A Weight Off My Mind: Thyroid/Autoimmune Weight Loss and Diet News Report, From Mary Shomon / Email Edition -- August/September 2005

A WEIGHT OFF MY MIND | August/September 2005
Helping Thyroid and Autoimmune Disease Patients Lose Weight and Feel Great

from Patient Advocate Mary J. Shomon
Author of "Living Well With Hypothyroidism," "The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss," "Living Well With Autoimmune Disease," the "Thyroid Guide to Fertility, Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Success," "Living Well with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia," and "Living Well With Graves' Disease & Hyperthyroidism"

VIEW THIS NEWSLETTER ONLINE AS A WEB PAGE WITH CLICKABLE LINKS

This newsletter is located online at: http://www.thyroid-info.com/dietnews/augsep2005.htm
Back issues: Online at http://www.thyroid-info.com/dietnews/index.htm

QUIZ: IS YOUR THYROID MAKING YOU FAT?

Could your thyroid be making you gain weight, or sabotaging even the best efforts to lose weight? Find out whether or not you may be one of the millions of people who are struggling with extra pounds, thanks to an undiagnosed, untreated, or undertreated thyroid condition. TAKE THE QUIZ NOW.

5 LIES ABOUT YOUR THYROID YOU'RE LIKELY TO HEAR

Do you ever get the feeling that sometimes, practitioners are just repeating the same old things over and over, and that they may not be getting to the truth? Maybe you've been told your thyroid levels are "normal" or that iodine or kelp will solve your thyroid problem. Or perhaps your doctor is saying that you're hyperthyroid, and need radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment right away! Or a holistic practitioner is saying that basal body temperature can definitively diagnose hypothyroidism. Or, you may have heard the granddaddy of them all, that Synthroid is the only treatment for hypothyroidism. Do any of these sound familiar? Then you need to read about the "5 Lies About Your Thyroid" -- and get the real story.

OPTIMUM TIME AND CONDITIONS FOR THYROID BLOOD TESTS: WHEN SHOULD YOU TEST, AND SHOULD YOU FAST?

Does it matter what time you have your TSH test done? Are results from first thing the morning likely to be the same as tests done later in the day? Should you fast before a TSH test? I've taken a look at some research findings that help explore these questions. Learn more now.

WHAT IS A NORMAL TSH LEVEL?

At most laboratories in the U.S., the "normal" TSH range still runs from approximately .5 to 5.0. But the concept of the normal reference range is now a raging controversy, and recommendations to narrow the range made several years ago are still being resisted. How many people are actually hypothyroid, if the new, narrower range were adopted. The answer will shock you.

RESEARCHERS FOUND THAT ADULTS IN YEAR-LONG STUDY LOST WEIGHT WITH DAIRY

You don't need to cut dairy from your diet to achieve weight loss success, suggests a new study published in the August issue of Obesity Research. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that obese adults can include up to 4 servings of dairy foods per day in a reduced-calorie diet, combined with moderate exercise, and still lose a significant amount of weight and body fat. Find out more about this study now.

FREQUENTLY ASKED DIET-RELATED QUESTIONS

Question: What is hoodia gordonii, how can it help with weight loss, and what brand do you take?
Answer

Question: How can cinnamon help with weight loss?
Answer

OLIVE OIL CONTAINS NATURAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENT

A naturally occurring chemical found in extra-virgin olive oils is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, report scientists. The finding is significant because inflammation increasingly is believed to play a key role in a variety of chronic diseases. Find out more.

DO YOU NEED PREVENTATIVE THYROID TREATMENT? TREATING ANTIBODIES WHEN TSH IS NORMAL

Preventative thyroid treatment: It's a controversial subject, and many endocrinologists will simply dismiss you if you ask about it. But there's mounting evidence that if you have autoimmune Hashimoto's disease -- EVEN if your TSH is totally normal -- you may need to be treated in order to prevent, slow, or even stop Hashimoto's -- and even hypothyroidism -- in its tracks! Find out about the latest findings reported at the Endo 2005 conference, and learn more about this important news and what it means for you.

WEBMD THYROID CHAT WITH MARY SHOMON NOW POSTED

I had the opportunity to do a one-hour international chat with thyroid patients at WebMD to answer questions, talk about my latest books, and discuss issues important to thyroid patients. Find out if your question was asked, and read the transcript, which covers questions including:

What are symptoms that should send me for a thyroid check?
What tests will the doctor perform to check my thyroid?
Where can I find information about the new TSH levels?
How serious is Graves' disease?
Are there any risks involved with radioactive iodine?

