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Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD

Thyroid Pharmacist

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Reducing Your Thyroid Antibodies with Wobenzym

Reducing Thyroid Antibodies with Wobenzym

Medically reviewed and written by Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP

Dr. Izabella Wentz / March 8, 2017

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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.

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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Filed Under: Supplements

Dr. Izabella Wentz

Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP, is a clinical pharmacist, New York Times Bestselling Author, and a pioneering expert in lifestyle interventions for treating Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

She received a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy at the age of 23, and has worked as a community pharmacist, a clinical consulting pharmacist, as well as a medication safety pharmacist. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists and holds certifications in Medication Therapy Management and Advanced Diabetes Care.

Dr. Wentz has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of autoimmune thyroid disease, after being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in 2009. As a patient advocate, researcher, clinician and educator, she is committed to raising awareness on how to overcome autoimmune thyroid disease.

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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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amelia says

    March 9, 2017 at 7:51 PM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      March 10, 2017 at 11:23 AM

      Amelia – thank you for following this page, and you are most welcome. 🙂

      Please, understand that due to liability issues, I am unable to answer specific medical questions.

      I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s a whole medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.

      FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid

      WHAT TYPE OF DOCTOR SHOULD YOU SEE IF YOU HAVE HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/what-type-of-doctor-should-you-see-if-you-have-hashimotos

      10 THINGS I WISH MY ENDOCRINOLOGIST WOULD HAVE TOLD ME
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/10-things-i-wish-my-endocrinologist-would-have-told-me

      CLINICIAN DATABASE
      http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html

      FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
      https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117

      Reply
  2. Adriana says

    March 10, 2017 at 10:38 AM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      March 10, 2017 at 11:17 AM

      Adriana – thank you for following this page and for sharing. Please, understand that due to liability issues, I am unable to answer specific medical questions.

      Most people feel best with a TSH around 1 or lower and with a Free T4 and Free T3 in the upper half of the range. It is expected that your TSH will be very suppressed when optimal on NDT medication.

      Have you read my book, Hashimoto’s The Root Cause? Here’s the link in case you’re interested.
      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      HOW TO GET ACCURATE LAB TESTING WHEN TAKING MEDICATIONS
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/how-to-get-accurate-lab-tests-when-taking-thyroid-medications/

      Reply
  3. Tony says

    March 10, 2017 at 3:31 PM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      March 13, 2017 at 1:18 PM

      Tony – thank you for following this page. 🙂

      Please, understand that due to liability issues, I am unable to answer specific medical questions.

      I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s a whole medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.

      FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid

      WHAT TYPE OF DOCTOR SHOULD YOU SEE IF YOU HAVE HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/what-type-of-doctor-should-you-see-if-you-have-hashimotos

      10 THINGS I WISH MY ENDOCRINOLOGIST WOULD HAVE TOLD ME
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/10-things-i-wish-my-endocrinologist-would-have-told-me

      CLINICIAN DATABASE
      http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html

      FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
      https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117

      Reply
  4. Julia says

    March 11, 2017 at 4:24 PM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      March 13, 2017 at 1:11 PM

      Julia – thank you for following this page and for your support.

      As stated in my article, for 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.

      Hope this helps. 🙂

      Reply
      • Anna says

        April 16, 2017 at 11:40 AM

        Thanks for the info. You answered the question of what comes next in terms of lowering medication, but what about Wobenzym — does one need to continue at a high dosage every day for an indefinite period of time, or can one reduce the Wobenzym once thyroid antibodies are in normal range?

        Reply
        • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

          April 16, 2017 at 1:31 PM

          Anna- Thank you so much for your support! I can’t make any direct medical recommendations to any single person for legal reasons, but I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s an entire medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.

          FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
          https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid

          CLINICIAN DATABASE
          http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html

          FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
          https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117

          Reply
  5. Zuzu says

    March 13, 2017 at 1:24 AM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      March 13, 2017 at 12:45 PM

      Zuzu – you are most welcome and thank you for your support. 🙂

      Please, understand that due to liability issues, I am unable to answer specific medical questions.

      I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s a whole medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.

      FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid

      WHAT TYPE OF DOCTOR SHOULD YOU SEE IF YOU HAVE HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/what-type-of-doctor-should-you-see-if-you-have-hashimotos

      10 THINGS I WISH MY ENDOCRINOLOGIST WOULD HAVE TOLD ME
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/10-things-i-wish-my-endocrinologist-would-have-told-me

      CLINICIAN DATABASE
      http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html

      FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
      https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117

      Reply
  6. Jennifer says

    March 14, 2017 at 11:41 AM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      March 14, 2017 at 12:52 PM

      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
      • Jennifer says

        March 15, 2017 at 8:27 PM

        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. Rosa says

    March 14, 2017 at 7:29 PM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      March 15, 2017 at 9:34 AM

      Rosa – thank you for following this page. Please, understand that due to liability issues, I am unable to answer specific medical questions.

      I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s a whole medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.

      FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid

      WHAT TYPE OF DOCTOR SHOULD YOU SEE IF YOU HAVE HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/what-type-of-doctor-should-you-see-if-you-have-hashimotos

      10 THINGS I WISH MY ENDOCRINOLOGIST WOULD HAVE TOLD ME
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/10-things-i-wish-my-endocrinologist-would-have-told-me

      CLINICIAN DATABASE
      http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html

      FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
      https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117

      Reply
  8. Marita says

    March 15, 2017 at 11:59 AM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      March 15, 2017 at 2:54 PM

      Marita – thank you for following this page and for the kind words. <3

      Please, understand that due to liability issues, I am unable to answer specific medical questions.

      Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂

      WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO'S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/

      OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year

      Reply
  9. Kelly H says

    March 15, 2017 at 9:08 PM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      March 16, 2017 at 10:31 AM

      Kelly – thank you for following this page and for your support! 🙂

      If you could please send a message to info@thyroidpharmacist.com, my team will be happy to assist. 🙂

      Reply
  10. Sherri says

    March 16, 2017 at 5:39 AM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      March 16, 2017 at 10:34 AM

      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. Zuzu says

    March 17, 2017 at 3:46 AM

    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. Jessica says

    March 29, 2017 at 7:55 AM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      March 29, 2017 at 1:41 PM

      Jessica – thank you for following this page.

      Did you know that if you live in the United States, Australia, Europe and most developed countries that add iodine to the salt supply and take thyroid medications, there’s a higher probability that you do have Hashimoto’s?

      Depending on the source, estimates are that between 90-95% of those with hypothyroidism have Hashimoto’s.

      But most doctors will never tell people that they have Hashimoto’s, or that their own immune system is attacking their thyroid. People are told that their “thyroid is sluggish”, and that these things happen with age and “Just take this pill, you’ll be fine.” I hope you check out these articles that I wrote.

      ARE YOU DOING EVERYTHING FOR YOUR THYROID BUT NOT YET WELL?
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/are-you-doing-everything-for-your-thyroid-but-not-yet-well/

      DO YOU HAVE HYPOTHYROIDISM OR HASHIMOTO’S OR BOTH?
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/do-you-have-hypothyroidism-or-hashimotos-or-both/

      Here are the tests you need for diagnosis. Most endocrinologists don’t run them all so you will have to request them. Make sure to request a copy of your labs as well.

      TOP 6 THYROID TESTS FOR DIAGNOSIS
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-6-thyroid-tests/

      Reply
  13. Linda Bezooyen says

    March 29, 2017 at 11:03 PM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      March 30, 2017 at 12:10 PM

      Linda – thank you for following this page. Please, understand that due to liability issues, I am unable to answer specific medical questions.

      I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s an entire medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.

      FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid

      CLINICIAN DATABASE
      http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html

      FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
      https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117

      Reply
  14. Shirley Robideau says

    March 30, 2017 at 4:53 PM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      March 31, 2017 at 10:08 AM

      Shirley – thank you for following this page. My heart goes out to you. <3

      Please, understand that due to liability issues, I am unable to answer specific medical questions.

      I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s a whole medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.

      FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid

      WHAT TYPE OF DOCTOR SHOULD YOU SEE IF YOU HAVE HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/what-type-of-doctor-should-you-see-if-you-have-hashimotos

      10 THINGS I WISH MY ENDOCRINOLOGIST WOULD HAVE TOLD ME
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/10-things-i-wish-my-endocrinologist-would-have-told-me

      CLINICIAN DATABASE
      http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html

      FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
      https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117

      Reply
  15. Maria says

    April 7, 2017 at 9:34 PM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      April 10, 2017 at 6:06 PM

      Maria – thank you for following this page.

      Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms, and for others, it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂

      IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos

      REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/

      HASHIMOTO’S SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-self-care

      Reply
      • Maria says

        April 11, 2017 at 11:50 AM

        Thank you very much for your reply! I’ll read the articles now!

        Reply
  16. Lauren Springer says

    April 8, 2017 at 8:29 AM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      April 10, 2017 at 6:03 PM

      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. Gabrielle says

    April 9, 2017 at 11:33 AM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      April 10, 2017 at 5:36 PM

      Gabrielle – thank you for following this page. I’m sorry to hear that you are struggling. 🙁

      Please, understand that due to liability issues, I am unable to answer specific medical questions.

      I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s a whole medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.

      FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid

      WHAT TYPE OF DOCTOR SHOULD YOU SEE IF YOU HAVE HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/what-type-of-doctor-should-you-see-if-you-have-hashimotos

      10 THINGS I WISH MY ENDOCRINOLOGIST WOULD HAVE TOLD ME
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/10-things-i-wish-my-endocrinologist-would-have-told-me

      CLINICIAN DATABASE
      http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html

      FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
      https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117

      Reply
  18. Michele says

    April 13, 2017 at 5:50 PM

    What are the side affects of Wobenzym? How does it affect liver, kidneys ?

    Reply
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      April 14, 2017 at 4:12 AM

      Michelle – It would be a good idea to get in contact with the manufacturers or Wobenzym about any research and clinical trials. Here is some more information about using supplements:

      WHICH SUPPLEMENTS ACTUALLY HELP HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-supplements-actually-help-hashimotos

      USING ENZYMES TO OVERCOME HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/using-enzymes-to-overcome-hashimotos

      Reply
  19. Cathie says

    May 30, 2017 at 7:02 AM

    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
  20. Johanna says

    July 8, 2017 at 12:17 AM

    Hello! This sounds interesting! Any idea on where I can get it in Europe(Sweden)?

    Thank you! ☺️

    Reply
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      July 8, 2017 at 12:23 PM

      Johanna – thank you for following this page. Unfortunately, we do not currently sell or ship outside of the United States due to complicated regulations.
      Below are some international resources, where you may be able to find other supplement brands recommended in my Hashimoto’s Protocol book or similar products:
      http://www.naturaldispensary.co.uk – based in the UK, but ships to most of Europe. Use “Izabella Wentz” as referring practitioner
      http://www.iherb.com/ – has many supplements that ships all over the world
      nutritiongeeks.co.uk – has most Designs For Health products
      Vitamins – biowitalni.pl
      https://www.suplementosdouglas.com
      https://www.nutrimi.es
      https://www.herbolariohierbabuena.com
      http://www.purenature.es
      superfood.nl
      Vitamins/supplements – farmaline.nl
      http://www.bio-health.co.uk/
      http://www.purebio.co.uk
      Pure Encapsulations and BioMatrix source – http://www.functionalnutritionsupplements.co.uk/

      I hope that the above helps! Thank you for your interest in Rootcology supplements.

      Reply
  21. Marlene Filla says

    July 20, 2017 at 11:25 AM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      July 20, 2017 at 3:31 PM

      Marlene – thank you so much for following this page and for sharing! 🙂 You might also be interested in my books.

