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In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, I discuss one of the most overlooked root causes of autoimmunity: intestinal permeability, also known as leaky gut. While some doctors dismiss it, the published medical literature is clear – intestinal permeability is real, and it plays a major role in Hashimoto’s, IBS, and many other chronic conditions.
I share how my own healing journey began with an IBS diagnosis in my twenties and eventually led me to discover I had Hashimoto’s. Once I understood the gut–thyroid–immune connection, everything shifted. I learned about Dr. Alessio Fasano’s “three-legged stool” theory of autoimmunity, showing that while we can’t change our genes or always control our triggers, we can heal intestinal permeability, often reducing inflammation and even lowering thyroid antibodies.
From food sensitivities and nutrient deficiencies to gut infections and microbial imbalances, I’ll walk you through the hidden drivers of leaky gut and what you can do to begin repairing your intestinal lining.
If you’ve been told your gut is “fine” but you’re still dealing with bloating, fatigue, or autoimmune flares, this episode will help you connect the dots between your gut, thyroid, and immune system, and give you clear steps to start feeling better from the inside out.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why intestinal permeability is central to autoimmunity. Dr. Alessio Fasano’s “three-legged stool” theory shows that while we can’t change our genes and don’t always know our exact triggers, we can heal intestinal permeability – often reducing inflammation and lowering thyroid antibodies. I share steps that can strengthen your gut lining and calm immune reactivity.
- Leaky gut often shows up before an autoimmune diagnosis. IBS symptoms frequently appear 5 to 15 years before Hashimoto’s or other autoimmune conditions. Digestive pain, reflux, or bloating may be early warning signs, but intestinal permeability can also exist without gut symptoms. Discover how to recognize these early patterns and begin restoring balance before autoimmunity progresses.
- Food sensitivities play a big role. Gluten and dairy are the most common culprits, but soy, eggs, nuts, grains, and nightshades can also trigger leaky gut. I share tips on short-term elimination plans, tracking symptom responses, and safely reintroducing foods.
- Nutrient deficiencies can prevent gut healing. Zinc and glutamine are two of the most critical nutrients for repairing the gut lining, yet they’re often depleted in people with autoimmune disease, chronic stress, or poor digestion. Discover how to assess your nutrient status and use targeted supplementation or food-based support to rebuild your gut barrier.
- Gut infections and imbalances are hidden drivers. SIBO, Candida, mold colonization, and parasites like Blastocystis hominis all contribute to intestinal permeability. Discover how functional tests such as breath tests, organic acid testing, GI-MAP, or mycotoxin panels can uncover these hidden infections, and how to work with your practitioner to treat them effectively.
- Healing your gut transforms overall health. Restoring gut integrity can lead to remission of Hashimoto’s and IBS, and even improve conditions like migraines, asthma, and allergies. Discover how strategies like mindful eating, stress reduction, and using key nutrients can help your intestinal lining thrive.
IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Dr. Izabella Wentz. Many people with Hashimoto’s have irritable bowel syndrome, which can be both a root cause and symptom of autoimmunity. This comprehensive guide reveals how irritable bowel syndrome is often a catch-all diagnosis that overlooks treatable root causes. It offers a step-by-step approach to help readers understand what’s really driving gut symptoms, and how to create a personalized plan to restore gut health and overall wellness. The book is available for preorder now and will be released March 17, 2026!
Supplements I Discussed
- L-glutamine: Nourishes the intestinal lining and can support a healthier gut barrier. L-glutamine is also found in Rootcology Gut R&R.
- Zinc (picolinate or carnosine) – Essential for intestinal healing and immune balance; must be dosed carefully to avoid depleting other nutrients. Consider Pure Encapsulations Zinc 30.
- Lactoferrin – May improve iron absorption and support immune system resilience.
- Saccharomyces boulardii – A beneficial yeast that helps clear parasites and support microbiome balance. Consider Rootcology S. Boulardii.
Resources for Lab Testing
- Zonulin Testing – Identifies increased intestinal permeability.
- Lactulose Mannitol Test – Functional test for gut barrier integrity.
- SIBO Breath Test – Detects bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
- Organic Acid Test (OAT) – Screens for yeast and mold overgrowth.
- Mycotoxin Testing – Identifies mold toxins that can drive leaky gut.
- GI-MAP Stool Test – Comprehensive gut panel that can detect parasites like Blastocystis hominis.
- ParaWellness Research Testing – Specialized parasite testing.
Books and Articles About Gut & Thyroid Health
- IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Dr. Izabella Wentz. Many people with Hashimoto’s have irritable bowel syndrome, which can be both a root cause and symptom of autoimmunity. This comprehensive guide reveals how irritable bowel syndrome is often a catch-all diagnosis that overlooks treatable root causes. It offers a step-by-step approach to help readers understand what’s really driving gut symptoms, and how to create a personalized plan to restore gut health and overall wellness. The book is available for preorder now and will be released on March 17, 2026!
- Using S. Boulardii for Hashimoto’s
- Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis and Hashimoto’s
- The Fundamental Gut Health Protocol
- 6 Root Causes Behind Leaky Gut and Autoimmunity
- Common Hashimoto’s Patterns Seen in the GI-MAP Test
- Intestinal Permeability, Autoimmunity, and the Hashimoto’s Connection
- How to Use the GI-MAP Test to Find Your Root Cause
- Food Sensitivities and Hashimoto’s
- Uncover Your Hashimoto’s Root Cause with an Elimination Diet
- Could SIBO Be Preventing Your Remission from Hashimoto’s?
- Candida and Hashimoto’s Connection
- A Paleo Diet: Will It Resolve Your Hashimoto’s?
Get the Full Episode Transcript
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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. Her latest book, IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, will be released March 17, 2026 and is available for pre-order here.
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