From Cancer to Hashimoto’s: Her Healing Journey

If your body hasn’t been cooperating lately, you might be relieved to hear why that’s more common and more fixable than you think.Philip Pape and I dug into the deeper reasons why so many people struggle with fat loss, muscle loss, and long-term consistency, especially when thyroid health or chronic stress is part of the picture. We talked about protein needs, the role of strength training as we age, why fasting isn’t a magic solution, and how undereating can work against your goals. Philip also shares a very down-to-earth way of thinking about metabolism, recovery, and flexible nutrition that I find a lot of people benefit from hearing again in a simple, practical way.For anyone who’s been frustrated by slow progress, tuning in may help you understand what your body has been trying to tell you.Episode Timeline: 00:00 — Intro & Guest Welcome00:55 — Philip’s Background Story04:28 — Why Weight Loss Is Hard08:00 — Stress and Metabolism Impact09:53 — Can You Recomp?12:06 — Fasting Challenges Today14:36 — Training Fasted Thoughts17:33 — How Often to Lift20:37 — How Heavy to Lift23:12 — Push-Ups vs Weights25:58 — Rethinking Food & Nutrition30:36 — Flexible Eating Explained33:13 — Protein Powder Guidance36:01 — Creatine Benefits Overview37:12 — Supplements Philip Recommends42:19 — Tracking Food Options47:55 — Philip’s App Launch Info48:28 — Final Weight-Loss Advice50:07 — Where to Find PhilipAbout Philip Pape:Philip Pape is a certified nutrition coach and the host of Wits & Weights, a Top 25 (Top 1%) nutrition podcast for people who want to build muscle, lose fat, and transform their health with evidence-based strategies. Through his coaching and podcast, Philip helps busy professionals cut through confusion around food and fitness so they can finally look, feel, and perform at their best, especially in their 40s and beyond.Connect with Philip Pape:Podcast - witsandweights.com/podcast Free Guide: Strength training for hormone health - https://www.witsandweights.com/free/strength-training-for-hormone-health 📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork: https://witsandweights.com/app Mentioned in this Episode:Philip Pape’s Podcast Episode: Training Closer to Failure - Philip Pape’s Podcast Episode: Hypertrophy Hierarchy - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hypertrophy-hierarchy-which-training-variables/id1591502355?i=1000735374914 

Hyperthyroidism can feel chaotic until you understand the system behind your symptoms. Are you recognizing them?This episode walks through the five (5) parts of the SAVED Thyroid Method, a healing framework that I recommend to my patients. SAVED serves as an acronym for each step, detailing how every component can gently influence antibody activity in hyperthyroidism. If you’ve been trying to make sense of your hyperthyroidism and want a grounded, root-cause roadmap, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Episode Timeline: 00:00 – Episode Overview  01:13 – Podcast Intro01:37 – Saved Method Overview02:10 – Symptom Management Approaches06:55 – L-Carnitine Research Update09:20 – Lithium and Other Options10:18 – Adrenals and Blood Sugar14:55 – Insulin Resistance Markers16:58 – Vanquish Infections & Gut Health20:10 – Five-R Gut Healing Steps22:45 – Food Reactions and Diet24:55 – Toxin Exposure Basics26:20 – Hidden Trigger Categories28:36 – Community and Training Details29:58 – Podcast Outro30:18 –  Post-Episode Chat

The path to lowering antibodies isn’t always quick, but it becomes clearer once you know which five areas matter most.In this conversation, I walk through what thyroid antibodies actually mean and why they can fluctuate from one test to the next. I then break down five approaches that consistently make a difference, strengthening the foundations of health, addressing personal triggers, supporting gut health, reducing oxidative stress, and understanding when something like Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) might play a role. The goal is to help you see where your efforts matter most and why a layered approach usually works better than relying on a single strategy.If you’ve been trying to make sense of your antibodies or you’re looking for next steps, you’ll find this episode helpful to listen to.Episode Timeline: 00:00 — What Thyroid Antibodies Are01:15 — Types of Graves’ Antibodies03:45 — Why Antibodies Fluctuate05:10 — Way #1: Foundations First08:20 — Foods & Common Triggers10:45 — Stress, Toxins, Infections12:50 — Way #2: Remove Triggers14:05 — Way #3: Heal the Gut16:40 — Way #4: Reduce Oxidative Stress18:30 — Supplements for Antibody Support19:45 — Way #5: Low-Dose Naltrexone21:10 — Summary of All Five Steps22:00 — Invitation to Free Challenge

