Thyroid Reset Radio

The Comprehensive (and Shocking) Guide to Soy and Thyroid

Anthony Dissen, MPH, MA, RDN

Uncovering the Shocking Link Between Soy and Thyroid Disease, Parts 1 & 2 with Dr. Kaayla T. Daniel, PhD Jun 25, 2019

Show notes

On this episode we're going to begin our examination of the link between soy and thyroid disease. As I have spent time deep in the research, my opinion of the correlation between the two has changed over the years. My goal for this three-episode series is to have conversations with people with strong views from both sides of the argument of the link between soy and thyroid disease. Each guest will present their perspectives on the topic and then afterward I will weigh out their evidence and discuss the results.

I'm first joined by Dr. Kaayla T. Daniel, PhD and author of The Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side to America's Favorite Health Food. She shares her experience with studying soy and thyroid disease — from poor-quality research to studies that have been inconsistent in proving the effects of soy on the thyroid. Dr. Daniel highlights who is at greater risk for negative soy effects and also shares her top picks for soy in a healthy diet.

After our conversation I will wrap up with my key takeaways, citational studies and a look at four main areas of health that can be affected by soy consumption — including breast cancer in menopausal women, perimenopausal symptoms, cardiovascular health, and bone density. The studies are conclusive and the evidence is clear, and you won't want to miss the results I share on this first of three conversations about the highly important topic of thyroid disease and soy.

Key Takeaways:

[:35] Today's topic is the first of three segments on the correlation between soy and thyroid disease — and we're looking at it from the angle of an anti-soy expert.

[2:31] Introducing Dr. Kaayla Daniel, who shares her experiences with soy research and an overview of ayurvedic medicine and soy consumption in Asia.

[7:05] A look at the numbers — how the correlation between cancer rates and soy consumption increases or decreases based on cancer type, how it affects symptoms of menopause, and its effect on cardiovascular health.

[13:24] Dr. Daniel shares her findings about soy as it relates to thyroid health, it's effects as a goitrogen, and a look at supporting research.

[21:28] Studies that have been inconsistent in proving that soy does not have any effect on the thyroid often select humans that are not at risk for thyroid disease in the first place.

[25:06] Understanding the iodine issues is not a simple, isolated factor to the soy issue, especially in people that already have health and thyroid problems.

[29:15] Differentiating the effects of foreign xenobiotics (non-biologically derived estrogens) from plant phytoestrogens and how the body responds to each at different stages in the life cycle.

[31:50] Dr. Daniel's general health takeaways include understanding who is most at risk for negative soy effects, including vegans, menopausal women, and infants on soy-based formula.

[38:35] You may be surprised to hear that Dr. Daniel enjoys eating natto, tofu, and tempu, all of which she considers safest in moderation and when avoiding this list of highly processed soy foods.

[44:25] A description of some of the best sources of soy, and what Dr. Daniel really thinks of the taste of natto.

[48:25] Dr. Daniel's work with debunking the dirty secrets of detoxification programs and one obvious reason that you can't always trust studies at face value.

[54:46] A look at the citational studies from my conversation with Dr. Daniel, including soy as a cause of cancer, soy affecting thyroid peroxidase, and the risks associated with feeding soy formula to infants.

[1:00:17] Is there a drawback to avoiding soy? The evidence shows that soy may not simply be a neutral product to avoid but is actually beneficial to overall health.

[1:01:29] Cardiovascular disease is the biggest killer of adult women, and it can be preventable in part by soy consumption.

[1:04:02] Bone density and menopause studies show that soy consumption can have a positive effect on estrogen level status in females.

[1:07:30] The breast cancer studies results that have shown that soy intake was a cause in lower risks of death or recurrence of cancer.

[1:10:05] Large population studies results are conclusive — 'soy supplementation has no effect on thyroid function'.

[1:15:56] Do you have a topic you'd like me to cover? Contact me on Facebook or Instagram using #medicalmyths.

