Podcasts about balcavage

Many people are told their elevated cholesterol and LDL levels are simply the result of diet, lack of exercise, or genetics. But what if rising cholesterol is actually a clue that thyroid physiology is slowing down? In this episode of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, Dr. Eric Balcavage explains the important relationship between thyroid signaling, T4 to T3 conversion, cellular metabolism, liver function, bile production, and cholesterol regulation. He discusses why cholesterol is essential for health, how the body produces and uses it, and why elevated cholesterol may be a sign that the body is struggling to convert food energy into cellular energy efficiently. Dr. Balcavage breaks down several mechanisms by which reduced thyroid signaling may contribute to elevated cholesterol and LDL levels, including decreased T4 to T3 conversion, impaired cholesterol transport, reduced LDL receptor activity, diminished bile production, and impaired bile flow. He also explains why simply lowering cholesterol with medication may not address the underlying physiologic stressors driving these changes. If you've been told your cholesterol is high despite eating well, exercising regularly, and doing all the "right" things, this episode explores why it may be time to look deeper at thyroid physiology, cellular metabolism, inflammation, liver function, and the body's adaptive stress response. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why cholesterol is essential for hormone production, cell membranes, vitamin D production, brain health, and bile formation How reduced T4 to T3 conversion can contribute to elevated cholesterol and LDL levels The critical role T3 plays in liver function, cholesterol transport, and bile production Why cholesterol may rise even when diet and exercise habits are healthy How impaired bile flow and gallbladder function can affect cholesterol clearance Why elevated cholesterol may be a sign of reduced thyroid signaling rather than simply a dietary problem The lab markers Dr. Balcavage uses to assess thyroid physiology, inflammation, metabolism, and cholesterol regulation Why addressing cellular stress and adaptive physiology is often more important than simply lowering cholesterol numbers Resources Mentioned:

If you've ever been told your thyroid labs are "normal" but you still feel exhausted, cold, constipated, anxious, inflamed, or unable to lose weight, this episode is for you. In this episode of The Thyroid Answers Podcast, Dr. Eric Balcavage explores one of the most misunderstood concepts in thyroid care: the difference between a thyroid lab value being normal and being appropriate for your physiology. He explains why thyroid lab markers such as TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies are often interpreted too simplistically and why normal lab values do not always mean healthy thyroid function. Dr. Balcavage breaks down how stress physiology, inflammation, immune activity, gut dysfunction, sleep disruption, nutrient deficiencies, and overall physiologic state can influence thyroid hormone production and T4-to-T3 conversion. He also explains why many thyroid patterns may actually represent adaptive responses rather than broken physiology. You'll learn how to interpret thyroid labs within the context of symptoms, health history, inflammatory markers, and overall physiologic state, and why focusing solely on optimizing lab values often fails to restore true health and well-being. Whether you're struggling with persistent hypothyroid symptoms despite normal labs or you're trying to better understand your thyroid physiology, this episode provides a deeper framework for understanding what your thyroid labs may really be telling you. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why normal labs don't always equal healthy thyroid function How to determine if your thyroid labs are actually appropriate for your physiology The role stress, inflammation, and lifestyle factors play in thyroid hormone regulation Why low T3 and poor conversion may be adaptive responses Why thyroid medication doesn't always resolve symptoms What to focus on beyond lab values to support better thyroid health Resources Mentioned:

Why do so many people continue to struggle with thyroid symptoms, hormone imbalances, fatigue, weight gain, digestive issues, and poor health even when their lab work looks "normal"? In this episode of The Thyroid Answers Podcast, Dr. Eric Balcavage sits down with board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Cassie Smith to discuss her new book, Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Hormones, and the critical role gut physiology plays in hormone health. Dr. Smith shares her journey from traditional endocrinology to a more physiology-based approach after recognizing that many of her patients continued to get sicker despite receiving standard medical treatment. Together, they explore how gut health, chronic stress, inflammation, lifestyle factors, and cellular physiology influence hormone production, hormone metabolism, thyroid function, insulin regulation, estrogen balance, and overall health. The conversation highlights why optimizing lab values alone often fails to resolve symptoms and why addressing the underlying physiologic patterns affecting the body may be a more effective path toward lasting health improvements. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why many patients continue to struggle despite "normal" lab results How gut health influences thyroid hormone conversion and utilization The connection between chronic stress, gut dysfunction, and hormone imbalance Why insulin resistance is often driven by more than just diet The role of the gut microbiome in estrogen metabolism and detoxification How inflammation can affect hormone signaling at the cellular level Why hormone replacement does not always resolve symptoms The importance of addressing lifestyle, sleep, stress, nutrition, and gut function alongside hormone optimization How chronic physiologic strain may contribute to ongoing thyroid and hormone symptoms Why understanding physiology may be more important than chasing lab numbers Key Topics Discussed Gut microbiome and hormone metabolism Thyroid physiology and T4 to T3 conversion Insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction GLP-1 physiology Estrogen metabolism and the estrobolome Chronic stress and allostatic load Inflammation and cellular hormone signaling Leaky gut and immune activation Functional medicine and root-cause approaches Hormone replacement therapy considerations Lifestyle factors that influence hormone health About Dr. Cassie Smith Dr. Cassie Smith, MD is a dual board-certified endocrinologist, Founder of Modern Endocrine, and Chief Medical Officer of Renthyroid. She also serves on the medical faculty of Evexias Medical, a bioidentical hormone company. Dr. Smith is known for helping patients uncover why they still feel unwell despite "normal" lab results by using a holistic, root-cause approach to gut, metabolic, thyroid, and hormonal health. After completing her fellowship at the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center and being named a Top Doctor by 405 Magazine, Dr. Smith grew frustrated with the limitations of conventional care and built a model focused on treating the whole person—not just symptoms. She is the author of Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Hormones: The Critical Connection Your Doctor Is Missing… and Why You Still Feel Bad Despite Normal Labs, and through her popular podcast, Hormones, Metabolism, and You, she translates complex endocrinology into practical, actionable guidance. Today, Dr. Smith and her team help thousands of patients each year get to the root cause of gut health issues, hormone imbalances, thyroid disease, and weight resistance. She is licensed to provide telehealth and in-clinic care across 47 states, based in Oklahoma. She is the author of Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Hormones and host of the Hormones, Metabolism, and You podcast. Resources & Links

Many people with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's are surprised when they begin experiencing symptoms like bloating, constipation, food sensitivities, gallstones, fat intolerance, reflux, or elevated cholesterol. These issues are often treated as separate conditions, but they may all be connected through one important physiological relationship: the connection between thyroid function, bile flow, gallbladder health, and digestion. In this episode, Dr. Eric Balcavage explains why thyroid physiology influences far more than metabolism. Thyroid hormone signaling affects stomach acid production, digestive enzymes, gut motility, bile production, gallbladder contraction, cholesterol metabolism, microbiome balance, nutrient absorption, and even the integrity of the gut barrier. When thyroid physiology is altered, digestive function often changes along with it. Dr. Balcavage explores the critical role bile plays in digestion and overall health, including how bile acids function as powerful signaling molecules that influence metabolism, inflammation, blood sugar regulation, thyroid hormone activation, microbiome health, and immune function. He also explains why reduced T4-to-T3 conversion can impair bile production, gallbladder emptying, and bile delivery into the small intestine, creating a cascade of digestive and metabolic symptoms. You'll learn why digestive symptoms, gallbladder problems, dysbiosis, leaky gut, and elevated cholesterol are often downstream effects of chronic stress physiology and reduced thyroid signaling rather than isolated problems. Dr. Balcavage also discusses common bile-support strategies including ox bile, TUDCA, phosphatidylcholine, taurine, glycine, choline, magnesium, and bitters, explaining when they may be helpful and why they often serve as temporary management tools rather than long-term solutions. Most importantly, this episode highlights why addressing the underlying causes of reduced thyroid signaling and chronic physiologic strain is essential for lasting recovery. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why people with thyroid problems commonly develop gut, bile, and gallbladder issues The important role bile plays beyond fat digestion How bile acids influence metabolism, inflammation, microbiome balance, and thyroid hormone activation Why reduced T4-to-T3 conversion can impair bile production and bile flow The connection between hypothyroidism, elevated cholesterol, and gallbladder dysfunction How altered bile flow contributes to bloating, constipation, food sensitivities, dysbiosis, and leaky gut Why digestive symptoms are often adaptive responses to physiologic stress The relationship between chronic stress, reduced thyroid signaling, and digestive dysfunction When bile-support supplements like ox bile, TUDCA, taurine, glycine, choline, and phosphatidylcholine may be beneficial Why symptom management alone often fails to create long-term improvement The key factors that may be driving reduced thyroid signaling and digestive dysfunction beneath the surface Resources Mentioned:

If you've been trying everything to fix your thyroid or iron issues — medications, supplements, protocols, lab optimization, detoxes, gut healing, hormone balancing — and you still don't feel well… this episode may explain why. In this episode of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, Dr. Eric Balcavage breaks down why so many thyroid and iron protocols fail, even when lab values improve. You'll learn why "optimizing" TSH, T3, ferritin, iron, cortisol, hormones, or micronutrients often doesn't create lasting results… and why the real issue may have nothing to do with deficiency or dysfunction at all. Dr. Balcavage explains the concept of state-based physiology — how your body shifts between resilience, chronic strain, and defensive survival states based on stress load and available capacity. He also explains why many common thyroid and iron patterns are actually adaptive responses, not broken physiology. If you've been stuck chasing protocols, supplements, medications, or temporary improvements that never seem to last… this episode will help you understand why. What You'll Learn: • Why thyroid and iron protocols often stop working over time • Why optimizing lab values doesn't always improve symptoms • The difference between adaptive physiology and dysfunction • Why low T3 and iron dysregulation are often stress adaptations • How short-term symptom improvement can become a long-term trap • Why some people react poorly to supplements, hormones, or medications • The connection between inflammation, metabolism, and capacity • What "state-based physiology" means and why it matters • The three primary physiologic states: resilience, chronic strain, and overload • Why the same supplement or medication can help one person and harm another • How chronic stress changes thyroid conversion and iron regulation • Why more T3, iron, detoxing, or supplementation may worsen symptoms • The hidden problem with protocol-based medicine and optimization culture • Why symptoms and labs are often signals… not the root problem • How to begin reducing load and rebuilding physiologic capacity Learn More About Dr. Eric Balcavage Dr. Eric Balcavage is the co-author of The Thyroid Debacle and the creator of: • State-Based Medicine™ • The Adaptive Thyroid Model™ • The Strategic Thyroid Solution™ His work focuses on helping patients and practitioners understand thyroid physiology through the lens of metabolic stress, adaptation, and whole-body regulation. Dr. Balcavage's new book, Is This The Hill? releases later this year. Get on the waitlist to learn more and get exclusive bonus content here: drericbalcavage.com/hill   Connect With Dr. Eric Balcavage Website: https://www.drbalcavage.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drericbalcavage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drericbalcavage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drericbalcavage If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's been stuck chasing protocols, supplements, or lab optimization without lasting results.

If you've been told your ferritin is low and that you need iron supplements because you're "iron deficient"… this episode may completely change how you understand iron, ferritin, and fatigue. In this episode of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, Dr. Eric Balcavage breaks down what he calls "The Low Ferritin Trap" — the common misunderstanding that low ferritin automatically means iron deficiency and that iron supplementation is always the solution. You'll learn why ferritin is often misunderstood in both conventional and functional medicine, what ferritin actually represents, and why many people end up taking iron they may not truly need. Dr. Balcavage explains how low ferritin can sometimes reflect healthy physiology rather than deficiency, why iron supplementation may create new problems when used inappropriately, and how many people get stuck chasing lab numbers instead of addressing the real issue. If you've been struggling with fatigue, hair loss, hypothyroid symptoms, or persistent health issues despite taking iron supplements… this episode will help you better understand what may really be happening. What You'll Learn: • Why low ferritin does not automatically mean iron deficiency • What ferritin actually is — and what it is not • The difference between ferritin and stored iron • Why iron supplementation can sometimes make symptoms worse • The connection between inflammation, stress, and iron regulation • How anemia of inflammation can mimic iron deficiency • Why functional "optimal" ferritin ranges may be misleading • The difference between true iron deficiency and iron regulation issues • Why some people feel temporarily better on iron supplementation • What the soluble transferrin receptor test is and why it matters • Common causes of true iron deficiency that are often overlooked • Why chasing ferritin numbers can create long-term problems • How to identify whether iron supplementation is actually appropriate for you Learn More About Dr. Eric Balcavage Dr. Eric Balcavage is the co-author of The Thyroid Debacle and the creator of: • State-Based Medicine™ • The Adaptive Thyroid Model™ • The Strategic Thyroid Solution™ His work focuses on helping patients and practitioners understand thyroid physiology through the lens of metabolic stress, adaptation, and whole-body regulation. Dr. Balcavage's new book, Is This The Hill? releases later this year. Get on the waitlist to learn more and get exclusive bonus content here: drericbalcavage.com/hill  Connect With Dr. Eric Balcavage Website: https://www.drbalcavage.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drericbalcavage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drericbalcavage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drericbalcavage If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may be struggling with fatigue, thyroid symptoms, or questions about iron and ferritin levels.

If you're dealing with fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, or stubborn symptoms that won't go away… you've probably been told it's your thyroid. So you test your labs. You adjust medication. You try to "optimize" your numbers. And yet… nothing really changes. In this episode of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, Dr. Eric Balcavage explains why many persistent "thyroid" symptoms are not actually driven by thyroid dysfunction but by immune activation and inflammation. You'll learn how your body shifts into a protective, stress-adaptive state under perceived threat, and how those changes directly impact thyroid physiology. What looks like a thyroid problem on paper is often a signal that your system is overwhelmed… not broken. Dr. Balcavage walks through why chasing lab values or suppressing symptoms can leave people stuck in what he calls "thyroid purgatory," and why real progress requires a different approach entirely. If you've been doing all the "right things" but still don't feel like yourself… this episode will help you understand why—and what to focus on instead. What You'll Learn: • Why many thyroid symptoms are driven by immune activation, not thyroid dysfunction • How inflammation and perceived stress change thyroid physiology • Why TSH, free T4, and free T3 don't tell the whole story • What "thyroid purgatory" is and why so many people get stuck there • How the immune system shifts metabolism under stress or threat • Common hidden stressors (infections, toxins, mold, poor sleep, under-eating, overtraining, chronic stress) • Why symptom suppression and lab manipulation often fall short • The connection between stress, metabolism, and hormone disruption • Why building capacity must come before trying to "fix" the system • How to start reducing load and supporting your body in a more effective way Learn More About Dr. Eric Balcavage Dr. Eric Balcavage is the co-author of The Thyroid Debacle and the creator of: • State-Based Medicine™ • The Adaptive Thyroid Model™ • The Strategic Thyroid Solution™ His work focuses on helping patients and practitioners understand thyroid physiology through the lens of metabolic stress, adaptation, and whole-body regulation. Connect With Dr. Eric Balcavage Website: https://www.drbalcavage.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drericbalcavage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drericbalcavage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drericbalcavage If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may be struggling with thyroid issues or chronic fatigue.

