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

A WEIGHT OFF MY MIND | May 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 coming soon, "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/may05.htm
Back issues: Online at http://www.thyroid-info.com/dietnews/index.htm

NEW STUDY SUGGESTS BEING "CHOOSY" ABOUT CARBOHYDRATES AND OTHER FOODS MAY BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN COUNTING CALORIES

Most people who are trying to lose weight start by counting calories -- even weighing and measuring out precise portions. But a new study suggests you might be more successful if you focus on changing the types of foods you eat. Researchers at Chicago-based Radiant Research found that overweight and obese adults who focused on choosing the "right" type of carbohydrates (high-fiber, whole-grain, low-glycemic) lost more weight and body fat... Read more now.

LIVING WELL WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM: 2005 REVISED SECOND EDITION PUBLISHED

My big news -- and the reason I've been delayed again in getting out a newsletter, is that my latest book has just been published! Back in 2000, my book "Living Well With Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know" was published by HarperCollins. Since then, the book has gone to more than 20 printings, with more than 100,000 copies in print. But alot has happened in the world of hypothyroidism since then, and it was time to revise and update the book -- so the new edition -- 640 pages of information specifically for thyroid patients -- has just been published! More information and ordering details are online.

Living Well With Hypothyroidism is the only patient-oriented book on hypothyroidism that presents both conventional and alternative options
Living Well With Hypothyroidism offers an unbiased look at the difficulties in getting properly diagnosed and treated, from a patient who's been there
I'm an independent patient advocate, and not a shill for the drug companies, so the book is not a glorified sales pitch for Synthroid, as other books on the topic can be
Features information from the nation's leading experts on diagnosing and treating hypothyroidism, based on patient wellness, NOT lab values

This 2005 release is a revised and updated edition of the provides detailed information on the warning signs, symptoms, and risk factors for hypothyroidism, along with a checklist you can bring to the doctor. I review and explain a wide range of treatments -- from conventional to integrative to holistic – and not only shares my own struggles, but the experiences and advice from thousands of patients and doctors I've encountered. The new edition of Living Well With Hypothyroidism answers questions that often go unanswered, and features expanded coverage many upgrades, revisions and improvements, including:

Coverage of the major controversies over the latest testing, diagnosis and treatment methods, including the new TSH guidelines, other blood tests besides TSH, and alternative tests for thyroid disease, including saliva and urine
Information about thyroid drugs that the drug companies don't want patients to know
An expanded 19-Page Risks/Symptoms Checklist
A special updated section on the diagnosis challenges and controversies, including finding and communicating with the right doctor, getting past refusals to test your thyroid, misdiagnosis, overreliance on the TSH test, the changing "normal" range, subclinical hypothyroidism, and more
A new section on treatment challenges and controversies, fully exploring the issue of optimal TSH levels, T3 treatment, T4/T3 balance, hormone resistance, natural thyroid, and adrenal problems.
Details on other current controversies, such as iodine, seaweed, soy, coconut oil, fluoride, perchlorate exposure, environmental estrogens, mercury, potassium iodide, and more.
A detailed chapter that introduces readers to the success factors in losing weight with hypothyroidism
Expanded sections on alternative, complementary, holistic and integrative approaches to hypothyroidism
A new chapter dedicated to "Vitamins, Herbs and Supplements for Hypothyroidism"
A detailed new chapter on "Infertility, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding," including details on how to optimize hypothyroidism treatment to get pregnant, stay pregnant, ensure a healthy baby, and be able to breastfeed that baby after delivery
A new chapter on "Fatigue" including various solutions
Hypothyroidism during and after menopause and in seniors
Advice on treating the hypothyroid child
A greatly updated and expanded resources section, featuring books, websites, experts and other resources to help

You'll find the book's table of contents, a list of key thyroid experts featured, reviews, introductions to both the 2000 and 2005 editions online, and other information online at: http://www.thyroid-info.com/book.htm.

Order from Amazon Now

Order from Iherb Online at the $8 copy discount price
Phone Orders: call Iherb.com toll-free at 888-792-0028

INTERACTIVE THYROID SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTS CHECKER

Just click on the particular thyroid condition you're interested in, and this new interactive tool will provide you with a detailed list of possible symptoms, as well as tests typically used for diagnosis. Covers hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's, Graves', nodules/lumps, goiter, and thyroid cancer. Go to the Interactive Symptoms and Tests Checker 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: http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/hoodia.htm

Question: How can cinnamon help with weight loss?
Answer: http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/cinnamon.htm

"WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT YOUR THYROID?" QUIZ

Which nutrient must the thyroid have in order to produce thyroid hormone? Which exposure or substance DOESN'T have the potential to cause thyroid disease? Which factors increase your risk of thyroid problems? If you know the answers to these questions, you're on your way to a perfect score in my "What Do You Know About Your Thyroid?" Quiz. Take this informative, fun quiz now, and you'll find out if you're suffering from a case of major brain fog, or your thyroid smarts rival the best endocrinologists! START THE QUIZ NOW

DO YOU NEED TO INCREASE YOUR METABOLISM? HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT BY BOOSTING A SLOW METABOLISM

Do you need to increase your metabolism in order to lose weight? Will efforts to boost metabolism help you lose weight and have more energy? Read more...