To learn more:

The Comprehensive (and Shocking) Guide to Soy and Thyroid

Dr. Kaayla T. Daniel, PhD

The Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side to America's Favorite Health Food by Kaayla T. Daniel

Brian Strom Infant Soy-Based Formula Study

Natto

British Medical Journal Parachute Study

Can your breast implants cause autoimmune disease? With Dr. Anthony Youn, M.D. Jun 19, 2019

Show notes

On this episode we're talking about the connection between breast implants and thyroid disease. Awareness of Breast Implant Illness (BII) is growing in the medical community, and today we're going to answer some of the most pressing questions surrounding this topic. Who is at a greater risk for developing an illness after implants? Is implant removal the only solution for those with Hashimoto's disease? If you already have implants what are your options? There are many questions that have yet to be answered on this topic, but that didn't stop me from diving into the literature to find out all I could about this controversial topic to share with you on today's podcast.

I'm joined by America's holistic plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Youn, who performs up to 150 breast augmentation surgeries each year. We discuss the quality of research that is currently being conducted to help identify the correlation between breast augmentation and certain autoimmune diseases and what options are available to women who have already had implants. You'll want to hear the advice that Dr. Youn gives to all women who are considering getting implants and why the one test that tells whether you will have implant complications may not be worth it's $4,000 price tag.

Key Takeaways:

[:33] Today's topic is the connection between breast implants and thyroid disease.

[1:55] Introducing Dr. Youn, who shares how his education and training taught him to view breast and thyroid disease issues.

[3:51] An overview of the main confusion points around silicone breast implants, including the 1992 implant ban, FDA studies and subsequent ban lift in 2006, and the recent increase in stories from women suffering from illness and disease after undergoing silicone breast augmentation.

[6:15] What questions are being researched in breast implant studies and who is funding these studies? Dr. Youn argues that the studies are not getting good answers because they're not asking the right questions.

[8:30] Studies that do support a connection between breast implants and illness, and a look at what Dr. Youn has seen in his own practice.

[12:32] Dr. Youn's recommendations to women who are prone to autoimmune diseases and are considering breast augmentation.

[14:20] Have you already had breast implants? A look at the health risks versus benefits for removal of implants.

[19:29] Understanding the correlation between ALCL cancer and textured or smooth silicone breast implants.

[22:44] A look at the specific data surrounding Hashimoto's disease in relation to implants.

[26:56] Is the silicon antibody test worth it's $4,000 price tag?

[29:10] The emotional aspect of breast implants and how it plays into making an educated, well-informed decision when considering implants.

[33:26] The importance of educating yourself and making sure your decisions are backed by science, not emotion, in helping women make the right decision for their health.

[34:28] Do you have a topic you'd like me to cover? Contact me on Facebook or Instagram using #medicalmyths.

To learn more:

Dr. Youn's Podcast on Breast Implant Illness

Dr. Anthony Youn, M.D.

Dr. Youn on Instagram

Do You Really Need Vaccines to Stay Healthy? Parts 1 & 2 with Dr. Max Cohen, N.D. Jun 18, 2019

Show notes

On this episode we're talking about one of the most controversial topics in the medical field today — vaccines. Are vaccines safe and do you really need them to stay healthy? I'm joined by Dr. Max Cohen, naturopathic physician and passionate advocate for vaccines as an essential part of whole health natural care. Dr. Cohen has spent years studying the medical facts and dispelling the fiction behind vaccines. Today we're diving right into the controversy of vaccines and answering the hard questions that seem to be on everyone's mind. What are vaccines made up of, and how exactly do they interact with the body's immune system? Is there value in administering vaccines on an altered schedule? How effective is the flu shot? Does the MMR vaccine cause autism? Is there any danger associated with the HPV vaccine?

The information you will hear on this episode is designed to help educate you about vaccines so that you can act with confidence, and not with fear. Still, I am fully committed to sharing both sides of the story with you, and you may be surprised when you hear the vaccine-hesitant view of this conversation. On the second half of this podcast we will look at the vaccine controversy from the other side. Is speaking out against vaccines considered an exercise of freedom of speech? Does personal belief ever outweigh the common good of the public? I share experiences both from my own childhood and with vaccinating my own children, and explain how these experiences have helped to form the strong opinion that I have about vaccines today. Join me as we consider both sides of this critical health debate — to educate yourself and to be inspired to act confidently on your knowledge.

Key Takeaways:

[:35] Today's topic is vaccines — are they safe? Do you really need them to stay healthy? A look at the facts on today's podcast will help you make an informed decision about vaccinations.

[2:20] Introducing Dr. Max Cohen, N. D., who shares his experience working with the development of the tuberculosis vaccine and the effect it has had on his career, his research, and his interactions with concerned patients.

