The iPhone Update Your Body Needs

Written By Sharon Gutierrez

Episode Overview

Release Date: Monday, November 10, 2025
Length: 15 minutes

Do you sleep 8–9 hours but still wake up exhausted? Need a third cup of coffee just to get through the morning? Or maybe, like I used to, you find yourself falling asleep at stoplights and wondering if this is just “adult life.”

Whether you’re searching for answers or already have an autoimmune diagnosis, this episode is for you. Many people are technically “normal” on paper, but feel anything but fine. Your body isn’t broken—it’s trying to get your attention.

In this episode, we explore:

  • Why “normal” lab results don’t always mean your body is functioning at its best.

  • How your energy, focus, and overall health can lag even when your labs say you’re “okay.”

  • The gap between reference ranges and optimal ranges, especially for thyroid function.

  • How to advocate for yourself with doctors to get the lab tests and insights you need.

  • The corporate implications of employees functioning at “reference range” instead of thriving—and what leaders can do about it.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why you may feel “managed but not optimized” and what steps to take to function at your optimal range.

Timestamps & Highlights

0:00 – 1:30 | Opening: Feeling “Normal” But Not Okay

  • Welcome to the podcast and introduction to Diana, our high-performing professional avatar.

  • Why many people feel exhausted despite “normal” lab results.

  • The real cost of unmanaged autoimmune symptoms in the workplace.

1:30 – 3:30 | The iPhone Analogy

  • Comparing your body to an old iPhone: functioning vs. thriving.

  • Why “technically working” doesn’t mean optimal performance.

  • How energy crashes and brain fog are signals your body is lagging.

3:30 – 9:00 | Reference Range vs. Optimal Range

  • Understanding the difference between standard lab reference ranges and optimal function.

  • Thyroid example: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, and antibodies.

  • “Medicated but not optimized”: why being treated doesn’t always mean feeling well.

  • Practical tips on advocating for a complete thyroid panel and optimal care.

9:00 – 11:00 | The Corporate Connection

  • How employees functioning at reference range impact productivity and presenteeism.

  • Why having a diagnosis and being medicated doesn’t guarantee optimal performance.

  • Strategies for HR leaders and executives to support employees with chronic conditions.

11:00 – 13:00 | Actionable Tips

  • Individual listener strategies: lab tracking, symptom journaling, advocacy scripts.

  • Corporate strategies: Results Review Days, flexible energy management, manager education, and second opinion support.

13:00 – 15:00 | Closing & Takeaways

  • Your body isn’t broken—it’s asking for attention.

  • Thriving is possible beyond “normal” labs.

  • Encouragement to advocate for health and support others in the workplace.

What You’ll Learn

1. The iPhone Analogy

Your body is like an old iPhone: it may still work, but it’s not running optimally.

  • Functioning ≠ thriving.

  • Feeling exhausted, foggy, or drained may be your body signaling that something needs attention.

2. Reference Range vs. Optimal Range

Learn why standard lab ranges often miss the nuances of optimal health, especially for autoimmune conditions.

  • Example: Thyroid function tests (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, antibodies).

  • Why TSH alone isn’t enough to capture your thyroid health.

  • How “medicated but not optimized” is a common experience for many with autoimmune conditions.

3. Advocating for Yourself at the Doctor

  • How to request a full thyroid panel.

  • Sample scripts for both seeking a diagnosis and optimizing an existing treatment plan.

  • How to find providers who listen and partner with you in care.

4. The Corporate Connection

For HR leaders and executives:

  • Why “presenteeism” (showing up but not fully functioning) costs more than absenteeism.

  • How employees with chronic conditions can be supported beyond medication.

  • Strategies to reduce long-term disability claims and support optimal health at work.

Action Steps From This Episode

For Individuals

  1. Request Your Lab Results

    • Don’t just accept “everything’s normal.” Ask for the actual numbers, even if you have an existing diagnosis.

  2. Ask for a Complete Thyroid Panel

    • Include TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPO antibodies, and TG antibodies.

    • Ask whether your current treatment plan could be optimized if symptoms persist.

  3. Track Patterns, Not Just Symptoms

    • Note when energy dips, brain fog hits, digestive issues flare, or mood shifts.

    • Keep a simple journal or tracking app to gather data for your doctor.

  4. Prepare for Your Appointment

    • Write down symptoms, when they started, how they impact your daily life, and treatments you’ve tried.

    • Bring this list to your doctor to make your conversation more productive.

  5. Advocate for Optimization, Not Just Management

    • Ask: “Is there room to optimize my treatment plan? I want to feel good, not just ‘normal.’”

    • If your provider resists, request a referral to a specialist or functional medicine practitioner.

Key Takeaways

  • Your body isn’t broken—it’s asking you to stop proving you’re okay.

  • “Normal” labs ≠ optimal function.

  • You deserve energy, clarity, and health optimization, not just disease management.

  • Leaders: Your employees aren’t being dramatic—they may just need the right support to thrive.

Resources & References

  1. American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association – Job performance data for employees with autoimmune conditions

  2. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2002) – TSH Optimal Ranges: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3608008/

  3. CDC Workplace Health Research – https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/index.html

  4. Thyroid Panel Testing Standards – https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-function-tests/

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Sharon Gutierrez
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