

Thyroid Answers Podcast
Dr Eric Balcavage
Thyroid Answers podcast is focused on providing answers to the most common question people who have a thyroid problems and thyroid symptoms need and want answers to.
The podcast is hosted by Dr Eric Balcavage and Dr Erica Riggleman. Both are doctors of functional medicine, chiropractors and certified nutrition specialists. Their practices focus on helping people with thyroid conditions improve their symptoms and regain their health using functional medicine.
The podcast is hosted by Dr Eric Balcavage and Dr Erica Riggleman. Both are doctors of functional medicine, chiropractors and certified nutrition specialists. Their practices focus on helping people with thyroid conditions improve their symptoms and regain their health using functional medicine.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 22, 2023 • 1h 19min
Episode 139: Uncovering the Causes of Chronic Illness with Allison Samon
In this episode, I discuss uncovering the causes of chronic illness with Functional Nutritionist Allison Samon. Topics discussed: The role of functional medicine Some of the root issues that lead to chronic illness The three non-negotiables and ways to address them Insomnia, what is causing it? Does how you breath matter? Strategies for quieting the monkey mind The role of toxins causing chronic illness And much more... www.allisonsamon.com www.allisonsamon.com/roadmap info@allisonsamonfunctionalnutritionist.com

Aug 15, 2023 • 1h 32min
Episode 138 Mineral Status and Adrenal Function
In this episode, I discuss mineral status and adrenal function with Functional Medicine Nutritionist, Christa Biegler. Topics discussed include: The challenges of elimination diets Minerals and why they are so important How to evaluate mineral status Blood Testing vs Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis Possible tissue patterns of mineral deficiency or need And more ... Christa Biegler is a Functional Medicine Nutritionist and the host of the Less Stressed Life Podcast. https://www.christabiegler.com/ IG: lessstressedlife

Aug 8, 2023 • 1h 39min
Episode 137: Q & A with Jessie Thomas
In this episode I bring back Wellness Coach, Jessie Thomas. Jessie was my co-host for the last Q & A episode and she did such a great job I brought her back for a second round as moderator. Topics covered in this podcast include: Can chronic hives be associated with a thyroid problem? How should someone support their liver to improve thyroid hormone conversion? What are the best ways to support Methylation, bile flow, and digestion? What are your thoughts on Keto for women with insulin resistance and hypothyroidism, 30 pounds to lose? May your thyroid dose need to change during pregnancy Could Ammonaps (sodium phenylbutyrate) together with LT3 be a possible treatment for patients with D2 polymorphisms? Is there a connection between developing chronic Achilles tendonitis and thyroiditis? How do you know if your detox pathways are open? Are there specific labs? Symptoms? What is the optimal TSH, fT3, and fT4? Have you seen anyone with Hashimoto’s actually lose weight? Thyroid or adrenal which needs to be treated first? And more ... Jessie Thomas is a nutritionist and holistic health coach based in Missoula, Montana. After spending years in a depleted state from the effects of overspending her internal resources she now coaches people through their health challenges to empower and inspire agency on their health journeys. You can find her at: www.sustainablewellness.net On IG @sustainablewellness

Aug 1, 2023 • 1h 13min
Episode 136: Gut Health with Christopher Damman
In this episode of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, I talk about Gut Health with Dr. Christopher Damman. Topics discussed on this episode include: How is the gut microbiome connected to whole health? The four pillars of health. What determines someone's gut biome? How can you support a healthy gut microbiome through diet? Why are all fibers not equal in their effect on gut health? What other than diet is important for gut and whole health? And more ... Dr. Damman is a board-certified, actively practicing gastroenterologist, and holds an M.D. from Columbia University and an M.A. in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry from Wesleyan University. He is also the Chief Science Officer of Supergut. https://supergut.com/

Jul 25, 2023 • 1h 17min
Episode 135 Thyroid, Adrenal, and Reproductive Health with Dr. Delfina Zelaschi
In this episode, I talk Thyroid, Adrenal, and Reproductive health with Dr. Delfina Zelaschi. In this episode we discuss: Adrenal health Cortisol testing The reality of Adrenal fatigue The relationship between thyroid and adrenal physiology Could reduced cortisol production be adaptive and not broken? And more ... Dr. Zelaschi is a Gynecologist based in Asuncion, Paraguay. She has a master's degree in Precision Medicine. She has a postgraduate degree in Longevity. She is currently a student and member of the Institute for Functional Medicine. Dr. Zelaschi own an online platform containing educational content for medical professionals in functional female health. IG: delfinazelaschi

