Episode 203: The Gut-Thyroid Connection: How Your Microbiome Impacts Your Metabolism

Tired of being told "your labs are normal" while you still feel terrible? This episode will transform you from a passive patient into an informed advocate who understands what comprehensive thyroid testing should include and how to interpret the results.   Dr. Eric Balcavage reveals why most doctors run incomplete thyroid panels and miss critical patterns that explain persistent symptoms. Discover the complete 9-marker thyroid panel you need, including the often-overlooked T3 Uptake that can reveal binding protein issues masquerading as hormone deficiencies.   Learn why "normal" ranges aren't the same as healthy, why chasing "optimal" numbers can backfire, and how your thyroid may be adapting to protect you rather than failing you. This isn't about becoming your own doctor - it's about becoming an informed partner in your healthcare. What You'll Learn: The complete 9-marker thyroid panel every patient should request Why Thyroid panels need to be interpreted, not manipulated into range Why "Normal" or "Optimal" lab values may not be healthy values for you. Why the lab value is not your problem, but a sign of what is going on in your body Why your thyroid adapts, not fails Patient advocacy strategies for getting proper testing and interpretation  Need help: Go to www.drericbalcavage.com for more information  #ThyroidShorts #ThyroidLabs #ThyroidTesting #CellularHypothyroidism #T3Uptake #ThyroidRatios #BindingProteins #ThyroidAdvocacy #AdaptiveThyroid #ThyroidRecovery #Hypothyroidism #ThyroidHealth #FunctionalMedicine #ThyroidHormones #ThyroidConversion #ThyroidPurgatory #HealthPodcast #DrEricBalcavage #StrategicThyroidSolution #ThyroidAnswers #PatientAdvocacy #ThyroidSupport

16 Sep 41min

In episode 206 of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, I interview Dr. Justin Marchegiani regarding his newly released book, The Thyroid Reboot. Topics covered in this episode include: Why is The Thyroid Reboot book different than others? What is driving thyroiditis and hypothyroidism? Is hypothyroidism caused by an immune system out of control or an adaptive response? The impact of stressors on driving thyroiditis and hypothyroidism Starting points for addressing hypothyroidism The role of thyroid antibodies And more... Dr. Justin Marchegiani began his medical career at the University of Massachusetts, where he was initially drawn to the surgical field. This early experience gave him a firsthand look at both the capabilities and limitations of the traditional healthcare system. While he appreciated its effectiveness in treating acute injuries and trauma, he also saw a gap in its approach to chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. After earning a degree in Kinesiology and Pre-medical studies from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Dr. Justin furthered his education at Life West University, where he received his Doctorate in Chiropractic. Now a licensed chiropractor in Texas and Kansas, his commitment to holistic health has driven him to pursue further studies in clinical nutrition, rehabilitative exercise, and functional medicine. His extensive knowledge base enables him to employ innovative techniques that are tailored to address the complex health needs of his patients. Dr. Justin is skilled in helping athletes improve their performance and recovery processes, as well as aiding individuals who struggle with persistent health issues. With a focus on holistic care, he aims to uncover and address the underlying causes of health concerns, leading to quicker recovery and enhanced overall well-being for his patients. https://justinhealth.com/

9 Sep 1h 19min

If you're taking thyroid medication but still struggling with fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain despite "perfect" lab results, this episode will change everything. Dr. Eric Balcavage reveals why millions of thyroid patients are stuck in "Thyroid Purgatory" - where labs look optimal but symptoms persist - and introduces the groundbreaking concept of cellular hypothyroidism that explains why your cells may be rejecting the thyroid hormones you're taking.   Discover why the Cell Danger Response acts like a cellular security system, blocking thyroid hormone utilization even when blood levels are perfect. Learn why increasing medication doses often makes people feel worse, not better, and understand the real solution to breaking free from thyroid treatment frustration. What You'll Learn: Why "perfect" thyroid labs don't guarantee you'll feel better The Cell Danger Response and how it blocks thyroid hormone utilization Why cellular hypothyroidism is the missing piece in thyroid treatment How chronic stressors keep your cells in protection mode Why increasing T3 or switching medications often backfires The difference between thyroid management and true thyroid recovery Which cellular stressors might be sabotaging your treatment The Strategic Thyroid Solution approach to addressing root causes Real patient stories of breaking free from Thyroid Purgatory Perfect for: Thyroid patients frustrated with persistent symptoms despite treatment, those considering medication changes, anyone struggling with both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid symptoms, and healthcare practitioners seeking a deeper understanding of thyroid hormone resistance. Resources Mentioned: Free Thyroid Assessment: drericbalcavage.com Thyroid Recovery Blueprint Hashtags: #ThyroidShorts #CellularHypothyroidism #ThyroidRecovery #ThyroidPurgatory #CellDangerResponse #ThyroidMedication #Hypothyroidism #ThyroidHealth #FunctionalMedicine #ThyroidHormones #T3Resistance #ThyroidTreatment #ChronicFatigue #BrainFog #ThyroidSymptoms #HealthPodcast #DrEricBalcavage #StrategicThyroidSolution #ThyroidAnswers #ThyroidSupport   Contact info: www.drericbalcavage.com Emaill: info@drericbalcavage.com IG: drericbalcavage

2 Sep 48min

In episode 205 of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, Dr. Kelly Halderman returns to discuss Thyroid labs and what your doctor might be missing. In this episode, we cover: Why TSH run by itself can be a misleading test Why both total and free hormones should be run, but often aren't Understanding T3 Uptake Reverse T3: what it is and why it is improtant Thyroid antibodies: the reality behind their presence And more... If you struggle with chronic hypothyroid symptoms despite what you have been told is appropriate or "optimized" Thyroid Hormone Replacement, you must listen to this episode. The answers will help you understand why you are stuck in Thyroid Purgatory. Need your personal questions answered? Schedule a Complimentary Discovery call at: https://l.bttr.to/LGjGk Is there a topic you would like covered on the Thyroid Answers Podcast? Send your topic request to info@drericbalcavage.com. website: www.drericbalcavage.com

26 Aug 1h 41min

In this episode, Dr. Eric Balcavage discusses the recent announcement by the FDA to remove dessicated thyroid extracts from the market.   Key Topics Covered: Why this may not be a bad thing. Alternatives to DTE  Why DTE prescriptions can be a slippery slope. Why DTE prescriptions may keep you stuck in thyroid purgatory Why DTE prescription may be contributing to your hypo and hyperthyroid symptoms. And more...

19 Aug 26min

Join Dr. Eric Balcavage as he explores the critical relationship between gut health and thyroid function with registered dietitian and microbiome expert Kara Siedman. This episode dives deep into how your microbiome - the collection of bacteria, fungi, and viruses living in your gut - directly impacts thyroid physiology and overall health.   Kara breaks down the complex science into actionable insights, explaining how gut dysbiosis can trigger thyroid dysfunction through inflammatory pathways, intestinal permeability, and disrupted hormone conversion. You'll discover why digestive symptoms aren't always present even when gut dysfunction is driving thyroid issues, and learn practical strategies for supporting your microbiome through diet, lifestyle, and targeted interventions.   Key topics include: The role of short-chain fatty acids, The truth about probiotic supplementation How to evaluate microbiome health The connection between GLP-1 production and metabolic function. Whether you're dealing with Hashimoto's, hypothyroidism, or other chronic conditions, this episode provides the foundational knowledge you need to understand why gut health is often the missing piece in thyroid recovery. Kara Siedman, RDN, CDCES is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist with over 15 years of clinical experience in inpatient care, outpatient program development, and integrative/functional nutrition. She earned her degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and completed her dietetic internship at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Kara’s work in a leading gastroenterology practice sparked her transition into functional nutrition, where she integrated root-cause approaches into GI care and became a mentor and key opinion leader in the field. Her passion for the gut microbiome evolved into a professional specialty, leading her to collaborate with biotech and microbiome-focused companies like Pendulum, Microbiome Labs, and now Resbiotic. As Director of Partnerships at resbiotic, Kara educates healthcare providers on microbiome science and the clinical application of targeted microbiome therapies. Known for her ability to simplify complex research, she brings clarity, credibility, and passion to gut health education. https://resbiotic.com/

12 Aug 1h 32min

In this episode, Dr. Eric Balcavage responds to a thoughtful viewer comment that challenges key aspects of his adaptive thyroid physiology model and Cell Danger Response theory. This deep-dive discussion addresses whether his approach applies to every hypothyroidism case, clarifies the 71% improvement statistic, and explores the role of T3 therapy in thyroid treatment.   Key Topics Covered: Does the Cell Danger Response theory apply to all hypothyroidism cases? Clarification of the 71% patient improvement statistic - what it really means Historical use of NDT (Natural Desiccated Thyroid) and treatment evolution Post-Graves disease thyroid management and receptor sensitivity Why T3 therapy works for some patients but doesn't restore physiology The difference between symptom management and true thyroid restoration When to consider alternative approaches for treatment-resistant cases Dr. Balcavage provides nuanced responses while acknowledging the limitations of current thyroid models, emphasizing that his approach offers hope for patients who haven't found success with conventional T4, NDT, or T3 protocols.   Perfect for: Thyroid patients stuck in "thyroid purgatory," healthcare practitioners seeking new perspectives, and anyone interested in understanding why standard thyroid treatments sometimes fail.

5 Aug 38min