Weight Off My Mind: Thyroid Diet Weight Loss News -- Back Issues -- May 2002

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A WEIGHT OFF MY MIND | May-June 2002
Helping Thyroid and Autoimmune Disease Patients Lose Weight and Feel Great

from Mary J. Shomon
Author of Living Well With Hypothyroidism, Living Well With Autoimmune Disease, and The Thyroid Diet Success Guide

IN THIS ISSUE:

What About Dr. Siegal's "Thyroid-Boosting Diet Cookies?

Hormones May Be Key to Diet Failure

Fats That Heal: Fats That Kill -- Dr. Udo Erasmus' Thyroid Recommendations

Ginseng Berry Possible Treatment for Diabetes and Obesity

Ab Belts Don't Work

Men and Women Battle Bulge on Different Fronts

Can a Pill Replace Your Workout?

Ban Called for On Diet Drug Meridia

Common Questions About Thyroid Disease and Weight Loss

Carbohydrate Blocker Update

Three Simple Changes That Can Improve Your Health

The Thyroid Diet Success Guide – Your First Step to Losing Weight

BACK ISSUES:
Online, back to December 2001

A Weight Off My Mind email edition is published monthly, and is copyright 2001-2002, by Mary Shomon.
Web: http://www.thyroid-info.com
Email: news@thyroid-info.com
Regular mail: Mary Shomon, P.O. Box 565, Kensington, MD 20895-0565
Fax: 425-977-1175

IMPORTANT NOTE: All information in this newsletter is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should always seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and always consult your physician or health practitioner before starting a new diet, fitness regimen, herbal therapy, supplement or other self-directed treatment.

Welcome to the sixth issue of "A Weight Off My Mind," Mary Shomon's email newsletter for thyroid and autoimmune disease patients who are interested in losing weight and feeling better through diet and nutrition. You are receiving this issue because you signed up to receive this free email report. (Note: If you are no longer interested in receiving future issues, or you wish to unsubscribe, email weightoffmymind-unsubscribe@topica.email-publisher.com. If you have something you'd like to see covered in future issues, drop me a line anytime at news@thyroid-info.com.

IF YOU’VE SENT ME A QUESTION: If you wrote me a personal message or question with your "subscribe" message, I'm afraid that my system automatically pulls out email addresses, so I didn't see your message. Feel free to send it again to me at news@thyroid-info.com, with a subject line that doesn’t say “subscribe.”

SPECIAL NOTE FROM MARY: Sorry for the delay in the May issue. In April and May, I had almost 20,000 emails come in as a result of the magazine interviews, and so I have gotten very behind in my projects. This is why the issue you are receiving is late, and is now a combined May/June issue. The next issue will be in July.

NOTE TO NEW SUBSCRIBERS: Welcome to the many new subscribers who are signing up after finding out about this newsletter in Woman's World and First for Women magazines. If you wrote to me to sign up for the Thyroid Disease Newsletter, you may, however, have accidentally ended up receiving this newsletter if you didn't specify "Subscribe Thyroid News" in your email to me. But do check out this Diet newsletter, as if you have a suspected or diagnosed thyroid problem, you may be struggling with weight issues, and you'll find a great deal of information of help to you, and will probably want to remain subscribed. If so, drop me another email to news@thyroid-info.com that says "Subscribe Thyroid" and I'll add you to that list as well.

But if you don't want this newsletter, and do want Thyroid News and didn't receive it yet, send me an email to news@thyroid-info.com that says "SWITCH DIET TO THYROID " in the subject line. Please be sure that you have that specific "SWITCH DIET TO THYROID" message, so I know to take you off the Diet news list, and add you to the Thyroid news list. THANKS!

TOTALLY REDESIGNED WEBSITE!

Since the last time I wrote, the Thyroid-Info.com website has undergone a total redesign. At the site, http://www.thyroid-info.com you’ll find many articles about thyroid disease http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles.htm, in-depth interviews and information, and a variety of Information Centers, including:

Stop by and let me know what you think!

WHAT ABOUT DR. SIEGAL’S “THYROID-BOOSTING” DIET COOKIES?

If you read about the “thyroid-boosting cookie” diet in Woman’s World magazine in April, you may want to know if the diet works, or if it’s recommended for thyroid patients. Dr. Siegal, who was quoted in that article, actually does NOT recommend the diet. Find out what Dr. Siegal really thinks about the cookies.

HORMONES MAY BE KEY TO DIET FAILURE

Thyroid patients perhaps know better than anyone else how hard it can be to lose weight, but even harder to keep the weight off. A study reported on in the New England Journal of Medicine has confirmed that ghrelin, an appetite-stimulating hormone secreted by cells in the stomach, actually goes up in people who are on low-calorie diets. Effectively, then, as weight is lost, ghrelin is released to increase appetite and trigger increased eating. Surgical reduction of stomach volume, a procedure done on severely obese patients, was found to dramatically reduce levels of ghrelin as well. The researchers found that ghrelin levels rose an average 24 percent in dieters, leading to the conclusion that the body’s efforts to avoid starvation kick in when food reduction is perceived, making weight loss more difficult. Researchers are now in a race to develop possibly weight loss drugs that could block the action of ghrelin.

FATS THAT HEAL: FATS THAT KILL: DR. UDO ERASMUS ON THYROID DISEASE, WEIGHT LOSS, AND THE OPTIMAL DIET FOR THYROID PATIENTS

Dr. Udo Erasmus is an nutritional expert who specializes in the effects of fats and oils on human health. Dr. Erasmus is author of two bestsellers, and creator of the famous "Udo's Oil," a balanced essential fatty acid oil that is frequently recommended by nutritional practitioners. According to Dr. Erasmus, in the past century, Omega 6 consumption has increased by about 20 times the previous levels, primarily because of increased use of certain vegetable oils in food preparation. At the same time, Omega 3s are now only 1/6 of previous levels. According to Dr. Erasmus, this imbalance means we get too much Omega 6 and too little Omega 3 fatty acids.

Dr. Erasmus believes that there are many benefits of proper essential fatty acid intake and balance, including improved energy, mood, stamina, heart health, blood pressure, blood fats, and reduced depression, infection, and other benefits. Specifically, Dr. Erasmus believes that essential fatty acids are critical to thyroid function because they help cells be sensitive to thyroid hormone. He also has found that essential fatty acids play in preventing and reducing inflammation, which is frequently seen in autoimmune thyroid disease. Dr. Erasmus also believes that essential fatty acids have a role in healthy weight loss, and has proposed how fatty acids can factor into an optimal diet for thyroid patients.

Is supplementation with essential fatty acids the answer for you? Find out more in a comprehensive interview with Dr. Udo Erasmus online.

GINSENG BERRY EXTRACT SHOWS PROMISE FOR DIABETES, OBESITY

According to research published in the June 2002 issue of the journal Diabetes, an extract from the ginseng berry may be a promising new treatment for obesity and diabetes. The researchers, from the University of Chicago's Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research., reported that the ginseng berry extract completely normalized blood sugar levels, improved insulin sensitivity, reduced cholesterol levels, and resulted in weight loss, by reducing appetite and increasing activity levels. The ginseng berry is very different chemically from ginseng root, and the studies concentrated on an extract, made from the pulp of the berry, that is very high in a substance called ginsenoside Re, which is found in the berries, but not typically in the root. The researchers are now looking at the possibility of ginseng fruit as a potential source for new drugs.

Source: Diabetes, June 2002

AB BELTS DON’T WORK

Federal regulators in the U.S. are gong after the manufacturers of the “ab belts” that are being sold heavily on tv informercials, claiming that these products do not produce "six-pack abs" or help with weight loss without exercise. The Federal Trace Commission (FTC) has launched a program they’ve informally called “"Project Absurd," and are suing three companies that market belts – including Fast Abs, Ab Tronic, and AB Energizer -- that promise weight loss and toned, flat abs via electrical muscle stimulation produced by the belt, claiming that the companies are making "false and misleading" claims. One company claims that 10 minutes with an ab stimulating belt is equivalent to 600 situps, and another company promises that users will lose 4 inches in 30 days. Testing has shown that these devices simply do not work, and that the electrical stimulation produced by the small batteries used in these belts is insufficient to have any muscle-tightening effects. As much as $100 million worth of the belts, which range from $40 to $120 in price, have been sold to date. The FTC suits are attempting to stop television, print and web ads for the belts, and also to obtain refunds for consumers who bought the belts.

SURVEY: MEN AND WOMEN BATTLE BULGE ON DIFFERENT FRONTS

On the weighty issue of shedding pounds, men and women don't always see eye to eye. However one survey found both sexes are in agreement that advancing years make it more difficult to stay at their ideal weight. According to a national study, 91 percent of the respondents found losing or maintaining weight became more difficult as they grew older. A whopping 69 percent of women and 52 percent of men found it "much more" difficult. Only two percent of Americans found weight control easier as they got older. The survey, called "The Battle of the Bulge," revealed the sexes have their own "specific demons" in terms of diet and lifestyle.

