Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations with Dr. Izabella Wentz

102: Food as Medicine: The New Autoimmune Protocol With Mickey Trescott

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Mickey Trescott, a nutrition expert and pioneer in the autoimmune protocol (AIP) movement. Mickey shares her personal journey with Hashimoto’s and celiac disease, and how she transformed her health through food. Together, they explore the evolution of AIP – from a strict elimination diet to a more flexible, research-backed protocol that helps individuals identify food triggers and reclaim their health. They also dive into clinical research supporting AIP, the importance of reintroducing foods, and why a personalized approach is key to long-term success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating autoimmune conditions and looking for sustainable ways to heal. What you’ll learn in this episode: * Why the autoimmune protocol isn’t meant to be forever. Many people assume AIP is a lifelong restrictive diet, but Mickey explains how it’s actually a temporary tool designed to identify your personal food triggers so you can expand your diet with confidence and freedom. * How food can drive real, measurable remission in autoimmune disease. From clinical studies in inflammatory bowel disease to real-world outcomes in Hashimoto’s, we discuss how dietary changes can reduce inflammation, improve symptoms, and even shift disease progression. * The biggest mistake people make with elimination diets. Removing one food at a time often doesn’t work because the immune system is still “loud” with multiple triggers. AIP works by clearing the slate so you can actually hear what your body is telling you. * Why the “modified AIP” approach may be a better starting point. After years of clinical experience and research, Mickey shares why a more flexible version of AIP (including foods like rice and certain legumes) can reduce stress, improve compliance, and still deliver powerful results. * How to reintroduce foods without fear (or setbacks). The reintroduction phase is where the magic happens – when done correctly, it helps you build a personalized, sustainable way of eating without triggering symptoms. * The surprising connection between food sensitivities and hormones. Food reactions don’t always show up immediately. They can impact mood, skin, and even menstrual cycles days later, making tracking and timing essential. Tune in to learn more about using food as medicine for autoimmune healing.  Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Sign up for the Thyroid Pharmacist Weekly Thyroid Solutions Newsletter here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/gift/ [https://thyroidpharmacist.com/gift/]  For the full list of resources and products mentioned in this episode, and to get the full episode transcript, see complete show notes here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/podcast/ [https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/podcast/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

101: The Thyroid Fix: Why “Normal” Labs Aren’t Enough With Dr. Amie Hornaman

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Dr. Amie Hornaman – also known as “The Thyroid Fixer” – a hormone optimization specialist and founder of the Advanced Thyroid and Hormone Clinic. Dr. Amie shares her personal journey of being misdiagnosed by six doctors while experiencing weight gain, fatigue, and hair loss, and how that experience led her to become a leader in functional thyroid care. Together, they explore why so many thyroid patients continue to struggle despite “normal” lab results, and the importance of going beyond TSH to truly optimize thyroid health. From T4/T3 therapy to nutrient deficiencies and hormone imbalances, this episode provides a comprehensive look at what it really takes to feel well again. What you’ll learn in this episode:  * Why most thyroid patients don’t feel better on T4-only medications. Dr. Amie shares that only a small percentage of people truly thrive on T4 alone, and explains why adding T3 or using alternative therapies can be a game changer for energy, weight, and hair health. * How “thyropause” impacts women over 40. Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can trigger or worsen thyroid dysfunction, creating a cascade of symptoms that are often dismissed as “just aging.” * The foundational nutrients your thyroid needs to function. Dr. Amie discusses how key nutrient deficiencies (vitamin D, magnesium, B vitamins, and L-tyrosine) can prevent proper thyroid hormone production and conversion. * Why you must address the whole body to heal the thyroid. Dr. Amie explains why focusing on thyroid labs alone isn’t enough – and how hormones, gut health, stress, and metabolism must all be supported together for lasting results.  * The truth about iodine (and how to use it safely). Iodine can be beneficial when used correctly, but high doses or improper use can backfire. * One simple dietary shift that can reduce autoimmune attacks. A gluten-free diet may help lower thyroid antibodies and inflammation by reducing immune system confusion and reactivity in people with Hashimoto’s.  Tune in to learn more about optimizing your thyroid health and finally feeling like yourself again.  Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Sign up for the Thyroid Pharmacist Weekly Thyroid Solutions Newsletter here: ⁠https://thyroidpharmacist.com/gift/⁠ [https://thyroidpharmacist.com/gift/]  For the full list of resources and products mentioned in this episode, and to get the full episode transcript, see complete show notes here: ⁠https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/podcast/ [https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/podcast/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

100: The Missing Link to Energy, Thyroid Health, and Cellular Healing With Caroline Alan

