Thyroid antibodies are autoantibodies produced by the immune system that target the thyroid gland.
Thyroglobulin antibodies destroy thyroid cells and lead to a loss of functional thyroid tissue. TPO antibodies are markers, indicating that there's an inflammatory process going on in the thyroid gland. TPO antibodies also cause thyroid inflammation to persist. TSH receptor antibodies react with the receptor on thyroid cells.
Here, stimulating TSH receptor antibodies (TSI) act in place of TSH, ordering thyroid cells to produce more thyroid hormone. Blocking TSH receptor antibodies block both TSH and TSI from reacting with the receptor. This offers protection in Graves' disease and contributes to hypothyroidism in patients with autoimmune atrophic thyroiditis.
Anything that contributes to thyroid autoimmunity encourages thyroid antibody protection. Common culprits are low selenium levels, excess dietary iodine, estrogens, infectious agents, aspartame and stress.
Avoiding these triggers and other immune stimulants such as allergens will lower thyroid antibody levels. So will immunomodulators and adaptogens, which are substances that strengthen and balance, rather than stimulate, the immune system. Examples include plant sterols and sterolins, rhodiola, and German chamomile.
Antioxidant vitamins help in that they reduce oxidative stress, another cause of autoimmunity. Supplements containing 200 mcg of selenium also help and so does a regular exercise program, particularly yoga, light aerobics, and walking.