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Microbiome Thyroid: Restore Your Gut and Heal Your Hidden Thyroid Disease

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The leader in Microbiome Medicine offers a revelatory guide to the gut-thyroid connection, with cutting-edge information—and a surprising source of thyroid illness If you are one of the 20 million Americans living with thyroid disease or one of the thousands living undiagnosed, Dr. Raphael Kellman understands your suffering. Between inaccurate diagnosis, a wide spectrum of symptoms, and doctors who may not be familiar with the intricacies of thyroid dysfunction, it’s hard to get the treatment you need. While general hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are the most commonly known thyroid issues, there is an underdiagnosed and yet incredibly prevalent  Non-thyroidal Illness Syndrome (NTIS). It can cause unexplained fatigue, memory issues, problems with focus and decision making, and even dementia, and affects as many as 20% of Hashimoto’s sufferers.  Luckily, Dr. Kellman has a clinically proven, expert protocol that has given thousands of patients a path to health—and now he’s delivering it to you. You’ll  How your thyroid function affects your overall health—and how its dysfunction can explain your troubling symptoms The 4P Protocol for healing the microbiome How everyday household products, cosmetics, plastics, and medicines can disrupt your hormonal systems—and how to detoxA 30-Day Thyroid Rescue program, including meal plans and lifestyle changes Microbiome Thyroid helps you take control of your environment, your diet, and your life, guiding you toward the right diagnosis, the right treatment, and overall hormone balance.  

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2021

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About the author

Raphael Kellman

19 books7 followers
Raphael Kellman M.D. is a pioneer in functional medicine who has a holistic and visionary approach to healing.

In 17 years of practice, he has treated more than 40,000 patients, many of whom have come to him from all over the world and after suffering without help for years. Dr. Kellman is driven by his desire to alleviate suffering and to help people regain health based on a new vision and understanding of healing and the causes of disease.

As a doctor trained in internal medicine, Dr. Kellman uses the latest drugs and technology to treat specific diseases but his approach to medicine is patient-centered and holistic. He focuses on the complex interaction of systems--not just the disease but on you as a whole person who is greater than the sum of your parts.

Dr. Kellman's treatments are informed by his background in the philosophy of science, and administered with compassion and kindness. Drawing on the latest research, he addresses your biochemistry, metabolism, hormones, genetics, environment, emotions, and life circumstances to help you achieve optimal health.

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Shannon McGarvey.
402 reviews8 followers
November 29, 2022
If you have or think you have thyroid issues, you need this book! He goes over which labs to ask for, correct ranges, diet, environmental changes, causes, medications, etc. I had to buy it on kindle it was such a good resource.
Profile Image for Healthypedia.
218 reviews7 followers
October 24, 2023
Discover a holistic approach to improving thyroid health through treating the gut microbiome with the book 'Microbiome Thyroid.’

The thyroid, a seemingly small and inconspicuous gland nestled in your neck, wields an astonishing amount of power over your overall well-being. Its influence extends to virtually every aspect of your daily life, from the energy coursing through your body to the beat of your heart, the rhythm of your breath, and the efficiency of your muscles. Indeed, your thyroid plays a pivotal role in regulating your metabolism, heart rate, and even the emotions that colour your world. However, with approximately 200 million people worldwide affected by thyroid disease and countless others unknowingly affected, the importance of this tiny gland remains underestimated and often misunderstood.

In light of this crucial connection between thyroid health and overall well-being, we turn our attention to the work ‘Microbiome Thyroid’ by Dr. Raphael Kellman. The book delves deep into this intricate relationship between our microbiome and thyroid health. In this review, we explore this enlightening work that offers insights, strategies, and solutions for those seeking to unlock the mysteries of this essential gland.


Author’s background

Raphael Kellman, MD, actively runs a successful medical practice and regularly delivers lectures worldwide.

He is a graduate of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and has authored several books on health and healing, including ‘The Microbiome Breakthrough’ and ‘The Microbiome Diet.’


What is the book about?

In ‘Microbiome Thyroid,’ Dr. Raphael Kellman presents an innovative approach to thyroid issues that goes beyond traditional treatments. Dr. Kellman emphasises the importance of superfoods, nutrient-rich diets, supplements, and lifestyle changes in addition to conventional medications. The core focus of this approach is to nurture the microbiome, combat inflammation, and tackle the underlying causes of thyroid-related diseases.

The book explores the intricate connection between gut health and thyroid function, highlighting the microbiome’s pivotal role in overall well-being. Dr. Kellman provides scientific evidence illustrating how gut bacteria influence various aspects of health, including immunity, cognition, weight management, and blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Importantly, he underscores the microbiome’s significant involvement in hypothyroidism, emphasising that an unhealthy thyroid often accompanies an imbalanced microbiome.

