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In this episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, I interviewed nutrition researcher and Clarisen (formerly Science Mama’s HQ) co-founder Alexandra Karpova – a mother whose personal journey through chronic illness, thyroid symptoms, mast cell activation, and her children’s complex health challenges led her deep into the world of biochemistry. Alexandra brings a rare perspective that blends research, lived experience, and an unwavering desire to elevate the health of families who’ve been left searching for answers.
We talk about functional nutrient deficiencies, why children and adults can show clear thyroid symptoms despite “normal” labs, and how subtle impairments in metabolism, detoxification, and nutrient activation may be silently derailing thyroid and immune health. Alexandra also shares how topical nutrient delivery has transformed outcomes for children who struggle with supplements – and why this approach may hold incredible promise for supporting kids with sensory sensitivities, autism, and chronic fatigue.
If you’ve ever felt dismissed because your labs looked fine, or if your child is struggling with symptoms that no one seems able to explain, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and practical tools to support healing.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Many thyroid symptoms come from deeper metabolic issues, not just the thyroid itself. Alexandra explains how impaired detoxification (like sulfation or glucuronidation), mitochondrial dysfunction, or functional nutrient deficiencies can mimic hypothyroidism – even when lab tests appear normal. These hidden blocks may lead to fatigue, temperature swings, mood changes, and sensory symptoms in both adults and children.
- Functional nutrient deficiencies often don’t appear on standard blood tests. Alexandra shares how nutrients such as B2, B6, iodine, selenium, and molybdenum may be present in the bloodstream but not utilized well by cells due to poor gut function, low stomach acid, inflammation, or impaired liver pathways. This helps explain why symptoms persist despite “normal labs.”
- Children with autism, sensory issues, or mast cell activation may have underlying metabolic disruptions. Alexandra’s story highlights how addressing nutrient imbalances, gut health, and thyroid hormone activation can support dramatic improvements in sleep, sensory processing, allergic reactions, and social and cognitive development.
- Topical (transdermal) nutrients may be game-changing for kids and adults with poor gut absorption. Alexandra describes how transdermal B2, iodine, and selenium bypass gut inflammation and low stomach acid, leading to faster improvements in energy, mood, and metabolic stability – especially for children who struggle with oral supplements.
- Histamine intolerance, anxiety, eczema, and food reactions often have biochemical root causes. B2-dependent enzymes (like DAO), infections (like H. pylori), mold, poor detox pathways, and nutrient deficiencies can drive histamine overload. Supporting these pathways can dramatically reduce symptoms like anxiety, sensory overload, and skin symptoms.
- There is hope – and simple, targeted strategies can improve complex chronic symptoms. Alexandra outlines small, consistent changes parents can make to reduce overwhelm, support metabolism, and gradually rebuild health in themselves and their children.
I’ve got a new book coming out!
Gut issues are so common in 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 on March 17, 2026!
Guest Resources / Connect with Alexandra Karpova
- Clarisen (formerly Science Mama’s HQ) – Family health organization empowering families with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to address the root causes of chronic symptoms from conditions associated with nutrient deficiencies.
- Clarisen Research (formerly Science Mama’s HQ Research) – Charitable research organisation which explores how nutrient status, gut health, and metabolism impact conditions like autism, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and PANS – and how targeted nutrition can improve outcomes.
- Follow Alexandra on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Supplements We Discussed
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) – Supports mitochondrial energy, thyroid hormone metabolism, histamine breakdown, and nervous system balance. Consider Thorne Riboflavin (To order via Fullscript, you’ll need to set up an account – you can sign up using my credentials here.) Another alternative is Riboflavin by Integrative Therapeutics.
- Selenium – Supports thyroid hormone conversion, reduces oxidative stress, and helps regulate immune function. Consider Rootcology Selenium + Myo-Inositol.
- Iodine – Required for thyroid hormone synthesis; should always be paired with selenium. Consider Pure Encapsulations Iodine. However, please read my article and check if iodine supplementation would be appropriate for you before dosing, as I’ve found iodine excess to be problematic for many, and most people with Hashimoto’s are not iodine deficient.
