Thyroid Reset Radio

Susan Wilder

How Can a Plant Based Diet Heal Hashimoto's? with Elena Wilkins Dec 09, 2019

Show notes

On this episode we're looking at plant-based options for improving the health of your thyroid. I'm joined by Elena Wilkins of 360 Impact Health to discuss the success she has had with overcoming hypothyroidism, pituitary adenoma, and infertility without medication. Instead, Elena has used healthy eating and lifestyle choices to overcome her symptoms and today she is healthier than ever before.

Elena not only shares her story but also shares hope for anyone who feels like they have exhausted their search to find the answers they need to live a healthier, fuller life. We talk about the importance of having low levels of iodine in your diet, the potentially dangerous effects of a paleo diet, and all of the points of both mental and physical health that are examined and healed as part of the Elena Wilkins diet. Elena's advice is encouraging, and her story of healing is simply amazing. If you've felt like the options for healing that you've been presented with just aren't for you, you'll want to be sure to listen to my conversation with Elena Wilkins to restore your hope and help you recognize that a healthy, happy, disease free life really is within your reach.

Key Takeaways:

[1:11] Today's topic is healing your thyroid naturally, without medication and with a whole health approach.

[2:58] Introducing Elena Wilkins, who shares her story of overcoming hypothyroidism and infertility with diet and exercise instead of medication.

[9:34] The turning point in Elena's story started with her husband's daily chest pains and led to a search for answers.

[12:11] The whole foods, plant based, low fat diet that reversed Elena's hypothyroidism includes one key factor — low iodine.

[15:19] The nearly 100-year-old study that proved that the skin iodine absorption test is completely inaccurate.

[18:22] Will cutting out dairy and processed bread in a paleo diet result in too-low levels of iodine intake?

[21:17] An overview of the Elena Wilkins diet, the success rate, and the specific physical and mental health indicators that are examined.

[27:22] How does mental or physical abuse and stress affect the health of your thyroid?

[30:05] The symptoms and cure for Graves disease in relation to the health of your thyroid.

[34:00] Because the supplement market is not regulated like the medication market, multivitamins often contain a higher iodine content, and your thyroid suffers as a result.

[38:47] Elena shares the final chapters of her transformation, and why she doesn't have any regrets about the healthy lifestyle changes she has made.

[41:39] Elena's top tips for a simple whole foods diet include batch cooking — preparing a week's worth of food at one time.

[42:53] Advocating for yourself starts with asking for a second opinion, and a third opinion, and not stopping until you find the answers you are looking for.

[47:26] Do you have a topic you'd like me to cover? Contact me on Facebook or Instagram using #medicalmyths.

To learn more:

360 Impact Health

Deep Dive into Oxalates with Dr. Sarah Ballantyne Nov 25, 2019

Show notes

On this episode we're examining oxalates, taking a look at the benefits and dangers of consuming higher amounts of them, and the effect that oxalates can have on your body and overall health, from kidney problems to causing inflammation, vaginal pain, and fibromyalgia. There is some scary information circulating online about the negative effects of oxalates in your diet, and I've teamed up with Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, also known as the Paleo Mom, to tackle this topic.

In addition to our conversation about oxalates, we discuss the importance of seeking out accurate and reliable information so that you can make better health choices now. You can avoid being misled by diet and health fads, and Dr. Sarah and I have both found in our research and our experiences that it's not just food, but a combination of many inputs that are having a significant impact on your overall health. I know you'll benefit as you listen to our conversation about the importance of seeking out the most reliable research, whether any one food can be considered a miracle food, how taking a vacation can affect your health, and the one key factor to better health that you have probably been neglecting.

Key Takeaways:

[1:10] Today's topic is oxalates — are they as dangerous as the internet is telling you they are?

[3:22] Introducing Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, who values scientific research and making evidence-led decisions to incorporate a healthy diet into your life.

[7:50] Examining the power of placebos and the overly microscopic study of health and the human body.

