Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations with Dr. Izabella Wentz

In this episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, host Dr. Izabella Wentz welcomes personal trainer and functional nutrition coach April Rodriguez to discuss thyroid-friendly fitness. April shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with Hashimoto's six months after giving birth, which led her to explore the intricate relationship between thyroid health and fitness. The conversation is packed with insights that can transform the way you think about exercise and nutrition, especially if you've ever felt overwhelmed or discouraged on your journey. What you’ll learn in this episode: Overexercising Can Backfire with Hashimoto’s April explains that intense workouts like HIIT or OrangeTheory can leave women with Hashimoto’s feeling inflamed, fatigued for days, or even flu-like. Instead of pushing harder, she encourages strength training with progressive overload that meets the body where it’s at—supporting muscle gain without burnout. Exhausted After a Workout? That’s a Red Flag If a workout leaves you depleted instead of energized, it’s likely working against you, not for you. April recommends checking hydration, adding electrolytes, adjusting meal timing, and possibly shifting to a lower-intensity routine while tuning in to how your body responds. Calorie Restriction Can Worsen Thyroid Function Chronically undereating can backfire, especially with hypothyroidism. April uses a “feed phase” approach, gradually increasing calories to optimize thyroid health, metabolism, and insulin sensitivity—often helping clients lose fat by eating more. Pre/Post Workout Fueling Matters April recommends fueling with 25–30g of protein and ~25% of daily carbs both before and after workouts. She avoids high-fat meals pre-workout for better digestion and energy. This helps with recovery, lean muscle building, and balanced blood sugar—key for thyroid health. Blood Sugar Monitoring is Critical Women with thyroid issues often struggle with blood sugar regulation. April uses glucometers or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to detect hypoglycemia or insulin resistance. This helps tailor workouts and nutrition to stabilize energy and support fat loss. Progress Comes from Personalization April custom-builds fitness and nutrition protocols based on thyroid labs, symptoms, and biofeedback—not cookie-cutter plans. Red flags? If your coach doesn’t ask about your thyroid or ignores symptoms like fatigue or hypoglycemia, they may not be the right fit. 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/

This episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast features Dr. Lauryn Lax, a former TV journalist turned functional medicine expert. Dr. Lauryn shares her inspiring journey of overcoming 13 chronic illnesses, including Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism, IBS, Lyme disease, mast cell activation, mold toxicity, orthorexia, and anorexia. Now a functional medicine expert, Dr. Lauryn empowers others to heal from within, with a focus on gut health, hormones, detoxing, faith, and mindset. The conversation delves into the psychological aspects of healing, where Dr. Lauryn discusses the healing philosophies of German New Medicine and their relevance in thyroid and adrenal health. What You’ll Learn: The "Kidney Collecting Tubule Conflict" and Isolation Weight Gain: Dr. Lauryn explains how sudden, unexplained weight gain, fatigue, and thyroid/hormonal issues can stem from emotional trauma — especially feelings of abandonment, isolation, or existential fear. During the pandemic, many people (including Izabella) experienced this "beached whale syndrome," where the body retains water and weight as a protective mechanism due to deep emotional stress. Thyroid Symptoms as Metaphors for “Uncaught Morsels”: In German New Medicine, thyroid issues often stem from a psychological perception of “not being able to catch a morsel”— whether that’s time, love, purpose, or personal space. For women, this often relates to self-sacrifice, lack of boundaries, or losing one’s identity in caregiving or work. Gut-First Approach to Healing the Thyroid: Dr. Lauryn emphasizes that true thyroid healing starts in the gut. She explains how optimizing digestion, healing intestinal permeability, and rebalancing the microbiome can restore hormone function — even in autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s. Healing the Identity Before the Body: One of Dr. Lauryn’s core teachings is helping clients rewrite their identity — moving from “I am Hashimoto’s” or “I am sick” to “I am healing” or “I am resilient.” She encourages designing a higher version of self ("that girl/guy") and embodying that person before full physical healing manifests. The Power of Mindset in Food Reactions: She shares how food sensitivities aren’t just biological but can be linked to unresolved emotional stressors. For instance, a child may develop a peanut allergy after experiencing emotional trauma while eating a PB&J, wiring the food to danger. Rewiring the nervous system and beliefs can help reverse food reactions. Mold Sensitivity and Emotional Resilience: Mold toxicity symptoms often correlate with a prior season of intense stress. Dr. Lauryn points out that mold is the trigger — but the body’s inability to detox is usually due to weakened resilience from trauma, toxins, or immune imbalance. Addressing the inner terrain is as vital as detoxing the mold. Healing is 80% Emotional and 20% Tactical: Whether it’s an autoimmune illness, food sensitivities, or gut dysfunction, Dr. Lauryn’s approach is 80% about resolving the emotional root and 20% about physical support (like enzymes, magnesium, sauna, or supplements). She uses mindset tools like mantras (“What would healthy me do?”) and EFT tapping to rewire the nervous system. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of thyroid health and pathways to healing. 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/

