Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations with Dr. Izabella Wentz

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz speaks with Dr. Amber Brooks, a pediatric health practitioner who specializes in picky eating, to explore potential underlying factors that may contribute to food aversions in children. From nutrient deficiencies and gut imbalances to food allergies and sensitivities, they discuss why a child’s reluctance to eat certain foods may be connected to how their body feels, and why it may be worth looking beyond the idea that children will “outgrow” picky eating.

They also discuss real challenges parents face when navigating elimination diets, introducing supplements, and pursuing testing for their children. Amber shares practical strategies for making dietary changes less overwhelming, protecting a child’s trusted safe foods, and approaching mealtimes with compassion rather than pressure. Parents will also learn about potential nutritional testing, supplement-mixing tips, and why fear or discomfort around food deserves a closer look.

In this episode, they cover:

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Whether picky eating could be about more than food preferences. Dr. Brooks discusses her approach to picky eating, which includes investigating nutrient deficiencies, gut imbalances, and inflammation. She shares the tests she uses to explore these concerns, and highlights the need to test for ferritin.

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The food reaction clues parents might be overlooking. Could disrupted sleep, digestive discomfort, or increased fussiness be part of the picture? Dr. Brooks shares why she asks about these patterns when investigating possible food reactions, even when parents haven’t noticed an obvious allergic response.

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How to eliminate foods when your child already eats almost nothing. Dr. Wentz shares the very real worry of removing foods from an already limited diet. Dr. Brooks walks through how she helps families find familiar food swaps and navigate the grocery store so they have a practical place to start.

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The supplement mistake that could be making things more challenging. Mixing supplements into a favorite smoothie or juice might seem like an easy solution, but a change in taste or texture could put a trusted food off the menu. Dr. Brooks discusses ways to protect those foods and get creative with tricky flavors and clumping powders.

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Why forcing your child to eat may make mealtimes harder. Dr. Brooks explains how pressure to eat can reinforce the fear and discomfort a child already associates with food – here’s what she encourages parents to do instead.

Tune in to learn more about the potential root causes of picky eating, practical ways to support children with food aversions, and how to make mealtimes feel less stressful for the whole family.

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/

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In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz speaks with Dr. Efrat LaMandre (Dr. E) about medical gaslighting, why it happens, and how patients can change their approach to ensure they get the right care. Dr. E. explains why doctors may seem dismissive if they don’t find anything on lab tests, why patients can unintentionally dismiss their own symptoms, and how to communicate in a way that healthcare providers understand. She also shares practical strategies for self-advocacy and how to find answers when a doctor’s visit doesn’t bring the clarity you’re certain you need.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

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What to do when you’re told “everything looks normal” but you KNOW something isn’t right. Dr. E talks about why a normal test result doesn’t necessarily mean everything is OK – and what to do when it’s time to seek another perspective. .

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Are you accidentally gaslighting yourself? It’s easy to dismiss your own symptoms or decide you should just push through. Dr. E shares what happened after she dismissed her own persistent back pain, the life-changing diagnosis that followed, and why your concerns deserve attention.

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Why changing the way you talk to your provider can change the outcome of a visit. Taking a data-based approach – for instance, talking about timelines, patterns, and numbers – will help them get a clearer picture of what’s going on while sending the message that you are knowledgeable and serious about your health.

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Why you don’t need to choose between conventional and functional medicine. What if the problem isn’t a matter of one person being “wrong,” and the other being “right?” The best strategy, according to Dr. E, is to build a healthcare team comprised of different practitioners who offer equally important information, support, and expertise.

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Are you still apologizing for taking up your doctor’s time? From a young age, most of us are conditioned to be “good patients” and to defer to authority, minimize concerns, and assume the expert knows our body better than we do. Here’s how to advocate for yourself without becoming confrontational or feeling like you have to prove yourself.

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Why you should keep looking for answers. Whether it’s your own health or something you’re noticing in your child, Dr. E’s message is simple: trust yourself. Keep asking questions, keep looking for answers, and keep looking for other types of experts to build your healthcare team.

Tune in to learn more about medical gaslighting, patient self-advocacy, and how to keep searching for answers when something doesn’t feel right.

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/⁠

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In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz speaks with Dr. Richard Horowitz, an integrative physician who has spent more than 40 years working with complex chronic illness, including Lyme and tick-borne diseases. His work eventually led him to develop the MSIDS model, or Multiple Systemic Infectious Disease Syndrome, which looks at 16 different factors that may contribute to chronic illness rather than focusing solely on a diagnosis or individual symptoms.

Dr. Horowitz explains why he believes infections, environmental toxins, gut dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, sleep problems, and other factors can overlap beneath chronic symptoms. He also shares his perspective on the connection between Lyme and thyroid health, the complexities of testing for tick-borne illnesses, the gut-histamine-nutrient connection, and why he believes conventional medicine and root-cause approaches don't have to be opposing philosophies.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

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The “six rivers of inflammation” that may be fueling chronic illness: Since multiple health factors can lead to symptoms, knowing where to start with your healing can feel overwhelming. Dr. Horowitz shares how addressing foundational factors, including infections, environmental toxins, gut dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, and sleep problems, can help you start putting the pieces of the puzzle together.

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Why thyroid symptoms may start elsewhere in the body: The thyroid is part of a connected hormone system, with the brain helping direct how it works. Dr. Horowitz explains how inflammation from Lyme may disrupt those signals, potentially affecting thyroid function, adrenal hormones, and sex hormones such as testosterone.

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Why a single Lyme test may not tell the whole story: Getting tested can seem like it should lead to a simple “yes” or “no,” but Dr. Horowitz describes why the picture isn’t always so clear. He discusses how different testing methods, symptoms, and other clues help him put the pieces together when evaluating a possible infection.

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How gut health, histamine, and nutrients may be connected: Gut problems, reactions to foods, and low nutrient levels can seem like separate concerns. Dr. Horowitz explores how intestinal permeability, changes in gut bacteria, and histamine intolerance may overlap, and why he sometimes takes a closer look at nutrient status when someone still isn’t feeling better.

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How conventional medicine and root-cause care can work together: Treatment doesn’t have to come down to choosing between “natural” and “pharmaceutical.” Dr. Horowitz shares how medications can play an important role while he continues investigating what may be driving the illness, making room for both symptom relief and care that addresses underlying contributors.

Tune in to learn more about the root causes of chronic illness, the connection between infections and thyroid health, and Dr. Horowitz’s approach to uncovering the factors that may be keeping people stuck.

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/

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In this episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, Dr. Izabella Wentz speaks with hormone expert Dr. Jolene Brighten about why ADHD is so often missed in women and how hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life can influence the way ADHD symptoms show up. From puberty and hormonal birth control to postpartum, the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, and postmenopause, they explore why some women may not recognize their neurodivergence until midlife, and why understanding how the brain works can be a powerful first step toward finding the right tools and support.

The conversation also takes a strengths-based look at ADHD, highlighting creativity, passion, intense focus, big-picture thinking, and other ways a neurodivergent brain can work differently. Dr. Wentz and Dr. Brighten discuss the relationship between hormones, neurotransmitters, and brain function, as well as research around nutrition, supplements, hormone therapy, and other individualized approaches.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

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Why ADHD is often missed in women: We often picture ADHD as something that a hyperactive little boy has, but girls are often taught to sit still, follow the rules, and take care of others. Girls and women with ADHD may mask symptoms because they are trying to fit in with social norms or just trying to manage a busy life. Dr. Brighten explains how people-pleasing and overachieving can hide ADHD symptoms for decades.

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Why perimenopause can bring ADHD symptoms to the surface: Hormonal transitions can change the amount of energy women have available to maintain the strategies they've relied on throughout their lives. For some women, this may be when longstanding difficulties with focus, organization, time management, or executive function become much more noticeable.

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Why estrogen isn’t the whole story when it comes to ADHD symptoms: If your focus or memory seems to change before your period, there may be more going on than an estrogen dip. Dr. Brighten connects the dots between progesterone, brain chemicals, and the patterns women may notice throughout their cycle.

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What if the traits you’ve been trying to “fix” are also strengths? An ADHD brain can bring creativity, passion, and an ability to see possibilities others miss. Dr. Brighton talks about how to make room for those gifts while getting support with the tasks that take more out of you.

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Can certain supplements and hormone therapies help ADHD? Dr. Brighten discusses the research around omega-3s, saffron, creatine, and hormone therapy, along with how these tools can fit into a more personalized approach that also considers nutrition, lifestyle, and other options.

Tune in to learn more about ADHD in women, the connection between hormones and brain function, and how understanding your unique brain can help you find strategies that work with it rather than against it.

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 https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Dr. Erin Kinney, naturopathic doctor and author of The Cortisol Cure. She offers a fresh perspective on cortisol and its role in energy, stress, and healing. Rather than viewing cortisol as a hormone that is always “bad” and needs to be lowered, Dr. Kinney explains why understanding how the body uses and replenishes cortisol can change the way we approach burnout, chronic stress, and autoimmune health.

Using her “cortisol bank account” framework, Dr. Kinney explores the everyday factors that can drain your energy reserves, why high achievers may be especially vulnerable to burnout, and how small, practical habits can help support resilience and recovery.

What you'll learn in this episode:

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Why cortisol isn’t the villain it’s made out to be. Dr. Kinney explains that cortisol is your body’s natural anti-inflammatory and helps provide the energy you need to respond to stress. She also discusses why low cortisol, rather than high cortisol, may contribute to symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and sleep disturbances.

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The "cortisol bank account" concept. Learn how every stressful activity, internal inflammation, or food sensitivity acts as “withdrawals” from the bank, while rest, parasympathetic practices, and doing things you simply enjoy are more like “deposits” that help replenish and balance energy.

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Internal vs. external stressors. How hidden internal drains like nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, and chronic infections consume your energy just as much as work, family, and busy schedules.

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Why "high achievers" fall into burnout. Dr. Kinney discusses the emotional and mindset patterns common in high-performing individuals, such as difficulty resting, lack of boundaries, and saying yes to everyone except themselves, and how to flip the script.

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Building your "relaxation muscle." Just like physical exercise, resting requires practice. Dr. Kinney shares why relaxation can feel uncomfortable at first and how quick daily micro-practices can strengthen your parasympathetic response over time.

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Simple two-minute daily resets. Practical, low-barrier tools you can use immediately, including box breathing, belly breathing, humming, and even focused activities like puzzles can help to interrupt anxious thought spirals.

Tune in to learn more about cortisol, burnout, stress resilience, and practical ways to support your body's ability to recharge and recover.

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 https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Dr. Miles Nichols, DAOM, MSOM, LAc, founder of Medicine With Heart Clinic and the Medicine With Heart Institute. Dr. Miles shares his personal Hashimoto’s healing journey, including his experience with debilitating fatigue and brain fog despite being told that his initial testing looked “normal.” His search for answers ultimately led him to look beyond conventional thyroid markers and uncover several potential root causes contributing to his symptoms.

Dr. Miles and Dr. Wentz explore why Hashimoto’s can be more complex than a single thyroid diagnosis and how factors involving the gut, immune system, infections, environmental exposures, and nutrient status may fit into the bigger picture. He also shares how he approaches complex cases in his practice, the types of testing that can uncover less obvious contributors, and some of the emerging therapies he believes could shape the future of personalized care.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

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The overlooked connection between the gut and the thyroid: Dr. Miles shares a surprising discovery from his own health journey involving parietal cell antibodies and H. pylori. He explains how gut-related issues may affect thyroid and immune health, even when someone has no obvious digestive symptoms.

