Dr. William Davis

Cardiologist + Author + Health Crusader

"The food you eat is making you sick and the agencies that are providing you with guidelines on what to eat are giving dangerous advice with devastating health consequences. You can change that today."

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This Is Not The Paleo Diet

By Dr. Davis |

With all the talk about reverting back to the dietary roots of our species, some may ask: Isn’t this the same as the paleo diet, the popular interpretation of diet prior to agriculture?

The Wheat Belly and Undoctored lifestyle and the popular notion of a Paleolithic diet overlap substantially, but there are differences. So let’s discuss the points of difference.

First of all, I am not bashing the ideas promoted by followers of the paleo concepts. The ideas they follow are much better than conventional notions of healthy eating, and wonderful results can indeed be achieved on a paleo diet. Many authors from the paleo community are among my friends.

We both agree on this notion that reverting to the dietary habits and foods that molded us evolutionarily for 2.5 million years is logical, representing a return to habits to which our bodies have adapted. We both reject all grains, the biggest issue of all, given their relatively recent introduction 10,000 years ago. Bad enough if consumed in their natural state, the actions of agribusiness made wheat, corn, and other grains much worse, so there are no points of contention here. We both also reject the use of refined sugar; sweeteners such as agave nectar and high-fructose corn syrup; oils such as corn, soybean, and canola; and highly processed commercial and genetically modified foods. So we agree on over 90 percent of dietary issues.

But there are indeed differences…

In the Wheat Belly and Undoctored approach, we limit digestible carbohydrates. In most popular versions of the paleo diet, carbohydrate/sugar sources like honey, maple syrup, and fruit are consumed ad lib.

Why do we limit carbohydrates?

We limit carbs because the majority of people starting out on this lifestyle have type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or some degree of insulin resistance. We limit carbs because a lifetime of drinking soft drinks and eating breakfast cereals and other sugar/carb sources may have damaged some of the beta cells in your pancreas that produce insulin; any more damage and you may lose control over blood sugars forever. We limit carbs because you likely have acquired inflammatory consequences of the modern diet, such as higher levels of inflammatory interleukins, tumor necrosis factor, and C-reactive protein, all of which contribute to heart disease, cancer, and dementia. We also limit carbs because your bowel flora is different than Paleolithic human bowel flora. This means that you digest carbs and other nutrients differently and struggle more with insulin resistance. (Perhaps this issue will recede as we get better at re-creating the bowel flora of primitive cultures in years to come.)

We limit carbs because we want to slow the deterioration of aging provoked by glycation. Note that the worst form of glycation is fructation (i.e., fructose modification of proteins), which is 10 times more vigorous than glycation by glucose. This means that ad lib consumption of honey, maple syrup, and fruit—all rich in fructose—will accelerate development of cataracts, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, and dementia. (Nobody knows exactly where a safe level of fructose consumption falls, but it is likely low—no more than that contained in one medium-size apple, for example, or about 10 grams.) We also limit fruit because modern fruit has been hybridized for large size, sweetness, and reduction in fiber content to encourage consumption.

In my view, not limiting carbohydrates and sugars in a modern human is a big mistake for the above reasons. And these are effects that cannot be “worked off” by, say, running an additional mile or another 30 minutes of Zumba. Combining carbohydrate restriction with grain elimination is an exceptionally powerful way to address these issues.

Unlike the paleo diet, we include consumption of legumes and tubers, although we adhere to a strict carb limitation in doing so. The fact that our intestinal lining is heavily dependent on the fatty acid butyrate (to be discussed later) suggests that the human digestive tract requires fibers that yield butyrate upon microbial digestion. Underground fiber-rich tubers, such as raw potatoes, and cooked legumes, such as beans and lentils, are rich in fibers that yield butyrate when bowel flora consume them. Denying yourself such prebiotic fibers by eliminating all legumes and tubers therefore guarantees that dysbiosis, or health-impairing distortions of bowel flora composition, will develop, accompanied by long-term deterioration in blood sugar, blood pressure, triglycerides, and even mental health and increased risk for colon cancer.

Unlike the paleo lifestyle in which all dairy products are shunned, in the Wheat Belly and Undoctored lifestyle, dairy products are conditional (i.e., we consume them on a limited basis and are selective). Because many dairy issues are “dose-dependent,” meaning effects worsen with consumption of greater quantities, I believe that some people are fine consuming small quantities of dairy. Nobody is safe consuming unlimited quantities of nonorganic dairy, as it will invite issues with hormone overexposure, the insulin-provoking effect of whey, and immune disease–activating effects of A1 beta-casein protein. Fermented cheeses, yogurt, and kefir are among the least problematic, given the denaturation (breakdown) of casein and reductions in whey and lactose introduced by fermentation. Of course, only full-fat, organic cheese, yogurts, and kefirs should be chosen (or made yourself).

Also, the butyrate contained in butter is a powerful anti-inflammatory and intestinal health–maintaining factor. Butter and ghee are also nearly entirely fat with little casein or whey proteins and are also among the more benign forms of dairy. But we’ve got to be careful with dairy: small quantities; organic; favoring fermented cheeses, yogurt, kefir, butter, and ghee.

There are other differences, such as with issues of saturated fat consumption and use of salt. I encourage consumption of saturated fat or at least discourage limitation, and I believe that higher levels of salt are perfectly safe, provided they are not the obscene levels obtained by eating at fast-food restaurants and drinking carbonated soft drinks that are responsible for intakes of over 10,000 milligrams per day. One of the difficulties with the paleo diet is that there are as many variations as there are proponents (there is no one paleo diet). Some limit saturated fat, others do not. Some limit salt, others do not. Some say oats, quinoa, and buckwheat are okay, others say they are not. Think of it: The Paleolithic diet of the African savanna was different from the Paleolithic diet of northern Europe was different from the Paleolithic diet of southeast Asia was different from the Paleolithic diet of the Amazonian basin, and so on. Rather than thinking about a “paleo diet,” I think it makes more sense to ask: What was common among all preagricultural human eating habits regardless of location and climate? Several common behaviors emerge: All humans hunted and consumed the flesh and organs of animals, all consumed nongrass plants, all relied on some source of intestinal butyrate, and nobody consumed the seeds of grasses (grains). Nobody limited fat or saturated fat, and salt was something we needed and sought.

In the Wheat belly and Undoctored program, we do not just re-create the diet of primitive humans; we also work to restore nutrients lost by living modern lives, something not addressed in paleo diets. Failing to address nutritional deficiencies would be like getting your car washed and cleaned, with a new set of tires, but forgetting to change the oil and spark plugs; your car will not run correctly, even fail in time. Addressing the nutritional deficiencies of prior wheat and grain consumption, as well as other nutritional blunders, will take you yet another big step closer to ideal health.

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About Dr. Davis

Cardiologist Dr. William Davis is a New York
Times #1 Best Selling author and the Medical Director of the Wheat Belly Lifestyle Institute and the Undoctored Inner Circle program.

Nothing here should be construed as medical advice, but only topics for further discussion with your doctor. I practice cardiology in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Comments & Feedback...

  1. Steve

    In an article published today in Politico titled ” The great nutrient collapse” Irakli Loladze theorizes the entire biosphere is binging on carbs due to the large increase in CO2 in the atmosphere due to industrialization . The actual diet of our ancestors may have been much lower in carbs than we previously supposed.

    • virginia

      if you google ancient co2, this is one of the things you will find.

      CO2 was higher in the past
      “The killer proof that CO2 does not drive climate is to be found during the Ordovician- Silurian and the Jurassic-Cretaceous periods when CO2 levels were greater than 4000 ppmv (parts per million by volume) and about 2000 ppmv respectively. If the IPCC theory is correct there should have been runaway greenhouse induced global warming during these periods but instead there was glaciation.”
      (The Lavoisier Group)

      • steve

        That time frame may not be applicable to this line of thought. The research in this article was only comparing carbohydrate content to that of past centuries. 4000ppm would certainly have created a most unusual environment.

    • Bob Niland

      Steve wrote: «The actual diet of our ancestors may have been much lower in carbs than we previously supposed.»

      It was, but not due to CO2 to any significant degree.

