VI.b. Autoimmune thyroid, histadelia and glutathione

Histadelics (undermethylated, high folate individuals) can be either high, low or normal thyroid. What follows is a possible association between undermethylation and autoimmune thyroid.

1 Undermethylation is commonly associated with low glutathione
Almost all histadelics  are low in glutathione, a critical antioxidant, because:
—  An efficiently functioning methylation cycle is needed to supply precursors of glutathione as well as other important sulfur antioxidants. 
— Also, in some, due to specific problems in feedback mechanisms between the methylation cycle and transsulfuration pathway.

2 Low glutathione may foster thyroid autoimmunity
The thyroid uses hydrogen peroxide to create thyroid hormones. Glutathione peroxidase then detoxes the hydrogen peroxide. If glutathione is lacking, however, the hydrogen peroxide, a potent free radical, will react with thyroid proteins. The immune system may then fail to recognize these altered proteins as normal constituents of the thyroid, and launch an autoimmune attack.   C Duthoit (2001)
suggests this scenario as a possible etiology of autoimmune thyroid.

In this vein, Dr. Rich van Konynenburg reports that thyroid function improved markedly in a number of his chronic fatigue, autoimmune hypothyroid patients, upon methylation and glutathione support. They find glutathione stimulating, perhaps due to enhancement of thyroid function

-- suggesting caution with glutathione during episodes of thyroid hyperactivity (and perhaps mania) that can occur with early thyroid autoimmunity.

For a wider view of thyroid, histadelia, and bipolar disorder, you may want to see my book, Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder
                available here.

To contact me, click here.

VI.d. Thyroid / Histamine Interactions

Chronic elevated histamine is one of the chief means of diagnosing histadelia, the most common biotype in bipolar disorder. Histamine interactions with the thyroid are complex, and not well-explored. Here is some food for thought:

The thyroid can either increase or decrease histamine:

— The thyroid may suppress the brain's histamine release and decrease its histamine-containing mast cells.
— Or increase body sensitivity to histamine and block its degradation.
 Sabria 1987, Uhpadhyaya, 1993,  Mariano 2009

Histamine may alter thyroid function

Histamine is known to strongly influence hypothalamus regulation of cellular metabolism, energy production and food intake. The thyroid is a major target gland in hypothalamic governance of  metabolism and energy production.
 Elmhar 2006,  Sakata 1997, Masaki 2001

Allergies and associated histamine release may be hard on the thyroid

Allergic reactions, which cause the profuse mast cells of the thyroid to dump histamine, and perhaps iodine, may thereby interfere with thyroid function. (Elmhar, Do low thyroids suffer more with allergies?)

Histamine may contribute to thyroid autoimmunity

Histamine-releasing antibodies are often found during increased thyroid autoimmunity, suggesting histamine may contribute to the immune attack on the thyroid (Mariano, 2009) -- perhaps via inflammation and increased permeability. (Melander 1975)


For a more comprehensive view of thyroid, histamine, and bipolar disorder, you may want to see my book, Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder
                available here.

To contact me, click here.

Reminder: This information is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended as diagnosis or treatment recommendations for the individual. Each person's biochemical requirements tend to be unique. So if you need treatment for bipolar, thyroid disorder or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.

VI.a. Thyroid, histamine and methylation in bipolars

Thyroid disorders, like histamine imbalances, pervade the bipolar population. Metabolism is low in histapenia and hypothyroid, high in histadelia and hyperthyroid. Some histamine/thyroid symptoms match up, others do not. The relationship of thyroid to histamine and methylation is complex, and not well explored.

The following posts will look at this relationship, particularly as regards bipolars.


For more on thyroid and bipolar disorder, you may want to see my book, Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder
                available here.

To contact me, click here.

V. Hyperthyroid and Bipolar Mania

High thyroid can interact with, trigger, or intensify mania, (Nath 2001, Escamilla 2001)  and can also increase switching on antidepressants. (Bottlender, 2000). Even levels in the high-normal range can contribute to the development of mania. (Lee 2000, Roca 1990)

Joyce (1991), for instance, reported more than one-third of manics with elevated thyroid, and in the other two-thirds, various individuals with higher thyroid in mania than depression. Moreover, a number of researchers have suggested lithium’s anti-thyroid effects may underly its benefit to mania.
In some manics, however, thyroid can test low.

Mental symptoms that can be common to both hyperthyroid and mania

High irritability, tension, emotional instability, explosiveness, anxiety; exhilaration, increased motor activation, restlessness, tremors, hyperactivity, insomnia and other sleep problems; and, in some cases, erratic bizarre behavior, mood swings, impulsive destructive tendencies, psychosis, paranoia.

Eventually, perhaps, exhaustion or depression

Over time, hyperthyroids may succumb to depression and social withdrawal, perhaps due to an exhaustion caused by extended thyroid overstimulation. Similarly (although usually sooner), manic overstimulation eventually gives way to depression.


To get a comprehensive view of the interaction with bipolar disorder, you may want to look through my book, Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder
                available here.

To contact me, click here.


Reminder: This information is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended as diagnosis or treatment recommendations for the individual. Each person's biochemical requirements tend to be unique. So if you need treatment for bipolar, thyroid disorder or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.