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews mineral expert and BEAM Minerals co-founder Caroline Alan to explore the critical role minerals play in energy, thyroid health, and overall wellness. Caroline shares her personal journey through adrenal fatigue, gut issues, and burnout, and how replenishing plant-based minerals helped her recover when other approaches fell short. Together, they discuss why mineral deficiency is so widespread today, how it impacts cellular energy production, and why restoring balance – not just supplementing individual nutrients – is key to healing. They also dive into the role of humic and fulvic minerals in detoxification, hydration, and nutrient absorption. What you’ll learn in this episode: * Why mineral deficiency is more common than you think – and why food alone may not be enough. You might be eating a healthy diet and still be missing key minerals. The World Health Organization calls this “hidden hunger.” Discover how to spot the gaps and better support your body. * The surprising symptoms of mineral depletion (it’s not just fatigue!). Brain fog, hair loss, gut issues, poor sleep, and even menstrual cramps may all point to low mineral levels. Start connecting the dots behind symptoms that don’t always seem nutrition-related. * How minerals power your energy at the cellular level. Caroline explains how minerals fuel mitochondria – the energy generators inside your cells – and why low mineral levels can leave your body unable to produce enough energy to function properly. * Why balance matters more than individual supplements. Taking one mineral in isolation isn’t always the solution. Minerals work together, and too much of one can create imbalance. Caroline discusses how to approach supplementation in a balanced way. * How plant-based (humic and fulvic) minerals support detoxification and absorption. These unique compounds not only deliver minerals in a highly bioavailable form, but may also help remove toxins like heavy metals and glyphosate from the body. * What to expect when replenishing your minerals. Some people may notice improved energy and fewer cravings within days, while deeper issues like hair loss or chronic symptoms may take a few weeks as the body gradually restores balance. Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Sign up for the Thyroid Pharmacist Weekly Thyroid Solutions Newsletter here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/gift/ [https://thyroidpharmacist.com/gift/]  For the full list of resources and products mentioned in this episode, and to get the full episode transcript, see complete show notes here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/podcast/ [https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/podcast/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

99: Perimenopause & Gut Health: Why Symptoms Spike & What Helps With Cynthia Thurlow

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews nurse practitioner, author, and menopause expert Cynthia Thurlow about what happens to the gut during perimenopause and menopause – and why so many women suddenly experience bloating, constipation, food sensitivities, brain fog, anxiety, and weight-loss resistance in midlife. Cynthia breaks down the hormone-gut-stress connection, explaining how shifts in progesterone and estrogen can influence digestion, immune regulation, and the gut-brain axis. Together, they explore why chronic stress, and unresolved trauma can amplify symptoms, and why the most effective strategies often start with the basics: sleep, hydration, protein, movement, and nervous system support. What you’ll learn in this episode: * Why progesterone loss can hit your sleep, mood, and gut motility first. Cynthia explains how early perimenopause often begins with declining progesterone – which can reduce GABA (a calming neurotransmitter) and contribute to anxiety, sleep disruptions, and slower digestive movement. * How estrogen shifts can drive bloating, brain fog, joint pain, and immune changes. Estradiol can fluctuate dramatically in perimenopause, and because estrogen is an immune-modulating hormone, shifting levels may influence inflammation, autoimmunity risk, and even leaky gut. * The stress → gut → brain loop that keeps women stuck in symptoms. Chronic stress can impair digestion at the most basic level (your body won’t “rest and digest”), disrupt the vagus nerve, and increase inflammatory signals that impact the brain – which can worsen anxiety, depression, and brain fog. * Why estrogen “recycling” can make perimenopause symptoms feel amplified. We discuss the estrobiome (gut-driven estrogen processing), beta-glucuronidase, and why constipation, poor detox pathways, and gut dysbiosis can lead to estrogen recirculation – contributing to weight-loss resistance, bloating, and mood changes. * The overlooked connection between trauma, stress, and menopause timing. Cynthia shares research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and how chronic stress may influence immune health, metabolic function, and the pace of ovarian aging. * The foundational strategies that support gut and hormone health. Before complex protocols, simple interventions – breathwork before meals, sleep prioritization, hydration, walking after eating, and gradually increasing protein and fiber – can significantly improve symptoms. Tune in to learn how to support your gut (and your whole-body health) through the perimenopause-to-menopause transition. Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Sign up for the Thyroid Pharmacist Weekly Thyroid Solutions Newsletter here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/gift/ [https://thyroidpharmacist.com/gift/]  For the full list of resources and products mentioned in this episode, and to get the full episode transcript, see complete show notes here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/podcast/ [https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/podcast/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

98: Why Your Digestion Sucks Even When You’re Eating Clean – With Hannah Aylward

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews gut health expert Hannah Aylward about why so many people struggle with bloating and other gut issues – even when they’re eating clean. Hannah shares her personal journey with chronic digestive issues and explains how factors like low stomach acid, poor bile flow, gut dysbiosis, and nervous system dysregulation can all contribute to ongoing symptoms. Together, they explore the deeper root causes of digestive dysfunction and why a personalized, root-cause approach is essential for overall healing. What you’ll learn in this episode: * Why eating “clean” isn’t always enough to fix digestive issues. Hannah explains how you can follow all the right diets and still have symptoms like bloating, reflux, and constipation, if your digestive system isn’t properly breaking down and absorbing food. * The hidden root causes of chronic bloating (it’s not just food!). Low stomach acid, poor bile flow, gut dysbiosis, and infections can all create the perfect environment for bloating – even with a healthy diet. * How stress and your nervous system directly impact digestion. Chronic stress shifts your body out of “rest and digest” mode, reducing stomach acid, enzyme production, and gut motility, and making digestion an afterthought. * What’s really behind food sensitivities and how to reverse them. Most sensitivities aren’t about the food itself, but about gut imbalances like bacterial overgrowth, histamine issues, or poor digestion. * The surprising connection between gut health, hormones, and histamine. Liver function, bile flow, and the gut microbiome all play a role in hormone balance and histamine breakdown – impacting everything from bloating to painful periods. * Why most gut healing protocols fail (and what works). Generic protocols often miss the mark. True healing requires personalized testing and a root-cause approach tailored to your unique gut. Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Sign up for the Thyroid Pharmacist Weekly Thyroid Solutions Newsletter here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/gift/ [https://thyroidpharmacist.com/gift/]  For the full list of resources and products mentioned in this episode, and to get the full episode transcript, see complete show notes here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/podcast/ [https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/podcast/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]