Medical Myths, Legends & Fairytales

Dr Alan Christianson
Medical Myths, Legends & Fairytales

New York Times best-selling author and distinguished thyroid care expert, Dr. Alan Christianson dives deep into today's big controversies like vaccines, grains, and soy. We explore the unexpected side of things you never thought were controversial like leaky gut, pesticides, and fructose. The goal is not to shock or outrage, but to help us all learn to cling tightly to our health, and cling loosely to our ideas. Feel an unprecedented sense of being able to communicate with love, concern, and science - and help us get back on track.

  1. Think You Have to Live with Pain? Think Again with Ryan Whited

    JUN 12

    Think You Have to Live with Pain? Think Again with Ryan Whited

    In "Medical Myths, Legends, and Fairy Tales," Dr. Christianson and Ryan Whited explore exercise-related pain and its impact on health. Dr. Christianson stresses the importance of exercise, even when dealing with barriers like injury and pain. Ryan Whited, drawing from his own injuries and his dad's sports career, really gets into understanding pain.  They debunk the myth that pain always indicates physical damage and introduce the biopsychosocial model, which takes into account physical, psychological, and social factors. They emphasize that pain shouldn't hold you back from exercising and share inspiring stories of people who have overcome chronic pain. Discover the transformative insights in Ryan's book, "Pain Plus Performance," and consider the remote guidance from Paragon Athletics for a proactive approach to pain management. This discussion will completely change how you think about pain - it's a signal, not a barrier.   Key Takeaways:   (00:02) Opening: Unraveling Medical Myths (02:35) The Pain of Training (08:23) Back pain and osteoarthritis (11:00) The biopsychosocial dimension of pain (18:07) Physical Fitness: Solutions not just assessments (22:31) Common musculoskeletal complaints, how to manage them (25:42) Are Chronic Pain Barriers to Exercise? (28:07) Conclusion of the episode   Ryan Whited, a personal trainer and accomplished climber, is the mastermind behind Paragon Athletics, a gym dedicated to enhancing athletes' performance through tailored strength and conditioning programs.   He co-authored the book "Pain + Performance" with Matt Fitzgerald, who has previously been a guest on my podcast. Their book is available on Amazon and in leading bookstores.   "And I can think of nothing that has a better impact upon all the elements of health that I talk about than exercise. And it breaks my heart when people are held back by that."   You can contact Ryan Whited and his team directly through their website at https://paragonathletics.com/     Did you find this episode helpful? Let us know by leaving a review! Visit these links to learn more: ●  https://www.drchristianson.com/ ● Dr. Christianson on Facebook ● Dr. Christianson on Instagram   Subscribe for more Medical Myths, Legends, & Fairytales: ● Apple Podcasts ● Spotify ● YouTube

