Thyroid Strong

In this episode of the Thyroid Strong podcast, Dr. Emily welcomes Dr. Kasey Holland, a leading expert in Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and integrative approaches to chronic illness. Together, they unpack the role EBV plays in women with Hashimoto’s, why reactivation is so common, and how it’s often an overlooked contributor to persistent fatigue and inflammation.

The conversation explores how EBV is tested, why foundational habits like hydration, sunlight, and movement matter more than most realize, and how complex layers—like mold, stress, or mitochondrial dysfunction—can keep the body stuck. Dr. Holland shares real case examples, treatment priorities, and insights into using antiviral herbs, nutrients, and clinical strategies that support long-term healing.

If you’ve been told your labs are “normal” but still don’t feel well, this conversation offers practical guidance and hope.

Highlight: 

00:00 Welcoming Dr. Kasey Holland

00:32 What is Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)?

01:39 The Link Between EBV and Hashimoto’s

02:56 How to Test for EBV Properly

05:36 Recognizing Symptoms and Reactivation Patterns

10:06 Why EBV Reactivates: Mold, Stress & More

15:29 Foundational Health: Hydration, Light, Movement

22:18 How to Approach Treatment & Antivirals

34:26 Real Patient Results & Final Takeaways

Connect with Dr Kasey Holland:

Virtual Telehealth: [email protected]

If you need a root cause functional medicine approach to your Hashimoto's:

1:1 Functional Health Coaching - Dr. Emily Kiberd   

If you are looking for the only doctor-designed work out program for Hashimoto's:

Workout for Hashimoto's - Thyroid Strong - Dr. Emily Kiberd

Follow Dr Emily Kiberd and Thyroid Strong on: 

Facebook: Thyroid Strong | Facebook  

Instagram:

Instagram (@thyroid.strong)  

TikTok:

Thyroid Strong on TikTok

In this episode of Thyroid Strong Podcast, Dr. Patrick Hanaway MD discusses the crucial role of gut health in managing Hashimoto's disease. Emphasizing a food-first approach, Dr. Hanaway explains how what you eat  and prebiotics, rather than probiotics, can help balance the gut microbiome and improve your overall health. He highlights the connection between gut permeability, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases, and delves into the impact of diet on gut diversity. The episode also covers the potential effects of medication on the gut microbiome, the importance of prebiotics, and the role of postbiotics in maintaining gut health. Dr. Hanaway shares insights on the gut-brain axis, fecal transplants, the significance of vagal tone, and practical steps for improving gut health, including the five Rs: Remove, Replace, Reinoculate, Repair, and Rebalance.

Highlight: 

00:00 Introduction to microbiome that can play a role in Hashimoto's

00:31 Understanding Hashimoto's and Gut Health

01:44 The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Autoimmune Diseases

06:52 Medications and Their Impact on Your Gut Health with Hashimoto’s

11:13 How what you eat can shift your gut

16:35 Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics Explained

22:19 Fecal Transplants and Postbiotics

31:01 How the Gut-Brain Axis works and Mental Health

38:06 Practical Steps for Improving Gut Health

44:22 How to find certified practitioners

If you need a root cause functional medicine approach to your Hashimoto's: https://www.dremilykiberd.com/functional-health-coaching/

If you are looking for the only doctor-designed work out program for Hashimoto's: https://www.dremilykiberd.com/thyroid-strong/

In this episode, Dr. Emily Kiberd explains why testing just TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is insufficient for understanding thyroid health. She shares her personal experience with Hashimoto's diagnosis and highlights the limitations of conventional TSH tests.

Dr. Kiberd outlines the importance of testing additional markers including Free T3, Free T4, TPO antibodies, TGAB, and reverse T3 to get a comprehensive view.

She also discusses the difference between conventional and functional ranges, as well as the impact of factors like stress, nutrient deficiencies, and gut health on thyroid function.

Dr. Kiberd advocates for a holistic approach, combining direct hormone testing with root cause analysis, to effectively manage thyroid health.

00:00 My Hashimoto's Personal Story

01:54 Understanding TSH and Its Limitations

02:21 The Importance of Comprehensive Thyroid Testing

06:44 Breaking Down Thyroid Markers

10:01 The Role of Free T3 and Free T4

11:45 Addressing Root Causes Beyond Hormones

13:09 Reverse T3 and Thyroid Antibodies

16:08 Empowering Your Thyroid Health Journey

18:15 How Root Cause Functional Medicine can help you

The only doctor designed workout that is thyroid friendly: https://www.dremilykiberd.com/thyroid-strong/

Root Cause Functional Medicine for a personalized approach to uncover the triggers of your Hashimoto's to get you feeling like yourself, just better. https://www.dremilykiberd.com/functional-health-coaching/

Dr. Emily Kiberd discusses the innovative concept of palm cooling and its transformative effects on Hashimoto's, perimenopause, and menopause workouts with Ariel and Evie from Apex Cool Labs. This episode of the Thyroid Strong Podcast delves into the science behind palm cooling, how it can help women push harder, recover faster, break through workout plateaus, and avoid exercise-induced fatigue. Ariel and Evy explain their backgrounds, the research backing palm cooling, practical applications, and personal experiences. They also address its potential in managing hot flashes and night sweats. Tune in to discover how this tool can elevate both physical and mental health.

