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When I was first diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, I learned more from fellow patients than from any textbook. One of the communities that changed everything for me was Hashimoto’s 411, founded in 2010 by today’s guest, Alice McDonnell. Hashimoto’s 411, the largest autoimmune thyroid support group, has helped me and thousands of others crowd-source hope, compare notes, and accelerate healing.
In this conversation, I interviewed Alice about her next chapter: Autoimmune 411 and the Autoimmune 411 Academy – a broader patient-education hub built on two decades of advocacy. We unpack why the “healing sequence” matters (you can’t just dive into a detox without opening drainage pathways first!), how to discern solid wellness guidance from internet noise, and the practical foundations that make every protocol work better (without the setbacks).
If you’ve felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice, or set back by a “trendy fix” done out of order, this episode’s for you.
What you’ll learn in this episode
- Why sequence is everything. Alice explains how jumping straight into detox (or any “advanced” protocol) without opening drainage pathways and stabilizing the nervous system can backfire – sometimes for months – while a stepwise approach creates steady progress and fewer flares.
- How to navigate the info-storm. Reels and algorithms don’t equate to your unique healing plan. Not all wellness hacks may be appropriate for you. Remember to use a simple lens, considering context, bio-individuality, and timing, to stop doomscrolling through internet noise, and get to your own root cause.
- The foundational four to make protocols “stick.” Nervous system regulation, limbic retraining, lymphatic flow, and fascia support are the base layers that help diets, supplements, and detox actually work (and get you feeling better).
- Iodine, LDN, and peptides pros, cons, and prerequisites. From selenium status and iodine timing, to why LDN helps some and not others, to BPC-157 observations – learn the nuances that turn “it depends” into a personal plan.
- Diet without dogma. The Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) Diet can be game-changing, but it isn’t the only path. Alice discusses Mediterranean, Whole30-style, low-histamine, and GAPS-inspired approaches, plus when to pause eliminations and evaluate deeper triggers like stress, infections, or mold.
- Real-world cautionary tales. We share stories on DIY colon cleanses, poorly timed chelation, and even “healthy” spirulina gone wrong, and how to protect yourself with education, labs, and sequence – so you don’t have to learn the hard way!
I’ve got a new book coming out!
Gut issues are a common symptom of autoimmunity and Hashimoto’s, and through my healing journey, I’ve learned so much about healing the gut that I decided to write a book about it! My new book, IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is a comprehensive guide that 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 here and will be released March 17th, 2026!
Guest Resources / Connect with Alice McDonnell
- Learn more and download printables at Autoimmune 411
- Learn more about the Autoimmune 411 Academy (foundational course + community) – launching soon. Follow Alice for updates and to be the first to know when it’s ready!
- Join the Hashimoto’s 411 Facebook Group and Autoimmune 411 Facebook Group
- Follow Alice on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Supplements We Discussed
- Selenium – An important cofactor when considering iodine; may help reduce thyroid antibodies in some individuals. Consider Rootcology Selenium + Myo-inositol.
- Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) – An immune modulator that can be helpful for quite a few symptoms that are common for people with Hashimoto’s. Personalization and slow titration are key.
- BPC-157 – A peptide some use for tissue/gut repair; observations include transient “old injury” aches as healing initiates.
- Iodine (cautious, staged use) – Can feel amazing for some and trigger flares for others; selenium status and timing matter. Read my iodine article for more information on whether this may be appropriate for you, but please note that iodine deficiency is rare in Hashimoto’s, while iodine excess can trigger symptoms.
- Vitamin D – Core immune modulator relevant across autoimmune conditions. Consider Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3.
- Mineral & vitamin repletion – Guided by testing (e.g., folate form choices with MTHFR/COMT).
Other Tools and Resources
- Genetic considerations – MTHFR and COMT may influence folate form tolerance and stress chemistry.
- Nervous system & limbic supports – EMDR, neurofeedback, breathwork, limbic retraining practices.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: In this form of therapy, the individual thinks about the painful memory, then follows a series of finger movements performed by the therapist, to help desensitize the negative feelings associated with the traumatic experience.
- Neurofeedback: This is a form of biofeedback therapy that uses real-time displays of brain activity to help self-regulate brain function. Research has shown its effectiveness for a variety of brain-related conditions, including depression. I like the Neuroptimal system and recommend finding a local neurofeedback practitioner in your area who has one.
- Breathwork: Studies have shown that mindfulness-based stress reducing activities like breathwork have a positive impact on not only mood and cognition, but also immunity. Techniques often focus on extended exhales, such as blowing out through pursed lips or humming, which stimulates the vagus nerve and signals the body to relax. Other methods include box breathing (inhale, hold, exhale, hold for equal counts) and 4-7-8 breathing (inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8), which are effective for reducing stress and anxiety.
- Limbic Retraining: A limbic system and autonomic nervous system (ANS) reset refers to the process of retraining the brain to move from a heightened state of arousal and anxiety back to a balanced and calm state. Resetting involves a variety of techniques, such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, and physical movement, to help calm the nervous system and restore its ability to maintain balance.
- Wearables/devices – Halo nervous system regulation device (Alice’s tool for nervous system regulation and prompting deeper breathing).
- Lymphatic/fascia support – Gentle movement, bodywork, vibration platforms (“vibration board”), dry brushing.
- Diet frameworks – AIP, Mediterranean, Whole30-style, low-histamine, GAPS-inspired approaches (choose based on goals, resources, and response).
- Detox & drainage – Prioritize opening pathways (lymph, bile/colon, hydration) before stronger binders or chelation. Consider the Root Cause Reset program.
- Functional testing – Nutrients, thyroid panel/antibodies, and targeted gut/mold/toxin testing.
Books and Articles About Autoimmunity & Thyroid Health
- IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Dr. Izabella Wentz’s upcoming book will be released on March 17th, 2026, and is available for pre-order now. Most people with Hashimoto’s have gut issues, which can be both a trigger and a symptom of autoimmunity. 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.
- Book by Datis Kharrazian – Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms When My Lab Tests are Normal
- The Benefits of Vitamin D for Your Thyroid
- Why Thyroid Antibodies Matter
- The Best Diet For Hashimoto’s
- 6 Root Causes Behind Leaky Gut and Autoimmunity
- How Supporting the Liver Is Key to Recovering from Thyroid Disease
- Are Your Adrenals Sabotaging Your Health?
- Mindfulness & Meditation for Thyroid Health
- A Pharmacist’s Review of Medications for Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism
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
Alice McDonnell is the 2010 founder of Hashimoto’s 411®, the largest autoimmune thyroid support group and the first to focus on the autoimmune roots of Hashimoto’s. With over 20 years of lived experience and advocacy, she is now expanding her mission through Autoimmune 411™ and Autoimmune 411 Academy™ to address the full spectrum of autoimmune diseases. Through her SMART Path™ framework, Alice equips patients and caregivers with the foundational knowledge they need to navigate the phases of healing in the proper order and confidently find their way through the landscape of diets, practitioners, and protocols.
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