Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD

Thyroid Pharmacist

Reducing Your Thyroid Antibodies with Wobenzym

Reducing Thyroid Antibodies with Wobenzym

Medically reviewed and written by Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP

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If you watched The Thyroid Secret, you likely had a chance to meet Dr. Joe Collins, who has shared his expertise on a little-known treatment for Hashimoto’s, known as *Wobenzym.

I’ve been using *Wobenzym since 2013 and have seen incredible results in people having a reduction (sometimes even an elimination) of thyroid antibodies and food sensitivities!

I had a chance to meet Dr. Collins at the Key Opinion Leaders Summit for Atrium Innovations, the parent company of Pure Encapsulations and Wobenzym in the fall of 2016.

I’ve been using Pure Encapsulations products since 2011. As a pharmacist, I was very skeptical of supplements but did my research and learned about all of the extensive testing done by Pure Encapsulations to ensure product quality and purity and decided to give their products a try. I’m really glad that I did because their supplements helped me recover my health! One enzyme in particular, Betaine with Pepsin, was a game changer for me early on in my journey, helping me recover from almost a decade of chronic fatigue virtually overnight!

I was introduced to the Pure Encapsulations leadership in early 2016 by Tom Blue, from the Institute of Functional Medicine, and was excited to learn that the people who make the high-quality, hypoallergenic products that I love so much are really amazing and caring people as well!

I’m proud to announce that I was recently invited to become an advisor to the company, which is amazing because I now have the opportunity to provide advice on what types of products I’d like to see from Pure Encapsulations for the autoimmune thyroid community!! I’d also like to add that I’m the youngest woman and the only PharmD on their advisory committee 🙂

I had a chance to connect with another one of the advisors, Dr. Collins, and I was so impressed with his knowledge about thyroid disease and systemic enzymes that I immediately asked (begged?) him to be a part of The Thyroid Secret!

My goal in creating this documentary was to get the top thyroid experts together to share the best innovation each of them is seeing so that together we can really move the conversation about recovering from thyroid disorders forward.

Now, here is a guest blog post from Dr. Joe Collins about the impact of thyroid antibodies and Wobenzym.

By: Dr. Joe Collins

One of the goals of treating and managing autoimmune thyroid disease is to bring the patient back to a euthyroid (“Normal Thyroid”) state. Euthyroid is typically defined as TSH values >0·4 and <4·5 μIU/ml, with both free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) in the normal reference range. [1]

It should be noted however that the ideal range for TSH is still being debated, and that in some studies hypothyroidism may be diagnosed when the TSH is greater than 3.5 μIU/ml. [2] [Dr. Wentz comment- I completely agree. I would even venture to say that anything above a TSH of 2.0 μIU/ml may be too high for many of us]

But beyond the assessment of TSH, free t3 & free T4, more attention is being given to anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) antibodies and the role that those antibodies play in quality of life and various risk factors.

A 2016 study of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis patients that were “euthyroid” found that patients who had higher anti-TPO and anti-TG levels had significantly lower quality of life domain scores based on health-related quality of life questionnaire. The patients who had Hashimoto’s, but did not have elevated anti-TPO and anti-TG levels had a better quality of life than patients in the antibody-positive groups. [3]

A few years earlier, another study reported that Anti-TPO positivity (which they defined as TPO-Antibodies >100 IU/L) significantly predicted poorer psychosocial well-being and that high TPO-Abs are associated with poor physical and psychological well-being and appear to predict future health perception. [4]

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis patients with significantly increased levels of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies also displayed decreased neurocognitive function that measured processing speed, rule compliance, and quality of performance, even though they scored equally on neurocognitive executive function, attention, visual and verbal memory as well as acoustic working memory. [5]

It should also be pointed out that elevated thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) in euthyroid women are associated with infertility, recurrent miscarriage (RM) and other pregnancy complications such as preterm birth. [6], [7], [8], [9]

Elevated anti-TPO and anti-TG antibody levels are not merely evidence that hypothyroidism was caused by autoimmune disease. Elevations of anti-TPO and anti-TG antibody levels are also indicative of an ongoing autoimmune process that continues to affect quality of life and increase risk factors for other conditions.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid disease. The first word, “autoimmune”, explains why the anti-TPO and anti-TG antibody levels have such a broad greater impact on quality of life.

The anti-TPO antibodies become elevated when they thyroid cells (thyrocytes) are irritated or inflamed by ongoing autoimmune disease and the thyroid peroxidase enzyme “leaks” out of the thyroid cell. Since the thyroid peroxidase enzyme is supposed to stay inside the thyroid cell, once it becomes exposed to the immune system the immune system creates anti-TPO antibodies. The anti-TG antibodies become elevated when the thyrocytes are actually destroyed and the thyroglobulin is exposed to the immune system. Elevated anti-TPO and anti-TG antibodies are a sign of ongoing autoimmune disease.

While restoring thyroid hormone levels with T4 & T3 is important, if the autoimmune disease is not addressed, then patients will not find the relief they were expecting from thyroid hormone therapy.

Several nutritional supplements have been discussed regarding their ability to lower anti-thyroid antibodies. A very recent 2016 paper reported that selenium supplementation reduced serum anti-TPO antibody levels after 3, 6, and 12 months in a levothyroxine-treated autoimmune thyroiditis group. The same paper reported that anti-TG antibody levels decreased at 3 months, but not at 6 or 12 months. [10] These findings are similar to other findings on using selenium therapy for lowering anti-TPO and anti-TG antibody levels. [Dr. Wentz note: For more information on selenium, you may want to see my Hashimoto’s and selenium article.]

Vitamin D insufficiency was also associated with autoimmune thyroid disease which includes Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. [11]

A 2016 paper showed that patients with autoimmune thyroid disease who had vitamin D deficiency had higher levels of anti-TPO antibodies. The anti-TPO antibodies levels were lowered with vitamin D in those patients who also had adequate T4 levels. [12] [Dr. Wentz note: I agree with this fully, I see that my clients that go into remission usually have their vitamin D levels optimized in the 60-80 range per blood testing. For more information on vitamin D, you may want to see my vitamin D and thyroid article.

One of the most interesting studies on lowering both anti-TPO and anti-TG antibodies involves the use of *Wobenzym®. Twenty patients were given 5 tablets of *Wobenzym® three times a day in addition to their levothyroxine. They were compared to twenty patients who were only given levothyroxine.

After three months, the patients taking Wobenzym® had a significant decrease in the levels of both anti-TPO and anti-TG antibodies. They also had improvement in symptoms, and a decrease of cholesterol and triglycerides levels, while patients on levothyroxine only had no significant changes.

Furthermore, in the patients also taking *Wobenzym®, the dosage of levothyroxine could be lowered after three months of treatment, and in some cases, it could be discontinued. With continuous Wobenzym® treatment improved clinical and laboratory parameters were maintained.

I’m excited to share that Rootcology Systemic Enzymes are finally here! They contain a combination of herbs, nutrients, and proteolytic enzymes that support the clearance of circulating immune complexes, self antibodies, food antibodies, and even thyroid nodules.

And the best part? The starting dose is 2 capsules per day, on an empty stomach. 🙂 Please note that Rootcology’s Systemic Enzymes contain a much stronger formulation than is used in most other brands and studies. Do not exceed the recommended dose of Rootcology Systemic Enzymes unless working under the guidance of an experienced practitioner.

It appears that we have enough information to say that even if TSH, free T3 & free T4 levels are “euthyroid”, the quality of life is decreased if the anti-TPO and anti-TG antibodies remain elevated. Selenium and vitamin D supplementation may help lower anti-TPO antibodies if their need is indicated by deficiency. Wobenzym® can lower both anti-TPO and anti-TG antibodies.

Dr. Joseph J Collins, RN, ND is President and Co-founder of Your Hormones, Inc (www.YourHormones.com). He has been directly involved in advancing the practice of natural hormone health since 1993. His functional endocrinology model focuses on adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, menopause, andropause, PMS/PMDD, PCOS and blood sugar disorders. He has extensive experience in the advanced use of adaptogens to support and improve hormone function through the modulation of homeostasis regulatory systems which control hormone production and hormone function. In his work with Hashimoto’s Dr. Collins focuses on restoration of thyroid health through lifestyle, nutritional, herbal, and anti-inflammatory therapies.

*Wobenzym N is the formulation that was studied, however, I’ve also seen similar clinical benefits with Wobenzym PS. 

References

[1] Temizkan S, Balaforlou B, Ozderya A, Avci M, Aydin K, Karaman S, Sargin M. Effects of thyrotrophin, thyroid hormones and thyroid antibodies on metabolic parameters in a euthyroid population with obesity. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2016 Oct;85(4):616-23. PubMed PMID: 27150556.

[2] Robles-Osorio ML, Zacarías-Rangel V, García-Solís P, Hernández-Montiel HL, Solís JC, Sabath E. Prevalence of thyroid function test abnormalities and anti-thyroid antibodies in an open population in Central México. Rev Invest Clin. 2014 Mar-Apr;66(2):113-20. PubMed PMID: 24960320.

[3] Bektas Uysal H, Ayhan M. Autoimmunity affects health-related quality of life in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Kaohsiung J Med Sci. 2016 Aug;32(8):427-33. PubMed PMID: 27523457.

[4]  Müssig K, Künle A, Säuberlich AL, Weinert C, Ethofer T, Saur R, Klein R, Häring HU, Klingberg S, Gallwitz B, Leyhe T. Thyroid peroxidase antibody positivity is associated with symptomatic distress in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Brain Behav Immun. 2012 May;26(4):559-63. PubMed PMID: 22285302.

[5] Leyhe T, Müssig K, Weinert C, Laske C, Häring HU, Saur R, Klingberg S, Gallwitz B. Increased occurrence of weaknesses in attention testing in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis compared to patients with other thyroid illnesses. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2008 Nov;33(10):1432-6. PubMed PMID: 18819753.

[6] Vissenberg R, van Dijk MM, Fliers E, van der Post JA, van Wely M, Bloemenkamp KW, Hoek A, Kuchenbecker WK, H R Verhoeve, H C J Scheepers, Rombout-de Weerd S, Koks C, Zwart JJ, Broekmans F, Verpoest W, Christiansen O, M Post, Papatsonis DN, Verberg MF, Sikkema J, Mol BW, Bisschop PH, Goddijn M. Effect of levothyroxine on live birth rate in euthyroid women with recurrent miscarriage and TPO antibodies (T4-LIFE study). Contemp Clin Trials. 2015 Aug 5. pii: S1551-7144(15)30061-6. PubMed PMID: 26255238.

[7] Lata K, Dutta P, Sridhar S, Rohilla M, Srinivasan A, Prashad GR, Shah VN, Bhansali A. Thyroid autoimmunity and obstetric outcomes in women with recurrent miscarriage: a case-control study. Endocr Connect. 2013 Jun 22;2(2):118-24. PubMed PMID: 23802061.

[8] Meena A, Nagar P. Pregnancy Outcome in Euthyroid Women with Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies. J Obstet Gynaecol India. 2016 Jun;66(3):160-5. PubMed PMID: 27298524.

[9] Meena M, Chopra S, Jain V, Aggarwal N. The Effect of Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies on Pregnancy Outcomes in Euthyroid Women. J Clin Diagn Res. 2016 Sep;10(9):QC04-QC07. PubMed PMID: 27790523.

[10] Wichman J, Winther KH, Bonnema SJ, Hegedüs L. Selenium Supplementation Significantly Reduces Thyroid Autoantibody Levels in Patients with Chronic Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Thyroid. 2016 Dec;26(12):1681-1692. PubMed PMID: 27702392.

[11] Kim D. Low vitamin D status is associated with hypothyroid Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hormones (Athens). 2016 Jul;15(3):385-393. PubMed PMID: 27394703.

[12] Chaudhary S, Dutta D, Kumar M, Saha S, Mondal SA, Kumar A, Mukhopadhyay S.Vitamin D supplementation reduces thyroid peroxidase antibody levels in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease: An open-labeled randomized controlled trial. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2016 May-Jun;20(3):391-8. PubMed PMID: 27186560.