[10:47] The importance of considering all of the information that correlates to any given reaction, rather than isolating that information to support one predetermined outcome.

[12:26] Only 6% of current grant funding comes from the unbiased research funds of the government. What does that mean about the agendas of the rest of grant funding?

[15:00] How many foods have you tried to avoid in order to have a more 'healthy' diet?

[19:34] The dangers associated with an oversimplification of dieting attempts without considering scientific, evidence-led facts.

[20:43] What might be holding back healing? Dr. Sarah's experiences with identifying and diagnosing true oxalate sensitivity shows it is only present in one in a million cases.

[25:01] What are the dangers of cutting healthy foods out of your diet unnecessarily? You need to make sure you're getting enough of these essential and non-essential nutrients.

[29:08] The importance of understanding the interaction of nutrients and how they react inside your body before blaming any health troubles on one particular healthy food.

[33:25] A look at the history and theories surrounding oxalate reactions shows that none of them have been proven to be correct.

[37:00] Are higher levels of oxalates in your diet the cause of recurrent kidney stones?

[39:31] Troubleshooting deficiencies and reactions before eliminating additional healthy foods will provide clearer answers to improving your overall health.

[43:33] How can taking a vacation help improve your overall health? Other factors in addition to changing your diet that are almost guaranteed to clear up when you take time to vacation.

[45:40] Dr. Sarah may be The Paleo Mom but that doesn't mean that she has subscribed solely to the paleo diet, or any other fad diet.

[49:41] Dr. C's red pill moment while reading Digital Minimalism reminded him of the importance of limiting time spent with online platforms when seeking reliable health resources.

[52:23] Is celery juice a magic potion? Dr. Sarah explains why the science behind the health benefits of celery — and every other health food — have to be considered independently from a fad food following.

[55:07] A comparison of the simple theories that haven't been proven over time with the more complex, correct messages that prove to be harder to hold onto.

[58:47] Dr. Sarah's final word of advice is about sleep — where does sleep fit into your to-do list and how is it affecting your health?

[1:07:08] Do you have a topic you'd like me to cover? Contact me on Facebook or Instagram using #medicalmyths.

To learn more:

Sarah Ballantyne — The Paleo Mom

Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport

Celery Juice: Fad of Fabulous?

Wrong: Why experts keep failing us and how to know when not to trust them by David Freedman

Do Pro Athletes Burn Carbs or Fats? with Matt Fitzgerald Nov 11, 2019

Show notes

On this episode we cover what the best ways to fuel your active body and your active muscles are. Do you have to choose between carbs and fat, and do you know which one is better for fueling your body? Athletes aren't the only people that need to consider the best way to fuel an active body. Choosing the right fuel makes a big difference in overall health for everyone. I'm joined today by Matt Fitzgerald, endurance sports coach, nutritionist and author of over 20 books. His work with pro level and Olympic athletes has given him superior experience and knowledge of what works best for some of the best performing individuals in the world when it comes to fats, carbs, healthy diet, and the importance of food variety. Even if you aren't a high performing athlete, you surely want to have more energy, get more out of your health, and figure out what the best diet is to achieve your goals.

On this podcast we're covering five major tips that will help you make the best food choices for higher energy and a healthier body, including one that I can guarantee you've never heard before! From the best source of energy to burn quickly to the importance of choosing high quality foods, Matt's experience and knowledge will inspire you to start making better food choices for your body today. We cover everything from the keto diet to food favorites of elite athletes around the world and how you can apply their food choices into your everyday diet. If you've ever felt like you have to choose between enjoying the food you eat or eating the right foods, you need to listen to my conversation with Matt Fitzgerald.

Key Takeaways:

[1:10] Today's topic is the best way to fuel your active body — is it fats, carbs, or a combination of the two?

[2:30] Introducing Matt Fitzgerald, who responds to a letter I received from a listener who wrote in for advice regarding the keto diet and her thyroid.

