Health with Hashimoto’s - Holistic Root Cause Solutions for Autoimmune Thyroid Disease

184 // How to Improve Gut Health with Hashimoto’s Without Overwhelm

Have you been told gut health matters for Hashimoto’s, but felt overwhelmed trying to figure out where to start or what actually fits your life?
If you have Hashimoto’s, gut health is not optional. It is one of the most common root causes behind fatigue, brain fog, mood changes, and feeling unlike yourself. But improving gut health does not require perfection, complicated testing, or doing everything at once. 
This episode breaks down simple, doable steps (good, better, best) so you can pick what fits your life right now.
Press play to listen to the full episode and learn how to improve gut health with Hashimoto’s in a way that feels sustainable and doable.
 
Get Seed (affiliate link. Save $25) https://refer.seed.com/by/yunkin@mac.com
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The Healthy Edge - What is it: https://biohackandactivate.com/p84 
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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.

183 // When the News is Heavy, Here are Simple Steps for Stress

Hey friend — I know life (and the news) can feel overwhelming, so this episode brings you back to basics: belly breathing to calm your nervous system and simple habits to protect your gut.
Have you ever noticed that even when you eat “the right foods,” your digestion and symptoms still feel off?
Stress and gut health are deeply connected, especially for those living with Hashimoto’s. Understanding the link between stress and leaky gut patterns can help explain why flares happen even when your diet looks good on paper.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How chronic stress shifts your body out of “rest and digest” and disrupts digestion
Why rushed eating and poor chewing can worsen gut permeability
How stress-driven changes in the gut lining can contribute to autoimmune flares in Hashimoto’s
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, tired of fighting your body, or stuck in a cycle of symptoms, this conversation will help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface and why calming your stress response is a foundational step.
 
SCHEDULE A COACHING SESSION:
Hashimoto’s Health Session https://healthwithhashimotos.com/book-now/
 
Listen to the ABIDE episode: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/150-hhl-abide/
And get 30 days free: https://abide.com/ref/hashimotospodcast 
 
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.

182 // Hashimoto's Healing Timeline: What to Expect and Why Progress Feels Slow [Interview with Dr. Jen Mann]

You're doing the work. So why does it feel like nothing is changing?
If you've been living with Hashimoto's and wondering why progress feels so slow, this episode is for you. Esther sits down with naturopathic doctor Dr. Jen Mann to talk honestly about what a realistic Hashimoto's healing timeline actually looks like and why slow progress is not a sign that something is wrong.
This is the conversation many women need but rarely hear from their doctors.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why Hashimoto's requires root-cause work, not just symptom management
What a realistic healing timeline looks like (3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and beyond)
Why you may feel better before your labs improve, and why that still counts
How to make steady progress without trying to do everything at once
Why healing is non-linear and what to do on the hard days
If you've ever felt discouraged, dismissed, or tempted to give up because results aren't coming fast enough, press play. This conversation will help you reset your expectations and keep going.
 
Book a complimentary Discovery Call with Nova Health (Dr. Jen's clinic) where clients begin their journey toward real, lasting health. https://intakeq.com/booking/lccbyl?serviceId=e2cf0d79-b221-463b-b198-1c3d3a53899f
 
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.

181 // What to focus on first when you have Hashimoto’s

Are you overwhelmed by constantly changing health advice and unsure what actually matters for Hashimoto’s?
Dietary guidelines flip, supplements trend, and recommendations change every year. It’s no wonder so many women with Hashimoto’s feel confused, frustrated, and stuck. This episode brings the focus back to what does not change. Instead of chasing every new health strategy, real progress comes from strengthening the foundations your body depends on.
In this conversation, you’ll hear why focusing on the basics creates more stability, energy, and long-term results than jumping from one solution to the next. The main takeaway is simple: when the foundation is strong, everything else works better.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What to focus on first when you have Hashimoto’s instead of reacting to trends
Why cellular health and gut integrity matter more than symptom chasing
How emotional and spiritual stress can quietly interfere with physical health
If you are ready to step away from overwhelm and get clear on where to start with Hashimoto’s, press play and listen in.
 
JOIN THE SIMPLE HABITS PROGRAM (Deadline 1/10/26) https://healthwithhashimotos.com/simple-habits-program/ 
 
BOOK HOLISTIC HASHIMOTO'S COACHING
https://tidycal.com/esther-hwh/hashimotos-health-session-package 
 
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.

180 // Trends for Hashimoto's in 2026: Quick Fixes OUT, Sustainable Foundations IN

Are quick fixes actually helping your Hashimoto’s, or are they quietly keeping you stuck?
As a new year begins, it is tempting to chase the next solution, supplement, or routine that promises fast results. But for women with Hashimoto’s, that approach often leads to more frustration and more fatigue. In this episode, I walk through what I am intentionally leaving behind in 2026 and what I am choosing instead to better support autoimmune health.
The main takeaway is simple: sustainable foundations matter more than quick fixes. When we reduce stress, support the nervous system, and focus on how the body actually works, everything else becomes easier to manage. This episode outlines the mindset shifts and health habits that align with long-term regulation, not burnout.
In this episode, you will learn:
Why small, repeatable habits support Hashimoto’s better than extreme health efforts
How stress, routines, and daily rhythms directly affect autoimmune health
What foundational health practices matter most according to Hashimoto’s 2026 trends
Press play to listen to this episode and start rethinking what truly supports your health this year.
 
MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
Simple Habits Program - Starting January 11, 2026
KnewHealth - The non-insurance option I'm using. Save 20% with this affiliate link.
What is activation and why does cellular health matter? https://beactivated.com 
Episode #37: I need more energy
 
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.

179 // Hashimoto's in Teenagers: How Estrogen Dominance and Gut Health Drive Early Autoimmune Disease [Interview with Dr. David Bilstrom]

Painful periods, anxiety, and a brain that won't slow down might seem like normal teenage struggles. They are not always normal. They can be early warning signs.
In this episode, Esther sits down with quadruple board-certified physician Dr. David Bilstrom to talk about what is actually driving these symptoms in teenage girls and why catching them early can change the long-term health picture for Hashimoto's, hypothyroidism, and other autoimmune conditions.
If you have a teen daughter or you are wondering whether your own Hashimoto's started much earlier than your diagnosis, this conversation will give you a clearer picture.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why painful periods, heavy flows, PMS, anxiety, and sleep struggles in teens are early red flags, not normal parts of growing up
How estrogen dominance sets the stage for autoimmune disease long before thyroid labs change
Why gut health is central to both hormone balance and immune regulation
How chronic infections like Epstein-Barr can lodge in the thyroid and drive ongoing autoimmune activity
Why early intervention, ideally before age 19, can shift the trajectory for both teens and future generations
This is a proactive, hopeful conversation about what is possible when root causes are identified early. Press play to hear what Dr. Bilstrom sees in practice and what parents and women with Hashimoto's need to know.
 
Connect with Dr. Bilstrom and shop his store: https://drdavidbilstrom.com 
 
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.

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 // Burnout, Low Stomach Acid, and Hashimoto's: The Stress-Gut-Thyroid Connection [Interview with Lola MacLean]

You're eating clean, taking your supplements, and trying to do everything right. So why do you still feel bloated, exhausted, and stuck?
Burnout might be the missing piece. In this episode, Esther sits down with Functional Gut Health Consultant and Family Nurse Practitioner Lola MacLean to talk about what chronic stress is actually doing to your hormones, your gut, and your thyroid, and why it creates a cycle that is so hard to break out of on your own.
If you have Hashimoto's and feel like your efforts aren't adding up to results, this conversation will help you understand what's happening beneath the surface.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why stress keeps your body in fight-or-flight and why digestion is not designed to work well in that state
How low stomach acid connects to burnout and why it keeps your thyroid from getting the nutrients it needs
What "eating hygiene" is and why slowing down at meals is one of the most overlooked gut health tools
Simple daily habits, including a gentle walk after meals, that support motility, blood sugar, and gut comfort
Why long-term gut healing is less about restriction and more about giving your nervous system room to reset
You don't have to overhaul everything at once. Press play to hear what small, sustainable steps can actually move the needle when stress has been running the show.
 
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.