Episode 198: The Vitamin D Deficiency Myth - What the Statistics Really Tell Us
Thyroid Answers Podcast
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 say about vitamin D deficiency, testing, and supplements? And more ... Kristin...
info_outline
Shorts Episode 7: The Thyroid - GLP-1 Trap
Thyroid Answers Podcast
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 GLP-1 (the body's natural metabolic coordinator) depends on proper thyroid function Why thyroid...
info_outline
Episode 197: GLP-1 and Gut Dysbiosis
Thyroid Answers Podcast
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 biology and chemistry. He began his career as a virologist under a government security...
info_outline
Episode 196: The Second Mouth with Dr. Nicole Fleischmann
Thyroid Answers Podcast
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 Sciences University in Brooklyn, NY, where she graduated summa cum laude. Dr. Fleischmann...
info_outline
Thyroid Shorts Episode 6: The Mental Health - Thyroid Connection
Thyroid Answers Podcast
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: IG: @drericbalcavage
info_outline
Episode 195: Health Crisis and Lessons Learned
Thyroid Answers Podcast
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 ... Sara Banta is a renowned Certified Of Dietary Supplement Professional and a member of the...
info_outline
Episode 194: The Foundational Five
Thyroid Answers Podcast
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 practice medicine internship with the University of Minnesota in 2009. She is an international...
info_outline
Episode 193: Menopause Madness with Dr. Carrie Jones
Thyroid Answers Podcast
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 on the topic of women's health and hormones with over 20 years in the industry. Dubbed...
info_outline
Thyroid Shorts - Episode 5: Why Your Normal Thyroid Labs Don't Tell The Full Story!
Thyroid Answers Podcast
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 Health Symptom Checklist. go to drericbalacavage on Instagram and DM me with word "Checklist"....
info_outline
Episode 192: The Perimenopausal Paradox with Jenn Pike
Thyroid Answers Podcast
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-selling Author of three books; The Simplicity Project, The Simplicity Kitchen and The Simplicity Body....
info_outlineIn 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 GLP-1 (the body's natural metabolic coordinator) depends on proper thyroid function
- Why thyroid allostasis is protective, not pathological
- The metabolic mismatch created when forcing "optimal" labs during cellular stress
- How T4 and T3 medications can worsen GLP-1 signaling in allostatic states
- Why combining thyroid "optimization" with GLP-1 drugs creates a perfect metabolic storm
- The shocking truth about where your body gets glucose when both sources are blocked
- Warning signs you're trapped in this dangerous cycle
Key Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction: The Thyroid - GLP-1 Trap
1:58 - What is GLP-1 and how it regulates metabolism
4:06 - How T3 supports GLP-1 production in homeostasis
6:58 - Thyroid allostasis: Your body's protective response
10:08 - Why "optimized" thyroid labs don't fix the problem
13:24 - The metabolic trap: Where does glucose come from?
16:03 - Warning signs you're caught in this cycle
17:04 - The solution: Addressing root causes, not forcing optimization
Key Insight: When GLP-1 medications block glucose intake and production in someone with thyroid allostasis (who can't efficiently burn fat or produce ketones), the body turns to muscle catabolism and inefficient metabolic pathways, leading to muscle wasting and worsening fatigue despite "better" labs.
This episode challenges both conventional and functional medicine approaches, showing why restoration trumps optimization every time.
Perfect for: Anyone on thyroid medication not working as expected, those with hypothyroidism considering GLP-1 medications, functional medicine thyroid patients, and practitioners who want to understand the deeper metabolic connections. Remember: Your body isn't broken - it's adapting to protect you. The solution isn't to override these mechanisms, but to address what's driving your body into this protective state.
www.drericbalcavage.com