Many people reach for biotin the moment they notice more hair in the shower drain. But only few realize it can do more harm than good…Today, Julie Olson returns to talk through what’s really going on behind hair loss and the confusion around biotin. We get into why true biotin deficiency is rare, how high doses can interfere with other nutrients, and why it’s so important to step back and look at the bigger picture things like gut health, inflammation, toxin exposure, and hormone balance. Julie also shares the five main root causes she sees in women struggling with hair loss and how proper testing can make all the difference.If your hair keeps thinning no matter what you try, this episode reveals why biotin might not be the quick fix it seems.Episode Timeline:00:00 – Intro & Guest Background02:50 – Why Biotin Became Popular04:20 – Who Actually Gets Deficiency04:50 – Risks of Too Much Biotin07:20 – How Biotin Affects Lab Tests08:00 – Labs Biotin Interferes With10:20 – How Long to Stop Before Labs11:30 – When Biotin Seems to Help12:20 – Testing for Biotin and Deficiency13:00 – Five Root Causes of Hair Loss15:40 – Functional Testing Approach & Budgets18:30 – Common Findings in Hair Loss Clients20:50 – Gut Health Patterns and Markers24:20 – Why Testing Improves Compliance25:10 – Adrenals, Stress & Testing Value27:20 – Realistic Timeline for Hair Regrowth30:50 – Hair Supplements and Marketing Myths33:10 – Mercury Fillings & Detox Caution37:40 – When to Remove Mercury Amalgams41:30 – Gluten Testing & Sensitivity Debate46:20 – Why Even Small Gluten Matters47:20 – Final Advice on Root Causes48:00 – Where to Find Julie Olson 49:00 – Free Root Cause Quiz Mention 49:50 – Closing & Thank YouAbout Julie Olson: Julie Olson, BSc, CN, BCHN, CGP, is a triple-certified evidence-based nutrition expert specializing in female hair loss, gut health, and gluten-related issues. She’s known for identifying and communicating root-cause solutions that help women naturally regrow their hair and restore their health. With more than a decade of experience and functional medicine training, Julie has supported over 700 women through comprehensive health and hair transformations. She designs realistic, sustainable, personalized programs that help clients take control of their well-being. Her approach focuses on addressing underlying imbalances so women can regain strong, vibrant hair and feel their best.Connect with Julie Olson: Website - https://fortitudefunctionalnutrition.com/ Free Quiz - https://fortitudefunctionalnutrition.com/hair-loss-quiz-for-women/Social Media - https://www.instagram.com/julieolsonfn/ 

What happens when even surgery and supplements can’t get a broken bone to heal?When Dr. Ben Weitz fractured his femur and was told it might never heal, he turned to the same principles he’s used with patients for decades: ‘root cause, functional medicine’ thinking. In this conversation, he shares how he designed a bone-healing protocol that combined targeted nutrition, vitamin K2 and vitamin D optimization, growth factors, and the right kind of exercise stimulus. We also discuss why bone loss and osteoporosis aren’t just ‘aging issues’, how testing like trabecular bone scores can reveal what DEXA scans miss, and why many medications block bone repair instead of rebuilding it. The story offers a powerful look at how science, persistence, and patient intuition can work together to restore strength naturally.If you’ve ever worried about bone density, fractures, or slow healing, this episode will help you understand what your bones really need to rebuild safely and effectively.Episode Timeline: 00:00 – Episode Preview01:35 – Podcast Intro 02:45 – Dr. Weitz’s Hip Fracture Story04:40 – Rehab and Early Supplements08:20 – Deciding Against Revision Surgery09:50 – Understanding Bone Cells11:45 – Using Forteo for Healing12:45 – Why Monitoring Bone Markers Matters13:50 – Adding Growth Hormone14:50 – Bone Stimulator Protocol15:27 – Effective Exercises for Bone16:40 – Ballistic Loading Benefits17:55 – Bone Density vs Bone Strength18:37 – Understanding Trabecular Bone Score19:40 – Why Positioning Affects DEXA21:10 – Reading Full DEXA Printouts23:22 – Men Rarely Get Bone Scans27:02 – Bone Stimulator Options29:20 – Risks of Bone Medications33:50 – Considering Osteoporosis Treatment34:03 – Medication vs Natural Approach36:55 – Vitamin D and Vitamin K39:55 – Calcium Myths Explained42:27 – Iodine Contrast Considerations45:49 – Where to Find Dr. Ben47:22 – Podcast Outro47:42 – Final Takeaways & Dr. Eric’s Closing ThoughtsAbout Dr. Ben Weitz: Dr. Ben Weitz is a Certified Sports Chiropractor and Functional Medicine practitioner for more than 35 years and he has worked with professional sports teams.  He wrote a book in 1998, “The Back Relief Book”, and has published several papers on the prevention of injuries in weight training, and he is currently working on a book on longevity. He hosts his weekly “Rational Wellness Podcast”, now in its 6th year that is devoted to all things Functional Medicine. He sees his patients at his office in Santa Monica, California, both for Functional Medicine and for Chiropractic Therapy.  Connect with Dr. Ben Weitz: drweitz.com  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rational-wellness-podcast/id1191232372 https://www.youtube.com/@weitzchirohttps://www.instagram.com/drbenweitz/