FEELING FAT, FUZZY OR FRAZZLED? TWO DOCTORS HAVE SOLUTIONS

If you - like many of the patients coming to the medical office of Drs. Richard and Karilee Shames - have tried a variety of interventions without complete success, then you'll definitely want to read this new article from them, "Still Feeling "Fat, Fuzzy or Frazzled" Despite Thyroid Care?" After 25 years of thyroid practice as a doctor-nurse team, the Shames have seen a great many people like all of us. And they've discovered some very interesting facts:

Multi-gland imbalance is largely an unsuspected condition.
Even when suspected, it is frequently undiagnosed.
When it is diagnosed, it often goes untreated.
When it is treated, it is seldom treated optimally.

Usually, they've found themselves creating individualized programs of multi-hormone rebalancing. But now, they've made their program and approach more widely available, so don't miss your chance to find out about "Feeling Fat, Fuzzy, or Frazzled? A 3-Step Program to Beat Hormone Havoc and Feel Better Fast" now!

For information online, see: http://thyroid.about.com/od/drsrichkarileeshames/a/fatfuzzyfrazz.htm

If you would like to hear more about when the book FAT, FUZZY, OR FRAZZLED? becomes available, and how to get a copy, please send an email to: keepmeposted@feelingfff.com

LOW-GLYCEMIC DIET MAY IMPROVE ABILITY TO STAY ON DIET LONGER

Low-glycemic load diets, those low in sugars with moderate levels of carbohydrates and not as low in fat and protein, may lower metabolism less when compared with low-fat diets, making the dieters feel less tired, cold and hungry, as well as improve cardiovascular risk factors, according to an article in the The Journal of the American Medical Association. Read about it now.

TELL THE WORLD AND YOUR DOCTOR: I'M A THYROID PATIENT, NOT A LAB VALUE!

By popular request, I've put together the Thyroid Awareness Shop, where you can get items that will help you spread the word about thyroid disease, including the "We're Thyroid Patients...Not Lab Values!!" button, "I'm a Thyroid Patient, Not a Lab Value" tee-shirts and bumper stickers, and my personal favorite, the "Friends Don't Let Friends Have a High TSH" ladies tee.

Stop by the shop at: http://www.cafepress.com/thyroidhealth.

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.

FIBER SOLUTIONS FOR WEIGHT LOSS WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM

One of the basics for anyone with a thyroid problem who wants to lose weight is to up your fiber intake substantially. It's hard to do just with foods (I for one, simply can't eat wheelbarrows full of broccoli, high-fiber cereal and sweet potatoes!) so one of the best ways I've found to do this is to add a fiber supplement. My favorite? Dr. Levine's Ultimate Weight Loss Formula, basically 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 happen to like the chocolate best...) (See http://www.thyroid-info.com/fiber.htm for more information.)

High fiber is a very basic tactic that most hypothyroid need to follow in order to lose weight. Fiber has so many benefits for hypothyroid people trying to lose weight. With slowed digestion, and sometimes even constipation as a result, fiber can help promote regularity. Fiber also slows the digestive process, and can help prevent dramatic swings in blood sugar. Fiber can help lower cholesterol. And, fiber can also help you lose weight because it fills you up, and may reduce your hunger levels.

As I wrote in my book, The Thyroid Diet: "One study found that adding 14 grams per day of fiber was associated with a 10% decrease in energy intake and body, and weight loss of 5 pounds over 4 months. In another study, among a group of 53 women who were moderately overweight, following a 1200 calorie a day diet, over 24 weeks, half were given a fiber supplement, half received placebo. They were given 6 grams of fiber a day to start, down to 4 grams. After treatment, the fiber group lost a mean amount of 17.6 pounds versus 12.76 pounds in the placebo group."

According to Scott Levine, MD, who created the fiber formula, many people who use his product lose 1.5 to 3 pounds per week without doing anything else differently, a result achieved because of reduction of food intake, combined with reduced insulin resistance and blood sugar levels, due to the increased fiber in the diet. Because Levine's formula includes both soluble and insoluble fibers, it also has the various health benefits – including reduction of cholesterol. Says Levine: "The right kinds of fiber can be particularly helpful for insulin metabolism, especially in people who have even a few extra pounds around the middle. That abdominal weight gain – which drives increasing insulin levels, and is the start of the whole metabolic syndrome – can be helped by high-fiber consumption."

Dr. Levine's Ultimate Weight Loss Formula is $69.95 for a large canister, but it will typically last you a month or so, and while that sounds expensive, if you use it the right way, it will reduce your appetite, and you will truly eat less, so it evens out in the end. I like to use it in the morning as a smoothie, and as an afternoon snack. You can use it to help prevent snacking, to reduce the amount you eat during each meal, or mix up a shake as a zero-calorie but filling meal replacement (preferably lunch).

