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Still Tired on Thyroid Meds? The 6 Labs That Show Why

The Dr. Josh Axe Show

Hosted by Josh Axe

29m
Transcript

Original podcast

Summary

Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.

Many people taking thyroid medication continue to experience persistent symptoms like fatigue, cold hands, thinning hair, and weight gain despite having normal TSH test results. The host explains that standard annual checkups rely solely on TSH, which only measures a signal from the brain rather than actual hormone production, conversion, or immune attacks. To uncover the root cause, a comprehensive panel of six specific markers is recommended: free T4, free T3, reverse T3, TPO antibodies, TG antibodies, and ferritin. The episode details how chronic stress, low iron, food sensitivities, and nutritional deficiencies wear down the thyroid over time. Listeners learn practical, food-based interventions and targeted supplementation, such as eating two to three Brazil nuts daily for selenium and consuming heme iron from grass-fed beef, to help restore thyroid function and energy.

  • Ask your doctor for a complete thyroid panel that includes free T4, free T3, reverse T3, TPO antibodies, TG antibodies, and ferritin rather than relying solely on TSH. 4:06
  • Consume two to three Brazil nuts daily to get a therapeutic dose of selenium, which helps activate thyroid hormones and reduce antibodies. 16:03
  • Support thyroid conversion and energy levels by eating heme iron sources like grass-fed beef, lamb, and bison alongside vitamin C-rich foods. 16:31
  • Incorporate warming foods, herbal teas, and gentle heat therapies like saunas or warm baths to counteract the low body temperature associated with hypothyroidism. 24:12

Chapters

  1. 0:00
    Thyroid Meds and Persistent Symptoms

    Josh Axe explains why many people on thyroid medication still feel tired, cold, and sluggish despite normal lab results.

  2. 0:57
    Limitations of TSH Testing

    He details how TSH alone can miss underlying hormone deficiencies and immune issues.

  3. 5:43
    Factors Draining Thyroid Function

    Stress, iron loss, food sensitivities, crash dieting, and selenium deficiency are highlighted as common culprits.

  4. 7:39
    Iodine and Supplement Strategies

    Josh discusses safe iodine dosing, the risks of mega‑dosing, and how to support thyroid health with nutrients.

  5. 9:10
    Cellular Blood Work and Personalized Care

    He promotes an at‑home cellular blood work kit that offers deeper insight than standard panels.

  6. 21:32
    Top Supplements and Foods for Thyroid Health

    A ranked list of supplements and foods, including selenium, zinc, magnesium, and Brazil nuts, to optimize thyroid function.

  7. 26:42
    Practical Lifestyle Plan and Giveaway Reminder

    Josh outlines a daily routine, encourages subscription, and reminds listeners of the ongoing giveaway and resources.

Highlights

  • 0:00

    Normal Labs But Major Symptomsdata

    About one in four patients taking thyroid medication still experience major symptoms even when their TSH levels register as normal on paper.

  • 2:48

    Prevalence of Thyroid Disordersdata

    One in eight women develop a thyroid problem in their lifetime, and 60 percent of people with thyroid disease do not even know they have it.

  • 7:39

    The Risks of Mega-Dosing Iodineinsight

    High doses of iodine can increase the risk of autoimmune disease, whereas small daily amounts around 150 to 250 micrograms are safer.

  • 11:44

    Side Effects of Levothyroxinedata

    Studies show that women taking levothyroxine were on average 10 pounds heavier and scored 34 percent more distressed than others with normal TSH levels.

  • 12:34

    The Supply Chain of Hormonesinsight

    The host compares thyroid function to a supply chain, noting that TSH only shows the brain's order, while six other labs show what happens after.

  • 18:18

    Antibodies and Leaky Gutinsight

    Nearly 80 percent of hypothyroidism cases are Hashimoto's, an autoimmune condition where the body attacks itself, heavily tied to gut issues.

  • 19:41

    Reversing Symptoms with Ironstory

    In a study of twenty women with low ferritin, fourteen became completely symptom-free after raising their iron levels.

Quotes

  • “Normal on paper does not mean normal in your body.”
    Josh Axe · 0:24
  • “The average person's at about 1.5.”
    Josh Axe · 5:04
  • “The women taking the levothyroxine, the thyroid medication, were on average 10 pounds heavier than people of the exact same height and body type.”
    Josh Axe · 11:55
  • mybloodwork.com 8:56–9:26
  • Ancient Nutrition 26:05–26:40
  • CellRx 28:07–28:15
  • DrAx.com 29:22–29:40

About this episode

Bloating, gas after meals, unexplained sugar cravings, and lingering fatigue—what could be behind your symptoms? In this solo episode, Dr. Josh Axe explores parasites and gut health, sharing his recommended 30-day parasite cleanse and the reasoning behind each step. He discusses why he believes many cleanses fall short, highlights an often-overlooked part of his approach, and explores the herb behind a Nobel Prize-winning discovery. Plus, he ranks his top 10 foods and supplements for parasite support.

Transcript

0:00
29:54

5,430 words · 2 speakers

Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.

Topics

  • T3
  • T4
  • TSH
  • ferritin
  • Zinc
  • Grass-fed beef
  • reverse T3
  • Brazil nuts
  • levothyroxine
  • Vitamin D

Page updated · transcript and summary are machine-generated