AutoimmuneImproving
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Autoimmune attack on thyroid causing subclinical hypothyroidism
TSH6.2 mIU/L0.56 mIU/L−91%
TPO Antibodies900 IU/mL571 IU/mL−37%
The lab / n=1 experiments
Test something. Change one input. Test again.
every number on this page is mineFive diagnoses, one root cause, and the protocol that is reversing it. Every biomarker tracked, every intervention measured, every product I take listed with the reason.
Supplements46Daily protocol
Therapies4Devices & peptides
Biomarkers150+Tracked & optimized
Months logged2028 log entries
DEXA scans4Jan to Sep 2026
01 · Conditions
Five diagnoses. One is resolved, the rest are moving.
AutoimmuneMonitoring
Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Positive CCP antibodies indicating potential RA development
CCP Antibodies28 Units25 Units−11%
ViralSuppressing
EBV Reactivation
Chronic Epstein-Barr virus reactivation from 2016 mono infection
EBV Early Antigen38.7 U/mL36.1 U/mL−7%
MicrobiomeImproving
Gut Dysbiosis
Root cause identified: Staphylococcus overgrowth now reduced, Bifidobacterium restored
Staphylococcus99.9th67.5th−32%
Bifidobacterium15.5th75.3rd+386%
EndocrineResolved
HPA Dysfunction
Morning cortisol was flat on the June four-point curve. The September retest has all four samples in range.
Morning Cortisol0.49 ng/mL3.9 ng/mL+696%
Samples In Range2 of 44 of 4+100%
02 · Biomarker trends · Data-driven optimization
Every biomarker tracked. Every intervention measured.
TSH
−91%0.56mIU/L
TPO antibodies
−37%571IU/mL
LDL particles
−36%1,460nmol/L
Vitamin D
+148%67ng/mL
Salivary cortisol · four samples in one day
Wake cycle in rhythm; all four samples in range4 of 4samples in range · Sep 2025
Four saliva samples across one day. The two tests were run by different labs, so each curve is scored against its own reference range.
| Sample | Jun 2025 | Sep 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 0.49ref 1.8–3.8 · low | 3.9ref 1.5–9.6 |
| Noon | 0.82ref 0.3–1.4 | 1.2ref 0.6–4.1 |
| Evening | 0.6ref 0.2–1.1 | 0.8ref 0.2–2.3 |
| Night | <0.2ref 0.2–0.8 · low | 0.2ref 0.1–1.8 |
Jun 2025: Salivary cortisol panel · personal data · Sep 2025: Sleep and wake panel · personal data. Values in ng/mL.
Salivary melatonin · four samples in one day
Sleep cycle out of rhythm; evening melatonin low3 of 4samples in range · Sep 2025
Four saliva samples across one day, run alongside the cortisol curve. Melatonin should rise at night while cortisol falls.
| Sample | Sep 2025 |
|---|---|
| Morning | 8.4ref 3–19 |
| Noon | 1ref 1–5.8 |
| Evening | 1ref 1.2–10.6 · low |
| Night | 6.1ref 3.8–24 |
Sep 2025: Sleep and wake panel · personal data. Values in pg/mL.
03 · Body composition · DEXA · Kalos San Francisco
17.3% body fat, and the bone density went up with it.
Four DEXA scans between January and September 2026. Fat mass down 9.6 lb, lean mass up 2.7 lb, bone density up 4.3%.
Latest scan · September 10, 2026
I started tirzepatide around early August. This scan shows 32.49 lb fat mass and 148.13 lb lean mass. The change since May covers four months, including time before I started this protocol.
Body fat
−20%17.3%
Fat mass
−23%32.49lb
Lean mass
+2%148.13lb
Bone density
+4%1.282g/cm²
Fat vs lean, every scan
Scanned mass in pounds. Lean includes bone mineral content.
Fat by region
Percent fat, September 2026 scan.
Visceral fat44.6 cm²
Down from 81.5 in January. Under 100 is the healthy range.
Bone density T-score+0.8
1.282 g/cm², up 4.3% since the baseline scan.
Body fat percentile21st
Age matched. It was the 47th percentile in January.
Appendicular lean index9.3 kg/m²
58th percentile. Arm and leg muscle responded best.
Lean / height²19.5 kg/m²
43rd percentile. The weakest number on the report.
Android / gynoid ratio0.93
Fat sits evenly rather than around the middle.
What the scan says to fix
- Lean mass fell 5.44 lb between the May and September scans - the last four months cost muscle, not just fat
- Lean/height index sits at 19.5 kg/m², still only the 43rd percentile age matched
- Scan weight dropped 9.24 lb since May, faster than a clean recomposition should run
- Next block: eat at maintenance and push resistance training to put the May lean mass back on
Hologic Horizon Wi, NHANES reference. Percentiles are age matched. Scan mass is measured by the machine and runs below a scale reading.
04 · Genetics · DNA analysis
My whole genome, system by system.
I went deep into my 30× whole genome sequencing. The analysis maps APOE, methylation, stress chemistry, sleep, and the gut–brain axis into a connected story, with the exact calls and bloodwork behind it.
- Lipids & brain health
- APOE ε3/ε4
- Folate & B12
- MTHFR GA · MTRR GG
- Glucose regulation
- TCF7L2 TT
- Medication response
- CYP2C19 GA · SLCO1B1 TC
Thirteen topics. Detailed mechanisms, personal interpretations, and a map of how the pathways connect.
Read my DNA analysis ↗05 · The stack · Daily protocol
My current supplements and therapies.
Each supplement targets a specific dysfunction identified through testing. Grouped by the job it does, with the marker it moved when I have one.
Current GLP-1 protocol · Updated September 15, 2026
Tirzepatide: 0.5 mg twice per week.
I take 0.5 mg per dose, for a total of 1 mg per week. I started around early August, about six weeks before this update.
Prescription
2 itemsTno photo
Tirzepatide
0.5 mg per dose · Twice per week · 1 mg/week
My GLP-1 microdose protocol, started around early August 2026. About six weeks in as of September 15.
Prescription
Armour Thyroid
60mg daily · 6:00 AM
Thyroid hormone replacement for Hashimoto's hypothyroidism
Prescription
Gut Repair
17 items
L-Glutamine
20g daily · 7:00 AM & 9:00 PM
Gut barrier repair, intestinal permeability healing
SunButyrate
875mg daily · 7:00 AM
Short-chain fatty acid for gut lining and enterocyte fuel
Zinc-Carnosine
16mg Zinc · 7:30 AM
Gut lining protection, ulcer healing
Oregano Oil
4x daily · With meals
Targeted antimicrobial for Staphylococcus overgrowth
Berberine
500mg 2x daily · Lunch & Dinner
Antimicrobial, blood sugar regulation, gut pathogen control
Monolaurin
1,200mg 2x daily · 7:00 AM & 9:00 PM
Antimicrobial from lauric acid, biofilm disruption
Bifido Maximus
4x daily · With meals & bedtime
High-potency Bifidobacterium probiotic for reseeding
HMO Prebiotic
4x daily · With Bifido Maximus
Human milk oligosaccharides to selectively feed Bifidobacterium
Pomegranate Extract
500mg daily · 7:30 AM
Blautia suppression, urolithin A production for mitochondria
EGCG (Green Tea Extract)
400mg daily · 7:30 AM
Blautia suppression, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory polyphenol
PHGG
5g daily · 7:00 AM
Partially hydrolyzed guar gum to feed butyrate-producing bacteria
Arabinogalactan
1.5g daily · 7:00 AM
Prebiotic fiber to feed butyrate-producing bacteria
Clostridium butyricum
1 cap daily · 7:00 AM
Spore-forming butyrate producer to restore butyrate production
MegaSporeBiotic
2 caps daily · 7:00 AM
Spore-based probiotic for gut barrier integrity and microbiome diversity
Saccharomyces boulardii
500mg daily · 7:00 AM
Beneficial yeast for fungal balance and gut immune function
Allicin (Garlic Extract)
450mg daily · With meals
Selective antimicrobial for pathogen control, biofilm disruption
N-Acetyl Glucosamine
700mg daily · 7:30 AM
Gut mucosal barrier repair, joint and cartilage support
Methylation
4 items
L-Methylfolate
1mg daily · 7:30 AM
MTHFR mutation support - cannot use folic acid
Methylcobalamin B12
1mg daily · 7:30 AM
MTR/MTRR mutations - impaired B12 recycling
TMG (Betaine)
750mg daily · 7:30 AM
Methyl donor for homocysteine management
Riboflavin 5'-P (B2)
36.5mg daily · 7:30 AM
Active B2 for MTHFR pathway cofactor
Antioxidant
3 items
Liposomal Glutathione
450mg daily · 7:00 AM
Master antioxidant, detoxification support
NAC
1000mg daily · 7:00 AM
Glutathione precursor, liver support
Alpha Lipoic Acid
300mg daily · 7:00 AM
Universal antioxidant, mitochondrial support
Immune
3 items
Vitamin D3+K2
5,000 IU daily · 7:30 AM
VDR mutation - reduced vitamin D sensitivity
Liposomal Vitamin C
2000mg daily · 7:30 AM & 9:00 PM
Immune support, adrenal health, HPA axis
L-Lysine
2000mg daily · 7:00 AM & PM
EBV viral suppression (high lysine/low arginine)
Performance
4 items
Creatine
10g daily · 7:00 AM
Muscle recovery, cellular energy, cognition
CoQ10 (Ubiquinol)
100mg daily · 7:30 AM
Mitochondrial support, cardiovascular health
Mitopure (Urolithin A)
500mg daily · 7:30 AM
Mitophagy activation, mitochondrial renewal
Fish Oil (Omega-3)
2 caps daily · 7:30 AM
Inflammation reduction, cardiovascular health
Sleep
6 items
Magnesium Glycinate
300mg daily · 9:00 PM
Thyroid support, muscle function, sleep quality
Glycine
3g daily · 9:00 PM
Sleep quality, collagen synthesis
L-Theanine
200mg daily · 9:00 PM
HPA axis support, COMT mutation management
Taurine
2g daily · 9:00 PM
GABA modulation, bile acid support, sleep quality
L-Tryptophan
500mg daily · 9:00 PM
Serotonin and melatonin precursor for deep sleep
Apigenin
50mg daily · 9:00 PM
Natural flavonoid for sleep onset, CD38 inhibition for NAD+
Anti-inflammatory
2 items
Curcumin
1000mg daily · 7:30 AM
Anti-inflammatory, gut healing support
Hyaluronic Acid
200mg daily · 7:30 AM
Joint lubrication, skin hydration, connective tissue support
B Vitamins
2 items
Benfotiamine (B1)
200mg daily · 7:30 AM
Fat-soluble B1, neuroprotection
Pantethine (B5)
300mg daily · 7:30 AM
Adrenal support, cortisol production
Minerals
2 items
Molybdenum
500mcg daily · 7:30 AM
Sulfite metabolism, detox enzyme cofactor
Boron
6mg daily · 7:30 AM
Testosterone support, calcium/magnesium metabolism, bone health
Electrolytes
1 items
LMNT Electrolytes
1 packet daily · 7:00 AM
Electrolyte balance, hydration, adrenal support
Device
2 items
Red Light Therapy
Daily sessions · AM or PM
Mitochondrial function, thyroid support, tissue healing
Truvaga
2 min, 2x daily · 9:00 PM
Vagus nerve stimulation for HRV, sleep, and parasympathetic tone
Peptides
3 items
Guttides (BPC-157 + KPV)
1 cap daily · Empty stomach
Combined BPC-157 and KPV peptides for gut barrier repair and mucosal inflammation
TAno photo
Thymosin Alpha-1
1.6mg 2x/week · Subcutaneous
Immune modulation, T-cell regulation for autoimmune support
Prescription
Tno photo
TB-500
2.5mg 2x/week · Subcutaneous
Tissue repair, inflammation reduction, wound healing peptide
Prescription
Eliminated · Strict AIP + high lysine protocol
Complete elimination of inflammatory triggers to heal the gut, suppress viral activity, and reduce autoimmune inflammation.
GlutenDairyEggsNutsSeedsLegumesNightshadesSugarCaffeineAlcoholGrains
This is not medical advice. I am not a doctor. Everything shared here reflects my personal experience and experimentation. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement or health protocol.
06 · Skincare protocol
9-step skin routine.
Cleanse, exfoliate, actives, barrier, sunscreen. AM and PM marked on the rail. One step alternates nightly.
- 01 · AM+PM
Blueprint Cleanser - 02 · PM
The Ordinary BHA / Salicylic Exfoliantwait 5 min - 03 · AM
Rouche Vitamin C Serum - 04 · AM+PM
Blueprint NMN + SFC Serum - 05 · PM
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalanealternate nightly
Alternates nightly withBiossance Copper Peptides Serum - 06 · AM+PM
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% - 07 · PM
Azelaic Acid Cream - 08 · AM+PM
Vanicream Moisturizer - 09 · AM
Zinc Mineral SPF
07 · Health log
The journey documented.
28 entries, newest first. Coral dots are setbacks and mixed results. Acid dots are wins.
Root cause analysis
One root cause. Every system failed.
