Supplements

Below are some product recommendations to help you stay on track with your healthy diet and lifestyle as you wrap up the Gut Recovery Program. These recommendations are particularly helpful in supplementing the Step 8 content and beyond:

• Adrenal Support – I formulated this supplement to contain a blend of the ABC’s to help combat stress: adrenal adaptogens, B vitamins, and vitamin C. (I do recommend getting an additional thiamine supplement in many cases as well.)
• B vitamins – B vitamins play an important role in cell metabolism, thyroid function and adrenal function. They become depleted in stressful situations that often precede the development of autoimmunity.
• PE Gluten/Dairy Digest – Gluten/Dairy Digest contains a blend of digestive enzymes targeting gluten and dairy digestion. It’s a very helpful supplement to have handy in case you get accidentally “glutened” or ingest dairy while eating out at a restaurant or dinner party.
• Betaine HCl – Betaine with Pepsin by Rootcology is a hydrochloric acid supplement that can help with protein digestion when your body isn’t producing enough. This is often the case with H. pylori and with Hashimoto’s in general, as low thyroid hormone can translate to low stomach acid and leave the system at risk for infections. Note: Not to be used by those with a history of having any type of ulcer or gastritis, those with an active H. pylori infection, or those with an overproduction of stomach acid.
• Herbal Bitters – This is a powerful digestive support formula designed to optimize healthy digestion and help reduce occasional gastrointestinal discomfort after meals, such as gas, bloating, and excessive fullness. Herbal bitters are ideal for individuals who are sensitive to supplementation with hydrochloric acid (HCl) (i.e. stomach acid) and for vegetarians and vegans who may benefit from digestive support, but who prefer to avoid animal-sourced digestive enzymes.
• Cod Liver Oil – Cold-processed cod liver oil has been associated with supporting immune health and is a natural source of vitamin A, vitamin D and essential omega-3 fatty acids. The cod liver oil from Nordic Naturals is derived from 100% wild Arctic cod.
• Fish Oils – Omega-3 fatty acids can be greatly beneficial for those with Hashimoto’s, as they can reduce inflammation, regulate the immune system, and help to prevent postpartum autoimmune thyroid issues. They have also been associated with improving brain health, pain management, depression, skin issues, gut health, adrenal health, and liver toxicity. Look for a professional quality fish oil supplement that has been molecularly distilled and filtered, such as EPA/DHA Essentials by Pure Encapsulations or OmegAvail™ Synergy by Designs for Health.
• Molybdenum – Molybdenum is an essential trace element, and functions as a cofactor of various enzymes involved in the detoxification. Molybdenum is also involved in sulfur metabolism as a cofactor of sulfite oxidase. Supplementing with molybdenum helps with sulfur sensitivity.
• Thiamine – Thiamine is a key player in brain function! A deficiency in thiamine can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. I recommend the benfotiamine version, as it gets to the brain! An option I like is Benfomax by Pure Encapsulations.
• Buffered Vitamin C Powder – This type of vitamin C can be used in a vitamin C flush. In addition to supplementing with vitamin C, trying a vitamin C flush can be beneficial for constipation. It can also be helpful in determining how much of this nutrient is needed by your cells.
• Selenium – Selenium can help reduce thyroid antibodies, reduce symptoms, and improve overall well being. It also helps to support the conversion of T4 to T3.
• Vitamin D – Low vitamin D levels have been associated with depression, as well as many other health issues, including thyroid conditions, autoimmune disease and heart disease. That’s why it’s important to optimize your levels of this vital nutrient, and ensure they fall within the optimal range of 60 to 80 ng/mL.
• Chromium – This essential trace mineral can help those with type 2 diabetes and those with insulin resistance, by assisting in the attachment of insulin to cell receptors, which then increases the uptake of glucose into the cell.
• Physicians Elemental Diet by Integrative Therapeutics – The Elemental Diet may help eradicate SIBO. It’s a liquid diet that provides us with amino acids, glucose, and fat, so our macronutrients, as well as our micronutrients, are in a form where they do not need to be digested. This diet essentially starves the bad bacteria, so it prevents them from giving them anything that they can eat.
• Activated Charcoal – Activated charcoal may help with detoxification, as it helps eliminate toxins in the body. Charcoal is taken as a cleansing agent. It is able to absorb gasses, liquid wastes and heavy metals. As charcoal passes through the digestive system, it carries these toxins with it before they can be absorbed into the body.
• Boron – Boron nutritionally promotes the proper utilization of many vitamins, minerals, and hormones, which are crucial to the optimal functioning of the human body.
• L-lysine – L-lysine, an amino acid, provides nutritional support for the body’s natural defenses. L-lysine is particularly helpful in maintaining healthy gum and lip tissue. L-lysine maintains healthy arginine production, promotes healthy protein synthesis, and boosts the body’s defenses.
• Strontium – This trace mineral is essential for bone health. Additionally, strontium supplementation supports healthy collagen formation, enhancing bone strength.
• Vitamin E – This vitamin is crucial for heart and thyroid health. The benefits of vitamin E are many and well established. A deficiency is most common in people with malabsorption disorders. Since malabsorption due to intestinal permeability is so common in people with Hashimoto’s, supplementing with vitamin E can be a crucial step to restoring your health and feeling better!
• Peptic-Care ZC – This is zinc carnosine for gut integrity. Research has shown zinc to be effective in combating H. pylori, supporting the mucosal layer, and protecting against ulceration. When zinc is combined with the amino acid L-carnosine, the zinc can more effectively penetrate irritated tissue in the gut.
• Pure N-Acetyl Cysteine – Among its many benefits, NAC supports the production of glutathione (the most potent antioxidant in the body!). It also has the ability to prevent liver damage, may reduce thyroid antibodies, can disrupt pathogens’ biofilms, and supports detoxification.
• Amino Support – Amino Support contains nutrients that promote natural phase II liver detoxification, help the body to bind heavy metals, and facilitate the excretion of toxins from the body.
• Liver & Gallbladder Support – This is a formula designed to support bile flow for the normal processing and elimination of toxins through the specific combination of its nutrients and herbs. By supporting liver and gallbladder function, Liver & Gallbladder Support promotes the elimination of fatty substances from the liver, and the digestion and assimilation of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
• HP Restore – This supplement supports a healthy gut lining. It contains mastic gum and deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) to help coat the intestinal lining, plus vitamin U-methylmethionine, which is a methionine derivative that helps to heal ulcers and can reduce histamine issues.
• Electrolytes – Staying hydrated and replenishing our electrolyte levels is an important part of healing, and can help reduce symptoms that may often be attributed to “just having a thyroid condition,” including fatigue, constipation, dry skin, and many others. I like Rootcology Electrolyte Blend, which is a complete and balanced electrolyte formula that also contains D-ribose for healthy cardiac function, exercise recovery and energy production, and taurine, which helps to regulate cellular electrolyte flow. I also like KTO Electro-Pure from Designs for Health, Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Drink Mix, Nuun Electrolyte Drink Tablets, LMNT Recharge Electrolyte Drink Mix, and Pure Encapsulations Electrolyte/Energy Formula.
• Rootcology Berberine – This is an herb with antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties. It may help eradicate SIBO. Herbal antibiotics can be as effective — or more effective — than their pharmacological counterparts. In fact, one recent study showed that herbal protocols that included berberine had a 46 percent success rate against SIBO, while only 34 percent of the participants using Rifaximin experienced a resolution of their overgrowth. (PMID: 24891990)
• Garlic Oil – These softgels contain Garlicillin™, a blend of garlic oil and parsley oil with specified levels of garlic sulfides and ajoene, the most biologically effective compound formed from garlic. They are enteric-coated to reduce the strong garlic odor that may occur from supplementing with garlic, and parsley oil that helps as a natural breath freshener. Garlic sulfides may support a healthy inflammatory response and protect against oxidative stress, while ajoene helps to promote a healthy inflammatory response and the maintenance of normal platelet function. It is also responsible for many of garlic’s other historically recognized effects, such as inhibiting the normal overgrowth of unfriendly organisms, including bacteria, parasites, and fungi (yeast). In the past, I’ve also used Allicillin with good results.
• Oil of Oregano – This herb contains a compound called carvacrol, which has been found to have powerful anti-yeast, antibacterial, and antiviral properties
• Black Cumin Seed Extract – Black seed oil (Nigella sativa), commonly known as black cumin, has been touted as a “cure for anything but death!”, making it a gentler but just as effective approach to pharmacological treatment (as a pharmacist, I don’t say that lightly). Research has shown black seed oil to have antiparasitic effects on a variety of parasites (and worms). I recommend that you talk to your doctor before using black seed oil if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition (low blood pressure, bleeding disorders, diabetes), or are currently taking any medications. Black seed is particularly effective for treating Giardia and Pentatrichomonas infections.
• Cat’s Claw AV – Cat’s claw or Uncaria tomentosa contains a variety of plant compounds that give this herb its antiparasitic activity. Studies have shown cat’s claw is effective against a variety of protozoa such as Plasmodium and Babesia.
• Magnesium Citrate Powder – This helps promote bowel relaxation when fiber alone is not enough, and supports the ability to fall asleep. Magnesium Citrate Powder helps to support healthy magnesium levels, promotes regularity and bowel relaxation, maintains energy levels and metabolic efficiency, balances calcium and reduces the risk for build up in the body, and promotes relaxation and restful sleep.
• Magnesium Glycinate – Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for human function. It is required for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including maintaining nerve and muscle function, supporting a healthy immune system, and keeping the heartbeat steady. Magnesium also helps create strong bones, steadies blood glucose levels, and aids in energy production. The two versions I recommend are magnesium citrate and magnesium glycinate. However, magnesium citrate might have too much of a laxative effect on some people, and for them, I recommend magnesium glycinate. Note: if you suffer from anxiety, please be aware that magnesium glycinate could potentially exacerbate anxiety.
• Carnitine – Rootcology Carnitine Blend, alongside more fiber and magnesium, can potentially help alleviate constipation. L-carnitine is also used as metabolic support since it is the molecule that transports fat into the cell mitochondria, where it can be turned into fuel. Because of this, those with Hashimoto’s might find additional benefits to this supplementation, especially those experiencing symptoms related to weight loss resistance.
• Vitamin B6 (P5P) – Rootcology P5P (the activated form of vitamin B6) promotes the tolerance of various foods and the creation of serotonin, which helps with motility.
• Prokinetics
  • MotilPro PE – This promotes motility. Proper gastrointestinal motility is essential for optimal rates of nutrient and fluid absorption, elimination of toxins, and overall abdominal comfort.
  • Iberogast – This prokinetic promotes motility and does not require a prescription.
• Saccharomyces boulardii – Rootcology S. boulardii (Saccharomyces boulardii) is a non-pathogenic yeast. It possesses probiotic activity that supports gastrointestinal health and immune function. It may be beneficial for counterbalancing intestinal microorganisms disrupted by stress, poor nutrition, and toxins, strengthening the intestinal barrier, protecting the digestive mucosa from pathogens that may damage the intestinal lining, promoting healthy bowel function, and counterbalancing overgrowth of opportunistic bacteria and yeast.
• Rootcology Microphage – This probiotic formula contains four types of phages, which are benevolent viruses that selectively target bacteria, as well as seven strains of probiotics. It’s supportive of the rapid reproduction of beneficial bacteria throughout the small and large intestine. It also helps to support healthy gastrointestinal and immune function. It may help eradicate E. coli and SIBO.
• Rootcology Spore Flora – This is a broad-spectrum, soil-based probiotic containing 5 different Bacillus strains. These spore-forming bacilli have high tolerance to the low-pH stomach acid, so they are able to resist and thrive in the harsh gastric environment, making them ideal for supporting gut microflora balance. This probiotic takes residence in the gut and creates positive change in the environment. It may help with IBS and with preventing infections.
• Rootcology ProB 50 – With 50 billion colony forming units (CFUs) per serving, this probiotic contains 10 of the most researched probiotic strains, which are capable of surviving the harsh journey to the intestines. They are able to attach to the intestinal walls, where they can function effectively to support gastrointestinal health, such as assisting with digestion and nutrient assimilation. They can also help to inhibit the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, support the immune system, and maintain bowel health and proper elimination.
• Aloe Vera – Rootcology Aloe may help by providing natural enzymes to support digestion, providing prebiotics to feed the microbiome, and reducing inflammation in the small intestine and colon. The added bonus is that aloe vera can also reduce thyroid antibodies and improve thyroid hormones in those with Hashimoto’s. It may also help with constipation.
• Butyrate Balance – Butyrate is a special type of fat that actually functions as a “postbiotic”, a compound produced by beneficial colonic bacteria, as a result of break-down fibers via fermentation. It can help support the integrity of the intestinal lining, healthy gut flora, and bowel function, as we rebalance the gut.
• Paleo Starch – To help the good bacteria grow, we will use resistant starch (RS). RS is a type of starch that is resistant to digestion, as enzymes in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are ineffective against it. Once RS reaches the large intestine, it is fermented into short-chain fatty acids, which are used as fuel for both beneficial microbes and the cells of the intestinal lining.
• Glutaryl – An antioxidant spray that delivers high doses of glutathione to the body. It can aid in detoxifying the body of existing free radicals and improving one’s health in both the short-term and the long-term.

Disclaimer: None of the statements in this program have been evaluated by the FDA, or any other government body.

The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your physician for any health problems and before making any medical or lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle changes can result in improved thyroid function and/or an increased absorption of thyroid hormone medications, leading to a lower required dose and possible symptoms of hyperthyroidism at a dose that was previously stable. Please discuss lifestyle changes with your physician and ensure that your thyroid function is monitored every 6-8 weeks while making lifestyle changes. Symptoms of overmedication include, but are not limited to: rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, irritability or mood swings, muscle weakness or tremors, diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, hair loss, weight loss, insomnia, chest pain, and excessive sweating. Do not start, change, increase, decrease or discontinue your medications without consulting with your physician.

The opinions expressed, while based on scientific research and experience, are the personal opinions of Izabella Wentz and may not adhere to current practices. The guidelines in this program are not meant to replace your physician’s advice, your personal beliefs or your own common sense. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911.

*You will have access to the email support and course materials for 1 year from date of purchase, and access to the Facebook group for 7 months, starting from Day 1 of the program. After that, the Facebook group will be closed and archived, and your portal membership access will expire. Please download all course materials you wish to save, prior to the expiration.