The Thyroid Connection: Why You Feel Tired, Brain-Fogged, and Overweight by Dr. Amy Myers
THE THYROID CONNECTION is a positive, uplifting book, containing practical ways to address many different types of thyroid dysfunction. Dr. Amy Myers argues that conventional medicine has been an abysmal failure--even failing to do the most basic steps: "Conventional medicine is failing far too many people. And nowhere is this failure more evident than with thyroid dysfunction."
Most doctors don't even try to reverse thyroid problems, because "they just don’t believe it’s possible." I was surprised to hear about the huge amount of pharmaceuticals used to treat thyroid problems: "Synthroid is now our country’s most prescribed drug, with 21.5 million prescriptions written each year."
The good news, Dr. Myers notes, is that drugs are often not necessary. Speaking from her many years of experience, she encourages the reader to not be so quick to jump on the drug bandwagon: "Many of my patients can restore healthy thyroid function simply through diet and lifestyle changes alone." The author has personally treated thousands of patients with thyroid issues, and she offers an optimistic view: "I’m here to tell you that vibrant, glowing health is not a fantasy. My patients achieve it every day, and I know you can too. . . Virtually everyone reading this book can expect to achieve a state of vibrant health and well-being."
Dr. Myers cautions that she is not claiming that her plan actually cures an autoimmune condition. A 100% cure is not medically realistic: "Once you are autoimmune, your immune system will always have the potential to attack your own body, destroying vital cells, damaging organs, and otherwise wreaking havoc." The author's plan is focused on minimizing the impact of thyroid dysfunction, to help avoid the need for drugs. That is, "prevent any further damage to your thyroid."
I think the most valuable part of THE THYROID CONNECTION is the discussion on how stress harms your thyroid--and more importantly, what you can do about it. For instance, in Chapter 10 "The Stress Solution," Dr. Myers presents some proven methods to relieve stress. She presents a variety of time-tested ideas, such as hot baths, nature walks, controlled breathing, prayer, and meditation. (There are a lot more.)
Another of my favorite sections is Appendix A: "Letter to Your Doctor." Here, Dr. Myers explains, using detailed medical terms, recommended tests and treatment to properly identify thyroid dysfunction.. The doctor also provides the expected test range results. She suggests you give this letter to your doctor,
All in all, I found THE THYROID CONNECTION to be a positive, optimistic resource. The book is well-written and offers compelling arguments. I found the author's credentials to be substantial; it's difficult to argue with someone who has successfully treated thousands of thyroid patients. Chapter 12 provides a detailed, 28 day plan, with specific meals, snacks, and de-stressors for each day. Chapter 14 contains The Myers Way Thyroid Connection Plan Recipes. Additionally, the book has appendices with helpful resources and contact information, such as for support groups.
Advance Review Copy courtesy of NetGalley.
Photos courtesy of Joel Herzog and Agberto Guimaraes.
