Save My Thyroid: Healing Tips for Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's

Carnitine is a nitrogen-containing compound synthesized in the liver and kidneys and found in certain foods we eat. Although it’s primarily in the muscle, none is manufactured there. Research has shown numerous health benefits of L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine, from managing dementia to mitochondrial and thyroid health. Today, I’m sharing some of these studies and the reasons why you may want...

Without question, excess thyroid hormones can have a negative impact on the cardiovascular system. From elevated heart rate to atrial fibrillation, there are many cardiovascular symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism, and it’s critical to manage them alongside addressing the underlying causes of the thyroid hormone imbalance. Today, I’m going to share the potential cardiac risks associated with...

We can learn a lot by looking at the levels and the ratio of the main thyroid hormones tested these days, T3 and T4. When both are low, the most common cause is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which occurs when the immune system damages the thyroid gland. However, if T3 is low and T4 is within the normal or optimal range, there are several factors we need to explore. Today, I’m sharing the main causes of...

We all have stress in our lives, whether physical, chemical, emotional, or microbial, and how we deal with that stress makes a huge difference in how our bodies respond. A lot of what we see with thyroid physiology is an adaptive response to some type of excessive stress response. Getting well is not about how many supplements you take; it’s about finding a balanced approach to diet, nutrition, sl...

Celery is an incredibly nutritious vegetable with numerous health benefits, and in recent years, celery juice has gained popularity as a cure-all remedy. While I continue to add celery to my smoothies, there are potential risks that we must also consider. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the benefits and downsides of celery juice and whether you should include it in your thyroid healing journey. In...

“I think mold toxicity is the biggest epidemic facing the country, if not the world right now.” - Evan Brand The average person in the modern world spends most of their time indoors. So much has changed in the past 200 years about the material we use for our homes and the way we build, and many of these changes make us more prone to mold issues. As a result, a shocking number of us are walking aro...

Many medical professionals focus solely on managing the symptoms of Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s rather than addressing the underlying cause. Unfortunately, it's challenging to achieve true remission without addressing the autoimmune component of these conditions. Today, I’m talking about where conventional medicine focuses, the central issues that must be addressed to achieve remission, a...

“The single biggest factor when it comes to low testosterone is the toxins in our environment that are crushing our health.” - Dr. Tracy Gapin From toxins in our food to toxins in our water and personal care products, studies have shown that these physiological stressors are crushing thyroid function and healthy testosterone production and function. Add to that the chronic stress of our modern liv...

Different individuals thrive on different diets. Whether it's the carnivore diet, the AIP diet, or something in between, choosing a restorative diet for your health can feel challenging. The important thing is to figure out what works well for your body and to address other lifestyle factors that can support you in achieving optimal results. Today, I’m sharing how the carnivore diet works and...

From working with practitioners who don’t support your treatment choices to getting discouraged by roadblocks and stubborn symptoms, many people with hyperthyroidism face similar challenges. While they can be discouraging, there are many things you can do to overcome these challenges and find success on your thyroid healing journey. In this episode, I’m discussing the top five challenges I’ve enco...

The autoimmune paleo/autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet is a more restrictive paleo diet that excludes eggs, nuts, seeds, and nightshade vegetables. While the AIP diet can be a game-changer for many people with autoimmune conditions like Graves’ or Hashimoto’s, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Today, I’m sharing everything you need to know about the AIP diet, the lifestyle factors to consider al...

“It’s never too late to change your diet and lifestyle.” Mira Dessy From disguised ingredients to misleading labeling requirements, deciphering ingredient labels can feel like a mammoth task. Even when they’re honest and detailed, who can keep track of all the ingredients and know what they do to your body? Today, I’m super excited to be joined by Mira Dessy, The Ingredient Guru and author of The...

There are so many great tests out there that can give us so much information on our health. While it might seem like a great idea to do everything, it’s best to prioritize the tests we really need. When working with patients, it’s my job to help each person make an informed decision. There are some tests I commonly recommend and others I’ll suggest based on their cases. Today, I’m sharing the test...

“All of our hormones are like a symphony.” - Dr. Betty Murray With our increasingly toxic environment and higher baseline stress levels, our bodies, especially the pituitary and hypothalamus, are dealing with so much more than 50 years ago. Although Western medicine often parses individual hormones as the domain of different specialists, all of our hormones work together, so any treatment plan has...

If the onset of your tinnitus occurred around the same time as you developed hyperthyroidism, then there's a good chance it will go away on its own When I dealt with hyperthyroidism, I developed ringing in the ears that lasted for a few months and eventually self-resolved. Similarly, I’ve had many patients over the years - mostly those with hyperthyroidism - who had tinnitus, and most of the...

“Even people on the healthiest of diets are simply not getting enough of the essential eye health nutrients.” - Dr. Rani Banik Whether it’s for yourself, your children, or older parents who might be dealing with issues like macular degeneration or glaucoma, many people are worried about their eyes and don't know where to turn for guidance. On top of that, trying to identify natural solutions...

While many people take antithyroid medications like methimazole and PTU, others prefer a more natural route or simply cannot tolerate those medications. When I dealt with Graves’ disease, I didn’t take antithyroid medication. Although these alternatives may not be as effective, it was a risk I was willing to take, and it worked for me. Today I’m sharing the top four alternatives to antithyroid med...

“So much of our immune system is dependent on our gut health.” - Dr. Ami Kapadia Most holistic and functional medicine practitioners agree that a healthy gut is essential for optimal health. A strong foundation is critical to any healing protocol, from food choices to meal timing, stress management, exercise, and other lifestyle factors. While it’s easy to get caught up in supplements and complex...

Is there a connection between celiac disease and thyroid autoimmunity? Why do different labs have different reference ranges? When should you monitor TPO and TSI levels? Is it okay to take antithyroid medications while pregnant? Today I’m back with another Q&A episode, answering multiple questions submitted by the Save My Thyroid community. While I can’t get to everyone’s questions every time,...

We’re celebrating episode 100! Since this episode’s release coincides with July 4 - Independence Day here in the US - today, I wanted to remind you that you have the freedom to choose a natural thyroid treatment approach. You have the freedom to choose the treatment you want. Whether you have hyperthyroidism or Hashimoto’s, most of us can choose from various treatment options. Medical doctors and...

Postpartum thyroiditis is a condition that affects many women where the thyroid becomes inflamed after giving birth. In many cases, this is a type of subclinical Hashimotos, and the antibodies were already present before pregnancy. Then the hormone changes and radical shifts in the body during pregnancy create an opportunity ripe for developing thyroiditis in the postpartum period. Today I’m joine...

“Your body is always on your side.” - Katie Wells Every day we’re exposed to environmental toxins from the products we put on our skin, the foods we eat, and more. And while it can feel overwhelming learning about all the potential exposures we face can feel overwhelming, taking steps to support your health can be simple. That’s where the 80/20 rule comes in - 80% of results come from 20% of input...

Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) are a type of thyrotropin receptor antibody commonly associated with Graves’ Disease. Even though most people with hyperthyroidism would benefit from getting their TSI tested, many endocrinologists ignore this test altogether or test only once per year. Today I’m sharing what thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins are and why monitoring your levels is essenti...

“You have to customize what you eat according to your health and your tolerance.” - Sally K. Norton Oxalates are naturally-produced chemicals that can be found in a variety of sources and plant foods like spinach and sweet potatoes. When consumed, oxalate crystals can deposit in different areas of the body, including the thyroid, and cause a cascade of adverse effects. Today I’m super excited to b...

Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies are commonly associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and, in some cases, may also be elevated in those with Graves’ Disease. These antibodies develop when there is damage to thyroglobulin, which is often a result of the autoimmune processes of Hashimoto’s. Today I’m discussing everything you need to know about anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, why they develop, testing,...