Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD

Thyroid Pharmacist

10: Where to Start with Hashimoto’s

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LISTEN TO THE PODCAST – Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

As someone with Hashimoto’s, I know how frustrating it can be to feel unheard, unwell, and unsure of what to do next. 

When I was first diagnosed, I realized that simply taking thyroid hormones wasn’t enough — I needed to dig deeper into the root causes of my condition. Through years of research, clinical experience, and personal healing, I’ve discovered a multifaceted approach that has helped not only me but thousands of others regain their health.

Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid, leading to hypothyroidism. But it’s not just about the thyroid — this condition affects digestion, energy levels, mood, and even immune function. Many people struggling with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may actually have undiagnosed Hashimoto’s. 

Recognizing these underlying connections is the first step toward healing.

In this podcast, I share actionable tips for managing Hashimoto’s on topics like: 

Key Insights on Managing Hashimoto’s

Most people need more than just thyroid medication

  • Hashimoto’s isn’t just about having an underactive thyroid — it’s an autoimmune condition that requires more than thyroid hormones to feel your best.
  • Many people still struggle with symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, hair loss, and gut issues even after starting medication.

Common Root Causes & Imbalances

  • Autoimmune Inflammation: The immune system attacks the thyroid but can also affect other parts of the body.
  • Gut Issues: Many with Hashimoto’s have Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), contributing to bloating, IBS, and digestive issues.
  • Triggers: Chronic infections, food sensitivities, toxins, and stress can all play a role in developing Hashimoto’s.

When to Take Thyroid Medication

  • Doctors typically prescribe thyroid meds when TSH is above 10, but there’s a case for starting earlier, especially if:
    • You’re trying to conceive
    • You have thyroid antibodies and symptoms
    • Your TSH is between 2 and 10 and you still don’t feel well

Alternative Support for Thyroid Function

  • Red light therapy over the thyroid
  • Selenium & myo-inositol for subclinical hypothyroidism
  • Adrenal support to balance hormones
  • Low iodine approach (to be discussed with Dr. Alan Christianson in an upcoming episode)

Key Nutrient Deficiencies in Hashimoto’s

  • Ferritin (iron storage protein): Low levels cause fatigue, hair loss, cold intolerance, and restless legs. Ideal range: 90 – 110.
  • Vitamin D: Low vitamin D is common in autoimmune conditions. Target range: 60 – 80 ng/mL.
  • B12: Deficiency leads to fatigue and neurological symptoms. Aim for 700+.
  • Magnesium: Helps with cramps, sleep, and constipation (magnesium citrate is helpful).
  • Selenium & myo-inositol: Great for reducing anxiety and hair loss.
  • Thiamine (B1): Helps thyroid fatigue, brain fog, and low blood pressure. Some recover energy within 3 – 5 days on 600mg of thiamine.

Dietary Triggers & Blood Sugar Balance

  • Common food sensitivities:
      • Gluten, dairy, and soy – Eliminating these often improves symptoms like acid reflux, IBS, anxiety, and brain fog within days.
  • Blood sugar balance:
    • More protein and healthy fats, fewer carbs (especially refined ones), and adequate fiber help stabilize blood sugar.
    • Whey protein (from dairy) can be problematic; hydrolyzed beef protein is a Hashimoto’s-friendly alternative (available at Rootcology).

Other Healing Strategies

  • Managing stress response is crucial for reducing autoimmune flare-ups.
  • Supporting liver detox pathways helps process toxins that may contribute to inflammation.
  • Addressing chronic infections (like Epstein-Barr or gut infections) can be a missing link in healing.

Managing Hashimoto’s isn’t just about taking medication; it’s about identifying and addressing the root causes of inflammation and imbalance. By focusing on nutrition, stress, lifestyle, and proper supplementation, you can start to regain control of your health.

I invite you to tune into the latest episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, where I dive deeper into these strategies and share more personal insights. Your healing journey is unique, and I’m here to support you every step of the way!

Products & Tools 

  • Full thyroid panel – How and why to get tested for TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPO antibodies, and TG antibodies
  • Ulta Labs – Self-order labs here and submit them to your insurance for reimbursement. (Be sure to check with your individual insurance to make sure they allow this.) 
  • Thyroid medication guide for understanding T4- versus T3-based options
  • Selenium – May help to reduce thyroid antibodies 
  • Vitamin D  – The optimal range is 60 to 80 ng/mL   
  • Ferritin – The optimal level for our thyroid is between 90-110 ng/mL  
  • Vitamin B12 – May support stress, brain function, and overall wellbeing 
  • Rootcology Magnesium Citrate Powder – May help with energy levels, sleep, and constipation 
  • Rootcology Hydrolyzed Beef Protein – A clean protein source to help balance blood sugar

Relevant Reading & Resources

Get the Full Episode Transcript

Let’s Connect!

  • Follow me on Instagram: @izabellawentzpharmd
  • Get my FREE weekly thyroid & gut health newsletter: Sign up here
  • Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Got questions? Drop them in the comments! 🙂 

Host 

Dr. Izabella Wentz is a compassionate, innovative, solution-focused integrative pharmacist dedicated to finding the root causes of chronic health conditions. Her passion stems from her own diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 2009, following a decade of debilitating symptoms. Dr. Izabella Wentz has written several best-selling books, including the New York Times bestseller Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause, the protocol-based #1 New York Times bestseller Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back, the Wall Street Journal bestseller Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology: Nutrition Protocols and Healing Recipes to Take Charge of Your Thyroid Health, and her latest book, Adrenal Transformation Protocol.

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