Low T3 Isn't a Conversion Problem… It's a Protective Response If your thyroid labs show low free T3 and high reverse T3, you've probably been told your body isn't converting thyroid hormone properly. So the solution becomes: add more T3, adjust medication, and try to "optimize" your numbers. But what if your body is doing exactly what it's supposed to do? In this episode of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, Dr. Eric Balcavage explains why low T3 and elevated reverse T3 are often signs of intentional, regulated metabolic downshifting… not dysfunction. You'll learn why thyroid hormone conversion is controlled at the tissue level, how your current physiological state influences what your body does with thyroid hormone, and why treating lab numbers without context often leads to temporary relief instead of long-term results. Dr. Balcavage also breaks down the difference between total and free thyroid hormones, how medication timing can skew lab results, and why ratios only matter when you understand the bigger picture. If you've been chasing "optimal" thyroid numbers but still feel tired, stuck, or unable to lose body fat… this episode will help you understand what your body is actually doing—and why forcing it to do more may be working against you. What You'll Learn: • Why low free T3 and high reverse T3 are often protective responses • The difference between total vs. free T4 and T3 (capacity vs. availability) • How thyroid conversion is regulated by deiodinase enzymes at the tissue level • Why reverse T3 is not a blocker, but a signal of adaptation • How your physiological "state" (resilient, strained, overloaded) impacts metabolism • Why adding more T3 often creates short-term relief, not long-term resolution • How medication timing can distort thyroid lab results • Why lab ratios require proper clinical context • The connection between metabolic demand, stress, and energy production • Where to focus instead: reducing demand and rebuilding capacity (sleep, nutrition, stress) Learn More About Dr. Eric Balcavage Dr. Eric Balcavage is the co-author of The Thyroid Debacle and the creator of: • State-Based Medicine™ • The Adaptive Thyroid Model™ • The Strategic Thyroid Solution™ His work focuses on helping patients and practitioners understand thyroid physiology through the lens of metabolic stress, adaptation, and whole-body regulation. Visit www.drericbalcavage.com to learn more.   Connect With Dr. Eric Balcavage Website: https://www.drbalcavage.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drericbalcavage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drericbalcavage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drericbalcavage If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may be struggling with thyroid issues or chronic fatigue.

Episode 227: Why Your Metabolism Isn't Broken (And Why You're Still Tired) If you're struggling with fatigue, low energy, or a "slow metabolism," you've probably been told the same thing: Something must be wrong. Your thyroid is low. Your mitochondria aren't working. You must be deficient in something. So the solution becomes: take more thyroid hormone, add more supplements, and try to boost metabolism. But what if that entire model is wrong? In this episode of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, Dr. Eric Balcavage explains why low energy and sluggish metabolism are often not signs of broken physiology, but adaptive responses to stress and reduced capacity. You'll learn how your body actually produces energy, the difference between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, and why your body may intentionally slow down metabolic output when it perceives stress. Dr. Balcavage also breaks down how physiologic and perceived stress impact mitochondrial function, why reduced T3 may be protective rather than dysfunctional, and how common lab interpretations often lead to the wrong treatment strategy. If you've been trying to "fix" your metabolism but still feel exhausted, this episode will help you understand what your body is actually doing, and why pushing it harder may be making things worse. Learn More About Dr. Eric Balcavage Dr. Eric Balcavage is the co-author of The Thyroid Debacle and the creator of: • State-Based Medicine™ • The Adaptive Thyroid Model™ • The Strategic Thyroid Solution™ His work focuses on helping patients and practitioners understand thyroid physiology through the lens of metabolic stress, adaptation, and whole-body regulation. Resources Website: https://www.drericbalcavage.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drericbalcavage

In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Eric Balcavage to unpack what's really happening beneath the surface when your body feels stuck, overwhelmed, and unable to heal. We dive into the concept of the cell danger response and why so many people today are living in a chronic state of stress at a cellular level without even realizing it. We also explore the gap between traditional and functional medicine, and why both approaches matter more than we think when used in the right context. Throughout this episode, we challenge the idea that more is always better when it comes to your health. From overloading on supplements to over-optimizing every part of your routine, we talk about how these well-intentioned habits can actually keep you stuck. I walk through real-life examples and ask the hard questions that help you determine whether your body is in a place to heal or simply trying to survive. If you've ever felt frustrated, burnt out, or like nothing is working despite your efforts, this episode will give you a completely new lens to look through. Topics We Cover in This Episode:  Why doing “all the right things” can still keep you stuck The hidden signs your body may be overwhelmed at a cellular level How stress impacts your body in ways most people miss Why some people get worse before they ever get better The surprising reason your routine might be working against you How to tell if your body can actually receive the help you're giving it The real difference between healing and just managing symptoms A simple way to start identifying what your body actually needs If this episode resonates with you, take it as a sign to pause and reassess what your body has been trying to tell you. You don't need more complexity. You need clarity. Don't forget to make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss future episodes. Resources & Links Connect with Dr. Eric Balcavage

Why Thyroid Medication Rarely Fixes Fatigue Many people struggling with fatigue are told the same thing: your thyroid must be low. And if thyroid hormone controls metabolism, then increasing thyroid medication should restore energy… right? But thousands of patients discover something confusing. Their thyroid labs improve after starting medication, yet the fatigue remains. In some cases, the exhaustion actually gets worse. In this episode of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, Dr. Eric Balcavage explains why thyroid medication often fails to resolve fatigue and what may actually be driving low energy levels in the body. You'll learn why fatigue is often not caused by a simple thyroid hormone deficiency, why reduced T4-to-T3 conversion may be an adaptive response, and how metabolic capacity—not just hormone levels—determines how much energy your body can produce. Dr. Balcavage also breaks down the three most common thyroid treatment traps, explains why lab values can be misleading, and shares the better questions patients and practitioners should be asking when fatigue persists despite "optimized" thyroid labs. If you've been chasing lab numbers while still struggling with exhaustion, this episode will help you understand the deeper physiology behind thyroid fatigue and why restoring metabolic capacity is often the real solution. Learn More About Dr. Eric Balcavage Dr. Eric Balcavage is the co-author of The Thyroid Debacle and the creator of: • State-Based Medicine™ • The Adaptive Thyroid Model™ • The Strategic Thyroid Solution™ His work focuses on helping practitioners and patients better understand thyroid physiology, metabolic stress, and the root causes behind chronic health conditions. Resources Website: https://www.drericbalcavage.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drericbalcavage To receive the Thyroid Labs Decoded guide, send Dr. Balcavage a DM on Instagram with the word LABS or request it through the contact form on the website.

Fatigue: Why Being Tired Doesn't Always Mean Your Thyroid Is Low Most people believe fatigue means one thing: their thyroid must be low. So thyroid labs are checked. Medication is prescribed. And sometimes energy improves… at least temporarily. But what if fatigue isn't actually a thyroid problem? In this episode of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, Dr. Eric Balcavage explains why fatigue is often misunderstood and why simply increasing thyroid hormone rarely solves the problem long-term. Fatigue is not always caused by a lack of thyroid hormone. More often, it reflects a mismatch between the demands placed on the body and the body's capacity to produce energy. When the body's capacity to generate energy falls behind the stress and demand placed on it, fatigue becomes the signal that something deeper is happening. In this episode, Dr. Balcavage breaks down the physiology behind fatigue, how thyroid hormone fits into the picture, and why focusing only on thyroid labs often misses the bigger story. In This Episode, You'll Learn • Why fatigue is often a capacity problem, not simply a thyroid problem • How the body converts food energy into cellular energy • Why reduced T3 levels can sometimes reflect adaptive physiology • How stress and metabolic demand influence thyroid hormone signaling • Why thyroid medication can temporarily improve fatigue but fail to solve the underlying issue • The critical difference between pushing metabolism harder and restoring the body's capacity Who This Episode Is For This episode is especially helpful for people who: • Feel exhausted despite normal thyroid labs • Are taking thyroid medication but still struggle with fatigue • Have been told their fatigue is caused by thyroid dysfunction • Want to better understand how energy production actually works in the body Listen If You've Ever Thought • "My labs look normal but I'm still exhausted." • "Why didn't thyroid medication fix my fatigue?" • "Is low T3 the reason I'm tired?" • "Why does fatigue keep coming back?" Connect With Dr. Eric Balcavage Website: https://www.drbalcavage.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drericbalcavage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drericbalcavage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drericbalcavage Thyroid Answers Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may be struggling with thyroid issues or chronic fatigue. Topics discussed: thyroid fatigue, hypothyroidism fatigue, why thyroid medication doesn't fix fatigue, low T3 fatigue, reverse T3 fatigue, chronic fatigue thyroid, thyroid hormone metabolism, fatigue and mitochondria, thyroid stress physiology.

Iron: Deficiency or Defense? Understanding Low Iron and Ferritin Many people are told they are iron deficient simply because their iron or ferritin levels appear low on a blood test. But iron physiology is far more complex than most people realize. In this episode of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, Dr. Eric Balcavage breaks down one of the most misunderstood areas of lab testing: iron status. Fatigue, hair loss, cold intolerance, brain fog, slow metabolism, and even thyroid symptoms are often blamed on iron deficiency. When labs show low iron or low ferritin, the common response is iron supplements or iron infusions. But low iron in the blood does not always mean the body is truly deficient. In many cases, the body is intentionally regulating iron as part of an inflammatory response. Dr. Balcavage explains the difference between true iron deficiency and anemia of inflammation, why ferritin is often misunderstood, and how markers like soluble transferrin receptor can help clarify whether the body truly needs iron or is simply regulating it differently. Understanding these patterns can help prevent unnecessary iron supplementation and help identify the real reason symptoms may be occurring. In This Episode You'll Learn • Why many people are incorrectly told they are iron-deficient • The difference between true iron deficiency and anemia of inflammation • What ferritin actually represents and why it is often misunderstood • What iron, TIBC, iron saturation, and ferritin really measure • How iron levels relate to red blood cell markers like hemoglobin, MCV, and RDW • The role of soluble transferrin receptor in identifying true iron deficiency • Why iron supplementation sometimes helps—and sometimes makes people feel worse • Why iron labs must be interpreted as patterns rather than isolated numbers Key Concepts Discussed Iron metabolism Ferritin interpretation Soluble transferrin receptor Iron deficiency vs anemia of inflammation Iron regulation and inflammation Red blood cell indices and iron physiology Fatigue and low iron labs Thyroid symptoms and iron metabolism Who This Episode Is For This episode may be helpful if you: • Have been told your ferritin is low • Have been diagnosed with iron deficiency • Are taking iron supplements but still feel fatigued • Have symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, cold intolerance, or brain fog • Want to better understand how iron is regulated in the body About Dr. Eric Balcavage Dr. Eric Balcavage is the co-author of The Thyroid Debacle and the creator of State Based Medicine™, The Adaptive Thyroid Model™, and The Strategic Thyroid Solution™. Through his clinical work, research, and teaching, Dr. Balcavage focuses on helping both patients and practitioners understand the deeper physiology behind chronic symptoms, thyroid dysfunction, and metabolic adaptation so they can move beyond symptom management and toward true recovery. Resources Learn more about Dr. Eric Balcavage: www.drericbalcavage.com

Dr. Balcavage explains the difference between glandular hypothyroidism and cellular hypothyroidism — a critical but often overlooked concept. While standard care assumes that correcting lab values restores function, it ignores how stress, immune system activation, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction impact thyroid hormone signaling at the cellular level.   TOPICS DISCUSSED: Limitations of Conventional Thyroid Testing (TSH-focused model) Cellular Hypothyroidism Concept Stress Physiology and Thyroid Function Dissatisfaction Rates Among Thyroid Patients Why Labs Don't Equal Symptom Resolution Immune System Role in Thyroid Disorders   More from Eric Balcovage: Book: The Thyroid Debacle by Dr. Eric Balcavage Get the book on Amazon Website: drericbalcavage.com Instagram: @drericbalcavage     Leave us a Review: https://www.reversablepod.com/review   Need help with your gut? Visit my website gutsolution.ca to join a program: Get help now   Contact us: reversablepod.com/tips    FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram  Facebook  YouTube   

Why does T3 feel life-changing for some people — and destabilizing for others? In this episode of Thyroid Answers, Dr. Eric Balcavage explains why the answer isn't about the medication itself, but about the physiologic state of the person receiving it. You'll learn why T3 can support recovery in some cases and create symptom volatility in others, and why labeling T3 as "good" or "bad" misses the real issue entirely. This episode introduces a clear, state-based framework: Resiliency — regeneration and adaptive capacity Chronic strain — long-term repair and compensation Overload — defensive, survival-focused physiology Dr. Balcavage explains how T3 interacts differently in each state, why adding T3 can suppress TSH and reduce T4 reserves, and why labs can look better even as physiology becomes less stable. Topics Covered T3 medication benefits and risks Physiologic state and thyroid response Why T3 works for some but not others TSH suppression and T4 reserve depletion Adaptive vs forced thyroid output Why thyroid research produces mixed results This episode is essential for anyone taking T3, considering T3, or trying to understand why thyroid medication responses vary so dramatically.

Rewiring the Brain for Thyroid Recovery with Dr. Patrick Porter What if you could train your brain to help your thyroid recover? In this episode, Dr. Eric Balcavage sits down with Dr. Patrick Porter, creator of BrainTap®, to explore how brainwave training, stress regulation, and nervous-system balance can unlock your body's natural healing potential. In this conversation: How chronic stress keeps the brain stuck in "danger mode" and blocks thyroid recovery Why the amygdala, HPA axis, and thyroid are part of one continuous feedback loop The role of neuroplasticity and brainwave entrainment in calming the body's stress response Practical tools to shift from survival to safety mode—naturally How BrainTap supports sleep, energy, focus, and overall metabolic balance

Today, Susan and Kate welcome back one of the podcast's most-loved guests Dr. Eric Balcavage, internationally recognized thyroid expert and co-author of The Thyroid Debacle. This conversation is raw, energizing, and packed with clarity as we break down what most people never get told about functional medicine, thyroid health, and the difference between truly recovering your health vs. just managing symptoms.If you've ever felt dismissed by “normal labs,” overwhelmed by Google rabbit holes, this episode will feel like a grounding exhale. Dr. Eric breaks down complex physiology, while Susan and Kate connect it to mindset, trauma patterns, stress, and the psychology behind why so many people stay stuck. It's empowering, eye-opening, and fun, just what everyday people need to finally understand their health.In This Episode:The real difference between allopathic, integrative, and functional medicineWhy symptoms are meaningful messages—not random annoyancesLearn more about our guest Dr. Eric Balcavage:Dr. Eric Balcavage is internationally recognized as a leading authority in functional medicine and thyroid physiology. He's the co-author of The Thyroid Debacle, host of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, and a trusted mentor to hundreds of practitioners across the U.S. With over two decades of clinical experience, he specializes in helping patients recover from chronic hypothyroidism, metabolic dysfunction, and complex health challenges that haven't responded to conventional or protocol-based care. He also lectures and consults on topics such as cellular thyroid physiology, GI health, organic acid testing, and methylation—shaping a new standard for thyroid recovery.RESOURCES:Check out our other episode with Dr. Eric Balcavage:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/64-rethinking-thyroid-health-with-dr-eric-balcavage/id1736527617?i=1000715108182Connect with Dr. Eric Balcavage:Website: http://drericbalcavage.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/drericbalcavage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@askdrericPrivate Facebook Group:  www.facebook.com/groups/thyroidrecoverycollective/ Free Thyroid Ebook: http://drericbalcavage.com/free-thyroid-ebook  Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thyroid-answers-podcast/id1189585193 The Thyroid Debacle: https://amzn.to/3zHRZYZSubscribe to my newsletter: https://rejuvagencenter.com/newsletter-signup/Find all of Kate and Susan's Resources and links in the show notes: https://healthyawakening.co/2025/12/01/episode97Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/Connect with Kate: https://theradiantlifeproject.com/Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcastFind listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/linksP.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast

Stress and Holiday Hypothyroidism | How Stress Lowers T3 and Raises rT3 | Dr. Eric Balcavage – Thyroid Shorts Ep. 19 The holidays are supposed to be joyful — but for many with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's, they trigger fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, and anxiety. In this episode, Dr. Eric Balcavage, creator of the Adaptive Thyroid Model™, explains how stress physiology, poor sleep, and inflammation can turn down your thyroid hormone activity — even when your blood tests look "normal." Learn why holiday stress, late nights, sugar spikes, alcohol, and over-training push your body into a reverse T3 (rT3) dominant state — what Dr. Balcavage calls Holiday Hypothyroidism — and how to fix it naturally. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ What reverse T3 is — and how it shuts down active T3 inside your cells ✅ How cortisol, IL-6, and TNF-α change deiodinase enzyme activity (DIO1/2 ↓, DIO3 ↑) ✅ Why your thyroid "slows down" under stress — it's protection, not failure ✅ The 5-Day rT3 Reset — a practical plan for restoring thyroid balance ✅ How to lower inflammation, improve sleep, and support bile flow during the holidays

Most people are told: "If you have thyroid antibodies, you have Hashimoto's. If you don't, you don't." In this episode, Dr. Eric Balcavage, creator of the Adaptive Thyroid Model™, revisits that idea and shows why antibodies are only one piece of a much bigger picture. Discover how: ✅ Th1 and Th17 T-cells, CD8 T-cells, and low T-regs drive thyroid inflammation and tissue damage ✅ PAMPs (pathogen signals) and DAMPs (cell-danger signals) can bind to pattern-recognition receptors [PRRs] on thyroid cells, triggering cytokines and interferon activity ✅ Antibodies may confirm Hashimoto's, but their absence doesn't rule it out (seronegative Hashimoto's is real) ✅ Addressing the drivers of immune imbalance — gut permeability, sleep debt, oxidative stress, nutrient deficiencies — can help restore tolerance and thyroid function Dr. Balcavage breaks down the latest research on how inflammation starts inside the thyroid, why the body isn't "attacking" itself, and what a true recovery plan looks like.

