LISTEN TO THE PODCAST – Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, I spoke with Michael Antonelli, the founder and CEO of Healthgevity, a company focused on precision longevity, peptide-based therapies, bioactive proteins, and systems-driven nutrition. Peptides have been getting a lot of attention lately, and that’s why I’m so excited about bringing this fascinating – and hopefully helpful – conversation to you.
As someone who has spent years focusing on food as medicine, nutrition, supplements, lifestyle, and root-cause approaches, I’ve noticed that sometimes we can do everything “right” and still hit a plateau. We may be eating well, exercising, taking supplements, and managing stress, yet suddenly the strategies that worked for years aren’t giving us the same results.
Michael and I explore the idea that these plateaus may sometimes be related to cellular signaling and communication. We talk about how changes in age, stress, hormones, environmental exposures, and our evolving health goals can change what our bodies need. We also dive into some fascinating emerging compounds, including PEA, BPC-157, spermidine, lactoferrin, paraxanthine, shatavari, and several peptide therapies, as well as how these compounds may be used to target different pathways involved in brain health, metabolism, gut health, inflammation, hormones, recovery, and healthy aging.
If you’ve been dealing with brain fog, fatigue, “wired but tired” feelings, unexplained weight challenges, low ferritin, or the frustrating experience of supplements no longer working the way they used to, I think you’ll find this conversation especially interesting. We also discuss the importance of testing rather than guessing, choosing targeted interventions based on your individual physiology, and why newer therapies like oral peptides may be an option when traditional approaches aren’t enough.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Connect with Michael & Explore Healthgevity
- Michael Antonelli founded Healthgevity to bring emerging technologies, peptide-based therapies, bioactive proteins, and other unique compounds into the practitioner space. The company’s formulations are designed around precision health and longevity, with an emphasis on combining multiple active ingredients into targeted formulas. Use code IZABELLA at checkout for 10% off!
- Connect with Michael on Instagram
Programs and Resources
- Ulta Lab Tests – A self-order laboratory service that I personally use and recommend for accessing certain blood tests, including thyroid testing.
- Rupa Health – A platform that provides access to functional and specialty laboratory testing.
- Complete Thyroid Panel – A comprehensive thyroid evaluation that can include thyroid hormones and thyroid antibodies to provide a more complete picture of thyroid function.
- Ferritin Testing – Laboratory testing used to assess iron status and identify low ferritin or other iron-related imbalances.
- CRP and Inflammatory Markers – Blood markers that can provide information about systemic inflammation.
- Root Cause Reset – A four-week gentle detox program that can help reduce Hashimoto’s symptoms in as little as two weeks.
- Peptide Therapy – An emerging therapeutic approach using short chains of amino acids that can be delivered through different routes, including injections, topical formulations, nasal sprays, and certain oral formulations.
- Bioactive Proteins – Larger amino acid chains designed to mimic proteins naturally produced by the body, with emerging applications in nutrition and longevity.
- Salcaprozate Sodium – A compound discussed for its potential role in enhancing the oral delivery and bioavailability of certain peptides.
- Bioactive Fermentation – A technology discussed for producing specific compounds and proteins through fermentation, allowing targeted bioactives to be isolated from natural sources.
Supplements and Medications Mentioned
- PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide) – An endocannabinoid-related molecule naturally produced in the body that was discussed for its potential role in regulating inflammation, pain, immune signaling, and brain health. Consider Healthgevity BPC+PEA, Healthgevity KPV+PEA, or Mirica PEA. (Use code IZABELLA for 10% off Healthgevity.)
- Dihexa – A peptide discussed for its potential effects on BDNF, neuroplasticity, and blood flow in the brain.
- Paraxanthine – A downstream metabolite of caffeine discussed for alertness, focus, brain fog, and energy without some of the jitters and crashes associated with caffeine. It’s featured in Healthgevity’s Brain Boost. (Use code IZABELLA for 10% off.)
- Lion’s Mane – A functional mushroom discussed as a potential support for brain health. Consider Four Sigmatic’s Lion’s Mane Coffee as a coffee alternative.
- Cordyceps – A functional mushroom discussed for brain and energy support.
- BPC-157 – A peptide discussed for its potential cytoprotective and recovery-supportive effects, including gut and tissue health. Consider Healthgevity’s oral version. (Use code IZABELLA for 10% off.)
- DNF-10 – A fermented peptide discussed for its effects on appetite-related signaling pathways, including ghrelin, leptin, cholecystokinin, and neuropeptide Y.
- Dihydroberberine – A form of berberine discussed for metabolic support and improved bioavailability compared with conventional berberine. It’s featured in Healthgevity’s GlucoPrime. (Use code IZABELLA for 10% off.)
- White Mulberry / Reducose – A botanical ingredient discussed for its potential effects on post-meal glucose levels and metabolic health. It’s featured in Healthgevity’s GlucoPrime. (Use code IZABELLA for 10% off.)
