“Sleep is passive; we can't force it. If the body is safe to relax, it will eventually sleep.” - Annika CarrollMany people experience sleep issues, and there are a number of different factors that contribute to low sleep quality. Then, whether it’s blood sugar dysregulation, gut imbalances, stress, or something else, once we start having a difficult time with our sleep, a lot of us start panicking and fear going to bed. That leads to a vicious cycle where the anxiety around sleep actually makes the issue worse.Today, I’m excited to talk to Annika Carroll, a functional Sleep and Health Coach for high-achieving women and the owner of Sleep Like A Boss. Annika is committed to helping women in midlife take back control of their sleep, restore their energy, and avoid burnout so they can thrive both at work and in their personal lives. Her approach gets to the core of sleep struggles—tackling issues like hormone imbalances, gut health, and daily habits—because sleep problems are rarely just "in your head."In this conversation, Annika and I discuss her journey with sleep disturbances, psychological and physiological factors affecting sleep, the role of diet and lifestyle, practical strategies for improving your sleep quality, why high-quality sleep is foundational to our overall health and well-being, and more. Enjoy the episode!To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/improving-sleep-quality-with-annika-carroll-176/.To register for the Healthy Gut Healthy Thyroid Bootcamp visit www.savemythyroid.com/healthygut Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Access hundreds of free articles at www.NaturalEndocrineSolutions.com Visit Dr. Eric's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/ To work with Dr. Eric, visit https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/

The three main types of thyroid antibodies are thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, thyroglobulin antibodies, and thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI). Although it’s rarely mentioned, there is a fourth type of antibody known as TSH-binding inhibitor immunoglobulins (TBII). Today, I’m sharing what the research tells us about the role of TBII and whether it’s worth testing as part of your thyroid panel.In this episode, you’ll learn about:- Different types of thyroid antibodies- Controversy surrounding TSH-binding inhibitor immunoglobulins- Whether you should test for TSH-binding inhibitor immunoglobulins- Interpreting thyroid antibody test results in context- My approach to thyroid antibody testingAs always, I hope you find this episode valuable, and I look forward to catching you in the next episode!To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/what-are-thyroid-binding-immunoglobulins/.To register for the Healthy Gut Healthy Thyroid Bootcamp visit www.savemythyroid.com/healthygut Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Access hundreds of free articles at www.NaturalEndocrineSolutions.com Visit Dr. Eric's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/ To work with Dr. Eric, visit https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/

Emotional and physical stressors can be contributing factors in the triggering of thyroid autoimmunity in two main ways. First, stress causes an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, which promote inflammation by causing dysregulation of the immune system. Stress also decreases secretory IgA, increasing your risk of developing a leaky gut.That said, it's important to understand that not all stress is equal. Our bodies are designed to handle acute stress situations but less so the chronic stress that most people deal with in our modern lives. This is where stress-handling strategies can be crucial since it is likely to be difficult, if not impossible, to completely eliminate the stress from your life.Today, in part three of my series on lowering and normalizing thyroid antibodies, I’m discussing the role of stress, which is a big factor in many people. I talk about my experiences with stress when I was dealing with Graves’ disease, when to consider adrenal testing, stress management techniques, the role of supplements, the benefits of personalized support, and more. Enjoy the episode!To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/how-to-lower-thyroid-antibodies-part-3-the-role-of-stress-175/.To register for the Healthy Gut Healthy Thyroid Bootcamp visit www.savemythyroid.com/healthygut Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Access hundreds of free articles at www.NaturalEndocrineSolutions.com Visit Dr. Eric's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/ To work with Dr. Eric, visit https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect the health of the bones, which is yet another reason why it's crucial to balance the thyroid hormones. While I’m not a big fan of radiation exposure from scanning, there is a time and place where I believe the benefits outweigh the risks.Today, I’m sharing why DEXA scans are done and when I consider them worth it. In this episode, you’ll learn about:- How hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect bone health- The importance of balancing thyroid hormones to maintain bone density and quality- Understanding DEXA scans and their significance in assessing bone density- Blood tests and markers for bone health- When to consider getting a bone density testAs always, I hope you find this episode valuable, and I look forward to catching you in the next episode!To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/bone-density-concerns-and-thyroid-health/.To register for the Healthy Gut Healthy Thyroid Bootcamp visit www.savemythyroid.com/healthygut Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Access hundreds of free articles at www.NaturalEndocrineSolutions.com Visit Dr. Eric's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/ To work with Dr. Eric, visit https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/