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What to investigate when the basics have already been addressed: What happens when someone has improved their diet, supported their gut health, prioritized sleep, and worked on stress, and has “normal” thyroid labs, but still doesn’t feel well? Dr. Miles explains what he investigates when a person has done the “right” things but continues to struggle with symptoms.

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The less obvious contributors to Hashimoto’s symptoms: Dr. Miles discusses the testing that can help uncover hidden factors, including nutrient deficiencies, immune markers, infections, and environmental exposures. He explains why examining these pieces together can provide more useful information than focusing on a single lab value.

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How environmental exposures may affect thyroid and immune health: Mold, chemicals, microplastics, and other environmental exposures may place additional stress on the body. Dr. Miles explains why identifying and, when possible, addressing the source of an exposure can be an important part of supporting recovery.

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What the future of thyroid care could look like: From peptides and nervous system therapies to emerging approaches focused on repair and regeneration, Dr. Miles shares the innovations he’s watching closely. He also explains why advanced therapies still need to be considered alongside foundational areas such as nutrition, sleep, stress, and gut health.

Tune in to learn more about the root causes that may be influencing Hashimoto’s, what to investigate when conventional testing doesn’t tell the whole story, and the future of personalized thyroid care.

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 https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, host Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Dr. Shivani Gupta, an Ayurvedic expert, author of The Inflammation Code, and founder of Fusionary Formulas. Dr. Gupta shares how her own childhood health struggles and a damaged gut microbiome led her to India to discover Ayurveda – an ancient, preventative system of healing that transformed her health and inspired her life's work.

Dr. Wentz and Dr. Gupta dive deep into how Ayurvedic principles can be directly applied to modern thyroid and autoimmune health. They break down the concept of "elemental design" (otherwise known as the doshas – vata, pitta, and kapha) to help listeners understand their unique mind-body constitutions, why different body types experience different thyroid symptoms, and how to use targeted lifestyle practices, warm foods, and grounding techniques to bring the body back into balance. They also explore the therapeutic power of high-dose turmeric for reducing inflammation, healing the gut lining, and supporting cellular longevity, along with practical routines to optimize sleep and align daily habits with the Ayurvedic circadian clock.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

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Discover your unique Ayurvedic "elemental design" and why it holds the key to your health. Dr. Gupta reveals how your primary constitution – vata, pitta, or kapha – shapes everything from your stress response to your optimal daily habits. Tune in to learn how identifying your specific type can transform the way you approach your diet, movement, and healing.

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Why symptoms and imbalances can look different for everyone: One person may struggle with cold intolerance and anxiety, while another experiences a slower metabolism, weight changes, inflammation, or skin flare-ups. Learn how Ayurveda uses different body types to explain these variations – and why the wellness practices that help one person may not be right for another.

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Turmeric acts like a “cellular janitor” for inflammation and gut repair. While most people know turmeric helps with aches and pains, its ability to clear out damaged "zombie" cells and repair the gut lining requires a very specific approach. Dr. Gupta breaks down the exact therapeutic standards needed to target over 30 inflammatory pathways, and why your kitchen spice rack simply isn't enough.

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Are you absorbing your supplements, or just wasting money? Discover the science behind spice synergy, including a simple pairing that could boost turmeric absorption by 2,000%. Tune in to hear what to look for on product labels so you can ensure you're getting true therapeutic benefits rather than low-quality imitations.

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The hidden time window that can make or break your lymphatic detox. According to Ayurveda, this restorative sleep window helps your body clear accumulated waste and inflammation. Learn how eating your largest meal around midday, winding down earlier, and protecting your sleep can better support digestion, lymphatic health, and recovery.

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How to stop pantry raids and soothe your nervous system naturally. Reaching for comfort foods or forcing trendy wellness hacks might be pushing your body further out of balance. Discover simple, grounding rituals, from Epsom salt baths to earthing, that address what your body is truly craving when stress hits.

Tune in to learn more about applying ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, smart supplementation, and circadian alignment to restore your thyroid and cellular health!

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 https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Andy Smith, PEMF therapy educator and founder of CELLER8. Andy explains how pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy and red light therapy interact with the body at the cellular level – and why these technologies may support energy, sleep, recovery, pain management, and overall wellness.

Andy also shares the personal health crisis that introduced him to PEMF therapy nearly 15 years ago. After emergency surgery and months of recurring infection, antibiotics, pain, and declining mental health, he discovered a therapy that he believes helped him regain his health and ultimately inspired a new career. Together, Dr. Wentz and Andy explore the differences between PEMF and red light therapy, how to incorporate these tools into a realistic wellness routine, and what consumers should know before investing in an at-home device.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

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How red light therapy may support cellular energy and whole-body healing. Andy explains how red and near-infrared wavelengths interact with the mitochondria and may help the cells produce more ATP – the energy they need to carry out essential functions. He also clarifies why red light and near-infrared light have different applications, from supporting skin health to reaching deeper tissues.

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What PEMF therapy is – and how it differs from red light therapy. Andy breaks down how pulsed electromagnetic field therapy uses low-frequency electromagnetic fields to interact with the body. He explains why PEMF can travel through the body differently than light-based therapies and why he views it as a foundational tool for supporting cellular health.

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How a frightening health crisis led Andy to discover his purpose. Andy shares how an unexplained infection, emergency surgery, and six months of recurring symptoms left him physically and emotionally depleted at age 25. After trying PEMF therapy during his recovery, his experience inspired him to leave his family business and dedicate his career to making the technology more accessible.

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Why PEMF may complement other wellness therapies. Andy discusses why supporting cellular energy and membrane function may help the body make better use of nutrients, supplements, red light therapy, and other modalities. He also shares how PEMF can be paired with practices such as breathwork or incorporated before therapies like hyperbaric oxygen treatment.

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How PEMF therapy may support sleep, energy, recovery, and pain management. Andy describes the changes people commonly report when using PEMF devices, including deeper sleep, improved daytime energy, and gradual reductions in discomfort. He also explains why consistent use matters and offers realistic ways to incorporate sessions into an already busy routine.

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What to look for when choosing a PEMF or red light therapy device. Andy explains why trendy, inexpensive, or multi-therapy products may not deliver therapeutic output. He shares practical considerations for evaluating PEMF mats, red light panels, and facial masks – including device specialization, coil coverage, light intensity, diode placement, and ease of use.

Tune in to learn more about how PEMF and red light therapy may support cellular energy, recovery, sleep, and overall wellness – plus practical tips for choosing the right device and making these technologies part of your routine.

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 https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Melissa Schreibfeder, registered nurse, board-certified functional medicine practitioner, and founder of the Functional Nurse Academy. Melissa shares her personal story of navigating postpartum thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s, chronic fatigue, and chronic Lyme disease after years of being dismissed by both conventional and functional medicine providers.

Together, they discuss why Lyme disease is often overlooked as a root cause of autoimmune disease and chronic symptoms, how postpartum immune shifts can trigger illness, and why many patients continue struggling despite following restrictive diets and expensive supplement protocols. Melissa also shares the therapies that helped her finally recover and explains why nurses and healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to transform chronic illness care through functional medicine.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

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Why many people with chronic illness feel failed by both conventional and functional medicine. Melissa shares how she was repeatedly told her symptoms were “just anxiety” before eventually being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and chronic Lyme disease. She also opens up about feeling preyed upon by expensive wellness protocols that focused heavily on supplements, without identifying the true root cause of her symptoms.

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How postpartum hormone shifts can trigger autoimmune disease and chronic infections. Melissa explains how pregnancy and postpartum immune system changes may activate underlying infections or autoimmune conditions that were previously dormant. We also discuss how nutrient depletions, inflammation, sleep deprivation, and hormonal shifts can create the perfect storm for thyroid issues and chronic illness after pregnancy.

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Why Lyme disease is often missed – even by functional practitioners. Melissa shares that many chronic Lyme patients never recall a tick bite or the classic “bullseye rash.” She explains why standard Lyme testing can miss up to half of chronic cases and why more advanced testing methods may be necessary when symptoms persist despite doing “all the right things.”

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The surprising symptoms chronic Lyme disease can cause throughout the body. We discuss how Lyme can mimic countless conditions, including chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, joint pain, neurological symptoms, cardiovascular issues, nerve pain, autoimmune disease, and chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS).

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How Melissa finally got her health back after years of chronic illness. Melissa shares the therapies that helped her recover, including herbal protocols, ozone therapy, and a treatment called LymeStop. She explains how healing Lyme often requires supporting the immune system, calming inflammation, replenishing nutrients, and helping the body recover after years of chronic infection.

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Why nurses and healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to change the future of chronic illness care. Melissa discusses how functional medicine allows practitioners to focus on prevention, root causes, nutrition, stress, sleep, and early dysfunction – rather than waiting until patients become severely ill before intervening.

Tune in to learn more about chronic Lyme disease, autoimmune triggers, thyroid healing, and how to uncover hidden root causes that may be keeping you sick.

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 https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz speaks with Michael Antonelli, founder and CEO of Healthgevity, about peptides, bioactive proteins, and precision longevity. They explore why eating well, exercising, taking supplements, and managing stress may stop delivering the same results – and how changes in cellular signaling, age, stress, hormones, and physiology can shift what the body needs.

They also dive into emerging compounds, including PEA, BPC-157, spermidine, lactoferrin, paraxanthine, shatavari, and oral peptides, exploring their potential applications for brain health, metabolism, hormones, recovery, and healthy aging. Plus, learn why testing, personalization, and addressing underlying pathways may help when traditional strategies are no longer enough.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

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Why do diet, supplements, and exercise sometimes stop working like they used to? Michael explains how changes in cellular signaling, stress, aging, and physiology can create health plateaus – and why it may be time to reassess what your body needs rather than simply try harder.

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Do peptides really need to be injected? Michael and Dr. Wentz unpack what peptides and bioactive proteins are, how different delivery methods work, and why oral peptides are an exciting area of innovation. If you’re fascinated by peptides but don’t like needles, you’ll want to tune in here.

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Could the right combination of compounds be more powerful than any single ingredient? They explore synergy and why targeting multiple biological pathways may help with stubborn symptoms and health plateaus. Michael shares his “one plus one equals four” approach to creating more targeted strategies.

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Brain fog, “tired but wired,” weight challenges, and poor recovery – what can help? Michael discusses new compounds being explored for brain health, stress resilience, metabolism, sleep, and cellular repair, and how targeting different signaling pathways may help address specific concerns.

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Could low ferritin be part of the reason thyroid treatment isn’t working as well as expected? Michael explains the connections between iron, lactoferrin, thyroid function, energy, and hair loss, plus why taking more iron isn’t always the answer. Learn why the missing piece may be about addressing underlying pathways rather than adding medications or supplements.

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What if the future of longevity isn’t about living longer, but living better? From spermidine and autophagy to emerging bioactives, Michael and Dr. Wentz discuss new approaches to healthy aging, fertility, recovery, and cellular health – with a focus on extending healthspan, not just lifespan.

Tune in to learn more about peptides, cellular signaling, thyroid health, emerging therapies, and the future of personalized longevity.

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 https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews fertility expert, licensed acupuncturist, Chinese medicine practitioner, and author Aimee Raupp for an empowering conversation about fertility, ovarian health, and the science behind reproductive longevity. Dr. Wentz also shares her personal journey with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), low anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), Hashimoto's, and becoming pregnant naturally at age 43 after being told donor eggs were her only option.

Together, they explore why many long-held beliefs about fertility after age 35 may be outdated, and how factors like inflammation, mitochondrial function, immune health, insulin resistance, environmental toxins, and thyroid health all influence fertility. They also discuss the connection between Hashimoto's, premature ovarian insufficiency, endometriosis, and unexplained infertility, along with emerging therapies that are bringing new hope to women navigating fertility challenges.

In this episode, you'll learn:

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Why the "fertility cliff" may not be as steep as we've been told. Aimee explains why current research suggests ovarian aging is influenced by mitochondrial function, inflammation, and the environment surrounding the egg – not just your birthday. She also discusses why many women over 40 still have healthy eggs and why fertility should be viewed more holistically.

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How Hashimoto's, premature ovarian insufficiency, and endometriosis are often connected. Aimee explains how autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and endometriosis can all contribute to fertility challenges, and why identifying the underlying cause is far more valuable than focusing on a single lab marker like AMH.

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Why optimizing your health matters more than chasing "perfect" lab numbers. Aimee shares how thyroid hormone optimization, anti-inflammatory nutrition, gut health, environmental toxin reduction, nervous system regulation, and key nutrients, can support both fertility and overall health.

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The exciting new science behind ovarian rejuvenation and regenerative medicine. Aimee discusses research on ovarian PRP, stem cell therapies, mitochondrial support, peptides, GLP-1 medications, and other emerging approaches that may help improve egg quality and ovarian function in some women.

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Why ovarian health is about much more than having a baby. Aimee explains the growing evidence that healthy ovaries play an important role in longevity, cardiovascular health, bone health, and healthy aging – making ovarian function important even for women who aren't planning to become pregnant.

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Why individualized care always wins. Whether you choose Chinese herbal medicine, supplements, hormone therapy, or fertility treatments, root cause medicine and personalized protocols consistently outperform one-size-fits-all recommendations.

Tune in to learn more about fertility, Hashimoto's, ovarian health, and the root-cause approaches that can help support reproductive wellness at every stage of life.

Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode!

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In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Jennifer Fugo, a clinical nutritionist, host of The Healthy Skin Show podcast, and an expert in uncovering the root causes of chronic skin conditions like eczema, chronic hives, dermatographia, and histamine-related symptoms.

Jennifer explains why she believes many people have been given an incomplete explanation of histamine intolerance, introducing the concept of "histamine overload" and exploring what may actually be driving symptoms such as chronic hives, itching, flushing, food reactions, headaches, and other histamine-related issues. Together, they discuss the surprising gut infections that may overstimulate mast cells, why restrictive low-histamine diets often fail to address the real problem, the limitations of stool testing, the role of mold and mycotoxins in fueling histamine overload, and the evidence-informed supplements, probiotics, liver support, and medications Jennifer uses to help stabilize mast cells and support long-term healing.

In this episode you’ll learn:

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Why histamine may not be your real problem. Jennifer explains why she prefers the term "histamine overload" and reveals the hidden triggers, including gut infections and mold, that may be driving skin symptoms like hives.

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The surprising gut bugs that may be keeping your hives from healing. Jennifer explains how H. pylori, Blastocystis hominis, parasites, fungal overgrowth, and other hidden infections may overstimulate mast cells and keep chronic skin symptoms coming back.

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Why eliminating more foods may actually backfire. Jennifer explains why a low-histamine diet can be a helpful short-term tool, but being on overly-restrictive diets without addressing the root cause can leave people too fearful of food. It is possible to enjoy food again and expand your diet once the root cause is addressed.

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Why testing doesn't always tell the whole story. Jennifer explains why stool tests can miss hidden infections, what blood work and symptoms can reveal, and why clinical detective work is often just as important as lab results.

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Could mold be making you react to everything? Jennifer explains how mold exposure and mycotoxins can destabilize mast cells, fuel histamine overload, and even make you unusually sensitive to supplements, food, and environmental triggers.

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How to naturally support histamine balance. Jennifer shares the nutrients, probiotics, liver support, and other strategies she uses to stabilize mast cells, reduce histamine overload, and help people expand their diets, regain confidence around food, and get back to living their lives.

Tune in to learn why histamine may not be your real problem, and how identifying hidden root causes could help you finally move beyond chronic hives, food reactions, and persistent histamine symptoms.

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/

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In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz speaks with Elizabeth Clark, a former laboratory diagnostics researcher turned educator who specializes in nervous system regulation, advanced self-muscle testing, and the concept of "interference fields" – areas of scar tissue or injury that may disrupt communication within the body.

In this conversation, they explore an emerging perspective on healing that goes beyond the usual root causes, diving into the potential role of scar tissue, dental work, nervous system regulation, emotional stress, and "interference fields." This thought-provoking conversation offers a fresh way to think about the missing pieces that may be standing in the way of lasting healing.

In this episode, you'll learn:

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Could old scars, piercings, or dental work be affecting your health? Elizabeth explains the concept of "interference fields.” She shares why old injuries, surgeries, tattoos, piercings, and dental procedures may sometimes play an unexpected role in chronic symptoms.

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The surprising connection between dental implants and thyroid health. Elizabeth shares her personal story of developing thyroid dysfunction after dental work and how removing a problematic implant dramatically changed her health. She also discusses why even biologically compatible materials can sometimes trigger immune reactions or interfere with healing in sensitive individuals.

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The emotional patterns Elizabeth commonly sees in women with thyroid issues. Elizabeth explains why feelings of not being heard, suppressing your voice, chronic people-pleasing, humiliation, and self-sacrifice frequently show up in women struggling with thyroid dysfunction, and how chronic stress may influence healing alongside physical root causes.

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Why mold, viruses, toxins, and emotional stress often travel together. Rather than acting independently, Elizabeth explains why these factors may compound one another, creating a perfect storm that keeps the body stuck in survival mode. She shares why addressing only one root cause may leave people feeling like they're taking two steps forward and one step back.

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A different way to gather clues about your body's unique needs. Elizabeth explains advanced self-muscle testing as a screening tool that she uses to help identify potential stressors and priorities for healing. She also shares why no single test tells the whole story and why combining multiple sources of information often leads to better decisions.

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An unconventional therapy that may help address "interference fields." Elizabeth explains the principles behind neural therapy, why it's more commonly used in Germany than the United States, and how practitioners use it to help address scars and other areas that may contribute to nervous system interference and chronic symptoms.

Tune in to learn more about nervous system regulation, interference fields, emotional health, and the many factors that may influence healing in Hashimoto's and chronic illness.

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/

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In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews returning guest Ben Azadi to talk about some of the biggest keto facts and myths. Ben shares some fascinating answers to some of the most common questions about keto, including whether it's safe for people with Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism, the ideal daily carb count, how long someone should stay on keto, and how to avoid common pitfalls when getting started.

Ben explains why a well-formulated ketogenic diet can help support metabolic flexibility, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity without requiring lifelong restriction. He also shares practical tips for managing common side effects like constipation and "keto breath," discusses who should approach keto with caution, and explains his “keto flex” approach, which encourages cycling in and out of ketosis. The conversation centers around the importance of personalization, food variety, and supporting overall health rather than following rigid dietary rules.

In this episode, you'll learn:

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Whether you should do keto if you have Hashimoto's. One of the biggest myths surrounding thyroid health is that keto is completely off-limits. Ben shares a different perspective and explains why how you approach keto may matter more than whether you do it at all.

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The surprisingly simple tweak that may make keto more sustainable. If the thought of giving up carbs forever has kept you from trying keto, you'll want to hear Ben's flexible approach that challenges the idea that ketosis has to be permanent.

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Why keto sometimes causes constipation, bad breath, or even changes in body odor. These concerns may discourage people from sticking with keto – however, they aren’t that common. Discover what's actually happening in your body, plus simple strategies that will help you feel your best when you start keto.

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If keto is really just bacon, butter, and cheese. Ben breaks down what a well-formulated ketogenic diet actually looks like, including several nutrient-dense foods that many people don't realize are keto-friendly.

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The unexpected signs that your metabolism may be improving. Beyond weight loss, Ben discusses some surprising physical changes he's seen in people who improve their metabolic health and why they may reveal more than you think.

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Whether eating the same healthy foods every day could backfire. Learn why food variety, seasonal eating, and metabolic flexibility may play a bigger role in long-term wellness than following any one diet perfectly.

Tune in to learn how to use the ketogenic diet strategically to support thyroid health, improve metabolic flexibility, and determine whether keto may be the right tool for your healing journey.

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/

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In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz speaks with content creator, speaker, and self-trust advocate Amy Untamed about the often-overlooked emotional patterns that can contribute to chronic illness and autoimmune disease.

After recovering from chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) twice, Amy realized that lasting healing wasn't just about calming the nervous system or following the right protocols. It also required addressing deeper patterns of people-pleasing, perfectionism, self-abandonment, and unresolved trauma that had kept her body in a chronic state of stress. Together, she and Dr. Wentz explore how chronic emotional stress, attachment wounds, boundaries, self-worth, and nervous system regulation can all play a role in the healing journey.

In this episode, you'll learn:

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How chronic stress and self-abandonment can keep your body stuck in survival mode. Amy shares her remarkable journey of recovering from chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) twice, revealing how unresolved trauma, people-pleasing, and years of putting everyone else's needs before her own contributed to nervous system dysregulation. Discover why healing these deeper patterns became a turning point in her lasting recovery.

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Why learning to stop abandoning yourself may be one of the most powerful steps toward healing. Many women are conditioned to seek approval, avoid conflict, and put everyone else's needs first. Discover how setting boundaries, protecting your peace, and creating emotional safety can support both your nervous system and your overall health.

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The surprising connection between perfectionism and chronic illness. Trying to follow the "perfect" diet or have the "perfect" healing journey can create more stress, making it harder for your body to heal. Discover why self-compassion, flexibility, and joy better support recovery.

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How childhood experiences and attachment patterns can influence your health. Early life experiences shape self-worth, relationships, and the tendency to seek validation from others. Amy shares how healing these deeply rooted patterns helped her trust her intuition, build healthier relationships, and reconnect with herself.

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Why healing your nervous system involves more than food and supplements. While nutrition, gut health, and lifestyle changes are important, lasting recovery often requires addressing the emotional patterns that keep the body in fight-or-flight. Discover how nervous system regulation and emotional healing can complement a root-cause approach to wellness.

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How hope and self-trust can transform your healing journey. Amy chose not to accept her diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome or the prognosis that she would never recover. Discover how surrounding herself with stories of healing, strengthening her intuition, and believing recovery was possible, helped her move forward.

Tune in to learn how emotional healing, self-trust, and nervous system regulation can support your journey toward better health.

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/

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In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz sits down with naturopathic doctor and functional medicine practitioner Dr. Jarrod Cooper to explore why so many people with chronic illness remain stuck despite doing everything they’ve been told to do. Drawing on more than a decade of experience working with complex, treatment-resistant cases, Dr. Cooper shares the principles behind his Healing Hierarchy, a framework designed to help people address the root causes of chronic illness in the right order.

Together, they discuss why healing often stalls when foundational issues are overlooked, the role of nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar imbalances, gut dysfunction, and chronic stressors in ongoing symptoms, and why timing matters when it comes to recovery. Dr. Cooper also explains how hidden “health blocks” such as infections, mold exposure, and unresolved gut issues can keep the body trapped in a cycle of inflammation and sensitivity, even when someone is following the right protocols.

In this episode, you'll learn:

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Why doing the right things in the wrong order can slow your recovery. Dr. Cooper explains how many people with chronic illness aren't necessarily following the wrong protocols – they may simply be addressing issues out of sequence.

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The four levels of The Healing Hierarchy. Discover the framework Dr. Cooper uses to help patients recover from complex chronic illnesses, beginning with crisis stabilization, followed by gut repair, biochemistry and detoxification support, and finally hormone optimization.

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Why blood sugar balance, nutrient status, sleep, and inflammation matter more than many people realize. Before addressing deeper root causes, Dr. Cooper emphasizes the importance of stabilizing the body's basic functions. Learn how deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, and vitamin D, along with blood sugar imbalances and poor sleep, can keep the body stuck in a chronic stress response.

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The critical role of gut health in Hashimoto's and chronic illness. We discuss how intestinal permeability, SIBO, parasites, microbiome imbalances, and digestive dysfunction can contribute to immune activation, nutrient deficiencies, fatigue, and ongoing symptoms, even in people who don't have obvious digestive complaints.

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What "health blocks" are and how they can prevent progress. From chronic infections and mold exposure to unresolved gut dysfunction and detoxification challenges, Dr. Cooper explains how hidden stressors can keep the body stuck in a cycle of inflammation, sensitivity, and stalled healing.

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Why some wellness practices can backfire during chronic illness recovery. Learn why interventions such as fasting, cold plunges, intense exercise, and extensive supplement protocols may place additional stress on an already sensitized system, and why timing matters when it comes to healing.

Tune in to learn more about the Healing Hierarchy, uncovering hidden obstacles to recovery, and how to create a more strategic path toward healing chronic illness.

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/

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In this episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, Dr. Izabella Wentz explores a question she has heard countless times from people with Hashimoto’s and thyroid conditions: Is not speaking your truth contributing to thyroid disease? Drawing from her own health journey, she shares personal experiences where suppressing her voice, avoiding difficult conversations, and prioritizing others’ needs appeared to coincide with symptom onset, symptom flare-ups, and periods of chronic stress.

Dr. Wentz also examines the science behind stress, nervous system dysregulation, immune function, and autoimmunity to better understand how emotional patterns may influence physical health. This conversation offers a compassionate and balanced perspective on the connection between self-expression, chronic stress, and healing, while emphasizing that thyroid disease is never caused by a single factor. Instead, it invites listeners to consider how long-standing patterns of people-pleasing, conflict avoidance, hyper-responsibility, and self-suppression may contribute to the physiological stress that impacts health and wellbeing.

What you'll learn in this episode:

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Why so many people with Hashimoto's struggle to put themselves first. Many people with thyroid disease are highly responsible, caring, and dependable, but those same qualities can sometimes lead to chronic self-sacrifice. Dr. Wentz discusses the common patterns of people-pleasing, over-giving, conflict avoidance, and difficulty asking for help. Recognizing these patterns may be the first step toward reclaiming your health.

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How self-suppression may show up in the body. Through three personal stories, Dr. Wentz explores how avoiding difficult conversations and suppressing her needs appeared to coincide with chronic fatigue, acid reflux, persistent coughs, and symptom flare-ups, and how speaking up became part of her healing journey.

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What the science says about stress and autoimmune disease. While emotions may not directly cause Hashimoto’s, chronic stress can influence immune function, inflammation, cortisol balance, gut health, and other biological systems that play a role in autoimmunity and symptom severity.

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Why living in “fight-or-flight” can keep you feeling sick. Chronic vigilance, unresolved stress, and feeling unable to express yourself may keep the nervous system locked in survival mode, contributing to fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, food sensitivities, and immune dysfunction.

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The hidden link between emotional stress and gut health. Learn how chronic stress can reduce stomach acid, impair nutrient absorption, increase intestinal permeability, and weaken the body’s defenses, creating a ripple effect that may impact thyroid health and overall wellbeing.

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Practical tools to shift from survival mode into healing mode. Discover actionable tools for supporting nervous system recovery, including boundary setting, EMDR, neurofeedback, targeted nutrients, blood sugar balance, stress reduction practices, and the foundational principles of Dr. Wentz’s Adrenal Transformation Protocol program.

Tune in to learn more about the relationship between chronic stress and autoimmune disease, why emotional patterns can influence physical health, how nervous system dysregulation affects healing, and practical ways to support both your emotional and physical wellbeing.

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/⁠

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In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Dr. Anna Cabeca – triple board-certified OB-GYN, functional medicine practitioner, and women’s hormone expert – for an open and honest conversation about the topics many women are too embarrassed to ask about. They discuss libido, vaginal health, painful intercourse, hormones, fertility, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and menopause.

Dr. Cabeca explains how hormonal changes affect everything from mood and intimacy to the vaginal microbiome and bladder health, while also sharing practical strategies women can explore to support healthy aging, hormone balance, and sexual wellness. This episode helps normalize conversations around women’s health, and reminds listeners that many symptoms commonly dismissed as “just aging” deserve attention and support.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

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Why libido is about so much more than testosterone. Dr. Anna explains why desire is influenced by hormones, stress, emotional connection, inflammation, adrenal health, and even whether your bedroom feels calming or chaotic. She also shares why many women experience “secondary desire” – meaning they don’t initiate intimacy but enjoy it once they get started.

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The surprising connection between vaginal health, bladder health, and the microbiome. As estrogen and hormone levels decline with age, the vaginal microbiome changes too, increasing the risk for bacterial vaginosis, urinary symptoms, HPV, and painful intercourse. Dr. Anna explains why Lactobacillus species are essential for maintaining a healthy vaginal environment.

