Hashimoto's, Functional Medicine and Thyroid Autoimmune Disease - FAM #041

Welcome!  My guest today is Dr. Izabella Wentz, who is a pharmacist dedicated to addressing the root causes of autoimmune thyroid disorders.  She was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 2009 and has written Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause.  Izabella is a champion of incorporating lifestyle change and functional medicine into the treatment of autoimmune disease.

Even as a pharmacist, Izabella admits that she never learned much about thyroid disorders in school.  Her journey through diagnosis and treatment includes the following:

8-9 years of debilitating fatigue

Epstein-Barr virus mono as an undergrad

Irritable bowel syndrome

Acid reflux

Hair loss

Carpal tunnel syndrome

No answers!  Then tried a new doctor

Diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis  (HT)

How did I get this?  Are there lifestyle changes that can help or even reverse it?

Found a connection between celiac disease and Hashimoto’s and talked to her doctor about a gluten-free diet

The doctor’s attitude was that there were NO OTHER OPTIONS except traditional Meds: Synthroid or Levoxyl

Made herself a human guinea pig, learned about functional medicine, and eliminated all symptoms within a few weeks simply by diet change

Izabella discusses common root causes of HT and other autoimmune disorders:

Reactive foods, such as gluten, dairy, and soy

Nutrient deficiency, especially selenium, vitamin B12, ferritin, and vitamin D

Poor stress response from adrenal glands

Gut infections

Toxins

In this episode, Dr. Wentz also discusses the specifics of a GF diet, how to decrease symptoms and medications, and how to improve gut health.  She speaks about thyroid tests, triggers for symptoms, and steps you can take for improvement.  Don’t miss this informative conversation!

Links and Resources:

www.thyroidpharmacist.com  (Izabella’s website)

www.thyroidpharmacist.com/gift  (To get her free guide, a free chapter from her book, and recipes)

Find Dr. Wentz on Facebook, too!

Now it’s your turn!

WHAT changes have you made in your diet? 

HOW have those changes affected your health? 

WHAT has been your biggest challenge while implementing a healthy lifestyle? 

WHO do you want to hear from?

Let me know in the comments below and I will try my best to get them on the show!  I want to answer your burning questions and for YOU to add your thoughts to the conversation.  So go ahead and leave a comment now.  

And if you want even more resources to heal yourself naturally, make sure you sign up for my email updates, because I share some insights in my email updates that I don’t share anywhere else.

Thanks so much for stopping by and until next time, remember to eat consciously, because the world needs a healthy and vibrant you!

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Summary of Pearls shared on the show

Occasional Love Letters from Dr. Anh, where I share my favorite recipes and products, upcoming events, new information I’ve learned, and other goodies ☺