Health with Hashimoto’s - Autoimmune Disease, Hypothyroid, Thyroid Problems, Holistic Health

178 // The Gut-Thyroid Connection in Hashimoto's: Simple Steps from Super Gut

If you're living with Hashimoto's or hypothyroidism and struggling with fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, or symptoms that just won't budge (no matter how "clean" you eat) this episode is for you.
Discover the powerful gut-thyroid connection and why healing your gut could be the missing link to feeling like yourself again. Inspired by one of the best books I've read in 2025, Super Gut by Dr. William Davis, this episode breaks down how common gut issues like leaky gut, SIBO, and microbial imbalances fuel autoimmune thyroid disease and affect far more than digestion.
You'll learn why so many confusing symptoms aren't about willpower or bad luck, but about physiology—and most importantly, how to start healing intentionally with clear, actionable steps.
Key Topics Covered
Why gut dysfunction is extremely common in Hashimoto's and autoimmune conditions
How leaky gut and microbial imbalance impact thyroid hormones, immune function, mood, energy, skin, joints, and nutrient absorption
How targeted gut healing can support thyroid recovery and reduce autoimmune flare-ups
Thank you for listening—here's to better gut health and a happier thyroid!
 
Resources Mentioned
Book: Super Gut by Dr. William Davis - Buy the book at your local bookstore or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/454fWsk
The Holistic Hashimoto’s Program
 
JOIN THE HEALTH WITH HASHIMOTO’S COMMUNITY
Unlock your wellness journey with the free Health with Hashimoto's community! Join a supportive community that's here for you every step of the way.
The Health with Hashimoto’s community is on Skool: https://www.skool.com/health-with-hashimotos/about
 
Find all links on my resource page: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/resources/
 
ABOUT THE PODCAST & ESTHER:
The Health with Hashimoto’s podcast will help you explore the root causes of your autoimmune condition and discover holistic solutions to address your Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is hosted by Esther Yunkin, a registered nurse, holistic health educator, and Hashimoto's warrior.
 
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

177 // Why Good Energy Matters for Hashimoto’s and Autoimmune Health

Have you ever wondered why your Hashimoto’s symptoms stick around even when you’re doing “all the right things”? There’s a reason so many people still feel tired, inflamed, and overwhelmed — and it starts inside the cell.
 
This episode breaks down the idea of good energy and why it matters for anyone living with Hashimoto’s or an autoimmune condition. I share insights from the book Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means and explain how low cellular energy sets the stage for inflammation, immune confusion, and that constant feeling of running on empty. When you understand what’s happening at the smallest level of the body, the big picture starts to make a lot more sense.
 
In this episode you’ll learn:
Why poor cellular energy plays such a big role in Hashimoto’s
How inflammation and autoimmune symptoms connect to mitochondrial function
Simple ways to begin supporting your cells so you can feel like yourself again
Press play and learn how Good Energy Matters for Hashimoto’s and Autoimmune Health.
 
Get the Book: https://amzn.to/3KERgzS 
Start the Dual Synergizer: https://estheryunkin.lifevantage.com/us-en/shop/protandim-dual
Find all links on my resource page: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/resources/
 
ABOUT THE PODCAST & ESTHER:
The Health with Hashimoto’s podcast will help you explore the root causes of your autoimmune condition and discover holistic solutions to address your Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is hosted by Esther Yunkin, a registered nurse, holistic health educator, and Hashimoto's warrior.
 
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

176 // Why Your Burnout Is Wrecking Your Hormones and Gut Health — and How to Fix It

Have you ever wondered why you feel bloated, exhausted, or “off” even when you’re trying so hard to take care of yourself? Today’s episode breaks down what burnout is doing to your hormones and gut health, and why it creates a cycle that’s so hard to climb out of.
When stress keeps your body in go-mode, digestion slows down, stomach acid drops, and your thyroid has a harder time doing its job. If you’ve ever felt like you’re checking all the boxes but still not feeling better, you’re not alone. This conversation with Nurse Practitioner and gut-health expert, Lola Maclean, will help you understand what’s really going on behind the scenes.
In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why burnout disrupts both hormones and gut function• How simple eating habits can support better digestion and comfort• What small daily shifts help your body move out of stress mode and back into balance
Press play now and learn how to support your hormones and gut health with steps that actually fit your real life.
 
Download Lola's free guide to discover 5 hidden reasons your bloating hasn’t gone away—even after “doing everything right.” https://www.haelanempowered.com/bloatguide 
 
JOIN THE HEALTH WITH HASHIMOTO’S COMMUNITY
Unlock your wellness journey with the free Health with Hashimoto's community! Join a supportive community that's here for you every step of the way.
The Health with Hashimoto’s community is on Skool: https://www.skool.com/health-with-hashimotos/about
 
Find all links on my resource page: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/resources/
 
ABOUT THE PODCAST & ESTHER:
The Health with Hashimoto’s podcast will help you explore the root causes of your autoimmune condition and discover holistic solutions to address your Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is hosted by Esther Yunkin, a registered nurse, holistic health educator, and Hashimoto's warrior.
 