      Any macronutrient effect is dwarfed by the wider cultural problem of deadly dietary advice. The article shows a glimmer of awareness about this:
      “We don’t know what a minor shift in the carbohydrate ratio in the diet is ultimately going to do,” she said, noting that the overall trend toward more starch and carbohydrate consumption has been associated with an increase in diet-related disease like obesity and diabetes.

      But just a glimmer:
      “It’s a hidden issue,” Ebi said. “The fact that my bread doesn’t have the micronutrients it did 20 years ago?how would you know?”

      The micronutrient effect appears real (the goldenrod data mentioned in the article), but for the near term, that effect in agricultural crops is dwarfed by
      • the nutrient depletions in crops caused by agricultural practices (selecting cultivars for yield, pest resistance, ease of harvest, durability, shelf life and curb appeal), and
      • the in-vivo depletions caused by grain consumption.
      ________
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      • Steve

        It’s just another piece of the puzzle, of course. But considering We’re made of carbon, it may actually be significant. Some youtube video claims prehistoric creatures grew enormous due to a higher oxygen content. This seems preposterous to me. That would have only applied to either plant or animal, but not both. Carbon on the other hand is universal in the biosphere.

  2. rozmund

    So I have reduced sugars of all stripes drastically..but do enjoy my root veggies grown here in Canada, organically, pots,carrots,turnips,squashes,beets and greens such as spinach,broccoli, cauliflower and Chinese greens, eat meat twice a week in the form of liver, and lamb, the odd chicken part..what else can I do..?? The chicken parts morph into chicken stew…what else can be done..I find I am hungry more times than not hungry…

    • Kimberly Francis

      If you are hungry, try increasing your consumption of healthy fats such as butter, ghee, animal fats, olive oil, coconut oil and avocados along with nuts.

    • steve

      Try including seaweed in your diet. Your hunger is a signal that your diet is deficient in something or other. You need to find out what it is

    • Bob Niland

      rozmund wrote: «So I have reduced sugars of all stripes drastically.»

      And grains? I ask because you didn’t specifically indicate what dietary program you are following.

      re: «…pots,carrots,turnips,squashes,beets…»

      Cooked potatos, carrots and beets are pretty high in available net carbs (saccharide polymers) that act just like sugar. In the Wheat Belly/Undoctored programs, we limit portion sizes on these pretty tightly.

      re: «I find I am hungry more times than not hungry…»

      The blood sugar effect from a single cooked potato can easily do that. The food list you presented also appeared low in fat. Combine stealth carbs with low-fat, and hunger is a predictable result.
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      • John D Pilla

        On potatoes, if you cook, cool, reheat, you get a high amount of resistant starch (fiber) reducing overall net carbs. We don’t eat potatoes ourselves, but wondering if occasional potatoes or sweet potatoes done this way has much negative affects?

        • Bob Niland

          John D Pilla wrote: «On potatoes, if you cook, cool, reheat, you get a high amount of resistant starch (fiber) reducing overall net carbs.»

          My understanding is that re-cooling cooked potato may only repolymerize perhaps 15% of the available carbohydrates (and that then re-heating will depolymerize them again). So we don’t recommend this in the program. Raw potato is fine.

          re: «…wondering if occasional potatoes or sweet potatoes done this way has much negative affects?»

          The easy way to check is with an inexpensive blood glucose meter. Check fasting BG (FBG) pre-meal, and try to capture the postprandial (PPBG) peak, between 30 and 60 minutes after start of meal.

          Program targets are 90 mg/dL or less FBG, and no rise PPBG (but in any case staying under 100). If it goes to 120, you know there’s some sugar or easily cleaved glucose polymer on the plate.

          I consume white potato raw (or as limited amounts of raw potato starch), and merely limit portion sizes on sweet potato.

          ________
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        • John Es

          John D Pilla,

          I do the cooking and cooling thing with white potatoes and lentils. I don’t expect much effect with sweet potatoes, but, I could be wrong. In any case, I agree with Bob N., the effect is modest. However, I have been led to believe the RS3 form is more favorable than the raw RS2 form, provided you can tolerate the glucose. I have also heard the RS3 stands up to re-heating pretty well, but, I have no authoritative references.