Read the interview now.

ROUTINE HEALTH SCREENINGS: WHAT TESTS SHOULD YOU BE GETTING?

It can be confusing to keep track of which tests you should regularly get to monitor your health. At minimum, there are some common health screenings you should be getting, according to experts at Baylor Medical Center. Are you getting the tests you need? Find out, using this handy listing.

FALL 2005 BOOK SALE: ALL MARY SHOMON'S BOOKS $8 AT IHERB

Iherb.com continues its absolutely wonderful price on copies of any of my books, including "Living Well With Hypothyroidism" (the LATEST edition -- just published, and already in a 3rd printing, after 20 printings for the 1st edition!), NY Times bestseller "The Thyroid Diet," (in its 10th printing!), "Living Well With Autoimmune Disease (in its 9th printing!), and "Living Well With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia."

At this price, you can afford copies for your sister, your best friend, and your coworker... and of course, your doctors!!

Only $8.00, plus shipping, from Iherb.com!

Order online, $8 per copy or order by phone with Iherb.com toll-free at 888-792-0028.

BENEFITS OF EATING BLUE ARE BOUNTIFUL

Blueberries continue to top the charts as one of the best choices to include in a healthy diet. Considered a "super food," and the best antioxidant fruit, blueberries are full of disease-fighting and anti-aging properties. Find out more now.

THYROID TOP DOCTORS

We're always updating the Thyroid Top Doctors List, the list of patient-recommended practitioners. New doctors are added all the time, and periodically, doctors are removed because they retire, move, die, request to be removed, or I've receive serious patient complaints that warrant removal. Check and see if your doctor is on the list, off the list, or if there's another doctor who can be a terrific partner in wellness. Visit the Thyroid Top Doctors Directory now!

AFTER OVEREATING, WE DON'T COMPENSATE BY EATING LESS

If you overindulge and have a big meal, do you eat less later to make up for it? Most of us don't, says a new study, suggesting that how much we eat is much more influenced by external, rather than internal, cues and factors... Find out more about these surprising findings.

FIBER SOLUTIONS FOR WEIGHT LOSS WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM

We're finding out more and more than high fiber intake is one of the keys to diet success, and may just be the make or break factor for many of us, especially thyroid patients trying to lose weight. If you're trying to get the recommended 30 grams of fiber a day, check out Dr. Levine's Ultimate Weight Loss Formula, a fiber "shake" mix that, mixed with water, makes a zero-calorie shake (chocolate, raspberry or vanilla) with 17 grams of fiber per serving!! I hear the raspberry is the latest favorite flavor of my readers. Get more information now.

WANT THE LATEST THYROID INFORMATION?

If you want the latest thyroid disease information, sign up for "Sticking Out Our Necks," my free email newsletter on thyroid disease. Just send an email to news@thyroid-info.com with "Subscribe Thyroid News" in the subject, and I'll get you on the list. Use the easy sign-up boxes online at: http://thyroid-info.com/graves/newsletters.htm

TEN TIPS TO HELP YOU SHAPE UP

If you think it takes hours and hours of working out to improve the way a person looks and feels, think again. The physical activity you need to look and feel better may only take minutes. According to the United States Department of Agriculture's 2005 Dietary Guidelines Report, adults need 30 minutes of moderate activity on five or more days of the week to be healthy. Increase that to 60 minutes and you can also maintain an appropriate body weight. Here are 10 tips to help from The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and HealthSaver. Get the tips now.

FERTILITY, PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING GUIDE

If you have a thyroid condition ad are thinking about getting pregnant, you are pregnant, or you're breastfeeding, you need my "Thyroid Guide to Fertility, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Success." The Guide, updated in 2005, features 30 pages of in-depth information on how to get pregnant, maintain a healthy pregnancy during thyroid problems, weather post-partum thyroid problems, and even deal with the breastfeeding problems that some people have along with thyroid conditions. You can order online, by phone, fax, or mail. Ordering information is online.

LITTLE-KNOWN CONDITION IS PUTTING AMERICANS AT RISK

An expanding waistline, high blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels-separately each of these conditions takes a toll on the health of Americans. But, together they add up to a growing health epidemic of a condition that is more common in thyroid patients -- known as metabolic syndrome...

