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Thyroid Answers Podcast

Thyroid Answers podcast is focused on providing answers to the most common questions people who have a thyroid problems and thyroid symptoms need and want answers to. The podcast is hosted by Dr. Eric Balcavage. Dr. Balcavage is a doctor of functional medicine, chiropractor, and certified nutrition specialist. His practice focuses on helping people with thyroid conditions improve their symptoms and regain their health using functional medicine.
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Now displaying: September, 2019
Sep 23, 2019

In this episode Dr Eric and Dr Erica discuss some of the general topics regarding thyroid physiology and autoimmunity.

Topics covered in this episode include:

  • What predisposes a person to autoimmunity
  • What triggers immune attack on the thyroid gland
  • What is molecular mimicry
  • What's the difference between Graves and Hashimoto's
  • Functional vs Allopathic medicine approaches to thyroid autoimmunity
  • What is Thyroiditis
  • Nodules vs Goiter, what's the difference
  • What steps to take to support autoimmunity
Sep 17, 2019

In this episode the Thyroid Answers team addresses some of the basic things you need to know and understand if you think you have a hypothyroid condition or have been diagnosed with a hypothyroid condition.

Topics discussed:

  • Common symptoms of hypothyroidism
  • What constitutes a comprehensive thyroid panel
  • How to identify if you have a thyroid condition
  • Glandular vs Cellular hypothyroidism
  • What you can do before consulting a doctor
Sep 12, 2019

Drs. Eric Balcavage and Erica Riggleman discuss hormone cycles and fertility with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack.

This interview is loaded with amazing information on how to improve your hormone cycles and optimize your fertility. Topics include:

  • What is a vital sign? And why would should we consider the menstrual cycle a vital sign?
  • What does a normal, healthy menstrual cycle look like?
  • What are the most common health conditions that disrupt the menstrual cycle?
  • Why is regular ovulation important for optimal health (even when you’re not actively trying to conceive)?
  • What hormonal contraceptives do to the body. What makes them so effective in preventing pregnancy?
  • What are the most common side effects associated with hormonal contraceptives?
  • and more ....

Lisa Hendrickson-Jack is a certified Fertility Awareness Educator and Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner who teaches women to chart their menstrual cycles for natural birth control, conception, and monitoring overall health. In her new book The Fifth Vital Sign,
Lisa debunks the myth that regular ovulation is only important when you want children by recognizing the menstrual cycle as a vital sign. Drawing heavily from the current scientific
literature, Lisa presents an evidence-based approach to fertility awareness and menstrual cycle optimization. She hosts the Fertility Friday Podcast, a weekly radio show devoted to helping women connect to their fifth vital sign by uncovering the connection between menstrual cycle health, fertility, and overall health.

Facebook: Facebook.com/FertilityFridays
Instagram: @FertilityFriday
Twitter: @FertileFriday
Pinterest: FertilityFriday
Skype: FertilityFriday

https://vimeo.com/356246656

Sep 12, 2019

Drs. Eric Balcavage and Erica Riggleman discuss Hormones and Hypothyroidism with Dr Meaghan Kirschling..

This interview is loaded with amazing information on the connection between Hypothyroidism and hormones like estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, and cortisol. Topics include:

  • Hormone deficiency vs adaptation
  • Nervous system-Immune system-Endocrine system axis
  • What causes hormone imbalances
  • Insulin and hormone disruption
  • How to test hormones
  • Why hormone therapy can make you feel worse
  • Discussion on the Women's Health Initiative
  • More ...

Dr. Meaghan Kirschling has a passion for education and integrative health!  She has both an allopathic and alternative medical background, receiving a Doctor of Chiropractic from Northwestern Health Sciences University, a B.S. in Nursing and Exercise Science from Valparaiso University, a Masters in Nutrition from the University of Connecticut Bridgeport, and two Masters of Nursing: one in Women's Health from the University of Cincinnati and the other in family practice from George Washington University.

Her background in healthcare includes;

  • Organ Transplant Nurse
  • Worked as a civilian with the Army overseas as a chiropractor
  •  Faculty member at the University of Maryland where she teaches health science classes
  • Working in various functional medicine hospitals.  Currently owns a holistic practice in the Twin Cities of Minnesota
  • Runs a blog and podcast at BeyondTheBasicsHealthAcademy.com

Social media:

Website to clinic: Oneagorahealth.com

Facebook and instagram: OneAgoraHealth

https://vimeo.com/353573449

Sep 12, 2019

Drs. Eric Balcavage and Erica Riggleman discuss Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's, and the Autoimmune Protocol with Mickey Trescott.

This interview is loaded with amazing information that every person who is struggling with hypothyroid symptoms needs to listen. Topics include:

  • What is the Autoimmune Protocol
  • Beyond food on the Autoimmune Protocol
  • The biggest challenges for those on the AIP
  • The biggest misunderstandings about AIP
  • The two phases of the AIP
  • The three phases of AIP
  • Three tips for those starting the AIP
  • More ...

Mickey Trescott, NTP prides herself in finding creative solutions to preparing, cooking, and succeeding on allergen-free diets. She is a certified nutritional therapy practitioner and author of the best-selling guide to the Autoimmune Protocol, The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook. With her partner Angie Alt, she co-authored The Autoimmune Wellness Handbook, an award-winning guide that teaches a whole-lifestyle approach to healing from autoimmune disease. Her newest release, The Nutrient-Dense Kitchen focuses on nutrient density, an often overlooked aspect to deep healing with food.

https://vimeo.com/348358408

Sep 12, 2019

Drs. Eric Balcavage and Erica Riggleman discuss Parent Essential Oils, oxidative stress and Hypothyroidism with Dr. Brian Peskin.

This interview is loaded with amazing information that every person who is struggling with hypothyroid symptoms needs to listen. Topics include:

  • How the food we eat is triggering our poor health, inflammation and autoimmunity
  • Processed oils and inflammation
  • How processed foods cause Cellular stress and autoimmunity
  • Omega 6 vs Omega 3 fatty acids
  • The problems with fish oil supplements
  • Adulterated vs Unadulterated fats
  • Cell membrane health and hypothyroidism
  • More ....

https://vimeo.com/342971338

Sep 12, 2019

Drs. Eric Balcavage and Erica Riggleman discuss the Autoimmune Protocol and Hypothyroidism with Dr. Sarah Ballantyne PHD.

This interview is loaded with amazing information that every person who is struggling with hypothyroid symptoms and considering the AI protocol needs to hear. Topics include:

What is the Autoimmune Protocol
Autoimmune vs Paleo Diet
Factors causing Cellular stress and autoimmunity
How long should someone be on the autoimmune protocol
How and when to reintroduce foods
Diet vs toolbox
More ....

Award-winning public speaker, New York Times bestselling author and world-renowned health expert, Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, PhD (aka The Paleo Mom) believes the key to reversing the current epidemics of chronic disease is scientific literacy. She creates educational resources to help people regain their health through diet and lifestyle choices informed by the most current evidenced-based scientific research.

https://vimeo.com/340207703

Sep 3, 2019

Drs. Eric Balcavage and Erica Riggleman discuss hormones and Hypothyroidism with Dr. Jolene Brighten.

This interview is loaded with amazing information that every woman needs to hear. Topics include:

  • Post Birth Control Syndrome
  • Impact of Birth Control on thyroid physiology
  • Impact of Birth Control on overall health
  • Long term consequences of birth control
  • Estrogen and thyroid physiology connection
  • Birth control and weight gain
  • Birth control, hashimoto's and autoimmunity
  • Birth control and GI function
  • Hormones and acne
  • More ....

Dr. Jolene Brighten is a Functional Naturopathic Medical Doctor and nutritional biochemist with a focus in women’s endocrine health. She is recognized as a leading expert in Post-Birth Control Syndrome and the long-term side effects associated with hormonal contraceptives.

Dr. Brighten is the author of Beyond the Pill, a 30 day plan to support women on birth control, help them transition off, and eliminate symptoms of post-birth control syndrome. She is a speaker,
women’s health advocate and a medical advisor for one of the first data-driven apps to offer women personalized birth control recommendations.

https://vimeo.com/336124356

Sep 3, 2019

Drs. Eric Balcavage and Erica Riggleman discuss what is driving Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism with Dr. Lacey Chittle. .

Dr Chittle explains her transition from physical therapist to functional medicine and her personal struggles with chronic hypothyroid symptoms, cellular hypothyroidism, and hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Topics covered in this podcast include:

  • The true root cause of your thyroid disease, understanding the 3 triggers for autoimmunity
  • Triggers of hypothyroidism and autoimmunity including: genetic predisposition, leaky gut, stressful life event, hormonal shift, bacterial/viral/fungal, environmental toxins and foods.
  • Food sensitivities how to address and heal as many as is possible.
  • Answer the questions regarding 100% adherence to elimination diets
  • Antigen clearance, how long does it take ? 6wks to 6months?
  • Do I have to be gluten, dairy, soy, corn free forever?
  • The AIP diet, is it the best diet and is it forever or for a period of time?
  • Environmental toxins in water, air, self care products and what action steps can be taken to clean these things up.
  • Metabolic dysregulation commonly seen in thyroid disease.

Dr. Lacey Chittle is a Functional Medicine practitioner who specializes in "tough/mystery" cases, when the other specialists have thrown up their hands and don't know what the cause of the symptoms are, they come to her.

The most common patient symptoms she sees includes fatigue, pain, digestive issues and autoimmune diseases, however some seek her guidance after they haven’t been feeling like themselves for the last few years and want to return to optimum functioning. She consults with individuals worldwide guided them to reclaim their health utilizing a root cause approach.

Before becoming a Functional Medicine Practitioner, Dr. Lacey Chittle was a physical therapist specializing pediatric pain and genetic syndromes, and prior that she was a personal fitness trainer.

She is a lifelong athlete and all around type A lady who was incapacitated by mysterious illness. At the height of her illness she lost partial vision,  had impairments in kidney function, and inflammation of the heart, as well as symptoms of chronic pain, debilitating fatigue, dysautonomia, and digestive disorders before healing herself through Functional Medicine.

Dr. Lacey Chittle feels she was divinely lead to this work. It is both her passion and honor to help others reclaim vibrant health so they may live their best lives.

https://vimeo.com/333312641

Sep 3, 2019

Drs. Eric Balcavage and Erica Riggleman discuss hypothyroidism with Dr Kirsty Washam, "the fed-up pharmacist".

Dr Kirsty explains how she went from traditional pharmacist to the 'fed-up pharmacist". She discusses her personal struggles with chronic hypothyroid symptoms, cellular hypothyroidism, and hashimoto's thyroiditis.

The doctors discuss:

  • The disconnect in allopathic medicine
  • The challenges patients struggle with in allopathic medicine
  • The wack-a-mole medicine model
  • Medications that can hide or cause hypothyroidism
  • Nutrient depletion disorders caused by prescriptions
  • and more .....

Dr. Kirsty Washam is a pharmacist who is passionate about helping people find their illness’s root cause and heal through lifestyle modifications.

Through her own struggles with an autoimmune thyroid condition known as Hashimoto’s, she discovered the power of nutrition, movement and stress reduction. The dramatic improvement she experienced has her convinced that food holds a sacred place in the healing process and she gladly  shares this information with others as a Whole30 Certified Coach.

https://vimeo.com/331049113

Sep 3, 2019

Drs. Eric Balcavage and Erica Riggleman discuss Epstein-Barr Virus and hypothyroidism with Dr Kasia Kines.

The Epstein-Barr virus is a potential trigger of cellular hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, and Primary hypothyroidsim. The doctors discuss:

  • The link between EBV and hypothyroidism
  • The common symptoms of EBV
  • How EBV presentations
  • The difference between acute and chronic EBV- what should we watch for
  • If you can reverse engineer chronic EBV
  • The biggest triggers that can keep you trapped with EBV and what do we need to avoid?

Dr. Kasia Kines is a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, the CEO of Holistic Nutrition Naturally and EBV Educational Institute. She is a Board-Certified Nutrition Specialist, Certified Nutritionist licensed by the Washington State, with two Master’s degrees, including a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from the prestigious Bastyr University. She is the author of the Amazon best-seller The Epstein-Barr Virus Solution. She also certifies practitioners in EBV Clinician Training Program.

Dr. Kines has been in clinical practice since 2005, providing individualized support to nearly 2,000 clients with complicated health issues, especially gastrointestinal and autoimmune, with EBV being the main focus in the last few years. Her virtual practice serves clients nationally and globally. Dr. Kines lives in Seattle with her family.

https://vimeo.com/328043830

Sep 3, 2019

Drs. Eric Balcavage and Erica Riggleman discuss the MTHFR Crash Course with the creators Dr Joel Rosen and Dr John Thomas. The MTHFR Crash Course is a 6 week life course on the MTHFR gene polymorphism and some of the more important gene polymorphisms that are rarely discussed but likely more important and relevant than some of the "sexier" polymorphisms often discussed.

Topics in the discussion:

  • What are gene polymorphisms
  • Genetics vs epigenetics
  • A description of which genes will be covered in the course
  • How the course will help you understand your genes, genes snps and how to address them

If you are struggling with chronic hypothyroid symptoms and are looking for a resource on how gentics and epigenetics may play into your health challenges and how to use genetic reports to improve your health.