    32 min
  2. Thyroid Management Made Simple: Your 6-Month Plan to Better Health

    APR 30

    Thyroid Management Made Simple: Your 6-Month Plan to Better Health

    In this last installment of the Thyroid Beginner Series, Dr. Christianson has put together a comprehensive plan to help you on your thyroid health journey for the next six months!   Dr. C suggests beginning with a review of your medication to ensure that you are taking the right dosage that suits your needs.  Then, he introduces the Thyroid Reset Diet, a strategic approach to optimizing nutrition for thyroid function. No worries, he's got your back! He'll make it super easy for you to adjust your diet with practical meal plans and recommendations.   Dr. C stresses the importance of taking quality supplements to address thyroid imbalances. At the three-month mark, he advises a recheck of thyroid levels to assess medication needs and iodine levels. Then, by six months, he recommends exploring potential comorbidities if symptoms persist.   Throughout the episode, Dr. C highlights personalized thyroid management. He encourages you to seek support from knowledgeable practitioners and advocates for perseverance in reclaiming your best health. Episode Timestamps:   (00:02) Introduction (00:34) Overview of the six-month plan for managing thyroid disease (00:46) Medication review if you're on thyroid medication (01:01) Possibility of deprescribing and getting a second opinion (01:29) Finding the appropriate medication (02:14) The Thyroid Reset Diet (02:54) Dialing in your diet (03:20) The reset phase lasting 3-9 months (03:35) Starting on the right type of supplements and taking fewer pills (04:30) Rechecking your levels after 3 months (05:12) Checking your therapeutic iodine window and the need for further evaluation (05:41) When and how to test Iodine: Urinary to creatinine ratio test (06:01) Scenarios related to iodine intake, including common pitfalls (07:11) Points to remember when starting the taper deprescribing 2-month process (07:40) What to expect during and after the taper (08:13) Things to look out for in the 6-month mark (08:38) When to check out for other comorbidities and working with a diagnostician (09:16) The potential for improvement in thyroid health and seeking help if symptoms persist (09:50) Got a feedback? Reach out to Dr. C.   "...this is a process that is known, that these things can work, that you can feel better again...for most people, their thyroid can take over a lot or completely. But even barring that, they should be able to feel at least as well as they did before the whole thing happens. If you're out there and that hasn't happened just yet, you need a different opinion. You need another set of eyes on this thing because something is being missed. Never give up on your vision of having your own best health back again." Did you find this episode helpful? Let us know by leaving a review! Visit these links to learn more: ●  https://www.drchristianson.com/ ● Dr. Christianson on Facebook ● Dr. Christianson on Instagram   Subscribe for more Medical Myths, Legends, & Fairytales: ● Apple Podcasts ● Spotify ● YouTube

    11 min
  3. Troubleshooting Symptoms of Thyroid Disease: Looking Beyond Hormones and Medication

    APR 24

    Troubleshooting Symptoms of Thyroid Disease: Looking Beyond Hormones and Medication

    Are you struggling with persistent symptoms related to thyroid dysfunction? Or are you just curious to learn more about thyroid health? Either way, you're in the right place!   In this episode, Dr. Christianson, the expert in thyroid health, shares his insights on managing thyroid symptoms beyond the conventional approach of simply supplementing with thyroid hormone. He sheds light on the often-overlooked factors contributing to thyroid-related symptoms, which can make a huge difference in your health.   Dr. C delves into the complex network of health problems associated with thyroid dysfunction, ranging from autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto's to less well-known coexisting conditions like latent iron depletion and fatty liver disease. He emphasizes the importance of holistic management tailored to each individual's needs.   Throughout the episode, Dr. C gives helpful advice and practical tips for dealing with thyroid-related health issues. He stresses the significance of proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plans in addressing underlying comorbidities. By broadening our understanding of thyroid health beyond hormone levels, listeners gain valuable knowledge to support them in achieving optimal well-being.   Tune in to unravel the complexities of thyroid health and learn how to manage it comprehensively. It's a great opportunity to boost your health and wellness, so don't miss it!  Episode Timestamps:   (00:02) Introduction (00:34) Overview of managing symptoms of thyroid disease (01:03) Misconceptions about thyroid hormone treatment (01:56) Basic steps for managing symptoms (02:00) Considerations for medication including diet supplementation (02:30) Potential problems with thyroid medications (02:40) Addressing persistent symptoms (02:51) Hashimoto's autoimmune condition and its impact on symptoms (03:09) Iodine and nutraceuticals to manage Hashimoto's (03:34) Antibody levels and correlation to symptoms (03:53) Comorbidities in thyroid disease (04:28) The presence of one or more comorbidity (05:15) Latent iron depletion as a common comorbidity (05:54) Symptoms relevant to iron depletion (06:06) Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal dysfunction or adrenal stress/fatigue (06:49) Helpful tests and surveys for detecting  adrenal stress (07:10) Fatty liver disease as a comorbidity (07:43) Symptoms indicating fatty liver issues (07:57) Height to waist screening for fatty liver (08:39) Parathyroid disease, another comorbidity  (09:03) Symptoms of parathyroid disease (09:26) Hypercalcemia vs. hypocalcemia (09:52 ) Importance of calcium metabolism awareness (10:07) Celiac disease and challenges in managing it (10:45) Importance of accurate testing for celiac disease (11:01) The atrophic gastritis and effects on nutrient absorption (11:23) Screening recommendations for autoimmune gastritis (11:32) When should you seek a gastroenterologist? (11:50) Depression or anxiety associated with thyroid disease (12:37) Importance of considering comorbidities in symptom management and seeking professional diagnostic assistance (12:53) Closing remarks and a preview of the next episode (13:09) Outro “If you're seeming to do a lot of the right stuff, but you're not feeling better, you should really think about one or more of these [thyroid disease comorbidities] being present.”   Did you find this episode helpful? Let us know by leaving a review! Visit these links to learn more: ●  https://www.drchristianson.com/ ● Dr. Christianson on Facebook ● Dr. Christianson on Instagram   Subscribe for more Medical Myths, Legends, & Fairytales: ● Apple Podcasts ● Spotify ● YouTube

    14 min
  4. Understanding Thyroid Nodules for a Proactive Approach to Wellness

    APR 16

    Understanding Thyroid Nodules for a Proactive Approach to Wellness

    It can be tough to sort out health information in today's media landscape. It is essential to keep updated with the latest news and research. Come along as Dr. Christianson takes us on a journey to understand thyroid nodules. He got us covered with some great tips and tricks to keep us healthy!   Despite being common, the abnormal tissue growths in the thyroid, a.k.a nodules, carry a risk, particularly of thyroid cancer, which is rapidly increasing among women. In this episode, we will learn about the significance of early detection through self-examination and physician exams, emphasizing the role of specialized thyroid doctors. Dr. C also discusses the debate around ultrasound screenings and advocates for their importance, particularly for those with thyroid disease.   What's unique about this episode is that Dr. C explores safe, natural options for managing nodules, including iodine regulation, weight control, and nutraceuticals.    If you have nodules, there is a good change that safe lifestyle changes like these can lower their odds of becoming cancerous. Enjoy the podcast and get the details.  Episode Timestamps:   (00:02) Introduction (00:33) The thyroid nodules and the risks associated with thyroid disease (00:51) Rise in thyroid cancer cases in women today (01:23) What are nodules? (01:36) Higher percentage risk for adults (02:04) Are nodules harmless or not? (02:33) Likelihood of developing nodules due to Hashimoto's, hyperthyroidism, or cancer (02:47) Importance of thyroid self-exam (03:12) Social Media reminders for a self-exam with Dr. Christianson (03:40) Physician's exam for detecting nodules (04:05) Thyroid ultrasound for those with thyroid disease (05:05) Action steps if nodules are present (05:22) Natural options for nodule management (05:29) Regulating iodine (06:13) Weight loss (if appropriate) (07:06) Nutraceuticals (07:58) Nutraceuticals precaution (08:28) The nodule control product integrated with thyroid daily (08:45) Develop habits for monitoring thyroid health  (9:10) Outro “The drawback is that if they [thyroid nodules] are identified, then you've got to stay on top of them.   Did you find this episode helpful? Let us know by leaving a review! Visit these links to learn more: ●  https://www.drchristianson.com/ ● Dr. Christianson on Facebook ● Dr. Christianson on Instagram   Subscribe for more Medical Myths, Legends, & Fairytales: ● Apple Podcasts ● Spotify ● YouTube

    10 min
  5. Supplement Overload: Are You Harming Your Thyroid Instead of Helping?

    APR 10

    Supplement Overload: Are You Harming Your Thyroid Instead of Helping?

    In this installment of the Thyroid Beginner Series, Dr. Christianson sheds light on the role of supplements in supporting thyroid function. We all want to care for our health, and seeking assistance from supplements is natural. However, it's important to remember that overconsumption can have serious consequences. Dr. C. warns against excessive use, citing startling statistics of liver damage as an outcome.   Dr. C emphasizes the importance of avoiding iodine-containing supplements and thyroid support products. He also highlights the significance of micronutrients such as zinc, selenium, and vitamin D in maintaining thyroid health.   If you're struggling with thyroid issues, there's good news. Dr. C. has developed thyroid-specific formulations that can help. These formulations are carefully made to address a range of concerns, from autoimmunity to hypothyroidism and nodules. The blends, including Antibody Support, Hypothyroid Support, and the Daily Reset Bundle, are designed to provide targeted support without overloading your body with unnecessary supplements.   Don't miss out on some amazing tips and advice on improving your thyroid health and overall vitality. Tune in and let's get started! Key Takeaways:   (00:03) Introduction (00:34) Importance and risks of supplements (00:45) Excessive supplement use leads to liver damage. (01:06) Avoiding thyroid-harming supplements esp. iodine (01:42) Highlighting the presence of iodine in thyroid support products (02:36) Caution regarding synthetic B6 and manganese in supplements (03:15) Getting enough basic micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, for maintaining good thyroid health (03:40) Introducing Dr. C's thyroid-specific formulations line (04:32) The Thyroid Daily supplement (05:18) Omega Pure, the iodine-free fish oil (05:42) The Daily Reset Bundle, a combination of Thyroid Daily, Omega Pure, and Calcium Magnesium, as the essential starting point for anyone with thyroid disease. (06:01) Addressing autoimmunity and managing the symptoms of thyroid problems (06:21) Antibody Support Blend for lowering thyroid antibodies (06:41) Fighting hypothyroidism and symptoms with Hypothyroid Support Blend (07:40) Considerations for Thyroid Nodules and Nodule Control Blend (08:03) Optimizing a treatment plan for hyperthyroidism with Hyperthyroid Support Blend (08:23) Metabolism Boost to help maintain muscle mass and lower insulin (08:47) The key to improving thyroid health micronutrients starts with the Daily Reset Bundle (09:32) Keeping your pill count specific  and targeted to thyroid needs (10:11) Episode wrap-up (10:33) Closing statement   “This one's about supplements, and this is important. They have their place, they can help, they can also get in the way.”   Did you find this episode helpful? Let us know by leaving a review! Visit these links to learn more: ●  https://www.drchristianson.com/ ● Dr. Christianson on Facebook ● Dr. Christianson on Instagram   Subscribe for more Medical Myths, Legends, & Fairytales: ● Apple Podcasts ● Spotify ● YouTube

    11 min
  6. The Essential Role of Diet in Thyroid Health

    APR 4

    The Essential Role of Diet in Thyroid Health

    Are you curious about how diet can help with thyroid recovery? You're in luck because in this episode of the Thyroid Beginner Series, we dive into the benefits of the Thyroid Reset Diet and its impact on thyroid health.   Dr. Christianson discusses the impact of various diets studied for thyroid disease, such as gluten-free, autoimmune paleo, vegan, and low iodine, and helps you understand their complexities. He also shares his insights on the importance of maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients such as selenium, iron, and B12 to support thyroid health effectively. He highlights the transformative effects of regulating iodine intake in reversing various types of thyroid dysfunction, further provides practical dietary suggestions, and urges for a comprehensive approach that includes various food categories while cautioning against orthorexic tendencies and nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, he covers the shift from the reset phase to maintenance.   By the end of the episode, you will understand the significance of adopting a nuanced approach to dietary management in improving thyroid health The Thyroid Reset Diet offers valuable insights into structured meal planning, aiding this process.   You’ll learn that diet can make a massive difference to your recovery and that the most effective approaches are not the most extreme.  Key Takeaways:   (00:03) Introduction (00:33) Diet as one of the big pillars of thyroid recovery (01:00) Different diets studied for thyroid disease (01:15) Gluten-free diets and their connection to celiac disease and thyroid disease (01:53) Overview of autoimmune paleo diet (02:24) The two significant studies on autoimmune paleo diet and thyroid function resulting in thyroid immunity (03:19) Importance of focusing on factors that can help with diet (03:33) Risks associated with diet, such as  Orthorexia (03:54) Iodine and other dietary-related factors affecting thyroid (04:08) Effects of extremely low-carb diets on thyroid function (04:30) Cutting out macronutrients and its effects on thyroid function (05:03) Importance of key nutrients, including proteins, fats, carbs, and micronutrients (05:46) A balanced diet with micronutrients for thyroid health (05:37) Pitfalls of excessively low-carb diets (06:20) Reversing thyroid disease with iodine regulation (06:33) Success rate  of iodine-regulated diet in reversing thyroid disease (06:41) Food options for iodine-regulated diet (07:21) Foods to avoid the stage of actively reversing thyroid disease: processed grains, dairy products, seafood, egg yolks (09:18) Unloading iodine (09:35) Analogy of camel's back to thyroid healing (10:05) A variety of food options for thyroid health (10:22) The Thyroid Reset Diet and the menu plans, recipes, and shopping lists it offers (10:34) Transition to reset stage with green light foods (10:46) Inclusion of yellow light foods in the maintenance stage of the diet (11:00) Diet as the make or break in helping recover thyroid function (11:19) Outro    “...in helping to recover thyroid function, you've got to take diet into account. It can completely make or break things.”   Did you find this episode helpful? Let us know by leaving a review! Visit these links to learn more: ●  https://www.drchristianson.com/ ● Dr. Christianson on Facebook ● Dr. Christianson on Instagram   Subscribe for more Medical Myths, Legends, & Fairytales: ● Apple Podcasts ● Spotify ● YouTube

    12 min
  7. The Importance of Iodine for Thyroid Health

    MAR 28

    The Importance of Iodine for Thyroid Health

    In the latest podcast episode of the Thyroid Beginner Series, Dr. Christianson discusses the importance of iodine for your thyroid health. He compares it to the mantra in real estate of "location, location, location," with "iodine, iodine, iodine" being the first three things you need for your thyroid to function correctly.   Dr. C explains how our genes can affect how we process iodine, which is essential for thyroid health. Some people's genes work better in low-iodine environments, while others work better in high-iodine environments. Interestingly, people who are prone to thyroid disease may have a lower tolerance for iodine, making them more vulnerable to triggers, even at normal iodine levels.   The podcast explores how iodine interacts with thyroid hormones and autoimmunity, and the delicate balance required for optimal thyroid function. Dr. C simplifies iodine requirements and stresses the importance of maintaining a safe intake, especially for those susceptible to thyroid issues.   As supported by research, Dr. C stresses the effectiveness of regulating iodine intake in reversing thyroid disease. He provides practical insights into assessing iodine intake and offers valuable resources for monitoring and optimizing iodine levels. He also emphasizes iodine's essential role in thyroid health and encourages listeners to check out his Thyroid Reset Diet for comprehensive guidance. With a better understanding of iodine and its implications, individuals like you can take proactive steps toward improving thyroid function and overall well-being.   Discover the secrets of managing your thyroid health journey with confidence! Dr. C is here to help you understand the benefits of iodine and how it can improve your overall well-being. Make sure you catch this chance to take control of your health and feel your best! Key Takeaways:   (00:02) Introduction (00:34) The importance of iodine in thyroid function (00:58) Genetic factors and iodine metabolism (01:30) Adaptation to low or high iodine environments (02:10) Iodine intolerance and the role of genes (02:36) Formation of thyroid hormones and iodine's role in hormone production (03:50) Immune response to excess iodine (04:16) Difference of iodine levels for children and adults (05:13) Recommended iodine intake (05:51) Role of sodium iodide simporter (06:38) Presence of iodine in foods (07:09) Iodine in thyroid medications (07:40) Having tolerance and sensitivity to iodine (07:56) Metabolism of iodine inside the thyroid (08:10) Looking at iodine intake with www.iodineinventory.com (08:52) Iodine tests: helpful or not? (09:37) Effects of regulating iodine intake with the Thyroid Reset Diet (11:36) Importance of diet inventory (13:00) Transition to maintenance stage in diet (13:15) Conclusion (13:27) Outro   “Getting too much iodine is just like getting too little iodine. So it's like a lot of things. It's about balance, [you know] like the Goldilocks and the three bears. It's not too hot, not too cold. Thankfully, our bodies are so frugal and so efficient with iodine that getting too little is pretty much never a problem.”   Did you find this episode helpful? Let us know by leaving a review! Visit these links to learn more: ●  https://www.drchristianson.com/ ● Dr. Christianson on Facebook ● Dr. Christianson on Instagram   Subscribe for more Medical Myths, Legends, & Fairytales: ● Apple Podcasts ● Spotify ● YouTube

    14 min
  8. The Truth About Thyroid Medications

    MAR 14

    The Truth About Thyroid Medications

    This episode of the Thyroid Beginner Series features Dr. Christianson discussing the pros and cons of using thyroid medications to help you make informed decisions about your health.   While thyroid meds are super important for those without a thyroid or with severe hypothyroidism, a lot of people may not benefit and could even face health complications. Dr. C discusses what you must consider when starting, continuing, or stopping thyroid medication. He emphasizes the importance of personalized care and informed decision-making.    Dr. Christianson also reveals some surprising findings from studies on deprescribing. Turns out, lots of people can successfully lower or even stop medication usage without any adverse effects. He also talks about the difference between synthetic and natural thyroid hormones and how to optimize treatment approaches for better outcomes.    Don't miss out on the opportunity to receive expert guidance on how to manage your thyroid health effectively and make informed decisions about medication. Join us now to take the first step towards a healthier you!   Key Takeaways: (00:02) Introduction (00:35) Overview of thyroid medications as the widely prescribed medications globally. (00:58) Efficacy and risks of thyroid medications; why some people do not benefit from thyroid medications and are exposed to substantial health risks. (02:12) Considerations for feeling better on medication (03:09) How introducing external hormones to the body disrupts the natural balance of hormones. (03:59) Symptoms and challenges of taking thyroid medications and why making a hormone is not the same as taking a hormone. (05:45) Thyroid medication as a necessity for those without a thyroid or severe hyperthyroidism. (06:25) Considerations for starting or continuing thyroid medication. (07:15) Deprescribing and lowering dosage. (08:31) Process of deprescribing thyroid medications and adjusting dosage based on health improvements. (11:05) Conclusion and preview of the next episode; "the iodine story." (12:00) Closing   "The phrase that I've thought of is that making a hormone is not the same as taking a hormone, and as much as possible, we want our bodies to make the hormone. The paradox is that if you're taking it, you can make it harder for your body to make it, of course."   Did you find this episode helpful? Let us know by leaving a review! Visit these links to learn more: ●  https://www.drchristianson.com/ ● Dr. Christianson on Facebook ● Dr. Christianson on Instagram   Subscribe for more Medical Myths, Legends, & Fairytales: ● Apple Podcasts ● Spotify ● YouTube

    13 min
4.3
out of 5
124 Ratings

About

New York Times best-selling author and distinguished thyroid care expert, Dr. Alan Christianson dives deep into today's big controversies like vaccines, grains, and soy. We explore the unexpected side of things you never thought were controversial like leaky gut, pesticides, and fructose. The goal is not to shock or outrage, but to help us all learn to cling tightly to our health, and cling loosely to our ideas. Feel an unprecedented sense of being able to communicate with love, concern, and science - and help us get back on track.

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