HIDDEN PERSUADERS: THE MINDLESS EATING THAT ADDS POUNDS

People seem to gain weight easily but have a hard time taking it off. Americans are continuing to get heavier, increasing the risk of getting Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and various other health conditions. Healthy eating can play an important role in helping you avoid excess weight. It can also increase the quality and length of your life. Interesting new research is revealing that part of the reason why it's so difficult to eat healthy is that "hidden persuaders" can lead you to eat more than you think you're eating... What about you?

BODY SHAPE PREDICTS FUTURE HEALTH RISKS BETTER THAN BODY WEIGHT: RECENT JAMA STUDY ON WEIGHT AND HEALTH RISKS DOESN'T TELL WHOLE STORY

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) provides new evidence suggesting that mildly overweight people live longer than those who are too thin. However, body shape -- not weight -- is the single most powerful predictor of women's future health, according to women's health expert Dr. Marie Savard, who draws on extensive research in her new book, Apples & Pears: The Body Shape Solution to Weight Loss and Wellness. Learn more now.

Search My Thyroid, Autoimmune & Diet Sites

Wondering if I've already written an article about a topic of interest? See what's already out there, at both the thyroid.about.com and thyroid-info sites.

WALK SLOWLY FOR WEIGHT LOSS, ACCORDING TO STUDY

Leisurely walking for distance combined with low-impact cardiovascular activity appears to be the best formula for obese people seeking to get into shape and stay healthy, according to a University of Colorado at Boulder study. Find out more.

FEELING FAT, FUZZY, OR FRAZZLED? NEW BOOK CAN HELP!

AN INTERVIEW WITH DRS. RICHARD AND KARILEE SHAMES ON THEIR NEW BOOK

More than 30 million people in the U.S. are facing a wide range of symptoms -- everything from weight gain, to fuzzy thinking and brain fog, to panic attacks and depression. So many practitioners and patients overlook the connections between these symptoms and the hormone-related metabolic problems underlying them. Now, Harvard-trained physician Richard Shames, MD, and his wife and co-author, holistic health expert Karilee Shames, PhD, RN, have released their new book Feeling Fat, Fuzzy, or Frazzled? -- published this week by Hudson Street Press -- as a guide to restoring hormonal balance. I had an opportunity read an advance review copy of the book, and now that the book is being published, I'm pleased to bring you this interview with the authors. Read the interview now.

BOOK REVIEW: FEELING FAT, FUZZY OR FRAZZLED?

I not only had a chance to interview Drs. Richard and Karilee Shames in advance of publication of their new book, Fat, Fuzzy or Frazzled?, but I also have had a chance to do a brief book review, with an eye toward thyroid patients. Check out the review now.

Order the book now from Amazon.com

A FEW 30 SECOND SPRINTS AS BENEFICIAL AS HOUR LONG JOG

Finally, some wonderful news for us couch potatoes!!! Just six minutes of intense exercise a week could be as effective as an hour of daily moderate activity, according to researchers!!!! Does this mean we can abandon our gym memberships, and sleep in a bit? Find out now!!

THYROID DIET -- SUPPLEMENTS THAT CAN HELP

If you've read my book "The Thyroid Diet," or read articles at my websites, you've heard me talk about various supplements that I find helpful in my own weight loss battle. I've worked with Iherb.com to put together two special combinations of my favorite supplements, to make it easier and less expensive to add supplements to your weight loss effort, if that's something you want to do as part of your overall wellness.

THYROID DIET STARTUP PACKAGE
This combination includes Evening Primrose Oil, Hoodia, Lean for Less Weight Loss, Lean for Less Carbo Regulator, Lean for Less Fat Regulator, Lean for Less Water Regulator, and CLA Tonalin all at a special price.

LEAN FOR LESS STARTER PACKAGE
Lean for Less Starter Package includes Lean for Less Weight Loss, Lean for Less Carbo Regulator, Lean for Less Fat Regulator and Lean for Less Water Regulator

Order either package online from Iherb.com now
or order from Iherb by phone, 1-888-792-0028 (1-626-358-5678).

SPECIAL OFFER UNTIL OCT 15, 2005! FREE 24-PAGE THYROID REPORT WITH SUBSCRIPTION!

Dear Email Newsletter Readers:

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As a special offer to thank you for reading my email newsletter, I would like to extend an opportunity for you to subscribe to the print edition of Sticking Out Our Necks: Thyroid Disease News Report, and, if you subscribe now, get a free gift of a 24-page special issue of the newsletter. This terrific offer is good only if you subscribe through October 15, 2005. Order by then, and, as a FREE GIFT, you'll get the 24-page special issue of STICKING OUT OUR NECKS!

Your FREE 24-page Special Issue includes the following in-depth articles and news:

THYROID DRUGS AND TREATMENT

New Warning Regarding Levoxyl: FDA and Manufacturer Say Levoxyl Must Be Taken With Water
King Pharmaceuticals Letter to Pharmacists Regarding Levoxyl Issues -- Actual Copy
New Research: What is Your Optimal TSH Level?

OTHER INFORMATION

Possible Link Found Between Hypothyroidism and Glaucoma in Men
Thyroid Hormone May Treat Multiple Sclerosis
The Fibromyalgia/Hashimoto's Connection
Thyroid Problems Increase Risk of Heart Disease and Death
Freebies: Free Health Brochures and Reports
Fifteen Ways to Fight Heel Pain

THYROID CANCER

Dietary Supplement May Be Future Treatment For Thyroid Cancer
Genetic Differences Might Help Distinguish Various Thyroid Cancers
Head and Neck Cancer Brochure Helps Patients Understand Treatment
How to Do a Neck Check , and Thyroid Cancer Facts
Chernobyl Study Reveals First Direct Evidence That Risk of Thyroid Cancer Rises With Increasing Radiation Dose

THYROID DISEASE & PREGNANCY/INFANTS

High Levels Of Thyroid Hormone In Pregnant Women Can Have A Direct Toxic Effect On Fetal Development, According To A Study.
Vision Risks to Infants of Mothers With Thyroid Problems
Thyroid Problems May Be a Cause of Very Preterm Delivery;May Warrant Screening
Hypothyroidism in First Trimester Raises Risk of Breech Birth

THYROID, DIET, WEIGHT LOSS & NUTRITION

Bread and Pizza Are Among Culprits in World's Most Common Genetic Disorder
Lack of Sleep May Lead to Excess Weight - Study Finds Link Between Hours of Sleep and Risk of Obesity
Researchers Reveal That Nutrients in Citrus and Citrus Peel Are Linked to Weight Loss and a Reduced Risk of Heart Disease and Cancer
Thyroid Diet Supplements for Success
Thyroid Diet Success
Top Nutrition Mistakes Made by Active People
Half of U.S. Physicians Do Not Make Dietary Recommendations to Their Patients

HYPERTHYROIDISM/GRAVES' DISEASE

Is RAI Safe for Children?
Hyperthyroid Patients Receiving Thyroid Hormone Therapy After Radioiodine Treatment Have Reduced Risk of Death
Thyroid Hormone Changes After RAI

INSURANCE & MEDICARE

Do You Need a Health Insurance Patient Advocate?
Tips to Reduce Rising Health Insurance Costs
Medicare Discount Drug Cards Add Benefit But Also Complexity for Seniors

FALL/WINTER HELP

Thyroid Patient's Guide to the Flu:Advice for This Winter's Flu Season
Help for the Holidays: Feast on These Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain
Therapists Offer Tips to Prevent Holiday Aches and Pains

ORDER BY OCTOBER 15, 2005, AND YOU'LL GET THE FREE 24-PAGE REPORT!!

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NOTES FROM MARY

Dear Readers,

I've promised to let you know about some good news that's been keeping me VERY busy lately, and finally, he's here!! My husband and I have adopted a baby, and our 2nd grader now has a baby brother -- Daniel, who is 15 months old, and was born in Guatemala.

He's a joyful, happy baby, walking all over the place, talking (in both Spanish and English!), feeding himself, and energetic. He loves our cat, music, dancing, blowing kisses, giving high-fives, and is pretty adorable almost all the time! We're thrilled to have him join our family after a year-long adoption process.

He spent the first year of his life with a wonderful, loving and caring foster family (this is characteristic of the Guatemalan adoption system) who doted on him, and gave him a wonderful start! If you ever want information on the Guatemalan adoption process, or info on recommended agencies for Guatemalan adoption, please feel free to contact me -- I'd be glad to share my own experiences.

And, in the meantime, Danielito says "HOLA!"

Here are a few pix!!

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Live well,

Mary

"A Weight Off My Mind" email edition is published regularly by Mary Shomon. Please invite your friends to subscribe! Send them a copy with your recommendation. "A Weight Off My Mind" is copyright 1997-2005 by Mary Shomon.
Web: http://www.thyroid-info.com
Email: diet@thyroid-info.com
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Mary Shomon
P.O. Box 565
Kensington, MD 20895-0565
Fax: 425-977-1175

A Weight Off My Mind and this website are � Copyright Mary Shomon, 1997-2005. 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.