40: Sleep Apnea & Hashimoto’s: The Surprising Link & Root Cause Solutions Beyond CPAP | Dr. Dylan Petkus
In this episode of The Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Dr. Dylan Petkus, a sleep apnea researcher, author, and functional health expert, to explore the often-overlooked connection between sleep apnea and thyroid disorders — particularly Hashimoto’s. Although the condition frequently goes undiagnosed, especially in women, sleep apnea is surprisingly common among those with Hashimoto’s. Dr. Petkus shares his personal journey and research-backed insights into natural, non-invasive approaches for overcoming sleep apnea without relying solely on CPAP machines.
Listeners will discover:
More than 50% of people with Hashimoto’s may also have sleep apnea. The more severe the sleep apnea, the more likely you are to have elevated thyroid antibodies.
Women are often misdiagnosed or missed altogether. Sleep problems are frequently chalked up to menopause or stress, not airway dysfunction.
A scalloped tongue could be a red flag. If your tongue presses against your teeth at night, it may indicate airway obstruction and poor nighttime breathing.
Slow, intentional breathing can retrain your system. Just 10 minutes a day of breathwork can start to shift your patterns, improve oxygen flow at night, and improve sleep quality.
Deficiencies in nutrients like thiamine and copper can make things worse. Supporting your mitochondria may be key to restoring energy and reducing inflammation.
Tune in to learn more about how sleep apnea may be holding back your healing — and what you can do about it.
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/
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1:27:42
39: Getting to the Root Cause of Insomnia and Sleep Issues | Dr. Damiana Corca
In this episode of The Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews sleep expert and functional medicine practitioner Dr. Damiana Corca to explore the often-overlooked connection between sleep disorders and thyroid health. Dr. Corca shares insights from her clinical experience and her new book, The Deep Blue Sleep Book, which offers a practical roadmap to achieving truly restorative sleep.
Listeners will discover the five primary types of insomnia and how they intersect with Hashimoto’s, adrenal dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, and even gut infections. Whether you’re struggling to fall asleep, waking too early, or feeling “wired but tired,” this conversation offers compassionate, root-cause solutions to help you get the rest you need and deserve.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
There are five distinct types of insomnia, and each requires a different healing strategy. Understanding your type is key to finding relief.
Hashimoto’s often overlaps with adrenal dysfunction, which can make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep — even if you’re utterly exhausted.
Gut infections like H. pylori and Blastocystis hominis can be hidden culprits behind both thyroid flares and sleep disruptions, even without obvious digestive symptoms.
Hormonal imbalances in perimenopause are a major trigger for sleep issues, especially when paired with blood sugar imbalances and chronic stress.
Histamine intolerance is an under-recognized cause of insomnia, especially in people who struggle with nighttime itching, swelling, or racing thoughts.
Sleep quality — not just quantity — is crucial, and Dr. Corca shares what healthy sleep actually looks and feels like, including tips for waking up refreshed.
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/
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44:14
38: Fatigue, Hashimoto’s & Epstein-Barr Virus: Root Causes and Healing Tools with Dr. Kasey Holland
In this episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Dr. Kasey Holland, a naturopathic doctor specializing in chronic illness, viral reactivation, and complex fatigue cases. Drawing from her own journey with reactivated Epstein-Barr virus (or EBV, also known as “mono”), Dr. Holland shares what many traditional approaches overlook — especially when it comes to testing, triggers, and why some people never quite bounce back after mono.
Together, Dr. Wentz and Dr. Holland break down the nuances of EBV reactivation and chronic fatigue syndrome, uncovering its links to autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s and exploring the lesser-known co-factors like mold exposure, parasites, and adrenal burnout that can block recovery.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why crushing fatigue after mono isn’t “all in your head” — and what to do about it. If you’re still wiped out months or even years after having the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), there’s a reason. Dr. Holland breaks down the science behind viral reactivation — and how it disrupts energy, mood, and immunity long after the initial infection.
The hidden EBV–Hashimoto’s connection doctors often miss. You’ll learn how a virus you got years ago could be fueling thyroid issues today — and what labs to ask for to find out if the virus is reactivated or contained by your immune system.
Why “fighting the virus” won’t fix your fatigue — unless you fix this too. From parasites to mold to nutrient gaps, this episode unpacks the overlooked root causes that weaken your immune system and allow EBV to flare again and again.
The overlooked role of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there's an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. When this happens, your cells and tissues become more vulnerable to damage — and so does your immune system. When your body’s defenses are down, EBV has an opportunity to thrive. From mold to glyphosate, high oxidative stress also makes it easier for viruses like EBV to “turn back on.”
What actually works for EBV symptoms — and what’s a waste of time. Discover what really moves the needle — including specific herbs, light therapies, IV vitamin C, adrenal support, and more.
Tune in to learn more about Epstein-Barr virus, the root causes of fatigue, and the comprehensive healing strategies that can help you finally feel like yourself again.
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/
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1:22:40
37: How to Make T3 Naturally | Dr. Izabella Wentz
In this episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, Dr. Izabella Wentz explores one of the most overlooked pieces of thyroid hormone prescriptions: poor T4 to T3 conversion. Despite being on thyroid medication, many people continue to experience fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, and weight struggles because their bodies aren’t converting T4 into the active T3 hormone effectively. Dr. Wentz breaks down why T3 is critical for metabolism, energy, and overall well-being — and what steps can be taken to naturally support the body’s production of this vital hormone.
Listeners will learn how to assess their thyroid labs using Dr. Wentz’s "Rainbow Test," understand the most common root causes of poor conversion, and discover powerful lifestyle, dietary, and supplement-based interventions that can make a real difference. She also shares a brand-new product from her Rootcology line that supports natural T3 production for those unable to tolerate or access T3-containing medications.
What you’ll learn about in this episode:
Why free T3 is so important — and why normal labs don’t always tell the full story. Understanding how to interpret your thyroid labs can reveal conversion problems that are keeping you stuck in fatigue.
The "Rainbow Test" method to visualize your lab results and spot T4 to T3 conversion issues. This simple visual tool can help you decode your results and take empowered action.
Top blockers of T3 production that might be sabotaging your progress. From environmental toxins to excessive fasting, find out what could be slowing you down — and how to shift your T3 production.
How nutrient deficiencies like low ferritin, selenium, and zinc impact your ability to convert T4 to T3. Plus, which forms and dosages actually work without causing side effects.
The role of your liver, gut, and adrenal health in producing T3 naturally. Yes, your conversion isn’t just about your thyroid — it's a whole-body team effort.
What to do if you can’t tolerate or access T3 medications. A new product may offer support for those who want a natural way to enhance T3 levels.
Tune in to learn more about how to naturally support your T3 levels, uncover hidden thyroid symptoms, and feel more energized, clear-headed, and vibrant.
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/
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32:25
36: Thiamine for Thyroid Fatigue, POTS, SIBO, & More: Formulations & Dosages That Work | Elliot Overton
In this week’s episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Podcast, Dr. Izabella Wentz speaks with nutritional therapist Elliot Overton to explore the powerful but often-overlooked role of thiamine (vitamin B1) in thyroid health. They unpack how thiamine impacts energy levels, brain function, gut motility, and even complex conditions like POTS and SIBO. This conversation is packed with actionable information on identifying hidden deficiencies and restoring nutrient balance — especially for those still struggling with symptoms despite making diet and lifestyle changes.
Listeners will also learn why standard testing often misses thiamine issues, what forms of supplementation are most effective, and how certain medications and stressors can deplete this crucial nutrient. Whether you're dealing with fatigue, dizziness, digestive issues, or thyroid dysfunction, this episode offers valuable insights into an often-missed root cause.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why thiamine deficiency is more common than you think and how even people eating a “healthy” diet can be functionally deficient due to multiple factors that impair absorption. This deficiency often goes unnoticed, and might be at the root of persistent fatigue or neurological symptoms.
The connection between thiamine and POTS, SIBO, and thyroid dysfunction. Low thiamine levels can impair the autonomic nervous system, gut motility, and energy metabolism — leading to a host of common symptoms that might surprise you!
How stress, antibiotics, and diet can deplete thiamine even if your intake looks sufficient. Thiamine is a delicate nutrient that gets used up rapidly during times of physical or emotional stress.
The forms and dosages of thiamine that work best for specific conditions. Not all thiamine supplements are created equal — some forms are better absorbed or better suited for neurological versus digestive symptoms.
Why standard blood tests often miss thiamine deficiency — and better ways to assess your needs. Routine lab tests may not reflect true tissue levels of thiamine, especially in chronic illness.
Tune in to learn more about how thiamine may be the missing link in your healing journey.
Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode!
If you listened and loved this episode, please share and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
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/
About Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations with Dr. Izabella Wentz
Welcome to Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, where Dr. Izabella Wentz, pharmacist, researcher and NYT bestselling author dives deep into the root causes of thyroid dysfunction, gut imbalances, fatigue, chronic health issues and autoimmunity.
This show brings you deep, insightful conversations with top experts in functional medicine, nutrition, and wellness. We explore topics like gut health, adrenal support, detoxification, diet, and lifestyle changes to help you take control of your health and reclaim your energy. Join Dr. Wentz for solo episodes packed with practical strategies and insightful discussions from her own research and observations. Whether you're navigating Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism, perimenopause, IBS, struggling with mystery symptoms, metabolism, or looking for holistic ways to optimize your well-being, these conversations will empower you with knowledge and actionable steps.
Subscribe now to start your healing journey and discover the tools to thrive.
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