Gut Dysbiosis, Gut Healing Foods and Supplements

Welcome to Healthy Gut Healthy Thyroid!

This is your weekly roundup of the BEST actionable steps for those people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions who want to restore their health…by healing their gut. Whether you have hyperthyroidism or Hashimoto’s you will benefit from the content in this newsletter.

In today's issue:

• Main Topic: How Gut Dysbiosis Can Block Your Thyroid Healing

• Podcast Review: Which foods can help people with hyperthyroidism gain weight?

• Understand Your Tests: Understanding leaky gut testing

• Ask Dr. Eric: Which foods and supplements can heal the gut?

How Gut Dysbiosis Can Block Your Thyroid Healing

Gut dysbiosis refers to an imbalance or disruption in the gut microbiome—the community of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract. While some degree of microbial fluctuation is normal, significant dysbiosis can have profound effects on overall health, particularly the immune system.

Numerous studies have demonstrated a clear link between gut dysbiosis and the development of autoimmune conditions, including Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In this section, we’ll explore how gut dysbiosis contributes to thyroid autoimmunity, and we’ll also touch upon its impact on non-autoimmune thyroid conditions and nutrient absorption.

How Dysbiosis Can Contribute to Graves’ or Hashimoto’s

One of the ways gut dysbiosis contributes to autoimmune thyroid conditions is by altering immune function. An imbalanced gut microbiome promotes chronic low-grade inflammation, impairs immune regulation, and reduces immune tolerance, all of which increase the likelihood of the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues—including the thyroid gland.

In many cases, dysbiosis can also damage the intestinal lining, leading to increased intestinal permeability or “leaky gut”.¹ As previously discussed in this newsletter, a leaky gut is one of the three components of the autoimmune triad, along with a genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.

It’s worth noting that not all dysbiosis leads to a leaky gut. Many people would show some level of dysbiosis on a comprehensive stool test, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they have a compromised intestinal barrier. However, moderate to severe dysbiosis significantly increases the risk of leaky gut and associated autoimmune activity.

Dysbiosis and Non-Autoimmune Thyroid Conditions

Even if you have a non-autoimmune thyroid condition, maintaining a healthy gut is still crucial. For example:

Estrogen metabolism, which is influenced by the gut microbiota, can impact thyroid nodule formation and the development of a goiter.

In subacute thyroiditis, often triggered by a viral infection, a strong and balanced immune system is essential—and most of the immune cells originate in the gut.

In short, gut health influences thyroid health whether your condition is autoimmune or not.

The Impact of Dysbiosis on Nutrient Absorption

The gut microbiome plays a vital role in the digestion and absorption of key nutrients, including minerals essential for thyroid function. Gut dysbiosis may contribute to deficiencies in:

Iodine – essential for thyroid hormone synthesis

Selenium – critical for thyroid hormone conversion and antioxidant protection

Iron – required for thyroid peroxidase activity

Zinc – involved in hormone regulation and immune balance

What Causes Gut Dysbiosis?

Gut dysbiosis doesn't happen randomly—it’s usually the result of one or more of the following root causes:

✅Poor Diet. A diet high in refined sugars, processed foods, unhealthy fats, and low in fiber starves beneficial bacteria while encouraging the overgrowth of harmful species.

✅Antibiotics and Other Medications. Antibiotics don’t just target bad bacteria—they often wipe out beneficial microbes too. Other medications, such as NSAIDs, proton pump inhibitors, and hormonal contraceptives, can also alter gut flora.

✅Low Stomach Acid. Insufficient hydrochloric acid impairs protein digestion and allows opportunistic bacteria to thrive, particularly in the upper GI tract.

✅Chronic Stress. Chronic stress suppresses immune function and increases gut permeability, paving the way for imbalanced gut flora and inflammation.

✅Gut Infections. Infections caused by pathogenic bacteria, parasites, or yeast overgrowth (e.g., Candida) can directly disrupt the microbial balance and damage the intestinal lining.

✅Restrictive or Repetitive Diets. Even if you're eating "clean," lack of dietary diversity limits the variety of prebiotics available to nourish your gut microbes. Over time, this can lead to reduced microbial diversity.

✅Environmental Toxicants. Exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, mold toxins (mycotoxins), and plasticizers (like BPA) can impair microbial health and weaken gut barrier integrity.

How to Correct Gut Dysbiosis

Correcting gut dysbiosis begins with identifying and removing the underlying causes. Key steps include:

✔️Clean up your diet: Eat plenty of whole, fiber-rich, plant-based foods, and reduce processed, sugary, or inflammatory foods.

✔️Manage stress: Incorporate regular practices like meditation, yoga, breathwork, or spending time in nature.

✔️Restore digestive function: Support stomach acid production (if low) and consider targeted enzymes if needed.

