The Thyroid Connection

September 1, 2016

The thyroid gland plays a major role in regulating metabolism. When it doesn't function properly, fatigue, weight gain, and mental sluggishness may occur. A thyroid gland that is overactive or underactive, usually owing to autoimmune disease, is a common occurrence that is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms can be subtle. Physician Myers (The Autoimmune Solution) has thyroid disease; she trained at the Institute for Functional Medicine, which emphasizes holistic treatment. After explaining how the thyroid functions and interacts with other glands, the author offers a 28-day plan to help improve thyroid function and encourages patients to work with their physicians for optimal results. The regimen includes foods that don't cause inflammation, dietary supplements, stress reduction, exercise, and sufficient sleep. She suggests eliminating gluten, dairy products, and plants in the nightshade family (though some of these may be added back later). Myers also suggests eliminating environmental toxins such as heavy metals and molds. Her tone is casual and conversational, but the presentation borders on that of an infomercial. Appendixes offer a letter for readers to share with their physicians along with information about blood work, detoxifying the home, and biological dentistry. VERDICT Useful for those with thyroid disease who want to add alternative therapies to their regime.--Barbara Bibel, formerly Oakland P.L.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2016
People who feel overweight, sluggish, or depressed can find solace and advice in this holistic look at disorders of the thyroid, the hormone-secreting gland that effects metabolism. Myers (The Autoimmune Solution, 2015), an MD who practices functional or integrative medicine and specializes in autoimmune problems, writes from her own expertise as both a doctor and a patient. When she was in medical school, she suffered from a form of hyperthyroidism known as Graves' disease, and conventional medicine failed her. She is dedicated to helping the estimated 12 percent of Americans who will suffer from thyroid dysfunction in their lifetimes to avoid a similar fate. She suggests many dietary approaches: avoid gluten, alcohol, dairy, fast food, and caffeinated beverages; get out into natural light; and keep the temperature cool for sleeping. Myers can get a bit too technical, and readers may be wary of detoxing with supplements with names like acetyl glutathione. But most of her advice is sound and doable, including buying chemically untreated organic bedsheets, and aimed at being kinder to an overwhelmed body.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)