In this episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, Dr. Izabella Wentz welcomes Rachel Hill, a dedicated thyroid advocate and author of The Positive Thyroid Pregnancy Book. Rachel shares her personal experiences and expertise on managing thyroid conditions, particularly hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's, during pregnancy and motherhood.Rachel's journey serves as a beacon of hope for women with thyroid disease. Her advocacy work and multiple books are informative and inspiring, reminding women that with the right information and proactive measures, a healthy pregnancy journey is possible.What you’ll learn in this episode:  The impact of thyroid conditions on fertility and pregnancy Strategies for optimizing thyroid hormone levels before and during pregnancy The importance of key nutrients and lifestyle choices for healthy pregnancies Insights into managing postpartum health and mental well-being Self-advocacy tips for women and moms-to-be with thyroid issues Tune in to learn more about navigating fertility and pregnancy with thyroid disease! 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/

In this episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, Dr. Izabella Wentz shares her personal journey and professional insights on the potential links between parasitic infections and autoimmune conditions, specifically focusing on Hashimoto's, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and chronic hives. Dr. Wentz discusses the "three-legged stool of autoimmunity" theory proposed by Dr. Alessio Fasano, which suggests that for an autoimmune condition to develop, three factors must be present: genetic predisposition, an environmental trigger, and intestinal permeability (or leaky gut). She then delves into how addressing these components can lead to symptom relief and even remission.Listeners will hear about her own healing journey, as well as a particular protozoa, Blastocystis hominis, she uncovered in a large percentage of her clients with Hashimoto’s, using functional medicine stool tests. She gets into the research behind this protozoa. Dr. Wentz’s mission is to help empower people through advocating the importance of individualized care, understanding your body, and encouraging listeners to be proactive health detectives in their own journeys.Tune in to learn about:   Potential links between parasites and Hashimoto's – How infections like Blastocystis hominis may contribute to autoimmune conditions, IBS and hives. The three-legged stool of autoimmunity – Genetic factors, triggers, and leaky gut are key factors with autoimmune disease. Personal healing stories – Dr. Wentz shares her experiences with Hashimoto's and IBS, illustrating the connection between gut health and thyroid function. Testing for gut infections – Learn about what tests you can take to help you uncover some key infections and other gut issues.  Treatment options – Learn about conventional and natural approaches to treating parasitic infections and restoring gut health. This episode offers some amazing tips for anyone who is looking to understand their root cause, and suspects that their gut health might be an issue. Tune in to learn how you can take charge of your health and uncover the root causes of your symptoms!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/

