Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com!
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Thyroid "totally Looks Like" Gluten?

ButterflyChaser

Recommended Posts

ButterflyChaser Enthusiast
ButterflyChaser
Posted

Nerdchick at work again...

I keep coming across references to an alleged structural similarity between gluten and thyroid cells (the proteins that constitute the thyroid, I assume), which would explain why Hashimoto patients do better on a gluten-free diet regardless of having Celiac or not.

The rationale would be that when gluten enters the body, the antithyroid antibodies take gluten for an extra thyroid, freak out, and scream "OMG! There's ANOTHER ONE! We need more squads!" and the body increases the production of antibodies, and therefore the attack to the thyroid.

Can anyone point me to the medical source/study for this diffused claim? I am seeing my endo soon for a new set of tests, and I want something to torture her with... ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Chaff Explorer
Chaff
Posted

Hm...I don't know about it looking like gluten. I have seen this page, where a guy talks about why the antibodies involved in celiac also attack the thyroid:

"I knew that attack on the thyroid was common in celiacs, because the celiac autoantigen tTG (it has a basic triplet) is also present in the thyroid and the celiac autoantibodies to tTG also cause an attack on the thyroid. But the autoantigen for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is thyroid peroxidase (TPO)."

Open Original Shared Link

It's a bit greek to me, but it seems like you might be onto something with your idea.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
GFinDC Veteran
GFinDC
Posted

The only autoimmune disease we know the trigger for is celiac disease. All the others are not known at this point. We do know that people with celiac have a higher chance of getting other auto-immune diseases. My own personal "hunch" is that leaky gut plays a role in that. Protein fragments get in the blood stream and can cause an immune reaction in various parts of the body where they end up. But that's just a guess, there is no proof of that. I don't think the thyroid looks like gluten tho, that seems like a stretch. The leaky gut idea would mean gluten protein fragments end up in the thyroid, and then are attacked by the immune system. Then the body attacks the thyroid tissue where those gluten protein fragments are lodged. Same basic process as in the gut. In the process of attacking the gluten fragments in the thyroid, the immune system may learn to attack the thyroid also. This kind of process could cause rhuematoid arthritis to develop also. That's my 2 cent theory for today.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Gemini Experienced
Gemini
Posted

Nerdchick at work again...

I keep coming across references to an alleged structural similarity between gluten and thyroid cells (the proteins that constitute the thyroid, I assume), which would explain why Hashimoto patients do better on a gluten-free diet regardless of having Celiac or not.

The rationale would be that when gluten enters the body, the antithyroid antibodies take gluten for an extra thyroid, freak out, and scream "OMG! There's ANOTHER ONE! We need more squads!" and the body increases the production of antibodies, and therefore the attack to the thyroid.

Can anyone point me to the medical source/study for this diffused claim? I am seeing my endo soon for a new set of tests, and I want something to torture her with... ;)

Most organs in the human body have the ability to produce tTg antibodies. The thyroid, heart and liver are some, along with the pancreas. When you have undiagnosed Celiac, your body is in a constant state of inflammation. If you go long enough, this inflammation will aggravate other organs and they start to produce tTg antibodies. This is why when some people go gluten-free and still have elevated tTg antibodies, you need to be tested for other AI conditions. Elevated thyroid antibodies can keep your tTg levels high, even on the gluten-free diet. It took me 6 years to get my thyroid antibodies into the normal range and they were ridiculously high when diagnosed. I think that the problem stems from too much inflammation and the gluten-free diet brings inflammation way down so everything else begins to heal.

I did have a good laugh about torturing your endocrinologist, though! :lol:

Link to comment
Share on other sites
ButterflyChaser Enthusiast
ButterflyChaser
  • Author
Posted

The only autoimmune disease we know the trigger for is celiac disease. All the others are not known at this point... My own personal "hunch" is that leaky gut plays a role in that. Protein fragments get in the blood stream and can cause an immune reaction in various parts of the body where they end up.

I second that - I do think there are triggers for other disorders as well. How does one diagnose leaky gut? I have found some contrasting information...

Elevated thyroid antibodies can keep your tTg levels high, even on the gluten-free diet. It took me 6 years to get my thyroid antibodies into the normal range and they were ridiculously high when diagnosed. I think that the problem stems from too much inflammation and the gluten-free diet brings inflammation way down so everything else begins to heal.

I did have a good laugh about torturing your endocrinologist, though! :lol:

Oh, she had to get used to my paranoia :) I am wondering if the gluten-free diet also reduces inflammation/tTg in patients who have not been diagnosed with celiac disease, though... I don't know what my next thyroid panel going to find (to be true, I am scared of finding out) but, in short, if there is anything I can do to prevent/delay the distruction of a vital organ, well, I guess I would be willing to go to some lengths, and if that means eating gluten-free for life, so be it!

"I knew that attack on the thyroid was common in celiacs, because the celiac autoantigen tTG (it has a basic triplet) is also present in the thyroid and the celiac autoantibodies to tTG also cause an attack on the thyroid. But the autoantigen for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is thyroid peroxidase (TPO)."

Open Original Shared Link

Thank you, I will show this to my doctor. And I will keep doing more research.

Does anyone else here feel like they are desperately trying to get better?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
GottaSki Mentor
GottaSki
Posted

"Does anyone else here feel like they are desperately trying to get better?"

Yes, please read as much as you can.

I have spent years learning the keys to my health. I do hope your answers are quicker, but know there have been MANY before you that havve struggled each day to obtain health and there will be many more that follow.

You are not alone - learn all you can.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. BluegrassCeliac
      - BluegrassCeliac replied to lasthope2024's topic in Food Intolerance & Leaky Gut
      7

      This forum might be the last hope I have in my life. Please I beg you

      Hi, Not saying Thiamine (B1) couldn't be an issue as well, but Mg was definitely the cause of my problems. It's the only thing that worked. I supplemented with B vitamins, but that didn't change anything, in fact they made me sick. Mg stopped all my muscle pain (HCTZ) within a few months and fixed all the intestinal problems HCTZ caused as well. Mom...
    2. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Nacina's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      1

      14 year old with Celiac & EOE still suffering...

      It sounds like you've been through a lot with your son's health journey, and it's understandable that you're seeking answers and solutions. Given the complexity of his symptoms and medical history, it might be beneficial to explore a few avenues: Encourage your son to keep a detailed journal of his symptoms, including when they occur, their severity...
    3. Nacina
      - Nacina posted a topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      1

      14 year old with Celiac & EOE still suffering...

      Hello, I am a 45 year old mom, who was diagnosed at 29 with Celiac. My now 14 year old son was diagnosed just before his 4th birthday. Needless to say, we are old pros with the diet. He was experiencing some issues, overall health took a major plummet a year ago, and through a bit of work, was diagnosed with EOE. Tried diet alone, but his follow up endoscopy...
    4. trents
      - trents replied to Fluka66's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      5

      Waiting for urgent referral.

      But if you have been off of wheat for a period of weeks/months leading up to the testing it will likely turn out to be negative for celiac disease, even if you actually have celiac disease. Given your symptoms when consuming gluten, we certainly understand your reluctance to undergo the "gluten challenge" before testing but you need to understand that the...
    5. Fluka66
      - Fluka66 replied to Fluka66's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      5

      Waiting for urgent referral.