[7:30] A look at the controversy and history of vaccines shows that concerns over the safety of vaccines is nothing new, but that doesn't make them any less safe than they have ever been.

[9:47] Is there any health value in administering vaccines on an altered, spaced out schedule? Dr. Cohen explores the potential physical and mental side effects of delaying vaccines.

[16:03] Are you wondering whether or not you should get a flu shot this year? Consider these potential risks and side effects and weigh them against the benefits of this low-drama vaccine.

[22:12] Vaccine reporting systems — who can file a report about a vaccine-related incident and what you can expect will happen after you do.

[24:49] A look at the numbers — the risks of not getting a flu vaccination based on studies, complications, and annual deaths related to influenza.

[30:30] Do MTHFR variations and other genetic polymorphisms increase the risk of a negative reaction to the flu vaccine?

[34:55] High quality research has already answered our next question — the MMR vaccine does not cause autism. Dr. Cohen details the studies and data that proves why.

[39:41] Consider the transparency that has come with vaccines from the industry, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies that all stand to benefit from pushing potentially unsafe vaccines.

[42:47] The truth about administering vaccines in increased frequencies from past generations and a look at concerns about autoimmune diseases and the effects of vaccines, including the HPV vaccine.

[48:38] Understanding causation versus correlation — and why treatments administered reactively seem to work better than treatments that are administered proactively.

[51:33] What exactly goes into a vaccine? Addressing your fears about aluminum, formaldehyde, thimerosal, environmental toxins and preservatives.

[1:01:02] Gathering medical information may be easier than ever, but that doesn't mean that what you're reading online is accurate or what is best for your health.

[1:07:26] Wrapping up and connecting with Dr. Cohen.

[1:08:38] My experience with trying to find a vaccine-hesitant speaker, and the importance of preserving freedom of speech in the face of fear.

[1:15:17] Understanding why personal choice does not outweigh the public good, especially in matters of communicable diseases.

[1:21:37] Breaking vaccines down — how do vaccines work and which elements of a vaccine are actually working with the body's immune system to protect the body against illnesses?

[1:26:27] The considerations of overcoming fear, probability, causation and correlation when understanding the side effects of vaccines.

[1:31:00] Bad things in tiny amounts are actually good for you — what do broccoli and vaccines have in common?

[1:33:45] Do you have a topic you'd like me to cover? Contact me on Facebook or Instagram using #medicalmyths.

To learn more:

Dr. Max Cohen, N.D.

Dr. Max Cohen on Twitter

VAERS Reporting System

Vaccine Safety Datalink

NDs For Vaccines

Introducing the Medical Myths, Legends and Fairy Tales Podcast with Dr. Alan Christianson Jun 17, 2019

Show notes

On this first episode of Medical Myths, Legends and Fairy Tales I offer an overview of all that you can expect from each episode. We're going to dive into controversial and misunderstood health topics and together we're going to get your health to where it should be as quickly as possible. I share the path that has led me to a nutrition and natural medicine-focused life, and why I want the same thing for you. I explain how I'm going to take the confusion out of the data presented by my guests, how their information will be processed and rated, and the number one reason that you need to make informed health decision for yourself, starting today.

Key Takeaways:

[:36] An overview of what you will learn on the Medical Myths, Legends, and Fairy Tales podcast.

[1:52] How nutrition and natural medicine saved my life — twice.

[7:42] What you can expect from the guests that will be presenting information and arguments on the show.

[9:00] How evidence for the health topics discussed on the podcast will be rated, considered and filtered.

[10:49] Understanding the confusion points that come with every health argument, including biases and placebos.

[13:58] The reasons you need to make informed health decisions for yourself.

[15:26] Have a topic you'd like me to cover? Contact me on Facebook or Instagram using #medicalmyths.

To learn more:

Trailer — Medical Myths, Legends and Fairy Tales Podcast with Dr. Alan Christianson Jun 04, 2019

Show notes

If you've been confused or frustrated about the conflicting health information you've heard or seen online, you're going to love the topics we're going to cover on this podcast, including leaky gut, vaccines, soy, and grains. We're going to dig deep, follow the evidence and figure out the best answers for your health.

Key Takeaways:

[:01] A welcome and overview of the Medical Myths, Legends and Fairy Tales Podcast with Dr. Alan Christianson.

To learn more: