The Cortisol Cure with Dr. Erin Kinney

In this episode, Dr. Eric Osansky welcomes back naturopathic doctor Dr. Erin Kinney to discuss her new book, The Cortisol Cure, and a different way of thinking about stress and adrenal health. Drawing from her own experience with burnout and years of working with patients struggling with fatigue, hormone imbalances, thyroid issues, and chronic stress, Dr. Erin introduces her Cortisol Bank Account Framework. Instead of viewing all stress as something that needs to be eliminated, she explains how to think about the activities that “spend” cortisol and the restorative practices that help you make deposits back into your account.Dr. Erin and Dr. Eric explore low versus high cortisol, adrenal fatigue and HPA axis dysregulation, and the connections between cortisol, thyroid hormones, sex hormones, blood sugar, sleep, and gut health. They also discuss why exercise can be beneficial while still acting as a stressor, how small relaxation practices can train your nervous system to shift out of fight-or-flight mode, and why adequate sleep may be one of your most important cortisol “deposits.” Dr. Erin also shares her thoughts on intermittent fasting, balanced blood sugar, meditation, adrenal-supportive nutrients and herbs, and why supplements can’t make up for a chronically dysregulated nervous system.In the post-episode chat, Dr. Eric expands on adrenal fatigue, low versus high cortisol, exercise and stress management, meditation apps, sleep, gut motility, and considerations around ashwagandha for those with hyperthyroidism. If you want a clearer, more balanced understanding of cortisol and how your daily habits may influence your energy, thyroid health, hormones, and resilience to stress, you’ll get a lot out of this episode. Free resources for your thyroid healthGet your FREE Thyroid and Immune Health Restoration Action Points Checklist at SaveMyThyroidChecklist.comHigh-Quality Nutritional Supplements For Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’ s Have you checked out my new ThyroSave supplement line? These high-quality supplements can benefit those with hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’s, and you can receive special offers, along with 10% off your first order, by signing up for emails and text messages when you visit ThyroSave.com. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?Get free access to hundreds of articles and blog posts: https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/all-other-articles Watch Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/videos Join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroid Take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz: https://quiz.savemythyroidquiz.com/sf/237dc308 Read all of Dr. Eric’s published books: http://savemythyroid.com/thyroidbooks Work with Dr. Eric: https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/ 

In this episode, Dr. Eric Osansky sits down with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge to explore nervous system dysregulation and why it has become increasingly common in both adults and children. Dr. Roseann explains what happens when the nervous system has difficulty shifting from a stress state back into a calm, regulated state, and introduces her “stress cup” analogy for understanding how everyday stressors can accumulate until the nervous system becomes overwhelmed.Dr. Roseann discusses how sleep deprivation, chronic health challenges, financial concerns, relationships, travel, sensory stressors, and even positive excitement can add to the body’s overall stress load. She also explains how living in a sympathetic-dominant state may affect the immune and endocrine systems and why nervous system regulation can be an important piece of the puzzle for people who feel stuck in their healing journey. Most importantly, she shares simple strategies that can be incorporated throughout the day—including diaphragmatic breathing, Tai Chi, somatic techniques, prayer, grounding, and other “micro resets”—and explains why consistency matters more than spending long periods of time on stress-management practices.Dr. Roseann also discusses co-regulation in children, why parents’ nervous systems can influence their children, and how creating more capacity in the nervous system can help both adults and children respond more effectively to stress. In the post-episode chat, Dr. Eric expands on Epstein-Barr virus, thyroid health, Tai Chi, cortisol, insulin, and how frequently to practice nervous system regulation. If you want a clearer, more practical understanding of nervous system dysregulation and how small daily practices may help you become more resilient to stress, you’ll get a lot out of this episode. Free resources for your thyroid healthGet your FREE Thyroid and Immune Health Restoration Action Points Checklist at SaveMyThyroidChecklist.comHigh-Quality Nutritional Supplements For Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’ s Have you checked out my new ThyroSave supplement line? These high-quality supplements can benefit those with hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’s, and you can receive special offers, along with 10% off your first order, by signing up for emails and text messages when you visit ThyroSave.com. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?Get free access to hundreds of articles and blog posts: https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/all-other-articles Watch Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/videos Join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroid Take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz: https://quiz.savemythyroidquiz.com/sf/237dc308 Read all of Dr. Eric’s published books: http://savemythyroid.com/thyroidbooks Work with Dr. Eric: https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/ 

