Drs. Richard and Karilee Shames on Their Holistic Approach to Thyroid Disease

Drs. Shames: Karilee especially has researched this, as well as experiencing adverse effects firsthand. It is our contention that iodine is very much a double-edged sword for thyroid suffers. Whereas many practitioners do support supplementing iodine, we have actually gone out on a limb in our book to suggest that any extra iodine for thyroid sufferers is a big mistake. The whole issue is complex, but suffice it to say that with the tremendous amount of iodine in salt, bread dough, and multiple vitamins, as well as seafood, most Americans are getting, if anything, too much iodine. In fact, this relates to a prior question: "why is there so much more autoimmune thyroiditis these days?". We think another part of the answer could be because the American public has been overdosed on iodine in the laudable but misguided global overreaction to the iodine deficiency goiter problem. (Worldwide, of course, low iodine is still the major reason for thyroid problems).

Mary Shomon: What are your thoughts about "Wilson's Syndrome?"

Drs. Shames: I, and many other doctors were very excited when Wilson's book first came out. Many of us tried his protocol and found we could not duplicate the results he described. Certainly most of us, as practitioners or clients, wish there was a simple easy maneuver that would treat everyone with autoimmune thyroiditis, but in our view, Wilson's protocol is not the hoped-for panacea. Also, safety is an issue, as recent news reports suggest. The use of straight T-3, whether time release and pulsed as Wilson recommends, or once a day Cytomel as some AMA doctors recommend, both need very careful monitoring and supervision on the part of the minority of thyroid sufferers for whom this is appropriate.

Mary Shomon: A major complaint many people with hypothyroidism have is difficulty losing weight, even after they've been diagnosed, and are on optimum amounts of thyroid hormone replacement. Do you have any suggestions for those people who are finding it particularly difficult?

Drs. Shames: Our view is best summarized in our book, [link url=http://www.thyroid-info.com/thyroidpower.htm]Thyroid Power, which defines ten steps that are generally needed in the search for recovery. The right dose of the right kind(s) of thyroid medication is Step 5. A number of additional steps are generally necessary before relief of the overweight issue can occur. These include: balancing adrenal hormone, balancing reproductive hormones, optimizing diet and supplements, specific exercise programs, attention to the underlying autoimmune issue, emotional release work when needed, and rebalancing the brain centers involved in appetite metabolism. Frequently when the stage is set with some or all of these interventions, then a person is in a normal metabolic state, and now needs an effective and user-friendly weight-loss program to now begin shedding the pounds.

Mary Shomon: Do you ever deal with Graves' disease or hyperthyroidism? Do you have any ways you've found successful to deal with overactive thyroid problems?



"Frequently what is called Graves' disease is the just the initial and temporary hyperthyroid phase of thyroiditis."

Drs. Shames: Yes, I frequently assist people with the difficult decisions they face when they have a diagnosis of Graves'. However, keep in mind that this diagnosis is being made these days much more often than is proper. Frequently what is called Graves' disease is the just the initial and temporary hyperthyroid phase of thyroiditis. With managed care, the tendency is to omit the special antibody testing that would determine whether the hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease, thyroiditis, or a combination of the two, called Hashitoxicosis. These three conditions have three different best treatments.

When the diagnosis is definitely Graves' disease, I have found it very useful to advise patients to hold off on surgery or RAI while we try out the Japanese approach of mixing Tapazole with thyroxine.

Mary Shomon: Is there anything else you'd like to share about your thoughts on hypothyroidism?

Drs. Shames: The most important thing to remember is the multilayered complexity of this autoimmune illness. There are many different ways to diagnose the condition than is currently the medical standard. There are many different treatments available than is currently the medical standard. There are many different ways of interacting with a great variety of practitioners than is currently the medical standard. We urge readers to consider this a grand voyage of exploration, and be the captain of your own ship.

TO CONTACT THE SHAMES:

Richard Shames, M.D. offers consultations by telephone, online or in person in California. For information, see his website. The same services are available with Karilee Halo Shames, Nurse Health Promotion Specialist, who teaches holistic nursing.