Struggling with thyroid belly that won't budge despite being told your TSH is "normal" or "optimized"? Dr. Eric Balcavage reveals why 70% of people on thyroid medication were put on it inappropriately and why T3 medication often makes things worse. Discover the difference between homeostasis vs. allostasis and why your cells aren't broken—they're adapting. Key Topics Covered: Why thyroid optimization fails vs. true thyroid recovery The cell danger response and allostatic regulation Why more T4/T...
Jul 01, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Episode Summary Join Dr. Eric Balcavage and Dr. Kelly Halderman for this milestone 200th episode of Thyroid Answers! This comprehensive discussion covers the evolution of thyroid care, key lessons learned from treating hundreds of patients, and the future of thyroid recovery. Dr. Eric shares his 70% patient recovery rate and explains why the shift from management to recovery is revolutionizing thyroid care. Key Topics & Timestamps 🎉 Opening Celebration & Reflection (0:00-10:00) Celebrat...
Jun 24, 2025•1 hr 37 min•Season 9Ep. 200
Discover why the GUT Zoomer 3.0 is revolutionizing functional medicine GI testing! Dr. Eric Balcavage interviews Adair Anderson, RD from Vibrant Labs, for an in-depth analysis of this comprehensive stool test that goes far beyond basic bacterial balance. Key Topics Covered: ✅ GUT Zoomer vs Traditional Testing: Why gastroenterologist tests miss root causes ✅ Advanced Testing Technology: RT-PCR, biofilm disruption, and LC-MS/MS methodology ✅ Complete Gut Assessment: Commensals, pathogens, metaboli...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Season 9Ep. 199
In episode 198 of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, I discuss the Vitamin D Deficiency Myth with the co-hosts of the Normal Curves Podcast. In this episode we cover: Is vitamin D deficiency really as widespread as people think? How did the idea of a vitamin D deficiency epidemic get started? Who was behind raising the thresholds, and why did it gain such widespread support? Why are so many studies on vitamin D and health flawed or misleading? Where do things stand now? What do the latest guidelines s...
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Season 9Ep. 198
In Episode 7 of the Thyroid Answers Shorts hypothyroidism podcast, Dr. Eric covers the Thyroid Hormone - GLP-1 Trap. Are you struggling with weight gain, blood sugar issues, severe constipation, and crushing fatigue despite having "optimized" thyroid labs? You might be caught in the GLP-1 trap. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Eric Balcavage reveals the dangerous cascade that occurs when we override the body's protective mechanisms with thyroid medications and GLP-1 drugs. What You'll Learn: How...
Jun 03, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In episode 197 of the Thyroid Answers podcast, I discuss GLP-1 with Jeff Thurston. In this episode, we discuss: Where GLP-1 is made in the body What GLP-1 does in the body. The role of GI bacteria in GLP-1 production. The role of diet in GLP-1 production. The role of lifestyle on gut flora balance and GLP-1 production. The role of probiotics Strategies for improving gut bacteria and natural GLP-1 production And more... Jeff is the co-owner of Master Supplements and US Enzymes. He has a degree in...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Season 9Ep. 197
Topics covered in this episode: What is the pelvic floor? Why toilet posture is at the root of pelvic floor dysfunction. The guarding reflex, bladder and bowel dysfunction. Why real or perceived stress impacts your bowel and bladder dysfunction. How big a problem is pelvic floor dysfunction? And more ... Dr. Fleischmann is board certified in urology and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. She received her medical degree from the State University of New York Downstate Health Scienc...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 9Ep. 196
In episode 6 of Thyroid Shorts, I cover the connections between mental health and thyroid physiology. Topics covered in this episode include: Your state determines how your thyroid hormone works The reasons your thyroid and mental health are inseparable The stress-thyroid loop Action steps to improve mental and thyroid health If you want access to my free Emotional Fitness Assessment, DM "Emotion" to my Instagram account, @drericbalcavage, and I will send it to you. website: https://drericbalcav...
May 06, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, I talk with health advocate Sara Banta. We discuss her health crisis and the lessons she learned as she navigated her recovery. Topics covered in this episode include: Why well-intentioned medication and supplement strategies often go wrong. How the state of your physiology determines the outcome. Why your cell and thyroid physiology change based on your state. Why lab "optimization" strategies can be problematic. The power of mindset. And more ......