Asked about dietary villains, 53 percent of women identified sweets as the bane of a trim waistline. However, only six percent of men claimed to be victimized by a sweet tooth. Men cited large portions (43 percent) and fast foods (29 percent) as the culprits they must overcome. Women listed snacking between meals (18 percent) ahead of either large portions (17 percent) or fast foods (12 percent). The survey also revealed today's woman has an awful lot on her plate that isn't food. The number one weight loss obstacle women cited, at 34 percent, was the lack of time to plan meals and shop. Only seven percent of men shared that concern. Both sexes agreed that changing metabolism was their main obstacle to losing weight.

The good news is the survey found Americans don't perceive themselves as total losers at losing weight. Eighty-four percent reported a desire to only shed either "a couple of sizes" or "a few pounds in certain places." Losing a couple of sizes was the main goal of both men (50 percent) and women (67 percent). At the extremes were 12 percent who would like to lose "a ton, so to speak" and five percent who simply wanted to "maintain." Another telling statistic from the survey was that 97 percent of respondents have at some point in their lives been on a diet. In fact, for many, dieting is very much a part of their lives. Almost half of the male respondents-46 percent-have attempted six or more diets (women were at 31 percent) and 16 percent of women said they are always dieting (only three percent of men made such an admission). The holidays were found to be especially trying-times for those battling the bulge. January is the biggest month for dieting with 43 percent of women and 34 percent of men admitting they begin every year on a diet. A final query asked respondents how much combined weight they have lost over their lifetimes. Forty-five percent said they have lost "enough weight to build a normal person." Overall, 34 percent reported "maybe 50 pounds."

Source: NAPSI

WILL A PILL REPLACE YOUR WORKOUT SOMEDAY?

In a study that appeared in April in the journal Science, researchers have said that they have found the chemical pathways that cells use to build stronger muscles. And this means that it may now be possible to develop a pill or drug that builds muscles, without workouts, allowing even th emost sedentary people to build muscles simply by taking a pill. Researchers predict that drugs could be developed that would offer the health benefits of exercise, even if they cannot exercise.

Source: Science, April 2002

DIET DRUG MERIDIA UNDER SIEGE: PUBLIC CITIZEN CALLS FOR BAN ON DIET DRUG MERIDIA, CALLING IT "DANGEROUS"

According to the consumer watchdog group Public Citizen, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should immediately remove the prescription diet medication Meridia (generic name sibutramine) from the market because, as the group claims, the drug has been associated with 29 deaths and hundreds of serious adverse reactions since it was introduced in 1998.

In early March 2002, the Ministry of Health in Italy suspended sales of Reductil (the brand name of sibutramine in Italy) based on concerns over 2 deaths associated with its use in Italy. The manufacturer of Meridia/Reductil is Abbott Laboratories', the multinational pharmaceutical giant that also manufactures embattled thyroid drug Synthroid. Synthroid is still awaiting FDA approval since its 2001 submission to the FDA.

Dr. Sidney Wolfe, director of Public Citizen’s Health Research Group, which filed the petition, has stated that "Not only does this drug contribute to major cardiovascular problems, but its effectiveness in lowering obesity is meager," said "The FDA is aware of this and must take it off of the market."

According to Public Citizen, even before it approved the drug, the FDA was concerned about the safety of Meridia. An FDA advisory committee in 1997 voted 5-4 that the benefits of the drug did not outweigh its risks. The FDA medical officer who reviewed it recommended that it not be approved because research showed the potential for heart problems. Data obtained by Public Citizen through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request show that from the time it was introduced in February 1998 to Sept. 30, 2001, there were almost 400 serious adverse reactions in patients taking Meridia. This included 19 cardiac deaths, including 10 in people under the age of 50, three of whom were women under 30. The average yearly weight loss for patients taking a standard 10 mg dose was only six and a half pounds more than the loss in those taking a placebo.

"There is no evidence that this drug has prolonged the life of a single patient, or reduced the risks of strokes or heart attacks tied to obesity," Wolfe said. "Instead, it has left patients with only higher risks of injury or death from using it and high drug bills."