00:00 Introduction to Exercise Fatigue in Hashimoto's

01:15 Discovering Palm Cooling

01:48 Meet the Innovators: Apex Cool Labs

02:39 The Science Behind Palm Cooling

07:13 Real-Life Applications and Success Stories

09:59 Understanding the Mechanisms and Benefits

19:22 Palm Cooling for Autoimmune Conditions

20:00 Palm Cooling for Exercise Intolerance

22:17 Mechanism of Palm Cooling

23:42 Optimal Conditions for Palm Cooling

24:24 Practical Applications and Benefits

26:16 Personal Experiences and Recommendations

30:13 Advanced Palm Cooling Technology

34:22 Potential Health Applications for Women in menopuase

36:21 Excitement and Future of Palm Cooling

Find the Narwhals from Apex Cools Labs here.

If you are looking to lose weight with Hashimoto's, check out Thyroid Strong Elite. You get thyroid friendly workouts customized to you and personalized calories and macros to get you to the body of your dreams.

Why You Still Have Belly Bloat (Even After Going Gluten-Free)

In this episode, Dr. Emily Kiberd delves into why you might still experience persistent belly bloat despite a gluten-free diet and taking your thyroid medications. Many ladies with Hashimoto's find that food sensitivities are only a small part of the puzzle.

Dr. Kiberd explores hidden culprits such as gut infections, like H. pylori and SIBO, which are often overlooked and can exacerbate symptoms.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ Why food is not the enemy—if you’re still bloated after going gluten-free, your gut health is the real issue.

✅ How SIBO, H. pylori, and low stomach acid are major causes of bloating that are often overlooked.

✅ Why testing matters! I'm a test don't guess kind of gal and I'll share how to test.

I invite you to join my free, in-depth Gut Masterclass, where I'll will guide you through steps to heal your gut and beat the bloat for good.

Sign up here for the Free Gut Masterclass where you'll learn:

• What to do when your thyroid medication and changing your diet aren't making you feel better (or helping you lose weight)
• How stealth gut infections that go hand-in-hand with Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism
• How to test for these infections (hint: its not a test found in your endo's office)
• The 3R approach to healing your gut 
• Why certain gut infections look similar and the importance of a "test, don't guess" approach

Jump on in, it's free!

https://www.dremilykiberd.com/freegutmc/

If you’ve been struggling to lose weight with Hashimoto’s, you’re not alone. Traditional weight loss advice—cutting calories and doing more cardio—doesn’t work when you have an underactive thyroid. In this episode of Thyroid Strong, I’m sharing the 5 things I’d focus on in 2025 to lose weight without burnout, extreme fatigue, or metabolic slowdowns. These are the strategies that actually move the needle when it comes to fat loss, muscle gain, and boosting thyroid health.

From dialing in protein intake to reducing environmental toxins that sabotage your metabolism, this episode is packed with actionable steps to help you lose weight, increase energy, and feel strong in your body.

Tune in to Learn:

✅ Why protein intake is the #1 change I’m making in 2025 for fat loss and muscle retention

✅ The workout strategy that works best for Hashimoto’s (hint: it’s not endless cardio)

✅ How to track macros the right way without triggering adrenal fatigue

✅ The gut-thyroid connection and how inflammation could be stalling your progress

✅ The hidden environmental toxins that make you hold onto weight and how to detox safely

✅ The hidden environmental toxins that make you hold onto weight and how to detox safely

✅ My take on GLP-1's

If you’re tired of guessing what works for weight loss with Hashimoto’s, this episode will give you the roadmap you need.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

🔹 💪 Join Thyroid Strong – My Signature Strength Program for Women with Hashimoto’s

🔹 🔥 Get Personalized Support with Thyroid Strong Elite (my group coaching program)

🔹 🩺 Work With Me 1:1 – Functional Medicine Health Coaching

🔹 🩺 Hashimoto's Health Audit

🔹 My Go-To Air & Water Filters for Reducing Toxin Exposure

🔹 Follow Me on Instagram for More Hashimoto’s Tips

Connect With Me:

📲 Instagram: @DrEmilyKiberd

📩 Get My Weekly Hashimoto’s Newsletter: Sign Up Here

🌎 Website: www.dremilykiberd.com

💡 Loved this episode? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or share it on Instagram and tag me!