In this episode of Thyroid Answers, Dr. Eric Balcavage sits down with pharmacist and bestselling author Dr. Izabella Wentz to revisit one of the most misunderstood conditions in modern medicine — Hashimoto's thyroiditis. They explore how new research and clinical experience are reshaping what we know about autoimmune thyroid disease, why so many women still struggle with fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog despite "normal" thyroid labs, and what it really takes to recover thyroid function from the inside out. Dr. Wentz and Dr. Balcavage break down the differences between managing Hashimoto's with medication and restoring thyroid health through the Adaptive Thyroid Model™, focusing on root causes suc as gut health, inflammation, hormone balance, and stress physiology. Key Topics: What most doctors miss about Hashimoto's and autoimmune thyroiditis The connection between stress, sleep, gut health, and thyroid autoimmunity Why "normal labs" can hide ongoing thyroid dysfunction How estrogen, cortisol, and inflammation alter thyroid hormone conversion The role of diet, supplements, and lifestyle in reversing Hashimoto's patterns How to know if your low T3 is adaptive — not failure And more ... 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 with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in 2009, following a decade of debilitating symptoms. As an accomplished author, Dr. Wentz has written several best-selling books, including the New York Times best seller Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause, the protocol-based #1 New York Times best seller Hashimoto's Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back, and the Wall Street Journal best seller Hashimoto's Food Pharmacology: Nutrition Protocols and Healing Recipes to Take Charge of Your Thyroid Health. Her latest book, Adrenal Transformation Protocol, was released on April 18th, 2023. The book focuses on resetting the body's stress response through targeted safety signals and features a 4-week program that has already helped over 3,500 individuals. The program has an impressive success rate, with over 80% of participants improving their brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, sleep issues, and libido. http://thyroidpharmacist.com/ https://www.instagram.com/izabellawentzpharmd/ https://www.facebook.com/ThyroidLifestyle/  

In this Thyroid Answers Shorts episode, Dr. Eric Balcavage explores the critical role your mitochondria—the true powerhouses of your cells—play in thyroid health and recovery. Too often, thyroid care focuses solely on optimizing lab values like TSH, Free T4, or Free T3. But true recovery isn't about chasing numbers. It's about understanding what happens inside your cells. Dr. Balcavage explains how cellular stress impacts mitochondrial function, how this stress disrupts thyroid hormone conversion, and why patients can still feel hypothyroid even when their labs look “normal.” In this episode, you'll learn: Why mitochondria are the missing link in thyroid recovery. How cellular stress shifts thyroid physiology away from homeostasis. Why simply adding more T4 or T3 may provide temporary relief but rarely leads to lasting recovery. Practical ways to support mitochondrial health and improve thyroid function. Whether you're on thyroid medication, exploring functional medicine, or still searching for answers, this episode will help you understand why addressing mitochondrial health is essential for lasting thyroid recovery.

Is Your Thyroid Lab Test Lying to You? Hidden Signs of Cellular Hypothyroidism with Dr. Eric Balcavage | Podcast #461 Dr. Balcavage Website: https://drericbalcavage.com/

In this episode, Dr. Eric Balcavage responds to a thoughtful viewer comment that challenges key aspects of his adaptive thyroid physiology model and Cell Danger Response theory. This deep-dive discussion addresses whether his approach applies to every hypothyroidism case, clarifies the 71% improvement statistic, and explores the role of T3 therapy in thyroid treatment.   Key Topics Covered: Does the Cell Danger Response theory apply to all hypothyroidism cases? Clarification of the 71% patient improvement statistic - what it really means Historical use of NDT (Natural Desiccated Thyroid) and treatment evolution Post-Graves disease thyroid management and receptor sensitivity Why T3 therapy works for some patients but doesn't restore physiology The difference between symptom management and true thyroid restoration When to consider alternative approaches for treatment-resistant cases Dr. Balcavage provides nuanced responses while acknowledging the limitations of current thyroid models, emphasizing that his approach offers hope for patients who haven't found success with conventional T4, NDT, or T3 protocols.   Perfect for: Thyroid patients stuck in "thyroid purgatory," healthcare practitioners seeking new perspectives, and anyone interested in understanding why standard thyroid treatments sometimes fail.

I'm delighted to reconnect with Dr. Eric Balcavage today! He is the owner and founder of Rejuvagen, a functional medicine clinic in Pennsylvania. He is also a nationally recognized speaker and educator on various health-related topics, including thyroid physiology, detoxification, methylation, and chronic illness. Dr. Eric Balcavage joins me for the third time today to discuss his new book, The Thyroid Debacle, co-authored with Dr. Kelly Halderman. We dive into his motivation for writing his book, discuss cellular hypothyroidism and its triggers, and get into the impact of chronic low-grade inflammation on our mitochondrial health. We go into why hypothyroidism is a spectrum, the role of bile in thyroid functioning, and the impact of hypothyroidism on our sex hormones. We also discuss the incidence of Hashimoto's, why iodine is so controversial, labs we want to look at more closely with thyroid issues, and supplements and nutrition. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Eric explains why clinicians are failing their patients concerning thyroid management and diagnosis. A better clinical approach to thyroid issues. Dr. Eric unpacks cellular hypothyroidism. Why weight loss is a lot more complicated than simply counting calories and fasting. The function of bile, apart from breaking down and emulsifying fat Problems that might occur after having the gallbladder removed. The impact of hypothyroidism on the sex hormones. How a broader approach could ultimately result in more effective treatment strategies. Dr. Eric shares his view on what triggers the development of goiters.  Is iodine supplementation necessary? Dr. Eric shares his thoughts on nutrition for thyroid health. The best supplements for reducing inflammation. Bio Dr. Eric Balcavage is the owner and founder of Rejuvagen, a functional medicine clinic in Chadds Ford, PA. He is a nationally recognized speaker and educator on various health-related topics, including thyroid physiology, bile physiology, detoxification, oxidative stress, methylation, and chronic illness.  Dr. Balcavage is a Certified Nutrition Specialist (C.N.S.), a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, Board Certified in Integrative Medicine, along with being a licensed Chiropractor in Pennsylvania.  Dr. Balcavage is the co-host of the Thyroid Answers Podcast. The podcast focuses on answering the pressing questions that those suffering from chronic hypothyroid symptoms can't get answered elsewhere. You can find his educational Thyroid Thursday videos on Vimeo and YouTube. Dr. Balcavage has made it his mission to change the way medicine looks at hypothyroidism. He is the co-author of the book The Thyroid Debacle. The book, co-written by Dr. Kelly Halderman, addresses the problems with current allopathic and functional medicine approaches to hypothyroidism as well as the solutions to restoring thyroid physiology. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, ⁠Instagram ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia's ⁠website⁠  Connect with Dr. Eric Balcavage On his ⁠website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ Dr. Balcavage's book, ⁠The Thyroid Debacle⁠, is available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Balboa Press, or online. Listen to episodes ⁠105⁠ and ⁠166⁠ with Dr. Eric Balcavage

In this in-depth episode of Thyroid Shorts, Dr. Eric Balcavage addresses one of the most misunderstood aspects of thyroid physiology: T4 to T3 conversion problems.   What You'll Learn: Why conventional medicine ignores conversion issues and focuses only on TSH The critical difference between "broken" physiology vs. adaptive responses How deiodinase enzymes (D1, D2, D3) actually control thyroid hormone conversion Why your body might be intentionally reducing T4 to T3 conversion The real reasons behind elevated reverse T3 levels Why T3 medication often backfires and creates more problems Practical steps to naturally improve conversion through addressing root causes Dr. Balcavage explains how reduced T4 to T3 conversion isn't a malfunction—it's often your body's intelligent response to cellular stress, inflammation, or danger signals. Instead of forcing conversion with medication, he advocates for identifying and addressing the underlying stressors through his Strategic Thyroid Solution approach.   Key Topics: Thyroid conversion, T4 to T3, functional medicine, reverse T3, deiodinase enzymes, cellular physiology, stress response, inflammation, homeostasis vs allostasis   Resources Mentioned: The Thyroid Debacle book Free discovery calls at DrEricBalcavage.com Thyroid Recovery Blueprint Perfect for anyone struggling with hypothyroid symptoms despite "normal" labs or those on T3 medication without lasting results.

Buckle up for a mind-blowing episode that challenges everything you thought you knew about thyroid health. We're joined by internationally renowned functional medicine expert, Dr. Eric Balcavage, co-author of The Thyroid Debacle and host of the Thyroid Answers Podcast. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Eric delivers a radically different approach to thyroid care, one that focuses less on managing symptoms and more on true recovery at the cellular level.If you or someone you love has been told, “your labs are normal, everything looks fine,” but you still feel like garbage… this is the episode you've been waiting for.  If you've been managing thyroid issues with medications, yet not improving…this is the episode you need to listen to. We go deep into why many thyroid treatments fail, the difference between glandular and cellular hypothyroidism, and how chronic stress, lifestyle choices, emotional trauma, and even your beliefs can keep you in a cycle of burnout and dysfunction, no matter how many meds or supplements you take.This conversation goes way beyond bloodwork. It's about reclaiming your health by addressing the deeper, root-level imbalances that most approaches overlook.In this episode, you'll learn:The difference between managing and recovering from hypothyroidismWhy TSH and labs alone don't tell the full storyWhat the Cell Danger Response is, and how it changes EVERYTHING about thyroid healingThe critical role of lifestyle, stress, and mindset in chronic conditionsHow overmedication can stall progress and why “more” isn't always betterWhen emotional work and psychotherapy should be part of the healing planWhy your body isn't broken, it's protecting youThis isn't just another thyroid talk. It's a holistic masterclass in how to truly optimize your health from the inside out. Whether you're new to functional medicine or deep into your healing journey, this episode will change the way you think about your body, and what it really needs to thrive.Resources:Learn more about our guest Dr. Eric Balcavage and check out all of his links on the website show notes! https://healthyawakening.co/2025/06/30/episode64/Connect with Dr. Eric Balcavage:Website: http://drericbalcavage.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/drericbalcavage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@askdrericAbout Susan Robbins and Kate KingSusan and Kate come from two very different, but perfectly complementary, worlds in the health and wellness space. Together, their synergy is magnetic. Think: science meets soul, strategy meets intuition, real talk meets radical transformation.Find all of Kate and Susan's Resources and links on the show notes!Shownotes: https://healthyawakening.co/2025/06/30/episode64/Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcastFind listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/linksP.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast

Explore Dr. Eric Balcavage's revolutionary insights into thyroid health, cellular stress, and the misunderstood root causes behind hypothyroid symptoms.Dr. Jen Pfleghaar speaks with Dr. Eric Balcavage, a nationally recognized educator and founder of a functional medicine clinic, about "The Thyroid Debacle." They dive deep into why both conventional and functional medicine often misinterpret thyroid symptoms, delaying diagnosis and leading to mismanagement. Dr. Balcavage explains how chronic stress triggers an adaptive response at the cellular level that mimics hypothyroid symptoms, long before the gland itself is damaged. Learn about the cell danger response, why blasting the body with thyroid hormones can backfire, and how to truly address the root causes of hormonal and metabolic dysfunction.Dr. Eric Balcavage owns and founded Rejuvagen, a functional medicine clinic in Chadds Ford, PA. He is a licensed chiropractor, author of The Thyroid Debacle, and host of the Thyroid Answers Podcast. Dr. Balcavage is a nationally recognized speaker on thyroid dysfunction, cellular health, and metabolic disorders. His work centers on identifying stress-induced adaptations in the body that drive chronic illness, especially hypothyroidism and autoimmune conditions.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drericbalcavage/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/drericbalcavage PODCAST: Thank you for listening please subscribe and share! Shop supplements: https://healthybydrjen.shop/CHECK OUT a list of my Favorite products here: https://www.healthybydrjen.com/drjenfavorites FOLLOW ME:Instagram :: https://www.instagram.com/integrativedrmom/Facebook :: https://www.facebook.com/integrativedrmomYouTube :: https://www.youtube.com/@integrativedrmom FTC: Some links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). I truly appreciate your support of my channel. Thank you for watching! Video is not sponsored. DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not contain any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment advice. Content provided on this podcast is for informational purposes only. For any medical or health related advice, please consult with a physician or other healthcare professionals. Further, information about specific products or treatments within this podcast are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

Mike “C-Roc” welcomes Dr. Eric Balcavage, a functional medicine practitioner with a fascinating backstory rooted in grit, resilience, and reinvention. Dr. Balcavage opens up about his unconventional journey from business student and college rugby player to chiropractor and eventually a leading expert in functional medicine. A serious car accident, a chance encounter with a chiropractor, and a rebellious decision against his father's wishes set him on a completely unexpected path. He shares how personal experiences—including helping his sister-in-law navigate a complex health diagnosis—led him to explore and ultimately transition into functional medicine just before the pandemic hit. Dr. Balcavage also dives deep into the mind-body connection, explaining how structural issues, pain, and even the shoes we wear can impact overall health, performance, and healing. This episode is a powerful reminder that where you feel pain isn't always where the problem lies—and that sometimes, the answers to our biggest health challenges are found in looking at the body as a whole system.Website-www.drericbalcavage.com https://www.instagram.com/drericbalcavage/?hl=en

Do you really understand hypothyroidism? In this episode of Accelerated Health with Sara Banta, I'm joined by thyroid expert Dr. Eric Balcavage to break down what most people—and even most doctors—get wrong about hypothyroidism.If you've been told your labs are “normal,” but you still feel exhausted, foggy, constipated, cold, or like your metabolism is broken… this episode is for you.