Jul 5, 2023 • 1h 28min
Episode 134: Finding Fertility with Dr. Aumatma
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Aumatma Simmons to discuss infertility. Dr. Aumatma is a Naturopathic Doctor and Endocrinologist specializing in fertility. In this episode, we discuss: The staggering decline in fertility The factors driving infertility The problems caused by birth control The role of thyroid physiology in fertility What can men and women do if they want to have a baby? And so much more Dr. Aumatma Dr. Aumatma is a double board-certified Naturopathic Doctor & Endocrinologist, in practice for close to 15 years. She specializes in fertility and is the best-selling author of two books: "Fertility Secrets: What Your Doctor Didn't Tell You About Baby-Making” and “(In)Fertility: Struggles, Secrets, & Successes” Dr. Aumatma was awarded the “Best Naturopathic Medicine Doctor″ award locally in 2015 & 2020 and recognized as a top “Women In Medicine” Doctor in 2020 & 2021. Dr. Aumatma is also the Creator of Fertile Foundations™ supplements, a line of research-driven nutrients to support your fertility journey and the Host of the Egg Meets Sperm podcast. In addition to supporting couples through individualized care in person and long distance, Dr. Aumatma also trains practitioners who want to specialize in fertility. She has been featured as the holistic fertility expert on ABC, FOX, CBS, KTLA, MindBodyGreen, The Bump, etc., along with being interviewed for countless podcasts on topics of fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum health.

Jun 27, 2023 • 1h 28min
Episode 133: The Impact of Excessive Stress with Christopher Maher
In this episode, I discuss the impact of excessive emotional stress on our physiology. Christopher is a retired Navy SEAL who became aware of the devasting impact of excessive stress through his own personal life experiences. Topics covered in this podcast include: How emotional stress can cause physiologic dysfunction The link between emotional stress and myofascial tension The use of eccentric contraction to relax muscle tension Stress, strain, trauma, and strauma Distress vs Eustress Stress ignorance and the inappropriate stress state And more... Christopher Maher is a former Navy SEAL who endured intense physical, mental, and emotional stress as a child. By combining a “seal mindset” with modern stress management strategies, Christopher taught himself to free his body and mind from pain by developing mental and physical tools for eliminating unresolved stress. Christopher studied Traditional Chinese Medical Practices at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and at Yo San University before continuing his studies at The Universal Healing Tao System. He is a student of Grand Master Mantak Chia at the Universal Tao Master School in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and is currently pursuing his Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Traditional Chinese Medicine. https://truebodyintelligence.com/

Jun 20, 2023 • 1h 22min
Episode 132: The Invisible Threat to Cellular Health with Dr. Kathy Veon
In this episode, I talk to Dr. Kathy Veon about the impact EMFs can have on your cellular health. Topics discussed include: What are EMFs Ionizing vs non-ionizing radiation Why is it important to understand the biological effects of EMFs on cellular health EMFs as an overlooked environmental toxin Steps that everyone can take to change their environment to achieve more complete healing Resources where people learn more about the science, as well as solutions How EMFs might be causing your carb cravings And so much more ... Dr. Kathy Veon is a Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac), a Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, an Acupuncture Physician, and a Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist. She earned her advanced clinical doctoral degree (DAOM) from Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine with a dual specialty in Internal and Physical medicine and also graduated with honors from Florida College of Integrative Medicine with a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine. Dr. Veon is currently serving as Chair of the Florida Board of Acupuncture, and Committee Chair of Continuing Education for the International and American Association of Clinical Nutritionists (IAACN). Doctor Veon has successfully addressed a variety of chronic illnesses using holistic therapies including Acupuncture, Clinical Nutrition Therapies, Functional Medicine, NAET, Quantum Reflex Analysis (QRA), Pelotherapy, EVOX Perception Reframing Therapy, and other holistic modalities. Kathy has received extensive training in Acupuncture, Chinese and Western Herbology, human clinical nutrition and functional nutrition therapy, cupping, moxibustion, Acupoint Injection Therapy (AIT), Quantum Reflex Analysis (QRA ), Cation Mudpack Therapy (Pelotherapy), Emotional Repolarization Technique Therapy (ERT), NAET Allergy Elimination Techniques, Integrative Medicine and other holistic modalities. She is certified by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association as an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist (ADS) and also works with people seeking help with addictions, mental/emotional disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Veon is a Certified QRA Referral Practitioner and works with patients dealing with the most chronic or severe health conditions by employing holistic healing tools to address all aspects of healing: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. https://drkathyveon.com/