- Bioidentical Lactoferrin – A fermentation-derived form of lactoferrin discussed for iron homeostasis, antimicrobial activity, and support for people with low ferritin. It’s featured in Healthgevity’s immunoRESTORE+. (Use code IZABELLA for 10% off.)
- Calcium D-Glucarate – An ingredient discussed for supporting estrogen clearance and detoxification pathways (available via Fullscript – if you don’t have a Fullscript account, you can sign up with my credentials here).
- Sulforaphane + Myrosinase – A combination discussed for supporting detoxification, with myrosinase helping convert sulforaphane into a more readily usable form.
- DIM – A compound discussed for supporting healthy estrogen metabolism. Consider Daily DIM+, a Healthgevity formula containing calcium D-glucarate, DIM, fulvic acid, astragalus, ginsenoside Rb1, and sulforaphane with myrosinase. (Use code IZABELLA for 10% off.)
- Spermidine – A compound discussed for its ability to promote autophagy and cellular cleanup, with emerging applications in healthy aging, brain health, and fertility.
- Shatavari – An Ayurvedic herb discussed for fertility, PMS, irregular periods, menopause, and women’s hormonal health. Learn more about adaptogenic herbs here. Consider Hergevity Balance – A Healthgevity women’s health formula containing shatavari, saffron, rhubarb extract, postbiotics, astragalus, and other ingredients designed to support the hormone-gut-brain axis. (Use code IZABELLA at checkout for 10% off.)
- Saffron – A botanical discussed for mood, anxiety, stress, and sleep support. Research on Saffron for postpartum depression:
- PeptiSleep – A plant-based peptide formula and key ingredient in Healthgevity’s SLEEPgevity formula, discussed for supporting relaxation and healthy sleep. (Use code IZABELLA for 10% off.)
- L-Theanine – An amino acid discussed for supporting relaxation and GABA-related pathways. Found in Healthgevity Brain Boost, Serenity, and SLEEPgevity (Use code IZABELLA at checkout for 10% off.) It’s also available as a standalone supplement such as this one by Pure Encapsulations.
- Holy Basil – An adaptogenic botanical discussed for stress and nervous system support. Try it as a tea.
- Astragalus – A botanical included in some Healthgevity formulations and discussed in the context of immune and women’s health support.
- Ginsenoside Rb1 – A compound derived from ginseng that is included in the Daily DIM+ formulation discussed in the episode. (Use code IZABELLA at checkout for 10% off.)
- Human Milk Oligosaccharides – Complex carbohydrates naturally found in human milk that are included in the bioidentical lactoferrin formulation discussed in the episode. (Use code IZABELLA at checkout for 10% off.)
- Methylene Blue – A compound I mentioned using during travel as part of my strategy for managing jet lag. I like Troscriptions Just Blue (use code DRWENTZ to save 10%).
- Selenium and Myo-Inositol – A combination I discussed as an example of how two nutrients can work synergistically to support thyroid function and thyroid antibody levels. Consider Rootcology Selenium + Myo-Inositol.
Lifestyle Therapies and Other Strategies
- Bright Light Therapy – A strategy that uses a specialized lamp to mimic sunlight, helping adjust circadian rhythm and support mood. I use one for about 15 minutes a day when natural sunlight is limited, or to ease circadian rhythm changes when traveling across time zones.
- Sauna Therapy – A heat-based wellness practice I discussed as part of my usual detoxification approach. I like Sunlighten Saunas, or Therasage for a smaller/portable option.
Articles and Other Resources
- Ulta Lab Tests – A self-order laboratory resource I discussed for accessing blood testing.
- Rupa Health – A resource for accessing functional and specialty laboratory testing.
- 8 Benefits of the Infrared Sauna That Can Reduce Symptoms of Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism
- Finding Your Root Cause: Key Lab Tests
- Top 10 Thyroid Tests and How to Interpret Them
- How Do Adaptogenic Herbs Benefit Hashimoto’s?
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 rate it on Spotify!
Got questions? Drop them in the comments! 🙂
About Our Host
Dr. Izabella Wentz
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 Adrenal Transformation Protocol. Her latest book, IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is now out in the world, and available here!
Thyroid Pharmacist Blog
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
YouTube
Rootcology
About Our Guest
Michael Antonelli is the Founder and CEO of Healthgevity, a practitioner-focused company advancing precision longevity through peptide-based and systems-driven nutrition. With over two decades of experience at the intersection of healthcare, biotechnology, and clinical strategy, he specializes in translating emerging science into scalable, real-world solutions for physicians. Michael works closely with leading researchers and biotech innovators to develop advanced formulations that target root-cause biology across metabolic, hormonal, immune, and longevity pathways. His mission is to equip clinicians with smarter tools to improve patient outcomes and redefine modern healthspan optimization.
Leave a Reply