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

175 // The 2025 Hashimoto’s Wishlist

What do women with Hashimoto’s want going into a new year? After working with so many of you, the top wish is simple and deeply felt: you want to feel like yourself again.
In this episode, I walk through what that really means — physically, mentally, and emotionally — and why it matters so much when you’re living with autoimmune thyroid disease. You’ll hear me break down the most common desires I see in my practice: more steady energy, clearer thinking, fewer digestive issues, better sleep, a calmer mood, and the confidence that you’re moving in the right direction.
I also share a few practical tools that can make a real difference as you build a plan for 2025, including:
How a far-infrared sauna can support your body
Why testing your vitamin D matters when you’re dealing with an autoimmune condition
A few books worth reading if you want simple, solid support
Ways to get help that goes beyond guessing — through my courses and 1:1 coaching
This episode is meant to help you step into the new year with more clarity and less overwhelm. Whether you’re looking for sustainable energy, better sleep, improved digestion, or simply the reassurance that you’re not alone, this conversation will help you identify what you really want and how to move toward it.
Mentioned on the podcast:• Holistic Hashimoto’s Course• Hashimoto’s Decoded Mini-Course• Coaching options• Far-infrared sauna use• Vitamin D testing• Book recommendations
Want support in 2025?Explore all my resources at https://healthwithhashimotos.com/resources/ and choose what fits where you are right now.
 
 
ABOUT THE PODCAST & ESTHER:
The Health with Hashimoto’s podcast will help you explore the root causes of your autoimmune condition and discover holistic solutions to address your Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is hosted by Esther Yunkin, a registered nurse, holistic health educator, and Hashimoto's warrior.
 
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare professional.

174 // The cheapest therapy I’ve ever found for Hashimoto’s

What if the fastest way to feel better with Hashimoto’s wasn’t another supplement, but learning to spot the millions of tiny miracles happening in and around you right now?
If you’re tired of waking up wondering whether today will be a “good body day” or a crash-and-burn day, this episode is for you. I’m sharing the simple shift that’s been quietly lowering my inflammation, lifting my mood, and giving me back some control—without adding one more thing to the pill case.
In today’s episode you’ll discover
Why noticing little miracles beats traditional gratitude journals for overwhelmed autoimmune brains
The surprising science showing how this practice lowers cortisol and strengthens immunity (yes, even when you have Hashimoto’s)
A simple way to implement this practice
Hit play and let’s start hunting little miracles together—it might just be the softest, most powerful medicine you’ve tried in a long time.
 
Find all links on my resource page: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/resources/
 
ABOUT THE PODCAST & ESTHER:
The Health with Hashimoto’s podcast will help you explore the root causes of your autoimmune condition and discover holistic solutions to address your Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is hosted by Esther Yunkin, a registered nurse, holistic health educator, and Hashimoto's warrior.
 
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Health Sharing vs Insurance — How Knew Health Saved Our Family (20% Off!)

Our insurance system is a mess — I felt it, so I shopped alternatives and landed on Knew Health for my family of six. They prioritize prevention (think thermography, chiropractic, gym, and a $200 self-care allowance), offer super-affordable labs through Evexia, and have a clear IUA system that replaces confusing deductibles.
If you’re tired of paying for coverage you don’t use, this episode walks through how Knew Health works, how pre-existing conditions and maternity care are handled, and why their customer service actually feels human. Use code HWH20 for 20% off your first year if you want to try it out — check the cost calculator on knewhealth.com or call them with questions.
Knew Health: https://www.knewhealth.com/ (Use code HWH20 in the referral box.)
 
ABOUT THE PODCAST & ESTHER:
The Health with Hashimoto’s podcast will help you explore the root causes of your autoimmune condition and discover holistic solutions to address your Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is hosted by Esther Yunkin, a registered nurse, holistic health educator, and Hashimoto's warrior.
 
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
 

173 // From Prescription Pads to Root Causes: A Doctor’s Wake-Up Call

Have you ever wondered what makes a doctor question everything he was taught?In this episode of Health with Hashimoto’s, Dr. Rob Downey shares the story that turned his world of medicine upside down. After years of practicing conventional medicine, one patient’s transformation led him to explore a different path—one focused on root causes, nutrition, and deep listening.
You’ll hear how he discovered that conventional medicine vs functional medicine isn’t an either-or choice, but a shift from treating symptoms to helping the whole person.This conversation is filled with insight, humility, and hope for anyone seeking care that truly connects.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why one patient’s healing completely changed how Dr. Downey practices.
The difference between conventional and functional approaches to chronic illness.
How peace and connection create the foundation for lasting wellness.
Press play to hear how one doctor found a better way—and what it means for your own health journey.
 
Connect with Dr. Rob on his podcast "Field Notes: An Exploration of Functional Medicine" at https://healthacceleratorfx.com/podcast/
 
Find all Esther's links on this resource page: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/resources/
 
ABOUT THE PODCAST & ESTHER:
The Health with Hashimoto’s podcast will help you explore the root causes of your autoimmune condition and discover holistic solutions to address your Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is hosted by Esther Yunkin, a registered nurse, holistic health educator, and Hashimoto's warrior.
 
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

172 // How to stop Hashimoto's from progressing?

Most doctors say there’s nothing you can do about Hashimoto’s—but that’s not true. The real danger isn’t the diagnosis—it’s doing nothing about it.
If you’ve ever wondered how to stop Hashimoto’s from progressing, this episode will give you hope and a plan. You’ll learn how your thyroid, immune system, and daily habits work together—and how to take charge of your own health without overwhelm or confusion.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why your doctor’s “just take your meds” advice misses the bigger picture.
The first three steps to calm your immune system and stop Hashimoto’s from progressing.
Simple ways to lower stress and give your thyroid what it needs to function well.
You don’t have to feel stuck. Tune in to learn how to understand what’s happening in your body, find your root causes, and start making real progress today.
🎧 Listen now.
 
JOIN THE HEALTH WITH HASHIMOTO’S COMMUNITY
https://www.skool.com/health-with-hashimotos/about
 
My FullScript store: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/eyunkin
 
Find all links on my resource page: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/resources/
 
ABOUT THE PODCAST & ESTHER:
The Health with Hashimoto’s podcast will help you explore the root causes of your autoimmune condition and discover holistic solutions to address your Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is hosted by Esther Yunkin, a registered nurse, holistic health educator, and Hashimoto's warrior.
 
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

171 // Stop the Caffeine Crash: Can Mushrooms Help You Make Real Energy? [Interview: Ben Bressington]

Are you relying on coffee to fight off morning fatigue—but still crashing by afternoon? There’s a reason. In this episode of Health with Hashimoto’s, I talk with Ben Bressington, founder of Bare Remedy, about the real connection between coffee and cortisol and how that daily cup might be stressing your thyroid instead of helping it.
Ben shares how high caffeine intake tricks your body into thinking it has energy while secretly spiking cortisol and draining your adrenals. You’ll also hear how functional mushrooms and adaptogens can support your body to create steady, natural energy instead of faking it with stimulants.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
Why caffeine can make Hashimoto’s fatigue and anxiety worse
How mushrooms help balance cortisol and support energy naturally
What to look for in quality mushroom and adaptogen supplements
If you’re ready to stop riding the caffeine rollercoaster and feel real energy again, listen now—and grab your free sample of energy gummies (you pay shipping) from Ben here:  https://bareoils.co/podcast 
 
Find all links on my resource page: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/resources/
 
ABOUT THE PODCAST & ESTHER:
The Health with Hashimoto’s podcast will help you explore the root causes of your autoimmune condition and discover holistic solutions to address your Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is hosted by Esther Yunkin, a registered nurse, holistic health educator, and Hashimoto's warrior.
 
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

170 // Where to Start When You Feel Overwhelmed by Hashimoto’s

Feeling overwhelmed by all the health advice out there? You’re not alone. When you’re living with Hashimoto’s, it can feel impossible to know where to start. Should you fix your gut first, manage your stress, or buy new supplements? In this episode, we’ll simplify all of it so you can finally focus on what really matters.
You’ll discover the four foundations that make the biggest difference in your Hashimoto’s journey. These are the key areas that calm your immune system, support your energy, and help you feel like yourself again.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why more information and more supplements aren’t always better
The four foundational areas to focus on first
How to begin simply, even when you’re exhausted or unsure
Start where it matters most — with the foundations that create sustainable results.
🎧 Press play to learn where to start with Hashimoto’s and begin your path back to steady energy and clarity.
 
JOIN THE HEALTH WITH HASHIMOTO’S COMMUNITY
The Health with Hashimoto’s community is on Skool: https://www.skool.com/health-with-hashimotos/about
 
Get the Dual Synergizer here:
Dual Synergizer: https://estheryunkin.lifevantage.com/us-en/shop/protandim-dual
 
Find all links on my resource page: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/resources/
 
ABOUT THE PODCAST & ESTHER:
The Health with Hashimoto’s podcast will help you explore the root causes of your autoimmune condition and discover holistic solutions to address your Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is hosted by Esther Yunkin, a registered nurse, holistic health educator, and Hashimoto's warrior.
 
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.