[13] Kvantchakhadze R.G. Wobenzym® in the complex treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis. International Journal on Immunorehabilitation, 2002, Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 114. [Czech abstract, Russian abstract] Research and Therapeutic Center of Rheumatology, Tbilisi, Gruzia. VIII. International Congress on Immunorehabilitation, Allergy, Immunology, and Global Net], April 21-24, 2002, Cannes, France

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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your physician for any health problems and before making any medical or lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle changes can result in improved thyroid function and/or an increased absorption of thyroid hormone medications, leading to a lower required dose and possible symptoms of hyperthyroidism at a dose that was previously stable. Please discuss lifestyle changes with your physician and ensure that your thyroid function is monitored every 6-8 weeks while making lifestyle changes. Symptoms of overmedication include, but are not limited to: rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, irritability or mood swings, muscle weakness or tremors, diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, hair loss, weight loss, insomnia, chest pain, and excessive sweating. Do not start, change, increase, decrease or discontinue your medications without consulting with your physician.

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Comments

  1. Thanks for this info! So, the patients in the trial took 5 tablets of wobenzym a day. Is that what is recommended to improve thyroid function?

    Reply

  2. Hi Isabella. I’ve been following you for quite sometime and wondering if you could point me in the right direction. I have been treating adrenal fatigue and also recently went to see an endocrinologist for thyroid. Based on my labs she says I have hashi’s and wants me to go on Synthroid. Here’s the thing: my labs are borderline everything. Anti-TPO 9 TSH 2.53 Free t4 12 Free t3 3.2 and ANA Ser IF Positive speckled pattern titre 1:160. This last number seems to be her reference to Hashi’s. The ultrasound showed no nodules. The above numbers have been the norm for me for at least 3 years. Do you think there is room for concern? My diet is mostly Paleo (no gluten/sugar for sure). Wondering about supplements that would help conversion of T4to T3. Fatigue and some anxiety are an ongoing factor for me. Thank you so much for what you do. Adriana

    Reply

  3. Hi. I have read your article, but what i am confused about, is where is the key the reference article you have referred to? I can not see it in your reference list. I understand the product has a recommended intake of 2 tablets daily, but according to you, the study indicates 15 tablets daily. I would like to understand the how this product actually works in detail. Please get back to me with a link to this article as my wife has high levels of anibodies, but has worked hard to get all other levels back to normal, so we want to sort this antibody level out urgently. Thanks for your help

    Reply

  4. Dr. Izabella, hi!

    I understand that patients were given Wobenzym and their antibodies were lowered down. But what’s after? Are they still taking Wobenzym? Or they stopped? Or they take it periodically?
    I’m really curious, once they start taking it, is it forever?

    Thank you!

    Reply

  5. Dear Izabella,
    Thanks for this info! I would like to try it!!
    Is it possible to take Naltrexone and Wobenzym together?
    Thank you in advance,
    Zuzu

    Reply

  6. My thyroid was ablated after being diagnosed with Graves disease. I have been tested for thyroid antibodies. I do not have anti-TPO or anti-TG antibodies, but I am high in the antibodies associated with Graves disease–TBII or TRAb (I’ve heard the names used interchangeably, but am unclear if they are the same thing). Would the ideas mentioned in this article help towards lowering them?

    Reply

    • Jennifer – Graves and Hashimoto’s are both autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid. They are thought to be closely related. Sometimes one turns into the other. The difference is the site of the antibody attack. In Hashimoto’s, the antibodies are found to thyroglobulin (in 80%) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme (in 95% of people)-Hashimoto’s results in hypothyroidism and is usually treated with Synthroid and replacement hormone.

      The same antibodies may be present in a smaller percentage of people who have Graves, but the main antibody is to the TSH Receptor (TSHR-Ab). Usually, people with Graves have hyperthyroidism, and they are treated conventionally with thyroid suppressing drugs (methimazole) or radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid. At that point, the thyroid will no longer produce hormones on its own, and these people end up on Synthroid as well.

      Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target.

      We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well! The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

      Hashimoto’s Root Cause
      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Hashimoto’s Protocol
      thyroidpharmacist.com/protocol

      Reply

      • Thanks for your response. I have been on the AIP protocol diet for several years. I think it has helped in many ways, but I still really struggle with fatigue, IBS, acne, headaches, PMS, etc., etc. My biggest regret is taking that radioactive iodine pill–I fear that no thyroid medication can do the job a healthy thyroid can do. I worry about developing a secondary autoimmune condition on top of it all. I will check out your book!