Client Success Story: Overcoming Fatigue and Brain Fog with Foundational Health

In this episode of the Thyroid Strong podcast, Dr. Emily Kiberd shares the remarkable six-month journey of her client, Alison, who suffered from chronic fatigue, brain fog, and weight issues due to Hashimoto's disease.

Dr. Kiberd outlines the holistic approach she used to help Alison regain her energy and vitality. Key strategies include focusing on foundational health such as diet, strength training, sleep quality, and nervous system regulation before addressing thyroid and gut health, and tackling issues like sleep apnea and mold exposure.

In 6 months of working together, Alison experienced:

✅ No more hives

✅ No more 2 p.m. crashes

✅ Went on a hike with her daughter—without crashing afterward

✅ Lost 17 pounds in 6 months

Alison's transformation is a testament to the power of addressing root causes and foundational wellness to achieve lasting health improvements.

In This Episiode:

00:00 Introduction and Client Success Story

00:16 Identifying Goals and Initial Challenges

01:59 Foundational Health: Diet and Exercise

03:46 Addressing Sleep Issues

07:51 Nervous System Regulation

11:10 Gut Health and H. Pylori

12:44 Mold Exposure and Detox

16:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links from the show:

Lofta Sleep Study: http://rwrd.io/t3blkyp?c Get $25 by clicking the link.

Myofunctional Therapist: Kimmie Herrera https://www.smileandairwayhealth.com/

Your Daily App: https://yourdaily.health/membership/ Use code Rootcause for your 1st month free

Primal Trust: https://www.primaltrust.org/?ref=52445-ThyroidStrong

Thyroid Strong Workout Program: https://www.dremilykiberd.com/thyroid-strong/

Work With me! 1:1 Functional Medicine Health Coaching: https://www.dremilykiberd.com/functional-health-coaching/

It's been 2 years since the last Youtube episode. Here's why I put the podcast on pause, what I've been up to the last 2 years (hint: its expanding beyond just Thyroid Strong workouts) and a client's success story of taking 2 hours naps every single day to forgetting she even needed to nap. I'm excited to have Thyroid Strong Podcast back in action.

I'll be share more information on how to heal Hashimoto's with a root cause approach, and some deep beliefs I have inside Thyroid Strong to lose weight and get your body back.

Today I have Dr. Jolene Brighten, a Naturopathic Physician and one of the few guests who have been a second-time guest on the Thyroid Strong podcast. She shares her new book, “Is This Normal?” and how to get your libido back, your hormones in balance, and where to start when you feel overwhelmed with your Hashimoto’s diagnosis. 

Her new book is informative, entertaining, and all the things you wish you knew when you were first diagnosed.

In This Episode:

• The things women are told are normal that aren’t when it comes to health and hormones

• Why many of the things women are told about our bodies are wrong

• What foods help balance your hormones

• What are the symptoms of thyroid and adrenal imbalance, especially in relation to hormone problems

• What to understand about libido and how to support it

How sexual desire differs in women and men

• The brakes vs gas theory of libido and spontaneous vs responsive desire

• Her 28-day plan for better hormone health, mood and libido

Dr. Jolene Brighten is a hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and thought leader in

women’s medicine. She is board certified in naturopathic endocrinology and trained in

clinical sexology. Dr. Brighten is the author of Is This Normal, a non-judgemental guide

to creating hormone balance, eliminating unwanted symptoms, and building the sexual

desire you crave. A fierce patient advocate and completely dedicated to uncovering the

root cause of hormonal imbalances, Dr. Brighten empowers women worldwide to take

control of their health and their hormones through her website and social medical

channels. Dr. Brighten is an international speaker, clinical educator, and medical advisor

within the tech community.

Where to find Dr. Jolene Brighten:

https://drbrighten.com/

https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten/

Follow Dr. Emily Kiberd and Thyroid Strong Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok

If you’re looking to lose weight with Hashimoto’s, grab my free download: https://www.dremilykiberd.com/weight/

If you’re looking to beat Hashimoto’s fatigue, download my free resource here: https://www.dremilykiberd.com/fatigue/

If you've ever done a yoga class and walked out with more back pain wondering what the heck happened, this episode is for you. I share the story of one Thyroid Strong participant's experience in getting strong and stable with the Thyroid Strong program. She shares her WHY for doing the program which was to avoid becoming osteoporotic like her grandmother.

Thyroid Strong is up to 20% off until midnight tonight.

Go to: www.dremilykiberd.com/programoptions/