This episode covers:In this episode, we discuss the #1 most overlooked factor in healing the thyroid, why thyroid medication may not be working for you, the importance of recovery over management, and so much more.Dr. Eric Balcavage DC, CFMP, BCIM, is the owner and founder of Rejuvagen. Dr. Balcavage is widely recognized around the world as a leader in Functional Medicine and Thyroid Physiology. In over 20 years of practice, he has successfully helped thousands of people suffering with thyroid problems and other chronic health conditions.Dr. Balcavage received his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic Davenport, Iowa in 1995, and has been in practice since 1996. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology. Dr. Balcavage is Board Certified in Integrative Medicine, a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and a Certified Nutrition Specialist. He spends hundreds of hours every year advancing his knowledge base on functional medicine, thyroid physiology, functional neurology, immune system function, hormone function, and regenerative therapies. Dr. Balcavage's quest for advanced research and training is the result of his passion and determination to help patients who have been unable to heal and recover from chronic illness in the Allopathic medical model.Links mentioned during this episode:Why Isn't My Thyroid Medication Working? Ebook: https://rejuvagencenter.com/free-ebook-download/Free Initial Consultation with Dr. Megan: https://p.bttr.to/3a9lfYkLyons' Share Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelyonsshareJoin Megan's Newsletter: www.thelyonsshare.org/newsletter

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Eric Balcavage, a functional medicine practitioner and chiropractor who specializes in hypothyroidism. We discuss the misconceptions in current allopathic and functional medicine approaches, the importance of addressing both glandular and cellular tissue hypothyroidism, and how factors such as stress, gut health, and immune function impact thyroid health. Let's dive in! Thank you for joining us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you're at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I'll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I'll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special! Click here to listen: Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERESpotify – CLICK HERE Connect with Guest - Instagram | @drericbalcavage Facebook | @rejuvagencenter Book | The Thyroid Debacle Website | www.rejuvagencenter.com   This episode is sponsored by: withinUs | Use the code JENNPIKE20 at withinus.ca for a limited time to save 20% off your order St. Francis Herb Farm | Go to stfrancisherbfarm.com and save 15% off every order with code JENNPIKE15 Skin Essence Organics | Go to skinessence.ca and save 15% off your first order with code JENNPIKE15 /// Save 10% off every order with code JENNPIKE10 Eversio Wellness | Go to eversiowellness.com/discount/jennpike15 and save 15% off every order with code JENNPIKE15 /// not available for “subscribe & save” option Free Resources: Free Perimenopause Support Guide | jennpike.com/perimenopausesupport Free Blood Work Guide | jennpike.com/bloodworkguide The Simplicity Sessions Podcast | jennpike.com/podcast Programs: Register for my latest masterclass: https://jennpike.com/movement-masterclass The Perimenopause Project | jennpike.com/theperimenopauseproject The Hormone Project Academy | jennpike.com/thehormoneproject Synced Virtual Fitness Studio | jennpike.com/synced The Simplicity Women's Wellness Clinic | jennpike.com/wellnessclinic The Audacious Woman Mentorship | jennpike.com/theaudaciouswoman Connect with Jenn: Instagram | @jennpike Facebook | @thesimplicityproject YouTube | Simplicity TV Website | The Simplicity Project Inc. Have a question? Send it over to hello@jennpike.com and I'll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.

In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast by Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, host Evan Transue, AKA Detective Ev, interviews Dr. Eric Balcavage, a functional medicine practitioner and chiropractor. Dr. Eric shares what he believes to be the most common causes of hypothyroidism, the impact of the cell danger response on thyroid health, and the very promising future for clients/patients who have this condition and dedicate themselves to lifestyle changes.  Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Click here. Subscribe if you'd like to catch all new episodes live and participate with our guests directly. Join FDN and the team at the BiohackerExpo in beautiful Miami, Florida! Go to BiohackerExpo.com and use code "HDP" at checkout to get 50% off your tickets. Want to learn more about becoming an FDN? Go to fdntraining.com/resources to get our best free workshops and mini-courses! Where to find Yuri: Website: www.rejuvagencenter.com Instagram: @drericbalcavage Facebook: Rejuvagen Center YouTube: @askdrbalcavage

In this episode, I'm thrilled to introduce Dr. Eric Balcavage, the founder of Rejuvagen, and a fellow thyroid health enthusiast. Get ready to nerd out about all things thyroid while we debunk some common myths about addressing thyroid health. Dr. Eric shares his unconventional journey from chiropractic practice to becoming a prominent voice in the thyroid community, largely inspired by helping a family member with hypothyroidism. This journey led him to an in-depth exploration of functional medicine, genetics, and the cell danger response. We'll cover why many thyroid patients don't feel better on medication and explore the complex relationship between stress, inflammation, and thyroid health. In this episode, you'll gain valuable insights into the true root causes of thyroid dysfunction. Dr. Eric provides a refreshing perspective on why treating just the symptoms often fall short, and shares why addressing an individual's unique stress load is crucial for effective thyroid management. We touch on everything from cellular hypothyroidism to how chronic stressors — be it emotional, physical, or environmental — can push our bodies into a state of dysregulation. If you're struggling with thyroid issues and traditional medicine hasn't worked for you, this episode offers hope and practical strategies to get on the path to wellness again. Understanding the role of stress and inflammation in thyroid health could be the key to finally feeling well. Tune in to learn how to navigate and manage stressors to support overall well-being and thyroid function.Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to educate you about how to take care of your body and as a self-help tool for your own use so that you can reach your own health goals. It is not intended to treat or cure any specific illness and is not to replace the guidance provided by your own medical practitioner. If you are under the care of a healthcare professional or currently use prescription medications, you should discuss any dietary changes or potential dietary supplement use with your doctor, and should not discontinue any prescription medications without first consulting your doctor. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgment. If you suspect you have a medical problem, we urge you to take appropriate action by seeking medical attention.

Today, I am blessed to have Dr. Eric Balcavage here with me. He is the owner and founder of Rejuvagen. Dr. Balcavage is widely recognized around the world as a leader in Functional Medicine and Thyroid Physiology. In over 20 years of practice, he has successfully helped thousands of people suffering from thyroid problems and other chronic health conditions. Dr. Balcavage received his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic Davenport, Iowa in 1995 and has been in practice since 1996. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology. Dr. Balcavage is Board Certified in Integrative Medicine, a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, and a Certified Nutrition Specialist. He spends hundreds of hours every year advancing his knowledge base on functional medicine, thyroid physiology, functional neurology, immune system function, hormone function, and regenerative therapies. Dr. Balcavage's quest for advanced research and training is the result of his passion and determination to help patients who have been unable to heal and recover from chronic illness in the Allopathic medical model. Dr. Balcavage has studied under and consulted with several experts in Functional Medicine over the years, including renowned thyroid expert Dr. Datis Kharrazian and methylation expert Dr. Ben Lynch. Dr. Balcavage trains and consults with hundreds of doctors on topics such as Thyroid physiology, GI physiology, Organic acid testing, and Methylation. He also lectures locally and around the country on numerous other health conditions. His Functional Medicine Center has always been on the cutting edge of health care and science. Currently, he devotes his practice to treating patients with thyroid disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes/ insulin resistance, autoimmune & inflammatory disorders, and other metabolic challenges. In this episode, Dr. Balcavage dives into the intricate world of thyroid physiology and its profound impact on overall health. Focusing on understanding thyroid allostasis, he challenges conventional perspectives on thyroid dysfunction, emphasizing the role of adaptive responses to cellular stress. Dr. Balcavage explores the potential for thyroid recovery, advocating for a nuanced approach to medication use and highlighting the body's remarkable capacity for healing and adaptation. Additionally, he explores the intricate interplay between thyroid hormone, mitochondrial function, and cellular stress adaptation, shedding light on the complexities of maintaining optimal thyroid health.  Resources from this episode:  Rejuvagen: https://rejuvagencenter.com/ The Thyroid Debacle: https://amzn.to/3DalW7K  Thyroid Answers Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thyroid-answers-podcast/id1189585193 Follow Dr. Eric Balcavage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drericbalcavage/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rejuvagencenter/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/askdrbalcavage

Welcome to Quick Hits: Blasts from The Past. Join Karen as she explores her podcast archives, offering you short, impactful excerpts from standout episodes. In just 15 minutes, you'll experience the essence of past conversations, packed with valuable insights and memorable moments from our guests. If you want to dive deeper, you'll find links to the full episodes in the show notes below In this episode, Dr. Eric Balcavage and I discuss the root causes of hypothyroidism. What is cellular hypothyroidism and how do we treat it? Why the conventional and the functional world may be looking at hypothyroidism in the wrong light. Is there a place for medication? What can cause cellular danger? Plus so much more! This is one you will want to grab a paper and pen to take notes on while you listen. Dr. Eric Balcavage is a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, Board Certified in Integrative Medicine, along with being a licensed Chiropractor in Pennsylvania. Dr. Balcavage has studied under and consulted with several experts in Functional Medicine over the years, including renowned thyroid expert Dr. Datis Kharrazian and methylation expert, Dr. Ben Lynch. Dr. Balcavage trains and consults with hundreds of doctors on topics such as Thyroid physiology, GI physiology, Organic acid testing and Methylation. He also lectures locally and around the country on numerous other health conditions. Listen to the full episode here: https://karenmartel.com/hypothyroidism-a-new-look-at-what-causes-it-and-how-to-reverse-it-with-dr-eric-balcavage/ Order your LMNT electrolytes today and get a FREE 8 pack of samples! Plus try it risk free, they have a no-questions-asked refund policy – you don't even have to send it back! www.DrinkLMNT.com/KarenMartel Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.   Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Individualized Weight Loss Programs  Peptide Therapy for weight loss    Interested in our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get all the details here.   Join our Women's Peri and Post Menopause Group Coaching Program, OnTrack, TODAY!   Your host: Karen Martel Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert   Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

Welcome back to the podcast! In today's must-listen episode, Chantel got to speak with  Dr. Eric Balcavage Dr. Eric Balcavage DC, CFMP, BCIM, is the owner and founder of Rejuvagen. Dr. Balcavage is widely recognized around the world as a leader in Functional Medicine and Thyroid Physiology. In over 20 years of practice, he has successfully helped thousands of people suffering with thyroid problems and other chronic health conditions. Dr. Balcavage received his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic Davenport, Iowa in 1995, and has been in practice since 1996. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology. Dr. Balcavage is Board Certified in Integrative Medicine, a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and a Certified Nutrition Specialist. He spends hundreds of hours every year advancing his knowledge base on functional medicine, thyroid physiology, functional neurology, immune system function, hormone function, and regenerative therapies. Dr. Balcavage's quest for advanced research and training is the result of his passion and determination to help patients who have been unable to heal and recover from chronic illness in the Allopathic medical model.   Enjoy!   pre-order my book now: https://canzell.typeform.com/to/RD7K7zQZ   Heart and Soil: Website: http://chantelrayway.com/liver  Use Coupon Code: Chantelray10   Today's Episode Is Sponsored By BiOptimizers Masszymes: http://masszymes.com/waistawayfree    Use code waistaway10 for a special discount!   Today's Episode Is Sponsored By BiOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough: Visit https://magbreakthrough.com/waistaway and enter code waistaway for 10% off any order. https://magbreakthrough.com/rf_special?rfsn=7678975.73fd57&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=7678975.73fd57     Masszymes - https://bioptimizers.com/shop/products/masszymes?rfsn=7678975.73fd57&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=7678975.73fd57   HCL (Hydrochloric Acid) - https://bioptimizers.com/shop/products/hcl-breakthrough?rfsn=7678975.73fd57&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=7678975.73fd57     Sleep Breakthrough - https://bioptimizers.com/shop/products/sleep-breakthrough?rfsn=7678975.73fd57&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=7678975.73fd57    Join Our Non-Toxic Family MasterClass: Website: https://nontoxicfamily.com/masterclass/ Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheChantelRayWay/   Order One Meal And A Tasting: https://chantelrayway.com/onemeal/    Order All The Books: Waist Away: The Chantel Ray Way - 2nd Edition:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0999823116/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tpbk_p1_i0    Fasting to Freedom: The Gift of Fasting: https://www.amazon.com/Fasting-Freedom-Gift-Chantel-Ray/dp/0999823132/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=    Freedom From Food: A Six Week Bible Study Course: https://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Food-Bible-Study-Course/dp/0999823159/ref=pd_bxgy_img_3/135-7722513-4171815?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0999823159&pd_rd_r=91d59435-2126-4f9d-867e-00646964e3e4&pd_rd_w=mg3U0&pd_rd_wg=FcVwL&pf_rd_p=fd3ebcd0-c1a2-44cf-aba2-bbf4810b3732&pf_rd_r=NWM3687GJSRKKQ4BYQP4&psc=1&refRID=NWM3687GJSRKKQ4BYQP4    Connect With Us:   Leave us a review: https://chantelrayway.com/review/    Share YOUR Story: https://chantelrayway.com/contact/   Contact directly through email at questions@chantelrayway.com    Enjoy refreshing, all-natural wine: https://chantelrayway.com/wine/   Listen to the new audiobook as a podcast HERE: https://chantelrayway.com/purchase-audio-book/   Free Video Preview: https://chantelrayway.com/top-12-thin-eater-tips-free-video/   Check out the VIDEO COURSE here: https://chantelrayway.com/video-course/   Purchase on Amazon Here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/intermittentfastingthechantelrayway   Strengthen your immune system with Vitamin C: https://chantelrayway.com/vitaminc/    Enjoy a FREE smoothie recipe book: https://chantelrayway.com/freerecipe/   Re-energize with nutritious algae Energybits: https://chantelrayway.com/energybits    Castor Oil: https://chantelrayway.com/castoroil   Connect with us on Social Media:   YouTube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCteFjiVaY6n0SOAixcyZbWA   Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheChantelRayWay       Things we love: https://chantelrayway.com/things-i-love-2/   Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheChantelRayWay   ***As always, this podcast is not designed to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any condition and is for information purposes only. Please consult with your healthcare professional before making any changes to your current lifestyle.***

In this episode of the Fusionary Health podcast, Dr. Shivani Gupta interviews Dr. Eric Balcavage, a chiropractor and functional medicine expert, to discuss thyroid health issues, especially in women. Dr. Balcavage, author of "The Thyroid Debacle" and host of the "Thyroid Answers Podcast," offers his insights into the causes of thyroid problems, such as iodine deficiency and thyroiditis, and the impact of various stressors.   What You'll Learn:   Root Causes of Thyroid Problems: Understand the common causes like iodine deficiency and thyroiditis and how they affect thyroid health.   Stress and Thyroid Health: Learn how different stressors, including emotional, dietary, and environmental factors, contribute to thyroid issues.   Functional vs. Conventional Medicine: Gain insights into the differences between functional and allopathic medicine approaches to thyroid health.   Adaptive Response Theory: Discover Dr. Balcavage's view that thyroid downregulation is an adaptive response to cell stress, not just a hormone deficiency.   Comprehensive Health Approaches: Explore the importance of a balanced diet, gut health, and addressing underlying stressors to support thyroid function and overall well-being.   Medication vs. Natural Healing: Learn about the potential issues with thyroid hormone treatments and the emphasis on natural healing and addressing root causes.   Why You Should Watch:   Expert Insights: Hear from Dr. Eric Balcavage, a leading expert in functional medicine, as he shares his unique perspective on thyroid health.   Personal Experiences: Dr. Shivani Gupta shares her own experiences with thyroid medication, providing a relatable context for the discussion.   Holistic Approach: Understand the importance of a comprehensive and integrative approach to thyroid health and overall wellness.   Actionable Advice: Get practical tips on how to support your thyroid health through diet, lifestyle, and stress management.   Empowering Knowledge: Empower yourself with knowledge to make informed decisions about your thyroid health and find the right practitioner for your needs.   Join us for this enlightening conversation that not only sheds light on the complexities of thyroid health but also emphasizes the importance of a holistic and personalized approach to wellness. Whether you're dealing with thyroid issues or looking to optimize your overall health, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice to help you on your journey. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from experts and take control of your health!   Learn more about our host visit: www.shivanigupta.com   Show sponsored by Fusionary Formulas. Visit www.fusionaryformulas.com use code FUSIONARYHEALTH for 15% off your entire order.   #ThyroidHealth #FunctionalMedicine #HolisticHealth #DrEricBalcavage #ThyroidHealing #IodineDeficiency #Thyroiditis #StressManagement #GutHealth #NaturalHealing #IntegrativeMedicine #WellnessJourney #ThyroidRecovery #RootCause #HealthTips #HormoneBalance #HealthyLifestyle #MedicalInsights #ThyroidAwareness #FusionaryHealthPodcast  

