Do you really need to go gluten-free or dairy-free if you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis? The short answer: not everyone has to, but for many people it can be a game-changer.

In this episode, we explore why functional medicine practitioners often recommend removing gluten and dairy when dealing with Hashimoto's. You'll learn how these common foods can quietly keep the immune system fired up, worsen symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, bloating, and joint pain, and even contribute to higher thyroid antibodies.

We break down the science in simple terms: how gluten triggers zonulin to create "leaky gut," allowing unwanted particles into the bloodstream and sparking widespread inflammation. We also cover molecular mimicry—where the immune system confuses gluten or dairy proteins with your own thyroid tissue—and why 70-80% of your immune system lives in the gut, making gut health central to autoimmune conditions.

You'll hear practical advice on whether a gluten-free and/or dairy-free trial makes sense for you, how long to try it, what to watch for, and how to reintroduce foods thoughtfully. We discuss real-world results many people experience, including reduced symptoms and lower antibody levels, while emphasizing that this is one tool among many in a root-cause approach.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing Hashimoto's for years, this episode gives you clear, evidence-informed information to help you decide what's right for your body—without unnecessary fear or restriction.

Download My 7 Tips To Manage Hashimoto's:

https://mailchi.mp/0e5555d60258/the-definitive-guide-to-hashimotos

Get your supplements at Fullscript https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hfh

Meal plans link https://www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/meal-plans

Book discovery call https://l.bttr.to/pskt7

A quickie epsisode breaking down the basics of how to figure out what you should and should not eat when diagnosed with Hashimoto's.

Download My 7 Tips To Manage Hashimoto's:

https://mailchi.mp/0e5555d60258/the-definitive-guide-to-hashimotos

Get your supplements at Fullscript https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hfh

Meal plans link https://www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/meal-plans

Book discovery call(No sales pressure- let's figure out if we are a good fit to work together.) https://l.bttr.to/pskt7

"Can supplements replace thyroid medication? Many women with Hashimoto's or hypothyroidism search for natural alternatives and high-dose protocols (including those from Dr. Westin Childs). We break down the risks of unregulated thyroid glandulars, excess iodine, and DIY blends that can cause harm instead of healing.

Supplements can support—but not replace—prescription thyroid hormone. Hear an empathetic, evidence-based discussion on staying safe while feeling better. Talk to your doctor first!

#Thyroid #Hashimotos"

Download My 7 Tips To Manage Hashimoto's:

https://mailchi.mp/0e5555d60258/the-definitive-guide-to-hashimotos

Order your own labs here https://www.ultalabtests.com/partners/outofthewoodsnutrition

Get your supplements at Fullscript https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hfh

Meal plans link https://www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/meal-plans

book discovery call https://l.bttr.to/pskt7

Is T4 only medication like Synthroid or levothyroxine enough for you or do you still feel hypo? This episode will help make some sense of why that is.

Download My 9 Tips To Manage Hashimoto's:

https://mailchi.mp/0e5555d60258/the-definitive-guide-to-hashimotos

Get your supplements at Fullscript https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hfh

Meal plans link https://www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/meal-plans

book discovery call https://l.bttr.to/pskt7

"Why isn't my thyroid medication working—even when my labs say 'normal'?"

If you're a woman with Hashimoto's or hypothyroidism feeling exhausted, foggy, and frustrated despite taking your meds, this episode uncovers the real reasons from a functional medicine perspective.

I go beyond surface fixes like "just adjust the dose" to explore the deeper root causes: autoimmune flares, leaky gut, hidden infections, nutrient gaps, hormone imbalances, liver detox overload, and cellular resistance that block thyroid hormone from actually working in your body.

Download My 9 Tips To Manage Hashimoto's:

https://mailchi.mp/0e5555d60258/the-definitive-guide-to-hashimotos

Order your own labs here https://www.ultalabtests.com/partners/outofthewoodsnutrition

Get your supplements at Fullscript https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hfh

Meal plans link https://www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/meal-plans

book discovery call https://l.bttr.to/pskt7

Struggling with thyroid fatigue even when labs are 'normal'? Discover optimal thyroid ranges here.

Don't just chase "normal" lab ranges— chase how you actually feel or want to feel: energized, clear-headed, warm, with steady mood, easy weight maintenance, great hair/skin/nails, and solid digestion/sleep. Learn how your thyroid labs are supposed to look and why it matters where they lie within the lab ranges.

Download My 9 Tips To Manage Hashimoto's:

https://mailchi.mp/0e5555d60258/the-definitive-guide-to-hashimotos

Get your supplements at Fullscript https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hfh

Meal plans link https://www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/meal-plans

book discovery call https://l.bttr.to/pskt7

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Is TSH the only lab that matters—or should I be testing more?

TSH is not the only lab that matters for women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis—and in functional medicine, relying solely on it is one of the biggest oversights in conventional medicine. Many women feel persistently fatigued, brain-foggy, cold, or struggle with weight and mood issues despite "normal" TSH results. As I've said before functional medicine looks at the full picture: thyroid hormone production, conversion to T4 to T3, autoimmunity, nutrient status, inflammation, and root causes like gut health, stress, and toxins. It's all about root cause health- the WHY.

Download My 9 Tips To Manage Hashimoto's:

https://mailchi.mp/0e5555d60258/the-definitive-guide-to-hashimotos

Get your supplements at Fullscript https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hfh

Meal plans link https://www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/meal-plans

Book a Discovery Call https://l.bttr.to/pskt7

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Download My 9 Tips To Manage Hashimoto's:

https://mailchi.mp/0e5555d60258/the-definitive-guide-to-hashimotos

Order your own labs here https://www.ultalabtests.com/partners/outofthewoodsnutrition

Get your supplements at Fullscript https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hfh

Meal plans link https://www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/meal-plans

book discovery call https://www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/contact-us

https://l.bttr.to/pskt7

Branch Basics http://rwrd.io/beq5lan?c

Find Andrea

Website:

https://www.getautoimmunestrong.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/getautoimmunestrong/?hl=en

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/autoimmunestrong/

Download My 9 Tips To Manage Hashimoto's:

https://mailchi.mp/0e5555d60258/the-definitive-guide-to-hashimotos

Get your supplements at Fullscript https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hfh

Meal plans link https://www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/meal-plans

book discovery call https://www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/contact-us

• Andrea runs Autoimmune Strong, an online exercise program specifically designed for people with autoimmune diseases
• Exercise for people with autoimmune conditions requires careful pacing to avoid triggering symptom flares
• The program focuses on progressive, gentle exercise starting with core strengthening, foam rolling, and proper alignment
• January is typically a recovery month for autoimmune patients after holiday stress, with March being when most people feel ready to start exercising
• Building muscle acts as a stress absorber for the body, helping increase stress tolerance over time

Detailed discussion about the unique approach needed for exercise with autoimmune disease.

• Details
  • Andrea: Traditional "no pain, no gain" exercise approaches can trigger autoimmune flares
  • Andrea: Many autoimmune patients either push too hard and flare or avoid exercise completely
  • Andrea: Explained how stress (including exercise) affects autoimmune conditions
  • Stephanie: Shared her personal challenges with exercise during menopause and after COVID
  • Andrea: Described how her program helps people build strength gradually without triggering symptoms
• Conclusion
  • Exercise needs to be carefully tailored for autoimmune conditions
  • Listening to one's body is crucial but often difficult for autoimmune patients
  • Progressive, gentle exercise can build capacity over time without triggering flares

Andrea demonstrated a specific core exercise technique.

• Details
  • Andrea: Taught the "tuck, suck, and squeeze" abdominal bracing technique
  • Andrea: Explained how it works the transverse abdominis, which acts like an internal corset
  • Andrea: Described how proper core engagement improves posture and reduces strain on joints
  • Stephanie: Noted her challenges with posture and SI joint inflammation
• Conclusion
  • Core strength is foundational for proper alignment and reducing joint strain
  • The demonstrated technique can be done in small increments even by those with limited capacity

Andrea explained how her program is structured to build capacity gradually.

• Details
  • Andrea: Program has 6 progressive levels starting with foundational work
  • Andrea: Level 1 focuses on core work, foam rolling, and foot/ankle alignment
  • Andrea: Explained how foam rolling helps loosen fascia that becomes tight with inflammation
  • Andrea: Described how the program gradually increases difficulty through progressive overload
  • Andrea: Emphasized that even 5-7 minutes of exercise 3 days a week can build muscle
• Conclusion
  • The program starts with foundational body awareness before adding intensity
  • Progressive overload is applied carefully to build capacity without triggering flares
  • Even small amounts of consistent exercise can produce meaningful results

Download My 9 Tips To Manage Hashimoto's:

https://mailchi.mp/0e5555d60258/the-definitive-guide-to-hashimotos

Order your own labs here https://www.ultalabtests.com/partners/outofthewoodsnutrition

Get your supplements at Fullscript https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hfh

Meal plans link https://www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/meal-plans

book discovery call https://www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/contact-us

https://l.bttr.to/pskt7

Branch Basics http://rwrd.io/beq5lan?c