According to Public Citizen, Abbott also withheld information about the safety of the product, and charges should be filed against the company. Dr. Wolfe told Reuters Health that "They completely withheld information on one death. Public Citizen has also alleged that Abbott should be criminally charged for failing to notify the FDA about several deaths within the legally mandated 15 day timeframe. According to Wolfe, Abbott reported deaths 41 days later, 232 days later, and 79 days later.

Abbott claims that there is been no definitive link between Meridia and the deaths reported, and also denies that it kept any information from the FDA.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THYROID DISEASE AND WEIGHT LOSS

If I’m overweight, does that mean that I have a thyroid problem?

No. Everyone who is overweight does not have a thyroid condition. Sometimes, and this was far more common in the past, people would blame weight gain on “a glandular problem” or a “thyroid condition” when they hadn’t even had an actual thyroid diagnosis. In the past, doctors also used to regularly prescribe thyroid medicines as “diet pills” to overweight patients who had no evidence of thyroid disease. Today, however, doctors are more careful to diagnose thyroid problems not just based on weight gain as a symptom. That said, however, there is a substantial percentage of overweight people who are hypothyroid, but do not know it yet. Recent research estimated that as many as 8 to 10 million Americans have undiagnosed hypothyroidism, and some experts believe that the number is actually far greater. Since weight gain – or difficulty losing weight with proper diet and exercise – is a common thyroid symptom, it is quite possible if you are overweight that you do have a thyroid problem. Your next step should be to see your physician for an evaluation and further tests.

You will also want to read:

Do You Have a Thyroid Condition? -- This article offers a basic overview of thyroid risks, common symptoms and actions to take if you suspect you might have a thyroid condition.

Also, see the "Hypothyroidism Symptoms Checklist". This checklist is a shorter version of the detailed list featured in my book, Living Well With Hypothyroidism. You can fill out the checklist, and take it to your practitioner to aid in getting a thyroid diagnosis.

I have Graves’ disease and/or hyperthyroidism, but I am gaining weight. Aren’t I supposed to be losing weight?

Not necessarily. A percentage of people who have active Graves’ disease or hyperthyroidism will actually gain weight during the hyperthyroid period. Diet approaches that are designed for people with hypothyroidism may work for those who fall into this category.

After treatment for Graves’ disease or hyperthyroidism, will I definitely gain weight?

No. Everyone who has radioactive iodine treatment (RAI), takes antithyroid drugs, or has his or her thyroid removed will not gain weight. However, when someone is hyperthyroid, frequently, the increase in metabolism can either cause inappropriate weight loss, or an increase in appetite (without weight gain.) When the overactivity is corrected, the weight that was inappropriately lost may be gained back, or the appetite may remain the same, but metabolism slows, causing weight gain. Additionally, some people who are treated for Graves’ disease or hyperthyroidism become permanently hypothyroid, and this underlying slowdown in metabolism can cause a reduced calorie requirement, difficulty processing carbohydrates, insulin resistance, and other metabolic imbalances that can make weight gain easier.

Is everyone who is hypothyroid also overweight?

No, everyone who is hypothyroid does not necessarily become overweight, either before or after diagnosis and treatment. A small percentage of people with hypothyroidism actually lose weight rapidly.

Do doctors believe that an underactive thyroid causes weight gain?

Some more innovative physicians understand that as the body’s engine, the thyroid is intricately tied to weight and metabolism, and recognize that hypothyroidism can cause weight gain, or make weight loss difficult, if often seemingly impossible. Many conventional physicians, however, fail to understand this connection, and do not recognize that hypothyroidism can cause much weight gain. They typically attribute no more than 5 to 15 pounds of weight gain to thyroid disease or metabolic dysfunction.

How much weight does hypothyroidism typically cause you to gain?

Again, conventional physicians typically attribute no more than 5 to 15 pounds of weight gain to hypothyroidism. However, there are no studies that have been done on people over long periods of time, to assess their caloric intake and expenditure and weight management prior to development of thyroid disease, and after, as well as linkage of weight gain/loss to thyroid treatments. All this is to say that estimates of weight gain – even from physicians -- are simply guesses. In hearing from thousands and thousands of patients each month, I frequently hear of weight gains in the 30 to 50 pound range. Of course, there are a variety of factors at play:

How long was the person undiagnosed. For example, you may have been gaining weight over three years, and going in to your doctor regularly to complain of weight gain and fatigue, but were told, “you’re just getting older, you need to get off the couch and get more exercise.” After the three years, when your doctor finally tests you and discovers a TSH of 32, you’ve gained 40 pounds.
Did you anticipate the hypothyroid state? Some people who are hyperthyroid, and are going to have RAI treatment, or surgery can, for example, plan ahead and work with a nutritionist and personal trainer to adjust their diet and exercise routine, to minimize the weight gain associated with hypothyroidism. They also can be tested frequently after their treatment, so at the first sign that TSH is elevating (evidence that they are “going hypothyroid”) they can be put on thyroid hormone replacement.

