Save My Thyroid: Healing Tips for Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's

With the wide range of tests available, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the options.Our approach at Natural Endocrine Solutions is to prioritize the tests that best inform our treatment plans. Depending on a patient’s budget, that could look like several baseline and follow-up tests, while others may only choose one or two.Whether we’re doing comprehensive or conservative testing, it’s essential to understand each test's benefits, requirements, and limitations.Today I’m joined by Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® (FDN) practitioner Tracy Farrell to talk about the testing we do with our patients with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions. Tracy has been part of the Natural Endocrine Solutions team for over three years, and, like me, she is very passionate about helping people save their thyroid and regain their health.In this conversation, we discuss a lot of different tests, but it’s ultimately up to you which tests you want to do. I also address concerns with false negative and false positive test results, SIBO, and mold testing, and why I’m not a big fan of colonoscopies. Enjoy the episode!To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/testing-for-thyroid-triggers-with-tracy-farrell-080/. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Click Here to access hundreds of free articles and blog posts. Click Here for Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel Click Here to join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group Click Here to take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz Click Here to get all of Dr. Eric’s published booksClick Here to work with Dr. Eric

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the tissues of the eyes.While supplementation can be very helpful in treating thyroid eye disease, the bigger goal should be to find and remove your triggers. The best results come from supplementation alongside diet and lifestyle changes such as eating an anti-inflammatory diet and reducing stress and your toxic load.Today I’m sharing the top three supplements I recommend for thyroid eye disease and bonus supplements that many people find helpful.In this episode, you’ll learn about:The top three supplements I recommend for people experiencing thyroid eye disease:Selenium - reduces oxidative stressBerberine - glucose regulation, lipid metabolism, and gut healthAlpha-lipoic acid - insulin metabolism and sensitivityOther recommended supplementsCurcumin - known to have anti-inflammatory properties and reduce oxidative stressQuercetin - commonly used for antihistamine and antiviral propertiesVitamin D - supports the immune system and bone healthOmega-3 Fatty Acids - beneficial for different types of inflammatory conditionsAs always, I hope you found 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/3-supplements-for-thyroid-eye-disease/. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Click Here to access hundreds of free articles and blog posts. Click Here for Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel Click Here to join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group Click Here to take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz Click Here to get all of Dr. Eric’s published booksClick Here to work with Dr. Eric

There’s an entire constellation of healing opportunities waiting to be addressed once we know where to look.While conventional doctors are often hyper-focused on symptom treatment, functional medicine zooms in on treating the root causes of the symptoms we experience. Similarly, functional testing is about getting information on interconnected body systems that collectively contribute to our symptoms.Over 20 years ago, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® founder Reed Davis worked in a lab, assessing patients’ test results. He was struck by how many people had been to practitioner after practitioner and had their symptoms dismissed because their lab results were “normal.” Deciding that there must be a better solution, Reed became an expert in analyzing alternative labs and created a system of investigation into the causal factors and healing opportunities, which are now an integral part of the protocols at Functional Diagnostic Nutrition®.In this conversation, Reed and I take a deep dive into the different types of functional tests, his approach to testing, the pros and cons of each type, how various tests can be applied, and more. Enjoy the episode!To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/functional-diagnostic-lab-testing-with-reed-davis-079/. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Click Here to access hundreds of free articles and blog posts. Click Here for Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel Click Here to join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group Click Here to take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz Click Here to get all of Dr. Eric’s published booksClick Here to work with Dr. Eric

All x-rays emit ionizing radiation, which can cause cell damage and increase your risk of developing cancer. Dental x-rays are a particular concern for those with thyroid health conditions because of their proximity to the thyroid gland and the frequency at which they are typically done.Today I’m sharing some research studies on the use of thyroid shields, the risks of dental x-rays, and my recommendations ​​for your next dental visit.In this episode, you’ll learn about:The increased risk of thyroid cancer reported in dentists, dental assistants, and x-ray workersWhy it’s essential to use a thyroid shield for all dental radiographyDifferent types of lead aprons and their effectivenessThe reduction in radiation exposure provided by thyroid shieldingAs always, I hope you found 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/is-a-thyroid-shield-necessary-to-wear-when-visiting-the-dentist/. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Click Here to access hundreds of free articles and blog posts. Click Here for Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel Click Here to join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group Click Here to take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz Click Here to get all of Dr. Eric’s published booksClick Here to work with Dr. Eric

“There’s no pill, potion, or powder that’s going to replace positive lifestyle changes.” - Dr. Stephanie GrayDr. Stephanie Gray is a functional medicine provider who helps men and women build sustainable and optimal health and longevity so that they can focus on what matters most to them.While going through a health crisis of her own, Dr. Stephanie recognized how overwhelming the options available through functional medicine could be. To solve this problem, she decided that patients needed a functional medicine blueprint to help them navigate the challenges that conventional medicine couldn’t address.In Your Longevity Blueprint, Dr. Stephanie describes how your organs and body systems work together to build your longevity, using the analogy of building a home. She believes you need a blueprint to ensure every body system is addressed to have a long and healthy life.In this conversation, Dr. Stephanie and I discuss how a personal health challenge fed her passion for functional medicine, the big difference between functional and conventional medicine, how Your Longevity Blueprint can empower you to overcome health challenges and rebuild your health, what you need to know about hormone replacement therapy, and more.  Enjoy the episode!To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/your-longevity-blueprint-and-thyroid-health-with-dr-stephanie-gray-078/. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Click Here to access hundreds of free articles and blog posts. Click Here for Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel Click Here to join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group Click Here to take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz Click Here to get all of Dr. Eric’s published booksClick Here to work with Dr. Eric

