Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations with Dr. Izabella Wentz

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews neuro-optometrist Dr. Bryce Appelbaum about one of the most overlooked drivers of chronic health issues: our vision. Not just how clearly we see, but how our brain interprets visual input. Dr. Appelbaum explains that vision problems often masquerade as ADHD, anxiety, dizziness, and reading struggles, and that retraining the brain through targeted vision therapy can dramatically reduce symptoms. They explore the effect of screen time on the visual system, the shocking number of children misdiagnosed with learning disorders, and how even adults can regain focus, clarity, and spatial orientation. You’ll also learn simple exercises to improve your visual health today, without glasses or surgery. What you’ll learn in this episode: Vision is about brain function, not just eyesight: Vision is a complex brain-driven process involving focus, depth perception, spatial awareness, emotional regulation, and how our eyes coordinate and track. You can have “perfect” 20/20 eyesight yet still experience major visual processing issues that affect learning, attention, movement, and confidence. Functional vision problems can mimic ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia, or clumsiness: Difficulty reading, letter reversals, poor handwriting, focusing challenges, motion sensitivity, or behavioral issues may actually reflect an eye–brain coordination problem. Many children – and adults – are misdiagnosed because standard eye exams only measure clarity, not function. Vision therapy can rewire the brain and resolve symptoms at any age: Vision therapy is like physical therapy for the brain through the eyes. Using targeted, evidence-based exercises, it can strengthen eye coordination, focus, tracking, depth perception, and neural pathways. This helps treat issues related to concussions, dizziness, vertigo, visual intolerance, anxiety in busy environments, driving fears, and more. Screens are reshaping our visual system – and not in a good way: The average adult now spends 7+ hours a day on screens, while many children spend 6+ hours. This strains the visual system, narrows peripheral awareness, reduces blinking, disrupts circadian rhythms, and alters how our brains process information. Dr. Appelbaum shares simple habits – including the 20-20-20 rule and blinking breaks – to prevent visual stress. Simple daily exercises can improve focus, flexibility, and visual comfort: Activities like “eye push-ups,” peripheral awareness training, and eye stretches help strengthen the eye–brain connection and reduce headaches, eye strain, and reading fatigue. These exercises are accessible at any age and can delay or reduce the need for reading glasses. Floaters, headaches, and visual overwhelm may be vision-related – and treatable: Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, light sensitivity, panic while driving, difficulty with stairs, or overwhelm in grocery stores and crowded environments often have a visual processing root cause. Dr. Appelbaum explains how addressing these issues through functional vision care can restore clarity, comfort, and confidence. 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/  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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews researcher and Clarisen (formerly Science Mama’s HQ) co-founder Alexandra Karpova, whose personal health challenges – and her children’s struggles with mast cell activation, thyroid symptoms, chronic fatigue, and sensory issues – led her to discover the critical role of functional nutrient deficiencies in chronic illness. Alexandra shares her research on how impaired metabolic pathways, detoxification issues, childhood nutrient depletion, environmental triggers, and poor nutrient activation can create symptoms of thyroid dysfunction even when lab tests look normal. Together, they explore the surprising connections between riboflavin, sulfation pathways, histamine intolerance, autism spectrum symptoms, mitochondrial health, and thyroid metabolism. Alexandra also discusses the emerging science behind transdermal nutrient delivery, which may offer new solutions for children and adults who can’t tolerate or absorb oral supplements. What you’ll learn in this episode: Many thyroid symptoms come from deeper metabolic issues, not just the thyroid itself. Alexandra explains how impaired detoxification (like sulfation or glucuronidation), mitochondrial dysfunction, or functional nutrient deficiencies can mimic hypothyroidism – even when lab tests appear normal. These hidden blocks may lead to fatigue, temperature swings, mood changes, and sensory symptoms in both adults and children. Functional nutrient deficiencies often don’t appear on standard blood tests. Alexandra shares how nutrients such as B2, B6, iodine, selenium, and molybdenum may be present in the bloodstream but not utilized well by cells due to poor gut function, low stomach acid, inflammation, or impaired liver pathways. This helps explain why symptoms persist despite “normal labs.” Children with autism, sensory issues, or mast cell activation may have underlying metabolic disruptions. Alexandra’s story highlights how addressing nutrient imbalances, gut health, and thyroid hormone activation can support dramatic improvements in sleep, sensory processing, allergic reactions, and social and cognitive development. Topical (transdermal) nutrients may be game-changing for kids and adults with poor gut absorption. Alexandra describes how transdermal B2, iodine, and selenium bypass gut inflammation and low stomach acid, leading to faster improvements in energy, mood, and metabolic stability – especially for children who struggle with oral supplements. Histamine intolerance, anxiety, eczema, and food reactions often have biochemical root causes. B2-dependent enzymes (like DAO), infections (like H. pylori), mold, poor detox pathways, and nutrient deficiencies can drive histamine overload. Supporting these pathways can dramatically reduce symptoms like anxiety, sensory overload, and skin symptoms. There is hope – and simple, targeted strategies can improve complex chronic symptoms. Alexandra outlines small, consistent changes parents can make to reduce overwhelm, support metabolism, and gradually rebuild health in themselves and their children. Tune in to learn more about how nutrition, biochemistry, and metabolic support can transform thyroid health for both children and adults. 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/  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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Dr. Trevor Cates – author, naturopathic doctor, and founder of The Spa Dr. skincare and supplement line – about the intimate links between hormones, skin, and hair. Together, they explore how perimenopause, thyroid dysfunction, and toxic skincare products affect women’s health inside and out. Listeners will gain insight into the role of bioidentical hormones, clean skincare, nutrient-rich foods, and targeted supplements in promoting healthy aging. Dr. Cates also shares her clinical experience with hair loss, the importance of addressing root causes, and how natural approaches can bring harmony back to the body. What you’ll learn in this episode: Perimenopause reveals hidden imbalances. Symptoms like insomnia, night sweats, palpitations, and anxiety can feel overwhelming, but they are signs of underlying root causes – like gut dysbiosis or nutritional deficiencies – that often resurface during this time of transition. Hormones and skin are deeply connected. Fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol can cause acne, premature aging, and sagging skin. Instead of masking symptoms, Dr. Cates emphasizes root-cause healing through nutrition, stress reduction, and hormone balance. Skincare toxins can disrupt hormones. Many conventional products contain endocrine disruptors that are absorbed through the skin and contribute to estrogen dominance, thyroid dysfunction, and other imbalances. Choosing clean, pH-balanced, and microbiome-friendly products is key. Hair loss isn’t just about the thyroid. While hypothyroidism is a common cause, other root triggers include low ferritin, high DHT, stress, medications, and infections. Addressing these drivers while supporting hair externally can promote regrowth and resilience. Inside-out and outside-in approaches create lasting beauty. Anti-inflammatory foods, antioxidants, collagen, and gut health practices work synergistically with topical skincare and haircare products to maintain healthy, glowing skin and strong hair. Supplements and botanicals can ease perimenopause. Formulas with Vitex (chaste tree), black cohosh, dong quai, and saw palmetto can help with brain fog, mood changes, and hair loss related to shifting hormones. 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/  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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Dr. Rajsree Nambudripad, founder of OC Integrative Medicine in Orange County, CA, who specializes in treating gut disorders through an integrative lens. Dr. Rajsree shares her personal journey with SIBO and how it inspired her to develop a comprehensive four-phase protocol addressing motility, digestion, inflammation, and microbial balance. Together, she and Dr. Wentz explore how SIBO impacts hypothyroidism, why many reflux cases stem from low stomach acid, and how to restore gut health without endless food restrictions or antibiotic cycles. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why so many thyroid patients have SIBO. Up to 50% of people with hypothyroidism test positive for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Slower gut motility, low stomach acid, and reduced bile and enzyme output make it easier for bacteria to overgrow in the small intestine – and this is why so many thyroid patients struggle with bloating, reflux, and food reactions. How SIBO mimics other gut issues. Bloating, food sensitivities, histamine intolerance, and acid reflux often stem from SIBO, but the underlying issue isn’t “too much acid” or “bad foods” – it’s misplaced bacteria in the small intestine damaging enzymes and inhibiting absorption. Dr. Rajsree’s four-step SIBO protocol. Discover the clear, phased protocol that supports motility, reduces gas and irritation, calms inflammation, and gently clears the overgrowth without overwhelming your system.  Why conventional SIBO treatments fall short. Antibiotics and low-FODMAP diets may help temporarily, but without fixing motility and healing the gut lining, symptoms almost always return. A comprehensive approach reduces relapse and supports long-term gut health. The thyroid-SIBO connection. Low T3 slows the migrating motor complex, the gut’s natural “cleaning wave.” Fine-tuning thyroid medication or even adding a small amount of T3 support can improve motility and make SIBO recovery easier and more effective. Why reflux is often caused by too little stomach acid, not too much: Many people with Hashimoto’s actually have low stomach acid levels. Acid-suppressing medications can worsen nutrient deficiencies and create the perfect conditions for SIBO. Supporting digestion with betaine HCl and enzymes often reduces bloating and reflux far more effectively than PPIs. 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/  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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Alice McDonnell, founder of the Hashimoto’s 411 community, the largest autoimmune thyroid support group, and the first to focus on the autoimmune roots of Hashimoto’s. She is also the creator of the Autoimmune 411 community and Academy.  Drawing on two decades of advocacy, Alice shares why the healing sequence matters, how to cut through today’s noisy wellness feeds, and the foundations that help any protocol work better – without the setbacks. We explore iodine, LDN, and peptides, diet frameworks without dogma, and practical stories that save patients from learning the hard way. This is a grounded reset for anyone overwhelmed by conflicting advice about autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why sequence is everything. Alice explains how jumping straight into detox (or any “advanced” protocol) without opening drainage pathways and stabilizing the nervous system can backfire – sometimes for months – while a stepwise approach creates steady progress and fewer flares. How to navigate the info-storm. Reels and algorithms don’t equate to your unique healing plan. Not all wellness hacks may be appropriate for you. Remember to use a simple lens, considering context, bio-individuality, and timing, to stop doomscrolling through internet noise, and get to your own root cause. The foundational four to make protocols “stick.” Nervous system regulation, limbic retraining, lymphatic flow, and fascia support are the base layers that help diets, supplements, and detox actually work (and get you feeling better). Iodine, LDN, and peptides pros, cons, and prerequisites. From selenium status and iodine timing, to why LDN helps some and not others, to BPC-157 observations – learn the nuances that turn “it depends” into a personal plan. Diet without dogma. The Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) Diet can be game-changing, but it isn’t the only path. Alice discusses Mediterranean, Whole30-style, low-histamine, and GAPS-inspired approaches, plus when to pause eliminations and evaluate deeper triggers like stress, infections, or mold. Real-world cautionary tales. We share stories on DIY colon cleanses, poorly timed chelation, and even “healthy” spirulina gone wrong, and how to protect yourself with education, labs, and sequence – so you don’t have to learn the hard way! 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/  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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices