Best Hashimoto's book I've ever read

[TamraW]

This book doesn't just tell how to treat Hashi, it gets to the roots of the things that trigger our auto-immune disease in the first place. This book doesn't look at Hashi as a thyroid disorder, but as an auto-immune disease and the possible triggers in our food/environment that could cause the antibodies to flare up.

I've been following some of Dr. K's advice for over a month, and I've got way more energy. I am no longer tired in the morning. I was before, even though my free levels were in the top 1/3. Dr. K. helped me to realize that coffee, green tea and gluten were triggering my antibodies. Now, that's not the same for everyone. He lists different groups, TH1 and TH2 dominant, and which group you are in depends on the treatment. I broke my diet and ate gluten (mocha chocolate brownies) five days ago, and I had a terrible swelling flare up. Never again.

I know some of the diet advice in this book may not be easy for some, but for me, it was a worthwhile change, so that I can live a healthy life.  

http://www.thyroidbook.com/

:) Tamra

[TamraW]

LazyMoose, I really hope you read this book. He lists 22 patterns of low thyroid function, so you can figure out which one you are. Dr. K. also says many of us should not be on dairy, but a dairy intolerance can be discovered in the elimination diet.

You are right about dairy. We're not cows, so why do we drink their milk? Almond milk is great. I use it for my gluten free cereals. Coconut ice cream is awesome, too.

Refined sugar and artificial sugar is bad stuff, too. So is high fructose corn syrup. I do NOT use Splenda anymore or refined sugar. I've heard great stuff about Stevia (pure, not a blend) but it's so darned expensive.

As far as gluten is concerned, we are not rabbits. Our ancestors ate protein. That's what our stomachs are designed to eat. Gluten free dieting has become a trend for those who don't have Celiac disease, but who just want to live healthier lives. Gluten free foods have taken off in sales, making it easier for me to find GF foods in my local grocery store. I think that in the next few decades, more people will opt out of gluten.

:) Tamra

[LazyMoose]

I know someone who had hypothroid (but not Hashimoto) and gluten intolerance. When they finally gave up gluten, thyroid levels got better and weight was also lost.

Its kind of a what came first deal for some. I did go gluten free for three months and thyroid did not improve. So my 'cause' for antibodies is not known to me.

My digestive DID improve after T3 was added, and GERD went away then.

But many hypos (Hashi or not) have digestive issues and are not aware of it. Many digestive issues are given names, so people dont look for the cause, which might be thyroid. And how many people have ever taken saliva PH (related to digestive PH)?

Bottom line, hypos need to eat somewhat healthy. Take a simple pro biotic daily (you will notice after a few weeks). Eliminate the junk food. Diet pop is ridicules, and an addiction in the US -Its all chemicals.

One comment about adults drinking milk. We are mammals. Non-human mammals stop consuming milk when weened. It is not natural for full grown mammals to consume milk, fact. So why do we? Almond milk rocks.

If this guy truly thinks he knows antibody causes, Its worth reading. But I'll be hypo for another month at least, and reading is like a sleeping pill then!

[TamraW]

He's right that many of us Hashis do not need the hormone - as long as we get our diagnosis early in the disease, which rarely happens. I am now under the care of a doctor who trained with him, and he agrees that many of his patients, who are caught early enough before the thyroid  tissue is destroyed will not need the hormone once the auto-immunity is turned off. However, as is the case with me, my doctor and I agree that I will most likely need hormone because my thyroid is so damaged; however not as much as before. This has proven to be true as I am now on less hormone.

I trust that you've had the TGab and TPOab antibody tests to confirm that you are not a Hashi. Occasionally, the antibodies fluctuate, and a repeat test is necessary to make sure you don't have Hashi. However, if you go gluten free, the test might be negative. Get the antibody tests before going off gluten.

:) Tamra

[alfonsina]

I do not have hashimotos( but I am hypo), but I bought the book because somebody suggested it here at the forum.

One thing that scared me is on page 93 (chapter highlights) where he says that "the mayority of people with hypothyroidism do not need thyroid hormone. In fact, medication can make hypothyroidism irreversible."

I am still procesing that information.

One thing that I liked was his anti-inflammatory diet.   My stomach is always upset, I am bloated all the time, have reflux and allergies.

I would like to try this diet for about three weeks (no gluten, no lactose) and see if I feel better.

I'll start next week, I am celebrating these days and I want to eat ALL what I like (and can)

[TamraW]

You won't be disappointed. This book is amazing and totally changes the way I've viewed thyroid disease. It's not just about treating the hormone levels. It's about treating the underlying auto-immunity. Just look at me. I've given up gluten and now I need less hormone. I've cut back the Cytomel from 10 to 2.5 and I'm still hyper. I have a leftover bottle of a lower dose of Synthroid. I will try it tomorrow and see if my hyper symptoms get better.

Have you tried almond milk as well? I just love it. Coconut milk is high in protein, but I don't like the flavor as much. My friends use it in their protein shakes. Also, coconut ice cream is divine!

****

:) Tamra

[magpieannie]

Just read a little on line. Liked what I saw so I just now ordered the book from Amazon. Thanks for the recommendation!