You can register for the course at:

MTHFR Crash Course

https://vimeo.com/326957395

Sep 3, 2019

Drs. Eric Balcavage and Erica Riggleman discuss hypothyroidism with the founders of Thyroid Refresh. Thyroid Refresh is one of the best resources of patient information regarding thyroid physiology. The founders of Thyroid Refresh are both people who have their own hypothyroid and hashimoto's struggles.

In an effort to help themselves, they wound up building a platform to help themselves and others. This platform can be an amazing resource for those struggling with chronic hypothyroid symptoms with or without thyroid medications.

Topics in the discussion:

  • Their history and struggle
  • Thyroid Refresh - what it is, what it provides and how to get involved
  • Thyroid 30 - Thyroid Refreshes unique 30 day program for improving your health, habits and function
  • Key principles of the Thyroid 30 program
  • Biggest challenges their followers experience in the medical model
  • How to transition your diet to reduce hypothyroid symptoms

If you are struggling with chronic hypothyroid symptoms and are looking for a resource for diet and meal planning help, if you are looking for a community of like minded people, please checkout Thyroid Refresh and the Thyroid 30 program.

https://vimeo.com/323246387

Sep 3, 2019

In this episode of Thyroid Answers Podcast Dr Eric Balcavage and Dr Erica Riggleman interview Dr Tara Scott. The doctors take another dive into the connection between hypothyroidism and hormone imbalances.

The doctors cover a broad range of topics including:

  • Biggest challenges of the medical model
  • Why hypothyroid patients struggle in the medical model
  • Evaluation of thyroid physiology
  • Impact estrogen and estrogen imbalances on thyroid physiology
  • Pros and cons of Bio-identical Hormones
  • Relationship between cortisol and thyroid physiology
  • Best way to evaluate hormones: blood, urine, saliva

TARA D. SCOTT, MD, FACOG, FAAFM, ABOIM, CNMP
Fellow of American College of OB/GYN; Advanced Fellow and certified in Anti-aging, Regenerative, and Functional Medicine; Board Certified, American Board of Integrative Medicine, Certified Menopause Practitioner through the North American Menopause Society; Clinical Associate Professor of OB/GYN at Northeast Ohio Medical University; Chief Medical Officer, Revitalize Medical Group, Medical Director of Integrative Medicine at Summa Health Systems.

Dr. Tara Scott graduated from Northeast Ohio University College of Medicine and completed her residency with Summa Health Systems at Akron City Hospital in Ohio. She recently "retired" from OB/GYN after almost 20 years to focus on functional and integrative medicine. . She is an Associate Clinical Professor at Northeast Ohio Medical University, where she teaches OB/GYN  residents.

Dr. Scott is a certified menopause practitioner with the North American Menopause Society and a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She first became involved with hormone and integrative medicine while practicing as an OB/GYN. Her empathy for patients experiencing hormone-related issues led her to become trained as an advanced fellow and certified by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. The evidence-based practices she employed helped many patients conquer chronic wellness issues.  She then started Revitalize Medical Group, where she serves as the Chief Medical Officer. In 2016 she obtained an additional board certification in Integrative Medicine.  Dr. Scott is passionate about educating the medical community on the advances in evidence-based hormone therapy. She lectures around the community to raise awareness about wellness and hormone balance. She recently got appointed as Medical Director for Summa Health in Akron, OH where she will develop and run and Integrative Medicine program.

https://vimeo.com/320744578

Sep 3, 2019

In this episode of Thyroid Answers Podcast Dr Eric Balcavage and Dr Erica Riggleman interview Dietician Tina Christoudias Spyrou. Tina is known as the Thyroid Dietician.

Tina Christoudias Spyrou is a Harvard-trained functional registered dietitian who through her own struggles with Hashimoto's has learned to incorporate more holistic lifestyle and nutrition practices for her patients. She is an Autoimmune Paleo Certified Coach, a functional medicine practitioner in training, an avid speaker on health and disease within her community with international podcast and local television appearances, and a passionate advocate for thyroid patients. She is the creator and host of the Thyroid Healing Summit, which will take place in Cyprus, 2020. Tina is the author of the book, "Tired of Feeling Tired?" which is a book that helps patients to understand how nutrition can play a significant role in improving hypothyroid symptoms. Through consulting, writing, speaking, and workshops, her hope is that she will be able to inspire and enable as many as possible to take their health into their own hands and be an advocate for themselves in their health journey.

