I’ve had hypothyroidism for quite some time. It’s something that runs in my family. As I started to dig deeper into the disorder, I realized that it’s very much connected to the gut, and I wanted to explore the root of the disorder versus simply the symptoms and causes—which led me to the work of Dr. Frank Lipman.
His new book, How to Be Well, is about more than gut health, though—it’s about a way of life that puts you as a patient and a person first. Unlike the way Western medicine usually puts a band-aid on problems, Lipman’s philosophy combines both Eastern and Western theories for a more balanced, wellness-forward approach to health. First and foremost, it’s all about trusting yourself and trusting what your body is telling you.
In what he calls the Good Medicine Mandala, Dr. Lipman puts you, the patient in the middle, with six pillars surrounding:
- How to Eat Well
- How to Sleep Well
- How to Move Well
- How to Protect Well
- How to Unwind Well
- How to Connect Well
Essentially, How to Be Well offers a blueprint on how to live in a way that encourages self-awareness, self-care and fulfillment at every level. He offers 100 tips across all of six areas. If that sounds daunting, it’s not. The tips are little tweaks you can make to your everyday life: Think things like eating more home-cooked meals, listening to your body’s rhythms so you can get on a more regular and refreshing sleep schedule, and getting up and moving around every couple of hours. Taking these small steps then adds up to a larger picture of overall health that’s completely personal to you.
One of the areas that really spoke to me is How to Connect Well, because, like everyone else I know, I’m on my phone all the time and I feel like I’m missing out on the little moments of human connection that make life really special. His tips have helped me to slow down and savor those moments.
I’ve already started to incorporate many of his tips into my daily routine, and I already feel leaps and bounds better, both mentally and physically, because of it. I hope you’ll enjoy our conversation and will consider picking up a copy of the book. Be well!
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14 Comments
LC
I have had hypothyroidism since I was 12 years old. It’s also been in my family’s medical history. This is the first I have EVER heard of a connection in the gut. I have seen several specialists in the past sense my diagnosis. Thank you for sharing, I plan on researching about this gut connection thoroughly. And I also have How To Be Well on my list of books to read!
~LC
Mellissa
I struggle with many different medical issues. I am a single mother with disabilies and I live on a tight budget the one thing that I have found is I have to cook all most always at home if I want the food to last for a whole month. I also have to say that I buy what’s cheap as well because of a monthly budget. So I even out as much as I can because I Know that there is always going to be a Mac and cheese night. I know that it is still a good chance that it is better for me than eating at a fast food restaurant… But I have 8 lesions on my brain and I still have problem with exercise and weight management. So I am constantly looking for the news ways to help me. So thank you for this blog and I Will be seeing this book soon. I shoot for progress not profection
Regina
Thank you so much for sharing! I’ve had several health issues that I wasn’t sure how to deal with and just this short interview gave me many ideas. This book is now on my must reads!
Carolina
Awwww how cute that you added your husband to your IG story that will disappear about “how proud” you are. He is, after all, the only reason you can afford those ugly as sin whore clothes and exorbitant lifestyle.
Trisha
I have alot of problems with and medication and am trying to survive hypothyroidism as holisticlty as possible
Bobbi Jo Staley
I have been Hypothyroid for probably more than 15 years and I’ve been on the same medicine and my levels have been good every time I’ve had it checked. I lived in India for awhile and it was really cheap to have a yoga teach come to your home. I have Lupus also so I have a lot of stiffness and mobility issues. The yoga helped a lot with that. He was also telling me if I moved my neck a certain way or did xyz, my thyroid would fixed and I wouldn’t need medicine anymore. I pretty much rolled my eyes and though “yeah right” and asked him to just stick to the stretching and my mobility. After about 16 months of the yoga classes, I had my thyroid checked and they said I needed to lower my meds!! I was so shocked because I had taken those same meds forever. I asked a friend who is a US doctor and asked if it possible for yoga to “fix” my thyroid – if there was any research on it. He didn’t know how it would help but said go ahead and do it if it helps!
Ashley
I love reading your blog. I enjoy your instagram too. Keep doing what your doing cause your doing great.
Mary
Thanks for sharing…
Ursula
thanks for the tip for his book. I will see if I can find it here in Germany. Some months ago my doctor figioure out that I have hasimodo tiritis. my thyroid has a chronic inflammation.
online and thanks to my best friend who has it as well I found out about no gluten as no lactose now for me is a right way. But asking my doctor about it he says I now has my medicaments. sadly my doc dosn’t believe in a holistic methode. he even told that is has not to do with the gut…. still can’t believe he said that.
Loel
I don’t have exact that, but there not sure what I have. I’ve been tested, then they label me with bucket list stuff like Chronic Fatigue, CRPS, Fibromyalgia, and more. I’ve even had one doctor call me an “enigma”. Very disheartening. I just want to feel better or have some energy again. I’m only 44 and been going through this since my youngest was a baby. She’s 12. I feel alone.
Larissa
I have hyperthyroidism.
But blood tests have revealed that my body is not well … Physically I feel good …
I’ve been trying to change my life. Better food, quiet night’s sleep and keeping 8 hours a day …
I stopped worrying about the work and studies that had consumed me before.
I had to learn to live and think more about myself.
Kisses Gen.
Love u
Elena Becker
I was diagnosed with Lupus last year and have struggled with my health and gut. Def putting this on my list of books to read!
Willow
I have autoimmune thyroid disease, and a host of other physical challenges. I’m always looking for holistic approaches to feel as well as I can and live as well as I can, so I’m definitely checking this out.
Heather
Just wow. I had no clue you were hypothyroid. I’ve been going back and forth with doctors for years since I was diagnosed after my oldest was born. Everyone says they notice the changes in my personality since I’ve been diagnosed. I’m tired no matter what I do and I’m in a constant fog. I’ve recently been trying the gluten free thing but not sure how it’s actually working. Not much of a change yet. I am very interested in this information you’ve shared!