In this episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Dr. Amie Hornaman — also known as “The Thyroid Fixer”— to explore the often-overlooked hormone T2 and its vital role in metabolism, energy, and thyroid function. Dr. Amie is a leading voice in thyroid health, the founder of the Better Thyroid and Hormone Institute, and the host of her own top-rated podcast, The Thyroid Fixer.Before becoming a thyroid expert, Dr. Amie was a competitive figure athlete. She trained rigorously, followed a clean diet, and did everything “right”— yet she was inexplicably gaining weight and losing energy. Her experience of being dismissed by doctors and told she was “fine” while her body told a different story is one that will resonate with many listeners.Together, Dr. Wentz and Dr. Hornaman dive deep into: The significance of T2: How this lesser-known thyroid hormone can support fat loss, boost metabolism, and enhance mitochondrial function The patient journey: Why even the most health-savvy individuals can fall through the cracks of traditional medicine “Thyropause” explained: How hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause impact thyroid function and what to do about it Personalized treatment strategies: Why cookie-cutter approaches don’t work—and what to look for in functional thyroid care Becoming your own advocate: How to navigate the healthcare system, push for better testing, and reclaim your energy and well-being If you’ve ever been told your labs are “normal” but you feel anything but, or you’re navigating the hormonal rollercoaster of midlife, this episode is a must-listen. It’s packed with practical, compassionate guidance rooted in both science and lived experience. Don’t miss this empowering conversation filled with hope, healing, and next steps for your thyroid journey.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/

Welcome to Episode 16 of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast. In this episode, Dr. Izabella Wentz tackles a challenge that many women with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s face: weight management. The common advice of “eat less, exercise more” often leaves those with thyroid conditions feeling frustrated and stuck. Dr. Wentz dives deep into the reasons behind these struggles and shares valuable insights on how to effectively manage weight in the context of thyroid health. This episode features 11 practical, actionable strategies to help you regain control over their thyroid health journey.Tune in to learn about:  Thyroid Function Testing: Dr. Wentz emphasizes the importance of monitoring TSH, free T3, and free T4 levels for optimal health, empowering listeners with essential knowledge. Dietary Adjustments: She discusses how adopting a low-carb, high-protein diet can stabilize insulin levels and support weight loss, providing guidance on what nourishes the body best. Supplement Recommendations: Dr. Wentz introduces key supplements like berberine and myo-inositol that can enhance weight management efforts, explaining how they can fit into daily routines. The Importance of Protein: She highlights why protein is crucial for weight management, including the best types and amounts for those with Hashimoto’s. Gut Health Matters: Dr. Wentz explains how probiotics and resistant starch can improve metabolic health, underscoring the essential role of gut health in overall well-being. Adrenal Support: The episode explores how cortisol levels and stress management can significantly impact weight, with Dr. Wentz sharing effective strategies to help listeners keep stress in check. Physical Activity: Listeners will discover how muscle building and enjoyable exercise routines can support their weight management journey, making fitness a fun and engaging part of life. This episode is filled with practical advice tailored for anyone grappling with the challenges of thyroid weight management. Please tune in to uncover actionable steps that will enhance your well-being and help you reach your health goals and just feel better. 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/

In this enlightening conversation, McCall McPherson, a pioneering physician associate and founder of Modern Thyroid Clinic, shares insights on thyroid health and weight loss challenges. They discuss how many thyroid patients struggle with weight despite resolving other symptoms, thanks to factors like poor T4 to T3 conversion. McCall highlights the benefits of T3 medications and the innovative use of GLP-1s for weight loss and inflammation reduction. Personal anecdotes and wellness strategies provide a relatable touch to their informative discussion.

Welcome to episode 14 of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations. If you’ve been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, you may be wondering what’s really going on beneath the surface. In this episode, Dr. Izabella Wentz shares her personal journey and dives deep into the underlying causes of Hashimoto’s, explaining why taking thyroid medication alone isn’t always enough to feel better.Please note that managing Hashimoto’s requires more than just medication — it’s about addressing the root causes. This episode will give you some great tips and resources to start with on your Hashimoto’s healing journey!Tune in to learn: Why thyroid medication alone may not resolve all symptoms The most common nutrient deficiencies in Hashimoto’s and how to correct them How gut health, food sensitivities, and blood sugar balance impact thyroid function The role of stress, chronic infections, and detox pathways in autoimmune health Practical strategies to start feeling better today Tune in now to get clear on your diagnosis, understand your lab results, and take the first actionable steps toward reversing Hashimoto’s!Sign up for the Thyroid Pharmacist Weekly Thyroid Solutions Newsletter here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/gift/Get the FREE Hashimoto’s Root Cause Book — just pay shipping! (U.S. shipping addresses only.): https://thyroidpharmacist.com/free-root-cause-book/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/

Struggling to lose weight with a sluggish thyroid? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Izabella Wentz speaks with Dr. Rachel Vong, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor specializing in hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, to uncover the biggest barriers to weight loss for women with thyroid issues.Tune into this insightful conversation about:  Diet alone won’t fix the problem – While food plays a role, hormone imbalances, stress, and poor sleep can sabotage your progress. Addressing these factors is just as crucial as what’s on your plate. Exercise can backfire – Overtraining or doing the wrong type of workouts can stress your body, making weight loss harder. Discover the best types of movement for thyroid health. Your metabolism isn’t broken — but it does need help – Supporting your thyroid function properly can make a huge difference in how your body burns fat. Learn the key nutrients and lifestyle shifts that can help. The stress-weight connection – Chronic stress keeps your body in survival mode, holding onto fat. We discuss simple ways to reset your nervous system and reduce cortisol. Why calorie restriction is a trap – Eating less isn’t always the answer. In fact, undereating can slow your metabolism even more. Find out how to fuel your body the right way. Lowered Metabolic Set Point: Hypothyroidism lowers your metabolic baseline, meaning traditional calorie-restriction approaches can worsen weight loss resistance. Insulin Resistance Impact: Insulin resistance is common in hypothyroid patients, causing stubborn belly fat, sugar cravings, and overall metabolic dysregulation. Luckily, there are things we can do to reverse this! Gut Health & SIBO: A compromised gut, especially with issues like SIBO, not only hampers thyroid hormone conversion but also heightens inflammation that stalls weight loss. (This was a big factor for me!) The Cortisol Connection: How the health of your adrenals (or lack thereof), can lead to weight gain patterns… Nourish, Don’t Restrict: Shifting to an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich diet — supported by targeted supplements like fish oil, vitamin D, and berberine — can restore balance and promote weight loss. Weight loss can happen when you get to the root cause. If you’ve been feeling stuck despite your best efforts, this episode is packed with hope, science-backed insights, and actionable strategies to help you break through the plateau.Sign up for the Thyroid Pharmacist Weekly Thyroid Solutions Newsletter here.For the full list of resources and products mentioned in this episode, and to get the full episode transcript, see complete show notes here.

Welcome to episode 12 of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations. If you’ve ever wondered whether diet really makes a difference in Hashimoto’s, you’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Izabella Wentz takes you through the  her personal journey, from years of unexplained symptoms to discovering the life-changing impact of dietary changes.Diet is a powerful tool in managing Hashimoto’s, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Tune into the full episode to hear more about her journey and how you can personalize your approach to take control of your health!Tune in to learn:   How gluten and dairy can trigger Hashimoto’s symptoms—even without celiac disease How eliminating certain foods can lead to dramatic health improvements in a matter of days The difference between food sensitivity testing and elimination diets — what actually works? How balancing blood sugar, addressing gut infections, and correcting nutrient deficiencies can support thyroid health Practical, real-life dietary strategies to start feeling better today Sign up for the Thyroid Pharmacist Weekly Thyroid Solutions Newsletter here.Get the FREE Hashimoto’s Root Cause Book — just pay shipping! (U.S. shipping addresses only.)For the full list of resources and products mentioned in this episode, and to get the full episode transcript, see complete show notes here.