Modern Thyroid and Wellness

What if chronic illness is rarely caused by just one thing?In this episode of Modern Thyroid & Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Dr. Richard Horowitz, board-certified internist and longtime medical director of the Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center, to explore a very different way of thinking about chronic disease.After more than four decades working with complex Lyme and tick-borne illness patients, Dr. Horowitz developed what he calls the MSIDS model, or Multiple Systemic Infectious Disease Syndrome. His framework looks at multiple overlapping drivers of inflammation rather than assuming one diagnosis has one cause and one treatment.The conversation also explores his new book, Ending Chronic Illness: A Revolutionary New Program to Reverse Inflammation to Heal Chronic Disease, which brings together decades of clinical experience and research around Lyme disease, long COVID, chronic fatigue, neurological symptoms, immune dysfunction, toxins, gut health, hormones, mitochondrial dysfunction, sleep, and more.🔑 In This Episode:How Dr. Horowitz unexpectedly became immersed in Lyme diseaseWhy some patients remain sick after standard treatmentThe origins of his 16-point MSIDS modelThe “six rivers of inflammation”Infections and co-infectionsEnvironmental toxins, mold, and heavy metalsGut dysfunction, leaky gut, and mast-cell activationVitamin and mineral deficienciesSleep disorders and chronic inflammationMitochondrial dysfunction and energy productionHormonal dysregulation and the thyroid-adrenal axisImmune dysfunction and autoimmunityPOTS and autonomic nervous system dysfunctionLiver health, fatty liver, insulin, and metabolic syndromeNeurological and psychological symptomsWhy Dr. Horowitz believes the one-disease, one-treatment model often falls short in complex chronic illnessEarly signs that may warrant a deeper evaluationHis approach to Lyme symptom screening and testingGenetics, oxidative stress, and inflammatory pathwaysLifestyle strategies for prevention and longevityDiet, exercise, sleep, meditation, gut health, and stress reductionHis perspective on GLP-1s and inflammationWhy his new book represents what he calls his life’s workThe Six Rivers of InflammationDr. Horowitz describes six major upstream areas he believes can contribute to chronic inflammation:InfectionsEnvironmental toxinsGut microbiome dysfunctionIntestinal permeability and mast-cell issuesVitamin and mineral deficienciesSleep disordersHe then connects those upstream factors with downstream effects involving mitochondria, hormones, immune function, the autonomic nervous system, the liver, metabolism, neurological function, and more.Thyroid, Hormones & Chronic InflammationFor thyroid patients, one of the most relevant parts of the discussion is Dr. Horowitz’s view that chronic inflammation can influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-hormonal system.He discusses low testosterone, adrenal dysfunction, autoimmune thyroid antibodies, metabolic syndrome, POTS, and other downstream effects he sees in complex chronic illness.Lifestyle Still MattersDespite the complexity of his framework, Dr. Horowitz repeatedly returns to the fundamentals:Mediterranean-style nutrition personalized to the individualExerciseAdequate sleepSupporting the microbiomeStress reduction and meditationReducing relevant environmental exposuresAddressing metabolic health📘 Get Ending Chronic IllnessEnding Chronic Illness: A Revolutionary New Program to Reverse Inflammation to Heal Chronic DiseaseBy Dr. Richard HorowitzAvailable through:cangetbetter.comDr. Horowitz is specifically asking the chronic illness community to purchase the book between November 1 and November 7 to support its bestseller launch.Connect With Dr. Richard HorowitzWebsite:cangetbetter.comSubstack:Medical DetectiveFacebook:Dr. Richard Horowitz📖 Pre-Order Take Back Your Thyroid + Get a Free BonusPre-order McCall McPherson’s new book, Take Back Your Thyroid, and choose one free bonus:🎓 Thyroid Empowered Course — a $399 value OR 🩺 $150 off a new patient visit at Modern Thyroid Clinichttps://book.modernthyroidclinic.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and WellnessModern Thyroid Clinic:https://modernthyroidclinic.com/McCall McPherson:https://www.mccallmcpherson.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mccallmcphersonpa/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0_JyQdBAJwYT3rMDsvyriwFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/McCallMcPhersonPAC/X / Twitter:https://x.com/thyroidexpertThis episode is for educational and informational purposes only. Statements about EWOT, red light therapy, Lyme disease, inflammation, cancer, detoxification, or other health conditions reflect the guest’s personal experience and discussion and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a substitute for individualized medical care.