In this episode, Dr. Eric Osansky explores mushrooms and thyroid health, with a particular focus on Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s. One common concern is whether mushrooms “boost” the immune system and therefore should be avoided by people with autoimmune conditions. Dr. Eric explains why it may be more accurate to think of mushrooms as immune modulators and discusses how their polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and other compounds may influence regulatory T cells and Th17 cells involved in autoimmunity.Dr. Eric also looks at the potential benefits of mushrooms for the gut microbiome and compares culinary mushrooms with concentrated medicinal mushroom supplements. He takes a closer look at reishi, cordyceps, lion’s mane, maitake, chaga, shiitake, and turkey tail, including research suggesting cordyceps may have potential benefits for thyroid antibodies. He also discusses what to consider when choosing a mushroom supplement, including extracts versus powders, third-party testing, fruiting bodies versus mycelium, beta-glucans, and precautions for certain individuals.Ultimately, mushrooms shouldn’t be viewed as a treatment for Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s or as a replacement for identifying triggers, healing the gut, and addressing other underlying factors. However, both culinary and medicinal mushrooms may have a place in a whole-body approach to supporting gut and immune health. Tune in to better understand mushrooms, thyroid autoimmunity, and what that connection really means. Free resources for your thyroid healthGet your FREE Thyroid and Immune Health Restoration Action Points Checklist at SaveMyThyroidChecklist.comHigh-Quality Nutritional Supplements For Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’ s Have you checked out my new ThyroSave supplement line? These high-quality supplements can benefit those with hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’s, and you can receive special offers, along with 10% off your first order, by signing up for emails and text messages when you visit ThyroSave.com. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?Get free access to hundreds of articles and blog posts: https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/all-other-articles Watch Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/videos Join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroid Take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz: https://quiz.savemythyroidquiz.com/sf/237dc308 Read all of Dr. Eric’s published books: http://savemythyroid.com/thyroidbooks Work with Dr. Eric: https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/ 

In this episode, Dr. Eric Osansky sits down with fitness expert Debra Atkinson, founder of Flippin’ 50 and host of Flippin’ 50: The Stronger Way podcast, to discuss how women can stay strong and fit during menopause. Drawing on more than four decades in kinesiology and strength and conditioning, Debra explains why one of the biggest exercise mistakes is simply not moving enough—while women who do exercise can run into the opposite problem of doing too much without allowing adequate recovery.Debra breaks down what an effective midlife exercise routine can look like, beginning with walking as a foundation and adding resistance training and appropriately dosed high-intensity exercise. She and Dr. Eric also explore the relationship between chronic stress, cortisol, blood sugar, and stubborn belly fat; why muscle becomes increasingly important as estrogen declines; and how nutrition—particularly adequate protein—supports strength and recovery. Debra also shares practical advice for progressing with resistance training and explains the potential benefits and limitations of weighted vests, rebounders, and whole-body vibration for supporting fitness and bone health.Throughout the conversation, Debra emphasizes that exercise during menopause doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the gym or pushing yourself to exhaustion. The goal is to find the right amount and type of movement for your body, recover well, and build habits you can sustain for years to come. If you want a clearer, more balanced understanding of how to exercise for strength, metabolism, bone health, and longevity during menopause, you’ll get a lot out of this episode. Free resources for your thyroid healthGet your FREE Thyroid and Immune Health Restoration Action Points Checklist at SaveMyThyroidChecklist.comHigh-Quality Nutritional Supplements For Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’ s Have you checked out my new ThyroSave supplement line? These high-quality supplements can benefit those with hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’s, and you can receive special offers, along with 10% off your first order, by signing up for emails and text messages when you visit ThyroSave.com. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?Get free access to hundreds of articles and blog posts: https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/all-other-articles Watch Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/videos Join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroid Take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz: https://quiz.savemythyroidquiz.com/sf/237dc308 Read all of Dr. Eric’s published books: http://savemythyroid.com/thyroidbooks Work with Dr. Eric: https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/ 

