The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss

by Mary J. Shomon

From patient advocate Mary Shomon, author of Living Well With Hypothyroidism , here is the first book to tackle the weight factors specific to thyroid patients and detail a conventional and alternative plan for lasting weight loss. An estimated 10 million Americans have been diagnosed with thyroid disease—most of them women—and for the majority of them, losing weight is mentioned time and time again as a primary concern and chief frustration—a challenge made more difficult due to the metabolic slowdown of a malfunctioning thyroid gland. For these thyroid patients, treatment alone doesn't seem to resolve weight problems. Further, they may struggle with raising basic metabolism, resolving underlying nutritional deficiencies, treating depression and correcting brain chemistry imbalances, reducing stress, and combating insulin resistance. The Thyroid Diet will identify these factors that inhibit a thyroid patient's ability to lose weight, and offer solutions—both conventional and alternative—to help. It will discuss optimal dietary changes, including how a thyroid sufferer should focus on a low-glycemic, high-fibre, low-calorie diet, eaten as smaller, more frequent meals to balance blood sugar. The Thyroid Diet addresses the use of various herbs, nutritional supplements, and prescription weight loss drugs, outlining the necessity of exercise, and drawing together all information into an integrated diet and exercise plan. It contains several different eating plans, food lists, and a set of delicious and healthy gourmet recipes. With handy worksheets to use in weight loss tracking, and a special resource section featuring websites, books, and support groups, here is vital help for the millions of thyroid patients dealing with weight problems. Mary Shomon has been praised by doctors around the country for her medical knowledge and sensitivity to patients' needs. She will be receiving similar blurbs for this new book. There are no other books on controlling your weight problems if you have a thyroid condition, yet over 40% of overweight people have evidence of a thyroid condition, and the weight loss problems facing them are unique and need a specific approach.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Self Help, Diets, Reference, Ebooks, Food

396 pages, Paperback

First published August 17, 2004

Reviews

[El · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew going into this that this book would be primarily about hypothyroidism, since weight gain is a common issue for those suffering with hypo. With that in mind I didn't think I would get much out of this, but figured it wouldn't hurt to check it out. I could stand to lose a few pounds, but I don't need a diet. I was looking more for nutritional kinds of stuff that would be beneficial whether or not I'm hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, or without a thyroid issue at all.

It's not a bad guide. There's some good stuff in here. A lot of it is common knowledge, or common sense, but there's nothing wrong with having a reminder. There are things I haven't thought much about, even though it's somewhere in the back of my mind, like how not all fruits are all great, and some are better than others, that whole Glycemic Index thing - such as strawberries are lower on the GI scale than bananas or grapes. (I'm not cutting grapes out of my lifestyle, though. Bitch, BACK AWAY FROM MY GRAPES.)

I've seen a few criticisms about this that there aren't that many recipes. I get that, but nowhere on the cover does it say it's a cookbook. It falls in Health/Diet, not Cooking, so if I wanted actual recipes I'd be more likely to check out a cookbook. What Shomon includes here are a few options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner - again, it's a nice guide. Something to work with. Start small, research more, figure out what works, and expand upon that. This is no bible, and keep in mind that Shomon is no doctor. She's a patient advocate for people with thyroid and other autoimmune diseases; I still don't know much about her, even though I've now read two of her books, but I like that she's out there spreading some information to help people better understand what they're going through. I'm still early on in my research, and I realize there's plenty of misinformation out there. Shomon seems to be keeping up with the research and thyroid news which is sort of exciting.

Beyond some of the stuff in this book that I already knew, there were a few things I learned about thyroid disease that I hadn't heard yet, or hadn't experienced myself yet.

