56: The Thyroid, MTHFR, Gallstone, and Fatty Liver Connection With Lisa Winbourn

What do MTHFR, thyroid disease, gallbladder removal, and fatty liver all have in common? In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews nutritionist and methylation expert Lisa Windbourn, who specializes in helping women with MTHFR gene variations, liver dysfunction, and no gallbladder, feel better using methylation-focused nutrition. They explore the impact of sluggish methylation on thyroid health, detoxification, and bile flow, and how to support your body naturally even if you have complex symptoms. Lisa breaks down the role of folate (vitamin B9), how to safely choose B vitamins, and food-based strategies to help you feel energized, clear, and on the path to optimal wellness. Tune in to learn more about: What the MTHFR gene variation really means, and why it’s not a mutation: Lisa explains how this common genetic difference affects folate activation and detoxification. You’ll learn why this variation doesn’t guarantee symptoms and how stress, toxins, and lifestyle choices determine whether symptoms appear. How MTHFR relates to thyroid, liver, and gallbladder issues: This single enzyme plays a key role in hormone clearance, bile flow, and nutrient absorption. Sluggish methylation can increase the risk for Hashimoto’s, fatty liver, and digestive challenges, even in people following a clean diet. Why folic acid may be making things worse: Folic acid, the synthetic version of vitamin B9 found in many processed foods and supplements, can interfere with detox and methylation in people with MTHFR. Lisa shares how to spot it on labels and how to choose more effective forms like folate, methylfolate, or folinic acid. How to personalize your supplement approach: Not everyone does well with high-dose methylfolate. Lisa explains how your mood tendencies, such as anxiety or low energy, can guide your choices. You’ll also learn about gentler options like riboflavin, glycine, and TMG. How to support detox naturally, even without a gallbladder: Lisa offers practical tools, including salt flushes, breathwork, food-based nutrients, and bile support. These simple habits can help reduce inflammation, improve energy, and restore digestive function without intense protocols. Why balance is better than perfection: From enjoying dessert to skipping extreme wellness trends, Lisa and Izabella talk about real-life healing. They remind us that joy, flexibility, and self-awareness are just as important as supplements and lab tests. 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