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For years, people with Crohn’s disease and colitis have been told their only options are harsh medications or surgery. But what if much of what we’ve been taught about these conditions is incomplete – or even wrong?
In today’s episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, I interview Josh Dech, a holistic nutritionist, former paramedic, and digestive health expert who has helped hundreds of people find remission from chronic gut issues like Crohn’s disease and colitis, despite the fact that many were told their only options were medication or surgery.
Most people with Hashimoto’s have leaky gut/intestinal permeability, which can trigger autoimmunity – yet, most are never told about it. Many are also told their gut symptoms – including bloating, cramping, or digestive pain – are “just irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)” or something they’ll have to learn to live with. Whether you’ve been struggling with gut issues for years or you were just diagnosed with IBS, you’ll want to tune in.
Josh shares a crucial message that I echo in my own work: much of what conventional medicine tells us about gut health and autoimmunity is incomplete. Healing starts from the inside out, with identifying and addressing the root causes – including food sensitivities, microbiome imbalances, toxins, and immune dysregulation – that drive both thyroid and digestive conditions.
Together, we explore why gut inflammation develops, how standard treatment models miss the root causes, and natural strategies that calm the immune system and rebuild gut integrity.
If you or someone you love has struggled with gut issues, Hashimoto’s, or other autoimmune conditions, this episode will help you understand what’s driving your symptoms and guide you to lasting healing.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why the conventional view of Crohn’s and colitis may be flawed. Standard approaches often focus on suppressing symptoms with medications or recommending surgery when things progress, but they rarely ask why inflammation is happening in the first place. Josh explains how this limited model leaves many people dependent on treatments that don’t provide long-term solutions.
- The hidden drivers of gut inflammation. Crohn’s and colitis rarely happen “out of nowhere.” Josh explains how food sensitivities, microbiome imbalances, toxins, and immune dysregulation often interact to create chronic inflammation, and how identifying your personal triggers can open the door to remission.
- The role of nutrition in calming the gut. Instead of fearing food, Josh shows how the right diet can calm the immune system and repair the gut lining. When nutrition is used strategically – removing irritants and rebuilding with nutrient-dense foods – the body often heals more effectively than it does on medication alone.
- Real stories of reversal and recovery. Hundreds of Josh’s clients have defied expectations – moving from flare-ups and medication dependence to full, symptom-free lives. Their results show that Crohn’s and colitis aren’t life sentences, but conditions that can improve dramatically when you heal from the inside out.
Freebies
- Get an exclusive first look at the IBD chapter in Dr. Wentz’s upcoming book, IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The book will be released on March 17, 2026, and is currently available for pre-order here.
- Wondering if it’s IBS or IBD? Download your free IBD chapter to find out!
- Find free downloadable guides, food recommendations, and more in Josh’s IBD Resource Library
Guest Resources / Connect with Josh Dech
- Learn more at Josh Dech’s Website
- Follow on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
- Listen to Josh Dech’s Reverse-ABLE Podcast
Supplements We Discussed
- Probiotics – Support microbial diversity and help rebalance the gut microbiome, which is often disrupted in Crohn’s and colitis. Certain strains may reduce inflammation and improve intestinal barrier function. Consider Rootcology Prob 50.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Found in fish oil, these essential fats are powerful anti-inflammatories that can reduce cytokine activity and soothe inflamed gut tissue. Consider Pure Encapsulations EPA/DHA Essentials.
- Curcumin – The active compound in turmeric, curcumin has been shown to reduce flare frequency and calm intestinal inflammation, making it a supportive option for inflammatory bowel disease. Consider Rootcology Curcumin Absorb.
- Glutamine – An amino acid that serves as fuel for intestinal cells, helping to repair the gut lining and reduce intestinal permeability (leaky gut), which is often present in Crohn’s and colitis.
- Vitamin D – Plays a key role in immune regulation and mucosal barrier integrity; deficiencies are common in people with IBD and may worsen disease activity. Consider Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3.
- Zinc – Important for tissue repair and immune balance; low levels are frequently seen in Crohn’s patients due to malabsorption. Consider Pure Encapsulations Zinc 30.
Other Tools and Resources
- Food Sensitivity Testing – Tests like the 184 IgG Food Sensitivity Panel and the 96 IgG Food Sensitivity Panel can be used to identify foods that trigger immune responses, which can contribute to ongoing gut inflammation. Removing these triggers often brings noticeable symptom relief.
- Comprehensive Stool Testing (GI-MAP test) – Provides insight into the microbiome, digestive function, and hidden infections. This helps uncover bacterial or fungal imbalances that worsen Crohn’s and colitis.
- GI Permeability Testing (Intestinal Permeability Assessment) – Measures “leaky gut,” or intestinal permeability, which plays a key role in autoimmune and inflammatory processes. Addressing intestinal permeability is central to lasting gut repair.
- Nervous System Regulation Techniques – Stress is a major driver of gut flares. Practices like breathwork, meditation, and vagus nerve activation can calm the immune system and improve digestion. Read more in my article about self-care strategies to support the adrenals.
- Functional Bloodwork Panels – Broader testing for nutrient deficiencies, inflammation markers, and immune activity provides a clearer picture of what’s fueling gut disease.
- Lifestyle and Environmental Detox Strategies – Reducing exposure to toxins, mold, and chemical irritants can lessen the burden on the gut and immune system.
Books and Articles About Gut Health
- IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Dr. Izabella Wentz’s upcoming book will be released on March 2026, and is available for pre-order now. Most people with Hashimoto’s have leaky gut/intestinal permeability, which can trigger autoimmunity – yet, most are never told about it. Many are also told their gut symptoms – including bloating, cramping, or digestive pain – are “just irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)” or something they’ll have to learn to live with. Whether you’ve been struggling with gut issues for years or you were just diagnosed with IBS, this comprehensive guide will help you figure out the root causes of gut issues and help you heal.
- Want a preview? Download your free chapter on IBD!
- The Surprising Effect of Zinc Deficiency on Hashimoto’s
- The Best Probiotics for Hashimoto’s
- Why Essential Fatty Acids Are Essential for Hashimoto’s
- Turmeric for Your Thyroid and Hashimoto’s
- The Benefits of Vitamin D for Your Thyroid
- Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis and Hashimoto’s
- The Fundamental Gut Health Protocol
- 6 Root Causes Behind Leaky Gut and Autoimmunity
- Food Sensitivities and Hashimoto’s
Get the Full Episode Transcript
Let’s Connect!
- Follow me on Instagram:@izabellawentzpharmd
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- 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, will be released on March 17, 2026, and is available for pre-order here.
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About Our Guest
Josh is a holistic nutritionist and physician’s consultant, specializing in Crohn’s, colitis and severe IBS. After reversing over 300 cases of Crohn’s and colitis (previously thought to be impossible to fix), he has worked with some of the world’s most renowned doctors.
He has since launched a top 2% globally ranked podcast, spoken on international TV, and has been recruited to the Priority Health Academy as a medical lecturer. He now helps educate doctors and the public on the holistic approach to gut health and chronic digestive diseases.
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