Find out more about it, and how you can order it online now.

One important warning -- If you switch from a low-fiber to high-fiber diet, or add a fiber supplement, be very careful that you are getting your thyroid medicine AT LEAST an hour before eating in the morning, so your absorption is not impaired. Fiber can change your dosage requirements, so 6-8 weeks after starting a high-fiber diet or supplement, you may wish to have your thyroid function tested to make sure you don't need a dosage change.

THE THYROID - WEIGHT LOSS CONNECTION

If you're not familiar with the American Foundation of Thyroid Patients, you'll want to learn more about this patient-founded group that disseminates information regarding thyroid disease. The Jan/March 2005 edition of their newsletter is online , and this issue features an article I wrote called "The Thyroid - Weight Loss Connection: Is a diagnosed – or undiagnosed – thyroid condition the real reason behind your weight problem?" You'll find other news recaps, a President's letter from founder Kelly Hale, and more. Check it 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 1 of each of the following:

Evening Primrose Oil by Source Naturals, 1350 mg, 120 Softgels, $14.79
Hoodia Slim by Paradise Herbs, 250 mg., 60 Veggie Caps., $20.00
Lean for Less Starter Package (Lean for Less Original-90 capsules, Lean for Less Carbo Regulator-60 capsules, Lean for Less Fat Regulator-60 capsules, Lean for Less Water Regulator-60 capsules) $32.00
* CLA Tonalin by Source Naturals, 1000 mg., 120 Softgels, $18.49

IHerb Price if ordered separately: $85.28, Iherb price -- $80.00

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

LEAN FOR LESS STARTER PACKAGE
Lean for Less Starter Package includes one bottle of each of the following products from Health from the Sun:

Lean for Less, Original, 90 capsules: $19.99
Lean for Less, Carbo Regulator, 60 capsules: $13.99
Lean for Less, Fat Regulator, 60 capsules: $15.99
Lean for Less, Water Regulator, 60 capsules: $7.99

Total Cost if ordered separately from iHerb: $34.76, Iherb price: $32.00

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

SOME KEY THYROID LINKS TO BOOKMARK

GREEN TEA EXTRACT BOOSTS EXERCISE ENDURANCE 8-24%

A new study tested the effect of regularly taking green tea extract (GTE) and found that over 10 weeks, endurance exercise performance was boosted up to 24% with 0.5% GTE supplementation, and 8% with 0.2% by-weight addition to food. Read more now.

SPRING BOOK SALE

Iherb.com continues its absolutely wonderful price on copies of any of my books, including "Living Well With Hypothyroidism" (the LATEST edition!), NY Times bestseller "The Thyroid Diet," (in its 9th printing), "Living Well With Autoimmune Disease (also 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 doctor!!

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

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

NOTES FROM MARY --

Dear Email Newsletter Readers:

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 receive a free gift. If you order now, I'll send you a FREE COPY of the March/April print issue, AND your paid subscription will run from the May/June 2005 issue through March/April of 2006! So, sign up now and you'll get:

A one-year subscription to STICKING OUT OUR NECKS -- 6 bi-monthly 12-page issues packed full of information that helps you feel and live well!
A free copy of the March/April 2005 issue of STICKING OUT OUR NECKS

Your FREE 12-page March/April issue includes the following in-depth articles and news:

New Study Comparing T4 to T4/T3 Treatment Published
Hemochromatosis and Hypothyroidism
Pregnancy Updates, including Do You Need a Pre-Conception Increase in Thyroid Hormone Dosage? and Screening Thyroid Function in Early Pregnancy
How to Save Money Every Month on Your Synthroid

Your FREE 12-page March/April issue also includes a detailed "News Roundup." Here are just a few of the key stories covered:

Heart Conditions Linked to Hidden Thyroid Problems in the Elderly
Should Physical Examination in Thyroid Diseases Be Relied On?
Block-Replace Vs. Antithyroid Drugs Evaluated
What Does T2 Do?
The Impact of Smoking on Thyroid Patients
Sleepwalking May be Hyperthyroidism Symptom
Risk Factors for Thyroid Cancer?
Quality of Life in Hypothyroidism / Health Status is Impaired in People With Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Do You Need Selenium for Hashimoto's Disease or Goiter?
The Link Between Vegan Diets and Goiter / Goitrogenic Vegetables and Your Thyroid
RAI for Goiter

Online Orders: http://www.thyroid-info.com/subscribe.htm

Phone Orders: Call our secure, toll-free subscription line anytime at 1-888-810-9471 (or 727-781-2924). Please leave the following information in your message: Name (please spell it), address (please spell it), city (please spell it), state, zip, phone number, type of card (MasterCard, Visa, Amex, Discover), card number, expiration date, and indicate that you are ordering the newsletter with free gift issue.

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Take care, and 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 1997-2006 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

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