        Reply

  7. Hello,
    Could you please clarify what exactly do you refer as elevated anti-TPO and anti-TG antibodies? Is it above 35, above 1 or anything else? At what level shall they be lowered with Wobenzym?
    Thank you very much!

    Reply

  8. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the info on your site! I really appreciate you sharing your personal experience and your professional opinion. This is invaluable to me!

    I’ve taken Wobenzyme before for general inflammation and joint issues and it worked beautifully. However the biggest problem I have with it is that it stops my digestion cold. Taking only one tablet results in constipation (it makes me very thirsty and feeling like it dries everything out) and taking two or more will result in several days of digestive distress. I’ve had the same issue with serrapeptase which also works really well other than messing up my digestion.

    Do you have any recommendations for me? I’ve always taken it on an empty stomach with at least a glass of water, but I’ve also tried drinking copious amounts of water with it (like a quart within a half hour), taking fiber, taking it after eating juicy fruit – you name it. But it’s always the same thing: constipation and feeling extremely dry and thirsty. I would really love to take it again but haven’t figured this part out yet. Thank you for any suggestions on this!

    (FYI I’ve always been borderline hypo and just had a test with elevated TPOab of 130)

    Reply

  9. Hi Dr Iz!
    I have already pre-ordered your protocol book (back when it was first announced), but would love to be given the link to receive your e-book on supplements. Could you share the link via email?

    Reply

  10. Hi Izabella, I want to take Wobenzym for Hashimoto’s and want to know if the product Wobenzyme-N would work as well as Wobenzym- PS. The cost is more within my budget. Thank you! Sherri

    Reply

    • Sherri – thank you for following this page. Please, understand that I cannot tell you specifically what you can and cannot do over the internet as I could be held liable for what would happen to you.

      Reply

  11. Dear Izabella,
    Thank you for the links! I am very interested to take Wobenzym!
    I have read, that Wobenzym’s cover contains E127 (red colour), which contains iodine. With Hashimoto is it possible to take it without any problem?
    (I am very carefull with iodine)
    Thank you so much for the help and your support!!
    Zuzu

    Reply

  12. Dear Dr Wentz,

    I am a 24 year old women with slow thyroid / hypothyroidism (as phrased by my GP) but wondering whether I have hashimoto’s. I was wondering: is there a number of TPO antibodies that suggests that I have the disease, or is anything above 0 indicative of hashimotos.

    Thanks for the website, it’s been useful so far!

    Reply

  13. Hi Dr. Wentz,
    I am from British Columbia, Canada. I recently watched your whole Thyroid Secret series and took notes. I have all the symptoms of Hashimotos. I have been tested before but only my TSH. I recently moved and have a new family physician. I asked him to do the full panel (TSH, T3, T4, reverse T3 and T4 and antibodies). He did the tests and went over the results with me. I don’t have the numbers but he said everything was in the normal ranges and that I wasn’t showing excessive inflammation (though my body tells me otherwise) BUT, I did have antibodies that are starting to attack my thyroid. I asked about LDN and he agreed to try me on it for 1 month (5 mg./day). I weigh around 360 lbs. Is that dose still too high? Also, he hasn’t put me on thyroid medication yet but he said he doesn’t like the natural thryoid medication because it is too hard to regulate the correct dosage compared to the synthetic medications. I will also look into wobenzym and betaine with pepsin as well as selenium. I already take Vit. C, B100, Vit. D, calcium/magnesium, COQ10, and fish oil. My symptoms are: weight gain, always cold, brain fog, chronic pain, depression and anxiety, vertigo, leaky gut, nutrient deficiency, etc. I really want to know if the synthetic meds. are ok and if my dosage of the LDN is correct for my body weight. Thank you!

    Reply

  14. I have Hashimotos and my TPO antibodies are higher than 600, only reaches 600 in Canada. I have heart palpitations and am on Metropolol. It is hard to take the required desiccated thyroid to keep my TSH even close to the normal range. Is there anywhere I can read information on this type of issue. I would love if someone knows how to deal with this as my doctor just wants to increase my desiccated thyroid and vastly increase the RX for Metropolol. I know this isn’t the answer. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for The Thyroid Secret. Gives us hope.

    Reply

  15. Hi! Thank you for the helpful information! I’m wondering whether you’ve come across any studies linking high anti-TG levels with any particular causes(like deficiencies, infections etc.) There’s lots of info on anti-TPO but very little on anti-TG. When I was first diagnosed both antibodies were in the thousands, and after lots of interventions the anti-TPO are within the normal range now, but the anti-TG are still high around 400. I cannot afford a functional medicine practitioner nor the specialized expensive testing unfortunately. I could try Wobenzyme, but I’d really like to find out why my anti-TG are so stubbornly elevated! Any suggestions would be more than welcome! Thank you!

    Reply

  16. Is it possible to gain weigh while on wobenzyme ps? My thyroid is optimal, I have been seeing a functional medicine doctor for 2 years. The only thing I changed was wobenzyme. I gained 13lbs in the 3 weeks I’ve taken 3 pills 2x per day.
    I do think my gut is not perfect. But I can not pinpoint any other change for such a drastic increase in weight gain. My only changes were Wobenzyme PS and Bentanine HCL with pepsin. I am a Hashimotos patient.

    Reply

    • Lauren – thank you for following this page.

      When it comes to weight gain these are a couple of things to think about.

      1) What was your recent TSH, Free T3 and Free T4? Sometimes when those numbers are on the outskirts of normal, your metabolic rate may still be impaired making it more difficult for you to burn calories. Most people report feeling well with a TSH between 0.5-2.

      2) What type of medication are you on? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combinations (Armour, Nature-Throid, compounded medications) versus T4 medications (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint) alone. T4 is a precursor to T3, but some individuals do not convert T4 to T3 properly, and the T3 component is the metabolically active one.

      3) What type of diet are you eating? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combination vs T4 alone. Some do not convert T4 properly.The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) full of sugar and simple carbohydrates is perfectly designed to cause us to gain weight year after year. Even yogurts that are marketed as “healthy” contain the equivalent of 16 teaspoons of sugar. Divorcing the S.A.D. is often a step that many of us must take to not just lose weight, but to also feel better. Some diets that have been helpful include the Body Ecology Diet, the Paleo Diet, the Virgin Diet, Autoimmune Paleo Diet, GAPS diet, SCD diet, Weston A. Price Diet, or the Mediterranean Diet. You may need to modify these diets to your own individuality.

      BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism

      HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/how-to-lose-weight-with-hashimotos

      Reply

  17. Hi there I have been following you for a while now and am so greatful for you sharing all of this information with all of us!! I just recently got some bloodwork done, my dr said my thyroid is fine but I’m wondering if you can help point me in the right direction…my TSH 2.14mIU/L, antithyroid peroxidase Ab 26.8 (which is supposedly within ref range) Anti-thyroglobulin <20.0…he did not do free t3 or t4 though…are this numbers borderline hashimotos? Ever since having my son which is my only child I have been having problems, weird symptoms scary symptoms!! Should also mention my cholesterol is supposedly high…5.34, trig 0.43,HDL 1.66, LDL 3.48…my ratio is 3.2. I am fairly thin and have never had high cholesterol ever! I have also had gallstones and when I was pregnant with my son I had to be induced early because I ended up developing problems with my liver! I just would like to have some peace of mind as to what is going on with me….things just haven't been the same with me and I'm even concerned about my son having issues as well!! Been learning so much about the thyroid and metabolism and how if the mother is nutrient deficient and has thyroid problems then chances are the child will have some sort of problems as well..anyways any sort of guidance is so very greatly appreciated!!!
    Thanks so much!

    Reply

  19. Would you be able to provide a link to the article referenced as #13, regarding Wobenzym? I cut and pasted the reference into Google Scholar, along with respellings and shortened versions, and was unable to find the study. I would like to look at the research.
    Thank you!

    Reply

  21. Thanks to this article I gave Wobenzym a try. They lowered my body inflammation that I had for two years! Like a miracle, I am pain free! Amazing. I am on my second jar, I guess I will lower the dosis after three months. Very happy, thanks Izabella <3

    Reply

  22. Hi Izabella,
    My daughter just had a baby and is breastfeeding. Could you point me to any research showing whether Wobenzyme can be taken while breastfeeding. Her TPO antibodies rose to over 1000 during her pregnancy. I have read conflicting information and any direction you can give me will be appreciated.

    Reply

  23. Hi Izabella,

    I have been reading your new book Hashimoto’s Protocol. You mention Wobenzym and Pure Encapsulations products, but the thing is: these seem not be available in The Netherlands, which is were I am from. Can you make other recommendations?

    Thank you!

    Sara

    Reply

  24. Dr. Wentz: Please Help! I have Hashimoto’s per your advice I started taking Wobenzym. I am eating healthier and packing on weight? My ankles hurt why is this happening I thought it would lower my HS-CRP and help with weight loss not make me gain weight?

    Reply

  25. Hello Dr Wenzt,
    I know you had an issue with pineapple and I’m interested if the bromelain in the wobenzyme formula was an issue for you or not? Thank you so much.

    Reply

  26. Hello
    Found your article very interesting.
    Just got my results yesterday with anti-thyroglobulin antibodies at 84 uI/mL.
    Been under 25mg Levothyrox and 50mg DHEA daily, and been recently advised to use in parallel westhroid and lugol.
    Do you think I can add Wobenzym to this protocol?
    Thanks for helping out

    Reply

  27. Has anyone found an alternative to the Wobenzyme brand, but with the same active ingredients (enzymes)? The enterically coated Wobenzyme tablets makes me soooo nauseas. I need a veggie cap. I compared it to Pure Encapsulations ultra enzymes and found that they have totally different enzymes. Haven’t found any others that are comparable. I have Grave’s TSI antibodies.

    Reply

  28. Dr. Izabela I read the article it was very informative! Thanks. My questions to you is: What wobenzyn are you referring to that will help reduce antibodies the wobenzyn N or wobenzyn PS?

    Reply

    • Francisca – thank you for reaching out! I wish I could give you more direct advice but, each person will react differently. I would advise you to ask your personal pharmacist or a trusted clinician who’s care you are under. I am not able to respond directly to these types of questions here. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time, and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.

      I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.

      Hashimoto’s Root Cause
      http://amzn.to/2DoeC80

      Hashimoto’s Protocol
      http://amzn.to/2B5J1mq

      Reply

  29. Just wondering… Do these enzymes tablets interfere with thyroid medications? NDT or Cytomel? I just bought Wobenzym and it is recommended to be taken on an empty stomach. The only time my stomach is completely empty is when I take my thyroid medication.. so.. As always, thank you for the informative article!
    Jinny

    Reply

    • Jinny – thank you for reaching out. I wish I could give you more direct advice but, each person will react differently. I would advise you to ask your personal pharmacist or a trusted clinician who’s care you are under. I am not able to respond directly to these types of questions here. 🙂

      Reply

  30. Do you have any recommendation for any other brands that would have good quality supplements for systemic enzymes? how about all other supplements that you recommend for overcoming hashimotos? besides pure encapsulations and Wobenzym and douglas lab and whoever else was bought out by nestle, I like to vote with my dollar and prefer not to give it to the big guys at Nestle. I would buy them all through your rootcology line if they were all available… thank you!

    Reply

    • Marina – thank you for reaching out! I’ve really enjoyed the Pure Encapsulations and Douglas lab brands from the Atrium family and was surprised to hear the news of the Nestle acquisition. I am hoping for the best, this could be a wonderful opportunity – perhaps Nestle sees the value in high quality nutritional supplements and the marketing dollars of a big company like Nestle will bring more awareness about the value of supplements to a bigger audience. And perhaps they’ve really cleaned up their leadership and values after the devastating impact of their earlier marketing tactics.
      But I’ve also been preparing for the worst. We know that when companies are acquired, the new company will sometimes change the formulas. This usually won’t happen for at least two years.

      You might be interested in my new supplement line Rootcology! Rootcology’s mission is to provide safe and effective supplement solutions for people struggling with autoimmune thyroid conditions. Rootcology supplements are composed of high-quality premium, gluten, dairy, soy, pesticide, and toxin-free ingredients and undergo third-party testing to ensure that the ingredients on the label match the ingredients inside each bottle. Because I have full control, the Rootcology line will always be high quality and free of reactive ingredients. I have been planning on adding new formulas to the Rootcology line. Are there specific supplements that you would like to see?

      Here is a link to the site. I hope you check them out. https://www.rootcology.com/collections/supplements

      Reply

  31. Hi Dr. Wentz,

    I am currently taking digestive enzymes and am wondering if Wobenzym is intended to be taken in addition or instead of digestives.

    Reply

  32. Hi Dr. Wentz,
    I am trying to take Wobenzym to reduce my thyroid antibodies. After taking one tablet per day for 3 days, I felt very hungry and I started to develop some joint pains. This is opposite to what other people seem to have experienced with Wobenzym. What can be causing these effects? Should I stop taking Wobenzym?
    I also discovered after testing that I have had Epstein Barr virus infection before. What can I do to improve my condition? I would be grateful for your advice.
    Jillian

    Reply

    • Jillian – thank you for reaching out. <3 I'm so sorry you are having this reaction. Everyone will react differently so I do recommend that you discuss this with your practitioner whose familiar wth your health history. When it comes to EBV, without going into too much detail, the first of the crucial defining moments in my disease development may have started during my undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois. Due to the communal living setting of dormitories (and less than stellar hygiene habits of most college students), I had recurrent strep throat infections and even contracted mononucleosis, a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), which is implicated in triggering many autoimmune conditions. I received multiple courses of antibiotics as well as flu shots (which may be associated with EBV infections) and started birth control for menstrual cramps.

      Animal fats, broths, soups, and stews support the body’s ability to suppress the viruses. Monolaurin or lauric acid, one of the components of coconut oil, has been found to be active against the Epstein-Barr virus. Replication of any viruses including Epstein Barr is inhibited by glycyrrhizic acid, an active component of licorice root. Quercetin, Co-Enzyme Q10, N-Acetylcysteine, and glutathione were also reported to be helpful in chronic fatigue syndrome because of their anti-viral properties. It is my belief that this combination had a profound impact on my gut flora, and thus my immune system. Here is an article which you might find interesting:

      EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS AND HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/epstein-barr-virus-and-hashimotos

      Reply

  33. Hi Izabella. Does wobenzyme improve thyroid conditions by removing partially digested proteins that get lodged in the thyroid or by improving digestion and therefore causing less intestinal permeability? They say to take it 45 minutes before meals so it doesn’t digest food but can we use it as a digestive enzyme and experience the same benefits?

    Reply

    • Hi Alan – thank you so much for If you take systemic enzymes with food, it will basically reduce the dose as the enzyme will be used up by food metabolism. On an empty stomach, the systemic enzymes clean up the circulating immune complexes in the body. I do not recommend using systemic enzymes for food metabolism, but instead, you may want to look into specific enzymes such as pancreatic, betaine or veggie enzymes.❤️ Here is an articles you might find interesting:
      USING ENZYMES TO OVERCOME HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/using-enzymes-to-overcome-hashimotos

      Reply

  34. Would drinking unsweetened tea and water but nothing else still be considered an empty stomach for taking systemic enzymes?

    Reply

    • Rachel – thank you for following. If you take systemic enzymes with food, it will basically reduce the dose as the enzyme will be used up by food metabolism. So taking with water only would be your best option. I hope that helps. ❤️

      Reply

  35. Hi Izabella, thank you for your wonderful blog. I’m unmedicated with high thyroid TG antibodies. I only know about this since I gave birth to my first baby. I’ve since had a second baby but also had several miscarriages. Before trying to conceive again, I would really love to use something extra to get my thyroid antibodies lower since I’m already following all the autoimmune supplement and diet recommendations you mention… I was thinking Wobenzym N (or LDN), but the trouble is my youngest still nurses and I really don’t want to take him off before he’s ready. Is any of this safe while breastfeeding? Autoimmunity is in the family and I feel like my current lifestyle changes aren’t doing enough. I’d love to hear what your advice is in this situation. Thank you so much.

    Reply

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