158 Are Immune Supplements Safe for Hashimoto's? Here is What You Need to Know

167 Did Hashimoto’s Cause Your Gut Issues or The Other Way Around? (How to Improve Both with Josh Dech)

Hashimoto’s and your Thyroid Type

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Thursday May 16th 8:30pm Eastern Time
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Jump to the complete episode #167 show notes HERE.

The Case:

• Beth had Hashimoto’s and has been dealing with weight gain and digestive issues.
• She fluctuated from constipation to diarrhea and always feels gassy, bloated and uncomfortable.
• She’d also been diagnosed with IBS but none of her health care providers offered any solutions beyond medication.

When I met Beth in my Hashimoto’s program, she was overwhelmed trying to research the connection between her gut and Hashimoto’s. She was frustrated that her traditional doctors weren’t offering any solutions beyond treating the symptoms and wanted to reclaim power over her own health journey. That started with her joining the Thyroid Mystery Solved program where she discovered that she didn’t have to figure it all out on her own. I knew exactly where to start to get to the bottom of her thyroid mystery.

Press play to find out the role Hashimoto's might be playing with your gut health.

Hashimoto’s and your Thyroid Type

FREE TRAINING AND SUPPORT CALL
Thursday May 16th 8:30pm Eastern Time
Register Now: https://innatopiler.com/zoomcall/

166 Hashimoto's Disease and Mold Exposure: Symptoms, Testing & Solutions with Jason Earle

Jump to the complete show notes here:
https://innatopiler.com/podcasts/hashimotos-disease-and-mold-exposure-symptoms-testing-solutions-with-jason-earle/

The Case:

• Bonnie has Hashimoto’s and is experiencing brain fog, fatigue, and respiratory issues
• She joined my Thyroid Mystery Solved program to get to the bottom of these symptoms
• We worked on her immune triggers but something still wasn’t adding up.

After we started to address her immune triggers, Bonnie wondered if maybe mold might be the culprit but wasn’t sure how to figure it out. I knew exactly where to start.

In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome back Jason Earle. We last chatted with him in episodes 117 and 118. Jason is an indoor air quality crusader and is so informed about all things mold. He’s the founder & CEO of 1-800-GOT-MOLD and MycoLab USA. He even created the GOT MOLD?® Test Kit so I knew he’d be able to shed some light on where Bonnie could start in investigating the potential link between her Hashimoto’s issues and mold.

Press play to find out how mold may be affecting your health, how to find it and how to get rid of it.

165 Can Candida Cause Hashimoto's and What Can You Do About It with Dr. Michael Biamonte

Hashimoto’s and your Thyroid Type

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Thursday April 18th 12pm NOON Eastern Time
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The Case:

• Layla has a history of fatigue related to her thyroid issues
• She is also dealing with digestive symptoms, brain fog, and frequent yeast infections.
• She tried reducing sugar and taking probiotics but it increased the bloatedness and brain fog

The Investigation

I met Layla when she joined my Thyroid Mystery Solved program. She’d completed the in-depth assessments and we saw that in addition to her thyroid not being properly supported for her

type, she also had many different Hashimoto’s triggers, including Candida. I knew exactly where

we needed to start and what to work on to get to the bottom of her thyroid mystery.

The Expert on Candida and Thyroid Issues

Dr. Michael Biamonte was the perfect person to call in to discuss Layla’s case. Not only is he an expert on Candida in Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism patients, but he was also my original naturopathic doctor and clinical nutritionist at the start of me solving my health mystery, 22 years ago.

Dr. Biamonte is the founder of the Biamonte Center for Clinical Nutrition and he's the author of The Candida Chronicles, A Manual for Candida Yeast Infections.

What Is Candida?

Candida is a type of fungus/yeast that resides primarily in our intestinal tract and mucus membranes. Interestingly, it's not something our bodies aim to completely eliminate because it serves some beneficial functions. Candida plays a role in stimulating our immune response and acts as nourishment for probiotics, those helpful bacteria we've all become familiar with thanks to commercials. Probiotics, in turn, regulate the pH balance in our gut, ensuring proper digestion and intestinal motility. They also assist in synthesizing vitamins, absorbing nutrients, and breaking down fibers from our diet into essential nutritional substances.