      Thank you very much for your reply. I hadn't heard of celiac disease but began to notice a pattern of pain. I've been on the floor more than once with agonising pain but this was always put down to another abdominal problem consequently I've been on a roundabout of backwards and forwards with another consultant for many years. I originally questioned this...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      121,067
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    myneckmybackmyceliac
    Newest Member
    myneckmybackmyceliac
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      120.3k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • BluegrassCeliac
      This forum might be the last hope I have in my life. Please I beg you

      By BluegrassCeliac · Posted

      Hi,   Not saying Thiamine (B1) couldn't be an issue as well, but Mg was definitely the cause of my problems. It's the only thing that worked. I supplemented with B vitamins, but that didn't change anything, in fact they made me sick. Mg stopped all my muscle pain (HCTZ) within a few months and fixed all the intestinal problems HCTZ caused as well. Mom has an allergy to some sulfa drugs (IgG Celiac too), but I don't think I've ever taken them. Mg boosted my energy as well. It solved a lot of problems. I take 1000mg MgO a day with no problems. I boost absorption with Vitamin D. Some people can't take MgO,  like mom, she takes Mg Glycinate. It's one of those things that someone has try and find the right form for themselves. Everyone's different. Mg deficiency can cause anxiety and is a treatment for it. A pharmacist gave me a list of drugs years ago that cause Mg deficiency: PPIs, H2 bockers, HCTZ, some beta blockers (metoprolol which I've taken -- horrible side effects), some anti-anxiety meds too were on it. I posted because I saw he was an IgG celiac. He's the first one I've seen in 20 years, other than my family. We're rare. All the celiacs I've met are IgA. Finding healthcare is a nightmare. Just trying to help. B  
    • Scott Adams
      14 year old with Celiac & EOE still suffering...

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It sounds like you've been through a lot with your son's health journey, and it's understandable that you're seeking answers and solutions. Given the complexity of his symptoms and medical history, it might be beneficial to explore a few avenues: Encourage your son to keep a detailed journal of his symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, any triggers or patterns, and how they impact his daily life. This information can be valuable during medical consultations and may help identify correlations or trends. Consider seeking opinions from specialized medical centers or academic hospitals that have multidisciplinary teams specializing in gastrointestinal disorders, especially those related to Celiac disease and Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE). These centers often have experts who deal with complex cases and can offer a comprehensive evaluation. Since you've already explored alternative medicine with a nutrition response doctor and a gut detox diet, you may want to consider consulting a functional medicine practitioner. They take a holistic approach to health, looking at underlying causes and imbalances that may contribute to symptoms. Given his low vitamin D levels and other nutritional markers, a thorough nutritional assessment by a registered dietitian or nutritionist specializing in gastrointestinal health could provide insights into any deficiencies or dietary adjustments that might help alleviate symptoms. In addition to routine tests, consider asking about more specialized tests that may not be part of standard screenings. These could include comprehensive stool analyses, food intolerance testing, allergy panels, or advanced imaging studies to assess gut health.
    • Nacina
      14 year old with Celiac & EOE still suffering...

      By Nacina · Posted

      Hello, I am a 45 year old mom, who was diagnosed at 29 with Celiac. My now 14 year old son was diagnosed just before his 4th birthday. Needless to say, we are old pros with the diet. He was experiencing some issues, overall health took a major plummet a year ago, and through a bit of work, was diagnosed with EOE. Tried diet alone, but his follow up endoscopy didn't show the improvements his DR. wanted to see, so I tried the medication. (Steroid). He became extremely backed up, and they had him taking Miralax daily. His health plummeted. He is a straight A honor's 8th grader who plays club soccer very competitively. His health continued to decline and at 13 had a colonoscopy and another upper gi. (He was still compacted even with the prep). I finally pulled him off all meds and mira lax, after reading much negative literature online, and put him on a gut detox diet and took him to a nutrition response dr. Finally things have improved. However...over a year later and he is having relapse stomach pain, debilitating stomach pain. Missing a day of school a week, to three this week. This is where we downward spiral with him. He says it doesn't feel the same as when he has gotten backed up before. He is eating prunes, taking his supplements, drinking water...all of the things. Yet, he is feeling horrible. Pain is abdomen, headache, lethargy, diarrhea . He is on a strict gluten dairy, egg free diet. He has adapted well in regards to diet. But I feel like we are missing something here. He is too active, too outgoing to be feeling sick all of the time. His Bilirubin is constantly high. His white blood count always runs slightly low. His vitamin D was very low last time he ran tests, (last month) when he was sick for a week. His celiac markers show negative, so it isn't that. His last endoscopy showed no Eosinaphils in his esophagus.  I have taken him to multiple Ped. Gastro specialists. They run tests, and we get zero answers. I meticulously go through labs, hoping to make some sense and maybe catch something. Any thoughts or ideas would greatly be appreciated. 
    • trents
      Waiting for urgent referral.