Optimized thyroid hormones are a critical component of healthy gut function. They play a crucial role in stomach acid production, bile acid production, and the release of pancreatic enzymes and bile into the GI tract.Bile's functions extend far beyond digestion. Produced by the liver and concentrated in the gallbladder, bile plays a pivotal role in detoxification, has antimicrobial properties, and is involved in the metabolism and regulation of thyroid hormones.This interconnectedness between thyroid health and bile metabolism means that on your healing journey, it's essential to consider the impact on and influence of each one on the other.Today I'm joined by a repeat guest, Dr. Eric Balcavage, to talk about the connection between thyroid function and bile physiology. We discuss the functions of bile, its importance for thyroid hormone regulation, risks associated with excessive bile acid supplementation, factors affecting T3 levels, the significance of bilirubin levels, the importance of addressing underlying health issues, and more. Enjoy the episode!To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/bile-metabolism-and-thyroid-health-with-dr-eric-balcavage-142/.To take the Save My Thyroid Quiz visit www.savemythyroid.com/quiz Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Access hundreds of free articles at www.NaturalEndocrineSolutions.com Visit Dr. Eric's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/ To work with Dr. Eric, visit https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/

Today, I am blessed to have Dr. Eric Balcavage here with me. He is the owner and founder of Rejuvagen. Dr. Balcavage is widely recognized around the world as a leader in Functional Medicine and Thyroid Physiology. In over 20 years of practice, he has successfully helped thousands of people suffering from thyroid problems and other chronic health conditions. Dr. Balcavage received his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic Davenport, Iowa in 1995 and has been in practice since 1996. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology. Dr. Balcavage is Board Certified in Integrative Medicine, a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, and a Certified Nutrition Specialist. He spends hundreds of hours every year advancing his knowledge base on functional medicine, thyroid physiology, functional neurology, immune system function, hormone function, and regenerative therapies. Dr. Balcavage's quest for advanced research and training is the result of his passion and determination to help patients who have been unable to heal and recover from chronic illness in the Allopathic medical model.  Dr. Balcavage has studied under and consulted with several experts in Functional Medicine over the years, including renowned thyroid expert Dr. Datis Kharrazian and methylation expert Dr. Ben Lynch. Dr. Balcavage trains and consults with hundreds of doctors on topics such as Thyroid physiology, GI physiology, Organic acid testing, and Methylation. He also lectures locally and around the country on numerous other health conditions.  His Functional Medicine Center has always been on the cutting edge of health care and science. Currently, he devotes his practice to treating patients with thyroid disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes/ insulin resistance, autoimmune & inflammatory disorders, and other metabolic challenges. In this episode, Dr. Balcavage dives into the intricate world of thyroid physiology and its profound impact on overall health. Focusing on understanding thyroid allostasis, he challenges conventional perspectives on thyroid dysfunction, emphasizing the role of adaptive responses to cellular stress. Dr. Balcavage explores the potential for thyroid recovery, advocating for a nuanced approach to medication use and highlighting the body's remarkable capacity for healing and adaptation. Additionally, he explores the intricate interplay between thyroid hormone, mitochondrial function, and cellular stress adaptation, shedding light on the complexities of maintaining optimal thyroid health. Plus, Dr. Balcavage discusses the importance of embracing dietary diversity and a holistic approach to nutrition for supporting thyroid function. Tune in as he explores the intricacies of stool test analysis and gut health restoration, emphasizing the need for individualized interpretation and addressing underlying factors contributing to dysbiosis and immune dysfunction. Through his insights, Dr. Balcavage provides a comprehensive understanding of thyroid health and offers valuable guidance for achieving optimal well-being.

In this enlightening episode, I talk with thyroid expert, Dr. Eric Balcavage, to uncover the common pitfalls in thyroid management, the significance of specific lab tests, and the intricate interplay between thyroid function, insulin resistance, and weight management, especially during midlife and menopause. Gain valuable insights to empower your journey toward optimal thyroid health!Learn more about Dr. Balcavage here!Get social with Dr. Balcavage on Instagram!Support the showFollow me:FacebookFacebook groupInstagramTwitterLinkedInPlease subscribe to my YouTube channel!

In today's episode, Dr. Eric Balcavage joins the conversation for a deep-dive into thyroid health. Dr. Eric is a doctor of chiropractic, board certified in integrative medicine, certified functional medicine practitioner, and certified gluten coach. He is the founder and owner of Rejuvagen, a functional medicine practice in Pennsylvania. Dr. Eric is widely recognized around the world as a leader in Functional Medicine and thyroid physiology. He is so passionate about the thyroid that he co-wrote the book The Thyroid Debacle, which was published in 2022. In over 20 years of practice, he has successfully helped thousands of people suffering from thyroid problems and other chronic health conditions. Dr. Eric also has a podcast, 'Thyroid Answers Podcast', where he cohosts a rather compelling show. Today's topics: - Dr. Eric's journey into Functional Medicine - Fundamentals of thyroid function - Understanding the cell danger response - Insights into cellular hypothyroidism - Comprehensive perspectives on thyroid health, emphasizing a holistic approach over what Dr. Eric terms as the simplistic "whack a mole" method with laboratory results. This is a show you will not want to miss and will likely listen to more than once. Let's dive in! Connect with Dr. Eric: Website: https://rejuvagencenter.com/ Thyroid Answers Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Vl5OrcIuvALZS23KGdrhu?si=022003e604384e02 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drericbalcavage/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@askdrbalcavage Get Dr. Eric's book: https://amzn.to/3Sfpg5u Do you live in Indiana? Schedule a free consultation on my website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http⁠s://thefunctionalnursepractitioner.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ** Subscribe to our Newsletter: ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuMTXJiLp1u6eNSQBJ6RqxJ1776z7cV7l55dkXzkj8lZYfrQ/viewform?usp=sf_link⁠ ** Interested in Masterclasses? ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2seKJ-m6xTeVwa8BVDQQekSzc6iYhS3IHLOVbWTWHUSZ7ZQ/viewform?usp=sf_link⁠ ** Get The Free Gluten-Free Guide: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAablKVoiwsbQPFRMel2GN0pL99AzYhBDm-TOGkdLoTZ-6Rg/viewform?usp=sf_link ** Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https:/⁠/www.instagram.com/thefunctionalnursepractitioner/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ** Follow on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalnursepractitioner ** Follow me Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/thefunctionalnursepractitioner⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ** Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thefunctionalnursepractitioner@hotmail.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ** Dining With Tara: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DiningWithTara⁠⁠ ** Level up your products: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ewg.org/ewgverified⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ Try Thrive Market here: 40% off 1st order using my link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://thrv.me/Hqxrfu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Just a quick disclaimer that this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or be a substitute for medical advice from your practitioner. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of anything you heard on the podcast or on my website.

Join us in a deep dive with Dr. Eric Balcavage, a thyroid health expert in functional medicine. We delve into insulin resistance, thyroid disorders, and the pivotal role of cellular health. Dr. Balcavage challenges the conventional view that thyroid disorders stem only from gland dysfunction, highlighting the need for cellular-level treatment.From a skeptical chiropractor to a functional medicine innovator, Dr. Eric's path was shaped by his brother's health struggles. He connects micronutrients with thyroid function, offering fresh perspectives on common misconceptions and misdiagnoses of thyroid issues. Learn about tailored treatment plans, interpreting lab results holistically, and embracing a comprehensive approach to thyroid health.We then explore thyroid allostasis and its influence on immune responses, discussing how thyroid hormones regulate cellular defenses. The episode concludes with insights into the thyroid-gut health nexus, underscoring lifestyle's role in managing these systems. Dr. Eric advocates a holistic recovery strategy, minimizing dependence on drugs and supplements.Tune in for an enlightening session filled with practical advice and groundbreaking ideas in thyroid health.Chapters:(00:00) Insulin Resistance and Thyroid Disorders(03:50) The Journey to Understanding Thyroid Health(11:35) Assessing Thyroid Dysfunction and Treatment Approaches(25:04) Thyroid Allostasis and Immune System Impact(33:04) Thyroid Function and Gut Health(46:22) Thyroid Physiology and Functional Medicine ImpactsLinks:Rejuvagen CenterThe Thyroid Debacle BookJoin Over 18,000 Leading Medical Professionals and Become a Vibrant Wellness Provider Today!

Check out my program Clear Your Thyroid Blocks. The Case:  Molly has Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's  She feels exhausted and foggy from the moment she wakes up. She's been taking thyroid medicine for a while and has not noticed much improvement in her energy or mental clarity. The Investigation When I met Molly and reviewed her labs, I noticed right away that she was not supported for her thyroid type. This meant that although she was on medicine, her cells were not getting what they needed. I knew exactly where we needed to look to solve her health mystery. Looking Beyond TSH Levels When someone is first diagnosed with a thyroid issue, it is usually because they have had a lab test showing their TSH is out of range. But, there is so much more to understanding and treating a thyroid issue than the TSH levels. In this episode, I speak with Dr. Eric Balcavage about this and the intricacies of thyroid function. Dr. Balcavage is the host of The Thyroid Answers Podcast and co-author of The Thyroid Debacle.  To fully understand the impact of a thyroid imbalance, you must look at the journey of thyroid hormones from production to absorption and their critical role in cellular activities. Dr. Balcavage eloquently explains the cellular dynamics, likening cells to people in either manufacturing or defense mode. He highlighted the significance of T3, the active form of thyroid hormone, and how its absorption into cells influences the delicate balance between energy production and cell defense mechanisms. This conversation sheds light on the often overlooked aspect of thyroid health—absorption—and provides valuable insights into why individuals might still experience suboptimal well-being despite having sufficient thyroid hormones. Understanding these nuances is crucial for anyone seeking a holistic approach to thyroid care. Decoding Functional Thyroid Ranges and Unveiling the Root Causes One critical aspect often overlooked in medicine is the interpretation of lab values. It is a common misconception that as long as thyroid levels fall within the functional or optimal range, they are deemed satisfactory. This is something I talk about often in this podcast and Dr. Balcavage agrees, emphasizing that optimal ranges don't necessarily equate to appropriateness for an individual's unique health profile. In this episode, we explore scenarios where seemingly normal TSH levels could mask underlying issues, such as inflammation-induced TSH suppression or hypothalamic saturation due to excessive T4 intake.  The pitfalls of solely focusing on T3 supplementation without unraveling the root causes of impaired T4 to T3 conversion are not to be ignored. Dr. Balcavage explains the importance of investigating whether a genuine inability to convert exists or if the issue stems from inflammatory and stress responses, shedding light on the nuanced complexities of thyroid health.  Chronic Stress and “Multisystem Adaptive Disorders” Stress and other triggers can cause a cell danger response. Dr. Balcavage provides insights into how this response manifests differently based on its duration and the impacted tissues and systems. He further explains that the cell danger response is not unfamiliar to most, as we've all experienced it transiently during times of illness or stress. However, for some, this response becomes chronic, creating a new operating system laden with symptoms and imbalances. This can lead to cellular repercussions—weight gain despite a balanced diet, glucose resistance, hormone dysregulation, and diminished parasympathetic function, among others. Cumulative stress and poor recovery can also have a major impact which Dr. Balcavage likens to adding incremental weights to a fragile plank. He emphasizes that it's not always the result of a single, dramatic stressor like a specific infection or toxin. Instead, it often stems from the relentless accumulation of life stressors, each contributing to the breaking point. Drawing parallels, we explore scenarios where both constant, gradual stressors and sudden, impactful events can trigger the cell danger response – something he refers to as "multisystem adaptive disorder." Rather than focusing on singular diagnoses, he underscores the importance of identifying ongoing stressors and promoting recovery to facilitate true healing. This is why he believes that fixing the symptoms without addressing the underlying adaptive responses is a misguided approach. Stress Triggers in Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's I talk a lot about Hahimoto's four triggers and one of them is stress. However, there are a myriad of stressors to consider. It is essential to dig a little deeper so you can identify and mitigate these stressors. Once these stressors are addressed the next crucial step is switching off the persistent cell danger response. Dr. Balcavage underscores the critical role of seemingly mundane factors that profoundly influence our physiological state. Breathing, diet, sleep, and mindset emerged as the unsung heroes in the journey towards optimal health. He illuminates the fact that our cells can remain entrenched in a stress response, even after the external stressors diminish, emphasizing the need for deliberate interventions. Contrary to the allure of quick fixes and flashy supplement solutions, Dr. Balcavage emphasizes the power of foundational lifestyle factors.  Embracing Emotional Fitness So often, we focus on physical adjustments to our routines without taking into account the importance of our emotional fitness including dealing with emotional stressors and conscious thoughts that can shape our physiological responses. Often, we are unaware of our thought patterns and their impact on our health.  Limiting beliefs and imprints acquired during the formative years of our lives are often embedded in the subconscious during the Theta state. Dr. Balcavage and I explore the significance of unraveling these deep-seated beliefs, emphasizing their influence on the stories we tell ourselves as an important step toward improving emotional fitness. It's important to adopt tools tailored to individual needs for managing emotional stress. Whether it's the DNRS method, the map method, meditation, or other techniques, the key is finding what resonates with each person. Recognizing individual emotional triggers and how they show up in our environment; presenting subtle cues that can lead to a patterned emotional response. Dr. Balcavage believes that a shift in the thought process is more powerful and important than simply suppressing symptoms with supplements.  Choosing this paradigm shift allows individuals to approach life events with resilience and a growth-oriented mindset. Dr. Balcavage challenges the idea that good or bad events inherently shape our lives. Instead, he advocates for interpreting these experiences as opportunities for learning and growth. The journey towards emotional fitness involves acknowledging the inevitability of stress, embracing a brief pity party, and then strategically leveraging each experience as a stepping stone toward a better, more empowered life. Tools for Decreasing Stress There are many diverse modalities and tools designed to improve our mental, emotional, and energetic health. Everyone's journey is different so it's best to try different approaches to find the one that resonates with you. One approach that Dr. Balcavage shares in this episode is the Apollo Neuro—a wearable device that uses vibrational technology to alter brainwave frequencies. This device, placed on the wrist, serves as an accessible and practical tool for individuals seeking to manage stress, improve sleep, and enhance focus.  Another useful tool that we discuss is breathwork, particularly when done with the guidance of HeartMath. HeartMath is a device that monitors the heart and guides breathing based on your heart rate. This tool really drives home the biochemistry connection to our breath and our stress.  A Holistic Approach The more we discuss stress and other root causes of thyroid issues, the more it becomes obvious that a holistic approach to health is needed. We can't just treat the symptoms. We need to consider the interconnectedness of stress, our mind, and our biochemistry in order to navigate our way to optimal health.  Mystery Solved Taking this holistic approach with Molly meant we had to look at her thyroid type, which was ‘unavailable'. We worked on balancing other hormones and dealt with her stress response.  By approaching her thyroid issues more holistically (and not just treating the symptoms with medication) we were able to get great results.  If you're dealing with similar issues as Molly, then consider a holistic approach by starting with how your thoughts might be creating a biochemical reaction.  Thoughts don't just circle around in our heads. Each thought has a frequency and in this world where everything is energy, the frequency really matters because it creates your reality. When we're not mindful of what's happening in our thoughts, we end up with more stress. This additional stress increases the release of cortisol (the stress hormone) which can trigger thyroid issues and cause a Hashimoto's flare-up. It can also impact other autoimmune diseases because cortisol causes inflammation - and if we are in chronic stress, the cell response becomes normalized.  You can change this.  The quickest way to change it is to clear what is not serving you. Start by noticing negative self-talk and then stopping yourself from engaging in negative self-talk. This is key because negative self-talk has a negative vibration as does emotional responses like worry, shame, guilt, frustration, and anger (for example). While we don't want to suppress our emotions—we need to feel them—but once we have felt them, we need to ask whether they are still serving us and if they aren't then we need to clear them and replace them with positive emotions that will serve us.  Dealing with your emotional thyroid blocks requires intentional effort which is exactly what I share with you in my program Clear Your Thyroid Blocks. If diet, medication, and supplementation are only doing part of the job, this can be your missing piece.   Learn more here: www.thyroidmysterysolved.com/thyroidblocks Eliminating Health Mysteries For Molly, we were able to find that missing piece of the health puzzle and help her regain her health. Could this be the missing clue for you or someone in your life? Check out Clearing Your Thyroid Blocks to find out. www.thyroidmysterysolved.com/thyroidblocks   Links: Resources mentioned Thanks to my guest Dr. Eric Balcavage. You can connect with him through his website and social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rejuvagencenter Instagram: @drericbalcavage Suggested Products www.thyroidmysterysolved.com/thyroidblocks Related Podcast Episodes: 111 What Is Your Thyroid Type? (and How to Manage It) 105 The Biggest Hidden Food Trigger for Hashimoto's and Autoimmune Diseases You Need to Know 125 The Super Simple Mindset Shift to Help Hashimoto's 155 The Surprising Blocks to Your Thyroid and Autoimmune Health (and How to Clear Them Fast) Thanks for Listening If you like what you heard, please rate and review this podcast. Every piece of feedback not only helps me create better shows but also helps more people find this important information. Never miss an episode -  Subscribe NOW to Health Mysteries Solved with host, Inna Topiler on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts, and remember to rate and review the show! Find out more at http://healthmysteriessolved.com PLEASE NOTE All information, content, and material on this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Some of the links provided are affiliate links. This means we may make a very small amount of money should you choose to buy after clicking on them. This will in no way affect the price of the product but it helps us a tiny bit in covering our expenses.   