- Molybdenum – Supports sulfation pathways and helps the body process sulfur-containing compounds. Consider the Douglas Labs or Biotics ResearchMo-Zyme formulations.
- Magnesium – Helps with relaxation, sleep, anxiety, and sensory regulation. Consider Rootcology Magnesium Citrate Powder.
- Omega-3 fatty acids – Support brain health and reduce inflammation. Consider Pure Encapsulations EPA/DHA Essentials.
- B6 (P5P) – Supports neurotransmitter balance and histamine metabolism. Consider Rootcology P5P.
- Vitamin B12 – Activated by adequate B2; supports energy, cognition, and neurological function. Consider Pure Encapsulations B12.
Other Tools and Resources
- Organic Acid Testing (OAT) – Helps detect functional nutrient deficiencies.
- SpectraCell testing – Measures intracellular nutrient levels.
- HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) – Screens for mineral imbalances and toxicities.
- GI-MAP stool test – Assesses infections, dysbiosis, and gut inflammation. Order the GI-MAP test online.
- H. pylori testing – Breath test or stool antigen tests.
- Transdermal nutrient delivery (microemulsion technology). A method of applying nutrients to the skin in specialized formulations that allow them to bypass gut issues such as low stomach acid or inflammation, and enter the bloodstream for improved absorption.
- Mold assessment for home environments.
- Low-stomach-acid evaluation & support (thiamine, digestive support).
- Eat Burn Sleep by Yalda Alaoui – An online educational health platform focused on living an anti-inflammatory lifestyle.
- Kiran Krishnan – Research microbiologist specializing in wellness and nutrition.
- My Phoenix Vitality – Australia-based company working on transdermal formulations (contact the company for further information).
Books and Articles About Thyroid Health & Related Topics
- IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Dr. Izabella Wentz. Thyroid disease and Hashimoto’s are closely tied to nutrient deficiencies, and addressing gut health can be key to resolving symptoms. This comprehensive guide dives deep into 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 17th, 2026!
- Top 10 Thyroid Tests and How to Interpret Them
- How to Reduce TSH Naturally
- Why Thyroid Antibodies Matter
- Histamine and Thyroid Hashimoto’s
- How Supporting the Liver Is Key to Recovering from Thyroid Disease
- The 7 Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Hashimoto’s
- Studies on Magnesium and Thyroid Health
- How B12 Deficiency Affects Hashimoto’s
- Selenium: The Nutrient That Can Reduce Thyroid Antibodies by 40%
- Vitamin B6 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
Born into a family of medical doctors, Alexandra Karpova grew up in an environment that nurtured a deep interest in health and a desire to make a meaningful impact. Although she initially pursued higher education in Management and Marketing with plans for an academic career, her path shifted dramatically when she and her children developed multiple chronic health conditions, including thyroid dysfunction, chronic fatigue syndrome, long COVID, and mast cell activation syndrome.
Struggling to find answers within conventional medical systems, Alexandra turned to scientific research. Through mentorship from biochemists and researchers, she discovered how fundamental biochemistry and targeted nutritional support could help prevent – and even reverse – many chronic health challenges. These breakthroughs dramatically improved her family’s health without reliance on medical interventions, inspiring her mission to help other families access the same knowledge.
Over the past four years, Alexandra has immersed herself in nutritional biochemistry while supporting an online community of individuals navigating chronic illness. Her work has highlighted surprising insights – such as the role of thyroid hormones in activating vitamin B2 and the widespread impacts of iodine and selenium deficiencies – fueling her commitment to raising awareness about the biochemical drivers of modern chronic disease.
In 2024, she co-founded Clarisen (formerly ScienceMamasHQ C.I.C.), a health science organization dedicated to combating modern-day malnutrition and empowering families with evidence-based tools for better well-being. Through its sister nonprofit, Clarisen Research (formerly ScienceMamasHQ Research C.I.O.), Alexandra will begin her Ph.D. work alongside leading experts, including Professor Adele Costabile, Dr. Ritika Kapoor, and Professor Glenn Gibson, to explore integrative, nutrition-focused approaches to improving metabolic and immune health.
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