The May 2025 panel was not a random collection of issues. It was a stress signature. Years of chronic stress triggered a cascade that depleted every system simultaneously.
- 01
Years of chronic stress
A major life stressor sustained over years. It demanded far more sleep than normal. The body was in survival mode.
- 02
Cortisol collapse
Sustained stress depleted the HPA axis. Morning cortisol hit 0.49 ng/mL, barely detectable. The adrenals were exhausted, unable to mount a proper stress response.
Cortisol: 0.49 ng/mL - 03
Immune regulation breaks down
Without cortisol to regulate it, the immune system lost its brakes. T-cell regulation failed. The body could no longer distinguish self from threat.
- 04
EBV reactivates
Epstein-Barr virus, dormant since a 2016 mono infection, reactivated. The weakened immune system couldn't keep it suppressed.
EBV Early Antigen: 36.2 U/mL - 05
Autoimmune cascade triggered
EBV shares molecular structures with thyroid tissue, molecular mimicry. The confused immune system began attacking the thyroid (Hashimoto's) and joints (early RA).
TPO: 900 IU/mLCCP: 28 Units - 06
Nutrient depletion
Chronic stress burns through zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, and CoQ10. Every cofactor the immune system needed to self-correct was depleted.
Vitamin D: 27Zinc: lowCoQ10: low - 07
Gut barrier collapses
Stress + nutrient depletion broke down the intestinal barrier. Staphylococcus overgrew to the 99.9th percentile. Bifidobacterium crashed. The gut, where 70% of the immune system lives, became the epicenter of dysfunction.
Staph: 99.9th %ileBifido: 15.5th %ile - 08
Hormonal collapse
The final domino. Testosterone suppressed by stress and inflammation. Prolactin elevated. The endocrine system reflected the damage of every upstream failure.
The log
- Sep 15, 2026protocol
Current protocol: tirzepatide microdose, 0.5 mg twice weekly
I am taking tirzepatide at 0.5 mg per dose, twice per week, for a total of 1 mg per week. I started about six weeks ago, around early August 2026. This entry records my current schedule.
Dose 0.5 mgSchedule Twice per weekWeekly total 1 mgStarted Around early August 2026 - Sep 10, 2026mixed
September DEXA: 17.3% body fat, with lean mass down since May
My September 10 Kalos DEXA measured 17.3% body fat, 32.49 lb fat mass, and 148.13 lb lean soft tissue. Since January, fat mass is down 9.62 lb and lean mass is up 2.70 lb. Since May, fat mass fell 3.85 lb and lean mass fell 5.44 lb. Bone mineral density reached 1.282 g/cm², up 4.3% from January, with a T-score of +0.8. Visceral fat area is 44.6 cm². I started tirzepatide around early August; the May-to-September comparison covers a longer period than this protocol.
Body fat 17.3%Fat mass 32.49 lbLean mass 148.13 lbBone density 1.282 g/cm²Visceral fat 44.6 cm² - Sep 9, 2026mixed
August Tiny Health report: score 76, new focus areas
Tiny Health stool sample collected August 27; report issued September 9 (kit SJB636, version 5.3.2). Microbiome score fell from 81 to 76. Streptococcus increased from 0.054% to 1.482%, and Bifidobacterium fell from 0.691% to 0.069%. Butyrate capacity fell from 503 to 413 rpkm; acetate from 429 to 302; propionate from 310 to 244. Beta-glucuronidase fell from 1810 to 1323 rpkm and is now rated Great. Klebsiella and Staphylococcus are reported at 0%. Top focus areas: Streptococcus, antibiotic-resistance richness index (0.2), and acetate. Microbiome age is 35.7 years; gut type is Lachnospiraceae. The report evaluates 106 metrics: 5 Support, 3 Improve, 73 Okay, 25 Great. Tiny Health versions differ between samples; results remain separate from Thorne tests. Context from Nick: I took antibiotics after food poisoning in Mexico and stopped my probiotics 10 days before the August sample. My working hypothesis is that the antibiotics contributed to the lower score. The probiotic pause also matters when I compare this sample with earlier tests.
Score 81 to 76/100Streptococcus 0.054 to 1.482%Bifidobacterium 0.691 to 0.069%Butyrate 503 to 413 rpkmAcetate 429 to 302 rpkmBeta-glucuronidase 1810 to 1323 rpkm - Jul 21, 2026protocol
Lipid Read - Great Omega-3s, Still Pattern B: Two Different Circuits
Why do excellent omega-3s (index 8.8) and pristine inflammation (hs-CRP 0.3) coexist with a Pattern B particle profile? Different circuits. Omega-3 and clean metabolic markers set your cholesterol concentrations and inflammation — both optimized. But particle quality (Pattern B, small-dense LDL, low HDL-Large) is set by triglyceride throughput, and the leading driver here is dietary: white rice at every meal → postprandial glucose → hepatic de novo lipogenesis → VLDL-TG → CETP/hepatic-lipase remodeling into small, dense particles. (Corrects an earlier read that assumed a zero-grain diet ruled out de novo lipogenesis.) The three-panel triglyceride creep (61→73→84) fits the same carb-flux mechanism. Meanwhile ~4 months of half-marathon training (~25 mi/week) pushes the other way — upregulating lipoprotein lipase, clearing particles (LDL-P 2230→1460) and lifting HDL (47→56); LDL-C has trended 126→110→97→102→82 over the training year. Net: training is winning on particle count and HDL, the rice is holding back triglycerides and size. Highest-yield levers: cut rice frequency and time remaining carbs peri-workout, re-up EPA/DHA, shift some saturated to monounsaturated fat. Retest NMR + lipids in ~3-4 months, standardized (48-72h off hard running, fasted), before any pharmacology — count is trending down on its own. (diet.json is stale — still says zero grains.)
LDL trend 126→110→97→102→82LDL-P 2230→1460HDL 47→56TG creep 61→73→84 - Jul 10, 2026mixed
July Panel - Particle Count Rebounds, HDL Jumps, Size Still Stuck
Focused lipid fractionation + partial thyroid (fasting). Strong reversal of June's spike: LDL-P -35% (2230→1460), small-dense LDL -35% (462→302), medium LDL -41% (598→352), LDL-C 82, ApoB 80, non-HDL 98, total chol 154. Protective side improved too: HDL crossed into optimal (47→56), ApoA1 144, chol/HDL 2.8, ApoB/A1 0.56, LDL/HDL 1.5. Tracks ~4 months of half-marathon training (~25 mi/week) upregulating lipoprotein lipase. Two things did NOT improve: particle size is stuck (peak size flat 215.6, still Pattern B — fewer small particles rather than bigger ones), and HDL-Large fell below range (10725→5115, the June value was likely an outlier). Triglycerides rose a third straight panel (61→73→84). Diet correction: currently eating white rice at every meal — the most plausible driver of the triglyceride creep and persistent Pattern B via postprandial de novo lipogenesis, despite pristine fasting metabolic markers. hs-CRP 0.3, Lp(a) <10. Thyroid: Total T4 8.4, Free T4 Index 2.6 (optimal), T3 uptake 31, TgAb 3; TPO pending.
LDL-P 1460 (-35%)Small-dense LDL 302 (-35%)ApoB 80 mg/dLHDL 56 mg/dLHDL Large 5115 (-52%)TG 84 mg/dL - Jun 3, 2026mixed
June Panel - Lipoprotein Fractionation Reverses, TPO Upticks
Lipoprotein quality reversed. Unlike April's benign fat-loss mobilization (Pattern A, rising peak size), everything moved the wrong way together: LDL-P rose again to 2230 (1269→1724→2230), small-dense LDL jumped to 462, LDL Pattern reverted A→B, and peak size fell to 215.7 — remodeling toward small, dense particles, not mobilization. April's prediction that LDL-P would normalize didn't hold. Top action item: lipidology follow-up. Standard lipids drifted up but stay fine (LDL 102, HDL 47, TG 73, ApoB 85 <90). Thyroid mixed: TPO ticked up for the first time in months (522→571), TgAb steady at 3, TSH low-normal 0.56 — watch on next retest. Total testosterone up to 929 but free T dipped to 101.3 as SHBG stays elevated (58) — likely from optimized thyroid + low insulin + leanness, not estrogen (E2 optimal at 32). Metabolically excellent: hs-CRP down to 0.2, HbA1c 5.2, insulin 7.5, leptin 1.3. Zinc above range (135) — ease supplementation.
LDL-P 2230 (+29%)Small-dense LDL 462 (+45%)TPO 571 IU/mL (+9%)hs-CRP 0.2 mg/LTestosterone 929 ng/dL - May 26, 2026success
Gut Microbiome (Tiny Health) - Strong Recovery, Score 81/100
First Tiny Health shotgun-metagenomic sample (provider switch from Thorne Onegevity, so not directly comparable to prior gut panels) — but a strong picture versus the dysbiotic 2025 baseline. Score 81/100, 55% beneficial / 0% unfriendly, Bacteroides gut type. Robust beneficials: Faecalibacterium prausnitzii ~10.6% across strains (major butyrate producer, anti-inflammatory), Akkermansia muciniphila 0.680%, Bifidobacterium 0.691% (all 'great'). SCFA capacity high across the board (butyrate 503, acetate 429, propionate 310 rpkm, all above reference). Diversity solid; phyla balanced (F/B ratio 0.93). Two focus areas: Klebsiella at 0.009% (trivial in absolute terms) and beta-glucuronidase capacity 1810 rpkm ('needs support') — elevated, recirculates conjugated estrogens/toxins via the estrobolome. With E2 optimal, the lever is fiber (ground flax), faster transit, and probiotics rather than DIM/calcium-D-glucarate. Microbiome age 38.6 years.
Score 81/100F. prausnitzii ~10.6%Butyrate 503 rpkmβ-glucuronidase 1810 rpkm (high)Klebsiella 0.009% - May 4, 2026success
Food Allergy Retest — Egg, Gluten & Nut Allergies Resolved
Infinite Allergy Labs retest, same lab as June 2025 — ~11 months of elimination diet plus gut healing. Every previously-elevated IgE (true allergy) is now below range: Egg White (IgE >100 → undetectable, and C3b/d complement cleared from Detected → Not Detected), Egg Yolk (24 → <0.5), Gluten (7.3 → 0.6), Walnut (6.4 → 0.8), plus Bean, Beef, Hazelnut, Tomato, Goat Milk, Peanut, and Cashew. IgG4 sensitivities dropped sharply too (Egg White IgG4 27 → 3). A handful of IgG exposure markers rose with food reintroduction (almond, white potato, wheat) — expected, and not a returning allergy. Tally: 11 resolved, 3 improved.
Egg White IgE >100 → <0.5Egg Yolk IgE 24 → <0.5Gluten IgE 7.3 → 0.6IgE allergies resolved 10+ - Apr 6, 2026mixed
April Panel - Thyroid Autoimmunity Improving, Lipid Mobilization
TPO antibodies down 22% (672→522, trend: 739→680→522). TgAb down 59% (7.4→3), approaching normal. TSH dropped to 0.76 (lower end of range). LDL particle counts rose (LDL-P +36%, LDL Small +19%, LDL Medium +39%) but every quality marker improved: LDL Peak Size continued year-long uptrend (215→217→217.9→219.5), Pattern B→A shift, HDL Large surged 43% into optimal range. Divergence between particle count and quality is classic signature of fat loss-driven lipid mobilization — not metabolic deterioration. Prediction: LDL-P should normalize once weight-stable 8-10 weeks.
TPO 522 IU/mL (-22%)TgAb 3 IU/mL (-59%)LDL-P 1724 (+36%)HDL Large 7151 (+43%) - Mar 15, 2026mixed
March Panel - TPO Rebounds, Testosterone Strong
TSH trending down (3.05→2.83). TPO antibodies rebounded (555→672), indicating autoimmune flare despite TA-1 treatment. Testosterone strong at 839 ng/dL. SHBG elevated at 56. Bilirubin high at 2.2 (Gilbert's pattern). EBV Early Antigen D slightly improved (38.7→36.1). Cystatin C added for kidney monitoring.
TSH 2.83 mIU/LTPO 672 IU/mL (+21%)Testosterone 839 ng/dL - Feb 11, 2026success
TA-1 Week 4 - TPO Antibodies Drop 34%
Week 4 on Thymosin Alpha-1. TPO antibodies dropped from 739→487 IU/mL (-34%), the largest sustained drop from any single intervention. Free T4 improved (1.2→1.47). Thyroglobulin antibodies improved (10→7.4). TSH stable at 2.27 (optimal range). Free T3 dipped slightly (3.5→3.0) but still normal. TA-1 appears to be directly modulating the autoimmune attack via Treg upregulation.
TPO 487 IU/mL (-34%)Free T4 1.47 ng/dL (+23%)TgAb 7.4 IU/mL (-26%) - Jan 17, 2026protocol
Started Thymosin Alpha-1 (TA-1)
Initiated TA-1 subcutaneous injections for immune modulation. TA-1 directly modulates T-cell function at the thymus level: upregulates Tregs, shifts Th1/Th2 balance, reduces autoreactive immune activity. Targeting the core autoimmune dysfunction driving Hashimoto's.
- Jan 16, 2026mixed
Gut Microbiome Follow-Up - Major Bifidobacterium Recovery
3-month follow-up on gut healing protocol shows dramatic Bifidobacterium recovery (+385%, from 15.5→75.3 percentile) - the primary target of Bifido Maximus supplementation. Staphylococcus reduced 32% (99.9→67.5 percentile), no longer in extreme overgrowth. Beta diversity improved 47% (66→35). However, concerns emerged: Blautia spiked 65% to 96.4th percentile (autoimmune-associated), butyrate production collapsed 75% (72→18 percentile), and total fungi increased to 88.1 percentile. Dysbiosis score unchanged at 69.8. Next phase: address new overgrowths while supporting butyrate production.
Bifido +385%Staph -32%Blautia +65%Butyrate -75% - Dec 20, 2025mixed
December Panel - TSH Optimal, Antibodies Persist
TSH now fully optimized at 1.22 mIU/L (-66% from Oct). Testosterone excellent at 895 ng/dL (+28%). Omega-3 index at 10% (excellent). Homocysteine improved to 7.6. However, TPO antibodies increased to 739 (+18%) and CCP to 25 (+14%) - autoimmune activity persists despite optimal thyroid function. EBV reactivation worsening (36.2, +17%). Gut protocol needs more time.
TSH 1.22 mIU/L (-66%)TPO 739 IU/mL (+18%)Testosterone 895 ng/dL (+28%) - Nov 15, 2025protocol
Increased Armour Thyroid to 60mg
Bumped Armour Thyroid from 30mg to 60mg daily based on continued optimization. TSH was improving but wanted to push further into optimal range. No adverse effects from the increase.
- Oct 24, 2025success
First Month Thyroid Check - TSH Responding
First thyroid panel after starting Armour Thyroid 30mg in September. TSH dropped 42% (6.20→3.57 mIU/L), now in normal range. TPO antibodies also declined: 799→627 (-22%). Decided to increase dose to push TSH further into optimal range.
TSH 3.57 mIU/L (-42%)TPO 627 IU/mL (-22%) - Oct 22, 2025protocol
Started Ultra-Simplified Gut Healing Protocol
Initiated targeted gut dysbiosis treatment for Staphylococcus overgrowth and Bifidobacterium restoration. Protocol: BPC-157 (500mcg 2x/day), HMO prebiotic (15g/day), Bifido Maximus (5 caps/day), Oregano oil (4x/day), Berberine (1000mg/day), Monolaurin (2400mg/day). Expecting 12 week timeline for significant results.
Staph 99.9th percentileBifido 15.5th percentile - Oct 15, 2025mixed
October Comprehensive Panel - Major Improvements
Omega-3 index +51% (4.9→7.4%), EPA +133%. HDL +31% (49→64). LDL particles -46% (2,284→1,243). Small dense LDL -55% (544→243). Morning cortisol fully restored +697% (0.49→3.9) - HPA axis dysfunction RESOLVED. Vitamin D corrected +89% (27→51). However, TSH worsening (5.91→6.20), indicating need for thyroid medication.
Omega-3 +51%Cortisol +697%LDL-P -46% - Oct 1, 2025discovery
Root Cause Identified - Gut Microbiome Analysis
Microbiome analysis revealed ultimate upstream driver of autoimmune cascade: extreme Staphylococcus overgrowth (99.9th percentile - higher than 999/1000 healthy adults) combined with severe Bifidobacterium deficiency (15.5th percentile). Gut dysbiosis score 69.8. This explains the entire causal chain: dysbiosis → intestinal immune activation → molecular mimicry → autoimmune attack → thyroid destruction.
Dysbiosis Score 69.8Staph 99.9th %ileBifido 15.5th %ile - Sep 24, 2025protocol
Started Armour Thyroid 30mg
Initiated thyroid hormone replacement with Armour (natural desiccated thyroid) at 30mg daily. Decision made after TSH continued worsening despite all other interventions improving. Armour chosen over synthetic levothyroxine because it provides both T4 and T3. Goal is to eventually wean off as gut heals and antibodies decline.
- Jul 1, 2025protocol
Started High-Dose Methylation Support Protocol
Started methylation support for MTHFR/MTR/MTRR/CBS mutations: L-Methylfolate 5mg, Methylcobalamin 3mg, TMG 1.8g, NAC 600-1200mg, Liposomal Glutathione 500mg, Riboflavin 5'-Phosphate 90mg. Goal: support impaired methylation pathways, reduce homocysteine, improve detoxification capacity.
- Jun 25, 2025discovery
Methylation Genetic Testing - 7 Mutations Found
Comprehensive genetic panel revealed SEVEN methylation-related mutations: MTHFR (reduced folate conversion by up to 70%), MTR & MTRR (impaired B12 recycling), CBS (rapid homocysteine conversion), COMT (slow catecholamine clearance), VDR (reduced vitamin D receptor sensitivity), MAT1A (impaired SAMe production), NOS3 (reduced nitric oxide). This rare combination (<1% of population) explains severity of symptoms.
MTHFR PositiveMTR/MTRR MutatedCBS MutatedCOMT Mutated - Jun 20, 2025discovery
Food Sensitivity Testing - Severe Reactions Identified
IgE/IgG/IgG4 panel identified severe reactions: EGG WHITE (extreme - IgE >100), Egg Yolk (severe), Gluten (severe - IgG 34.84), Walnut (severe). High reactions to: beans, beef, whitefish, hazelnuts, tomatoes, pineapple. This explained chronic inflammation and guided strict elimination diet.
- Jun 16, 2025baseline
Transformation Start - Baseline Measurements
Beginning of systematic health optimization. Starting weight: 208 lbs. Symptoms: requiring 14+ hours sleep daily, chronic fatigue despite being physically active, brain fog, exercise intolerance, cold intolerance. Initiated strict elimination diet and targeted supplementation.
- Jun 1, 2025discovery
Function Health Panel - Initial Discovery
For years, I knew something was deeply wrong but couldn't prove it. Every doctor visit ended with 'your labs look fine.' This panel finally gave me answers: TPO antibodies at 900 (normal <35) - active thyroid attack. EBV reactivated from 2016 mono. Early RA markers positive. Morning cortisol at 0.49 (barely detectable) - adrenal collapse. Pattern B dyslipidemia with dangerous small dense LDL. Every major system was failing simultaneously.
TPO 900 IU/mLCortisol 0.49 ng/mLLDL-P 2,284SD-LDL 544 - Feb 10, 2025milestone
End of a Chronic Stress Period
A major life stressor that had been ongoing for years finally resolved. During this period, sleep needs ran well above normal. This chronic stress likely exacerbated autoimmune conditions and contributed to immune dysregulation. Following resolution, sleep normalized.
- Apr 21, 2021protocol
Tonsillectomy Performed
Tonsils surgically removed after becoming enlarged to the point of nearly touching. Had completed 6-week antibiotic course with no improvement. Post-surgery: morning headaches resolved completely, speech became noticeably clearer. In retrospect, tonsils likely contained EBV viral reservoirs or antibiotic-resistant Staph. Removing them reduced immediate load but infection may have migrated to gut.
- Jul 12, 2016discovery
Mono and Strep Co-Infection
Contracted mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus) and streptococcal infection simultaneously. This was a major immune system event. EBV establishes lifelong latency and can reactivate during immune stress. The 2025 testing showing active EBV reactivation indicates the virus acquired here has reactivated due to immune dysfunction from gut dysbiosis.
Writing
Deep dives on what I am learning.
- PeptidesSeptember 2026
GHK-Cu: The Copper Peptide That Tells Skin to Rebuild
How GHK-Cu influences collagen, why delivery matters, and what I observed in my skin and hair. Day 3 of 30 Peptides in 30 Days.
- Alzheimer'sSeptember 2026
Can a Peptide Break the Alzheimer's Tau Loop?
A new Neuron paper caught tau running mitochondria backwards. SS-31, humanin and MOTS-c were built for that machinery, and nobody has tested one against it.
- PeptidesSeptember 2026
BPC-157: The Trial Big Pharma Walked Away From
A drug company took BPC-157 into human trials, then got bought, and the program died in the paperwork. Thirty years of animal studies, about 30 humans, and the trial that finally started.
- Red LightSeptember 2026
Why I Stare Into a Red Light Panel Every Day
My morning cortisol went from 0.49 to 3.9. The three reasons I use red light every day, and only one is about looking younger.
- Evolution & MLFebruary 2026
Evolution Doesn’t Care About You
Category errors, fitness functions, and why your “broken” genes aren’t broken.
- Omega-3sJanuary 2026
Eating Like the Inuit
How I hit a 10% Omega-3 Index (top 5% globally) with 10oz of wild salmon daily and no supplements.
- Gut HealthFebruary 2026
My Gut Was Destroying Me From the Inside Out
How a Staphylococcus overgrowth at the 99.9th percentile was driving my autoimmune cascade, and the protocol that started reversing it.