In this episode, I am speaking with Dr. Eric Balcavage, who is a renowned thyroid health expert and author of the Thyroid Debacle. He also lectures around the country on various health topics including stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine, thyroid dysfunction, methylation dysfunction, and more. 

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, sleep, respiration, and exercise. We can support thyroid recovery by identifying and reducing the underlying stressors and addressing the foundational elements of good health.Today, I'm excited to discuss thyroid physiology with Dr. Eric Balcavage. Dr. Eric Balcavage is the owner and founder of Rejuvagen, a functional medicine clinic in Chadds Ford, PA, and a nationally recognized speaker and educator on various health-related topics, including thyroid physiology, bile physiology, detoxification, oxidative stress, methylation, and chronic illness.In this conversation, Dr. Eric and I discuss his journey into functional medicine, his perspective on thyroid health, the importance of identifying and addressing underlying stressors, limitations of the allopathic approach to treating thyroid disorders, Dr. Eric's approach to thyroid hormone testing, the role of breathing and carbon dioxide in oxygenation, why we must look at lab markers in a bigger context, and more. Enjoy the episode!To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/discussing-thyroid-physiology-with-dr-eric-balcavage-108/.Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid? Access hundreds of free articles at www.NaturalEndocrineSolutions.com Visit Dr. Eric's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/ To work with Dr. Eric, visit https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/