What You Need to Know about Candida and Probiotics

When it comes to our body's defense system, probiotics play a crucial role—they're like the frontline soldiers in our immune army. As Dr. Biamonte explains, our immune system is quite intricate, divided into six different divisions, with the intestinal tract and its probiotics serving as the first line of defense. This internal ecosystem is a delicate balance, where probiotics keep Candida in check. But if something disrupts or reduces the probiotics, Candida can seize the opportunity to overgrow, becoming dominant in our gut biome.

Dr. Biamonte explains how this overgrowth can lead to a cascade of issues. Candida, when unchecked, releases various toxins into our system—microtoxins, neurological toxins, and even alcohol, with some strains potent enough to intoxicate without drinking a sip.

The symptoms of Candida overgrowth are diverse and often seemingly unrelated. Symptoms may include:

• Rashes
• Asthma
• Brain fog and mood swings
• Fatigue
• Chronic sinus problems

It's no wonder why many people struggle to connect the dots between their symptoms and Candida, earning it the title of the "great mimicker." This elusive nature of Candida makes it challenging for individuals to recognize and address, leading to prolonged suffering and misdiagnoses.

The Possible Connection Between Candida, Thyroid, and Heavy Metals

We know that heavy metals like mercury can impact our thyroid health. I brought up this question because I've seen cases where individuals with Candida also have elevated levels of mercury or other heavy metals. Could there be a connection between heavy metals, Candida, and thyroid health? Dr. Biamonte shared that it's a plausible theory, acknowledging the mysterious relationship between mercury and thyroid function that still puzzles many experts.

What we do know is that Candida in the gut has a knack for absorbing mercury, which can then be released when the Candida is treated. Additionally, mercury has been shown to suppress certain immune responses, potentially creating an environment where Candida can thrive even more. This connection sheds light on the intricate dance between our gut health, heavy metal toxicity, and thyroid function—a topic that continues to intrigue researchers and clinicians alike.

Why People with Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism Are More Susceptible to Candida

In understanding the relationship between thyroid disorders and Candida overgrowth, Dr. Biamonte sheds light on some unexpected factors, like body temperature. Our body's temperature acts as a silent regulator, influencing whether Candida remains subdued or flourishes. If our temperature falls below the optimal range, it creates an inviting atmosphere for Candida to thrive. Monitoring our body temperature can become a simple yet powerful tool in deciphering potential health issues as anything below 97.8°F could hint at underlying imbalances.

How to Know if You Have Candida: Diagnosing Candida Overgrowth

Diagnosing Candida overgrowth can be daunting, especially when met with skepticism from conventional healthcare providers. But fear not, there are ways to validate your suspicions and uncover the truth about your health. Dr. Biamonte offers valuable insights into the diagnostic journey, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between harmless Candida presence and problematic overgrowth. He explains that we can uncover past encounters with Candida, even if they've since resolved through specialized tests like the blood test for Candida antibodies. Dr. Biamonte further recommends advanced assessments such as the organic acid test, which can pinpoint specific markers indicative of Candida activity, like elevated arabinose levels.

For those inclined towards hands-on approaches, Dr. Biamonte suggests an insightful experiment known colloquially as the "pasta test." This test involves indulging in a carbohydrate-rich meal followed by sugary delights, allowing individuals to observe their body's response over the following day. If symptoms like bloating, gas, or brain fog arise, it could signal Candida's presence. The key is to tune into our body's cues, whether it's the aftermath of a beer indulgence or the consequences of a sweet treat.

Why Candida is Difficult to Diagnose

Dr. Biamonte explains that distinguishing Candida-related symptoms from other potential health issues can be complex. While conditions, like dysregulated blood sugar or small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), can produce similar symptoms, certain manifestations like itching or fermentation point more definitively to Candida. However, it's not always a clear-cut diagnosis, as individuals may...

164 5 Pivotal Hashimoto's Hacks: The Empowered Approach to Thyroid Health

Jump to the FULL Episode Show Notes here:
https://innatopiler.com/podcasts/5-pivotal-hashimotos-hacks-the-empowered-approach-to-thyroid-health/

As soon as you find out that you have a thyroid issue, or that you’re diagnosed with Hashimoto's, your instinct is to learn as much as you can. As the internet becomes more and more crowded with information, it can be so difficult to find useful information. And, it can be hard to determine who to trust as you try to navigate your way to overcoming your Hashimoto’s and hyperthyroid symptoms.

I know because I was once in this position and because I’ve spent the last decade helping Hashimoto’s and hypothyroid patients regain their health.

A lot has changed in this time - and more changes are coming (more on that at the end of these show notes) but over the years, I’ve discovered that there are 5 key drivers of success when it comes to overcoming your thyroid issues and Hashimoto’s symptoms. I share them in this episode along with a big announcement about this show and support for anyone dealing with autoimmunity, Hashimoto’s, and hypothyroidism.

The 5 Keys to Overcoming Hashimoto’s

These five proven strategies have made a huge difference for me and many of my clients struggling with Hashimoto's.

1. Diet: Balancing Blood Sugar Is Key

It all starts with food! While everyone's needs are unique, there's one common thread: balanced blood sugar. Eating a balanced diet with all the macronutrients – carbs, proteins, and fats – is crucial. Avoid blood sugar spikes by avoiding excessive carbs at once and pair your meals with protein and healthy fats. Remember, stress can be physical too! Unbalanced blood sugar creates stress on the body, hindering progress.

2. Clean Eating: Ditching Chemicals and Going Organic

Our world is full of chemicals like pesticides and herbicides. Research shows these chemicals can negatively impact our health. So, the cleaner you eat, the better. Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods straight from the earth. Consider going organic, especially for the "Dirty Dozen" – the foods most heavily laden with pesticide residues (check the Environmental Working Group's list). Organic meats and dairy are also beneficial to avoid added hormones and antibiotics.

3. Identify and Address Food Sensitivities

Gluten is a common culprit for many with Hashimoto's. Not everyone needs to be gluten-free, but some may have the DQ2 and DQ8 genes, making gluten processing difficult. When you consume gluten, even without immediate symptoms, the immune system attacks it. This can lead to accidental attacks on the thyroid due to molecular similarities between gluten and thyroid molecules (cross-reactivity).

I personally struggled with gluten for years, but identifying it as a trigger made a significant difference. Consider exploring food sensitivities to see what might be hindering your progress.

4. Targeted Supplements for Personalized Support

Supplements can be extremely helpful, but a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. Our immune triggers and thyroid types vary. However, some supplements have been particularly beneficial for me and my clients:

• SPM (Specialized Proresolving Mediators): Helps reduce inflammation and calm the immune system.
• Glutathione: An amazing antioxidant that supports detoxification and promotes immune balance. I recommend the APEX Trizoma Glutathione brand for its liquid form and good taste.
• Vitamin D: Another immune balancer and natural anti-inflammatory. I recommend Designs for Health's Vitamin D Synergy or Vitamin D Supreme.
• Remember: These are just a few suggestions. It's important to find what works best for you.

5. Calm the Nervous System

The nervous system has a powerful influence on the immune system. A calmer nervous system translates to a more balanced immune system. Here are some ways to achieve this:

• Meditation
• Movement
• Visualization
• Reframing negative thoughts
• Releasing negativity
• Setting positive intentions
• Affirmations
• Faith
• Mantras
• Self-worth exercises (like clearing feelings of "not enoughness")

I find meditation and movement particularly helpful. Experiment and find what works for you.

Bonus Tip #1: Building a Morning Practice Can Make a Big Difference

Mornings can be tough, but incorporating a self-care routine can shift the entire day. I recommend starting your day a little earlier, even before the kids wake up (believe me, I get it, I'm not a morning person either!).

The book "The Miracle Morning" by Hal Elrod offers great tips on establishing a morning practice and provides ideas to optimize your early-start time. It’s hard to believe but the benefits of improved sleep quality and stress reduction outweigh the initial sacrifice of a little extra sleep.

Bonus Tip #2: Increase Your Capacity to Receive

This may sound surprising, but it's incredibly powerful. We all want optimal health, vibrant energy, and freedom from Hashimoto's. But sometimes, we struggle to allow ourselves to truly receive these things.

My question for you is, can you allow all of the things you picture when you see yourself in optimal health? Take a moment and really feel this question in your body. How much good health can you really receive without feeling like, ‘Oh, gosh, this is too much’? All the things that you want to be able to do when you are feeling better; when you have more energy; when you lose that weight – how much of that joy can you actually allow and take in?

This might feel like a strange concept, but explore it. Notice any tightness or resistance in your body when you imagine complete freedom from symptoms. Do you feel undeserving of such good health?

We often have subconscious beliefs about deservingness. We may feel good things like joy, love, and health need to be earned. This can block our ability to receive the very things we desire.

You’ve heard the stories about lottery winners who lose their winnings quickly. This is often due to a deep-seated feeling of not deserving it. They sabotage their own success.

The same can happen with health. If you don't feel deserving of good health, your nervous system won't feel safe receiving it. This can lead to unconscious sabotage of your healing journey.

Learning to receive is crucial for overcoming Hashimoto's and any chronic health issues. I have entire programs dedicated to overcoming these blocks: "Clear Your Thyroid Blocks" and my signature program "Thyroid Mystery Solved." You can find more information on my website … which brings me to my important announcement!

New Podcast Name and New Website - More Focus on YOUR Needs

In this episode, I share some exciting updates - including a new name for the show. As you may have noticed from the new podcast cover, the show has transformed!&nb...

163 Effective Strategies to Manage Inflammation and Reduce Hashimoto's Symptoms

Jump to the FULL Episode Show Notes here:
https://innatopiler.com/podcasts/163-effective-strategies-to-manage-inflammation-and-reduce-hashimotos-symptoms

The Case:

• Nancy has Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism and suffers from frequent flare-ups.
• She’s experiencing fatigue, anxiety, jitters and is in constant pain.
• She also finds that she can’t lose weight and often has brain fog.

Controlling Common Symptoms of Hashimoto’s

While these are common symptoms of Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism, Nancy was eager to better manage her condition. When I met Nancy in my Hashimoto’s program, I knew that inflammation was the driver and to get to the bottom of her thyroid mystery, I knew just who to share Nancy’s case with as he’s often called the “Sherlock Holmes for chronic disease”. Dr. Tom O’Bryan is an expert in food sensitivities, environmental toxins, and the development of autoimmune diseases. He’s on the faculty at the Institute for Functional Medicine and the National University of Health Sciences. He’s also the author of You Can Fix Your Brain and The Autoimmune Fix. I’m looking forward to his new docuseries, The Inflammation Equation, being released widely on March 20th. He joins me on the show to explore Nancy’s case and right away, we discuss what is at the root of many autoimmune diseases (including Hashimoto’s): inflammation.

Inflammation: Our Body's DoubleEdged Sword

Inflammation isn't inherently bad. Dr. O’Bryan explains that it’s actually our immune system's way of protecting us from invaders like germs. Imagine your immune system as a highly trained army ready to fight off any threat. Inflammation is how it sends in the troops to battle an infection. And while this is a necessary acute response, if it keeps happening and inflammation becomes a chronic state, the inflammation can stop being helpful.

Dr. O’Bryan reminds us that chronic, low-grade inflammation is linked to most chronic diseases, including Hashimoto's as well as diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. With Hashimoto’s, the inflammation causes the immune system to attack the thyroid.

What Triggers Chronic Inflammation?