Jun 13, 2023 • 1h 23min
Episode 131 Emotional Fitness with Christie Uipi, LCSW
In this episode, I talk with Christie Uipi. Christie is the executive director of The Better Mind Center. She is a psychotherapist specializing in the treatment of chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. Topics covered in this episode include: The impact of excessive stress on our physiology How chronic trauma, thought, and mindset play a role in chronic health conditions Trauma vs emotional stress The symptom-fear cycle Adaptation vs Disorder How does fear impact pain levels? How can someone start handling their emotions in a healthier way? And more... Christie Uipi (she/her) is a psychotherapist specializing in the treatment of chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. She pursued extensive clinical training at the Pain Psychology Center in Los Angeles, where she worked alongside Alan Gordon to develop Pain Reprocessing Therapy. Christie’s approach to treating chronic pain is based in neuroscience and rooted in compassion, working to empower her patients with accurate pain education and effective mindfulness-based and cognitive-behavioral techniques. She lectures nationally on psychotherapeutic interventions to treat chronic pain and is committed to cross-disciplinary collaboration between mental health and physical medicine. Christie is also a recovered chronic pain patient herself. The healing process was so profoundly transformational for the quality of her life that she has dedicated her career to supporting others through their recoveries. Trained in: Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT), Problem-Solving Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Website: https://bettermindcenter.com/ IG: @better.with.christie

12 snips
Jun 6, 2023 • 1h 28min
Episode 130 Rethinking Hypothyroidism with Dr Anthony Bianco
In this episode, I discuss thyroid physiology with Dr. Anthony Bianco. Dr. Biano is an MD, Ph.D., and professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago. He recently released his book, Rethinking Hypothyroidism. In this episode, we discuss: - Beyond the basic model of thyroid physiology The significance of T4 and T3 Where does T3 come from The challenges with the current medical model of T4 only treatment Why allopathic medicine needs a change in perspective Important aspects of thyroid physiology every frustrated hypothyroid patient needs to understand So much more... Antonio Bianco M.D. PhD. is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago. His laboratory has helped establish the importance of local control of thyroid hormone activation and inactivation in development, metabolic control, and energy homeostasis. Dr. Bianco’s initial interest in this area formed while he was a fellow at Harvard Medical School. At that time, deiodinases were known to react homeostatically to changes in plasma thyroid hormone levels in order to preserve the intracellular levels of T3. As a fellow under J. Enrique Silva MD, Dr. Bianco built upon this concept making the seminal observation that thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue, a specialized organ that functions to warm up the body, is critically dependent on the local activation of T4 via the type 2 deiodinase (D2). Subsequently, they discovered the molecular link between deiodination and thermogenesis, specifically that the UCP-1 gene, key for brown adipose tissue thermogenesis, is transcriptionally up-regulated by T3. Upon returning to the University of Sao Paulo, Dr. Bianco and his students demonstrated that D2 activation leads to the saturation of the T3 receptors in brown adipose tissue, creating a state of localized thyrotoxicosis. This work laid the groundwork for the modern concept that deiodinases regulate thyroid hormone signaling on a tissue-specific basis without antecedent changes in plasma thyroid hormone levels. To read an excerpt of the book: https://pressblog.uchicago.edu/2022/12/19/read-an-excerpt-from-rethinking-hypothyroidism-by-antonio-c-bianco-md.html To get a copy of the book: https://www.amazon.com/Rethinking-Hypothyroidism-Treatment-Change-Patients/dp/0226823164/ref=sr_1_1?crid=118KFR0KXAO9D&keywords=rethinking+hypothyroidism+bianco&qid=1684442755&sprefix=rethinking+hypothyroidism%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1 Twitter: @Bianco_Lab