Welcome back to another episode of The Hormone Prescription Podcast, the go-to resource for midlife women seeking to better understand their hormones and how to navigate this often-challenging stage of life. Today, we are honored to have the brilliant Dr. Eric Balcavage as our guest.    Dr. Balcavage is the proud owner and founder of Rejuvagen and has made exceptional strides in the world of functional medicine, earning him a reputable position as a licensed Chiropractor in Pennsylvania. Drawing upon his wealth of knowledge and years of experience in the field, Dr. Balcavage will be diving deep into the truths behind thyroid physiology and the shortcomings of the current medical model.    In this eye-opening episode, get ready to learn about: - The crucial role that thyroid physiology plays in our everyday lives, particularly for midlife women - The complexity of bile physiology, and what it has to do with hormonal balance - The decisive factors that influence detoxification, oxidative stress, methylation, and chronic illness    Here's a taste of Dr. Balcavage's wisdom from the episode: "Understanding thyroid physiology is paramount for midlife women, as changes in hormonal balance can directly affect our overall well-being."    Dr. Balcavage's journey into understanding thyroid physiology began when he encountered a staggering number of patients who were continually misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed due to the restrictive parameters of the current medical model. Inspired by the undeniable need for a more comprehensive approach, he set out on a quest to dig deeper into human physiology and develop a more refined understanding of hormonal challenges that midlife women face, specifically thyroid disorders.    Throughout this episode, Dr. Balcavage shares personal anecdotes, professional insights, and invaluable advice on how to take control of your hormonal health. Armed with these enlightening perspectives, you will be better equipped to advocate for yourself in navigating the current medical model—which, as Dr. Balcavage bluntly puts it: "The traditional medical model's approach to thyroid health is flawed. It's far too narrowly focused, ineffectual, and doesn't paint the full picture."    So, join us on The Hormone Prescription Podcast as we pull back the curtain on the state of thyroid healthcare, empowering you, our midlife women listeners, to push past the constraints of the current medical model and embark on a journey toward better health and vitality. Don't miss this transformative episode with Dr. Eric Balcavage!    Remember to subscribe, rate, and leave a review for future episodes, and always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen. Until next time, stay tuned for more empowering conversations on The Hormone Prescription Podcast!   Speaker 1 (00:00): The thyroid debacle. Why the current medical model is keeping you sick and unwell. Stay tuned to hear Dr. Eric Balcavage with his unique perspective. Speaker 2 (00:11): So the big question is, how do women over 40 like us, keep weight off, have great energy, balance our hormones and our moods, feel sexy and confident, and master midlife? If you're like most of us, you are not getting the answers you need and remain confused and pretty hopeless to ever feel like yourself again. As an O B G Y N, I had to discover for myself the truth about what creates a rock solid metabolism, lasting weight loss, and supercharged energy after 40, in order to lose a hundred pounds and fix my fatigue. Now I'm on a mission. This podcast is designed to share the natural tools you need for impactful results and to give you clarity on the answers to your midlife metabolism challenges. Join me for tangible, natural strategies to crush the hormone imbalances you are facing and help you get unstuck from the sidelines of life. My name is Dr. Kyrin Dunston. Welcome to the Hormone Prescription Podcast. Speaker 1 (01:04): Hi everybody. Welcome to another episode of the Hormone Prescription with Dr. Kyrin. Thank you so much for joining me today. As we are going to talk about the thyroid debacle. Dr. Eric is a chiropractor who's functional medicine trained who really has a unique way of articulating the difficulties with thyroid management, not only in traditional corporate allopathic medic medicine or medical model, but in a functional medicine model model. This is where a lot of us actually get it wrong too, because we just change trying to chase T four. We're trying to chase T three. And a lot of practitioners don't look to identify and address the underlying root cause of thyroid disorders, which you must do if you're going to fix thyroid disorders once and for all. So Dr. Eric has written a book, the Thyroid Debacle, and he has a very unique perspective about a cell danger response that you're going to want to hear about. Speaker 1 (02:08): There's a lot of information here. It's very dense. He talks very quickly. So if you don't catch it all, you might wanna play it a little more slowly than usual so you can hear everything. But there's lots of good information in here, and we're gonna tell you the top three steps to start taking to address your thyroid problems. And he talks a lot about testing and so much else in this episode. So I'll tell you a little bit about him and then we'll get started. So Dr. Eric Balcavage is an actually recognized speaker and educator on various health related topics including thyroid physiology, biophysiology detoxification, oxidative stress, methylation, and chronic illness. He's a functional medicine practitioner and a licensed chiropractor in Pennsylvania and is the owner and founder of rejuven, a functional medicine clinic in Chads Ford, pa. Welcome Dr. Eric to the show. Well, thanks Speaker 3 (03:04): For having me. How you doing? Speaker 1 (03:05): I'm doing great. How are you doing today? Speaker 3 (03:08): I'm doing fantastic. So Speaker 1 (03:09): We are gonna talk about one of my favorite topics, thyroid, because that's one of the things that kept me stuck for years. 243 pounds with all my chronic health problems. And I kept thinking, I know I've got to have a thyroid problem. I have the top five symptoms, right? I'm overweight, I'm tired. I had hair loss, constipation, anxiety, and a host of other things. But every time I would do the standard thyroid profile as a board certified ob, G Y N, it would come back, quote unquote normal. And I started thinking I was crazy. And I even remember the last time Dr. Eric that I went to my internal medicine doctor and I said to her, I have to have a thyroid problem. Look at me. And she yelled at me and she said, fine, we're gonna check it one last time. But if it's normal, then it's just because you eat too much and you don't exercise enough that you're having all these problems. Speaker 1 (04:09): And she made me come to her office to get the lab results 'cause she was so fed up with me. And many people listening can probably relate to that because so many patients really do have low thyroid, but the tests come back normal. And I remember when I went to her office and drove across town that Tuesday, it was just starting to rain, and I was so afraid she was gonna tell me it was normal again. And that's exactly what she told me. And she yelled at me and said, you just eat too much and don't exercise enough. And I went in my car and closed the door and the rain was coming down and I started crying because I thought, I'm just crazy. There's really nothing wrong with me. And I know there's somebody listening right now who thinks that, so let's get into thyroid, the thyroid debacle, and how my story was not at all unique. It's actually very common. Do you wanna talk about that? Speaker 3 (05:01): Yeah, I, I think a huge problem for a lot of people is that we assume that two tests and ma many times, one test assess the state of thyroid physiology in the whole body. So most people, if they have, they're tired, they're fatigued, they're gaining weight, they're constipated, they have depression, anxiety, irritability, they have all these symptoms and they Google them, they go, sounds like a thyroid condition since your thyroid hormone drives the metabolism of the body. And so if you have the signs and symptoms and you get tested in a traditional allopathic model, what allopathic physicians have been trained to do much like yourself is to assess to run one test. And many times it's called A T S H, but many physicians will run a T S H with a reflex to free T four. And so what they're looking at is this marker, T S H. Speaker 3 (05:55): If that's out of the normal lab reference range, then there's a possibility based on the model that somebody might have either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. If the T s H is elevated, they might have hypothyroidism where their thyroid gland can't make enough thyroid hormone. And if it's below the lab reference range, then they might have hypothyroidism. And if it's, if the value's outta the reference range, then the lab automatically runs what they call a free T four test. And T four is the primary hormone that's made by the thyroid gland. So what they wanna see is if the T s H is high, is it because there's the thyroid glands not making enough T four, or if the T s H is lab low, is it because there's too much thyroid hormone being made? But if you have tired fatigue, all the symptoms of hypothyroidism, they're looking to see is that T S H high and the free T four low. Speaker 3 (06:46): And they're assuming that as long as the values are with TSH is within that reference range, that there isn't a thyroid problem that they can address. And their primary reason for that is in allopathic world, they're typically not re recommended all the guidelines, you've read them all, I'm sure the guidelines don't recommend intervention with thyroid hormone replacement until the gland is damaged or destroyed to a point that it can't make sufficient thyroid hormone anymore. Until that happens, until there's overt glandular dysfunction, the general recommendations aren't to provide thyroid hormone. And so they'll say, Hey, they're your thyroid's fine. The thyroid gland could be fine. But what causes hypothyroid signs and symptoms is less about the gland and more about what's happening inside your individual cells and tissues, which isn't fully represented by A T S H in a free T four. And that's where most people struggle and have problems. Speaker 3 (07:51): So to back it up for your listeners, you have trillions of cells in your body. They're like people. They need to bring nutrition into the cell and then turn that food energy into cellular energy so they can make proteins and peptides and hormones and all kinds of good stuff, hair and skin and all this stuff that makes us feel and function well. And T three is a, is the active thyroid hormone that really drives that process. So we have this gland that's right underneath our chin in the middle of our neck and it's, it's called our thyroid gland. And when it gets stimulated, when the body senses that there's more thyroid hormone is needed, the pituitary gland generates a hormone called T ss h thyroid stimulating hormone, it signal it goes to the thyroid gland, and that triggers more hormone production. The thyroid gland primarily makes T four, that's the primary circulating hormone. Speaker 3 (08:50): It's in a, it's a less active hormone. It still has activity, but it's less active what the cells do with that T four. Once that T four enters the bloodstream and a little bit of the active form, T three enters the bloodstream, but it's really at a ratio of about 10 to one, eight to one maybe. But that thyroid hormone enters into the bloodstream then like almost all hormones in the body, it gets docked onto a, like an like a taxi cab. We call 'em binding globulins. And they get escorted through the bloodstream to the cells and tissues that need hormone. Once they get to a cell or tissue that needs hormone, the hormones become free of that binding globulin or get outta the taxi cab. And now they can get it, get to the cell. Once those hormones are at the cell, then there's another step the cells have to determine do they want more hormone or not want more hormone. Speaker 3 (09:43): If it's a cell that's in low stress manufacturing mode, it's gonna bring T four in maybe a little bit of T three in, and it's going to convert the T four into T three. That T three goes to the receptors inside the nucleus, inside the mitochondria, and turns on the manufacturing process so that the cell can generate the energy, can bring glucose in other nutrients in, and make the stuff that makes us feel good. That requires a lot of energy. So we burn glucose, we burn fats, we feel and function good, we're able to maintain our weight. And then when we have enough metabolism, those cells say, okay, I'm gonna slow this process down. It can kind of bring less thyroid hormone in or deactivate the thyroid hormone to slow the metabolism back down. That's how it should work. And that's what we call homeostasis. Speaker 3 (10:34): But for a lot of people, they've got some type of dangerous physiology going on. There's stress, there's inflammation, there's infections, there's toxins, there's organisms that are impacting a cell. And if the cell is starting to perceive danger, because if there's a bacteria or a virus or some toxicity, that cell innately says, whoa, we need to shift from manufacturing and shift our attention to cell defense. We need to make more inflammatory chemicals. We need to ramp up the immune system to find the threat and kill it. And the dimmer switch to determines whether we're in manufacturing mode, high metabolism, making hair and skin and hormones, or whether we're in cell defense mechanism is the amount of thyroid hormone in the cell. The amount of T three in the cell can turn on the manufacturing, but higher levels of T three in the cell can also turn off the immune inflammatory process. Speaker 3 (11:29): But if I have, if I have a cell stress or cell danger response going on, I don't wanna increase the manufacturing. I don't wanna make more sex hormones. I don't wanna make more proteins and peptides that could support the threat. I don't wanna bring more glucose into the cell that could support the threat. I wanna slow the metabolism down, I wanna ramp up the defense mechanisms. And to do that, the cell reduces the amount of T three in the cell, slows down the mitochondria, reduces glucose coming into the cell, ramps up inflammation so it can fine and just dam and destroy mm-hmm. The threat. Mm-Hmm. And that okay, unfortunately causes hypothyroid symptoms even if you have a perfectly functioning thyroid gland and plenty of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. So Speaker 1 (12:12): Are you talking about subclinical hypothyroidism where T S H is in the quote unquote normal range? And so is T three and T four? Is that what you're talking about? Speaker 3 (12:22): So you could have hypothyroid signs and symptoms and have a perfectly normal T S H. It could be a low T ss H and still have hypothyroid signs and symptoms. Mm-Hmm. . So if somebody has the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, then we have to look at a more comprehensive thyroid panel to assess is that, is there a reduced conversion of T four to T three? And then we want to take the next steps, like if there is a reduced conversion of T four to T three, are there inflammatory mechanisms that would be driving that process? And then we also wanna consider what tissues are being, IM impacted by that immune inflammatory process. Speaker 1 (13:00): Okay. Let's back up a minute. 'cause I know we got very granular, very fast and we probably lost some people. So I wanna back up a little bit and take a little bit wider view. Your book is called The Thyroid Debacle, why the Current Medical Model is Keeping You Sick and Unwell. And before we started recording, you were talking about how your approach to thyroid disorders is different. And so you were talking about what allopathic medicine does, what a root cause functional approach is, and then going beyond. So I think that would be great for everyone to hear. Do you wanna talk a little bit about what the thyroid debacle is? Speaker 3 (13:38): Yeah, I think it's the fact, I think it goes to the fact that we treaties every person that has hypothyroid signs and symptoms or actually has hypothyroidism as if they're in that state, we call homeostasis that if we're just gonna give them thyroid hormone, it's gonna do what we wanted to do. Whether it's T four or T three, we assume it's gonna work inside the cells and it doesn't work the same if we're in homeostasis versus allostasis. So we have to change our thinking as clinicians and, and stop thinking that the immune system's outta control and destroying the gland for no apparent reason, or that this body forgot how to convert T four to T three. And if I just flood the system with T four and T three, it's gonna work the way I should. We have to, as clinicians start to understand and explain to our patients that they're not broken, their bodies are adapting to some type of excessive cell stress response. Speaker 3 (14:31): And if we address the things that are causing the excessive cell stress, that's how you get their body to convert T four to T three efficiently. That's how they get their immune system to stop damaging and destroying their thyroid gland. I think we make the mistake in, especially in functional and integrative medicine, that it's the reason that people don't feel well is, is because they can't convert T four to T three versus they're adaptively doing that and giving them T three can provide a just another drug providing a temporary fix, but it doesn't address the root issues. Speaker 1 (15:09): Yeah. So you talk about hypothyroidism as a spectrum disorder. What do you mean by that? Speaker 3 (15:15): In allopathic medicine, and even to some degree in functional medicine, we consider that hypothyroidism starts when the gland can't make thyroid hormone anymore. T S h's lab high T four, free T four is lab low. That's when hypothyroidism starts. We might ev, and that's not when hypothyroid starts, in my opinion, that's the end stage of hypothyroidism. What the literature shows is that by the time you're diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism, you've lost 90% of the function of your thyroid gland. So that's not the beginning. That's like saying cardiovascular disease starts when you have your first heart attack or diabe blood sugar dysregulation starts when you get diagnosis di di with diabetes. Everything's a process in the body. So my thought process and my hypothesis is that hypothyroidism typically starts at the individual cell and tissue level, not at the thyroid gland level. So that's why somebody like you says, Hey, I'm tired, fatigued, I don't feel well, I have hypothyroid signs and symptoms, but my T S H is still normal. Speaker 3 (16:18): My free T four is still normal. And it's because we're checking what the gland output is potentially and not considering that what is ultimately causing hypothyroid signs and symptoms isn't about the gland, it's not about what's in the bloodstream, it's about how much T three is hitting the receptors inside the cell, and that's under the control of the individual cells and tissues to a large degree. So I think most hypothyroidism starts at the cell and tissue level. And if it's short-term, you get short-term si hypothyroid signs and symptoms, you get an upregulation of the immune inflammatory system. We address the cold, the virus, the bacteria and it, and those signs and symptoms go away. But if the stress becomes chronic and persistent, then not only do we have cellular tissue, hypothyroidism start to occur, but now we get glandular thyroiditis that starts to occur and eventually we lose gland function. And that's why if you're then just giving T four or maybe just T three, the symptoms, the improvement's only temporary and partial. Mm-Hmm. . And we don't get full resolve in, in either re regardless of the medication you're taking. Speaker 1 (17:27): And so you talk about the cell gave your response, you've talked a little bit about that, what's going on in the cell as a big determinant. And then you talk about the fitness factors that help you determine each patient's stress load. So how can everybody listening know, how do they know, are my cells in a cell danger response? How would somebody know before we get to the fitness factors, how would somebody know? Speaker 3 (17:53): Well, if you feel awesome, you have plenty of energy, no real signs or symptoms, you sleep eight hours, you feel well rested, you've got good muscle mass, limited extra body fat tissue on you, you've got tons of energy, great libido, probably not in the cell danger response, but if you have chronic health issues gaining weight, I mean gaining weight and seeing blood sugar dysregulation would be two of the easy things to say that there's something wrong with your cellular physiology. But beyond that, look at, if you have lots of signs and symptoms, there's some type of abnormal physiology going on. And that's when you start needing to say, maybe I'm in this allostatic state or cell danger response and not in homeostasis. 'cause Homeostasis means that I make enough energy to do everything I need to do at a cellular level efficiently. So the caloric intake is appropriate. I can make sex hormones, I can do everything I wanna do. That's homeostasis. Yeah. Speaker 1 (18:48): Well you just described like 60 to 80% of women over 40 have some list of signs and symptoms going wrong with their health. So we're pretty much all, that's Speaker 3 (18:58): Because probably 60 80% of the people have a cell danger response. And if you look at the population of the US, six 50 to 60% of the US population is overweight or obese, 50 to 60% of the population is on a statin. 50 to 60% of the population is diabetic. So yeah, I think that's easy to say that. Yeah, 40 to, I mean, a large percentage of people are grossly unhealthy to Yes. Speaker 1 (19:21): Yes we are. And so the average person listening that they're like, check that's me. Particularly if they're suspecting that they have a thyroid problem, how do they get at the root of, well, why are my cells having a cell danger response? And what are the specific issues that I personally need to address to help improve my thyroid so that I don't go through this? The chacha, the T four chacha with the allopathic practitioner, the T three chacha with the functional practitioner, and they wanna get out of that dance. How do they figure out what is causing the cell danger response for their cells in particular? Speaker 3 (20:00): Well, I mean, it's easy to do a self-assessment. And it's one of the things that Dr. Kelly and I, who was my co-author in the book, we talk about the fitness factors and we talk about the difference kind of aspects of your physiology that are probably contributing to the excessive stress load. And so when we talk about stress, most the time everybody thinks about emotional stress is the problem, right? This external thing that then causes us to have this angst. But stress comes in lots of different forms. You're never gonna be stress free. That's never the goal of what you're trying to accomplish. What you need to be able to do is stress the physiology and allow for recovery. So when we think about what creates excessive cell stress, it could be a number of factors. One of the things in my situation in my forties, I was still tr, you know, doing a lot of sports and training. Speaker 3 (20:49): I was doing triathlons at that point in time and training hard. And you know, few hours of physical training per day run into businesses, coaching, being a dad, sleeping four hours a day. And I had a great, I mean, my diet was good. I was physically active, mindset was good. But the big thing that drove me to have chronic inflammatory immune and thyroiditis issues was I was over training and limited recovery on top of poor breathing habits due to multiple broken noses. So I wasn't breathing well, I was over training, I wasn't allowing for recovery. So one day is not that big of a deal, my body's able to adapt. But do that over and over again and you start to create an excessive stress response on the tissues and your cells and tissues say like, enough already, let's try and shut this thing down. Speaker 3 (21:38): But as many athletes are, they go, I, pain is weakness leaving the body or discomfort is weakness leaving the body. And we try and just keep pushing forward. And then if you have that type of stress on your system, plus respiratory stress plus work stress plus emotional stress plus relationship stress, at some point the stress becomes excessive. And then I need to shift how my cellular physiology works. And I'll give you an example of how I typically express the cell danger physiology to my clients. And that is, do you have kids yourself? Yep. Mm-Hmm. . Okay. Do you love your kids? Yeah. Okay. So let's say this weekend you're gonna have a huge party at your house, right? One of your kids, your favorite one is sitting at your kitchen island, right? Eating food. You've got four burners on, you're cooking a whole bunch of food, you're doing wash, you're cleaning, you're doing everything all at the same time, and somebody breaks into your home and starts attacking your child. Speaker 3 (22:38): Are you gonna continue to cook? Nope. Are you gonna take time to turn the burners off? Put everything in nice glass Tupperware? Nope. Okay. Are you gonna try and slide one more Load of wash in? Nope. Finish vacuuming. No. Are you gonna try and take a nap? Nope. Sex? Nope. Okay. So if I walked into your house and I saw the foods burning on the stove, the house is a disaster, a mess. Vacuum cleaners running down, running in the middle of the floor, clothes are all over the place. I can make a couple decisions, right? I can make some thoughts. I could just say, well, you're a terrible cook and terrible housekeeper, so I'm gonna fix this and I'm gonna hire you a chef and I'm gonna hire you a housekeeper and I'll fix the problem. And it look, they come in, they clean, clean it up, everything looks awesome. Speaker 3 (23:27): Or I can ask a better question, which is, why is this happening? Is there an explanation for why you would leave the food burning on the stove, leave the vacuum cleaner, running, leave the house a disaster? And maybe I start to investigate that so we can make one of two choices that you're terrible cook chef, just like we could say the thyroid physiology's broken and the cell physiology is, is outta control. Or we could say, is this an appropriate adaptive response? So when somebody has, is feeling tired and fatigued and has signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, or actually is diagnosed with hypothyroidism but still doesn't feel well on the medication, is their immune system outta control? Are they unable to convert T four to T three or is what we're seeing? Not broken physiology, but adaptive physiology. It's the appropriate response given the stressors that are put on the system. Speaker 3 (24:21): Mm-Hmm. And my argument is whether it's an allopathic approach or a functional medicine approach, we shouldn't be getting in the way and trying to fix an imbalance if it's an adaptation. And we shouldn't be assuming that everything's broken physiology, but start to look at the wisdom of the body and start to say, maybe this is adaptive. And what I need to identify is what's creating that excessive stress response. And if I address that, if I find out that you're in your basement fighting off an attacker and I take down the attacker and we get that attacker, you know, off of you and in custody and get rid of them, that's the solution. You weren't being a terrible housekeeper and cook. You were doing exactly the right thing you should have been doing. And the signs and symptoms, the burning food and the stuff all over the place was what we should be seeing. The signs and symptoms that you have, my hormones don't regulate. I'm gaining weight even though I'm eating and exercising appropriately. We need to look at those signs and symptoms and stop trying to like play, you know, whack-a-mole with those results and or those lab values and start to say, okay, what's create, why is the body adaptively doing that? Mm-Hmm. . And when we do that, that's what functional medicine is, in my opinion. Speaker 1 (25:39): Okay. And so what is the strategic thyroid solution is to identify and fix these root causes. Do you wanna talk about maybe the top three most important ones You list dietary, fitness, sleep, fitness, respiratory, fitness, emotional, physical, habitual, environmental, fitness, metabolic and genetic. What would be the top three in your opinion? Speaker 3 (26:01): Well, I think the top three would probably be, and we think about the things that we have the greatest control over and cost us next to nothing. Okay. And they're all important for the listener. She kinda ran through those, but they're all important. But definitely respiratory fitnesses would be right at the top of my list if you breathe inappropriately, and I would say the vast majority of us breathe inappropriately. We over breathe, we mouth breathe, especially at night when nobody's really paying attention. If you over breathe or excessively mouth breathe, you wind up reducing carbon dioxide levels. You wind up creating what we call hypoxia at the tissue level. And as soon as you induce hypoxia at the tissue level, low oxygen, you can't burn fat as a fuel efficiently. You downregulate your thyroid physiology and that's gonna set the stage for chronic immune inflammatory processes. Speaker 3 (26:58): So it doesn't cost anything to improve your breathing, it just takes time and activity or time and training. And first thing you gotta do is be aware. So how do you be become aware that you might have a respiratory, for my clients, I, I give them a respiratory fitness questionnaire, have 'em go through those things. But key things to keep an eye on are, you know, do you snore? And you may say, well I never snore. Well, how do you know ? Well, nobody complains. Well that doesn't mean you don't, right? And so if you're a mouth breather, if you snore, if you have a history of cavities or gum disease, there's a good chance that you're a mouth breather. If you've had a deviated septum or a broken nose, probably a good chance that you are a more of a mouth breather. If you get stuffy or congested at night, it's probably a good indication that you're gonna tend to be more of a mouth breather. Speaker 3 (27:45): And so assess it, address it, retrain your body's ability to breathe appropriately. If you, the other thing you could do is you could check your respiratory rate. I think you and I went to school, they, we, the average respiratory rate somewhere between 15, maybe 18 breaths per minute was considered normal. But really optimal is somewhere between six and 10 breaths per minute for optimal health. And most people aren't even close to it. Mm-Hmm. . And the other thing I have my patients do is do a controlled breath hold time test where they blow all the air out, hold their breath until they start to get their first SI signs of anxiousness or panic. And if that number optimally, that number should be being closer to over 40. But you know, a lot of people with chronic health issues, it's under 20, under 10, they, their poor breathing habits, maybe a really big contributor to what's creating some of their problems. Speaker 3 (28:37): And it doesn't cost you anything to check it and it doesn't cost you anything to retrain your breathing. And there's plenty of things out there that if you need guided care yoga, there's lots of yoga type breathing things. There's Wim Hof and all these things that can teach you and train you how to rebreed. And you don't have to, but you really don't have to pay for anything. You just gotta work on it. I would say number two would be good nutrition. And despite the craziness in the functional medicine space today where we've circled the diet religions in and we're shooting in at each other, the focus of somebody's dietary strategy you know, it should be a whole food based diet, 80% of the time is a great place to start. If you're eating a lot of processed foods, start there, stop doing it. Speaker 3 (29:27): Right? That's an easy thing to do. And you can say, well, do I need to be carnivore? Do I need to be keto? Do I need to be vegetarian, vegan, paleo, medi? What do I need to be? Get rid of all those fancy names and religions and just start shifting your diet to being 80% of the time whole food based. That's a great place to start. What we've done in functional medicine and this in the, in our industry is somebody's found that they did something. It helped them, helped the patient. So therefore everybody should be doing it. And what we have to consider that a carnivore diet could be really beneficial to somebody for a short period of time. Paleo diet could be very beneficial for somebody for a short period of time. Mm-Hmm. , maybe vegan or vegetarian, depending on what you're doing and how you're doing and what's going on with your physiology. Variation in diet may be, may be important to change, but the real issue isn't with what type of whole food diet we should be eating. We should be reducing the toxic load of the processed foods. And if we just do that, most people are gonna start to become healthier, more satisfied. Right. . And then, and then I'd say the third thing is, well, I was Speaker 1 (30:33): Gonna say just before you go to that, we just need to stop eating the crap and just , right. Eat for real food. Speaker 3 (30:40): We've lost touch with what we think healthy food is because we have stickers and labels that we stick on things and say, oh, this is, this is organic, this is whatever, and we think, oh, then it must be good. Well not, so it's all marketing. Speaker 1 (30:58): Right. Okay. Sorry to interrupt. And so the third thing would be, Speaker 3 (31:03): I think it's one of those things you, that everybody can work on that's really important for health and wellbeing is quality sleep. Too many of us, and I was one of those, I was like, you can sleep when you're dead. So, you know, I could stay up late studying, doing research, get up early so I could start training four hours of sleep. I was, I thought that was like a badge of like honor. I wore that proudly for probably 20 years, but I didn't realize the negative consequences it really had on my physiology. You can't heal and recover. Your brain does not process things appropriately if you don't sleep appropriately. Yeah. You don't, you can't clear out the toxins in the brain if you don't get good quality restorative sleep. And the vast majority of us are not getting it. We're on TVs or cell phones or whatever. Speaker 3 (31:48): We're taking stimulants too late in the day. We're sleeping with somebody who snores and keeps us from waking up or sleeping with our kids or our dog that keeps us awake. We're doing so many things to disrupt our sleep patterns and we don't realize how impactful that can be on our physiology. But those are three things that don't cost you anything to do tomorrow that you easily, you can easily assess just by googling healthy whole food diet. How do I check my respiratory rate? How do I improve my sleep? And you do those foundational things. You, your sleep may still not get, may not be as good as you want it to be, but you still have to start with good sleep habits and behaviors to be even have a chance of getting a better night's sleep. Speaker 1 (32:34): Right. And you can read about the other fitness factors in the book book. So I definitely recommend that. But I gotta ask you, where's spiritual fitness on that list? Speaker 3 (32:44): Well, I think that fit for me that fits into that psychological or emotional fitness category, like what goes on between the six inches of your ears has a huge impact on your physiology. So we talk about things in there, like, I think one of the things that's really important for people who are really anxious or depressed or sad or unhappy with their life is I think to have, whether, I don't care what religion somebody is, but I think having some spiritual beliefs is really important. And the other thing is the principles that we learn in whatever church you go to or whatever, you know, whatever spiritual philosophy you grew up in, those found, many of those foundational principles are just good things to, you know, good principles to live by. Mm-Hmm. . And if you live by a lot of those principles, you're gonna feel in, you're gonna feel and functional better from an emotional, from a spiritual standpoint. Speaker 3 (33:34): A lot of times people think that their life is terrible. My life is awful. I'm in such bad shape. Everything is terrible for me. Blah, blah, blah, blah. Those are the people I usually say, you need to volunteer, you need to go volunteer, you need to go help somebody mm-hmm. Who's in worse shape than you. And start to start to realize, you know, even though things may not all be going right, that there is some blessings in your life and some benefits in your life, but sometimes we're so stuck in our stuff and we're so focused on how terrible things are and what's wrong, that we can't actually see how good what's around us is. And so yeah, I think you have to have some, that, that spiritual piece is part of the emotional psychological fitness. Speaker 1 (34:15): Yeah. I mean, what you're saying is so true. I, the other day I was all in my head about my problems and I'm in Dubai and I met a guy on the waterfront who moved here with his family from Syria at 19 to study computer science. And he lost his two sisters a few months ago in the war in Syria. And here I am thinking that I have issues and he told me it's okay. And I said, really . And so it just really puts things in perspective. But for me in particular, the thyroid has a lot of spiritual meaning for women. I think that's one of the reasons why women have such a greater rate of thyroid dysfunction, particularly because it's in that throat chakra or energy center where you're supposed to speak your truth and so many women don't. So in particular, it's something that I talk with women about. So I was curious where that fit into your, your perspective. Speaker 3 (35:09): I'm not as in tune maybe from a, from a chakra perspective as you are, and there may be something to that, I don't know necessarily. But I do think what goes on, whether consciously or or subconsciously between the six inches of your ears has a drastic influence of your overall health and wellbeing. I mean, if you have a lot of trauma, a lot of emotional burden that's gonna create a windup of the limbic system, a windup of the sympathetic nervous system, a downregulation of the, a parasympathetic, and for the listener, you know, the sympathetic nervous system is that flight or flight response. And the parasympathetic is kind of the rest and recovery response. And so if in my mind I'm stressed, I'm worried I've got negative thoughts going on in that space and I can't manage and control it, that is going to drive a state of danger. Speaker 3 (36:01): It's a state of fear, a state of, of fight or flight response. And that will totally shift your physiology. I mean, if I was being chased by the tiger and I'm running for my life, I'm probably not gonna make digestive hormones 'cause I don't need the hormones. Right. I'm probably not gonna make appropriate levels of sex hormones because I don't need those. I'm not stopping to have sex. Right. I am running right. And so my physiology adapts to what's going on in my environment, whether it's the physical environment or the spiritual or emotional environment, my body's going to adapt to that environment. Speaker 1 (36:37): Right. Dr. Eric, thank you so much for raising the conversation level around thyroid disorder diagnosis and treatment. The book is the Thyroid Debacle. Why the current medical model is keeping you sick and unwell. Where can people connect with you online and found that, find out more about the work that you're doing? Speaker 3 (36:57): Sure. My website is rejuven center.com. So if somebody wants to learn more about me, they can go there. If they wanna have a, what we call a discovery consultation, just kind of chat about what's going on and what maybe the right strategies are or if I'm a, if they wanna potentially work with me, what that looks like. I do have a podcast that calls it, it's called the Thyroid Dancers Podcast, where we talk about not just thyroid physiology, but I talk about everything through the lens of the cell danger response. So I don't care what condition you have, we're talking about those foundational principles, physical fitness, emotional fitness, all those things that we kind of hinted to in the discussion. I've got a YouTube where all my podcasts are listed on there, as well as wherever you get your podcast, you can get 'em, you can download those. The podcast I do Thursdays, I do thyroid Thursday videos, they're on YouTube and I, my team puts them on Instagram. That's probably where I'm not really spend too much time on social media, but that's where we post, like on Instagram. And then anybody who's I, we do regular posts on there. And then any commentary that's, that comes in, those are a lot of times what becomes the content for a podcast, A Thyroid Thursday or an Instagram post. So those are the best places to reach out and hear more about what I'm doing. Speaker 1 (38:12): Awesome. Well, thank you so much for joining us today. Well, Speaker 3 (38:15): Thanks for the invitation. It was great. Speaker 1 (38:17): And thank you for listening to another episode of The Hormone Prescription with Dr. Ki. Hopefully you learned something today that you will put into action, maybe start figuring out what's triggering your cell danger response, because pretty much most all of us went in over 40, have it and start doing something about it. Like Dr. Eric, Eric was talking about, looking at your food, looking at your sleep, looking at your breathing. The this is a place to start. Reach out and tell me about it on social media at Kyrin Dunston MD on Facebook and Instagram. I look forward to having and continuing the conversation with you there. And until next week when I'll see you for another episode, peace, love, and Hormones, y'all. Speaker 2 (38:58): Thank you so much for listening. I know that incredible vitality occurs for women over 40 when we learn to speak hormone and balance these vital regulators to create the health and the life that we deserve. If you're enjoying this podcast, podcast, I'd love it if you'd give me a review and subscribe. It really does help this podcast out so much. You can visit the hormone prescription.com where we have some free gifts for you, and you can sign up to have a hormone evaluation with me on the podcast to gain clarity into your personal situation. Until next time, remember, take small steps each day to balance your hormones and watch the wonderful changes in your health that begin to unfold for you. Talk to you soon.   ► Get Dr. Eric Balcavage's FREE ebook, "Why Don't I Feel Better on Thyroid Medication?" Learn the three hidden reasons thyroid replacement isn't helping you (or maybe even making you feel worse). - CLICK HERE ► Feeling tired? Can't seem to lose weight, no matter how hard you try? It might be time to check your hormones. Most people don't even know that their hormones could be the culprit behind their problems. But at Her Hormone Club, we specialize in hormone testing and treatment. We can help you figure out what's going on with your hormones and get you back on track. We offer advanced hormone testing and treatment from Board Certified Practitioners, so you can feel confident that you're getting the best possible care. Plus, our convenient online consultation process makes it easy to get started. Try Her Hormone Club for 30 days and see how it can help you feel better than before. CLICK HERE.    

Why do so many women still have thyroid symptoms even when their lab results are “normal”? Find out in today's episode with Dr. Eric Balcavage and Dr. Kelly Halderman.   Follow this link to view the full show notes page! Today's episode is also sponsored by the Fertility Awareness Mastery Online Self-Study Course. The most in-depth and comprehensive online fertility awareness self-study program available. Click here to join now! Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today! Today's episode is also sponsored by The Fifth Vital Sign. Grab your copy here. 

Our first episode this week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I am joined by Dr. Eric Balcavage.  It's a GOOD week on the podcast if you are interested in thyroid.  In this episode, we discuss all the things about thyroid physiology. Plus some rapid fire questions at the end from our audience. KEY TAKEAWAYS:Allopathic vs functional medicine approachesVitamin D relationship to thyroidDifferent stressors & their effect thyroid hormonesMulti-system adaptive disorderABOUT GUEST:Dr. Eric Balcavage is the owner and founder of Rejuvagen, a functional medicine clinic in Chadds Ford, PA. He is a Functional Medicine Practitioner, Board Certified in Integrative Medicine, along with being a licensed Chiropractor in Pennsylvania.Dr. Balcavage is the co-host of the Thyroid Answers Podcast. The podcast focuses on answering the pressing questions those suffering from chronic hypothyroid symptoms can't get answered elsewhere. You can find his educational Thyroid Thursday videos on Vimeo and YouTube.Dr. Balcavage has made it his mission to change the way medicine looks at hypothyroidism. He is the co-author of the book, The Thyroid Debacle, which addresses the problems with current allopathic and functional medicine approaches to hypothyroidism as well as the solutions to restoring thyroid physiology.Listeners can schedule a free discovery call with Dr. Balcavage at: https://p.bttr.to/3Jjp1l2 Listeners can receive a free ebook at: https://rejuvagencenter.com/free-ebook-download/WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://rejuvagencenter.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rejuvagencenterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drericbalcavage/WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: instagram.com/anti.inflammatory.nutritionist/Leave a review, submit a questions for the podcast or take one of my quizzes here: https://www.christabiegler.com/links

As anyone who has worked with me in my clinical practice may know, I feel very strongly about monitoring thyroid function and trying to optimize it. Plus, I get questions ALL the time surrounding it. Because of that, I am so excited to have an expert on the thyroid, Dr. Eric Balcavage, on this episode to talk about this important topic. Dr. Eric Balcavage is a functional medicine practitioner, chiropractor, host of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, and the co-author of the book, The Thyroid Debacle. The book co-written by Kelly Halderman MD, addresses the problems with current allopathic and functional medicine approaches to hypothyroidism as well as the solutions to restoring thyroid physiology. Dr. Balcavage is also the owner and founder of Rejuvagen, a functional medicine clinic in Chadds Ford, PA. As a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and being Board Certified in Integrative Medicine, he is a nationally recognized speaker and educator on various health related topics including thyroid physiology, bile physiology, detoxification, oxidative stress, methylation and chronic illness. He has made it his mission to change the way medicine looks at hypothyroidism. If you're suffering with a skin condition, have you checked into thyroid function? Were you surprised by it? Let me know in the comments below! In this episode: What does it mean for your thyroid to not be working the way that it should? What can cause a cell to perceive danger and affect its function? The difference between the body having dysfunction vs. creating an adaptive response Dr. Balcavage's opinion on having Hashimoto's- is it different than having any other thyroid problems? The elephant in the room- why should you even care about your thyroid if you're having skin issues?? FREE things to do to reduce stress responses in your body which affect the thyroid and skin health Finally...Which diet is best? (It's probably not what you think!) Quotes “If we have a population that's about 50% overweight or obese and if about 50% of the population has some type of blood sugar regulation issues going on, then the number of people that struggle with problems with thyroid signal physiology and tissue or cellular hypothyroidism is probably closer to 50 or 60%." [05:17] "What's the biggest organ to dump stuff out if you have a bad gut, bad liver, and bad gallbladder? Skin is one of the best places to dump it out. If you have an immune inflammatory issue, you're producing a bunch of inflammatory chemicals that are going to have an impact on the skin." [18:36] Links Find Dr. Eric online at his Rejuvagen clinic Follow Dr. Eric on Youtube | Facebook | Instagram Get Dr. Balcavage's book The Thyroid Debacle Healthy Skin Show ep. 101: Psoriasis-Thyroid Connection Healthy Skin Show ep. 023: How Low Thyroid Plays A Role In Skin Rashes w/ Dr. Izabella Wentz Thyroid Skin Rashes: The Hidden Connection No One Talks About

I'm delighted to reconnect with Dr. Eric Balcavage today! He is the owner and founder of Rejuvagen, a functional medicine clinic in Pennsylvania. He is also a nationally recognized speaker and educator on various health-related topics, including thyroid physiology, detoxification, methylation, and chronic illness. Dr. Eric Balcavage joins me for the third time today to discuss his new book, The Thyroid Debacle, co-authored with Dr. Kelly Halderman. We dive into his motivation for writing his book, discuss cellular hypothyroidism and its triggers, and get into the impact of chronic low-grade inflammation on our mitochondrial health. We go into why hypothyroidism is a spectrum, the role of bile in thyroid functioning, and the impact of hypothyroidism on our sex hormones. We also discuss the incidence of Hashimoto's, why iodine is so controversial, labs we want to look at more closely with thyroid issues, and supplements and nutrition. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Eric explains why clinicians are failing their patients concerning thyroid management and diagnosis. A better clinical approach to thyroid issues. Dr. Eric unpacks cellular hypothyroidism. Why weight loss is a lot more complicated than simply counting calories and fasting. What bile does, apart from breaking down and emulsifying fat. Problems that might occur after having the gallbladder removed. The impact of hypothyroidism on the sex hormones. How a broader approach could ultimately result in more effective treatment strategies. Dr. Eric shares his view on what triggers the development of goiters.  Is iodine supplementation necessary? Dr. Eric shares his thoughts on nutrition for thyroid health. The best supplements for reducing inflammation. Bio Dr. Eric Balcavage is the owner and founder of Rejuvagen, a functional medicine clinic in Chadds Ford, PA. He is a nationally recognized speaker and educator on various health-related topics including thyroid physiology, bile physiology, detoxification, oxidative stress, methylation, and chronic illness.  Dr. Balcavage is a Certified Nutrition Specialist (C.N.S.), a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, Board Certified in Integrative Medicine, along with being a licensed Chiropractor in Pennsylvania.  Dr. Balcavage is the co-host of the Thyroid Answers Podcast. The podcast focuses on answering the pressing questions those suffering from chronic hypothyroid symptoms can't get answered elsewhere. You can find his educational Thyroid Thursday videos on Vimeo and Youtube. Dr. Balcavage has made it his mission to change the way medicine looks at hypothyroidism. He is the co-author of the book, The Thyroid Debacle. The book, co-written by Dr. Kelly Halderman, addresses the problems with current allopathic and functional medicine approaches to hypothyroidism as well as the solutions to restoring thyroid physiology. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website  Connect with Dr. Eric Balcavage On his website On Instagram Dr. Balcavage's book, The Thyroid Debacle, is available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Balboa Press, or online. Listen to episodes 105 and 166 with Dr. Eric Balcavage