[4:43] Which diet really works for world class athletes? Some experiences that have shaped Matt's views on the best way to fuel an active body.

[9:18] Matt explains why the keto diet is a risk that is not worth taking for elite athletes, including Olympic cycling medalist Georgia Gould.

[10:57] Is fat a superior fuel? Matt explains why the denser content of fat does not make up for the inefficient way that it is metabolized.

[14:16] Lasting energy versus fast energy — how you can balance sustained energy with the more quickly spent energy that comes from sugars.

[16:46] Energy to burn — whether it comes from fat or carbs — at a higher capacity is the main goal of high performing athletes — just look at the winners of the Boston marathon.

[20:31] Are elite athletes genetically superior to everyone else?

[23:22] Everyday energy and fueling exercise is important for the health of everyone, not just elite athletes.

[26:25] Raw talent will only take an elite athlete so far — the next level of world class success requires raising the diet bar.

[30:26] A higher quality diet is going to yield higher quality results every time, and just because something works well doesn't mean something else isn't going to work even better.

[33:40] The Endurance Diet's recurrent themes and habits from carb-eating endurance athletes from around the world.

[36:10] Eat everything — different types of foods check off different boxes and a healthy diet leaves no stone uncovered.

[39:54] Diet Cult and a look at why most fad diets are based on restrictions unreasonably applied to foods that humans have been eating for centuries.

[45:02] Eat quality — meaning that if a food makes you healthier, then it is high quality, regardless of what the food contains.

[48:56] Eat a carb centered diet — include high quality carbohydrate rich foods in almost all of your meals and snacks.

[50:50] Eat enough — don't worry about counting calories or tracking your intake as much as you are making sure that you are eating the right amount of food.

[55:24] Individualization — work with what works best for your body and stop eating foods that don't improve your overall health.

[1:00:36] Matt explains the value of choosing foods that you like to eat and keeping high-quality favorites in your diet.

[1:05:03] Do you have a topic you'd like me to cover? Contact me on Facebook or Instagram using #medicalmyths.

To learn more:

The Endurance Diet: Discover the Core 5 Habits of the World's Greatest Athletes to Look, Feel, and Perform Better by Matt Fitzgerald

Matt Fitzgerald

Diet Cults: The Surprising Fallacy at the Core of Nutrition Diets and a Guide to Healthy Eating For the Rest of Us by Matt Fitzgerald

Racing Weight — Matt Fitzgerald's blog

Diet Quality Score Calculator

Shattering Pre- and Post-Workout Fueling Myths with Ben Greenfield Oct 28, 2019

Show notes

On this episode we're looking at the best way to fuel your body before a workout and the most effective way to refuel after your workout is done. You've probably heard mixed messages about the optimal time of day for consuming the bulk of your calories, whether or not you should graze or snack throughout the day, and whether overnight fasting has any real benefit.

I'm joined today by Ben Greenfield, former bodybuilder and Ironman triathlete, coach and author. He has solid information for every kind of person, from the non-athlete that is looking for ways to enhance mitochondrial efficiency and fat burning oxidation capacity during the day in order to increase energy levels to the high performing athlete that wants to maximize energy burn during their next Ironman. He shares ways to properly fuel your body before your workout if you have been fasting overnight, the value of a cyclic ketogenic or low carbohydrate diet, and specific methods for ingesting appropriate amounts of fuel. Whether your goal as an athlete is to increase your endurance or as a non-athlete that just wants to muscle gain, lose weight or replenish your energy, you'll want to hear the specific advice Ben has to help you fuel your performance in the best way possible.

Key Takeaways:

[1:10] Today's topic is fueling your body — the best times and ways to eat before your workout and how to best recover after a workout.

[2:09] Introducing Ben Greenfield, who first shares tips for anyone that is not athletic and looking to get back into a healthy workout routine.