One other little-known issue for thyroid patients it he seasonal variation in thyroid function. A number of studies show that TSH naturally rises during colder months and drops to a low normal or even a hyperthyroid level in the warmest months. Some doctors adjust for this by prescribing slightly increased dosages during colder months and reducing dosages during warm periods. Most, however, are not aware of this seasonal fluctuation, leaving patients suffering worsening hypothyroidism symptoms during colder months, or going through warmer months suffering with hyperthyroidism symptoms due to slight overdosage. [...] Twice-yearly tests at minimum during winter and summer months can help assess fluctuations and guide seasonal dosage modifications if needed. - (p 50)

There's similar information in this book as found in Living Well with Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know, though slightly more expanded here. Still a lot of talk about supplements and holistic approaches, weight loss techniques across the field - from exercise to stress-reduction techniques to weight loss supplements to you-name-it. Not everything was applicable to my own life or my own experiences, but no two cases of any sort of thyroid or autoimmune disease is going to be the same. We're snowflakes, dammit, and what works for one person might not work for me, and vice versa. The idea is to stop comparing, stop judging, stop worrying, and just focus on what works best for the individual. One thing at a time.

[Jenrieshka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Misleading title. Lots of good information about various thyroid conditions and how to go about getting a diagnosis... but very little in the way of diet advice beyond "find out what works for you, everyone's different" generalities.

Good information, but not the best book on thyroid and it certainly doesn't live up to its title.

[Marilee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first third of this book is essential reading for anyone with hypothyroidism. Shomon goes in depth with why the thyroid stops working, how to get diagnosed, and what medications you should be on. I've been hypothyroid since 2005, and I had new questions to ask my endocrinologist, and it sparked some good discussion. The rest of the book I felt didn't really apply to me since I only need to lose 10-15 pounds and it was geared more toward people needing to lose a lot of weight. I'd like to hear her thoughts for people in my situation. I also wasn't thrilled that so many supplements were recommended. I feel like there are times when they are warranted, but I think it's best to get what you need through a healthy diet whenever possible.

[Heidi Kirsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with the reviews that say its not your typical "diet" book. But its not like she makes a secret of it. She says in the text that people with this disorder can't eat all the same. Folks without a thyroid disease have different metabolisms. Thyroidism just makes that work more tricky.

Her explanation of what's happening and not in my body is the best I've read yet. And even with it prevalence, Drs don't seem to know or care to know how to treat their patients. And there is a shortage of endocrinologists which doesn't help.

I like the basic guidelines and giving things a fair chance to work or not. Finding out truly what your new body is asking for. Not treating it well won't make it go away. I've already given that approach a long unscientific try

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick re-read since I had read it years ago

[Sienna Kreger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot about Hypothyroidism in this book that i’m looking forward to applying to my everyday life!

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have hypothyroidism and when I came across this book I borrowed it from the library as it is a bit dated, 2004, and I was concerned about that. The author has since written other books relating to this same disease. Two of them I also plan on borrowing from the library. I will decide then, which one to buy, if not all. I have learned a lot, and this book will make a great reference book.

Saying that, that's pretty sad because I was diagnosed ?7? years ago and basically had to learn along the way about my disease, as my two Doctors I've had over the years haven't been much help other than writing out a prescription, a pill I have to take every day for the rest of my life.

There are many things I've learned reading this book. Many things that I've just gotten so used too, that I haven't even related it to the disease, it was just a part of my aches and pains. For example, pains under my feet at the end of the day, or discovering that basically that never ending itch inside of my ear, is also due having a thyroid disease.

Mary Shomon gave an abundance of very useful information, metabolism, weight loss, supplements, herbs, exercise, guidelines to live by, "keeping the faith"..... and really too much to really absorb, and why I will buy her book. I have many little pieces of paper marked off in between the pages. Her sharing with us foods to eat and foods to avoid were also very helpful! I just wish she had shared more recipes.

I have since signed up for aqua Zumba class next month!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far this is a really interesting book. The word "diet" makes it seem like it would be a fad-type book with little use. However, the author has done extensive research on all thyroid disorders and focuses on what the options for treatment may be, good supplements to take to ease the strain on the thyroid, foods to avoid that could hurt your thyroid function, and finally, a diet that is tailored to people with thyroid problems who want to lose wait (something that is extremely difficult for us to do!). I am a little wary of the diet part but it is really comforting reading about other people with hypothyroidism who have the same weight problems as me. A lot of people don't realize how hard it can be to be overweight and not able to lose weight despite a good diet and lots of exercise. Things that usually would work for losing weight don't apply to people with thyroid disorders for the most part.

I'll let you know what I think about the diet part.

I also recommend at least the 1st section to people who think they may have a thyroid problem. The information is all things I have read before but it is not something one would be familiar with even if they hadn't been diagnosed with thyroid disorders. I'm just a nerd so I read up when I was diagnosed.

[Lauren Homer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I've been looking for! I have Graves' disease and have had two RAI treatments (not hypo yet but I was so hyper I assume I might as well be to my body). I have gained so much weight. I finally started feeling better and and trying to lose weight... nothing. Pretty sure I started gaining more. So I gave up. Now I started trying again and decided I wouldn't be discouraged. I found this book and it has been amazing. Basically every conclusion I had made was confirmed by this book. Plus a bunch of new things. So many other diets and what not seem to assume you are already pretty healthy just overweight. This one starts from the position of having other health problems which I have.

[Jennifer Washburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give it 3 stars only because I haven't tried some of her recommendations yet. I think she covers everything but the kitchen sink in this one so it gets 5 stars for that.
Myself I did not find it to be a fast read. To me it is more of a reference book, It is full of information & I believe she did a whole lot of research that I believe about 80% of. I had to read it twice, and then go back and pick out the various info I felt dealt w me.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very medical and technical text... I had to have my husband read it too and tell me what I needed to do. But I think the information is right on and helpful. Took me a while to get through it... but it is about the Thyroid and how exciting can that be? I just want to be healthy... (and skinny!) LOL! (o:

[Chary · Rating 2 out of 5]

It turns out, I don't think I have a thyroid problem...however I did like all of the checklists to guide you to a trip to the doc to do a thyroid test. Some of the tips and strategies are informational. It goes through a whole lot of herbal remedies and such, which is not my cup of tea. It was informational. A good quick read.

[Joni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was straightfoward, and I felt like it had some solid ideas that I could implement to help myself feel better and learn to live with my condition in a more healthy way. Of course there were parts I didn't really think would be helpful for me, but there was enough good stuff to make this worth a look.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is alright if you think you may have a thyroid problem and are trying to get your doctor to test you. I have had a thyroid condition for years and found this book the least helpful for me.

[Cherice · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot of really helpful information in this book. Shamon has done years of research on a problem she has faced in her own life. I found this book informative, easy-to-apply, full of hope and options. A book I recommend if you have faced thyroid complications.

[Natalie Pietro · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought better of this book. Seeing I have a thyroid problem this book would help me get back down to my smaller size. However it mostly tought me some fun facts about my thyroid and some information I never new. Wish it had better tips but it was still a quick read.

[Marliss Bombardier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished this, and am getting ready to read it again. If you are frustrated by an inability to lose weight when your thyroid is properly medicated (and there's a whole section about that, too) then this book is for you.

[Donna Girouard · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's some helpful info. here but also some things that conflict with what I've read elsewhere and with what my endocrinologist says (no shock THERE, right?) Still, I can take something away from this book.

[Jaime]

This is a great book for anyone with an under-active thyroid. Lots of tips on foods, supplements, etc.

[Kareen]

What to do and not to do when you have thyroid disease.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know if this works yet but it was a lot easier to read and understand than other thyroid books.

[Sarah]

So far this is the most helpful book I have read on helping to deal with a thyroid problem.

[Tarin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great insight into thyroid disease and what foods to stay away from as well as what helps!

[Cari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and well written. Not too much crazy medical terminology.

[Kevin · Rating 1 out of 5]

A summary of how to eat better, far too general.

[Shawna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm using this as a reference book, in light of my recent possible Hashimoto's diagnosis. I don't need to lose weight, but would like to keep the weight that I've lost off.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a couple interesting things about losing weight with a thyroid issue, but nothing really groundbreaking.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the explanation of the physiology was great, easy to understand for the non medical reader. It is really more of a change in lifestyle than a diet book.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful information. I discovered my thyroid is fine, but her dietary info helps anyone of any body type. I lost 21 lbs w/help from a nutritionist and her book. Still a way to go, but it's a start.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What the doctors don't tell you.