Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations with Dr. Izabella Wentz

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews gallbladder and fatty liver nutritionist Olivia Haas about the connection between bile flow, liver health, and thyroid function. They cover early red flags (like pale, “sticky” stools and nausea after fats), when low-fat makes sense (and when it doesn’t), and practical ways to stimulate bile gently with bitters, minerals, and targeted supplements. They also discuss various testing methods and a step-by-step approach to optimal digestive health for those with and without gallbladders. What you’ll learn in this episode: Fat intolerance is a bile story – start with flow. Nausea after fatty meals, reflux, and pale, sticky, or floating stools point to sluggish bile. Instead of staying low-fat forever, Olivia explains how to gently improve bile composition and flow so you can digest fats again. Bitters are a simple first step. Radicchio, dandelion (tea or greens), lemon water, and diluted apple cider vinegar can quickly nudge bile flow and ease fat sensitivity, especially when used before meals. Olivia shares when to start bitters, how often, and how to scale up safely. The thyroid–gallbladder loop runs both ways. Low thyroid can thicken bile (cholesterol supersaturation) and weaken gallbladder contraction (low CCK), while poor bile flow can impair T4-to-T3 conversion and raise toxin burden – fueling a vicious cycle. Fatty liver is common, and reversible when you catch it early. Don’t wait for elevated liver enzymes. Patterns like high triglycerides, low HDL, insulin resistance, fatigue, 3 a.m. wake-ups, clay-colored stools, and PMS can flag trouble earlier and justify an ultrasound/FibroScan. Post-cholecystectomy? You still need a plan. Without the gallbladder’s “regulator,” bile can drip constantly and irritate the gut – or be too weak to digest fats. Olivia’s priorities: individualized digestive support (enzymes/bile salts/ACV), mineral repletion, fiber, and steady liver support. Myth-busting time. “Low-fat forever saves your gallbladder” (it doesn’t), “you can eat anything after surgery” (please don’t), and “it’s just genetics” (choices and exposures turn genes on) all miss the bigger picture of bile flow, metabolism, and toxins. Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode! 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Dr. Ann Shippy, an integrative physician and former engineer who has become a leader in functional medicine and environmental health. Dr. Shippy discusses how toxins, genetics, and nutrient status can shape fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and even the long-term health of future generations. Listeners will discover practical, science-based strategies to reduce toxic exposures, restore the body’s natural detoxification systems, and prepare for healthy conception and pregnancy – even later in life. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why preconception health matters for every family. The six to twelve months before conception are a key window to influence fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and a child’s lifelong health. Dr. Ann Shippy explains how both parents’ nutrition, toxin exposure, and stress can shape DNA expression, and how small changes can support healthy conception. The overlooked role of toxins in chronic illness. Mold, heavy metals, plastics, and household chemicals can quietly affect hormones and immune balance. Dr. Shippy shares common environmental exposures she sees in her patients and how testing, detoxification, and lifestyle shifts can help restore balance. How genetics and epigenetics shape our resilience. Your DNA isn’t your destiny. Dr. Shippy explains how nutrients such as methylated B vitamins, folate, and choline can support methylation, helping “turn on” genes that promote health and silence those linked to disease. The critical link between gut health and detoxification. A healthy gut microbiome helps clear toxins, balance hormones, and support fertility. Dr. Shippy outlines ways to strengthen gut and liver detox pathways naturally with binders, glutathione, and key nutrients. How to create a toxin-free home and pregnancy plan. From air and water filtration to safer personal care and cleaning products, Dr. Shippy offers realistic ways to minimize toxic load and protect both parents and developing babies. Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode! 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Josh Dech, a holistic nutritionist and digestive health expert who is challenging the conventional medicine narrative around Crohn’s disease and colitis. Gut symptoms are common for those with Hashimoto’s and thyroid disease, and they often have similar root causes, including inflammation, food sensitivities, microbiome imbalances, and toxins. Josh reveals why the mainstream approach often fails patients, and how natural strategies and “root cause” thinking can lead to remission and, in some cases, even recovery. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why the conventional view of Crohn’s and colitis may be flawed. Standard approaches often focus on suppressing symptoms with medications or recommending surgery when things progress, but they rarely ask why inflammation is happening in the first place. Josh explains how this limited model leaves many people dependent on treatments that don’t provide long-term solutions. The hidden drivers of gut inflammation. Crohn’s and colitis rarely happen “out of nowhere.” Josh explains how food sensitivities, microbiome imbalances, toxins, and immune dysregulation often interact to create chronic inflammation, and how identifying your personal triggers can open the door to remission. The role of nutrition in calming the gut. Instead of fearing food, Josh shows how the right diet can calm the immune system and repair the gut lining. When nutrition is used strategically – removing irritants and rebuilding with nutrient-dense foods – the body often heals more effectively than it does on medication alone. Real stories of reversal and recovery. Hundreds of Josh’s clients have defied expectations – moving from flare-ups and medication dependence to full, symptom-free lives. Their results show that Crohn’s and colitis aren’t life sentences, but conditions that can improve dramatically when you heal from the inside out. Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode! 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz speaks with integrative cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson about how heart health goes far beyond lab numbers. They discuss why thyroid issues and nutrient deficiencies can trigger palpitations, why cholesterol isn’t the villain it’s made out to be, and how lifestyle factors like sleep, sunlight, nutrition, and reducing toxins, can naturally support cardiovascular wellness. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why palpitations may be a message from your body: Heart flutters often reflect deeper imbalances like thyroid dysfunction, iron or magnesium deficiency, or toxin exposure. Dr. Wolfson explains how addressing the root cause can calm the heart and restore balance naturally. Why cholesterol is not the villain we’ve been told. Cholesterol is essential for hormone production, cell membranes, and vitamin D synthesis. Elevated cholesterol is often a sign of other imbalances such as thyroid dysfunction, liver congestion, or nutrient deficiencies, not a statin deficiency. When “conventional” treatments miss the mark: Statins and blood pressure drugs may improve numbers but overlook root causes such as adrenal stress, nutrient depletion, and toxin overload. Dr. Wolfson shares how true healing begins with rebalancing the body. The heart-healing power of lifestyle medicine: Sunlight, sleep, nutrient-rich food, movement, and emotional healing are powerful heart supports. Even daily sun exposure can boost vitamin D, nitric oxide, and melatonin for better blood pressure and sleep. The overlooked connection between your mouth, gut, and heart: Periodontal disease, leaky gut, and microbiome imbalance can fuel inflammation that affects both thyroid and heart function. Discover how holistic dental care and gut healing can protect your cardiovascular system. Supplements and natural supports that work. Nutrients like beet root, L-arginine, grape seed extract, CoQ10, carnitine, and omega-3s can improve circulation, support mitochondria, and optimize heart and thyroid function. Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode! 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, Dr. Izabella Wentz shares the turning point that shifted her Hashimoto’s recovery: discovering that “acid reflux” can stem from low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) rather than excess stomach acid, as many believe. She explains how hypochlorhydria drives fatigue, brain fog, pain, nutrient deficiencies, SIBO/H. pylori risk, and why supporting digestion can restore energy and clarity fast. She outlines a practical betaine HCl + pepsin titration, who should avoid it, and simple daily upgrades (like mindful meals, lemon water or diluted ACV, bitters, and thiamine). Real-world response rates and safety notes are included. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why “acid reflux” can actually mean low stomach acid. In hypothyroidism, stomach acid often runs low, which impairs protein breakdown, fuels overgrowths, increases ammonia (hello brain fog), and leaves you tired after meals. Understanding this flips the usual reflux narrative and opens a path to real relief. How low acid drives fatigue, pain, and mood changes. Poor protein digestion means fewer amino acids for neurotransmitters and repair; when you add in nutrient gaps (B12, iron/ferritin) and inflammatory byproducts, you’ve got a perfect storm for low energy, aches, and low mood. A step-by-step guide to finding your ideal betaine HCl + pepsin dose at meals. Dr. Wentz shares how to determine how many capsules would be most suitable for you, and how to use it safely for best results. When to pause or avoid HCl. It’s not for everyone: if you have active or past peptic ulcers, confirmed H. pylori, current acid overproduction, ingredient sensitivities, or chronic NSAID/steroid use, if you use ongoing PPIs (or you’re weaning), or if you are pregnant/breastfeeding, talk to your clinician first. Simple daily upgrades to raise digestive fire. Eating in a calm state, chewing well, trying diluted lemon water or apple cider vinegar with meals, considering digestive bitters, and assessing thiamine can be surprising helpers for stomach acid and thyroid fatigue. Real-world outcomes and what to expect. In Dr. Wentz’s experience, ~60% of people feel better on HCl, ~33% don’t tolerate it, and ~7% feel no change. Wins often include more energy, less pain/bloating, better mood, smoother bowels, and easier weight balance when digestion finally “clicks.” Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode! 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews gut health expert Steven Wright, founder of Healthy Gut. Steven shares his 15-year healing journey and explains why restrictive elimination diets often fail to resolve the root causes of digestive distress. Together, they explore how low stomach acid, SIBO, histamine overload, and stress contribute to food sensitivities – and how to build a more resilient gut that allows for food freedom. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why endless food elimination often backfires. While cutting out certain foods can help in the short term, staying overly restrictive can harm the microbiome, create nutrient deficiencies, and worsen food reactions over time. Healing requires more than just “the perfect diet.” The overlooked role of stomach acid in gut health. Low stomach acid is common in people with Hashimoto’s and can drive SIBO, reflux, nutrient deficiencies, and ongoing inflammation. Steven explains how simple HCl support can restore digestion, energy, and overall resilience. How histamine intolerance fuels food sensitivities. Symptoms like headaches, rashes, diarrhea, anxiety, or migraines can stem from histamine overload. Steven and Dr. Wentz discuss how mast cells, DAO enzymes, and butyrate help calm inflammation and support histamine tolerance. Why probiotics and prebiotics aren’t enough on their own. A healthy gut requires proper digestion, enzymes, and microbial balance. Butyrate and brush border enzymes may be the missing link in rebuilding tolerance to plants and fibers. Stress, the nervous system, and digestion. Even a perfect diet and supplements won’t work if you’re stuck in “fight-or-flight” mode. Discover practical ways to support your parasympathetic nervous system and adrenals, so your body can be in a state of healing. Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode! 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews certified holistic nutrition counselor Debbie Steinbock about the elemental diet – a powerful but often overlooked tool for healing thyroid-related gut imbalances and SIBO, IBS, and IBD. Debbie shares her personal healing journey from Crohn’s disease, her clinical experience guiding clients with complex autoimmune conditions, and why the elemental diet can succeed where other protocols fall short. Together, they explore how elemental diets feed the body while starving bacterial overgrowth, the pros and cons of different formulas, and how to avoid common mistakes that cause setbacks. Debbie also introduces her Elemental Diet Success Plan, a step-by-step roadmap to help people use this therapy with clarity and confidence. What you’ll learn in this episode: The connection between gut and thyroid health. Many people with hypothyroidism may also have SIBO (up to 50%), and motility issues tied to thyroid disease can fuel bacterial overgrowth. The elemental diet offers a way to reset both digestion and immune reactivity. The elemental diet explained. Debbie breaks down what’s actually in an elemental shake, why it’s considered “pre-digested,” and how it feeds the body while giving the gut time to rest and heal. Why SIBO and IBS are so stubborn. Many protocols fail because they either don’t fully eradicate bacterial overgrowth or they overwhelm a sensitive gut. Debbie explains why the elemental diet can be more effective, with research showing that the majority of people who try it find success in a matter of weeks. Partial vs. full elemental diets. Not everyone needs to do a 100% liquid diet. Debbie describes how partial approaches – paired with “soft, warm, and mushy” foods – can calm flare-ups and support long-term remission for conditions like IBD. Practical tips and side effects to expect. From energy swings and hunger to oral discomfort, Debbie shares what to watch for, how to prepare, and the strategies she teaches in her Elemental Diet Success Plan to minimize setbacks. Why personalization matters. Not all formulas are created equal, and not all patients need the same approach. Debbie shares how to choose between amino-based and semi-elemental shakes, and when each might be best. Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode! 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz speaks with registered dietitian Nataliia Sanzo about practical ways to calm the immune system through the gut, address common hair loss drivers in Hashimoto’s, and reintroduce foods safely after an elimination diet. They discuss the stool test markers that matter most (including intestinal permeability and H. pylori), the often-overlooked roles of blood sugar and bile flow, and how targeted nutrients can support healing. What you’ll learn: Gut health is central to autoimmunity. About 70% of the immune system lives in the gut. When the intestinal lining is irritated or “leaky,” the immune system stays on high alert, which can worsen thyroid symptoms. Nataliia shares which stool test markers matter most, such as short-chain fatty acids and signs of infections (like H. pylori), and how addressing them can help you shape your health plan.  A good stool test saves guesswork. Beyond identifying infections, tests can show whether you’re making enough digestive enzymes or butyrate, and whether bile flow needs support. With that information, you can start with a focused protocol (diet and a few well-chosen supplements), see early improvements, and then transition to food-first maintenance. Food freedom is possible after elimination diets: With gut repair and nutrient repletion, Nataliia shares her step-by-step method for reintroducing foods safely and avoiding unnecessary long-term restriction. Hair loss has common, fixable drivers. Low free-T3, low ferritin (Nataliia aims for ferritin ≥70 ng/mL), zinc/selenium/B-vitamin gaps, high stress hormones, and gut infections are frequent contributors. Supporting T4-to-T3 conversion (through gut and liver care, and in some cases with T3-containing medication), replenishing iron stores, and calming inflammation can make a real difference. Blood sugar and bile flow quietly shape symptoms. Frequent spikes in blood sugar can increase inflammation and reduce T3 activation. Simple steps, such as a protein-forward plate and a 10-minute walk after meals, often help quickly. On the digestion side, healthy bile flow supports fat digestion and absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K, and helps clear hormone byproducts. Why H. pylori deserves attention: Nataliia shares why this common infection often lingers unnoticed, driving histamine symptoms, food sensitivities, and even hair loss, and the treatment options that can make a profound difference. Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode! 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode!  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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Dr. Mariza Snyder, bestselling author and women’s health advocate, about one of the most misunderstood life transitions: perimenopause. Her new book, The Perimenopause Revolution, is a love letter to women navigating perimenopause. Together, they explore why this stage often feels like a second puberty, how declining hormones affect the entire body, and the steps women can take to feel like themselves again. What you’ll learn in this episode: Perimenopause is a neuroendocrine shift – a “second puberty.” Dr. Mariza explains how declining communication between the ovaries and brain leads to erratic hormones, destabilizing moods, and physical changes. Just like puberty and postpartum, this season reshapes our physiology and even rewires our brains. Symptoms often begin earlier than expected. While the average age of menopause is around 52, many women feel perimenopause as early as their mid-to-late thirties, especially those with Hashimoto’s, PCOS, endometriosis, or high stress loads. Recognizing the signs early can help shorten the learning curve. Progesterone declines first, and it impacts the brain. Early perimenopause is marked by low progesterone, leading to poor stress tolerance, sleep issues, mood swings, and PMS-like symptoms. Estrogen follows later with its own ripple effects, from hot flashes to joint pain and cognitive changes. Why hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be a game-changer. Despite fear-mongering, FDA-approved bioidentical hormones can be safe, affordable, and life-changing. Dr. Mariza shares her mother’s story, her own journey, and tips for advocating with doctors to get the support you need. Lifestyle shifts are non-negotiable. From blood sugar balance and strength training to sleep hygiene and daily movement “snacks,” Dr. Mariza outlines the foundations that help women reclaim their energy and protect long-term health during this transition. You’re not broken – you’re transforming. Perimenopause can feel like losing your old self. But with the right tools and support, it’s also an opportunity to rewrite your story and thrive in midlife and beyond. Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode! 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices