Expert Spotlight with Amy Myers, MD Print 10 LikeDislike By Amy Myers, MD This week Further Food is pleased to spotlight Amy Myers, MD, one of our experts in autoimmune disease. After suffering from symptoms of Graves’ disease — panic attacks, insomnia, drastic weight loss — and following a conventional approach that destroyed her thyroid, Dr. Myers decided to study functional medicine, because she believes there isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment for a health condition or disease. In fact, she says she wishes she knew then about healing through nutrition — because she would probably still have her thyroid today.Dr. Myers’ goal is to reach as many people as she can to help them find individualized solutions for their health issues. She sees patients in her clinic, shares advice through her blog, created The Myers Way® 30-Day Candida Control Program, and is the author of The New York Times bestseller, The Autoimmune Solution.Whether your goal is to reduce stress, ease pain or just improve how you feel on a daily basis, Dr. Myers has advice for you. She’ll be answering your most pressing questions (for free!) all week long on Further Food. Simply post your questions in the comments section below. We’ve also compiled Dr. Myers’ empowering personal story, advice about thyroid-threatening toxins, beliefs about giving up gluten and much, much more.Dr. Myers’ Tips & TricksMy Autoimmune Journey: I Could Have Saved My Thryoid If I Knew Then What I Know NowLiving with Hashimoto’s? MS? Lupus? 3 Reasons You Should Give Up Gluten NowSuccess Story: Curing My Patient’s Lupus, Leaky Gut, Depression, Brain Fog….Starting at the Gut10 Foods That Fight Candida Naturally 8 Myths About Autoimmune Disease You Need to Stop BelievingIs Your Dental Work Leaching Toxins, Creating Inflammation, and Worsening Your Chronic Condition?3 Toxins That Threaten Your ThyroidIf You Have Hypothyroidism, Are You Getting Enough of This One Important Element?Ask Dr. Myers Your Questions About Healing with Food “How do I figure out which diet is right for my health condition?,” “What is the safest way to detox?” Share your questions with Dr. Myers in the comments below. She’ll be on call to give you advice from March 14th – March 18th.
W. Gladstone July 25, 2018 at 6:49 amWe ordered your product over 7 weeks ago, this week we received a summons from boarder control (customs) of pending procercution for trying to import you product? So not only have we not received the products $260 worth but are faceing a fine. Reply ↓
Recipe Team July 25, 2018 at 10:16 amHi there: Are you talking about Dr. Myers products or Further Food products? We will certainly look into this matter if you are referring to a Further Food product. Reply ↓
Roxana October 14, 2017 at 6:16 amI would like testimonials of patients cured of endometriosis for a friend who wants proof and doesnt believe its possible Reply ↓
Maria Joy March 18, 2016 at 10:42 amWarm Greetings Dr. Amy,would a juice-fast/cleanse (mainly vegetables) for 3-4 weeks or even longer be a good or even better alternative to heal my gut faster and reduce symptoms of chronic inflammation and then afterwards stay on a low inflammatory, no gluten diet, as recommended for auto-immune disease?What about a longer water-fast only? For deep healing?I have done juice-fasts before, up to two weeks, and they always make me feel better, while I’m on. But the symptoms always come back when returning to normal diet again.What is the fastest, surefire way to heal the gut and to keep it healed and working perfectly?Is it ever possible to eat gluten or any inflammatory foods again in moderation after full healing of auto-immune disease?Thank you so much for all you do and share with abundant Blessings your way (:Maria Joy Reply ↓
amymyersmd Post authorMarch 18, 2016 at 3:59 pmHi Maria,Thanks for asking such a great question, detox is very important! I have a podcast episode on this topic that I think you will find helpful: http://www.amymyersmd.com/2013/12/the-myers-way-episode-29-detoxification-with-dr-myers/The short answer to your question is that juice cleanses can force your body into detox very quickly, and if your detox pathways aren’t supported and your gut isn’t healthy, then your body might be flooded with more toxins than it can handle.Instead, I recommend eating a very clean diet of anti-inflammatory and healing foods. That will promote healing and strengthen your detox pathways so that you can flush out toxins safely. If you would like to speed up the process I recommend doing something that makes you sweat, such as using an infrared sauna: http://www.amymyersmd.com/2014/01/6-benefits-of-infrared-sauna-therapy/After your detox period, you can reintroduce inflammatory foods one at a time over the course of 3 days to see which ones you tolerate. Inflammatory foods that you do tolerate you can then keep in your diet in moderation. However, I recommend that all of my autoimmune patients give up gluten entirely because studies have shown it can elevate inflammation for up to 3 months. Reply ↓
melem March 16, 2016 at 12:56 pmThanks Dr. Myers for answering questions all week! What do you recommend for figuring out which diet/foods are best for me? Everyone is different and I’m cautious about following diet protocols that may not be best suited for me.Thanks! Reply ↓
amymyersmd Post authorMarch 16, 2016 at 1:48 pmThis is a great question Melem, and thanks for reading! I always recommend doing an elimination diet to figure out the perfect diet for your personal health needs. The process is to cut out all toxic foods (sugar, caffeine, junk food, processed food) and inflammatory foods (gluten, dairy, corn, soy, eggs, nightshades, etc.) for two weeks so that your body is starting from a clean slate and low inflammation. Then, you’ll reintroduce each food one at a time for 3 days to see if you have any reactions (IgG reactions can take up to 72 hours to appear). The foods you do well with you can keep in your diet and the ones you don’t tolerate well you will leave out.I offer a guided elimination diet eCourse in my store with meal plans, recipes, step-by-step instructions, and handy printouts if you’d like some additional support: http://store.amymyersmd.com/shop/tmw-comprehensive-elimination-diet-ecourse/ Reply ↓
melem March 19, 2016 at 4:04 pmAlso – quite timely that the day after your comment I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I have a lot more research & reading to do. Any recommended articles or books or websites where I can learn more as a newbie to thyroid issues? Reply ↓
Lynn Curlett March 15, 2016 at 4:14 pmI have had Meniere’s Disease for the past twenty years. While I am a bit dizzy and have ringing in my ears constantly, during spring and fall this increases (I’ve been told it is barometric pressure) and I am overcome with brain fog. I was wondering what some of your best suggestions are for getting through my tough four months of the year. I also have an ‘I’m too dizzy’ problem with everything but water exercise and living in Montana it is only fun to put on a bathing suit half the year – the other six months are just miserable even going to and from the car. Thus I am working with morbid obesity. Just starting Paleo this week. Thanks for your help. Reply ↓
amymyersmd Post authorMarch 16, 2016 at 1:59 pmHi Lynn, I’m sorry to hear about your dizziness! I’m glad to hear you’ve already started changing your diet, that’s where I recommend for everyone to begin.In my book I explain the four pillars of reversing chronic inflammatory illnesses, they are gut health, diet, toxins, and stress & infections. I have blog posts on all four of the pillars on my site, here’s the first one (it includes links to the other three): http://www.amymyersmd.com/2015/02/pillar-i-heal-your-gut/I recommend reading those blog posts and then, if you haven’t already, reading my book. In it I explain how to adopt a lifestyle that will reverse chronic conditions and build a strong foundation of life-long health. It can involve a lot of change, but I find that when people are truly motivated to take back their health, they’re willing to invest their time and energy into themselves. It’s all about taking it one step at a time! Reply ↓
Cassidy Carow March 15, 2016 at 2:01 pmWhat great timing! I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism two weeks ago. While meds were prescribed, I decided to hold off on taking them and, after a second Doctor suggested giving my body some time to work on healing itself, I will have more complete labs done in about a month. We currently eat a paleo diet with a few exceptions (but no gluten). I am hoping that this will further work to heal my gut and help with absorption of nutrients. I’m taking vitamins and supplements to hopefully aid my body in getting back to a more balanced place along with working harder to guard my sleep and rest time. Where would you suggest I start in my healing journey? Reply ↓
amymyersmd Post authorMarch 16, 2016 at 1:39 pmHi Cassidy, it’s great that you’ve already taken so many important steps to improve your health! Diet is certainly a great place to start, especially removing gluten, so you are on the right track.Other key areas to look at include stress, toxins, and making sure you are sufficient in the nutrients needed to power your thyroid. Here are links to articles on each of those topics.http://www.amymyersmd.com/2015/08/thyroid-health-part-v-the-adrenal-thyroid-connection/http://www.amymyersmd.com/2015/07/the-toxin-heavy-metal-and-thyroid-connection/http://www.amymyersmd.com/2015/08/thyroid-health-part-vii-four-essential-nutrients-for-thyroid-function/When it comes to thyroid lab tests, many doctors use the “normal” lab ranges which are not actually optimal. You can learn more about all of the values I test in my thyroid patients and the optimal values of each, as well as the different types of thyroid medication here: http://www.amymyersmd.com/2015/09/thyroid-health-part-viii-everything-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medication/ Reply ↓
