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In today’s episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, I interview Dr. Robin Urekar, a brilliant naturopathic doctor who specializes in thyroid health and autoimmunity. Dr. Urekar has a relatable story: she experienced undiagnosed thyroid issues for nearly a decade before finally getting answers. That struggle ignited her passion to help others find the root causes behind thyroid symptoms, particularly high thyroid antibodies.
Many doctors dismiss the importance of thyroid antibodies, but both Dr. Urekar and I have seen firsthand how lowering thyroid antibodies can dramatically improve symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and even mood disorders. We also share strategies for reducing antibodies, including stress reduction, blood sugar balance, nutrient optimization, and gut healing.
Together, we dive into the hidden triggers behind elevated thyroid antibodies — and what you can start doing today to turn things around, help support your immune system, and bring those antibodies down.
If you’ve ever been told your labs are “normal” but you still feel off, this episode will help connect the dots and give you new tools to take charge of your healing journey.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why thyroid antibodies matter more than you think: Thyroid antibodies aren’t just diagnostic markers — they’re active players in autoimmune thyroid disease. Elevated levels can indicate how aggressive the autoimmune process is, and they often drive symptoms like fatigue, inflammation, and brain fog, even when hormone levels look “normal.”
- Symptoms beyond the thyroid – what antibodies can really cause: High thyroid antibodies have been linked to a surprising range of symptoms — from anxiety, insomnia, and infertility to joint pain, cognitive issues, and even increased risks for thyroid and breast cancer. Recognizing these connections can help you finally explain symptoms that conventional lab results may have overlooked.
- Why you need more than just a TSH test: TSH is often the only test run in conventional medicine, which means many people are diagnosed years too late. A full thyroid panel, including TPO and Tg antibodies, can catch Hashimoto’s in its early stages — before permanent damage occurs.
- The six common triggers behind elevated antibodies: We dive into stress, leaky gut, nutrient deficiencies (like low ferritin, B12, and vitamin D), toxins, inflammation, and blood sugar imbalances, which are some of the most common drivers of thyroid antibodies. Addressing these underlying issues — not just symptoms — is key to lasting healing.
- Everyday strategies to lower antibodies and feel better: From daily breathwork, PFF-style meals (protein-fat-fiber), nervous system support, and meal planning to ditching excess iodine and healing the gut, this episode is packed with practical ways to start lowering antibodies naturally. You’ll also learn why going gluten- or dairy-free might help, but how gut repair can often bring food freedom back.
Freebies
- Dr. Urekar’s free monthly Thyroid Masterclass
- Free Crush Your Thyroid Antibodies 5-Day Challenge
- Free Thyroid Triggers Guide
Guest Resources / Connect with Dr. Robin Urekar
- Thyroid Resolution Method – A 12-week program that addresses the root causes of thyroid conditions (and thyroid antibodies) to help individuals conquer their thyroid fatigue and thrive.
- Learn more at Dr. Urekar’s website
- Follow Dr. Urekar on Instagram and Facebook
Supplements We Discussed
- Vitamin D – Essential for immune modulation and reducing thyroid antibodies – Consider Vitamin D3 from Pure Encapsulations.
- Vitamin B12 – Supports mood, energy, and metabolism, which are often low in Hashimoto’s. One high-quality supplement option that can help is Pure Encapsulations Vitamin B12.
- Ferritin/Iron – Crucial for thyroid hormone conversion and hair growth. A quality supplement you might consider is Pure Encapsulations OptiFerin-C.
- Digestive Enzymes / Betaine with Pepsin – Help improve protein digestion and nutrient absorption.
Other Tools and Resources
- Ulta Labs – Full thyroid panel.
- Thyroid Ultrasound – Recommended baseline screening for nodules or cancer risk.
- Water Filtration Systems – Help reduce exposure to chlorine, fluoride, bromine, and other halogens.
- Iodine-Free Multivitamins – Important for those with Hashimoto’s and those who may have iodine excess, as iodine can trigger Hashimoto’s. These multis have a generally low dose of iodine that is well-tolerated, and they also have iodine-free formula options for those undertaking a low iodine protocol.
- Stress Management Techniques – Breathwork, daily walks, meditation, and boundaries.
Books and Articles About Thyroid Health
- How to Reduce TSH Naturally
- To 10 Thyroid Tests and How to Interpret Them
- Thyroid Antibodies Part 1: And Early Warning for Thyroid Disease
- Thyroid Antibodies Part 2: Mechanisms to Reduce Antibodies
- Why Thyroid Antibodies Matter
- Blood Sugar Imbalances and Hashimoto’s
- Iodine: Good or Bad for Thyroid Health?
- The 7 Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Hashimoto’s
- The Benefits of Vitamin D for Your Thyroid
- How B12 Deficiency Affects Hashimoto’s
- How Balancing Iron Levels Can Help Your Thyroid
- The Ultimate Guide to Using Enzymes with Hashimoto’s
- How Betaine with Pepsin Can Help with Hashimoto’s
Get the Full Episode Transcript
Let’s Connect!
- Follow me on Instagram:@izabellawentzpharmd
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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.
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About Our Guest
Dr. Robin Urekar is a licensed naturopathic doctor through the College of Naturopaths of Ontario. After completing an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Biology at Laurentian University with cum laude distinction, Dr. Urekar went on to complete the four-year Doctor of Naturopathy degree at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto.
Since graduation, Robin has attended many conferences and seminars within North America and Europe focused on hormone therapy. Dr Urekar has earned prescriptive authority in Ontario, allowing her to utilize bioidentical hormones when appropriate.
Outside of her practice hours, Dr. Urekar works as a medical advisor for a neutraceutical company, where she provides education and clinical support to other Naturopathic Doctors.
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