The book provides guidance on taking control of one’s microbiome and thyroid health, including information on thyroid gland function, disease forms, accurate testing, and NTIS. It also addresses the impact of endocrine disruptors in everyday products and offers detoxification strategies. Dr. Kellman’s approach integrates diet, nutrients, vitamins, minerals, nutraceuticals, herbs, and bioidentical hormones, tailored to individual needs, making it a comprehensive and scientifically grounded path to thyroid and gut healing. For autoimmune thyroid conditions, he also addresses the autoimmune aspect, offering a well-rounded approach to health.


Three key takeaways from ‘Microbiome Thyroid’

1. A poor microbiome can lead to thyroid issues

In ‘Microbiome Thyroid,’ Dr. Raphael Kellman sheds light on the profound impact of the microbiome, a vast community of bacteria living within and on our bodies. This microbiome, composed of approximately forty trillion bacteria, plays a pivotal role in our overall health. It acts as a communication network, intricately connected to our immune, endocrine, and nervous systems, influencing everything from metabolism to cognition. When the microbiome is balanced, it supports our well-being, but when imbalanced, it can lead to issues like inflammation, weight gain, and thyroid dysfunction.

Dr. Kellman emphasizes that healing the microbiome is the first step in addressing thyroid diseases, as the gut bacteria are intimately linked to thyroid function. An unhealthy microbiome can contribute to inflammation, leaky gut, and metabolic endotoxemia, all of which can impact thyroid health. By nurturing and restoring the microbiome, individuals can potentially mitigate the risk of thyroid issues and other health problems, providing a unique and holistic approach to healing from within.

2. Thyroid superfoods nourish the microbiome and, in turn, improve thyroid function

Within the pages of the book, Dr. Kellman highlights a wide array of foods that offer tremendous support for a healthy thyroid. These foods are rich in compounds crucial for optimal thyroid function and overall well-being.

From apples with their toxin-binding pectins to avocados supplying energy-regulating fats, and from the thyroid-nurturing tyrosine in artichokes to the thyroid hormone-supporting nutrients in eggs, Dr. Kellman explores a diverse range of superfoods that can make a substantial impact on thyroid health. Wild-caught fatty fish, such as salmon and sardines, provide selenium and omega-3s, while Brazil nuts offer a significant dose of selenium. Greek yoghurt contributes vitamin D and natural probiotics, while hemp seeds contain micronutrients to protect the thyroid.

Moreover, these thyroid superfoods are not just beneficial for the thyroid; they offer a wealth of health benefits, from antioxidant-rich berries to memory-boosting dark chocolate and skin-hydrating dark chocolate.

Dr. Kellman shares a story of his patient, who had a very low level of beneficial gut bacteria which affected her thyroid gland and made her suffer from ‘fatigue; gastrointestinal problems of gas, bloating, and cramping; brain fog; depression; a poor memory; and weight gain.’ After adopting a diet recommended by Dr. Kellman, she experienced a significant reduction of the symptoms.

"She added blueberries, strawberries, jicama, Jerusalem artichoke, and a small amount of high-quality dark chocolate (80%) to her diet. These particular foods are known to heal and nourish the microbiome… Within a few weeks, Laurie began to feel a lot better. She started to lose weight without even trying, and eventually lost 11 pounds over eight weeks. Her gut symptoms improved, and, for the first time in almost a decade, she felt positive about her future."

3. Exposure to toxins disrupts the functioning of the thyroid gland

The author acknowledges that we live in an environment filled with toxins and chemicals, making it challenging to maintain health. Environmental toxins are pervasive and harmful, found in food, air, water, household products, and more. These toxins, called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), can disrupt our hormonal balance and thyroid function.

The thyroid is highly sensitive to EDCs, leading to thyroid dysfunction. Even if thyroid tests appear normal, hidden dysfunction can occur due to EDC interference. The body has a natural detoxification system in the liver, but excessive toxin exposure can overwhelm it.

Several common environmental toxins, including Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and glyphosate, have been linked to thyroid dysfunction and various health issues. BPA, found in plastics and food packaging, disrupts hormones and thyroid function, emphasizing the importance of reducing plastic use and selecting BPA-free products. Phthalates, present in cosmetics and household items, also affect the thyroid.


Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews

Strengths:
• Offers a comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing thyroid issues, making it a valuable reference for individuals seeking to improve their well-being.
• Serves as a practical resource for jump-starting a clean, healthy diet.
• Features a variety of delicious recipes that make healthy eating enjoyable.

Weaknesses:
• Promotes numerous supplements and foods, some of which are conveniently sold by the author on his website, potentially raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
• The recommended 30-day diet plan and recipes may be time-consuming and impractical for individuals with busy schedules.


Best quotes from ‘Microbiome Thyroid’

“Your thyroid controls your metabolism and ultimately your energy level. It affects your heart rate, your breathing, and how efficiently and smoothly your muscles work. In a sense, every activity you do throughout the day, from getting out of bed, to walking and talking, to deciding what you’re going to do, to focusing on an assignment at work, is being governed by your thyroid. It also affects your emotions and your ability to feel ‘in the moment.’ Your mood, your decision-making, and even your libido are all influenced by this little gland in your neck.”

“What else plays a key role in metabolism? The thyroid. What else is part of your body’s signaling network? The thyroid. What else can become depleted if your body is in a state of inflammation? The thyroid. Indeed, if there is one element common to thyroid issues, it is that they almost all go hand in hand with some component of microbiome dysfunction. All roads lead back to your gut bacteria.”

“Healing the microbiome is the first step in healing thyroid disease, one that should not be overlooked.”



Final takeaway

‘Microbiome Thyroid’ by Dr. Raphael Kellman provides a holistic and innovative approach to understanding and addressing thyroid issues. This book is a valuable resource that will help readers improve their well-being by nurturing their microbiome and making dietary changes. It sheds light on the significant impact of the microbiome on thyroid health and offers a wide range of thyroid superfoods to support optimal thyroid function.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to take control of their thyroid and gut health and is willing to explore comprehensive dietary and lifestyle changes.
3,983 reviews114 followers
December 10, 2021
Microbiome Thyroid is an extensive book, with chapters from everything like describing the thyroid and how to spot an imbalance, to symptoms and healthy recipes. The author goes through the connection between the microbiome and gut biota, testing and treatment, as well as what to eat. There is a 30 day plan, including both recipes and activities. Kellman says that a larger picture philosophy is needed to treat the thyroid, as the imbalance affects multiple symptoms in the body. He claims that the thyroid is directly tied to the health of the microbiome. Endocrine disruptors, chemicals, and contaminants that are in everyday foods and products can interfere with thyroid function. The thyroid produces the hormones that helps the body function. It is crucial for the mind, immune system, and is a link between the body and the brain. The author does through the medical science of the thyroid and how it functions, as well as symptoms that can be mistaken for a myriad of other illnesses.

Finally, there is a small amount of recipes to try, including bone broth, smoothies, overnight oats, breakfast fajitas, breakfast quinoa, herbed lentils, spicy coconut chicken soup, and quinoa chicken salad. Overall, the recipes are easy to follow and quick to prepare. There are too few recipes and not many ones I would make.

I like all of the information about the thyroid and how it functions, but the science gets a little softer in the latter part of the book. This book will help readers with thyroid issues learn a little more about how best to bring their bodies back into balance.

Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy of Microbiome Thyroid: Restore Your Gut and Heal Your Hidden Thyroid Disease. The decision to review this book was entirely my own.
Profile Image for Diane Hernandez.
2,288 reviews38 followers
December 14, 2021
Do microbiome (intestinal) issues always appear when a thyroid is out of whack? The author makes a compelling case in Microbiome Thyroid.

The beginning chapters explain how a thyroid works and the best tests to verify that it is working optimally. As a person with hypothyroidism controlled by medicine, that section was extremely helpful. However, later chapters that look at the connection between thyroid issues and leaky gut are less supported by research referenced within the book. The number of supplements and foods suggested to assist with gut issues were large. Conveniently, the author sells many of them on his own website.

If you are having issues with your thyroid or intestines, Microbiome Thyroid might give you some ideas to try. 3 stars because I wanted more peer-reviewed studies supporting the book’s claims especially in the last half of the book.

Thanks to Hachette Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Amy ☾.
78 reviews14 followers
September 13, 2022
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 6 years ago. Yet, I never really understood much about this or even much about the thyroid. I knew it was very important to take my medicine and maintain my levels but never truly understood why. This book did a fantastic job of explaining what the thyroid is, does, and why it is important as well as what it really means to live with hypothyroidism. Many of my symptoms make more sense now. This book suggested several foods and spices I plan to began consuming more of that can help support my thyroid and microbiome health. I didn’t even know what the microbiome was before reading this book. Both the microbiome and the thyroid are such vital and important components of our bodies. I am thankful for this book and wish there was more education and awareness on these subjects.
Profile Image for Karen Schex.
107 reviews11 followers
January 13, 2024
As a functional nutritionist, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I wish I could shout from the rooftops that everyone needs to pay attention to their gut micro-biome.

In our world of over processed food, glyphosate, hormone disrupting chemicals, and contaminants, it's no wonder our guts and thus, our thyroids are under attack. What people put on and in their bodies is crucial too overall health.

For the lay person, Microbiome Thyroid is a good place to start on your health journey. It explains how the thyroid functions, symptoms of an imbalance, and provides healthy recipes.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Microbiome Thyroid: Restore Your Gut and Heal Your Hidden Thyroid Disease.
Profile Image for Pam.
561 reviews71 followers
November 26, 2021
This is an excellent resource to have if you think that you are having Thyroid issues of any kind. It is full of critical information that shows how your gut (and what goes in your gut) can effect everything that goes wrong and right in your body.

This book should be used as a starting point to discuss your health with your doctor!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Books for this advanced readers copy. This book is set to release December 21, 2021.

Profile Image for Kelly M. .
56 reviews
January 23, 2022
Eh, ok.

I have hypothyroidism as a result of Hashimotos Thyroiditis. The biology discussed at the beginning of the book is important information for those suffering from hypothyroidism. Knowing which labs to get, foods that can cause inflammation, and how to best care for your thyroid is so important. This book can be valuable for those hearing this info for the first time. As someone who has been hypo since age 12, none of this was new to me.
Profile Image for WiseB.
184 reviews
January 16, 2022
The book's purpose being to preach on the connection between microbiome and thyroid function. Apart from coverage of thyroid dysfunction, it includes testing, treatments and various recommendations on food and vitamin supplements that can reinforce the microbiome support of the thyroid. Recipes and diet plans are also provided in the book.
Profile Image for Corrica.
193 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2023
Very helpful if you have a thyroid issue or are a doctor who wants to learn more. Reading a book like this can be dangerous if you don't have an issue or are a hypochondriac. You should not self-diagnose bc you have gained weight or have other issues. Read this and talk with your doctor.
Profile Image for Jill.
970 reviews9 followers
November 30, 2021
Leaky gut is not a real thing. This is just a bunch of dangerous info for desperate people. Ugh
Profile Image for Lori Gibbany.
918 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2023
I think this could be a great resource for someone who believes they have thyroid issues or knows they do. Lots of great information just don't let it be your only source.
Profile Image for Harley Moody.
61 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2024
Out of the four thyroid healing books I've read so far, this is my favorite. Its focus is gut health and lowering inflammation and endocrine disruptors.
Profile Image for Emily Stevens.
7 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2024
Very informative read to help with hypothyroidism. Gives you the knowledge and tools to be your own advocate.
127 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2021
This was an excellent book. I currently have Hashimoto's and am not happy with the treatment being provided by the traditional medical system. I followed an autoimmune diet for a while which helped to a point but did not clear up all my symptoms. I had to have a surgery to remove screws from a previously broken ankle. While recovering from surgery I had to depend on what my husband was making for me. I know my diet deteriorated and I was eating too many carbs and sugars.. i needed this book to give me a fresh look on what i should be doing. i will ask my doctor for some of the recommended tests.

My only regret is i wish i would already have the paper copy of this book. i will purchase this book when it is available.
Profile Image for Debra.
204 reviews5 followers
January 8, 2022
An informative book connecting the gut to thyroid issues. Dr. Kellman discusses the potential problems surrounding thyroid conditions, thyroid super foods, endocrine disruptors and utilizing a more holistic approach to address thyroid issues. While there are similar concepts presented in other healthy living books I have read, there are new ideas as well. This is a well-written and informative resource.

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Books for the advanced copy of Microbiome Thyroid. #NetGalley
162 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2021
As someone who struggles with undiagnosed thyroid issues, I appreciated that this book showed up when I needed it! There was a ton of great information, tons of great recipes to try, and most importantly, hope that one day, with a lot of work on my part, I may feel better again! Highly recommend this book to anyone who has any kind of thyroid issue!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jamie.
273 reviews6 followers
September 19, 2021
I love Dr. Raphael Kellman’s Microbiome Thyroid Restore Your Gut and Heal Your Hidden Thyroid Disease! This book, full of expert advice, recipes, strategies, and explanations, is a wonderful resource that I plan on returning to again and again to help me with my own health journey. Thank you Dr. Raphael Kellman for writing this book and to Hachette Books for publishing it!
Profile Image for Russ.
557 reviews14 followers
January 8, 2022
Good basic information about the thyroid, endocrine system and related disorders. Unrealistic advice about removing toxins from environment. For example, my whole home has vinyl floors so I would need to tear it all up and replace with real wood floors. Then there are the recipes for a 30 day diet. Who in the world has the time required for them?
Profile Image for Susan Oram.
Author 16 books74 followers
August 7, 2021
A fascinating book with interesting medical facts and many helpful pointers for how to improve and restore your health. The recipes looked delicious. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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