Although I didn’t take antithyroid medication when I dealt with Graves disease, some people with hyperthyroidism need them. And while my goal is to help people restore their health so that they no longer need medication, not everyone with hyperthyroidism chooses to or can take a solely natural treatment approach.Unfortunately, many endocrinologists tell hyperthyroidism patients that they can only take methimazole for 18 to 24 months. At that point, if they’re not in remission, they’ll push them to either get radioactive iodine or thyroid surgery.In most cases, this is an entirely bogus timeline, and if someone is tolerating the medication well, there’s no reason they can’t take it longer. Today I’m sharing what research studies show about long-term methimazole use so that you can arm yourself with data to show your endocrinologist if they’re pressuring you into radioactive iodine treatment or thyroid surgery.In this episode, you’ll learn:What research shows about the rate of remission of Graves' hyperthyroidism with long-term administration of low-dose methimazoleWhen long-term methimazole treatment might be appropriate in pediatric Graves' disease The difference in the chances of relapse between long-term and short-term courses of methimazoleWhy I always recommend addressing the root of the problemThe potential for using low-dose methimazole as a lifelong therapeutic modalityAs always, I hope you found 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/how-long-can-i-safely-take-methimazole-for/. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Click Here to access hundreds of free articles and blog posts. Click Here for Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel Click Here to join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group Click Here to take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz Click Here to get all of Dr. Eric’s published booksClick Here to work with Dr. Eric

“Most people don’t eat near enough protein.” - Dr. Sabrina SoltAlthough I don’t commonly recommend the carnivore diet to my patients, I've heard several success stories regarding autoimmunity. To help us explore this topic, I’m joined by Dr. Sabrina Solt, a naturopathic doctor and follower of the carnivore diet.With her naturopathic background, it was hard for Dr. Sabrina to accept that plants weren’t the best route for her healing. But after trying the carnivore diet, her chronic health issues finally disappeared, and the results were undeniable.Dr. Sabrina Solt is a naturopathic doctor located in Scottsdale, AZ. She practices regenerative and anti-aging medicine and uses carnivore and animal-based diets as part of her treatment protocols to heal everything from autoimmune disorders to chronic pain.In this conversion, Dr. Sabrina and I talk about the fundamentals of the carnivore diet, myths we’ve been told about the necessity of plant-based foods in our diet, why we need to reframe our thoughts on cholesterol and saturated fats, the benefits she’s seen with her patients who have switched to a carnivore diet, and more. As always, after the episode, I share my take on some things we discuss in the interview. Enjoy the episode!To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/can-a-carnivore-diet-benefit-those-with-thyroid-autoimmunity-with-dr-sabrina-solt-077/. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Click Here to access hundreds of free articles and blog posts. Click Here for Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel Click Here to join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group Click Here to take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz Click Here to get all of Dr. Eric’s published booksClick Here to work with Dr. Eric

There are several health benefits associated with soy, especially in its fermented form. At the same time, we’ve all heard about the risks associated with phytoestrogens, goitrogenic properties, and more.So, should everyone with a thyroid condition avoid soy?Today I’m sharing my soy recommendations for people with thyroid health conditions and why I take a different approach depending on whether you’re restoring your health or in remission.In this episode, you’ll learn about:Health benefits of soyDifferentiating between soy allergies and soy sensitivityThe problem with phytates and lectinsWhy I recommend eating organic fermented soyWhether you should be concerned about the goitrogenic properties of soyWhat research shows about phytoestrogens in soyAs always, I hope you found 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/soy-and-thyroid-health-concerns/. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Click Here to access hundreds of free articles and blog posts. Click Here for Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel Click Here to join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group Click Here to take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz Click Here to get all of Dr. Eric’s published booksClick Here to work with Dr. Eric

“Your options for treating hyperthyroidism are medication, radioactive iodine, or surgery.”That’s just one of the many myths patients with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease hear from endocrinologists daily. Medication and surgery have their place, but there’s much more to consider before leaping down that path.Today I’m sharing the top five myths patients with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease encounter, and I’m arming you with the truth as you continue on your thyroid healing journey. I encourage you to keep an open mind and not to believe everything you’ve been told about this condition. If you have Graves’ disease, toxic multinodular goiter, or another hyperthyroid condition, then you won't want to miss this episode.To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/5-myths-of-hyperthyroidism-and-graves-disease-076/. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Click Here to access hundreds of free articles and blog posts. Click Here for Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel Click Here to join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group Click Here to take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz Click Here to get all of Dr. Eric’s published booksClick Here to work with Dr. Eric

Iron is one of the most commonly deficient minerals. That’s why I recommend a full iron panel to my patients.Although iron deficiency is commonly associated with anemia, it’s important to note that you could have anemia without being iron deficient. Similarly, you can have an iron deficiency without being anemic. We also have to consider iron toxicity, which can be a problem for people with very high iron levels.Today I’m sharing how too much iron and too little iron can impact autoimmune conditions such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s. I’ll discuss what should be included in a full iron panel, symptoms of low or high iron levels, why we refer to optimal reference ranges, and more.In this episode, you’ll learn about:Why I recommend a full iron panel: serum iron, ferritin, iron saturation, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)Different types of anemiaCommon signs and symptoms associated with iron deficiencyThree leading causes of iron deficiencyWhat you need to know about dietary sources of iron and iron absorptionConditions that can lead to iron malabsorptionWhat you should be aware of when it comes to iron toxicity or iron overloadExcess iron can lead to oxidative stressIron deficiency impairs thyroid synthesisThe role of iron in phase one detoxification of the liverLab ranges versus optimal reference rangesAs always, I hope you found 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/can-too-much-or-too-little-iron-affect-thyroid-health/. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Click Here to access hundreds of free articles and blog posts. Click Here for Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel Click Here to join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group Click Here to take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz Click Here to get all of Dr. Eric’s published booksClick Here to work with Dr. Eric