Today, I am blessed to have Dr. Eric Balcavage here with me. He is the owner and founder of Rejuvagen. Dr. Balcavage is widely recognized around the world as a leader in Functional Medicine and Thyroid Physiology. In over 20 years of practice, he has successfully helped thousands of people suffering from thyroid problems and other chronic health conditions. Dr. Balcavage received his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic Davenport, Iowa in 1995 and has been in practice since 1996. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology. Dr. Balcavage is Board Certified in Integrative Medicine, a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, and a Certified Nutrition Specialist. He spends hundreds of hours every year advancing his knowledge base on functional medicine, thyroid physiology, functional neurology, immune system function, hormone function, and regenerative therapies. Dr. Balcavage’s quest for advanced research and training is the result of his passion and determination to help patients who have been unable to heal and recover from chronic illness in the Allopathic medical model. Dr. Balcavage has studied under and consulted with several experts in Functional Medicine over the years, including renowned thyroid expert Dr. Datis Kharrazian and methylation expert Dr. Ben Lynch. Dr. Balcavage trains and consults with hundreds of doctors on topics such as Thyroid physiology, GI physiology, Organic acid testing, and Methylation. He also lectures locally and around the country on numerous other health conditions. His Functional Medicine Center has always been on the cutting edge of health care and science. Currently, he devotes his practice to treating patients with thyroid disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes/ insulin resistance, autoimmune & inflammatory disorders, and other metabolic challenges. In this episode, Dr. Balcavage dives into the intricate world of thyroid physiology and its profound impact on overall health. Focusing on understanding thyroid allostasis, he challenges conventional perspectives on thyroid dysfunction, emphasizing the role of adaptive responses to cellular stress. Dr. Balcavage explores the potential for thyroid recovery, advocating for a nuanced approach to medication use and highlighting the body's remarkable capacity for healing and adaptation. Additionally, he explores the intricate interplay between thyroid hormone, mitochondrial function, and cellular stress adaptation, shedding light on the complexities of maintaining optimal thyroid health. Plus, Dr. Balcavage discusses the importance of embracing dietary diversity and a holistic approach to nutrition for supporting thyroid function. Tune in as he explores the intricacies of stool test analysis and gut health restoration, emphasizing the need for individualized interpretation and addressing underlying factors contributing to dysbiosis and immune dysfunction. Through his insights, Dr. Balcavage provides a comprehensive understanding of thyroid health and offers valuable guidance for achieving optimal well-being. 🥑 Get your Keto Recipe of the Week here: http://www.ketokamprecipes.com / / E P I S O D E S P ON S O R S Wild Pastures: $20 OFF per Box for Life + Free Shipping for Life + $15 OFF your 1st Box! https://wildpastures.com/promos/save-20-for-life-lf?oid=6&affid=132&source_id=podcast&sub1=ad BonCharge: Blue light Blocking Glasses, Red Light Therapy, Sauna Blankets & More. Visit https://boncharge.com/pages/ketokamp and use the coupon code KETOKAMP for 15% off your order. Beam Minerals: BEAM Minerals products are the perfect support for the keto/carnivore/fasting way of living as they won’t break your fast, PLUS they taste just like water and will help you keep carb cravings at bay as you move into a fat-adapted state. Give BEAM Minerals a try today for an enhanced keto experience. Head to http://www.beamminerals.com and use the coupon code AZADI for a sweet discount! Text me the words "Podcast" +1 (786) 364-5002 to be added to my contacts list. [06:30] Understanding Thyroid Allostasis: A Paradigm Shift in Health Conditions and Cellular Stress - Dr. Balcavage emphasizes that many health conditions are associated with adaptive changes in thyroid physiology. - Rather than solely focusing on thyroid gland dysfunction, he suggests that these changes often reflect an adaptive response to cellular stress. - When cells perceive stress or danger, they shift from manufacturing to defense. This results in a slowed metabolism and a ramping up of defense mechanisms. - The level of T3 hormone inside the cell plays a crucial role in regulating this shift towards defense mode. - Dr. Balcavage introduces the concept of "thyroid allostasis," wherein thyroid hormone regulation differs from the typical pattern. He suggests that individuals with chronic health issues often exhibit this altered regulation, which may manifest as tissue hypothyroidism as an adaptive response. [10:00] Redefining Thyroid Recovery: Medication Dependency and Natural Healing - Dr. Balcavage challenges the notion that the thyroid gland is unlikely to recover once someone is on thyroid medication. - He believes that many people are prescribed medication prematurely and that for those who genuinely need it, there's often potential to reduce medication dosage over time. - He observes that many of his patients can gradually reduce their thyroid medication dosage and even stop taking it altogether. - Some individuals who have been on medication for years or even after a complete thyroidectomy have experienced a decrease in their medication needs. - Dr. Balcavage emphasizes the body's remarkable capacity for healing and adaptation. [13:50] The