✔️Eat fermented foods (e.g., sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir) if tolerated

✔️Add prebiotic-rich foods (e.g., garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, green bananas)

✔️Consider high-quality probiotic supplements, especially after antibiotics or illness

✔️Test and treat: In more stubborn cases, a comprehensive stool test or other types of gut testing may help identify pathogens or imbalances that need targeted treatment.

Conclusion

Gut dysbiosis can be a silent but significant contributor to thyroid dysfunction, especially autoimmune thyroid conditions. By understanding the relationship between the gut and the thyroid—and taking proactive steps to correct microbial imbalances—you can reduce inflammation, improve immune regulation, and support overall thyroid function.

Whether you have Graves', Hashimoto’s, or a non-autoimmune thyroid condition, addressing gut dysbiosis is often a foundational step on the road to recovery.

Not All Gut Healing Supplements Are The Same

Since most of the immune cells are located in the gut, a healthy gut is essential for a healthy immune system. In fact, Hippocrates himself said that “all disease begins in the gut”. And so whether someone has Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or another health condition, having a healthy gut is important to achieve optimal health.

When choosing a gut healing supplement you want one that does the following:

• Promotes optimal function of the GI lining

• Rejuvenates health of intestinal mucosa

• Supports healthy inflammatory response

• Builds immune support

• Thyroid-friendly ingredients

The Gut Healing Bundle includes the following:

SMT-GI Restore. Combines effective clinical levels of well-researched (and thyroid-friendly) nutrients and botanicals specifically formulated to support optimal gastrointestinal health and function without any added flavors, colors, sweeteners, gums or common allergens.

Enzymes Plus. Comprised of a proprietary blend of digestive enzymes along with betaine HCL and ox bile to support optimal digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Also contains the special protease DPP IV (dipeptidyl peptidase IV), which aids in the breakdown of the peptides gluteomorphin (from gluten) and casomorphin (from casein). Although you don’t need to be experiencing digestive symptoms to use Enzymes Plus, it may be helpful for those who experience gas and bloating after eating, occasional constipation or diarrhea, or a feeling of fullness after eating.

SMT-Probio. Choosing a good quality and effective probiotic can be a challenge, as there are so many probiotic supplements on the market. Unfortunately many probiotic supplements only list the species, and not the specific strains. Others list the strains but aren’t diverse or potent enough. SMT-Probio Complete provide 18 different strains belonging to 13 different species of three different genera. For consumer convenience, this formula is available encapsulated at a maintenance dose of 45 billion CFUs per capsule. The HOWARU and FloraFIT strains that comprise these formulas are stable, proven, and trusted worldwide.

To learn more about The Gut Healing Bundle visit www.guthealingbundle.com

Save My Thyroid Podcast Review

I have a podcast called "Save My Thyroid", where I discuss how people with hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's can save their thyroid and regain their health. And during each edition of this newsletter I'll briefly discuss a recent podcast episode.

In a recent Q & A podcast episode I answered the question “Which foods can help people with hyperthyroidism gain weight?” Unintentional weight loss was something I struggled with during my Graves' diagnosis, and it's a concern I frequently hear from others dealing with hyperthyroidism. Putting on a healthy weight isn't just about consuming more calories. Underlying issues like gut health and elevated thyroid hormone levels must also be addressed.

In this Q&A, I share the specific foods I recommend: quality proteins, healthy fats, and targeted complex carbs. I also explain why simply adding more carbs typically backfires.

If your weight keeps dropping despite everything you eat, this episode offers a strategic, root-cause approach to rebuilding your body. Tune in now!.

Understand Your Tests

Understanding Leaky Gut Testing

Increased intestinal permeability, commonly referred to as a leaky gut, is one of the three essential factors in the autoimmune triad—the others being genetic predisposition and an environmental trigger. In other words, for autoimmune conditions such as Graves' disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis to manifest, the presence of a leaky gut is typically required.

While I used to conduct leaky gut testing more frequently, in recent years I’ve shifted my approach. I now often assume the presence of a leaky gut in many of my patients—especially those with autoimmune conditions—for the following reasons:

Reason #1: When I did frequent testing, the majority of patients tested positive for a leaky gut in the past.

Reason #2: Testing isn’t always 100% reliable, and accuracy can vary across different labs, and with different markers.

Reason #3: Even if a test identifies a leaky gut, they rarely provide insight into the underlying causes, such as food sensitivities, infections, or toxin exposure.

That said, I still receive many questions from patients who are interested in leaky gut testing, so I’d like to briefly review a few common testing options and share real-life patient examples.

Common Leaky Gut Tests and Case Examples

Patient Test #1: Lactulose-Mannitol (Urine Test)

This is considered the classic leaky gut test. It involves drinking a solution containing lactulose and mannitol, two sugar molecules of different sizes. The test then measures how much of each sugar is excreted in the urine.

Lactulose, a larger molecule, should not easily cross a healthy intestinal barrier.

Mannitol, a smaller molecule, typically passes through more readily.

