Low-Dose Naltrexone): 3-4.5mg at bedtime (modulates immune system, lowers antibodies) - requires prescription, compounding pharmacy

Address root causes: Gut healing (leaky gut common in Hashimoto's), SIBO treatment if present, food sensitivities, chronic infections (EBV, Yersinia), heavy metals, stress/cortisol

Vitamin D: Optimize to 60-80 ng/ml (4000-5000 IU daily)

Support T4→T3 conversion: Selenium, zinc 30mg, iron (ferritin >70), vitamin A, guggul extract

Reduce reverse T3 if elevated: Address stress, inflammation, iron deficiency, add T3 medication

Iodine: Controversial in Hashimoto's - some improve with low-dose (1-3mg), others flare. Start very low with selenium protection or avoid

Manage flares: Increases in antibodies/symptoms triggered by stress, illness, gluten exposure - increase immune support, rest, possibly temporarily increase medication

Key Resources

Hashimoto's Protocol by Izabella Wentz, "Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms?" by Datis Kharrazian, functional medicine thyroid protocols

Contraindications & Risks

Hyperthyroid phase during Hashimoto's flare (rare), over-replacement with thyroid hormone

Important Notes

Hashimoto's is autoimmune attack on thyroid - most common cause of hypothyroidism in developed countries. Standard care (levothyroxine only) misses the autoimmune component. Goal: reduce antibodies and stop progression. Gluten elimination is non-negotiable - molecular mimicry proven. Many need T3 in addition to T4 (poor conversion, high reverse T3). Selenium lowers TPO antibodies in RCTs. LDN is breakthrough for autoimmunity (immune modulation). Address root causes: gut permeability, infections, stress. Test don't guess. Iodine controversial - can flare Hashimoto's but deficiency also problematic (use selenium protection, start low). Optimal labs: Free T3 upper third of range, free T4 mid-range, TSH often suppressed on optimal dose (that's OK). Thyroid antibodies can normalize over time with protocol.

Also Effective For

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Key Supplements & Herbs in This Protocol

Supplements

Iodine Selenium

Herbs

Guggul

Commiphora mukul

Critical Safety Warning

This protocol is documented for educational purposes only. The Gabriel Bullshit Score (GBS) of 85 reflects significant institutional response and controversy. Some alternative health protocols have resulted in serious harm or death.

Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before beginning any treatment. Do not delay or forego proven medical care.

Quick Overview

Evidence LevelModerate-High

GBS Score85 / 100

Categoryautoimmune

DeveloperIzabella Wentz, Datis Kharrazian

Duration6-12 months to see antibody reduction, ongoing management

About GBS Score

The Gabriel Bullshit Score reflects the magnitude of institutional response, controversy, and documented concerns. Higher scores indicate greater institutional pushback, not necessarily inefficacy. This is a research tool, not medical advice.