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003 The Case of the Insidious Fatigue w/ Dr. Justin Marchegiani

29m · Thyroid Mystery Solved: Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism Revealed · 04 Apr 21:43

The Case:

  • Sally is 41 year old mom working part time.
  • She was experiencing extreme fatigue, needing naps to get through the day and unable to find the energy to do anything.
  • She thought it might be a thyroid issue because it runs in her family but her doctor said her levels were in the normal range.

The Investigation

When fatigue is a symptom, the thyroid is often involved. I wasn’t about to take that possibility off the table.

According to the American Thyroid Association, an estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. But, it is more prevalent in women. One in eight women will develop a thyroid condition in their lifetime.

I invited Dr. Justin Marchegiani to join me in discussing Sally’s case. He is a virtual functional medicine doctor and the author of the Thyroid Reset. He knows all too well that the typical tests done in traditional medicine don’t tell the whole thyroid story.

We spend the first part of our discussion explaining exactly how the thyroid works, it’s connection to the brain (the hypothalamus), the pituitary gland, the adrenal glands, and how that all affect metabolism. Which is why symptoms can vary widely. Most will experience fatigue as Sally did, while others may also experience feeling cold all the time, hair loss, moodiness, depression, and/or constipation.

A Normal TSH Doesn't Mean the Thyroid is Functioning Properly.

Dr. J explained that the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) range that is considered normal by traditional medicine doesn’t tell the whole story. There are too many other factors at play in how the thyroid gland actually functions. It’s important to look at how the connected systems are functioning too.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis May be the Cause

Studies have found that the antibody associated with Hashimoto’s disease is much more common than previously thought and may be the cause of hypothyroidism even at a subclinical level. This was something I knew I needed to test Sally for.

Consider Optimal Range Not Normal Range

If there is one thing that Dr. J stressed throughout this interview it’s that we can’t just look at whether TSH, T3, or T4 each fall into the normal range. We need to look at the relationships of these hormone levels. And, we need to strive to have them all in optimal range because when they are not in optimal range, they are not functioning properly which means they are not supporting the other glandular systems that dictate how we feel on a day to day basis.

Mystery Solved

Testing your thyroid function is far more complex than what traditional labs will cover. As Dr. J pointed out, thyroid function is critical to optimal health so we need to dig a little with the appropriate tests, to ensure that it’s truly is functionally optimally.

For Sally, doing a few more tests revealed that her original hunch was correct - her thyroid was the cause of her fatigue. We were able to uncover where the system was breaking down and correct it. While medication was an option, she chose to try a functional medicine approach first. After a liver cleanse, we were able to help support her thyroid conversion through natural supplements and an anti-inflammatory diet. After a month, her energy had returned and she no longer needed naps to get through the day.

If you are dealing with fatigue (or any other hypothyroid related symptoms like hair loss, feeling cold, moodiness, depression and/or constipation) but your doctor says your lab results are ‘normal’ do yourself a favor and do more in depth tests to determine if in fact your thyroid is not functioning optimally.

If could totally change how much energy and joy you have to face your day.

Eliminating Health Mysteries

For Sally, 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?

Resources and products mentioned on the podcast:

ThyroCNV - You must create an account to access this regulated product.

Zinc

Selenium

Free Guide to an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

PushCatch Liver Detox (30 Days)

Thanks to my guest Dr. Justin Marchegiani of Just In Health Wellness Clinic. You can connect with him on Facebook. Or, listen to his podcast, Beyond Wellness Radio or his watch his Youtube videos.

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, it 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, or Stitcher.

Say hi to me on Facebook and Instagram. Comment on this episode and let me know if it helped. Or visithttp://healthmysteriessolved.com

Overcoming Hashimoto’s Summit

Claim your free spot to this 7-day virtual summit featuring the top experts in Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism so that you can overcome this diagnosis and feel better.

https://bit.ly/2KigemW

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.

The episode 003 The Case of the Insidious Fatigue w/ Dr. Justin Marchegiani from the podcast Thyroid Mystery Solved: Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism Revealed has a duration of 29:47. It was first published 04 Apr 21:43. The cover art and the content belong to their respective owners.

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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.

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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!

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