In this patient’s case, both lactulose and mannitol were elevated, indicating increased intestinal permeability. Elevated lactulose suggests the barrier is compromised, and high mannitol may reflect excessive absorption due to damage.

Patient Test #2: Zonulin (Stool Test via GI-MAP)

Zonulin is a protein that modulates the tight junctions between intestinal cells. Elevated zonulin levels suggest a disruption of these junctions, allowing larger molecules to pass into the bloodstream.

This patient added the zonulin marker to her GI-MAP stool test. Although her result was not in the "red zone," it was above the optimal range, suggesting compromised barrier function and a likely case of mild-to-moderate intestinal permeability.

It’s worth noting that a normal zonulin level does not always rule out a leaky gut, particularly in cases where other pathways of permeability may be affected.

Patient Test #3: Cyrex Labs Array #2 (Blood Test)

Also known as the Intestinal Antigenic Permeability Screen, this blood test measures antibodies to key proteins involved in maintaining gut barrier integrity. These include:

✔️Occludin/Zonulin (tight junction proteins)

✔️Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) (endotoxins from bacteria)

✔️Actomyosin (a cytoskeletal protein associated with transcellular permeability)

In this patient’s results:

Occludin/Zonulin IgG and IgA antibodies were elevated, suggesting increased paracellular permeability (between the intestinal cells).

LPS IgG was also elevated, indicating immune reactivity to bacterial endotoxins, which often leak through a compromised barrier.

Elevated actomyosin antibodies would suggest transcellular permeability (through the cells), although this was not seen in this specific case.

Ask Dr. Eric

During every issue I'll answer a question or two that I think can benefit most people with a thyroid or autoimmune thyroid condition. If you'd like for me to consider your question for a future edition of this newsletter email your question to [email protected].

QUESTION: WHICH FOODS AND SUPPLEMENTS CAN HEAL THE GUT?

Dr. Eric, what are some foods and supplements that can help heal the gut?

Thanks for your question! When dealing with a leaky gut (also known as increased intestinal permeability), the primary goal should always be to identify and address the root cause. This might include:

✔️Food sensitivities, such as gluten or dairy

✔️Chronic stress, which impairs digestion and mucosal immunity

✔️Gut infections, including H. pylori or parasites

✔️Environmental toxins, such as pesticides, mold, or heavy metals

While removing the trigger is crucial, it’s equally important to support gut healing through specific foods and supplements. Here are some of my top recommendations:

Gut-Healing Foods

Fermented Foods. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, coconut yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables are rich in probiotics, which help to restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria and enhance the integrity of the intestinal lining. Start with small amounts, especially if you’re sensitive to histamines.

Cabbage Juice. Cabbage juice is rich in L-glutamine, S-methylmethionine, and antioxidants that soothe and repair the gut lining. It has been traditionally used to support healing from ulcers and may reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.

Bone Broth. Bone broth contains collagen, gelatin, proline, and glycine, which support the repair of the intestinal mucosa. It also helps restore gut barrier function and reduce inflammation. Homemade or slow-simmered broths are typically the most beneficial.

Gut-Healing Supplements and Herbs

L-Glutamine. L-glutamine is an amino acid that serves as a fuel source for intestinal cells and helps to repair the gut lining. It’s one of the most well-researched nutrients for improving intestinal permeability.

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL). DGL is a form of licorice root with the glycyrrhizin removed to avoid raising blood pressure. It helps to soothe and protect the stomach and intestinal lining, making it useful for those with gut inflammation or ulcers.

Aloe Vera. Aloe vera juice (specifically inner leaf, decolorized, and organic) has anti-inflammatory and healing properties for the gut lining. It can also help reduce irritation and support motility, but choose high-quality sources to avoid unwanted laxative effects.

Zinc Carnosine. This compound combines zinc with the dipeptide carnosine. It’s been shown in studies to support mucosal healing and protect against damage from inflammation, infections, and oxidative stress in the gastrointestinal tract.

Marshmallow Root. Marshmallow root contains mucilage, which forms a protective coating over mucous membranes. It helps to soothe irritation in the digestive tract and may reduce inflammation.

Slippery Elm. Similar to marshmallow root, slippery elm is rich in mucilage and helps to calm inflammation and create a barrier over irritated tissue. It’s often used for symptoms like acid reflux, indigestion, or gut inflammation.

N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG). NAG is a compound that supports intestinal mucosal health and is involved in the production of the protective glycoprotein layer in the gut. It’s particularly helpful in individuals with autoimmune gut issues, including IBD.

Many of these ingredients is in my gut healing supplement called SMT-GI Restore, which you can learn about by Clicking Here.

Additional Thyroid-Related Resources

Click Here for What to Eat if You’re Losing Weight with Hyperthyroidism

Click Here to access hundreds of thyroid-related articles and blog posts

Click Here to join the Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s community

Click Here to purchase one of Dr. Eric’s thyroid-related books

Click Here to work with Dr. Eric and his team

📚References:

[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7353203/

That’s a wrap