[6:13] Parameters for skipping post-workout fueling should be based on the last time you ate.

[7:28] Properly fueling your workout if you have been fasting overnight starts with consuming essential amino acids and light aerobic exercise.

[10:32] When is the best time of day to consume carbs for someone that is looking to lose weight and gain energy?

[13:50] The cortisol integrity and fat-burning/serotonin benefits of saving your carb consumption for the evening.

[15:58] Advantages that come with post-workout fasting include increased growth hormone and testosterone levels for non-athletes.

[16:48] Fueling considerations for athletes before, during and after a workout.

[21:25] Ben's perfectly concocted fueling recommendations for endurance athletes include a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, non-digestible fats and electrolytes.

[27:18] Recommendations for fat-based alternative fueling sources that are readily available to athletes that prefer a gel over a liquid-filled flasks.

[31:02] The most common misconceptions that Ben has seen as a coach include unnecessary fueling both pre- and post-workout, and he has an easy fueling schedule to follow instead.

[34:14] Details on Boundless, Ben's new 600-page resource for gaining boundless energy for your body and mind.

37:14] Do you have a topic you'd like me to cover? Contact me on Facebook or Instagram using #medicalmyths.

To learn more:

Beyond Training: Mastering Endurance, Health, and Life by Ben Greenfield

Ben Greenfield Fitness

Boundless: Upgrade Your Brain, Optimize your Body, and Defy Aging by Ben Greenfield

Is the Dirty Dozen Dirty? with Steve Savage Oct 21, 2019

Show notes

On this episode we're examining the facts behind organic foods and pesticides — which pesticides are the most dangerous, what are the exposure limits for pesticides in the food system, and exactly how much better are organic foods for your health? The Environmental Working Group releases a Dirty Dozen list each year of the foods that are highest in pesticide residue, as well as a Clean 15 list that reports that which produce is the safest to eat. But many people don't realize that these lists are changing and updated every year, and that the methods used to compile the lists may not be the most accurate or reliable approach to gathering this data. Regardless of the lists, there are persistent pollutants in the food supply, some that are even more prevalent in organic foods. How is this possible? How does the Dirty Dozen actually make their list? And how should we react to the information that we learn from it?

I'm joined today by Steve Savage, food scientist and agricultural speaker who has spent over 40 years communicating food issues to the public. Steve has joined me to help explain the relationship between pesticides, organic food, and the foods that have been deemed the most and least safe by the EWG. Dr. Savage and I are discussing the answers to these questions, as well as taking a look at USDA testing methods, overcoming the psychological fears that come with eating toxins, and the most dangerous toxin in food that is rarely discussed that you will want to be sure to avoid more than any pesticide.

Key Takeaways:

[1:10] Today's topic is pesticides and the Clean 15, the Dirty Dozen and the logic and methodology that goes into compiling these lists.

[2:59] Introducing Steve Savage, food scientist and agricultural speaker who describes how the Dirty Dozen list is formulated each year and what its data really tells us.

[6:10] What levels of consumption are safe when considering pesticide exposure in produce?

[8:29] Creating the Dirty Dozen — Dr. Savage explains the process of turning the data set into the annual list — and the key indicator of safety that is ignored by the EWG.

[10:39] Why you shouldn't buy solely organic foods if you are trying to avoid pesticides.

[14:28] USDA testing does not look for the pesticides that are naturally occurring in many foods, including organic produce.

[16:50] Overcoming psychological fears of the danger of ingesting toxic chemicals in tiny, non-dangerous amounts.

[18:20] The reason the Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15 are not accurate gauges of toxicity levels in foods may have something to do with who is funding the EWG.

[20:21] If you can't afford to eat organic, should you stop eating fruits and vegetables?

[24:21] An overview of the types of pesticides that have been used in agriculture over the last several decades shows that safety improvements are continually being made, with one elemental exception.

[30:06] The relative toxicity of glyphosate and the results of it's studies as one of the most highly tested pesticides in the world.

[35:09] Differentiating between risk and hazard — understanding how we can mitigate risks by controlling exposure.

[39:15] The dangerous group of chemicals that no one is talking about — mycotoxins — and how it affects organic foods.

[43:18] Why are organic almonds at the top of Dr. Savage's lists of organic foods to avoid?

[49:04] Wrapping up with Dr. Savage — don't believe everything you read on the internet, and further your understanding on exposure and threshold testing.

[55:22] Do you have a topic you'd like me to cover? Contact me on Facebook or Instagram using #medicalmyths.

To learn more:

EWG Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 for 2019

Dr. Steve Savage

Guns, Germs and Steel:The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond

The Risk Monger — Glyphosate and IARC

Pop Agriculture Podcast

The Sauerkraut Bath and Other Insights from the Life of a Fermenter with Summer Bock Sep 30, 2019

Show notes

On this episode we're taking a look at your gut and the fermented foods that are claiming to increase your overall health. Fermented foods can be good for your intestines, but some fermented foods are actually harmful to your health in certain situations. Oftentimes the fermented foods that are being sold in grocery stores are not the same foods that are being studied in research, and that can make it very difficult to know which fermented foods you should incorporate into your diet.

I'm joined today by Summer Bock, a microbiologist with a thorough background in the fermented world who trains fermentationists and coined the term 'gut rebuilding'. We're going deep into all things fermented, including the time Summer got into a bathtub full of fermented foods. She explains the history of food fermenting, which fermented foods you should avoid at the grocery store, and the value of incorporating fermented foods into your diet for improved overall health. If you have been struggling with your gut health and aren't sure what to try next, be sure to listen to my conversation about fermented foods with Summer Bock.

Key Takeaways:

[1:10] Today's topic is fermented foods — which ones are best for your gut health, which ones should you avoid, and how they can help improve your overall health.

[2:18] Introducing Summer Bock, who explains why certain ferments should be avoided depending on your health concerns.

[4:02] Examining the authenticity of one of the hottest fermented food products on the market today — kefir.

[6:53] What is a SCOBY, where did it come from and how does it affect food fermentation?

[10:29] Lactic acid is a healthy natural microbial most commonly found in yogurt.

[12:08] How does leaky gut react to ingesting fermented foods?

[14:58] Summer explains multiple reasons why you will want to avoid kombucha when dealing with digestive issues.

[19:18] GMOs and natural fermented foods — is it possible for a natural food be patented, marketed and sold in grocery stores?

[21:23] Understanding how foods fit together from a historical standpoint and multiple ways that fermented foods interact with your bodily functions.

[23:22] Will you get sick if you try fermenting foods at home? Consider the sugar content, alcoholic content and smell of homemade fermented foods before drinking anything.

[26:58] An overview of Summer's gut health, chronic illness and functional ferment pairings charts.

[28:12] How to avoid the pitfalls of making your own ferments at home, the value of watching someone else make a ferment in person, and why you should expect to fail at your first attempt.

[30:52] The journey that led Summer to her work with fermented foods started with severe environmental allergies and led her to selling sauerkraut from her home.

[37:44] Summer's fermenting experiences, from fermenting mushrooms, tempeh, and beans to bathing in sauerkraut brine.

[45:12] Digestive impairment and amino acids — are you protein deficient?

[46:49] Do you have a topic you'd like me to cover? Contact me on Facebook or Instagram using #medicalmyths.

To learn more:

Summer Bock Living Probiotically

Gut Rebuilding

Functional Ferments Chart

Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and Diet Dictocrats by Sally Fallon

Wild Fermentation: The Flavor, Nutrition and Craft of Live-Culture Food

Do You Have Lyme Disease? Parts 1 & 2 with With Dr. Tom Moorcroft Sep 16, 2019

Show notes

On this episode we're diving into one of the most misunderstood diagnoses in the medical field — Lyme disease. Do you think you might have Lyme disease? If you've been experiencing symptoms that you haven't been able to explain or are wondering if Lyme disease might be the diagnosis you've been waiting for, then you need to listen to my conversation with Dr. Tom Moorcroft. Dr. Moorcroft is a world renowned expert on Lyme disease who practices osteopathic medicine and focuses his work on finding the true causes behind the symptoms of those who may be suffering from Lyme disease.

