44: What Most Doctors Get Wrong About Thyroid Antibodies & How to Reduce Them | Dr. Robin Urekar

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Dr. Robin Urekar, a naturopathic doctor specializing in thyroid health and autoimmunity. Together, they uncover the often-overlooked truth about thyroid antibodies — why they matter, what they reveal about the progression of Hashimoto’s, and how to lower them naturally. Drawing from both personal and clinical experience, Dr. Wentz and Dr. Urekar explain how symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, fertility issues, and mood disorders can persist even when thyroid hormone levels look “normal” — and why addressing thyroid antibodies is essential for long-term healing. They dive into the hidden triggers behind elevated thyroid antibodies — and what you can start doing today to turn things around, help support your immune system, and bring those antibodies down. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why thyroid antibodies matter more than you think: Thyroid antibodies aren’t just diagnostic markers — they’re active players in autoimmune thyroid disease. Elevated levels can indicate how aggressive the autoimmune process is, and they often drive symptoms like fatigue, inflammation, and brain fog, even when hormone levels look “normal.” Symptoms beyond the thyroid – what antibodies can really cause:High thyroid antibodies have been linked to a surprising range of symptoms — from anxiety, insomnia, and infertility to joint pain, cognitive issues, and even increased risks for thyroid and breast cancer. Recognizing these connections can help you finally explain symptoms that conventional lab results may have overlooked. Why you need more than just a TSH test:TSH is often the only test run in conventional medicine, which means many people are diagnosed years too late. A full thyroid panel, including TPO and Tg antibodies, can catch Hashimoto’s in its early stages — before permanent damage occurs. The six common triggers behind elevated antibodies: We dive into stress, leaky gut, nutrient deficiencies (like low ferritin, B12, and vitamin D), toxins, inflammation, and blood sugar imbalances some of the most common drivers of thyroid antibodies. Addressing these underlying issues — not just symptoms — is key to lasting healing. Everyday strategies to lower antibodies and feel better: From daily breathwork, PFF-style meals (protein-fat-fiber), nervous system support, and meal planning to ditching excess iodine and healing the gut, this episode is packed with practical ways to start lowering antibodies naturally. You’ll also learn why going gluten- or dairy-free might help, but how gut repair can often bring food freedom back. Tune in to learn more about how to reduce thyroid antibodies and uncover the true root causes behind persistent Hashimoto’s symptoms. Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Sign up for the Thyroid Pharmacist Weekly Thyroid Solutions Newsletter here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/gift/  For the full list of resources and products mentioned in this episode, and to get the full episode transcript, see complete show notes here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices