Thyroid Strong

When Labs Look “Normal” But You Still Feel Exhausted

by | Oct 30, 2025 | Podcast, Podcast Functional Medicine

The Hidden Link Between Bloating, Fatigue, and Your Thyroid

When Labs Look “Normal” But You Still Feel Exhausted

In this episode, Dr. Emily Kiberd explores one of the most overlooked root causes of bloating, fatigue, and brain fog in women with Hashimoto’s—SIBO, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.

She explains how low thyroid function slows gut motility, why chronic stress can shut down digestion entirely, and how these factors create the perfect storm for bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.

Dr. Emily also shares the step-by-step process for healing: from testing all three SIBO gases using the Trio Smart breath test, to interpreting SIBO-suggestive patterns on a GI-MAP, to rebuilding the gut lining and restoring motility. She highlights why nervous system regulation—through breathwork, humming, walking, and vagus nerve activation—is essential for recovery.

You’ll also learn the most common mistakes women make when treating SIBO, including staying on restrictive diets too long or skipping the repair and rebuild phases.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • What SIBO is and why it’s common among women with Hashimoto’s
  • How slow digestion, low stomach acid, and stress cause bacterial overgrowth
  • The three SIBO gas types—and why you need to test for all of them
  • GI-MAP markers that may suggest bacterial overgrowth
  • The three healing phases: Kill, Repair, and Rebuild
  • Why regulating your nervous system is key to lasting gut health
  • The most common SIBO treatment mistakes
  • How to tell if it’s actually SIFO, not SIBO

Highlights:
00:26 Understanding SIBO and Its Impact on Women with Hashimoto’s
02:18 Symptoms and Diagnosis of SIBO
03:21 Types of SIBO Gases and Testing Methods
06:50 Treatment Phases for SIBO
05:12 A Remarkable Recovery and Leading a Retreat
06:12 The Power of Mind and Body Healing
08:26 Nervous System Regulation and Gut Health
08:26 Nervous System Regulation and Gut Health
11:34 Introduction to SIFO and Upcoming Topic

Links & Resources
 Apply for 1:1 Root Cause Functional Medicine Coaching
👉 1:1 Functional Health Coaching – Dr. Emily Kiberd
👉 Free Gut Masterclass: Learn how six of Dr. Emily’s clients healed their gut, lowered antibodies, and lost up to 40 pounds — Check the masterclass
👉Link between SIBO and hypothyroidism: PMID: 24944923

Follow Dr. Emily Kiberd and Thyroid Strong:
📘Facebook: Thyroid Strong  
 📷 Instagram: @thyroid.strong
 🎵TikTok: Thyroid Strong