What if one of the simplest tools for supporting energy and recovery was something your body already depends on every second of the day: oxygen?In this episode of Modern Thyroid & Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Brad Pitzele, founder and CEO of One Thousand Roads, to explore EWOT, Exercise With Oxygen Therapy, and the personal health journey that led Brad to build his own system.Brad’s story began long before One Thousand Roads. After years of dealing with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, severe pain, fatigue, brain fog, melanoma, and eventually a Lyme disease diagnosis, he found himself trying treatment after treatment without getting the recovery he was looking for. Eventually, a functional medicine doctor suggested he investigate oxygen therapy.When commercial options felt too expensive and impractical, Brad put his engineering background to work and built his own EWOT system. What started as a personal experiment ultimately became the foundation for One Thousand Roads.🔑 In This Episode:Brad’s journey with autoimmune arthritis, melanoma, Lyme disease, pain, fatigue, and brain fogWhy conventional treatments eventually left him searching for another pathHow he discovered Exercise With Oxygen TherapyWhat EWOT actually is and how a typical session worksWhy exercise changes the body’s demand for oxygenOxygen, cellular energy, mitochondria, and ATP productionBrad’s perspective on oxygen, inflammation, and microcirculationHow he gradually rebuilt his cardiovascular capacityWhy some people notice improvements in energy, sleep, or exercise tolerance firstHow EWOT can be adapted for people with lower exercise capacityWhy Brad pairs EWOT with red and near-infrared lightHis typical sequence: exercise with oxygen followed immediately by red lightUsing EWOT at home versus visiting a clinicBrad’s personal view on oxygen therapy, recovery, aging, and detoxificationWhat Is EWOT?EWOT stands for Exercise With Oxygen Therapy.Brad describes it as approximately 15 minutes of cardiovascular exercise while breathing concentrated oxygen through a mask. His system uses an oxygen concentrator to fill a reservoir so enough oxygen is available while someone is exercising and breathing at a much higher rate.Brad says the idea is to combine the physiological changes of exercise, including faster breathing, increased circulation, and greater oxygen demand, with higher oxygen availability.From Barely Walking to Rebuilding His CapacityOne of the most striking parts of Brad’s story is how limited he had become physically.At one point, foot pain was so severe that he needed heavily cushioned support simply to exercise. Over time, as his health improved, he says his endurance changed dramatically and he later measured a VO2 max that placed him near the top of his age group.Brad presents this as his personal experience, not as a guarantee of what EWOT will do for another person.Why Pair EWOT With Red Light?Brad also combines EWOT with red and near-infrared light therapy.His protocol is typically:15 minutes of EWOTfollowed immediately by8–10 minutes of red light therapyBrad believes the combination may support mitochondrial energy production by pairing increased oxygen availability with the cellular signaling effects associated with red and near-infrared light.Connect With Brad Pitzele & One Thousand RoadsSpecial Listener Offer:https://www.onethousandroads.com/modern-thyroidOne Thousand Roads:https://www.onethousandroads.com/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@OneThousandRoadsHQFollow Brad Pitzele on Instagram:http://instagram.com/bradpitzeleLearn More About Exercise With Oxygen Therapy, EWOT:https://www.onethousandroads.com/pages/exercise-with-oxygen-therapyLearn More About Red Light Therapy & Infrared Light Therapy:https://www.onethousandroads.com/pages/red-light-therapy-education📖 Pre-Order Take Back Your Thyroid + Get a Free BonusPre-order McCall McPherson’s new book, Take Back Your Thyroid, and choose one free bonus:🎓 Thyroid Empowered Course — a $399 valueOR🩺 $150 off a new patient visit at Modern Thyroid Clinic👉 https://book.modernthyroidclinic.com/📱 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and WellnessModern Thyroid Clinic:https://modernthyroidclinic.com/McCall McPherson:https://www.mccallmcpherson.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mccallmcphersonpa/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0_JyQdBAJwYT3rMDsvyriwFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/McCallMcPhersonPAC/X / Twitter:https://x.com/thyroidexpertThis episode is for educational and informational purposes only. Statements about EWOT, red light therapy, Lyme disease, inflammation, cancer, detoxification, or other health conditions reflect the guest’s personal experience and discussion and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a substitute for individualized medical care.

