Save My Thyroid Dr. Eric Osansky DC, IFMCP

“Most metabolic conditions are centered on hypothalamic dysfunction.” - Deborah Maragopoulos

The hypothalamus is an important organ, but it’s difficult to understand. It acts as the central controller that’s often at the root of hormone, neurological, or immune issues, but practitioners often pay little attention to it since there’s no way to measure the hormones it produces. Fortunately, in recent years, research into the hypothalamus has increased and uncovered insights into the deep relationship between hypothalamic function and our overall health.

Today, I’m excited to be joined by Deborah Maragopoulos to do a deep dive into the hypothalamus for the first time on the podcast. Deborah is an intuitive integrative family nurse practitioner who has spent over thirty years blending the Science of Medicine with the Art of Healing to help thousands of people heal from various symptoms and thrive by treating their hypothalamus.

In this conversation, Deborah and I discuss the critical role the hypothalamus plays in regulating hormones, its impact on thyroid health, fertility, and autoimmunity, Deborah’s approach to treating hypothalamic dysfunction, the challenges of diagnosing hypothalamic issues, and more. Enjoy the episode!






To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/how-optimizing-your-hypothalamus-can-improve-thyroid-health-with-deborah-maragopoulos-144/.

Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?
Access hundreds of free articles at www.NaturalEndocrineSolutions.com
Visit Dr. Eric's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/
To work with Dr. Eric, visit https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/

While many people with hyperthyroidism take antithyroid medication, others prefer to use natural options for symptom management since the risk of side effects is much lower. When I dealt with Graves’ disease in 2008, I was one of those who chose to take a natural route, and bugleweed was one of the herbs that helped me significantly.

Despite the lower risk, some people may still have an adverse reaction to natural supplements and herbs, like a recent patient of mine who had a negative reaction to bugleweed. Even though it’s rare, I wanted to bring this topic to the podcast for anyone else with a similar experience.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:
- Reasons you may have an adverse reaction to a supplement
- Taking liquid herbs with ethanol versus glycerin
- The difference between an allergic reaction and a sensitivity
- The likelihood of negative reactions to bugleweed versus antithyroid medication



As always, I hope you find this episode valuable, and I look forward to catching you in the next episode!





To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/can-you-have-a-negative-reaction-to-bugleweed/.

Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?
Access hundreds of free articles at www.NaturalEndocrineSolutions.com
Visit Dr. Eric's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/
To work with Dr. Eric, visit https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/

“If you know your genetics, you know your ideal.” - Dr. Sam Shay

Methylation is an extremely important biochemical process essential for numerous bodily functions. The MTHFR gene was one of the first genes identified and available for testing to the public, so many practitioners and patients have become hyper-focused on methylation when it comes to genetic testing.

The truth is, while methylation is crucial, there are other processes that the body will prioritize over it. Rather than looking at it as the most crucial pathway, we need to explore other genes that control disease drivers, have significant variation in the general population, and are supported by scientific research for lifestyle and nutrition interventions. Understanding this broader picture allows us to take a more holistic approach to optimizing health.

Today, I’m excited to chat with Dr. Sam Shay, DC, IFMCP, a chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner who focuses on genetics and methylation. Dr. Sam solves health puzzles for busy, health-conscious moms, mom-preneurs, and adults with Aspergers so that they can exit survival mode and re-enter the community. Known as the friendly "lab nerd," Dr. Sam specializes in functional lab and genetics analysis for data-driven results. Dr. Sam is also a Stand-Up Comic, using clean, observational comedy to educate and entertain.

In this conversation, Dr. Sam and I discuss the role of genetics and methylation in health and thyroid conditions specifically. We talk about why Dr. Sam recommends comprehensive genetic testing for most of his clients, the need for personalized health strategies based on individual genetic profiles, how we can integrate genetic and functional medicine testing, the long-term benefits of genetic testing, and more. Enjoy the episode!






To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/genetics-and-beyond-methylation-with-dr-sam-shay-143/.

Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?
Access hundreds of free articles at www.NaturalEndocrineSolutions.com
Visit Dr. Eric's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/
To work with Dr. Eric, visit https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/

What can you do about hyperthyroidism-induced hair loss? Are skin issues common with Hashimoto’s? Does Graves’ disease affect your teeth?

Today, I’m back with another Q&A episode, answering multiple questions submitted by the Save My Thyroid community. While I can’t get to everyone’s questions every time, I love creating these for you, and I’ll do similar episodes every couple of months. Please share your questions with me by emailing info@naturalendocrinesolutions.com, and I'll include the most relevant ones in upcoming episodes.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Q1: What can be used to reduce goiter in hyperthyroidism?