In this Q&A episode, Dr. Eric Osansky answers listener questions specifically focused on hyperthyroidism, including Graves’ disease, toxic multinodular goiter, thyroid eye disease, and subacute thyroiditis. He starts by discussing the transition from methimazole to natural agents such as bugleweed, why there isn’t a single protocol that works for everyone, and the importance of managing elevated thyroid hormone levels while simultaneously working to restore underlying health. Dr. Eric tackles a wide range of practical concerns, including methimazole dosing and long-term use, lowering Graves’ antibodies, exercising with hyperthyroidism, nervous system dysregulation, block-and-replace therapy, Graves’-related anxiety, and natural and conventional approaches to thyroid eye disease and double vision. He also discusses muscle weakness, thyroid nodules, berberine, and why having one autoimmune condition such as Graves’ can increase susceptibility to developing another autoimmune condition. Throughout the episode, he repeatedly returns to the importance of identifying and removing triggers, healing the gut, supporting immune health, and recognizing that supplements alone aren’t a substitute for addressing the underlying factors contributing to autoimmunity. Most importantly, Dr. Eric emphasizes balancing the risks and benefits of conventional and natural approaches rather than viewing them as mutually exclusive. Managing hyperthyroidism safely is important, but the long-term goal is to improve overall health and, when possible, achieve remission rather than simply control thyroid hormone levels indefinitely. If you want practical answers to common hyperthyroid and Graves’ disease questions, you’ll get a lot out of this episode.  Free resources for your thyroid healthGet your FREE Thyroid and Immune Health Restoration Action Points Checklist at SaveMyThyroidChecklist.comHigh-Quality Nutritional Supplements For Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’ s Have you checked out my new ThyroSave supplement line? These high-quality supplements can benefit those with hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’s, and you can receive special offers, along with 10% off your first order, by signing up for emails and text messages when you visit ThyroSave.com. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?Get free access to hundreds of articles and blog posts: https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/all-other-articles Watch Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/videos Join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroid Take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz: https://quiz.savemythyroidquiz.com/sf/237dc308 Read all of Dr. Eric’s published books: http://savemythyroid.com/thyroidbooks Work with Dr. Eric: https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/ 

In this Q&A episode, Dr. Eric Osansky answers listener questions focused primarily on hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, and general thyroid health. He starts with iodine exposure from CT contrast and the nutrients needed for healthy thyroid function, then explores how symptoms like hair loss, fatigue, thinning eyebrows, and temperature changes can overlap with thyroid dysfunction, perimenopause, nutrient deficiencies, and other underlying imbalances. Dr. Eric also tackles questions about thyroid hormone replacement, including natural desiccated thyroid versus synthetic options, difficulty tolerating medication changes, thyroid hormone resistance, and whether it’s possible to eventually reduce the need for thyroid medication. He discusses thyroid nodules and goiters, low ferritin, medicinal mushrooms, autoimmune gastritis, secretory IgA, persistent leaky gut, food sensitivities, parasite cleanses, and why identifying underlying triggers is often more important than simply adding more supplements. Throughout the episode, Dr. Eric emphasizes that thyroid care needs to be individualized. Lab values, symptoms, immune health, gut health, nutrient status, medications, and the underlying cause of thyroid dysfunction all matter when deciding what steps to take. If you want practical answers to common thyroid questions—and a clearer understanding of what may be influencing your thyroid health—you’ll get a lot out of this episode.  Free resources for your thyroid healthGet your FREE Thyroid and Immune Health Restoration Action Points Checklist at SaveMyThyroidChecklist.comHigh-Quality Nutritional Supplements For Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’ s Have you checked out my new ThyroSave supplement line? These high-quality supplements can benefit those with hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’s, and you can receive special offers, along with 10% off your first order, by signing up for emails and text messages when you visit ThyroSave.com. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?Get free access to hundreds of articles and blog posts: https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/all-other-articles Watch Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/videos Join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroid Take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz: https://quiz.savemythyroidquiz.com/sf/237dc308 Read all of Dr. Eric’s published books: http://savemythyroid.com/thyroidbooks Work with Dr. Eric: https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/ 

In this episode, Dr. Eric Osansky welcomes naturopathic physician Dr. Tricia Pingel for a comprehensive conversation about chronic stress, adrenal health, and nervous system dysregulation. After spending years helping patients with stress and hormone health, Dr. Tricia eventually recognized that she was experiencing significant adrenal dysfunction herself. She shares how decades of performing for others, caring for family members, navigating grief, running a medical practice, and continually pushing through stress eventually took a toll on her physical and emotional health. Dr. Tricia explains why supplements and healthy habits can be valuable but may not be enough when the nervous system remains stuck in a chronic fight-or-flight state. She and Dr. Eric discuss boundaries, learning to say no, prioritizing yourself while still caring for others, mindset, nutrition, exercise, functional testing, and the importance of creating a sustainable approach to healing. Dr. Tricia also shares how returning to hip-hop dancing helped her reconnect with joy and regulate her nervous system, and why the most effective stress-management practice may look completely different from one person to another. The conversation ultimately highlights that recovering from chronic stress isn't about finding one perfect supplement or protocol. It's about understanding your individual stress response, creating an environment in which your nervous system can thrive, and consistently making choices that support your physical and emotional well-being. Tune in to better understand chronic stress, nervous system dysregulation, and how reconnecting with yourself can become an important part of the healing process.  Free resources for your thyroid healthGet your FREE Thyroid and Immune Health Restoration Action Points Checklist at SaveMyThyroidChecklist.comHigh-Quality Nutritional Supplements For Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’ s Have you checked out my new ThyroSave supplement line? These high-quality supplements can benefit those with hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’s, and you can receive special offers, along with 10% off your first order, by signing up for emails and text messages when you visit ThyroSave.com. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?Get free access to hundreds of articles and blog posts: https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/all-other-articles Watch Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/videos Join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroid Take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz: https://quiz.savemythyroidquiz.com/sf/237dc308 Read all of Dr. Eric’s published books: http://savemythyroid.com/thyroidbooks Work with Dr. Eric: https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/ 

In this episode, Dr. Eric Osansky concludes his 3-part hormone series by exploring the important relationship between progesterone and thyroid health. While estrogen often receives most of the attention, progesterone also plays a vital role in supporting thyroid hormone sensitivity, reproductive health, immune regulation, sleep, mood, and nervous system function. Dr. Eric explains why symptoms of low progesterone frequently overlap with both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, making proper testing and individualized evaluation essential. Dr. Eric discusses how chronic stress, adrenal dysfunction, thyroid imbalances, and hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can all contribute to lower progesterone levels. He explains the role progesterone plays in Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, fertility, anxiety, insomnia, and menstrual health, while also reviewing common testing options, including serum progesterone and the DUTCH test. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes supporting adrenal health, improving stress resilience, optimizing sleep, and addressing root causes before relying solely on hormone replacement whenever appropriate. The episode concludes with practical recommendations for naturally supporting healthy progesterone levels through stress management, nutrition, targeted nutrients, and herbs such as Vitex, while acknowledging that bioidentical progesterone has an important place for some individuals. If you want a clearer, more balanced understanding of the thyroid-progesterone connection and how this hormone influences thyroid and overall health, you'll get a lot out of this episode.  Free resources for your thyroid healthGet your FREE Thyroid and Immune Health Restoration Action Points Checklist at SaveMyThyroidChecklist.comHigh-Quality Nutritional Supplements For Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’ s Have you checked out my new ThyroSave supplement line? These high-quality supplements can benefit those with hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’s, and you can receive special offers, along with 10% off your first order, by signing up for emails and text messages when you visit ThyroSave.com. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?Get free access to hundreds of articles and blog posts: https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/all-other-articles Watch Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/videos Join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroid Take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz: https://quiz.savemythyroidquiz.com/sf/237dc308 Read all of Dr. Eric’s published books: http://savemythyroid.com/thyroidbooks Work with Dr. Eric: https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/ 

In this episode, Dr. Eric Osansky welcomes back bestselling author, nurse practitioner, and women's health expert Cynthia Thurlow to discuss her newest book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia explains why gut health should be at the center of every conversation about perimenopause and menopause, sharing both the science behind the gut-hormone connection and her own personal journey that inspired the book. Together, they explore how declining estrogen influences immune function, gut permeability, inflammation, and the risk of autoimmune conditions during midlife. The conversation dives into the important role of the estrobolome, estrogen metabolism, food sensitivities, detoxification, genetics, and the impact of chronic stress on hormonal health. Cynthia also discusses why symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain, digestive issues, sleep disturbances, and joint pain shouldn't simply be accepted as "normal aging." Along the way, she shares practical strategies for improving gut health, increasing fiber intake, supporting the vagus nerve, reducing inflammation, and making personalized decisions about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The episode concludes with an empowering message that women don't have to suffer through perimenopause and menopause. By understanding the connection between hormones, the gut microbiome, metabolism, and thyroid health, it's possible to improve symptoms and support long-term wellness. If you want a clearer, more balanced understanding of the menopause-gut connection and how it influences thyroid and overall health, you'll get a lot out of this episode.  Free resources for your thyroid healthGet your FREE Thyroid and Immune Health Restoration Action Points Checklist at SaveMyThyroidChecklist.comHigh-Quality Nutritional Supplements For Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’ s Have you checked out my new ThyroSave supplement line? These high-quality supplements can benefit those with hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’s, and you can receive special offers, along with 10% off your first order, by signing up for emails and text messages when you visit ThyroSave.com. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?Get free access to hundreds of articles and blog posts: https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/all-other-articles Watch Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/videos Join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroid Take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz: https://quiz.savemythyroidquiz.com/sf/237dc308 Read all of Dr. Eric’s published books: http://savemythyroid.com/thyroidbooks Work with Dr. Eric: https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/ 

In this episode, Dr. Eric Osansky explores the complex relationship between estrogen and thyroid health. While estrogen is often associated with reproductive health, it also plays an important role in thyroid hormone activity, immune function, metabolism, and overall hormonal balance. Dr. Eric explains how estrogen can influence thyroid hormone availability through thyroid-binding globulin (TBG), why both high and low estrogen levels can create problems, and how hormonal imbalances may contribute to thyroid symptoms in women with Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Dr. Eric also discusses estrogen dominance, progesterone balance, and the connection between estrogen, thyroid autoimmunity, and life stages such as puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause. He reviews the important role of gut health—particularly the estrobolome and beta-glucuronidase—in estrogen metabolism, along with the impact of chronic stress, xenoestrogens, environmental toxins, liver function, and detoxification. In addition, he explains the pros and cons of various hormone testing methods, including blood testing and the DUTCH test, while highlighting nutrients and supplements that may support healthy estrogen metabolism when appropriate. The episode concludes with practical recommendations for supporting both thyroid and estrogen balance through nutrition, stress management, gut health, and personalized testing when needed. If you want a clearer, more balanced understanding of the thyroid-estrogen connection and how hormone balance affects autoimmune thyroid health, you'll get a lot out of this episode.  Free resources for your thyroid healthGet your FREE Thyroid and Immune Health Restoration Action Points Checklist at SaveMyThyroidChecklist.comHigh-Quality Nutritional Supplements For Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’ s Have you checked out my new ThyroSave supplement line? These high-quality supplements can benefit those with hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’s, and you can receive special offers, along with 10% off your first order, by signing up for emails and text messages when you visit ThyroSave.com. Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?Get free access to hundreds of articles and blog posts: https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/all-other-articles Watch Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/videos Join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroid Take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz: https://quiz.savemythyroidquiz.com/sf/237dc308 Read all of Dr. Eric’s published books: http://savemythyroid.com/thyroidbooks Work with Dr. Eric: https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/