      By trents · Posted

      But if you have been off of wheat for a period of weeks/months leading up to the testing it will likely turn out to be negative for celiac disease, even if you actually have celiac disease. Given your symptoms when consuming gluten, we certainly understand your reluctance to undergo  the "gluten challenge" before testing but you need to understand that the testing may be a waste of time if you don't. What are you going to do if it is negative for celiac disease? Are you going to go back to merrily eating wheat/barley/rye products while living in pain and destroying your health? You will be in a conundrum. Do I or do I not? And you will likely have a difficult time being consistent with your diet. Celiac disease causes inflammation to the small bowel villous lining when gluten containing grains are consumed. This inflammation produces certain antibodies that can be detected in the blood after they reach a certain level, which takes weeks or months after the onset of the disease. If gluten is stopped or drastically reduced, the inflammation begins to decrease and so do the antibodies. Before long, their low levels are not detectable by testing and the antibody blood tests done for diagnosing celiac disease will be negative. Over time, this inflammation wears down the billions of microscopic, finger-like projections that make up the lining and form the nutrient absorbing layer of the small bowel where all the nutrition in our food is absorbed. As the villi bet worn down, vitamin and mineral deficiencies typically develop because absorption is compromised. An endoscopy with biopsy of the small bowel lining to microscopically examine this damage is usually the second stage of celiac disease diagnosis. However, when people cut out gluten or cut back on it significantly ahead of time before the biopsy is done, the villous lining has already experienced some healing and the microscopic examination may be negative or inconclusive. I'm not trying to tell you what to do I just want you to understand what the consequences of going gluten free ahead of testing are as far as test results go so that you will either not waste your time in having the tests done or will be prepared for negative test results and the impact that will have on your dietary decisions. And, who are these "consultants" you keep talking about and what are their qualifications? You are in the unenviable position that many who joint this forum have found themselves in. Namely, having begun a gluten free diet before getting a proper diagnosis but unwilling to enter into the gluten challenge for valid testing because of the severity of the symptoms it would cause them.
    • Fluka66
      Waiting for urgent referral.

      By Fluka66 · Posted

      Thank you very much for your reply. I hadn't heard of celiac disease but began to notice a pattern of pain. I've been on the floor more than once with agonising pain but this was always put down to another abdominal problem consequently I've been on a roundabout of backwards and forwards with another consultant for many years. I originally questioned this diagnosis but was assured it was the reason for my pain. Many years later the consultant gave up and I had a new GP. I started to cut out certain food types ,reading packets then really started to cut out wheat and went lactose free. After a month I reintroduced these in one meal and ended screaming in agony the tearing and bloating pain. With this info and a swollen lymph node in my neck I went back to the GP.  I have a referral now . I have also found out that acidic food is causing the terrible pain . My thoughts are this is irritating any ulcers. I'm hoping that after a decade the outlook isn't all bad. My blood test came back with a high marker but I didn't catch what it was. My GP and I have agreed that I won't go back on wheat just for the test due to the pain , my swollen lymph node and blood test results.  Trying to remain calm for the referral and perhaps needed to be more forceful all those years ago but I'm not assertive and consultants can be overwhelming. Many thanks for your reply . Wishing you all the best.
×
×
  • Create New...