Role of Thyroid Hormone in Mitochondrial Function and Adaptation to Stress - When a cell perceives danger or a drop in energy, it initiates a response aimed at self-preservation. This includes stiffening the cell membrane to limit the transport of substances in and out of the cell. - In response to perceived threats, cells adaptively down-regulate their manufacturing processes to minimize the production of substances that could benefit potential threats, such as amino acids and peptides. - The thyroid hormone is crucial in driving mitochondrial function and is essential for converting food energy into cellular energy. However, continued stimulation of mitochondrial function during cellular stress can produce excessive free radicals. - Excessive free radicals and limited antioxidant production due to decreased nutrient availability and down-regulated mitochondrial function can result in oxidative stress and cellular damage. To counteract this, the body adaptively down-regulates mitochondrial function and cellular activity, leading to symptoms such as fatigue and decreased energy levels. [21:00] Embracing Dietary Diversity: A Holistic Approach to Thyroid Health and Nutrition - Dr. Balcavage emphasizes the importance of consuming a diverse range of whole foods, including animal- and plant-based sources. - He suggests that there isn't necessarily one "best" food for thyroid health but instead encourages a balanced approach with various nutrient-rich foods. - Dr. Balcavage contrasts allopathic thinking, which may focus on strict dietary restrictions based on specific food categories, with a more holistic approach that prioritizes whole foods and individual tolerance. - He rejects labeling entire food groups as inherently harmful and instead encourages listening to one's body and consuming a balanced diet. [31:00] Thyroid Function Complexity: Ketogenic Diets and Optimal Thyroid Health - Dr. Balcavage acknowledges the complexity of cellular function and challenges the notion that adopting a ketogenic diet necessarily leads to a lower T3 state. - He suggests that cellular hypothyroidism and challenges with glucose regulation may impact the body's ability to burn fats efficiently. - He questions the "optimal ranges" for thyroid hormones and suggests that individual variation and context should be considered when interpreting lab results. - Dr. Balcavage emphasizes the importance of understanding thyroid function's nuances rather than strictly adhering to predetermined ranges. [38:40] An Approach to Stool Test Analysis and Gut Health Restoration - Dr. Balcavage emphasizes the importance of interpreting stool test results individually rather than applying generalized labels such as "good" or "bad." - Factors like an individual's overall health status and specific symptoms must be considered. - He suggests elevated markers on stool tests, such as formic acid, may not always indicate an adverse health outcome. Contextual factors, such as an individual's weight status or dietary habits, must be considered to interpret these findings accurately. - He advocates addressing underlying factors contributing to dysbiosis and immune dysfunction rather than solely focusing on symptom management. Factors such as stomach acid production, bile flow, pancreatic enzyme output, and overall immune function should be assessed and supported to restore gut health effectively. AND MUCH MORE! Resources from this episode: ● Rejuvagen: https://rejuvagencenter.com/ ● The Thyroid Debacle: https://www.amazon.com/Thyroid-Debacle-Dr-Eric-Balcavage/dp/B0B31VDBSV/ ● Thyroid Answers Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thyroid-answers-podcast/id1189585193 ● Follow Dr. Eric Balcavage ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drericbalcavage/ ● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rejuvagencenter/ ● YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/askdrbalcavage 🥑 Get your Keto Recipe of the Week here: http://www.ketokamprecipes.com / / E P I S O D E S P ON S O R S Wild Pastures: $20 OFF per Box for Life + Free Shipping for Life + $15 OFF your 1st Box! https://wildpastures.com/promos/save-20-for-life-lf?oid=6&affid=132&source_id=podcast&sub1=ad BonCharge: Blue light Blocking Glasses, Red Light Therapy, Sauna Blankets & More. Visit https://boncharge.com/pages/ketokamp and use the coupon code KETOKAMP for 15% off your order. Beam Minerals: BEAM Minerals products are the perfect support for the keto/carnivore/fasting way of living as they won’t break your fast, PLUS they taste just like water and will help you keep carb cravings at bay as you move into a fat-adapted state. Give BEAM Minerals a try today for an enhanced keto experience. Head to http://www.beamminerals.com and use the coupon code AZADI for a sweet discount! Text me the words "Podcast" +1 (786) 364-5002 to be added to my contacts list. // F O L L O W ▸ instagram | @thebenazadi | http://bit.ly/2B1NXKW ▸ facebook | /thebenazadi | http://bit.ly/2BVvvW6 ▸ twitter | @thebenazadi http://bit.ly/2USE0so ▸clubhouse | @thebenazadi Disclaimer: This podcast is for information purposes only. Statements and views expressed on this podcast are not medical advice. This podcast including Ben Azadi disclaim responsibility from any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. Opinions of guests are their own, and this podcast does not accept responsibility of statements made by guests. This podcast does not make any representations or warranties about guests qualifications or credibility. Individuals on this podcast may have a direct or non-direct interest in products or services referred to herein. If you think you have a medical problem, consult a licensed physician.