Saturday, October 27, 2012

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.

No comments:

Post a Comment