LISTEN TO THE PODCAST – Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
As someone who’s been both the patient and the practitioner, I know how frustrating it is to try and do everything right — only to feel worse.
In today’s episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, I’m uncovering the surprising truth about so-called “health foods” that can actually work against your healing if you have Hashimoto’s. These foods show up in smoothies, supplement aisles, and even well-meaning advice — but they may be quietly stoking inflammation and worsening thyroid symptoms.
I walk you through six of the most common health saboteurs I see in my clients and community, explain the science behind why they’re problematic, and offer safer, thyroid-friendly alternatives. If you’ve ever been that “healthiest sick person you know,” this episode is for you.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- The truth about iodine and Hashimoto’s. While iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, excessive intake — especially from kelp, spirulina, and seaweed snacks — can trigger autoimmune flares. I’ve seen clients go from mildly symptomatic to completely bedridden after unknowingly overdoing iodine!
- Which protein powders are the best options for those with Hashimoto’s. Up to 80% of people with Hashimoto’s react to dairy, and whey is a major culprit. If you’ve been loading up on whey smoothies and are still dealing with bloating, skin issues, or joint pain, you may want to reconsider your protein powder.
- Even “healthier” grain products can still be harmful. Einkorn, sourdough, and sprouted wheat may be easier to digest for some — but for people with Hashimoto’s, they can still contribute to leaky gut and molecular mimicry. A survey I conducted years ago found that about 88% of my thyroid community feels better going gluten-free.
- Why soy can be sneaky and disruptive. Soy products can interfere with thyroid hormone absorption and increase antibodies. Even fermented versions like miso may cause issues in sensitive individuals. For many clients, removing soy dramatically reduces anxiety and brain fog.
- Gluten-free junk food is still junk. Yes, it’s free of gluten, but it’s often high in sugar, low in protein, and filled with inflammatory ingredients. Blood sugar imbalances from gluten-free cookies, pizza, and crackers can make thyroid symptoms worse, not better.
- Personalization is everything. Just because a food is labeled as a “superfood” doesn’t mean it’s super for your thyroid. From sushi to smoothies, what supports one person’s wellness could hinder someone else’s healing journey. Bioindividuality matters.
Supplements I Discussed
- Selenium for iodine balance – Try Rootcology Selenium + Myo-Inositol
- Gluten-free multivitamin (with safe iodine levels)
- Protein powder – Try Rootcology Paleo Protein or Rootcology Pea Protein
Other Tools and Resources
- Alletess 96 Panel or 184 Panel to test for food sensitivities.
- Coconut milk
- Cassava flour
Books and Articles About Thyroid Health and Diet
- Iodine: Good or Bad for Thyroid Health?
- Going Dairy Free to Reverse Hashimoto’s
- Is Gluten the Root Cause of Your Thyroid Condition?
- 6 Root Causes Behind Leaky Gut and Autoimmunity
- How Avoiding Soy Can Benefit Hashimoto’s
- Why Balancing Blood Sugar is Vital for Hashimoto’s Health
- The Best Diet for 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 Spotify!
If this podcast resonates with you, don’t forget to share with a friend who needs this information!
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 her latest book, Adrenal Transformation Protocol.
Thyroid Pharmacist Blog
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
Rootcology
Leave a Reply