Iodine is a critical nutrient for thyroid function, yet there is a lot of controversy around iodine and thyroid health. Unlike other nutrients, iodine is selectively taken up by the parts of the body that use it. This generally means that when it’s in low supply, more is pulled in, and when there’s too much, it’s blocked from coming in. This creates the iodine paradox, where both excessive and insufficient iodine can lead to thyroid dysfunction.For people with autoimmune thyroid conditions, their genetic predispositions can impact how their bodies respond to iodine. So, while some people with thyroid conditions can tolerate and even benefit from iodine supplementation, for others, it can be problematic.Today, I’m joined by Dr. Alan Christianson, a board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist and author of the Thyroid Reset Diet, to talk about iodine, thyroid health, and thyroid antibodies. In this conversation, Dr. Christianson and I discuss iodine's role in thyroid health, the complexities of iodine uptake, genetic influences, potential risks of excessive iodine intake, the significance of thyroid antibodies, the risks and benefits of thyroid medication, and more. Enjoy the episode!To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/the-thyroid-reset-diet-with-dr-alan-christianson-174/.To register for the Healthy Gut Healthy Thyroid Bootcamp visit www.savemythyroid.com/healthygut Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Access hundreds of free articles at www.NaturalEndocrineSolutions.com Visit Dr. Eric's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/ To work with Dr. Eric, visit https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/

Sticking to a healthy diet during the holiday season can be challenging. Between cravings to indulge in unhealthy habits and the desire to avoid awkward social situations, it can feel easier to stick to the status quo and eat whatever is served. If you’re dealing with a thyroid or autoimmune thyroid condition, you do need to change your approach.Today, I’m discussing strategies and practical tips for overcoming the common roadblocks to healthy eating and how you can avoid derailing your thyroid healing journey during the holiday season. With the right preparation, you can enjoy the holidays without compromising your health.In this episode, you’ll learn about:- Why it can be difficult to stick to healthy eating during the holiday season- Balancing the desire to indulge with the desire to improve your health- Options for enjoying traditional Thanksgiving foods- The benefits of mental preparation for maintaining dietary goals- Navigating social situations and the importance of communication- How pre-party preparation can help you avoid unhealthy decisionsAs always, I hope you find this episode valuable, and I look forward to catching you in the next episode!To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/healthy-holiday-eating-and-thyroid-health/.To register for the Healthy Gut Healthy Thyroid Bootcamp visit www.savemythyroid.com/healthygut Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Access hundreds of free articles at www.NaturalEndocrineSolutions.com Visit Dr. Eric's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/ To work with Dr. Eric, visit https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/

Normalizing thyroid antibodies can be challenging, and several factors can cause elevated antibodies. Finding and eliminating food triggers is one such factor that is an essential part of the thyroid healing journey.Certain foods can trigger autoimmunity, causing an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and a decrease in regulatory T cells. In other cases, specific food proteins can trigger an immune system response due to molecular mimicry.Today, in part two of my series on how to lower and normalize thyroid antibodies, I’m discussing how to lower your thyroid antibodies by addressing food triggers. While all of the episodes in the series will be important, this one might be the most important. I talk about the Triad of Autoimmunity, the role of elimination diets to identify food triggers, testing for food sensitivities, specific food categories and their impact on gut health, common food allergens, the role of iodine, pros and cons of intermittent fasting, and more. Enjoy the episode!To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/how-to-lower-thyroid-antibodies-part-2-the-role-of-food-triggers-173/.To register for the Healthy Gut Healthy Thyroid Bootcamp visit www.savemythyroid.com/healthygut Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Access hundreds of free articles at www.NaturalEndocrineSolutions.com Visit Dr. Eric's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/ To work with Dr. Eric, visit https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/