Kristi Kelley March 15, 2016 at 9:10 amFor RA patients on methotrexate, once they are on the the Myers Way program at what point can they go off that medication? When you suggest getting off non essential meds, do you include this? Thank you Reply ↓
amymyersmd Post authorMarch 16, 2016 at 2:05 pmHi Kristi, thanks for leaving a question! This is something you should work with your doctor on. Everyone is different and there is no set timeline, so your MD can evaluate your symptoms and bloodwork to determine when and how you come off of non-essential medications. I do not advise stopping medication or changing your dose without first speaking with your doctor.Many people find that their Drs are willing to work with them on this issue after speaking with them, so I encourage you to have an open dialogue with your physician about your desire to go off of medication. If you’re sticking with the program, your symptoms are clearing up, and your antibodies are going down, s/he will usually be on board! If not, you can search for a doctor near you who is willing. Reply ↓
MrsJRaz March 14, 2016 at 9:58 amHello, I am currently diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease and while on a low carb diet, I believe that I experienced adrenal crash. I am pretty sure that my crash led to anxiety as opposed to anxiety leading to the crash. I am struggling to get myself back together because I am always exhausted. I walk 3 miles daily and have been for 20 years. If I continue to exercise, take supplements and eat your recommended diet, will this be enough? My blood work has always been good and my doctor cannot find anything else wrong. Reply ↓
amymyersmd Post authorMarch 16, 2016 at 2:15 pmHi MrsJRaz, thank you for reading and leaving a question! Adrenal fatigue is something I see regularly in my clinic, especially in today’s hectic modern world.It sounds like you’re on the right track, I would also encourage you to stick with a healthy sleep routine (go to bed at the same time every night and get at least 8 hours), don’t push yourself too hard with exercise, and eat a clean diet. You can read more about my recommendations for adrenal fatigue here: http://www.amymyersmd.com/2013/10/everything-need-know-adrenal-fatigue/I also recommend taking adaptogenic herbs, they help lower stress hormones when they are high and lower them when they are low. I carry an adaptogenic supplement in my store called The Myers Way® Adrenal Support: http://store.amymyersmd.com/shop/adrenomend/Good luck! Reply ↓
amymyersmd Post authorMarch 12, 2016 at 1:20 pmHi everyone, thanks for reading! I’m excited to answer your questions about autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, gut health, and more, let’s get started! Reply ↓
Sandy Russell March 15, 2016 at 8:42 amDr. Myers, I am reading your book. I have seen many Doctors in the last 2 years, including Mayo Clinic for another opinion. I always felt in the last 2 years that my body was going into some auto immune state but everything checks out fine so I am getting no answers. I went to very clean eating but in the last 2 years my food list has dwindled down to just a few foods that I can tolerate. Even the foods I can tolerate still give me muscle aches, headaches, nausea but I can function better than I did. I never really feel well though. I have been on many supplements including some of yours that I ordered. I am now getting ready to do an environmental toxins screening test. I am working on getting amalgams removed also. My mom does have RA. I live in Florida and I am trying to decide If I should come to your clinic. I feel like I am missing a piece of the puzzle for me to get well. I also am finding it difficult to eat healthy because so many foods make me feel terrible. Any suggestions at all would help me. Thank you, Sandy Reply ↓
amymyersmd Post authorMarch 16, 2016 at 2:23 pmHi Sandy, thank you for reading and I’m so sorry to hear about your health struggles! It’s great that you’re looking at toxins and are having your amalgam fillings out. Have you also looked at potential gut infections (there is a quiz on page 195 of my book)? If you’re reacting to so many foods, it could be a sign that your gut is not finished healing yet.While you follow the program, I recommend rotating foods as much as possible to keep variety in your diet. When you narrow your diet to too small of a foods list and eat the same foods over and over again, you can actually develop sensitivities to them. After removing them for a brief period and allowing your gut to heal, you can usually add them back in.If you are able to come to Austin we would love to have you as a patient! You can learn more about becoming a patient on this page of my website: http://www.amymyersmd.com/become-a-patient/ Reply ↓
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