Far too many people are living with misdiagnosed Graves’ or ignored hyperthyroidism and they don’t even know it yet.I’ve heard and read countless cases of people who were told their fatigue, anxiety, or rapid heartbeat were ‘just stress’, only to later learn that their thyroid was the real issue. Too often, hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease are missed because doctors rely on limited testing or dismiss subtle symptoms. In this episode, I explain why these oversights happen, what red flags to watch for, and how to ask for the right labs. You’ll also hear how small clues like heart palpitations or low cholesterol can point to a bigger thyroid problem. My goal is to help you recognize the signs early and feel confident advocating for your health.Tune in to uncover how Graves’ and hyperthyroidism are so often misdiagnosed and what you can do right now to avoid becoming one of those stories.Episode Timeline: 00:00 – Episode Preview01:16 – Podcast Intro01:41 – Friend’s Case: High TPO Antibodies03:30 – Possible Graves vs Hashimoto’s Confusion05:12 – Hyperthyroidism Often Overlooked06:00 – Case Study: Thyroid Storm Misdiagnosed08:40 – How Symptoms Mimic Panic Attacks10:10 – Limited Treatment Options for Graves’12:05 – Why Graves’ Therapies Haven’t Advanced13:00 – Recognizing Misdiagnosis Red Flags14:25 – Full Thyroid Panel Importance15:55 – Role of Antibody Testing17:00 – Advocate for Imaging and Follow-Up17:40 – Mid-Episode Resources and Books18:30 – When to Seek a Second Opinion21:45 – Working with Experienced Practitioners23:10 – Why Second Opinions Matter24:35 – Introducing the Healing Graves Community25:40 – Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways26:27 –  Podcast Outro Mentioned in this episode: Graves’ thyroid storm misdiagnosed as panic attack - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34044861/ Skool Community - savemythyroid.com/healgravesdisease

Real progress comes when we stop managing symptoms and start understanding the body’s messages. What might yours be saying?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Erin Ellis, a naturopathic doctor whose own health journey from Non-Hodgkin lymphoma to Hashimoto’s completely reshaped how she approaches healing. We talk about her path from cancer survivor to women’s hormone specialist, and how she uncovered the deeper connections between thyroid autoimmunity, toxins, and genetic vulnerability. Dr. Ellis shares what helped her reverse Hashimoto's antibodies, the foundational steps she teaches her patients, and why true recovery often begins with something as simple as sleep, food quality, and reducing toxic load. Her story is a powerful reminder that the body can heal when we understand why it’s reacting, not just how to suppress symptoms.This conversation might help you see your symptoms in a completely new way. Listen now!Episode Timeline: 00:00 – Episode Preview01:20 – Podcast Intro01:44 – Cancer Journey and Motivation02:22 – Why She Focused on Women’s Hormones03:40 – The Hashimoto’s Diagnosis Story06:16 – Cancer Recurrence and Turning Point14:03 – Hashimoto’s Antibodies Turn Negative14:16 – Role of Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)15:13 – Gluten, Diet, and Antibody Response16:09 – Oxidative Stress and Glyphosate Link18:43 – Ongoing Detox and IV Glutathione20:31 – Lymphatic Massage and Detox Support24:01 – Sauna, Red Light, and Cold Plunge27:00 – Parasite Cleansing Experience28:24 – Full Thyroid and Hormone Panels30:20 – Starting with Foundational Habits33:35 – Final Advice on Listening to Your Body35:21 – Where to Find Dr. Ellis36:21 – Episode Wrap-Up and Outro36:41 – Dr. Eric’s Reflection and TakeawaysAbout Dr. Erin Ellis: Dr. Erin Ellis is a Naturopathic Doctor who helps women balance hormones, improve menstrual health, and regain the energy they once had. After being diagnosed with a rare form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2010, she turned that experience into the motivation to pursue natural medicine. Her journey shaped a mission to help others take control of their health and understand that the body has an innate ability to heal when given the right tools. Life, as she often says, is too short to feel suboptimal. Outside of her work, Dr. Ellis enjoys time with her dogs, traveling in her RV, and making memories with her husband, a firefighter.Connect with Dr. Erin Ellis: https://hormonequiz.drerinellis.com/ https://hopenaturalhealth.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dr.erinellis/?hl=en 