In this episode of Thyroid Answers the topics covered include:

  • The problems with current conventional advice on nutrition
  • The problems with conventional dietary recommendations for people with hypothyroidism
  • The best nutritional advice for those dealing with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, and chronic hypothyroid symptoms
  • The link between diet and hypothyroidism and hashimoto's
  • The most common nutrient deficiencies seen in Hashimoto's patients and how do you address them
  • The AIP diet
  • And much more ...

If you have hypothyroidism, chronic hypothyroid symptoms, Hashimoto's, have question about diet and nutrition for hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's you need to listen to this episode of Podcast!

https://vimeo.com/317489899

Sep 3, 2019

In this episode of Thyroid Answers Podcast Dr Eric Balcavage and Dr Erica Riggleman discuss reverse T3. In this podcast the doctors discuss:

What is reverse T3 (rT3)?
Why is reverse T3 not typically run in allopathic medicine?
Whether rT3 blocks T3 receptors?
Lowering rT3 with T3 hormone support, does it make sense?
What causes elevated rT3?
What you need to do to naturally lower reverse T3
And much more ...
If you have hypothyroidism, chronic hypothyroid symptoms, if your rT3 is elevated, if you are taking thyroid hormones but still have hypothyroid symptoms you need to listen to this episode of Podcast!

https://vimeo.com/316111208

Sep 3, 2019

In this episode of Thyroid Answers Podcast Dr Eric Balcavage and Dr Erica Riggleman discuss how breast implants can be a source of chronic illness, chronic symptoms, hypothyroid symptoms and autoimmunity. In this podcast the doctors discuss:

What is Breast Implant Illness (BII)
Common signs and symptoms of BII
Types of breast implants
How breast implants may create chronic illness
The link between breast implants and chronic health problems and autoimmunity
Things to consider if you have breast implants and chronic illness, hypothyroidism, and autoimmunity
Dr. Kayte Susse D.C. is a functional and preventative medicine expert who works with patients to optimize their health and feel their absolute best. She has extensive background in both allopathic and natural medicine, completed 1000+ hours of training in functional medicine, nutrition, immunology and epigenetics. Dr. Susse’s primary focus centers on supporting hormonal imbalance, anti-aging medicine, autoimmune disease, vitamin and mineral imbalances, thyroid health, fertility, and detoxification, as well as pre and post-operative surgery wellness. 

Many people who seek Dr. Susse’s professional care are those experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, pain, weakness, brain fog, depression, constipation, stomach pain, sugar cravings, cold hands and feet, weight gain and more. Often, these patients have been told by traditional physicians that there is “nothing wrong with them” and their labs are normal. Unfortunately, our current medical paradigm is only focused on disease and prescription-based solutions as opposed to Dr. Susse’s focus on the root cause of symptoms - and disease prevention above all. Utilizing advanced testing, in-depth physical examination and a thorough analysis of each patient’s unique history, Dr. Susse is able to identify and address the underlying causes of the patient’s symptoms to help them achieve their optimal health. 

Dr. Susse became interested in studying medicine through her own battle with misdiagnosed illness. Despite her active lifestyle and athletic background as an All-American high school and collegiate wrestler, Dr. Susse began suffering from a sudden onset of systemic health issues that perplexed both the allopathic medical community as well as several alternative medicine doctors. Ultimately, through extensive research and her own journey, Dr. Susse was able to discern the root cause of the problem as toxicity due to breast implants. 

Inspired to help others facing similar predicaments largely unacknowledged by the traditional medical community, Dr. Susse began her journey into the world of medicine, working to understand the long-term implications of these exposures to the function of bodily systems and overall vitality. Her work is changing the course of the way we look at mitochondrial assaults from the environment, man-made drugs, and pharmaceutical devices.

https://vimeo.com/314051421

Sep 3, 2019

In this episode of Thyroid Answers Podcast Dr Eric Balcavage and Dr Erica Riggleman discuss vitamin D supplementation. In this podcast the doctors discuss:

What is vitamin d and how does it work
How to determine if you are vitamin D deficient
Why you must test more than 25OHD
The impact of elevated 1,25OHD
Why People who have chronically low Vitamin D are often not vitamin D deficient
Why high dose vitamin supplementation may make your health worse
and lots more
There is quite a bit of information in this podcast. It is important to understand that most doctors are not running appropriate testing, interpreting vitamin d testing correctly or providing appropriate therapy when it comes to vitamin D. Even those in functional medicine suggesting that high dose vitamin d will lower antibodies are not correctly understanding vitamin d physiology.

This podcast is critical if you struggle with low vitamin D, chronic infections, mast cell activation, hypothyroidism, or autoimmunity.

https://vimeo.com/314078702

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