Q2: I have been on thyroid medication for 20-plus years, and I've been I've never been told I had Hashimoto's. I have hypothyroidism unspecified. Does hypothyroidism ever not require lifelong medication?

Q3: Do people with Graves’ disease suffer total hair loss or is it super common? Is there a way to avoid it or fix it?

Q4: Why does hypothyroidism cause hair thinning or hair loss? What could be done to help besides taking thyroid meds?

Q5: Why does my hair grow so much slower after a single bout of hyperthyroidism?

Q6: I have two small nodules on one side of my thyroid. Can nodules grow even with proper diet?

Q7: I have had Graves’ disease for about 13 years.  Is it possible to shrink nodules and a goiter?

Q8: Can cold thyroid nodules be treated without an operation?

Q9: My hands itch and scratching them create sores. My back gets rashes and itches and my arms and knees as well. The endocrinologist says I have Hashimoto's for about 30 years.  I'm just not sure about the skin issues; is that actually Hashimoto's?

Q10: What can I do to stop the sweating? I have a challenge here in Africa. It's always very hot. If I'm exposed to a bit of heat I sweat a lot and sometimes I have problems breathing properly.

Q11: What can you do to get rid of the dry skin that comes with Graves’ disease?

Q12: I still keep needing to up my thyroid medication. I don't seem to stabilize and I don't know why. Why is it not working even though I follow the advice and wait, taking it on an empty stomach?

Q13: Does Graves’ disease affect your teeth?

Q14: How can a person test positive for Graves’ and Hashimoto's at the same time? Apparently that is me, and I'm trying to use natural remedies but I don't know which direction to go.

Q15: How do you know if your thyroid is operating in a good range? How important are serum values versus symptoms? And if symptoms how do you assess them?

Q16: What do you see as the most consistent issue that is at the root cause for Hashimoto's and low thyroid with low T3 and T4?

Q17: Can taking iodine long term help to regulate the thyroid?

Q18: How is hypothyroidism related to osteoporosis, scoliosis, GERD, food intolerances, Barrett's esophagus, chronic kidney disease, and the aging process all of which happened to me in my 70s?


As always, I hope you find this episode valuable, and I look forward to catching you in the next episode!





To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/your-thyroid-questions-answered-apr-2024/.





Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?
Access hundreds of free articles at www.NaturalEndocrineSolutions.com
Visit Dr. Eric's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/
To work with Dr. Eric, visit https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/

Optimized thyroid hormones are a critical component of healthy gut function. They play a crucial role in stomach acid production, bile acid production, and the release of pancreatic enzymes and bile into the GI tract.

Bile’s functions extend far beyond digestion. Produced by the liver and concentrated in the gallbladder, bile plays a pivotal role in detoxification, has antimicrobial properties, and is involved in the metabolism and regulation of thyroid hormones.

This interconnectedness between thyroid health and bile metabolism means that on your healing journey, it’s essential to consider the impact on and influence of each one on the other.

Today I’m joined by a repeat guest, Dr. Eric Balcavage, to talk about the connection between thyroid function and bile physiology. We discuss the functions of bile, its importance for thyroid hormone regulation, risks associated with excessive bile acid supplementation, factors affecting T3 levels, the significance of bilirubin levels, the importance of addressing underlying health issues, and more. Enjoy the episode!






To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/bile-metabolism-and-thyroid-health-with-dr-eric-balcavage-142/.

Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?
Access hundreds of free articles at www.NaturalEndocrineSolutions.com
Visit Dr. Eric's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/
To work with Dr. Eric, visit https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/

Many people with hyperthyroidism experience a decrease in muscle mass, primarily as a result of elevated thyroid hormone levels. At the same time, many people with Hashimoto’s can also benefit from increasing muscle mass.

Whatever the underlying issue, a combined approach that includes nutrition and lifestyle factors is essential when it comes to building muscle.

Today, I’m sharing three specific ways to increase muscle mass if you have a hyperthyroid condition (two of these methods also apply to Hashimoto’s).

In this episode, you’ll learn about:
- How elevated thyroid hormone impacts muscle mass
- Different approaches to balancing thyroid hormones
- Why it’s crucial to eat sufficient protein
- Incorporating weight-bearing exercises into your movement routines


As always, I hope you find this episode valuable, and I look forward to catching you in the next episode!





To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/3-ways-those-with-hyperthyroidism-can-increase-muscle-mass/.

Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?
Access hundreds of free articles at www.NaturalEndocrineSolutions.com
Visit Dr. Eric's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/
To work with Dr. Eric, visit https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/