GLP-1 medications have become synonymous with weight loss—but what if their impact on women’s health goes far beyond the number on the scale?Recorded live at SXSW in Austin, this special panel brings together experts in thyroid and metabolic health, fertility, menopause, and strength training to explore what women should really understand about GLP-1 medications.Moderated by Dr. Shannon Ritchey, PT, DPT, the conversation features McCall McPherson, PA-C, Dr. Natalie Crawford, MD, and Dr. Jessica Shepherd, MD. Together, they discuss appropriate use, microdosing, insulin resistance, inflammation, thyroid disease, PCOS, fertility, perimenopause, menopause, muscle preservation, side effects, long-term use, and the importance of individualized care.🔑 In This Episode:What GLP-1 medications actually do beyond appetite suppressionWhy these medications were first used for diabetes and metabolic healthMicrodosing vs. traditional dosingWhy individualized dosing may help some women better tolerate treatmentGLP-1s, thyroid dysfunction, Hashimoto’s, and inflammationSeparating thyroid-cancer concerns from what the panel says current human evidence showsWhy adequate calories and protein matter while using a GLP-1The importance of preserving and building muscleGLP-1s, insulin resistance, PCOS, and fertilityWhy GLP-1 medications are not recommended while actively trying to conceive or during pregnancyPerimenopause, menopause, HRT, glucose regulation, and visceral fatWhen GLP-1 use may be short-term vs. longer-termSemaglutide, tirzepatide, and individualized prescribingDEXA scans, creatine, resistance training, and lean-mass preservationFasting insulin, A1c, leptin, and other metabolic markersSleep, HRV, hydration, and what wearables may revealFood noise, body image, and why appropriate medical screening mattersFertility, PCOS & GLP-1sDr. Natalie Crawford explains that fertility is more than simply the ability to become pregnant—it can also reflect hormonal and metabolic health.For patients with PCOS and insulin resistance, improving metabolic health may help restore ovulation and support fertility. However, Dr. Crawford emphasizes that GLP-1 medications are not intended to be used while actively trying to conceive or during pregnancy and discusses stopping them before conception under medical guidance.She also highlights resistance training and skeletal muscle as powerful tools for glucose utilization, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and reproductive health.Thyroid Health, Inflammation & MicrodosingMcCall shares how her approach evolved toward lower, individualized doses after seeing patients struggle with nausea, inadequate nutrition, and difficulty consuming enough protein on standard dosing.The goal, she explains, is not simply appetite suppression or rapid weight loss. It is finding a dose that allows patients to nourish themselves, preserve muscle, and improve metabolic health while minimizing side effects.Menopause & Midlife Metabolic HealthDr. Jessica Shepherd explores how declining estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone during perimenopause and menopause influence the entire body—not just reproductive health.The panel discusses the relationship between hormone changes, glucose regulation, insulin, inflammation, visceral fat, joint symptoms, and the potential role GLP-1s may have alongside other individualized midlife interventions.Protecting Muscle on a GLP-1Dr. Shannon Ritchey emphasizes that simply “lifting weights” is not always enough to preserve or build muscle.The panel discusses adequate protein and calories, monitoring body composition, potentially using tools such as DEXA scans, and performing resistance training with enough intensity to stimulate muscle adaptation.📖 Pre-Order Take Back Your Thyroid + Get a Free BonusPre-order McCall McPherson’s new book, Take Back Your Thyroid, and choose one free bonus:🎓 Thyroid Empowered Course — a $399 value OR🩺 $150 off a new patient visit at Modern Thyroid Clinic👉 https://book.modernthyroidclinic.com/Featured PanelistsMcCall McPherson, PA-CFounder, Modern Thyroid Clinic Thyroid & metabolic healthDr. Natalie Crawford, MDFertility specialist and co-founder of Fora Fertility Author of The Fertility FormulaDr. Jessica Shepherd, MDOB-GYN and women’s health expert Author of Generation MDr. Shannon Ritchey, PT, DPTFounder of Evlo Fitness Strength training and muscle-preservation expert📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and WellnessModern Thyroid Clinic:https://modernthyroidclinic.com/McCall McPherson:https://www.mccallmcpherson.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mccallmcphersonpa/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0_JyQdBAJwYT3rMDsvyriwFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/McCallMcPhersonPAC/X / Twitter:https://x.com/thyroidexpertThis episode is for educational purposes only. GLP-1 medications are prescription medications and treatment decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare professional based on individual history, risks, goals, and current evidence.

What if insulin resistance is quietly driving inflammation, weight gain, and thyroid dysfunction years before blood sugar ever looks abnormal?In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with endocrinologist Dr. Alessia Roehnelt for an in-depth conversation about insulin resistance and why it can be such an important marker of long-term metabolic health.Dr. Roehnelt explains how insulin functions in the body, what happens when insulin resistance develops, and why chronically elevated insulin can contribute to inflammation, weight gain, metabolic dysfunction, and disease progression.They also explore the bidirectional relationship between insulin resistance and hypothyroidism, including how thyroid dysfunction can worsen metabolic health and how insulin resistance can complicate thyroid function and treatment.🔑 In This Episode:What insulin resistance is and how it developsWhy insulin resistance may appear before prediabetes or type 2 diabetesCommon physical and metabolic signs of insulin resistanceAcanthosis nigricans, carb sensitivity, and rapid weight fluctuationsThe relationship between insulin resistance and hypothyroidismHow insulin resistance may affect thyroid hormone absorption and conversionWhy fasting insulin can provide useful information beyond A1c alone“Normal” vs. optimal fasting glucose, insulin, and A1c valuesWhy population-based lab ranges do not always reflect optimal healthThe role of vitamin D in metabolic and hormonal healthFatty liver markers including AST and ALT🏃‍♀️ Improving Insulin SensitivityDr. Roehnelt and McCall discuss foundational strategies including:Consistent, restorative sleepStrength and resistance trainingReducing refined carbohydratesPairing carbohydrates with protein and fatUsing continuous glucose monitors to better understand personal responsesStrategic intermittent fasting when appropriate💊 Medications DiscussedMetforminImproves insulin sensitivityHas a long history of clinical useCan be a cost-effective early interventionGLP-1 receptor agonistsReduce appetite and slow gastric emptyingLower liver glucose productionImprove insulin signalingMay help reduce inflammation in appropriate patients🌿 Key TakeawaysInsulin resistance can often be improved when identified early.“Normal” lab values do not always tell the entire story, and weight gain is far more complex than calories in versus calories out.One of the biggest themes in this episode is that inflammation connects metabolic dysfunction, thyroid disease, and autoimmunity, making individualized, whole-body evaluation incredibly important. 📖 Pre-Order Take Back Your Thyroid + Get a Free BonusPre-order McCall McPherson’s new book, Take Back Your Thyroid, and choose one free bonus:🎓 Thyroid Empowered Course — a $399 valueOR🩺 $150 off a new patient visit at Modern Thyroid Clinic👉 https://book.modernthyroidclinic.com/📍 Connect with Dr. Alessia RoehneltWebsite & Practice:https://www.endohealthdoc.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/endohealthdoc/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/alessia.roehnelt📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and WellnessModern Thyroid Clinic:https://modernthyroidclinic.com/McCall McPherson:https://www.mccallmcpherson.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mccallmcphersonpa/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0_JyQdBAJwYT3rMDsvyriwFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/McCallMcPhersonPAC/X / Twitter:https://x.com/thyroidexpert