Here’s a key point for all patients: The longer the delay between becoming hypothyroid and being diagnosed and treated, the more weight gain is likely.
Are you physically active? Athletes and people who are very physically active tend to maintain a higher metabolism, even when they have become hypothyroid, and I’ve heard from many who were frustrated with weight gain, but it was typically smaller amounts, such as 10-15 pounds. For an athlete, or dancer, or runner, however, this amount of gain can still be a huge frustration and impediment to optimal performance.
Did your thyroid diagnosis coincide with another hormonal change? If your thyroid became underactive after pregnancy, or during menopause, you may be suffering a hormonal double whammy, because both times are phases when, even without a thyroid condition, weight loss can become more difficult for women.

If I gained weight, and then was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, now that I am being treated with thyroid drugs, will I automatically lose the weight that I gained and get back to normal, weight-wise?

Not necessarily. Some people will see their metabolism return to normal, and their weight will return to normal after a few months on thyroid treatment, with normal diet and exercise. Many people, however, assume that just getting the diagnosis and thyroid drug treatment is all they need to do, and even doctors will promise patients that weight gained becoming hypothyroid will “melt off” after treatment. Unfortunately, for the majority of patients, getting diagnosed and treated does not get rid of the extra weight. Some weight loss might be noticeable at the beginning of treatment for some patients, as bloating and water retention is reduced by the thyroid treatment. But frequently, weight doesn’t budge, even after weeks or months of treatment. The weight gained due to the slowdown in metabolism will need to be worked off with a change in diet and an increase in exercise.

Why does it seem harder for people with thyroid or autoimmune conditions to lose weight?

When you’re hypothyroid, you may be on the same diet as your friend, working out as often (or even more frequently), and find that your friend is losing several pounds a weight, while you are lucky to lose at all, and sometimes even gain. The basic problem is that even with optimal thyroid treatment, your thyroid may be affecting your metabolism, your weight gain prior to diagnosis may have established a new “set point,” you may have insulin resistance, or you may have changes in your brain chemistry. All these can be factors that make it harder to lose weight. You can read about these issues, and things that can help overcome them, in my article, Losing Weight With Hypothyroidism.

Is there a particular diet that works better for thyroid patients?

Ultimately, weight loss is a personal thing, and what works for you may not work for me. For example, some patients have reported success on the Weight Watchers program, but personally, it’s a diet that caused me to gain weight, despite following it to the letter. Others report success with approaches such as “The Zone” diet, that involves balancing carbohydrates with protein and fats. But after talking with numerous thyroid patients over more than five years, and based on my own experience, I have found that low-calorie, protein-sufficient, low-glycemic diets low in saturated fat, but not low in good fats seem to work best for many of us. Ok, that sounds confusing already! How do you implement such a diet?

You’ll find a easy to follow simple diet you can start right away in my 35-page “Thyroid Diet Guide,” which also features a variety of helpful information on weight loss with thyroid disease. For more information, see http://www.thyroid-info.com/dietbook.htm. Another good source of weight loss information is Larrian Gillespie, MD and her books, The Goddess Diet and The Gladiator Diet. These books work with the unique hormones of men and women, helping ensure weight loss for people with metabolic dysfunction.

What about exercise? Do I need to exercise in order to lose weight with a thyroid condition?

You will probably need some form of exercise in order to lose weight with a thyroid condition. Brisk aerobic exercise (such as walking, running, cycling, etc.) burns calories. And weight-bearing/muscle-building exercise – such as weight lifting, resistance bands, or exercises such as squats and pushups, build muscle. Muscle burns more calories than fat, and is considered more “metabolically active,” so the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn each day, even at rest! So typically, your exercise program should include both aerobics and muscle building. A detailed exercise program approach that involves 40 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week, is featured in the Thyroid Diet Success Guide,and also here at the site.

Why do I see such slow results with any diet?

One thing that frustrates thyroid patients is that you may have to work harder at your diet, and exercise more, only to lose less than other people following a similar program. You may have to really change the way you eat, cut calories, practically cut out almost all high-glycemic carbohydrates (like bread, rice, potatoes and pasta), and exercise 4-5 times a week, and find that at the most, you can lose a half pound a week. Don’t despair! Just recognize that you are working with a different metabolism, and that what worked before, may not work now, or the speed at which you could lose weight before may not be applicable anymore. If you work hard and only lose a half pound or pound in a week, that is NOT an excuse to give up. That’s still weight lost.

What if nothing at all is working?

If nothing at all is working, then you need to take a look at a number of additional things.

Are you receiving optimal thyroid treatment? Are you at the optimal TSH level for you? Do you need a drug that has added T3 in it? Would you possibly find yourself able to lose weight on another thyroid drug brand, or on natural thyroid? Again, take a look at Losing Weight With Hypothyroidism or for a comprehensive discussion of things you can do to optimize thyroid treatment, read Living Well With Hypothyroidism.
Are there food allergies interfering with your ability to lose weight? This is a topic I’ll be covering in greater depth in my upcoming book, Living Well With Autoimmune Disease , but food allergies can make weight loss practically impossible. See a good functional medicine expert or holistic physician to plan an elimination diet, and perhaps even food allergy testing, to see if allergies are getting in the way.
Are you cutting enough calories – or eating enough calories? Losing weight sometimes requires that substantially cut back your calories, or, if you’ve cut them too much and slowed down your metabolism further, adding some back in. If you are finding that you simply cannot lose weight at all, it’s time for a consultation with a good dietitian or nutritionist (look for a more holistic one who has knowledge of thyroid patients and the glycemic index, and is not just going to quote the carbohydrate-laden food pyramid for you!)
Do you have nutritional deficiencies that prevent you from effectively losing weight? I can’t possibly offer a one-size fits all solution here…you’ll need to work with a holistic expert to determine if you have deficiencies in things like B vitamins, selenium, essential fatty acids and other nutrients that can impact digestion and impede weight loss. Talk to a good holistic physician, naturopath or alternative practitioner. To prepare yourself, start online, where you can read: The Metabolic Detective, which looks at nutrition for your thyroid, with nutritional expert Dr. Edward Bauman. Also, Fats That Heal: Fats That Kill, where I had a chance to talk with Dr. Udo Erasmus, an expert on nutrition and dietary fats, about thyroid disease, weight loss, and the optimal diet for thyroid patients.

Also check out several other articles that focus on nutrition and thyroid disease, which are linked to from http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles.htm#herbs.

Next, I’d suggest you read a wonderful book, Alan Tillotson’s The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments. This amazing book helps you identify various nutrients and supplements that may be of help, based on your symptoms.

If you’re stymied as to whom to talk to, consider a telephone coaching consultation with holistic physician Richard Shames, MD. I’m always thrilled to recommend Dr. Shames to others, because he’s very patient-oriented, empathetic and open-minded, and will work with you to develop a plan for your health. He is knowledgeable about autoimmune disease, natural and synthetic thyroid treatment, supplements, nutritional approaches to health, adrenal balance, autoimmune healing, and mind-body issues. His goal is to get you diagnosed, and then help you optimize your health. If you want more information on how to have a telephone consultation with Dr. Shames, see his webpage, or call his office at 561-353-2524.
Are there other issues that are preventing you from losing weight, or sticking to your diet? Eating can be such an emotional issue that it’s particularly important to deal with some of the emotional reasons why we eat: sadness, depression, boredom, fatigue, frustration, celebration, etc. If you have a sense that you are an “emotional eater” you may want to consider a weight loss support group or counseling to help sort out your triggers, and learn new coping skills besides eating.

CARBOHYDRATE BLOCKER UPDATE

I tried the carbohydrate blockers for about three weeks, and did not notice any weight loss. It was, however, a period when I was eating more than my fair share of carbos and junk foods (I know, I know, bad role model here! I’ve gone back to my healthier eating program last week.) And I didn’t gain any weight. But that’s not enough reason to decide that it works, or doesn’t work, at least for me, so I’m going to keep at it a bit more. So far, however, I can’t say that I’m seeing any strong reason to recommend them to others yet. But I’ll continue to keep you posted. I have heard from a few people, some who said that the carb blockers made them less hungry and seemed to help a bit, others who felt they were having no effect, so the jury is out among readers as well. I’m also looking into trying a new product, the ephedrine free Xenadrine (which I’ve had many people write to me to ask about), so if I try that, I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, if anyone else is using the Xenadrine EFX, let me know how it’s going for you. (Don’t forget that the Xenadrine formulation that contains ephedra, or any other weight loss supplement with ephedra, are NOT typically recommended for thyroid patients, or for anyone in general for that matter, due to concerns over dangerous side effects that may be associated with these drugs.)

THREE SIMPLE CHANGES THAT CAN IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH

A person could spend a lifetime reading about how certain foods may be beneficial to health. Every day new research is published on the finer points of eating well to stay well. Put down the books and magazines and turn your interest into action. A few simple changes can make a big difference.

Eat an extra fruit and an extra vegetable every day. A diet filled with produce is considered helpful to all sorts of health conditions. For example, a recent study looking at the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and heart disease, found that for each extra serving of fruits or vegetables a person ate, the risk for heart disease was lowered four percent. The most helpful produce: green leafy vegetables and vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits. Other studies suggest the risk for heart disease could be reduced 20 to 40 percent through a diet filled with fruits and vegetables.

Eating plenty of produce is also linked to a lower risk of cancer. In fact, it's been estimated that diets high in fruits and vegetables (five to 10 servings a day) could prevent at least 20 percent of all cancer incidence. A review of more than 200 studies found that the risk of lung cancer was halved when fruit and vegetable consumption increased from two servings a day to five. Fruits and vegetables seem to have the greatest protective effect against cancers of the mouth, esophagus, lung, stomach, colon and rectum. A diet rich in produce may also boost bone health, cut the risk for cataracts and protect against stroke, high blood pressure and diverticulosis.
Drink more nutrient-packed beverages. Many people sip coffee, soda or fruit-flavored drinks throughout the day-yet none of these beverages offer much nutritionally. That's a missed opportunity to help your health. Picking a better beverage is an excellent and easy way to get many more vitamins, minerals and other healthful substances into your body. For example, one cup of orange juice gives you double the vitamin C you need in a day plus one-third of the amount of folic acid you should have. Apricot nectar contains one-third of your vitamin A requirement and tomato juice is a good source of vitamins A, B6, C and folic acid plus iron and potassium. And plain water is never a bad choice, since so many of us are chronically dehydrated.
Change from plain grains to whole grains. Whole grains are hot. A review of 12 recent studies showed that regularly eating whole grains as part of a healthful diet could reduce heart disease risk by as much as 26 percent. Forty studies that looked at 20 different types of cancer deemed whole grains a winner too. Regularly eating whole-grain foods as part of a low-fat diet reduced the risk of several types of cancer by 10 to 60 percent. And, whole grains may protect against diabetes. The Iowa Women's Health Study of nearly 90,000 women found that women who ate more than five grams of fiber from whole-grain cereal a day had a 30 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than women who ate less than 2.5 grams a day. Vitamins B6 and E along with folic acid, several minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals give whole grains their "power."

Source: NAPSI

MARY SHOMON’S “THYROID DIET SUCCESS GUIDE”

Thousands of people have already ordered their copies of the “Thyroid Diet Success Guide,” and I’m getting lots of emails and letters from people who are happily using the low-glycemic approach of the diet that can be so effective for many thyroid patients. This is the only way I’ve been able to effectively lose weight (and believe, me, I’ve tried them all!!) The "Thyroid Diet Success Guide" features information about why it's harder for thyroid patients to lose weight, insulin resistance, the role of the adrenal system, and lots of practical suggestions to help you finally enjoy weight loss success.

Just a few of the key features in the 35-page Guide include:

Weight Loss Secrets for Thyroid Patients
The Thyroid/Weight Loss Connection - Some Theories
How To Lose Weight With Hypothyroidism
Weight Loss Success: How I Lost 25 Pounds in 12 Weeks

The Ultimate Thyroid Exercise Program
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) Overview
Choosing the Right Weight Loss Program
The Habits of Successful Weight Loss
How Much Weight Do You Really Need to Lose?
Popular Weight Loss Myths
Seeing Results with Weight Loss and Exercising

The "Thyroid Diet Success Guide" features a diet plan that you can follow, and specific information on exercises, and many other tips and resources. The Success Guide will help you get on the right track, with information that has actually helped other thyroid patients -- including me -- to effectively lose weight!

ORDER THE GUIDE NOW: To order, U.S. residents can send a check for $15 (which includes shipping and handling) made out to "Sticking Out Our Necks" to:
Mary Shomon's "Thyroid Diet Success Guide"
P.O. Box 565
Kensington, MD 20895-0565

Click here for an order form you can print out to pay by mail (using check or credit card),or for non-US orders.

ORDER TOLL FREE: Call our toll-free order line during weekday business hours at 888-810-9471 to order using your credit card. If you’d like a call-back, leave a message with your name and number, and Pat at the office will call you back to take your order.

DELIVERY TIME: Don’t forget to allow 10 days to 2 weeks from receipt of your order for delivery of your Thyroid Diet Success Guide.

SPECIAL OFFER: Everyone who orders the “Thyroid Diet Success Guide” by June 30th will receive a free pocket-sized "Mini-Guide" that summarizes the key diet tips in a portable, easy-to-carry format.

NEW AT THE THYROID SITE

Check out some of these recent articles at my thyroid sites for more in-depth news and information on thyroid disease.

The Endometriosis Connection
This debilitating and often misdiagnosed condition is far more common in women who have thyroid and autoimmune disease. If you have painful periods, you need to know more about this overlooked condition. Learn about endometriosis now.

New York Gets Thyroid-Protecting Pills
With continued fears that nuclear power plants could be the focus on terrorist attacks, Westchester County officials have announced that they will be providing thyroid-protective potassium iodide to residents who live near the Indian Point plant.

ARE YOU HYPOTHYROID? HYPERTHYROID? DO YOU HAVE AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE?

Find out in our unique Risks/Symptoms Checklists that you can fill out and bring to the doctor.

THANKS!

Thanks again for subscribing to "A Weight Off My Mind." I'll look forward to hearing your feedback.

If you're a new "Weight Off My Mind" subscriber, you may not know about my monthly thyroid newsletter, "Sticking Out Our Necks," which features thyroid-related news and information, both conventional and alternative. Each monthly issue covers a variety of the latest thyroid disease news and information of interest to patients and practitioners. If you signed up for this diet newsletter, you are NOT automatically subscribed to the monthly thyroid newsletter, so if you would like me to add you to that list, be sure to send an email to news@thyroid-info.com with the subject "Subscribe Thyroid Newsletter."

Also, your starting place for information about hypothyroidism is my book, Living Well With Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctors Don't Tell You...That You Need to Know. The book, published in 2000 by HarperCollins, is a top 40 Amazon.com health bestseller, and now in its 13th printing. It's a manual of living well for anyone with an underactive or non-existent thyroid. Keep in mind, if you've had your thyroid removed due to cancer, nodules or hyperthyroidism, have had radioactive iodine treatment, or are on thyroid hormone replacement drugs, you too fall into the category of being “Hypothyroid” -- even if you're being treated. So ultimately, people with every type of thyroid problem have found my book helpful in their struggle to return to wellness.

You can find out more information, read a free chapter online, order it now from Amazon.com, or get more information on the book and how to order it at http://www.thyroid-info.com/book.htm. The book is available at online bookstores, or your local bookstore, and at many libraries as well.

For those of you who have Hashimoto's disease, Graves' disease, or any autoimmune condition, my new book is coming out this October! Living Well With Autoimmune Disease - being published by Harper Collins, and the second book in my ongoing "Living Well..." series, focuses on various autoimmune diseases and subclinical autoimmune syndromes, their symptoms, and the conventional - and alternative - treatments that can help reduce the risk of developing these conditions, help to keep them from worsening - and in some cases, even CURE them! It's also the only book to look at autoimmune diseases as one group of conditions with common or similar causes and triggers, and many common treatments to help.

I spoke with dozens of the nation's most respected physicians and natural medicine experts with expertise in autoimmune disease to develop this book, which includes a variety of lifestyle issues, including diet, herbs and supplements, that you can use to help deal with autoimmunity in general, and specific conditions. I'll be launching a new newsletter soon to cover the issue of autoimmune disease specifically, so if you're interested, send an email to news@thyroid-info.com with "Subscribe Autoimmune" in the subject for news and updates, including advance information on the book. You can pre-order the book now at Amazon.com or find out more about the book at the new website, www.autoimmumebook.com.

-- Mary

All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician or health practitioner before starting a new treatment program. Please see our full disclaimer.

Sticking Out Our Necks and this website are © Copyright Mary Shomon, 1997-2006. All rights reserved. Mary Shomon, Editor/Webmaster
All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician or health practitioner before starting a new treatment program. Please see our full disclaimer.