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What happens when you know something is wrong, but you’re repeatedly told that your laboratory results are “normal”?
In this episode of Peace Over Panic, Taylor sits down with Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP, a clinical pharmacist, internationally recognized Hashimoto’s expert, and bestselling author, to explore the connections among thyroid autoimmunity, IBS, anxiety, stress, and nutrient deficiencies.
Taylor shares her personal experience of discovering positive thyroid antibodies and ANA results while her thyroid hormone levels remained within range. Despite not feeling like herself, she was told there was nothing to worry about. That confusing and frustrating experience eventually led her to Dr. Wentz’s work.
Dr. Wentz shares her own journey from IBS, panic attacks, acid reflux, fatigue, and hair loss to receiving a Hashimoto’s diagnosis. She explains why digestive problems and nutrient deficiencies may deserve attention, even when conventional laboratory ranges do not provide a clear explanation for someone’s symptoms.
Together, they discuss how patients can become informed advocates for themselves without feeling as though they have to navigate their health alone.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What thyroid antibodies may mean when TSH and thyroid hormone levels are still within range
- Why women with physical symptoms are so often told that they are simply anxious or stressed
- Dr. Wentz’s personal progression from IBS and panic attacks to Hashimoto’s
- The potential relationship among gut health, stress, nutrient status, and autoimmunity
- Why low ferritin, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 deserve a closer look
- The difference between being “within range” and feeling well
- Possible contributors to low iron stores, including impaired absorption and gastrointestinal conditions
- Dr. Wentz’s approach to food sensitivities and elimination diets
- H. pylori, SIBO, and other digestive concerns discussed in the episode
- The benefits and limitations of comprehensive laboratory testing
- Why receiving more health data does not always make the next step obvious
- How to educate yourself while still working with qualified healthcare professionals
- The foundations of Dr. Wentz’s Hashimoto’s Protocol
- Stress, the body’s cortisol response, circadian rhythms, and supporting energy
- Why IBS should not automatically be dismissed as something a person must learn to tolerate
- How Dr. Wentz’s new IBS book helps readers investigate possible contributors to their symptoms
- Why asking questions does not make someone a hypochondriac
Memorable quote
“You’re a hypochondriac until you actually figure out what’s wrong with you. Then you’re a person who knew your body best and figured out a way out.” — Dr. Izabella Wentz
Episode timestamps
00:00 — Anxiety, panic attacks, and knowing something is wrong
00:17 — Welcome and episode overview
02:01 — Introducing Dr. Izabella Wentz
02:06 — Taylor’s experience with positive ANA and thyroid antibodies
04:30 — When thyroid antibodies are elevated but thyroid function appears normal
07:54 — Gut health, nutrient deficiencies, and the “chicken or the egg” question
12:45 — Dr. Wentz’s commonly investigated Hashimoto’s contributors
15:53 — Practical starting points: food, blood sugar, and nutrient testing
17:23 — Ferritin, vitamin D, anxiety, and restless legs
18:16 — Understanding vitamin B12 testing
21:13 — Comprehensive testing: helpful information or information overload?
22:14 — Becoming an educated and empowered patient
25:47 — Moving beyond hundreds of expensive tests
27:50 — Where to begin with Dr. Wentz’s books and protocols
30:35 — Why she wrote Adrenal Transformation Protocol
35:28 — Dr. Wentz’s personal IBS story
38:39 — The relationship among stress, the gut, and autoimmunity
42:31 — Finding possible underlying contributors to IBS
45:20 — The “hypochondriac” label and trusting what your body is telling you
47:39 — Final message for anyone who feels alone in their symptoms
About Dr. Izabella Wentz
Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP, is a clinical pharmacist and internationally recognized specialist in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. After receiving her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at 23, she built a career in clinical pharmacology, medication safety, and complex case investigation.
After being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s in 2009, Dr. Wentz dedicated her work to investigating lifestyle factors that may influence thyroid symptoms, digestive health, stress, nutrition, and autoimmunity.
She is the author of:
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause
- Hashimoto’s Protocol
- Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology
- Adrenal Transformation Protocol
- IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Connect with Dr. Izabella Wentz
Website: ThyroidPharmacist.com
Books and resources: Dr. Wentz’s books
New IBS book: IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Important note
This episode is intended for education and general information only. It is not medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition. Laboratory results and supplement needs must be interpreted within each person’s complete medical history. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing your medications, supplements, diet, or treatment plan.
Connect with Taylor:
Instagram: @health_anxiety
TikTok: @healthanxiety
Threads: @health_anxiety
YouTube: Health Anxiety Healer
Chirp: chirp.me/healthanxiety
Website: peakofpanic.com
If this episode brought you a little more peace, follow the show, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who may need this reminder today.
You are not alone, you are not broken, and peace is something you can practice, one moment at a time.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your individual needs. If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, contact emergency services in your area.
