The Link Between Immunity and Low Thyroid Hormones (VAV3)

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals, such as mercury and cadmium, can contribute to VAV3-related thyroid disorders, namely Hashimoto’s disease (HD), by increasing thyroid antibodies [R].

Mercury ions over-activate T cells and spike inflammatory IL-17 in exposed humans and animals, which may worsen the effects of discussed VAV3 variants [R].

Removal of mercury-containing dental amalgams cut thyroid antibodies in half in 27 people with mercury allergies and thyroid autoimmunity [R].

In a study of over 5,600 Chinese adults, women exposed to more cadmium had higher thyroglobulin antibody levels, observed in most HD patients. Sources of cadmium exposure include cigarette smoke, processed and instant foods, and contaminated large ocean fish [R].

Therefore, avoiding exposure to heavy metals sources — such as cigarette smoke, air and water pollution, batteries, paints, some plastics, processed foods, and contaminated ocean fish — may preserve your thyroid health [R, R].

Check out our list of safe and proven ways to detox heavy metals.

Heavy metals may contribute to VAV3-associated autoimmune hypothyroidism. Make sure to avoid mercury and cadmium exposure, and consider doing a heavy metal detox.

Please note that the regulatory bodies haven’t approved dietary approaches discussed below when it comes to thyroid disorders. Speak with your doctor before making any major dietary and lifestyle changes!

Elimination Diets

Gluten

Autoimmune hypothyroidism and celiac disease often go hand-in-hand. The most common autoimmune condition associated with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is Hashimoto’s disease [R, R, R].

In patients with celiac disease, gluten can increase T cell reactivity and the levels of inflammatory molecules (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1b). The above VAV3 variants may also contribute to overactive T cells, making this combination particularly dangerous [R, R].

According to a trial study in 34 women with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), a gluten-free diet reduced the levels of antibodies and resulted in mild clinical improvements. However, it had no apparent benefits for the thyroid in 27 adults with AITD and celiac disease [R].

Soy Isoflavones

In iodine-deficient individuals with hypothyroidism, soy isoflavones (genistein and daidzein) may further impair thyroid function. People with discussed genetic variations should pay special attention as genistein reduced VAV3 expression in one cell-based study [R, R].

That said, soy isoflavones aren’t likely to cause trouble in healthy people with adequate iodine levels.

Lectins

Dietary lectins may worsen inflammation in people sensitive to them. For example, lectins contributed to autoimmunity in one study with rheumatoid arthritis patients. Preliminary research suggests that avoiding lectins may reduce the symptoms of autoimmune conditions in sensitive individuals [R, R].

Still, more research is needed to clarify the possible connection between lectins and autoimmunity in humans.

Elimination diets such as the Lectin Avoidance Diet may help identify common food irritants — such as lectins and gluten — that may be worsening autoimmunity in sensitive individuals. Therefore, it might be worth giving a diet like this a test-run for a month or two to see how your body reacts [R, R, R].

Certain dietary compounds, such as gluten or lectins, may contribute to VAV3-associated hypothyroidism in sensitive people. Elimination diets may help identify these food sensitivities, although their therapeutic potential is not well-researched.

Keep in mind that the FDA hasn’t approved the below supplements for the prevention or treatment of thyroid disorders. Always speak with your doctor before trying out any new supplements or treatment options.

Selenium + Myo-Inositol

Several clinical studies have reported that selenium supplementation improves thyroid function and reduces antibody levels in people with Hashimoto’s disease [R, R].

Myo-inositol, often combined with selenium, was particularly effective for autoimmune hypothyroidism in a couple of smaller clinical trials [R, R].

Vitamin B12

In a clinical trial of 116 patients with hypothyroidism, nearly 40% had a vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 supplementation improved the symptoms in more than half of these subjects [R].

In a study of 110 patients with multiple sclerosis, those with vitamin B12 deficiency had significantly lower thyroid hormones [R].

A review of 6 clinical trials confirmed the connection between vitamin B12 deficiency and low thyroid hormones, especially in cases of autoimmune hypothyroidism [R].

Vitamin B12 supplements may help correct a deficiency, which is common in people with autoimmune hypothyroidism. The therapeutic effects of B12 supplements on thyroid function are not well researched.