What if the brain fog, forgetfulness, emotional overwhelm, anxiety, or difficulty getting things done isn’t simply stress—or even your thyroid?In this episode of Modern Thyroid & Wellness, McCall McPherson, PA-C sits down with Dr. Jolene Brighten, women’s health expert and bestselling author, to explore the often-overlooked connection between ADHD in women, thyroid function, hormones, perimenopause, inflammation, and brain health.Dr. Brighten explains why so many women reach adulthood without an ADHD diagnosis and why hormonal transitions can suddenly make symptoms that were once manageable feel impossible to ignore.She also explains an important overlap for thyroid patients: hypothyroidism itself can create ADHD-like symptoms, including brain fog, low mental energy, working-memory problems, changes in neurotransmitter function, and difficulty with executive function.In This Episode:Why ADHD in women is often missed or misdiagnosedHow female ADHD can look different from stereotypical hyperactivityAnxiety, depression, and undiagnosed ADHDHow hypothyroidism can mimic ADHD symptomsEmotional dysregulation, time blindness, and executive dysfunctionADHD, Hashimoto’s, PMDD, endometriosis, POTS, histamine issues, and other co-occurring conditionsDr. Brighten’s brain-immune-hormone modelWhy puberty, postpartum, birth control, perimenopause, and postmenopause can change ADHD symptomsEstrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, insulin, and brain energyWhy perimenopause can make ADHD much harder to manageGut health, sleep, exercise, protein, omega-3s, fiber, and polyphenolsHow to work with your healthcare provider instead of trying to DIY everythingADHD or Hypothyroidism?One of the most important conversations in this episode is the overlap between ADHD and low thyroid function.Dr. Brighten explains that hypothyroidism can affect brain energy, memory, attention, neurotransmitters, and executive function. Her approach is to address hypothyroidism first when it could be contributing to new ADHD-like symptoms.If difficulties with planning, organization, emotional regulation, focus, or executive function persist—especially when similar patterns have existed since childhood—it may be worth investigating another layer.Why Hormones MatterDr. Brighten discusses important hormonal windows when ADHD symptoms may change or become more obvious: puberty, postpartum, the pill, perimenopause, and postmenopause.During perimenopause in particular, shifts in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, insulin regulation, mitochondrial function, and brain energy may make brain fog, sleep problems, emotional dysregulation, and executive dysfunction more difficult.📖 AVAILABLE NOW: ADHD and WomenDr. Brighten’s new book, ADHD and Women: A Guide to Optimizing Your Hormones and Thriving with ADHD, is available now.The book explores female ADHD through a hormone-focused lens and includes guidance on gut health, sleep, exercise, nutrition, supplements, hormones, quizzes, and a 14-day reset.👉 https://drbrighten.com/adhd-and-women/📖 Pre-Order Take Back Your Thyroid + Get a Free BonusPre-order McCall McPherson’s new book, Take Back Your Thyroid, and choose one free bonus:🎓 Thyroid Empowered Course — a $399 value OR🩺 $150 off a new patient visit at Modern Thyroid Clinic👉 https://book.modernthyroidclinic.com/Connect with Dr. Jolene BrightenWebsite:https://drbrighten.com/📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpaThis episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease or replace individualized medical care.