Aside from antithyroid medication, which is specifically designed to block thyroid hormone, several medications can have an unintended effect on thyroid health. These drugs, often in combination with other underlying imbalances, can potentially trigger hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.Today, I’m sharing the research on five categories of medication that have been shown to affect thyroid function negatively.In this episode, you’ll learn about:- The effect of traditional antiepileptic drugs on thyroid hormone compared to newer drugs- The impact of antipsychotic drugs on thyroid levels in patients with severe mental disorders- Lithium’s potential to lower thyroid hormone levels- Amiodarone's potential ability to cause both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in patients- Anti-estrogens and thyroid function in breast cancer patientsAs always, I hope you find this episode valuable, and I look forward to catching you in the next episode!To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/5-medications-that-can-negatively-affect-your-thyroid/.To register for the Healthy Gut Healthy Thyroid Bootcamp visit www.savemythyroid.com/healthygut Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Access hundreds of free articles at www.NaturalEndocrineSolutions.com Visit Dr. Eric's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/ To work with Dr. Eric, visit https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/

Many people with hyperthyroidism experience noticeable weight loss. For me, this was the case when I dealt with Graves’ disease. At the same time, for various reasons, it’s not uncommon for people with Graves’ to gain weight instead.In today’s Save My Thyroid audit, I’m chatting with Stacy, who was diagnosed with Graves’ disease and gained over 30 pounds in three months. She’s also experiencing many other symptoms, including fatigue, insomnia, and heart rate fluctuations.In this episode, Stacy and I discuss her diagnosis, the symptoms she continues to deal with, why she opted for a natural treatment approach, her dietary and stress management practices, the need for comprehensive functional testing, and more.While this isn’t the same as my comprehensive consultations with patients, I'm confident you’ll find this conversation valuable. If you would like to apply for an audit with me, you can do so by visiting https://savemythyroid.com/audit. Enjoy the episode!To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/stacys-struggles-with-weight-gain-and-insomnia-save-my-thyroid-audit-172/.To register for the Healthy Gut Healthy Thyroid Bootcamp visit www.savemythyroid.com/healthygut Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Access hundreds of free articles at www.NaturalEndocrineSolutions.com Visit Dr. Eric's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/ To work with Dr. Eric, visit https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/

Elevated thyroid hormone levels are typically a sign of hyperthyroidism, which can be attributed to a number of conditions, including Graves’ disease, toxic multinodular goiter, subacute thyroiditis, and Hashitoxicosis.Many factors contribute to the development of these thyroid disorders, and each one requires different treatment approaches. It’s essential to not only get tested and properly diagnosed but also to ensure that you are addressing the underlying factors of your specific condition so that you can have the best outcome for your thyroid healing journey.Today, I’m sharing the causes of elevated thyroid hormone levels, symptoms, diagnostic approaches, the importance of identifying and removing triggers, and why a holistic approach to managing thyroid health is essential. In this episode, you’ll learn about:- Graves' disease as a common cause of elevated thyroid hormone levels- The Triad of Autoimmunity: genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and leaky gut.- The primary triggers for elevated thyroid hormones in Graves’ disease- Toxic multinodular goiter and how it’s diagnosed- Common causes of toxic multinodular goiter- Subacute thyroiditis, how it’s diagnosed, and the typical causes- The importance of optimizing immune system health- Hashitoxicosis and the connection to transient thyroid hormone elevation- Differentiating between thyroid hormone resistance and hyperthyroidism.- The role of genetic mutations and environmental toxins- Iodine-induced hyperthyroidism and why it can be challenging to reverseAs always, I hope you find this episode valuable, and I look forward to catching you in the next episode!To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/what-causes-elevated-thyroid-hormone-levels/.To register for the Healthy Gut Healthy Thyroid Bootcamp visit www.savemythyroid.com/healthygut Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Access hundreds of free articles at www.NaturalEndocrineSolutions.com Visit Dr. Eric's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/ To work with Dr. Eric, visit https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/