Still constipated or bloated, even on thyroid meds, and after antimicrobial gut protocols?

Learn how probiotics and fermented foods can support your gut, immune system, and thyroid, whether your test results are "normal" or not.

In this episode, I walk you through why so many women with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s still feel bloated, and/or constipated, despite eating well and taking thyroid medication or thyroid supplements (including glandulars), and why the gut–thyroid connection deserves more attention.

I cover:

• The gut–thyroid–brain axis

• What probiotics can (and can’t) do for your thyroid

• How fermented foods help symptoms like constipation and fatigue

• Importance of timing and consistency with meds and probiotics

• Practical steps for choosing the right strains, starting with food

• Probiotics may not affect your thyroid markers, but they can improve digestion, inflammation, mood, and nutrient absorption

• Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir and kombucha are easy, powerful additions

• Around 70% of your immune system is in your gut, and up to 40% of your inactive T4 is converted to the active T3 hormone there too

• Leave 3–4 hours between thyroid meds and probiotics

• Step-by-Step to Gluten-Free in 14 Days Your practical guide to reduce gut inflammation and support thyroid healing

• The Gluten-Free Recipe Vault Tired of boring GF meals? Get thyroid-friendly inspiration delivered to your inbox every month

• Free AIP Snack List Simple, satisfying snack ideas to help calm your immune system

• Endless Energy Mini Course Learn how to wake up feeling refreshed and have more energy to last the day

probiotics and thyroid health, probiotics for constipation, gut–thyroid axis, fermented foods Hashimoto’s, gut health hypothyroidism, leaky gut thyroid, probiotics timing thyroid meds

Is iodine your thyroid’s best friend, or your worst enemy?

If you’ve ever felt confused about whether to take iodine for your thyroid, this is for you. In this episode of The Energised Thyroid Podcast, Toki Birch breaks down what the research actually says, and why more iodine isn’t always better for women with underactive thyroid or Hashimoto’s.

You’ll learn how iodine affects your thyroid hormones, your gut health, and your immune system, and why some women feel worse when they add iodine supplements (even when it’s well-intentioned). This episode will help you make informed, confident decisions about where iodine fits into your thyroid health.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How much iodine is actually safe

• The biggest hidden sources of iodine in your diet and supplements

• Why excess iodine can worsen inflammation and thyroid flares

• How high iodine intake disrupts gut microbiome balance

• When iodine supplementation may be helpful, and when it may be harmful

• The role of selenium in reducing the impact of excess iodine

• Why testing iodine levels is key to personalised thyroid care

• What to focus on instead if you’re still tired, gaining weight, or feeling low

Resources mentioned: Grab your free guide: Wake Up Energised →https://tokibirch.com/wake-up-energised-a-simple-thyroid-guide-to-beat-exhaustion

Takeaways:

• Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production (T1, T2, T3, T4)

• True iodine deficiency is rare in developed countries

• Excess iodine can trigger more inflammation and worsen Hashimoto’s

• Supporting gut health is crucial for immune and thyroid balance

• Selenium and iron status directly impact thyroid resilience

• More iodine won’t fix thyroid symptoms if deficiency isn’t present

• Personalised approaches to iodine supplementation are essential

Let’s stay connected: Instagram: instagram.com/tokibirch Website: tokibirch.com Subscribe and follow to catch future episodes!

Keywords: iodine thyroid Hashimoto’s, underactive thyroid, iodine and hypothyroidism, thyroid health, gut-thyroid connection, iodine supplements Hashimoto’s, functional medicine thyroid, thyroid flare triggers, iodine deficiency, selenium, iron, thyroid hormones, Toki Birch, The Energised Thyroid Podcast

This is your go-to show for real thyroid support, designed for women 40–60 ready to lose stubborn weight, boost energy, and feel like themselves again.