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Why painful intercourse should never be dismissed as “normal aging.” Loss of collagen, elasticity, hormones, and healthy bacteria can all contribute to discomfort during sex, but Dr. Anna emphasizes that pelvic pain always deserves a full workup, including pelvic exams and transvaginal ultrasounds when appropriate.

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How pregnancy and postpartum recovery can affect hormones in your 40s. Dr. Anna discusses why women in perimenopause may feel postpartum hormonal shifts more intensely, including the role of progesterone withdrawal, low omega-3 levels, and declining testosterone after pregnancy.

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The overlooked ways birth control pills can affect libido and attraction. Dr. Anna explains how hormonal birth control suppresses ovulation, testosterone surges, and natural fertility signaling – potentially impacting sex drive, mood, and even who women are attracted to.

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Why vaginal probiotics may support fertility, urinary health, and intimacy. Dr. Anna discusses how the vaginal microbiome can influence sperm survival, conception, urinary symptoms, and vaginal comfort – and why targeted probiotics may be an important tool in women’s health.

Tune in to learn more about hormones, intimacy, vaginal health, and how women can support their bodies through every stage of life.

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/

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In this episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, Dr. Izabella Wentz speaks with Nicolas Canon, transformational guide and founder of Ayahuasca Colombia, about the emotional patterns that may influence chronic illness and autoimmune conditions. Together, they explore how stress, self-suppression, and unresolved emotional experiences can affect our relationship with health and healing.

Nico shares insights on the connection between emotions, self-expression, and physical wellbeing, along with the powerful story of his mother's recovery from years of chronic pain and fibromyalgia after addressing longstanding emotional patterns. This conversation offers a thought-provoking perspective on the role of awareness, boundaries, and emotional healing in overall wellness.

What you'll learn in this episode:

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Why symptoms may be messages, not mistakes. Nico shares his perspective that chronic symptoms and autoimmune conditions may be signaling deeper emotional stress, unresolved conflict, or patterns that have fallen out of balance. He explains why becoming curious about what the body is communicating can be an important part of the healing journey.

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How people-pleasing, over-functioning, and self-sacrifice can affect health. Many people struggling with chronic illness have spent years putting everyone else's needs before their own. Nico explains how difficulty saying no, weak boundaries, and constantly pushing through exhaustion can create emotional and physical strain over time.

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The connection between self-expression, boundaries, and thyroid health. Nico discusses why suppressing emotions, avoiding difficult conversations, and struggling to communicate needs may contribute to chronic stress. Dr. Wentz also shares her personal experience of how speaking her truth helped resolve recurring symptoms.

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How childhood experiences can shape lifelong patterns around stress and wellbeing. Nico explains how early relationships with parents and caregivers can influence self-worth, emotional expression, boundaries, and the ways people respond to challenges later in life.

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The difference between understanding your patterns and truly healing them. Many people can identify the origins of their struggles but still feel stuck repeating the same cycles. Nico shares why healing often requires moving beyond intellectual awareness and into deeper emotional processing and integration.

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The powerful story of one woman's recovery from chronic pain and fibromyalgia. Nico shares his mother's remarkable journey after years of severe pain, disability, and hopelessness. He explains how uncovering longstanding patterns of resentment, over-giving, and self-neglect helped transform her relationship with herself, her body, and her health.

Tune in to learn more about the connection between emotional wellbeing and physical health, how childhood experiences can influence adult health patterns, why self-expression matters, and how curiosity may help uncover deeper messages behind chronic symptoms.

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/

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In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Abel James, the New York Times bestselling author of The Wild Diet, podcast host, musician, and longtime leader in the ancestral health movement. Together, they discuss how the wellness world has evolved over the past decade, why real food still matters, and how modern health culture can sometimes drift into unhealthy extremes.

Abel also shares powerful lessons from coaching on a national weight loss television show, recovering from a serious car accident, and learning how to prioritize sustainability, nervous system healing, muscle preservation, and longevity over perfection. This episode offers a refreshing perspective on what true wellness really looks like – especially as we age.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

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Why “real food” is still one of the most powerful healing tools we have. Abel explains why so many health trends come and go, but foundational principles like eating nutrient-dense whole foods continue to stand the test of time. He also shares why reclaiming your health starts with removing the foods and habits that disconnect you from your body.

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The dangerous problem with modern weight loss culture (especially muscle loss). Abel shares behind-the-scenes insights from coaching on ABC’s weight loss competition show, and how his client lost 87 pounds, improved mobility, and maintained the results without extreme restriction.

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Why wellness can quietly become unhealthy. Abel shares why many people turn health into an obsession, chasing perfection through restrictive diets, overtraining, or extreme fitness goals. He explains why true health should give you more freedom, creativity, and energy for life – not make your world smaller.

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How aging changes what your body needs (and why that’s not a bad thing). From marathon running to heavy lifting, Abel talks honestly about the habits that worked in our 20s but no longer support long-term health. He shares how his own recovery journey shifted his focus toward mobility, recovery, strength preservation, and sustainable movement practices.

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The surprising connection between neuroplasticity, stress recovery, and healing. After a severe car accident, Abel explored therapies like PRP prolotherapy, ketamine infusions, and medically supervised psilocybin-assisted healing to support nervous system recovery. He also explains why nervous system healing is becoming such an important part of longevity conversations.

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Why AI can never replace human intuition and wisdom. Abel shares why concerns about relying too heavily on AI-generated health advice, especially when it comes to complex medical information, can be dangerous. Critical thinking, mentorship, books, and learning from real human experience are key when it comes to longevity and overall wellness.

Tune in to learn more about longevity, sustainable wellness, nervous system healing, and how to create a healthier life that actually feels good to live.

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/

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