      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
  22. Michelle Stark says

    August 2, 2017 at 12:03 PM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella says

      August 3, 2017 at 8:40 AM

      Michelle – Congratulations on the new grandchild! Progesterone deficiency can surge into Th-1 dominance. This explains why the peak onset of Hashimoto’s occurs during menopause, when the body’s progesterone drops, or after pregnancy,
      when a rapid drop in progesterone occurs after the delivery. I do talk a lot about it and go into more depth in my book!! 🙂

      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
  23. Sara says

    August 5, 2017 at 6:32 AM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella says

      August 5, 2017 at 3:55 PM

      Sara – thank you for following this page and for your support! Below are some international resources, where you may be able to find other supplement brands recommended in my Hashimoto’s Protocol book or similar products:
      http://www.naturaldispensary.co.uk – based in the UK, but ships to most of Europe. Use “Izabella Wentz” as referring practitioner
      http://www.iherb.com/ – has many supplements that ships all over the world
      nutritiongeeks.co.uk – has most Designs For Health products
      Vitamins – biowitalni.pl
      https://www.suplementosdouglas.com
      https://www.nutrimi.es
      https://www.herbolariohierbabuena.com
      http://www.purenature.es
      superfood.nl
      Vitamins/supplements – farmaline.nl
      http://www.bio-health.co.uk/
      http://www.purebio.co.uk
      Pure Encapsulations and BioMatrix source – http://www.functionalnutritionsupplements.co.uk/

      Reply
  24. Renee' says

    September 18, 2017 at 3:06 AM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella says

      September 18, 2017 at 11:48 AM

      Renee’ – thank you for following this page. For questions pertaining to the supplements please contact my team at info@thyroidpharmacist.com and they will be happy to help you. <3

      Reply
  25. Jenny O says

    September 24, 2017 at 5:37 PM

    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. Zeina says

    September 29, 2017 at 2:00 PM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella says

      October 3, 2017 at 11:17 AM

      Zeina – Thank you for following this page. Please, understand that due to liability issues, I am unable to answer specific medical questions, but I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s an entire medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms. I’m very hesitant in recommending iodine in Hashimoto’s. Although iodine serves as fuel for our thyroid and is very important in iodine deficiency hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s is a different mechanism. It’s like pouring gas into an engine that’s on fire… that’s essentially what’s happening in Hashimoto’s thyroid inflammation. Adding iodine to the mix before putting out the fire and fixing the engine may result in further damage to the thyroid. In those with a predisposition to autoimmunity, this has been documented time and time again, in both animal and human studies.

      I have spent 4 years researching this and have seen too many people suffering the consequences of adding iodine too soon. My approach is, let’s fix the engine first (usually a gut issue), and then add the fuel once we know that the engine is no longer on fire. Hope that you will check out my book. I have an entire chapter on the iodine controversy that references numerous studies as well as the work of Abraham and Brownstein. Below are the links to my books:

      FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid

      CLINICIAN DATABASE
      http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html

      FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
      https://ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/

      Hashimoto’s Protocol
      https://www.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms-ebook/dp/B01HXK6GVQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505933035&sr=8-1&keywords=hashimotos+protocol+izabella+wentz

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

      Reply
  27. Debra Shultz says

    January 22, 2018 at 9:36 AM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella says

      January 22, 2018 at 3:17 PM

      Debra – thank you for following this page. I am sorry to hear you are having a reaction to the Wobenzyme. Here is an article you might find helpful.
      http://www.thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/the-four-best-probiotics-for-hashimotos

      Reply
  28. Francisca says

    April 20, 2018 at 8:14 AM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella says

      April 23, 2018 at 6:24 AM

      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. Jinny says

    May 1, 2018 at 5:17 AM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella says

      May 2, 2018 at 4:05 PM

      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. Marina says

    June 27, 2018 at 7:30 PM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella says

      July 2, 2018 at 11:27 AM

      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. Lorraine says

    January 6, 2019 at 8:56 AM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella says

      January 8, 2019 at 4:17 PM

      Lorraine – thank you for reaching out. For questions about the supplements please email my team at info@thyroidpharmacist.com and they will be happy to help you. <3

      Reply
  32. Jillian Goh says

    August 5, 2020 at 8:09 PM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      August 12, 2020 at 7:03 AM

      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. Alan says

    January 27, 2022 at 9:57 AM

    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
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      February 22, 2022 at 12:37 PM

      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. Rachel says

    April 17, 2022 at 7:14 AM

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

    Reply
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      May 4, 2022 at 12:59 PM

      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

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