67: Overcoming Thyroid Hair Loss and When to Reintroduce Gluten With Dietitian Nataliia Sanzo

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz speaks with registered dietitian Nataliia Sanzo about practical ways to calm the immune system through the gut, address common hair loss drivers in Hashimoto’s, and reintroduce foods safely after an elimination diet. They discuss the stool test markers that matter most (including intestinal permeability and H. pylori), the often-overlooked roles of blood sugar and bile flow, and how targeted nutrients can support healing. What you’ll learn: Gut health is central to autoimmunity. About 70% of the immune system lives in the gut. When the intestinal lining is irritated or “leaky,” the immune system stays on high alert, which can worsen thyroid symptoms. Nataliia shares which stool test markers matter most, such as short-chain fatty acids and signs of infections (like H. pylori), and how addressing them can help you shape your health plan. A good stool test saves guesswork. Beyond identifying infections, tests can show whether you’re making enough digestive enzymes or butyrate, and whether bile flow needs support. With that information, you can start with a focused protocol (diet and a few well-chosen supplements), see early improvements, and then transition to food-first maintenance. Food freedom is possible after elimination diets: With gut repair and nutrient repletion, Nataliia shares her step-by-step method for reintroducing foods safely and avoiding unnecessary long-term restriction. Hair loss has common, fixable drivers. Low free-T3, low ferritin (Nataliia aims for ferritin ≥70 ng/mL), zinc/selenium/B-vitamin gaps, high stress hormones, and gut infections are frequent contributors. Supporting T4-to-T3 conversion (through gut and liver care, and in some cases with T3-containing medication), replenishing iron stores, and calming inflammation can make a real difference. Blood sugar and bile flow quietly shape symptoms. Frequent spikes in blood sugar can increase inflammation and reduce T3 activation. Simple steps, such as a protein-forward plate and a 10-minute walk after meals, often help quickly. On the digestion side, healthy bile flow supports fat digestion and absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K, and helps clear hormone byproducts. Why H. pylori deserves attention: Nataliia shares why this common infection often lingers unnoticed, driving histamine symptoms, food sensitivities, and even hair loss, and the treatment options that can make a profound difference. 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