Many things can trigger inflammation but Dr. O'Bryan mentions some incredibly pervasive and somewhat surprising culprits:

• Microplastics and nanoplastics: These tiny plastic particles are increasingly found in our environment, even in bottled water! Our bodies see them as invaders so the immune system launches an attack. Unfortunately, these attacks can damage healthy tissues like the thyroid.

This is where things get interesting for Hashimoto's patients.

Our confused immune system, constantly battling these microscopic plastics, starts mistaking healthy thyroid cells for invaders. It creates antibodies that attack the thyroid, leading to the symptoms we experience with Hashimoto's.

Why We Need to Address Inflammation, Not Just the Thyroid

So, we've established that inflammation is the real culprit behind Hashimoto's, not a malfunctioning thyroid itself. Dr. O'Bryan uses a powerful analogy to explain this. Imagine your body as a chain, constantly regenerating with new links (cells) replacing the old and damaged ones. Your immune system normally creates antibodies to remove these old cells, making way for the new.

Here's where things go wrong with Hashimoto's:

• Microplastics and other environmental toxins act like invaders, triggering the immune system to attack.
• These attacks also damage healthy thyroid cells, causing the immune system to create antibodies against the thyroid itself.
• As you continue to consume these toxins (like bottled water with nanoplastics), the cycle perpetuates. More damaged thyroid cells, more antibodies, and a progressively weaker thyroid.

This is why focusing solely on fixing the thyroid misses the mark. Dr. O'Bryan emphasizes that we need to address the root cause: the inflammation causing the immune system to attack the thyroid. It's like trying to fix a broken chain by replacing a single link when the real problem is the force pulling the chain apart.

Where Does Inflammation Hide?

It’s clear that in order to get a handle on Hashimoto’s symptoms, we need to deal with the inflammation but what triggers this inflammation in the first place?

Dr. O'Bryan encourages us to ask ourselves: "Where might the inflammation be coming from?" This simple question can be a powerful starting point. By being open to possibilities and exploring the root causes, we can start to identify and address our individual triggers. Here are two areas to start investigating:

1. Environmental Triggers

We often think of food sensitivities as the main dietary culprit for inflammation. Dr. O'Bryan highlights the importance of considering environmental factors as well. Aside from the microplastics, he also mentions mold as a potential trigger. Many people may not realize that exposure to mold in their homes or workplaces could be contributing to their inflammation.

2. Diet

Of course, diet still plays a crucial role in managing inflammation. We’ve covered this in many episodes but Dr. O’Bryan places particular emphasis on the role of gluten in Hashimoto's. Gluten sensitivity is a common concern for Hashimoto's patients because of the link between gluten and the HLA genes.

Gluten’s Impact on Hashimoto's

Dr. O'Bryan shares some very interesting studies in this episode to showcase the science behind why gluten can be such a problem for people with Hashimoto's. Here's a breakdown of his key points:

• Our Ancestors Didn't Eat Wheat: We haven't evolved to properly digest wheat, a relatively new addition to the human diet.
• TollLike Receptors: The Gut's Sentinels: These receptors guard the intestines, identifying and flushing out potential threats from food.
• Gluten Mimics a Threat: When we eat wheat, the incompletely broken-down gluten molecules resemble harmful bacteria to our toll-like receptors.
• Leaky Gut and Inflammation: This mistaken identity triggers an immune response, leading to leaky gut and inflammation.
• Not Everyone Gets Gut Issues: While some people experience digestive problems with gluten, others may feel the effects in different ways, like through thyroid issues.

Dr. O'Bryan emphasizes a crucial point: all humans experience some level of inflammatory response to gluten. The difference lies in how it manifests. For some, it might be gut problems, while for others, it shows up as thyroid symptoms like those experienced with Hashimoto's.

The Problem with Traditional GlutenSensitivity Tests

Dr. O'Bryan feels that traditional gluten tests haven't always been reliable. He uses the Wheat Zoomer test because he finds it to be a more comprehensive test that identifies gluten sensitivity more accurately. This is important because gluten isn’t a problem for everyone. In fact, Dr. O'Bryan doesn't advocate for everyone to go gluten-free.

However, for those wit...