(Click Here to Listen to the Full Episode.)

The health of our thyroid is important for so many reasons. Unfortunately, as stated in my previous podcast on essential oils for thyroid health, the American Thyroid Association estimates that 12% of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition in their lifetime. Importantly, 60% of those with thyroid disease are undiagnosed and unaware of their endocrine gland dysfunction. This can put them at risk for certain serious conditions due to the fact that the thyroid gland impacts almost every physiological process. In fact, untreated thyroid disease can result in cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, pregnancy complications, and infertility. So, it’s important to treat our thyroid right.

Thankfully, we can nourish our thyroid with lifestyle practices and address the potential triggers to thyroid deregulation using natural methods, including essential oils. Most importantly, we can team up and get individualized and proper treatment from medical gurus.

In this episode of the Essential Oil Revolution, I was honored to be joined by the go-to thyroid expert and specialist, Dr. Hedberg. He is an internationally esteemed, evidence-based, research-oriented, and holistic, functional medicine and chiropractic physician with over 20 years of clinical experience. He is also a lecturer, presenter, formulator, author, educator, and podcast host.

Dr. Hedberg excels at helping his patients and the practitioners he mentors to find the underlying causes of thyroid disorders and other complex diseases. He then masterfully corrects these imbalances through his exquisite and detailed understanding of nutrition, lifestyle, natural hormones, herbal medicine, and proper supplementation.

During the show, Dr. Hedberg reviews his functional and integrative approach to thyroid health. He highlights all the interwoven and intricate connections between the thyroid and our overall wellness. He also touches upon underlying causes of thyroid disease that are often overlooked and unknown, including infections, dietary factors, nutrient deficiencies, genetics, detoxification, and more. Finally, we discuss Dr. Hedberg’s approach to healing the thyroid and how essential oils play a role.

Below is an overview of the topics covered during this empowering and informative podcast. You won’t want to miss it!

Be sure to listen all the way through the end for a special announcement!

What You Will Learn:

  • The consequences of undiagnosed thyroid disorders (30 seconds)
  • Dr. Hedberg’s bio and background (1 min 30 sec)
  • How Dr. Hedberg got interested in thyroid health: (5 min 30 sec)
    • Dr. Hedberg noted that conventional and integrative medicine for thyroid disorders was ineffective, and many were still suffering on treatment. So, he took it upon himself to become an expert and fill in the gaps.
  • The number one symptom of thyroid disease and other accompanying signs: (6 min 30 sec)
    • Fatigue is the number one symptom, because the thyroid is responsible for overall metabolism.
    • Other signs indicating low thyroid relate to sluggish metabolic functions. These include constipation, dry skin (poor skin lipid turnover), depression, compromised digestion, and weight changes.
  • The link between thyroid hormone and energy production in the mitochondria (9 min)
  • The many factors that negatively affect the thyroid: (9 min 30 sec)
    • Nutrient deficiencies, toxins, poor sleep, stress, lack of nourishment, our modern lifestyle, and gut imbalances
  • The gut-thyroid axis: (11 min)
    • Hypothyroidism causes low stomach acid, decreasing macronutrient and micronutrient absorption, which are important for thyroid function. These nutrients include protein, iodine, selenium, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin D.
    • An H. pylori infection in the stomach prevents thyroid medication from being effectively absorbed and utilized.
    • An imbalance in intestinal gut microbes will negatively impact thyroid function due to resulting inflammation and a decreased conversion of T4-T3, which occurs in the gut.
    • Intestinal parasites can drive autoimmune thyroid disease and steal vitamins and minerals needed for thyroid function.
  • How to evaluate the cause of fatigue and thyroid symptoms in a patient: (15 min)
    • Lab tests including thyroid hormones (fT4, fT3), TSH, thyroid antibodies, iron levels, and gut function tests, along with clinical symptoms, can diagnose many thyroid issues.
  • The three factors that contribute to an autoimmune disease, such as Hashimoto’s disease of the thyroid: (16 min)
    • A combination of a genetic predisposition, leaky gut, and a trigger (e.g., stress, trauma, toxins, and infections) cause autoimmunity.
    • There are gut infections and many viruses and bacteria (e.g., influenza, HSV6, and EBV) linked to Hashimoto’s disease.
    • Iodine can also trigger Hashimoto’s disease.
  • Why giving thyroid hormone without addressing the underlying cause is ineffective (18 min)
  • The two most important minerals for thyroid function: (20 min)
    • Iron and selenium
    • You need iron to make thyroid hormone, to convert T4 to T3, and to bind T3 cellular receptors.
  • Why women are more prone to thyroid issues and autoimmunity: (22 min)
    • Women have two X chromosomes, which predisposes them to autoimmunity.
    • Higher estrogen levels can deregulate immunity and increase mast cells, contributing to autoimmunity and high histamine.
    • Estrogen increases proteins in the blood that bind to thyroid hormones, which slows down thyroid function.
    • You need thyroid hormones to help detoxify estrogen. A compromised gut from slower metabolism in thyroid patients can decrease efficacy in estrogen detoxification. This creates a viscous cycle of low thyroid and high estrogen.
  • The link between thyroid disorders and birth control and hormone replacement therapy: (24 min)
    • Birth control pills deplete many nutrients needed for thyroid function.
    • Hormones also can impact thyroid levels, as mentioned above.
    • Natural testosterone helps boost thyroid conversion.
    • Natural progesterone helps raise T4.
    • Hormone replacement is beneficial if hormone levels are too low, but you want the proper levels and to be mindful of too much estrogen.
  • How chemicals in the environment disrupt thyroid function and how essential oils can help: (26 min)
    • Chemicals in the environment act as thyroid disruptors.
    • Essential oils support the microbiome, positively influence gut health, alleviate common thyroid triggers, and prevent harm to the thyroid by providing a safe alternative to chemicals.
  • Other common triggers of thyroid disruption: (28 min)
    • High doses of iodine in those who are inflamed
    • Pregnancy, especially if mom is low in micronutrients
    • Traumatic events
  • The link between gluten and Hashimoto’s disease: (31 min)
    • Gluten can cross react with thyroid gland proteins tagging it as an “invader” to the immune system, which will then will start attacking the thyroid. Gluten can also cause leaky gut, a component of autoimmunity.
  • The link between infections and autoimmunity (34 min)
  • How to dose iodine to not trigger thyroid inflammation and Hashimoto’s disease, and iodine contraindications (35 min)
  • The link between social isolation and loneliness and thyroid health and well-being: (38 min)
    • Social isolation and loneliness increase inflammatory markers, which inhibits thyroid function, decreases the conversion of T4 to T3 hormone, and lowers the uptake of T3 into the cells.
    • Social factors can also affect other hormones such as sex hormones, cortisol, and DHEA.
  • The relationship between the thyroid and adrenal glands: (41 min)
    • Adrenal fatigue is not related directly to the adrenal-thyroid axis, rather it is based on the communication and feedback between the adrenal glands and the brain. This then relays to the thyroid gland.
    • Overproduction of cortisol, the “stress hormone”, by the adrenals will slow down the thyroid and thyroid hormone conversion.
    • Excess adrenaline from the adrenal glands will also impair thyroid function.
    • Low DHEA from poor adrenal output lowers thyroid function.
  • How stress drives hypothyroidism and autoimmunity (42 min)
  • Dr. Hedberg’s favorite essential oil for stress (43 min)
    • Lavender oil
  • Other essential oils that may be helpful for thyroid symptoms: (45 min)
    • Clary sage oil and a blend of peppermint, clove, black pepper, white grapefruit, and bergamot oils
  • What common lifestyle factors can derail the thyroid: (46 min)
    • Overexercise, not getting proper nutrition (e.g., vitamin A and iodine), not sleeping, and toxic chemicals
  • About Dr. Hedberg’s book (49 min)
  • The specialty of a chiropractic internist (51 min)
  • About thyroid glandulars and cautions (52 min)
  • Closing questions and Dr. Hedberg’s favorite ways to enjoy essential oils (54 min)

Be sure to tune-in to arm yourself with this critical information and enhance your thyroid function and overall vitality.

Also, be sure to listen all the way through for a special announcement at closing!

Click here to go to the website player and here to be directed straight to the full interview on Apple podcast.

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Links to Learn More About Dr. Nikolas Hedberg, DC, DABCI, DACBN:

 

Previous Episodes Mentioned During the Show:

 

Additional References in the Show:

 

Available Essential Oil and Wellness Resources from Dr. LoBisco, ND, IFMCP:

Bio of Dr. Nikolas Hedberg, DC, DABCI, DACBN:

Dr. Nickolas Hedberg is an internationally esteemed, evidence-based, research-oriented, and holistic, functional medicine and chiropractic physician with over 20 years of clinical experience. He is a lecturer, presenter, formulator, author, educator, and podcast host. Dr. Hedberg is Board Certified as a Chiropractic Internist by the American Board of Chiropractic Internists (D.A.B.C.I.), a Chiropractic Physician (D.C.), Board Certified in Nutrition by the American Clinical Board of Nutrition (D.A.C.B.N.), a Herbal Medicine Fellow by the AARM, and he holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.

Dr. Hedberg is the current Chief Medical Officer of Moss Nutrition where he serves as a researcher of supplement formulations and educator of practitioners on their clinical applications. He is also the founder of the Immune Restoration Center in Asheville, NC where he consults with patients worldwide. In 2011, Dr. Hedberg created the Infection Connection online course to help practitioners treat patients with chronic stealth infections. This transitioned into the Hedberg Institute, an online functional medicine education platform for practitioners who want to enhance their clinical skills while running a successful functional medicine practice.

Wanting to be a doctor since he was five, Dr. Hedberg realized quickly the holes in effective treatments for thyroid disorders, both conventionally and within integrative medicine. As a result, Dr. Hedberg became an expert in treating thyroid conditions and has since excelled in effectively managing many other chronic, complex conditions. He presents globally at prestigious conferences and on various media sources on his many specialties. These include the connection between autoimmune disease, infections, and chronic illness, gut health, thyroid disorders, long COVID, fatigue, sleep problems, hormonal imbalances, weight management, chronic fatigue, pain, infections, hair loss, adrenal imbalance, depression, and anxiety.

Dr. Hedberg is well-known for his astute ability to merge science with practical applications in a way that is effective, accessible, and holistic. He is the author of The Complete Thyroid Health and Diet Guide, which is based on nearly 14 years of researching thyroid disorders and working with hundreds of people with thyroid problems. He is also the host of the Functional Medicine Research Podcast which combines cutting-edge research with practical health information.

Dr. Hedberg offers a unique compassionate, therapeutic presence that is matched with an impeccable scientific brain that unites the art and heart of medicine. He has a talent for translating detailed, intricate biochemistry and physiology into actionable plans that transform the mind-body-spirit. His patients and students benefit from his ability to act as a detective and dig into research to find root causes and their accompanying solutions to treat the most challenging cases. You can find Dr. Hedberg at https://drhedberg.com/ and www.hedberginstitute.com.

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Disclaimer: This material is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. You should check with your doctor regarding implementing any new strategies into your wellness regime. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. (Affiliation link.)

This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic quality essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been tested for purity and standardized constituents. There is no quality control in the United States, and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only to contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. The studies are not based solely on a specific brand of an essential oil, unless stated. Please read the full study for more information.

Thanks Pixabay and Canva.