A Functional Medicine Approach To Depression with Dr. Achina Stein and Silvia Covelli

You’ve tried it all—traditional psychiatry, medications, even alternative spiritual practices, yet the symptoms seem to intensify.What if your doctor told you to simply cope with your condition for the rest of your life? Would you accept that as your reality?What if the truth about depression is more than a mental health issue? You might be surprised to learn that your eating habits, lifestyle, environment, or childhood experiences could have led to your condition. And without addressing these, you’re trapped in an endless loop.In this conversation, Dr. Achina Stein and Silvia Covelli discuss how a functional medicine approach can help overcome depression. Silvia will share her personal journey and what helped her overcome depression, and return guest Dr. Achina Stein will also provide valuable insight. Enjoy the episode! 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/

Low white blood cell count, also known as leukopenia, is a common finding in many people, including those with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions. There are five types of white blood cells - neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils - and these markers are part of a complete blood count (CBC) with differential, which I recommend for all my patients. While a low white blood cell count alone does not necessarily raise a red flag, it’s essential to determine the underlying cause, as many of these factors can trigger thyroid conditions. Today, I’m discussing the connection between low white blood cells and thyroid health, how you can support your immune health, and when to be concerned about low white blood cell counts.In this episode, you’ll learn about:- How white blood cell counts are assessed and their significance- Risks associated with low white blood cell counts- Common causes of low white blood cells- Neutropenia and its relationship with infections- When to be concerned about low white blood cell counts- The relationship between low white blood cells and thyroid health- The importance of identifying and addressing underlying causes- Supplements and herbs for immune supportAs 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/low-white-blood-cells-and-thyroid-health/. 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/

“Sleep is passive; we can't force it. If the body is safe to relax, it will eventually sleep.” - Annika CarrollMany people experience sleep issues, and there are a number of different factors that contribute to low sleep quality. Then, whether it’s blood sugar dysregulation, gut imbalances, stress, or something else, once we start having a difficult time with our sleep, a lot of us start panicking and fear going to bed. That leads to a vicious cycle where the anxiety around sleep actually makes the issue worse.Today, I’m excited to talk to Annika Carroll, a functional Sleep and Health Coach for high-achieving women and the owner of Sleep Like A Boss. Annika is committed to helping women in midlife take back control of their sleep, restore their energy, and avoid burnout so they can thrive both at work and in their personal lives. Her approach gets to the core of sleep struggles—tackling issues like hormone imbalances, gut health, and daily habits—because sleep problems are rarely just "in your head."In this conversation, Annika and I discuss her journey with sleep disturbances, psychological and physiological factors affecting sleep, the role of diet and lifestyle, practical strategies for improving your sleep quality, why high-quality sleep is foundational to our overall health and well-being, and more. Enjoy the episode!To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/improving-sleep-quality-with-annika-carroll-176/. 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/

The three main types of thyroid antibodies are thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, thyroglobulin antibodies, and thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI). Although it’s rarely mentioned, there is a fourth type of antibody known as TSH-binding inhibitor immunoglobulins (TBII). Today, I’m sharing what the research tells us about the role of TBII and whether it’s worth testing as part of your thyroid panel.In this episode, you’ll learn about:- Different types of thyroid antibodies- Controversy surrounding TSH-binding inhibitor immunoglobulins- Whether you should test for TSH-binding inhibitor immunoglobulins- Interpreting thyroid antibody test results in context- My approach to thyroid antibody testingAs 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/what-are-thyroid-binding-immunoglobulins/. 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/

Emotional and physical stressors can be contributing factors in the triggering of thyroid autoimmunity in two main ways. First, stress causes an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, which promote inflammation by causing dysregulation of the immune system. Stress also decreases secretory IgA, increasing your risk of developing a leaky gut.That said, it's important to understand that not all stress is equal. Our bodies are designed to handle acute stress situations but less so the chronic stress that most people deal with in our modern lives. This is where stress-handling strategies can be crucial since it is likely to be difficult, if not impossible, to completely eliminate the stress from your life.Today, in part three of my series on lowering and normalizing thyroid antibodies, I’m discussing the role of stress, which is a big factor in many people. I talk about my experiences with stress when I was dealing with Graves’ disease, when to consider adrenal testing, stress management techniques, the role of supplements, the benefits of personalized support, and more. Enjoy the episode!To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/how-to-lower-thyroid-antibodies-part-3-the-role-of-stress-175/. 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/

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect the health of the bones, which is yet another reason why it's crucial to balance the thyroid hormones. While I’m not a big fan of radiation exposure from scanning, there is a time and place where I believe the benefits outweigh the risks.Today, I’m sharing why DEXA scans are done and when I consider them worth it. In this episode, you’ll learn about:- How hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect bone health- The importance of balancing thyroid hormones to maintain bone density and quality- Understanding DEXA scans and their significance in assessing bone density- Blood tests and markers for bone health- When to consider getting a bone density testAs 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/bone-density-concerns-and-thyroid-health/. 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/

Iodine is a critical nutrient for thyroid function, yet there is a lot of controversy around iodine and thyroid health. Unlike other nutrients, iodine is selectively taken up by the parts of the body that use it. This generally means that when it’s in low supply, more is pulled in, and when there’s too much, it’s blocked from coming in. This creates the iodine paradox, where both excessive and insufficient iodine can lead to thyroid dysfunction.For people with autoimmune thyroid conditions, their genetic predispositions can impact how their bodies respond to iodine. So, while some people with thyroid conditions can tolerate and even benefit from iodine supplementation, for others, it can be problematic.Today, I’m joined by Dr. Alan Christianson, a board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist and author of the Thyroid Reset Diet, to talk about iodine, thyroid health, and thyroid antibodies. In this conversation, Dr. Christianson and I discuss iodine's role in thyroid health, the complexities of iodine uptake, genetic influences, potential risks of excessive iodine intake, the significance of thyroid antibodies, the risks and benefits of thyroid medication, and more. Enjoy the episode!To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/the-thyroid-reset-diet-with-dr-alan-christianson-174/. 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/

Sticking to a healthy diet during the holiday season can be challenging. Between cravings to indulge in unhealthy habits and the desire to avoid awkward social situations, it can feel easier to stick to the status quo and eat whatever is served. If you’re dealing with a thyroid or autoimmune thyroid condition, you do need to change your approach.Today, I’m discussing strategies and practical tips for overcoming the common roadblocks to healthy eating and how you can avoid derailing your thyroid healing journey during the holiday season. With the right preparation, you can enjoy the holidays without compromising your health.In this episode, you’ll learn about:- Why it can be difficult to stick to healthy eating during the holiday season- Balancing the desire to indulge with the desire to improve your health- Options for enjoying traditional Thanksgiving foods- The benefits of mental preparation for maintaining dietary goals- Navigating social situations and the importance of communication- How pre-party preparation can help you avoid unhealthy decisionsAs 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/healthy-holiday-eating-and-thyroid-health/. 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/

Normalizing thyroid antibodies can be challenging, and several factors can cause elevated antibodies. Finding and eliminating food triggers is one such factor that is an essential part of the thyroid healing journey.Certain foods can trigger autoimmunity, causing an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and a decrease in regulatory T cells. In other cases, specific food proteins can trigger an immune system response due to molecular mimicry.Today, in part two of my series on how to lower and normalize thyroid antibodies, I’m discussing how to lower your thyroid antibodies by addressing food triggers. While all of the episodes in the series will be important, this one might be the most important. I talk about the Triad of Autoimmunity, the role of elimination diets to identify food triggers, testing for food sensitivities, specific food categories and their impact on gut health, common food allergens, the role of iodine, pros and cons of intermittent fasting, and more. Enjoy the episode!To learn more, visit the show notes at https://savemythyroid.com/podcast/how-to-lower-thyroid-antibodies-part-2-the-role-of-food-triggers-173/. 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/

Aside from antithyroid medication, which is specifically designed to block thyroid hormone, several medications can have an unintended effect on thyroid health. These drugs, often in combination with other underlying imbalances, can potentially trigger hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.Today, I’m sharing the research on five categories of medication that have been shown to affect thyroid function negatively.In this episode, you’ll learn about:- The effect of traditional antiepileptic drugs on thyroid hormone compared to newer drugs- The impact of antipsychotic drugs on thyroid levels in patients with severe mental disorders- Lithium’s potential to lower thyroid hormone levels- Amiodarone's potential ability to cause both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in patients- Anti-estrogens and thyroid function in breast cancer patientsAs 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/5-medications-that-can-negatively-affect-your-thyroid/. 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/