A new study may have just changed how we think about two nutritional supplements that can benefit those with Graves’ disease.A new 2025 study looked at the combination of L-carnitine and selenium alongside methimazole and the results were more encouraging than I expected. In this episode, I walk you through what the researchers found, including how this combo may help lower thyroid antibodies, improve symptom control, and even reduce the total amount of methimazole needed. I also share my clinical perspective when these nutrients might help, what dosages were studied, and why we still need to look beyond supplements to address deeper triggers like stress, gut health, and environmental toxins.Tune in to learn what this new research could mean for your own healing path.Episode Timeline: 00:00 – Episode Preview01:14 - Podcast Intro01:38 – Graves’ Disease Study Explained04:45 – Study Design & Methods06:28 – Key Findings: Antibody Improvement08:12 – Reduced Methimazole Dosage Benefits10:05 – Study Limitations & Dosage Notes12:30 – Selenium & L-Carnitine in Practice14:48 – Other Triggers and Root Causes16:35 – Community and Support Resources18:05 – Bugleweed vs L-Carnitine20:12 – What True Remission Means21:38 – TSI vs TRAb Explained22:09 – Selenium vs LDN Comparison24:10 – Testing, Maintenance & Final ThoughtsMentioned in this episode: Check the study here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40871722/ 

Many women are fearful of estrogen, especially with everything out there related to "estrogen dominance". What if the real danger isn’t estrogen but it’s misinformation?Dr. Sharon Stills has spent over two decades helping women move through perimenopause and menopause with clarity and confidence. Her message is simple but powerful: hormones aren’t the enemy. They’re part of what keeps your brain, bones, and metabolism resilient as you age.We talk about why so many women are misled into avoiding estrogen, why it’s never “too late” to find balance, and how adrenal and thyroid health fit into the bigger hormonal picture. You’ll also hear her take on bioidentical hormones, proper testing, and why chasing symptoms without addressing root causes rarely works.Tune in to learn how to make informed, confident choices about your hormones without fear, hype, or confusion.Episode Timeline: 00:00 – Podcast Preview01:21 – Podcast Intro05:25 – How Dr. Sharon Stills Began Focusing on Menopause11:34 – Why She Takes a “Hormone-First” Approach to Healing16:13 – Myth #1: It’s Too Late to Start Hormone Therapy19:56 – Myth #2: Perimenopausal Women Should Avoid Estrogen23:28 – Myth #3: Healthy Adrenals Can Replace Sex Hormones26:52 – The Truth About Hot Flashes and “Natural” Menopause30:33 – Myth #4: Estrogen Causes Cancer35:32 – How Dr. Stills Tests Hormones Accurately39:18 – The Role of Thyroid and Adrenal Testing40:28 – The Power of Castor Oil Packs for Detox and Lymph Flow43:07 – Where to Find Dr. Sharon Stills44:57 – Dr. Eric’s Post-Episode Commentary51:29 – Podcast Outro About Dr. Sharon Stills:Dr. Sharon Stills is a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor and graduate of The Sonoran University (2001). For over 20 years, she’s helped women navigate perimenopause and menopause through natural, evidence-based care. Creator of the RED Hot Sexy Meno(pause) Program and host of the Mastering Your Meno(pause) Transition summit, she combines European Biological Medicine, pro-aging therapies, and Bio-identical Hormone Replacement to help women regain vitality. Dr. Stills has lectured internationally, contributed to Women’s Health Network, and served on the boards of the Bio-Regulatory Medicine Institute and UCLA’s Archive of Healing. In 2025, she’ll open the Lasting Wellness Center in Scottsdale, AZ with her son, Dr. Ben Stills.Connect with Dr. Sharon Stills:Drstills.com https://www.instagram.com/drsharonstills/?hl=en 

When it’s your vision on the line, what choice would you make?In this podcast audit, I speak with Linda, who faced sudden double vision and eye changes that no one could explain at first. What began as mild symptoms quickly turned into Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), forcing her to make tough decisions on when to move beyond homeopathic care and consider Tepezza. We talk about what finally made a difference, what didn’t, and how she kept her immune system and hope strong through it all.Tune in to hear what really happens when TED challenges both your health and your trust in the healing process.Episode Timeline: 00:00 - Episode Preview00:57 - Episode introduction02:06 - Quick Note About This Episode04:47 - How Linda found Dr. Eric05:35 - Double vision before diagnosis07:18 - First signs of eye bulging07:41 - Trying homeopathy and IV ozone08:44 - Starting Tepezza for thyroid eyes09:59- Results and improvement after Tepezza11:33 - Side effects and managing them11:19 - Reflecting on timing and decisions13:43 - Time and place for medication15:30 - Antibody progress and stopping methimazole16:53 - Lab testing and ongoing support18:30 - Thyroid eye supplement bundle19:06- Reflections and continued improvement21:41 - Podcast Outro22:02 - Final Thoughts and RecommendationsMentioned in This Episode: Dr. Eric’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Treatment-Solutions-Hyperthyroidism-Disease/dp/166640408X/ Dr. Eric’s Supplement: https://savemythyroid.com/products/