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Season 9Ep. 195
In episode 194 of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, DR. Kelly Halderman is back to discuss the Foundational Five Fitness factors that must be addressed to improve your thyroid physiology and health. If you don't have a good foundation, all the medication and supplement strategies may provide temporary benefits, but will not offer long-term thyroid recovery and health. Dr. Kelly Halderman has a background in functional medicine, earning her medical doctorate (MD) in 2007 & completing a family prac...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Season 9Ep. 194
In episode 193 of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, I discuss The Madness of Menopause with Dr. Carrie Jones. Topics covered in this episode: What is Menopause What causes the symptoms associated with menopause Common misconceptions about menopause and HRT Normal vs common symptoms What is considered low estrogen in menopause Estrogen, Thyroid, and menopause connection And more ... Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH, MSCP is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, author, podcaster, and educator...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Season 9Ep. 193
In episode 5 of Thyroid Shorts, I discuss why your "normal" thyroid labs may not tell the full story of how you feel. In this episode, I discuss: The problem with limiting a thyroid panel to a TSH and fT4 Why a TSH value may be misleading. What fT4 doesn't tell you or your doctor. Why labs must be interpreted and not read. All the things that must be considered when interpreting labs. What you can start doing today to start taking control of your thyroid health. If you would like my Thyroid Heal...
Apr 01, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In episode 192 of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, I discuss perimenopause with Jenn Pike. Topics covered in this episode include: What is perimenopause? Common symptoms of perimenopause. Perimenopause: normal transition or dysfunction. How excessive stress impacts hormone regulation. Understanding the Perimenopausal Paradox. And more ... Jenn Pike is a Medical Exercise Specialist and Functionally Integrative Diagnostic Nutritionist specializing in women's health and hormones. She is the best-sellin...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Season 9Ep. 192
In episode 191 of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, I discuss weight loss and GLP1 medications with Orshi Mc Naughton. Topics covered in the podcast include: The role of thyroid hormone in homeostasis vs allostasis. GLP1, what it is, and what it does. Gut health and GLP1. Thyroid hormone and GLP1. Factors that impact GLP1 production. Pros and cons of GLP1 medications Critical strategies for those using GLP1 medications And more ... Host of The Optimized Women Podcast, Orshi McNaughton, is a Board Cer...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Season 9Ep. 191
In Episode 190 of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, I have a discussion with holistic dentist Dr. Michelle Jorgensen. In this episode, we discuss: - The role of oral health in immune, thyroid, and overall health How heavy metals cause health problems How important is fluoride for oral health Flouride toothpaste alternatives Oral bacteria, infections, and autoimmunity And More ... Dr. Michelle Jorgensen, DDS, FAGD, TNC, CNAS, is an internationally recognized author, speaker, and pioneer in holistic de...
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Season 9Ep. 190
In episode 189 of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, Reed Davis is back to discuss how stress impacts your physiology and thyroid regulation. In this episode, we cover: The patient's frustration when their diagnosis is treated vs what caused the diagnosis. The difference between allopathic and functional medicine treatment strategies. Why supplementation is a tool in recovery, but not THE tool. Why your operating mode determines your treatment outcome. And More... Reed Davis, Double-Board Certified Ho...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Season 9Ep. 189
In episode 188 of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, I have a discussion with Dr. Sarah Ballantyne. Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, PhD is the founder of Nutrivore and New York Times best-selling author of Nutrivore: The Radical New Science for Getting the Nutrients You Need from the Food You Eat. Topics covered in this podcast: Her shift from the Paleo Diet to a Nutrivore Diet The concepts behind the Nutrivore Diet How food fear contributes to chronic health issues The Nutrivore foundational foods Why any food...
Feb 18, 2025•49 min•Season 9Ep. 188
In episode 187 of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, I have a discussion with Perinatal Athletic Therapist, Janette Yee. We have a conversation regarding the most significant endurance sport, pregnancy. We why we need to treat pregnancy and delivery like the endurance sport it is and discuss why every woman needs a rehab and recovery program. Topics covered in this podcast: The injuries we call pregnancy and delivery Why every woman who goes through a pregnancy and delivery should go through a rehab/r...
Feb 11, 2025•56 min•Season 9Ep. 187
In episode 4 of Thyroid Shorts, The Thyroid Management Trap: Stuck in Thyroid Purgatory, I discuss the following: What is Thyroid Purgatory? Why so many people don't feel well despite their labs being in normal range or optimized with their thyroid hormone replacement strategy. Why Thyroid Purgatory occurs with most thyroid management strategies? A different strategy to prevent Thyroid Purgatory and promote Thyroid Recovery. If you feel you are stuck in Thyroid Purgatory you can use the link bel...
Feb 04, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In episode 186, I discuss air quality with air quality expert and founder of Jaspr, Mike Feldstein. In this episode, we discuss: The number one sign of poor indoor air quality/filtration. The problematic substances in your home's air that can impact health. What are VOCs? What does PM2.5 mean? Why we all need air filtration to support health. Practical tips to improve air quality. And more... Mike Feldstein is the founder of Jaspr and an air quality expert. With a background in wildfire restorat...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 9Ep. 186
In episode 185 of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, I discuss the relationship between the liver, gallbladder, Gut health, and thyroid physiology with functional nutritionist Divya Gupta. In this episode, we discuss: Thyroid hormone impact on liver and bile production. Could gallbladder dysfunction be a sign of hidden hypothyroidism? The role of bile in the GI tract. Bile influence on thyroid physiology. Clues that you might have a bile and gallbladder problem. And more... Divya Gupta is a functional...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Season 9Ep. 185
In Episode 184 of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, I have a conversation with Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner Sophie Shepard. In this episode, we discuss: Stressors or Hypothyroidism; which comes first? Thyroid Recovery vs Thyroid Management. The role our thoughts have in thyroid illness and recovery. Tools for improving emotional fitness and thyroid physiology. And more... Sophie Shepherd is the founder of SHE Talks Health & the creator of the SHE Talks Health Podcast. Sophie is a ...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Season 9Ep. 184
In episode 183 of the Thyroid Answers Podcast I have a discussion with Melanie Murphy Richter, about plant-based diets, longevity, and thyroid physiology. Topics covered in this podcast include: The biggest challenges with the American diet and nutrition. Melanie's definition of a healthy diet. The pros and cons of a plant-based diet. The differences between the plant-based diets. How much protein does someone need? And more... Melanie Murphy Richter, MS, RDN is a dynamic Registered Dietitian Nu...
Dec 24, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 8Ep. 183
In episode 182 of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, I discuss the significance of glutathione with Dr. Nayan Patel. Topics covered in this podcast: What is Glutathione? Where is glutathione found in the body and what is it's role? What causes a possible need for supplemental glutathione? Symptoms that might indicate a need for glutathione support. Lab indicators of a possible need for glutathione support. Dietary strategies for improving glutathione levels. Glutathione supplements; what you need to k...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 8Ep. 182
In episode 181 of the Thyroid Answers Podcast I have an conversation with Nurse Practitioner Tara Quintana on strategies for thyroid recovery. In this episode we discuss: Tara's amazing thyroid story. Why optimizing blood levels with hormone replacement is often not the answer for thyroid recovery. Why common protocols do not often work as hoped. Strategies for creating a healing mindset. Tara's Hashimoto's Recovery Blueprint And more... Tara Quintana is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practition...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Season 8Ep. 181
In episode 3 of Thyroid Answers Shorts, I discuss the common question of whether someone can recover from hypothyroidism. In this episode, I cover: Whether thyroid recovery is possible. What thyroid recovery means. What needs to be considered if thyroid recovery is your goal. If you enjoy these Thyroid Shorts episodes, please provide some feedback. You can also send me topics you would like covered in future episodes. www.rejuvagencenter.com...
Dec 03, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In episode 180 of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, I discuss the nutritional benefits of Organs with Chef James Barry. Topics discussed in this episode: What caused the decline of organ meats in the American diet? The benefit of eating more organ meats. Are organs full of toxins? The benefit of micro vs macro dosing. Strategies for getting more organs into their diet. And more... James Barry’s 16+ years in the culinary field started as a private chef cooking for celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Maris...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Season 8Ep. 180
In episode 179 of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, I discuss thyroid cancer with Louise Davies, MD. Topics covered in this episode include: The types of thyroid cancer. Is thyroid cancer on the rise? Thyroid nodules identified and the next steps. Why suppressing TSH with T4 medication is a strategy to prevent thyroid cancer from returning. Could inappropriate use of thyroid medication be harmful? Typical treatment strategies for thyroid cancer. And more... Louise Davies is Professor of Surgery - Oto...
Nov 19, 2024•53 min•Season 8Ep. 179
In episode 178 of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, I discuss the Origin of Being with Jenny Powers, PhD. We discuss some things that have resulted in chronic illness, including thyroid disorders. Topics discussed in this episode include: What drives chronic illness today. How our diets and lifestyles are changing faster than we can evolve to them. How our sleep behaviors compromise our health. The mismatch between the food we eat today and how our bodies evolved. The evolutionary-driven nutrition ru...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Season 8Ep. 178
In episode 2 of Thyroid Answers Shorts, I cover Thyroid Medication and Timing your Lab draws. There is a lot of confusion regarding whether you should or shouldn't take your thyroid medication before your thyroid labs are drawn. This podcast covers my general rules regarding thyroid medication and lab timing. So, whether you are taking T4, a glandular product, or T3 only, you will have a strategy to follow.
Nov 05, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 2
