66: The Gut-Thyroid Connection: Uncovering the Root Causes of Intestinal Permeability | Dr. Izabella Wentz

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz explores the science behind intestinal permeability (leaky gut), a critical factor in both Hashimoto’s and irritable bowel syndrome. Drawing from her own story and over a decade of clinical research, she shares how healing the gut can lower thyroid antibodies, improve symptoms, and even bring autoimmune conditions into remission.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why intestinal permeability is central to autoimmunity. Dr. Alessio Fasano’s “three-legged stool” theory shows that while we can’t change our genes and don’t always know our exact triggers, we can heal intestinal permeability – often reducing inflammation and lowering thyroid antibodies. Dr. Wentz shares steps that can strengthen your gut lining and calm immune reactivity.

• Leaky gut often shows up before an autoimmune diagnosis. IBS symptoms frequently appear 5 to 15 years before Hashimoto’s or other autoimmune conditions. Digestive pain, reflux, or bloating may be early warning signs, but intestinal permeability can also exist without gut symptoms. Discover how to recognize these early patterns and begin restoring balance before autoimmunity progresses.

• Food sensitivities play a big role. Gluten and dairy are the most common culprits, but soy, eggs, nuts, grains, and nightshades can also trigger leaky gut. Dr. Wentz shares her tips on short-term elimination plans, tracking symptom responses, and safely reintroducing foods.

• Nutrient deficiencies can prevent gut healing. Zinc and glutamine are two of the most critical nutrients for repairing the gut lining, yet they’re often depleted in people with autoimmune disease, chronic stress, or poor digestion. Discover how to assess your nutrient status and use targeted supplementation or food-based support to rebuild your gut barrier.

• Gut infections and imbalances are hidden drivers. SIBO, Candida, mold colonization, and parasites like Blastocystis hominis all contribute to intestinal permeability. Discover how functional tests such as breath tests, organic acid testing, GI-MAP, or mycotoxin panels can uncover these hidden infections, and how to work with your practitioner to treat them effectively.

• Healing your gut transforms overall health. Restoring gut integrity can lead to remission of Hashimoto’s and IBS, and even improve conditions like migraines, asthma, and allergies. Discover how strategies like mindful eating, stress reduction, and using key nutrients can help your intestinal lining thrive.

  
  

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Dr. Wentz’s new book, IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, will be out on March 17, 2026. Many people with Hashimoto’s have irritable bowel syndrome, which can be both a root cause and symptom of autoimmunity. This comprehensive guide reveals how irritable bowel syndrome is often a catch-all diagnosis that overlooks treatable root causes. It offers a step-by-step approach to help readers understand what’s really driving gut symptoms, and how to create a personalized plan to restore gut health and overall wellness. 

Order your copy of IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/ibs-book-preorders/

Sign up for the Thyroid Pharmacist Weekly Thyroid Solutions Newsletter here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/gift/ 

For the full list of resources and products mentioned in this episode, and to get the full episode transcript, see complete show notes here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/podcast/

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