In the first part of this episode Dr. Moorcroft will differentiate between patients who may not have Lyme disease but are experiencing it's symptoms from those who will get the diagnosis and do need to seek further Lyme disease treatment. He'll answer some of the hard questions about the topic — can Lyme disease be solved? What is the number one symptom that points to Lyme disease over any other symptoms? At what point in treatment can patients reasonably expect to see positive changes in their symptoms? And what is the best approach to your health that will nearly guarantee a fighting chance for your body to heal from this disease? Dr. Moorcroft has seen countless cases of Lyme disease, as well as too many misdiagnoses, in his work and shares many insights into the knowledge that makes him a clear authority on the topic.

In the second part of this episode I will follow up on the conversation I had with Dr. Moorcroft, including research and reference checks, a look at the likelihood of contracting Lyme disease in a non-endemic area, and a list of possible other diseases that your symptoms may indicate you are possibly dealing with instead. I've created a flowchart to help you think through the process of further pursuing or rejecting a Lyme disease diagnosis, and I am confident that you will have a greater understanding of the probability of being diagnosed with Lyme disease after listening to this conversation.

Key Takeaways:

[1:10] Today's topic is Lyme disease — it's symptoms, causes, and too-often misunderstood diagnosis.

[2:32] Introducing Tom Moorcroft, who differentiates patients who may not have Lyme disease but are experiencing it's symptoms from those who will get the diagnosis and need to seek further Lyme disease treatment.

[8:05] Dr. Moorcroft explains the importance of prioritizing the multiple stresses that are affecting your health before you begin to treat for Lyme disease.

[13:00] How likely is it for someone without classic exposure to Lyme disease to be diagnosed with it?

[18:06] A look at accuracy and the CDC required time frame for Lyme disease testing and what that can mean for altering effective treatments.

[22:03] Are chronic antimicrobial treatments helpful for potential Lyme disease patients? Dr. Moorcroft explains the effects of a chronic treatment approach and why antimicrobial herbals are even more effective for many of his patients.

[27:33] At what point should a patient stop thinking they have Lyme disease based on test results and symptoms? Dr. Moorcroft shares his standard approach to treatment when there are questions marks in the diagnosis.

[31:25] The danger of assuming that you have Lyme disease, and the importance of seeking out a proper diagnosis no matter what your symptoms are.

[35:18] Wrapping up with Dr. Moorcroft, who shares his personal experience with battling Lyme disease and the three key changes he made to his lifestyle in order to let healing happen.

[38:00] Examining Lyme disease further — are the symptoms alone enough to qualify for a diagnosis of Lyme disease?

[41:48] Follow up on the references that were discussed with Dr. Moorcroft regarding testing time frames, false negatives, and alternative testing options.

[45:18] Ignoring a diagnosis altogether — how effective would antimicrobial treatments be for someone that is showing the symptoms of Lyme disease?

[46:22] Dr. C examines the likelihood of being diagnosed with Lyme disease if you have the symptoms without a tick bite or a rash living in a non-endemic area and having received a false negative test result.

[52:42] A walk through of the potential Lyme disease diagnosis flow chart.

[54:50] What is the likelihood of having a co-infection along with Lyme disease and what would be the appropriate course of action?

[55:39] Potential alternate diagnosis options for someone that has experienced Lyme disease symptoms for a long period of time but has not received the diagnosis.

[59:25] Seeking treatment at your low point means that your reactions are almost guaranteed to make you feel better almost immediately.

[1:03:54] Do you have a topic you'd like me to cover? Contact me on Facebook or Instagram using #medicalmyths.

To learn more:

Dr. Tom Moorcroft

Tweetables:

"We want to advance medicine and help patients get the right diagnosis so they can get the right outcome." — Tom Moorcroft

"You just can't make everyone who doesn't have a clear diagnosis have Lyme disease. That's just as bad not diagnosing Lyme in someone who clearly has it." — Tom Moorcroft

"You have the power to make tons of changes in your life, with or without Lyme disease." — Tom Moorcroft

"Your body can be willing to heal itself, but it's your responsibility to provide it with the raw materials — the nutrition, the exercise, and the sleep — that's required to heal." — Tom Moorcroft

"You want to feel better, and I want you to feel better, but if you treat something that is not the real cause of your pain, you're going to miss what is the real cause and stress out your body in ways that won't be helpful." — Dr. Christianson

Which Lectins Are the Most Dangerous? with David Katz, MD Sep 02, 2019

Show notes

On this episode we're discussing lectins, the naturally occurring proteins that are found in most plants. Are they dangerous? Which ones are the most dangerous? What do you do about high lectin foods that are otherwise healthy? Lectins are a hot topic in today's health conversations and the research seems to be both confusing and inconclusive. Joining me to break down this controversial topic is Dr. David Katz, author and founder of the Preventive Research Center. He has a strong background in public health and a solid understanding of how to weigh medical evidence accurately. He has joined me today to share his research-based opinions about the benefits and risks of keeping lectins in your diet.

In addition to our conversation about lectins we are going even deeper to look at the crucial importance of valuing research over opinion, the danger of allowing science to overcome common sense. We take a look at the benefits and risks of following current fad diets and the long-term implications of the clean meat movement. Dr. Katz also shares some insights into the books, initiatives and apps that he has developed to encourage greater health today. This conversation is about so much more than just lectins — it's about the long-term effects of the health decisions that you make every day, and how you can know that you're making the best decisions that will add years to your health and health to your years.

Key Takeaways:

[:35] Today's topic is lectins — exactly how dangerous they are and what you should do about them in your diet.

[1:55] Introducing David Katz, who offers an overview of lectins and where you can find them in your diet.

[4:20] Looking at lectins with logic — research has proven that people who eat more legumes, fruits, vegetables, and grains have better health than those who don't.

[8:00] Lectin research and data that has been gathered has shown that lectins can bind red blood cells and slow the effects of cancer.

[10:37] An overview of Dr. Katz's new book The Truth About Food includes an in-depth look at the benefits and risks of lectins in your diet.

[15:11] The importance of applying a fine lens filter when considering the benefit-to-risk ratio of any medical decision.

[16:17] Dr. Katz's five quantitative approaches to decision-making CARE — clinical applications of research evidence — include efficacy, safety, quality, what else is there for this condition? And patient preference.

[20:12] Similarities between the Gundry lectin study and the parachute study and why you should be leery of both.

[26:02] Why have food and nutrition succumbed to dogma and the domains of science? Consider the benefits reaped by big food, big pharma, big media, and big publishing companies.

[32:12] The modern day threats to our hard-wired brains are coming at us in slow motion and with long-term effects.

[34:50] What does the ketogenic diet have in common with cholera and a cocaine binge? They can all help you lose weight quickly with no regard to long-term health goals.

[38:42] Natural science and the importance of being both responsible about the use of scientific evidence and responsive to patient needs when evidence is lacking.

[40:51] Why the things that matter most will never be proven in RCTs, hierarchies of evidence, and how to understand what is true.

[44:17] The usefulness of evidence threshold pathway mapping and the ultimate purpose that it serves.

[46:15] Dr. Katz shares his opinion on the clean meat movement, from intake levels and sustainability to exploring meat alternatives.

[49:47] What are the health effects of clean meat foods and what is the net environmental impact of producing synthetic meats?

[51:23] Dr. Katz introduces Diet ID, a diet mapping app that captures the overall footprint and assessment of a diet.

[55:29] Wrapping up the questions that we have discussed on this episode and the value of research that will give us the answers we need.

[1:02:27] Do you have a topic you'd like me to cover? Contact me on Facebook or Instagram using #medicalmyths.

To learn more:

How Much Thyroid Medication is Too Much? Parts 1 & 2 with Janie Bowthorpe, M.Ed. Jun 27, 2019

Show notes

On this episode we're going to wrap up our examination of current thyroid disease issues. Have you ever wondered if it is okay to take higher doses of thyroid medication, even if your blood tests say you're getting too much? Many patients say that they don't feel better until their hormone levels are much higher than is recommended. I'm joined today by Janie Bowthorpe, thyroid patient activist and author who feels it is important to disregard blood test results. Her own health was compromised when she developed thyroid disease and it wasn't until she started dosing natural thyroid medication more accurately that she started to feel better. She has joined me to share her opinions on the best way to diagnose and treat thyroid disease, and to consider the many factors that affect thyroid health, including iron levels, cortisol problems, TSH levels, and adrenal problems. Janie is passionate about her calling and I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about her perspective and experiences as an advocate for thyroid patients.

After the interview, I will follow-up on the key points of our conversation. I want you to consider the need for conducting high-quality studies and of the importance of understanding the many side effects and complications that may not be highlighted in patient-shared experiences. To do so, I will give you an overview of several studies regarding low TSH, each of which included a look at how low TSH levels can affect your body's ability to manage free radicals, bone health, cardiovascular health, and total mortality rates. Once the facts are laid out, I will share my opinion on this important topic of thyroid disease and medication.

Key Takeaways:

[:35] Today's topic is the third of three segments on the topic of thyroid disease.

[1:55] Introducing Janie Bowthorpe, who shares the health and medical experiences that led her to becoming a thyroid advocate.

[5:23] The symptoms that led Janie to the diagnosis of thyroid disease only got worse over time, but she quickly she experienced a turnaround and stabilization once she started natural thyroid medication.

[10:28] Janie's calling to be an advocate for thyroid patients and a look at how her observations were reflected in large numbers of patients over time.

[14:32] Defining 'optimal doses' in thyroid patients using dessicated thyroid means people feeling their best and staying that way.

[20:27] Achieving optimal doses and identifying thyroid hormone resistance through patterns of groups of patients and genetic testing.

[25:41] What are the concerns that come with TSH levels that are too low or too high? How do inadequate iron and cortisol problems play into these concerns?

[30:43] Ferritin versus serum iron and considering the presence of inflammation and cortisol problems.

[35:46] Are the benefits associated with TSH suppression worth the long-term health risks?

[39:40] Studies that have disregarded adrenal problems may not be as telling as patient-shared experiences.

[43:54] Wrapping up with Janie Bowthorpe and her testimony of the importance of patients listening to other patients.

[45:57] Should you ignore your TSH? Understanding your TSH as your pituitary gland telling your thyroid to work, and a look at what patients have experienced in trying to optimize it's levels.

[48:47] My five criteria for reviewing evidence, and the importance of placing more weight on the evidence that is independent of the source it came from.

[51:30] Understanding the treatment that thyroid patients have received from the medical community and a host of secondary problems that can contribute to feeling unwell despite thyroid stability.

[54:08] What high-quality studies have been conducted to increase our understanding of what happens to people with low TSH levels?

[59:02] Study results include redox pathways and the body's antioxidant capacity, bone health as it relates to lumbar spine density and bone age, increase in inflammation, and increased mortality rates relative to decreasing TSH scores.

[1:06:02] My recommendation for thyroid patients — based on the facts.

[1:07:58] Do you have a topic you'd like me to cover? Contact me on Facebook or Instagram using #medicalmyths.

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