The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution by Dr. Aviva Romm
The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution Book
The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution Book Review
The author began investigating autoimmune problems when she saw how many patients came to her with at least one autoimmune condition. Dr. Romm discovered that many patients were continually overwhelmed--triggering the "Survival Overdrive Syndrome," or SOS. This mode stimulates the immune system, and allows us to cope with hazards. The SOS response is great for short term emergencies, but not for long term health.
The doctor developed a plan for use in her practice, which she called the "SOS Solution." It is this same "SOS" plan forms the basis for THE ADRENAL THYROID REVOLUTION.
Dr. Romm found five causes that prompt SOS:
- Chronic emotional and mental stress;
- Food triggers causing hidden inflammation;
- Gut disruption damaging your gut lining;
- Environmental toxins;
- Stealth infections--meaning new infections or reactivation of prior infections
The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution Book Review
Keep in mind Dr. Romm's approach to medicine. The author's view is that our bodies are "innately wise and wants to move toward balance and heal," and that we simply need to remove harmful inputs and provide "missing elements your body needs for healing. " This is quite different than most practitioners; so, if you do not share this perspective, this is probably not the right book for you.
The author's plan has these parts:
- Reboot: Up leveling your diet is the biggest needle mover toward health.
- Reframe: shift your mindset from one that’s keeping you stressed out, anxious, and overwhelmed to one that gives you enough time and energy to live your life more sanely.
- Repair: Healing the multiple systems involved in SOS—your digestive, immune, hormonal, and detoxification systems.
- Recharge your adrenal and thyroid glands with the help of herbs, supplements, and natural energy boosts that really work.
- Replenish: Dietary information to move forward with a long-term sustainable plan
The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution Book
Suggestions on Reducing Stress
The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution Book Review
I think the #1 greatest thing in this book are the pointers on reducing stress. The author notes that "75 percent of women experience moderate to severe stress, 49 percent report sleep problems, and more than 40 percent report physical symptoms as a direct result of stress. " Women, in particular, are "living in chronic overload emotionally and physically. We are stuck in survival mode."
So, do not miss Chapter 5, "Reframe, Calm Your Mind and Mood." In this chapter, the doctor provides excellent techniques for reducing your stress. The author uses the analogy of a flight attendant: "You’ve got to put your own oxygen mask on first if you’re going to be able to save anyone else. The point is, you have to take care of yourself.
Yet another excellent section is on sleep. See especially "Top Seven Tips for Great Zzzs." Here are just two points I thought were really excellent: "Power down from all electronics, stimulating conversation, and activities one hour before bed and keep your bedroom electronic devices turned off.
Create a "Worry Watchers Journal"
The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution Book Review
Here's another superb idea: Do your worrying before bed. Create a “Worry Watchers Journal.” About forty-five minutes before you get into bed, sit anywhere in your house—but not in your bedroom—and pour your worries into a notebook."
I thought this idea of creating a "Worry Watchers Journal" is perhaps the single greatest tip in this entire book. Really outstanding idea.
All in all, I found THE ADRENAL THYROID REVOLUTION to be an intriguing study, with lots of practical implications--and some really great ideas. This is a complicated subject with tons of research to consider, so it takes some time to take it all in. I found the sections on relieving stress to be the most valuable and practical. The latter part of the book has additional references on Recipes, suggested lab tests, suggested food ordering sites. Note especially APPENDIX 2, "Working with Your Health Practitioner."
For another perspective on this subject, I found this book by Dr. Amy Myers to be outstanding: The Thyroid Connection: Why You Feel Tired, Brain-Fogged, and Overweight -- and How to Get Your Life Back
Advance Review Copy courtesy of the publisher.
Photos courtesy of Pexels.
The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution Book
The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution Book Review