          I’m not exactly “going out of my way”, here. I tend to cook large batches of many foods and freeze a good portion for later.

  3. John D Pilla

    QUOTE Unlike the paleo lifestyle in which all dairy products are shunned END QUOTE.
    This is not necessarily true. Only strict Paleo suggests avoidance of dairy. In another portion of your argument, you say the most popular versions of Paleo … The same can be said for dairy, in the most popular versions dairy is not shunned but limited like you suggest, and only grass-fed, etc.
    Secondly, Paleo also does allow and encourage healthy fats and nuts.
    My wife and I had adopted Zone Diety in 2004, adapted to it to more Paleo in 2015, and recently adapted that to more Keto like. All fairly similar and similar enough.
    Bottom line, we eliminated or mostly reduced all sugars and all or nearly all grains, aside from the occasional indulgence. Only eat organic foods as much as possible, at least the dirty dozen, and grass-fed meat from a local farm.

    • Jan P

      I enjoy my lettuce wrap cheeseburgers and holding the line with my 40 pound weight loss. Have not had a piece of bread since January, 2015. I am 82.

  5. Kate

    It sounds very, very much like the Primal diet advocated by Mark Sissons, rather than a Paleo diet. In fact, I couldn’t detect any difference except for the very occasional use of honey. Berries in moderation, too.

    • Bob Niland

      Kate wrote: «It sounds very, very much like the Primal diet advocated by Mark Sissons,…»

      Mark, alas, doesn’t have a trademark on the term “primal”, so there can be “primal” products out there with serious problems. So look for Primal Kitchen® to be sure it’s his, and that product line does have several items which appear Wheat Belly-safe.

      But as the article suggests, one of the problems is that paleo (and generic primal) has no pope (it’s arguably Loren Cordain, but almost no one knows that). You rarely know what “paleo” means, exactly. To really compare any arbitrary enlightened ancestral diet to Wheat Belly/Undoctored, here are some things to check for:
      • Is it 100% grain free?
      • What is its target for net carbs?
      • How does it measure carb consequences? (FBG/PPBG, HbA1c and TG targets)
      • What fats does it endorse and caution on?
      • What has it to say about ideal thyroid status?
      • What is its target for Omega 3 DHA&EPA intake?
      • What is its target for Mg intake (or RBC titer)?
      • What is its target for 25-OH Vitamin D status?
      • What is its target for prebiotic fiber intake?

      Mark has some of this addressed (although not necessarily matched), but most “paleo” programs are simply silent on big chunks of it. Mark’s Grok character didn’t need to worry about any of this. We do.
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      • John D Pilla

        Why so complicated? The average Joe/Jane needs/wants something simple to follow.
        Avoid wheat, avoid sugar, no more than x amount of servings of protein per day (about the size of a deck of cards). Limit fruits, eat more veggies, eat healthy fats (nuts in moderation), avocado oil, olive oil, coconut oil. Balance each meal this way.

        • steve

          This is as simple as you can get. STOP EATING. If you’re carrying around an abundance of stored fat. Use it. Its highly nutritious. One fellow went a whole year on it.

        • Bob Niland

          John D Pilla wrote: «Why so complicated?»

          It’s not, really. That list I posted was by way of giving people a check-list when they are contemplating some random paleo diet and wondering if it’s “just like” Wheat Belly/Undoctored. Almost none are, although it is fully expected that earnest and evolving programs are all eventually going to end up at the same place. More below.

          re: «The average Joe/Jane needs/wants something simple to follow.»

          Absolutely, which why these books were spun off: Wheat Belly 10-Day Grain Detox, and Wheat Belly Slim Guide. They are as simple as it can get for the moment.

          re: «Avoid wheat, avoid sugar,…»

          Zero wheat (multiple reasons). Zero added sugar, and a net carb target for the naturals.

          re: «…no more than x amount of servings of protein per day…»

          No target for protein. This is not a high-protein or low-protein diet. Protein might need to be minded for anyone optionally aiming for ketosis, due to glucogenesis.

          re: «Limit fruits, eat more veggies, eat healthy fats (nuts in moderation), avocado oil, olive oil, coconut oil.»

          Concur, but with nuts merely to net carb target (15g per meal or 6hr period).

          When considering any dissident diet calling itself paleo, one might need to start with what the agenda is:
          • strictly an anthropological mimic?
          • modern, but with some ancestral trappings?
          • locked-down? or evolving?
          • optimized for modern epigenetics, informed by anthropology, and guided by specific markers known to matter?

          Most people following this lifestyle do not track all those markers I mentioned. They are worth a look at the outset, later to adjust intake, and definitely if any ailments fail to resolve on their own. I can’t tell you the last time I had any checked. They are just a way to confirm that the program is delivering. If your HbA1c is 5.3% or higher, for example, you’re asking for trouble (program target 5.0% or less).

          Thyroid dysfunction is rampant, and is mis-tested, mis-diagnosed and mis-treated by consensus medicine. It’s not always due to iodine deficiency, so the program has intense focus on what to do about it.

          Omega 3 DHA/EPA intake is based on results. If you can safely get it all from seafood, there’s no need to supplement it (or probably iodine either).

          Magnesium deficiency is rampant, and takes a long time to correct. So we supplement.

          Vitamin D deficiency is rampant, and consensus titer targets are too low. If you’re a 20-year-old cruise ship lifeguard, you’re probably covered. Everyone else, esp. over 40, usually needs to supplement. The osteoporosis pandemic? D is a primary issue in that.

          Cultivation of gut flora (daily prebiotic fiber, courses of probiotics, avoiding antagonists) is probably the next big thing in diet. The program has a 20g/day target (and if you can’t work up to it, that’s a huge clue). Moderns can’t even handle true paleo intake levels of prebiotics (which might have been in the 140g/day range); much to be learned there. We are watching results and emerging science.
          ________
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          • Bob Niland

            Tracey Vannini wrote: «Where do I go to find out what to do about Thyroid problems?»

            You can learn a lot about that just by using the blog Search feature on “thyroid”.

            A useful place to start might be: DIY Thyroid

            The Undoctored and the Wheat Belly Total Health book have further information, and the Undoctored Inner Circle site (subscription) has even more, with focus on unusual situations.
            ________
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        • Jan P

          Very good summary of WB plan. Works for me since January, 2015. Down 40 pounds and holding. Never hungry. Always can find something good to eat. I am 82.

    • Bob Niland

      Terissa wrote: «What blood glucose meter does Dr. Davis rec?»

      One-Touch Ultra, Accu-Chek, Bayer Contour, FreeStyle, and the Walmart house brand.

      The Abbott Precision Xtra has also been mentioned, and does both BG and ketones (although with different test strips).

      The Relion brand has been mentioned in the past, but I can’t say if that’s a deliberate omission in recent lists.

      People need to keep in mind with these, that the FDA standards for accuracy and repeatability are pretty slack (like ±20%), although nothing prevents a manufacturer from being much tighter. If you have a clinical draw done for any reason, it’s worthwhile to take your BG meter along, and get a reading to compare later, to set some context for your device.
      ________
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  7. Glynne Petterson

    I follow your diet all the way and feel great but sometimes there are things I would like to know,how do I get in touch with you please?

    • Bob Niland

      Glynne Petterson wrote: «…sometimes there are things I would like to know,how do I get in touch with you please?»

      For many simple questions, just find an open thread on either blog, and ask away (even though it’s not on-topic). If that doesn’t cover it…

      The Undoctored Inner Circle site was set precisely to provide more interaction directly with Dr. Davis, both in the forum, and the periodic video conference calls.
      ________
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  8. Bob Niland

    On a draft blog page with no option for notification…

    JOANI JACKSON wrote: «…of Australian. Do you ever think we can get your Wheat Belly packaged foods here?»

    I’ll make inquiries, but I don’t think the situation has changed since the last time you asked. Have you tried contacting Wheat Free Market Foods directly?

    re: «…are the whey protein shakes forbidden on wheat belly?»

    Not specifically. There are 3 considerations that come to mind, one of which may not even apply in your part of the world.

    1. Is extra protein needed?
    Wheat Belly is neither a high protein nor a low protein diet. If you are getting complete protein from whole foods, supplementing it in any form is not generally necessary.

    2. Whey is insulinotropic for some people
    In about 20% of the population, the whey fraction of milk proteins provokes a non-trivial insulin response that can contribute to insulin resistance and poor blood sugar control. If you don’t get this reaction, no problem.

    3. Casein Beta A1 protein
    This protein, which may or may not still be in extracted whey protein, can cause immunogenic reactions in a different subset of the population. However, since A2 herds are more common in your region, just look for products that declare A2. Your chemist can probably clarify on that (and you may not be A1 sensitive in any case).
    ________
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  9. Robert Blanks

    Doc, this was VERY enlightening. many of us “health nuts” have started to lean toward the paleo but this is great info!

  10. Michelle

    Thanks for the information everyone! One thing I wanted to ask that stood out was how do you eat RAW potatoes? Are you salting them or something? Is that enjoyable at all?

    • Bob Niland

      Michelle wrote: «…how do you eat RAW potatoes?»

      Slice and add to morning smoothie.

      Thin slice and serve in vinaigrette or similar marinade.
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  11. Lisa

    2011 I started my Wheat Belly journey, lost 103 lbs and much sickness vanished alone with it. Fast forward to 2017. I’m 48 yrs old, I am still following Wheat Belly Undoctored to the letter but due to serious injury, Autoimmune Hashimoto has resurfaced. My ferritin levels increasingly rise, my hormones are all out of whack and my symptoms have become extreme to the point of bizarre. I cannot be alone much of the time and gave up driving months ago for safety reasons. My Functional Neurologist had a light bulb moment after one long 8 hour day of therapy with me and suggested 23andMe testing to check the possibility for Hereditary Hemochromatosis. So happens that I have 2 copies of H63D variant for HFE. My OBGYN says it finally makes sense to him what has been going on with me but still seems to think I need to be tested for Lyme Disease as well. I’ve eliminated all dairy, nightshades, soy, approved sweetners, nuts, and a few other things to be a more friendly food plan for Autoimmunity and HHC however I do eat berries once a week. Not going to lie. My weight has increased by 40 lbs even though I am religious with my diet but oddly enough I am rarely hungry. I easily go several days without ever thinking about food but my weight slowly continues to climbs. Are there any special things I can implement to just stop the weight increase and control the pain and inflammation better? I’m fighting for Armour with my new Endo and other then that I refuse any medication (Wellbutrin, Venlafaxiln, Paxal) because this is not a mental health issue. I would appreciate any feed back from someone knowledgeable with these issues. Thank you!

    MY SUPPLEMENT LIST:
    Magnesium Malate 425 mg x2 a.m. & p.m.
    Natural Calm (powder magnesium stirred in water) 425 mg lunch time
    D3 500 IU gelcap a.m.
    Super K 2700 mcg a.m.
    Ubiquinol 100 mg a.m.
    Tumeric Curcumin 2000 mg x2 a.m. & p.m.
    Fish Oil 2560 mg x2 a.m. & p.m.
    Zinc 30mg a.m.
    Renew Life Ultimate Probiotic 90 Billion a.m.
    Activated Charcoal as needed
    Magnesium Oil topical to relieve muscle and joint pain and twitching
    PBX Granules – Prebiotic
    Acacia Senegal stirred into water – prebiotic
    Gamma Aminobutyric Acid powder form 714 mg for pain and mood
    Melatonin 5mg bedtime

    • Terissa

      Interested in what brand/brands of fish oil, curcumin/turmeric & magnesium oil you would rec for this pt (or anyone) to take ?

      • Lisa

        Terissa, I am using Health &Wisdom Magnesium Oil, Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Fish oil gel caps, and Sports Research C3 complex Turmeric Curcumin (standardized 95% curcuminoids made with BioPerine and coconut oil.)

    • Bob Niland

      Lisa wrote: «…Autoimmune Hashimoto has resurfaced.»

      Have you reduced or eliminated iodine supplementation while working on moderating that inflammation?

      re: «…seems to think I need to be tested for Lyme Disease…»

      What treatment is proposed if it appears positive?

      re: «I easily go several days without ever thinking about food but my weight slowly continues to climbs.»

      Thyroid would be a suspect there, as well as any meds you might be on. Your comment implies there aren’t any, but I’d expect at least some sort of T4 (esp. where you have an endo who is typically T3 phobic). Have you been able to get meaningful thyroid labs, like fT3, fT4, rT3, TAs, and heck, what’s TSH and arising AM oral temp?

      re: «I would appreciate any feed back from someone knowledgeable with these issues.»

      There are at least a couple of users on Undoctored Inner Circle that suspect Lyme, but I don’t recall weight gain being one of their hot issues. The chronic inflammation seems to be the larger concern.
      ________
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      • Lisa

        Yes Bob, I have indeed stopped iodine however, I have not taken my a.m. temp although I do wake up in cold chills and sweating too. As for the medication situation, my original Endo passed away and it took me forever to get my GP to give me a referral for a new one because my TSH fell in normal range according to him so he refused to test further. I had to go to a couple more doctors before one would run the whole panel. As we all know Endo’s will not see you without that referral. Tomorrow morning I see the new one again. Levothyroxine was her choice even after she saw my past charts and records documenting my bodies rejection of all synthetics my first Endo tried with me. Armour worked then so I think it is nonsense not to prescribe it once again.

        MY LABS:
        TSH – 3.69 Reference Range 0.27-4.2
        T4 – 6.2 Reference Range 4.5-11.7
        T4 Total – 7.0ug/dL Reference Range 4.5 – 12.0
        Free T4 – 1.1 Reference Range 0.9 – 1.7
        T3 – 1.02 Reference Range 0.80-2.00
        T3 Uptake Ratio – 31% Reference Range 24%-39%
        Free T3 – 2.7 Reference Range 2.0 – 4.4
        T3 Reverse – 17.2ng/dL Reference Range 9.2 – 24.1ng/dL
        Thyrogiobulin Antibody IU/mL – 63.8 Reference Range 0-115.0
        Free Thyroxine Index – 2.2 Reference Range 1.2-4.9
        ThyPeroxidase Antibody – 115.20 Reference Range 0-34.00

        ANA, IFA Positive Abnormal 1:80
        Negative 1:80
        CRP – 5.5 Reference Range mg/L 0.0-4.9
        Ferritin – 236 Refrence Range 9 – 150

        Vit D 70
        Magnesium 2.0mg/dL Reference Range 1.6-2.6

        I have no idea what the plan is for the Lyme Disease because none has been shared with me yet so I need guidance from our dependable crew here on this blog if I indeed show positive results. Thank you for blessing us with your wisdom. That goes for everyone.

        • Bob Niland

          Lisa wrote: «I have not taken my a.m. temp although I do wake up in cold chills and sweating too.»

          The cold would be consistent with an untreated thyroid problem. The sweating is less obvious, and on that, I might mention that the Undoctored Inner Circle [subscription] would be a more productive place to explore all this. There’s more expertise available there, and threads remain open for discussion indefinitely.

          re: «…my original Endo passed away…»

          I don’t suppose you heard why, and at what age?

          re: «Armour worked then so I think it is nonsense not to prescribe it once again.»

          Indeed. Did you happen to ask the new endo if she ever prescribes T3, or compounds containing it? That’s one semi-subtle screening test I suggest people use.

          re: «TSH – 3.69 Reference Range 0.27-4.2»

          On program guidance (0.2-1.5), that’s pretty high. The lab, at least appears to be using current dogma.

          re: «Free T4 – 1.1 Reference Range 0.9 – 1.7»

          Program target is upper half of RR (above 1.3), and yours is low. Was that while on T4, and if so, when taken prior to the draw?

          re: «Free T3 – 2.7 Reference Range 2.0 – 4.4»

          Target is again upper half of RR (3.2), and yours is low, consistent with the high TSH, low fT4, and cold temp.

          re: «T3 Reverse – 17.2ng/dL Reference Range 9.2 – 24.1ng/dL
          T3 Reverse – 17.2ng/dL Reference Range 9.2 – 24.1ng/dL          »

          Those are actually in range.

          re: «ThyPeroxidase Antibody – 115.20 Reference Range 0-34.00»

          That is not, and to my untrained eye is consistent with an untreated thyroid auto-immune condition, although whether Hash’s, Graves’, or something else, I couldn’t guess.

          re: «CRP – 5.5 Reference Range mg/L 0.0-4.9»

          Suggestive of inflammation, but whether thyroid AI, Lyme, or something else isn’t obvious. Chronic inflammation is something to avoid, but the solution is to fix the problem, and not rely on anti-inflammatories.

          re: «Ferritin – 236 Refrence Range 9 – 150»

          Beyond my limited experience, but if that were my lab results, I’d want to understand it.

          re: «Magnesium 2.0mg/dL Reference Range 1.6-2.6»

          Is that serum or RBC? As RBC, program target is upper half of RR (above 2.1 here), and ideally toward the upper end. The vitamin D looks fine.

          re: «ANA, IFA Positive Abnormal 1:80»

          I’m completely unfamiliar with that. Is SLE on the table here?

          So it appears that your older diagnosis of Hashi’s is probably correct, and needs to be treated by someone with some actual competence on thyroid. Some sort of chronic infection might also be afoot, and would need separate insightful investigation.
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          • Lisa

            Bob, my original Endo died of Kidney Cancer and was 56 yrs old. He was very thoughtful and open to all forms of healing and Medicine. He actually had my medication compounded in a ginger base because I react so negatively to all forms of grains, soy, corn. He was indeed a rare and wonderful man.

            The new Endo will only prescribe synthetic T3 after you’ve been on T4 with no good results although that is not what I was told over the phone when I interviewed her NP. She does want to switch me to a synthetic gluten free T4 medication in a few days after my new labs come back. In the mean time I have scheduled for early October with a Hormone Specialist that comes highly recommended as the best in the Metro Atlanta area. He is an MD (OBGYN) but his passion is Functional Medicine. He treats both men and women with any sort of hormone issue and he does prescribe dissected and compounded medications.

            SLE is on the table.

            Inflammation is absolutely a huge concern. The Ferritin level is indicative of the high iron levels in my body which is being randomly shoved into major organs because we do not naturally get rid of iron unless we bleed it out. This is part of the curse that goes along with Hereditary Hemochromatosis. The higher that it climbs the more dangerous it is for our health. We must give blood and we get a written prescription to do it as often as it takes to bring us back into the proper range and we must continue doing so as the iron stores creep back up again.

            The magnesium 2.0 was serum.

            I most definitely want to understand my lab work because even to my untrained eye I know from past experience that this is not good at all. After 3 different Doctors were unable to explain most of them to me I put a call in to the Lab for a representative to call me with a comprehensive overview of all in question.. I just thought throwing some of these things up on this thread might generate some answers that lines up with the Undoctored lifestyle. I do love this way of life, I just need to work out these tricky kinks so I can get back to living.

          • Lisa

            Bob, The thyroid medication the new Endo is now considering is called Tirosint . It is synthetic T4 in a gel cap and inactive ingredients are gelatin, glycerin and water.

          • Bob Niland

            Lisa wrote: «The new Endo will only prescribe synthetic T3 after you’ve been on T4 with no good results…»

            Dare I ask how “good results” are defined?

            re: «SLE is on the table.»

            How about SIBO? How do you react to prebiotic fiber? If SIBO is present, it might be relatively easy to get under control, and could have knock-on benefits on the other suspected ailments.

            re: «The magnesium 2.0 was serum.»

            Ah, then not terribly informative (or put another way, an all too typical Standard of Care lab).

            re: «The thyroid medication the new Endo is now considering is called Tirosint . It is synthetic T4 in a gel cap and inactive ingredients are gelatin, glycerin and water.»

            The problem is T4⇒T3 conversion, and not so much the formulation and amendments. Too many people convert insufficiently nowadays. Free-range non-GMO T4 with lipstick is still just T4 (although for this product, with patent protection, in case you happen to be an investor).
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          • Lisa

            Bob, the Endo did not define what she considered good results would be for me and it was not for the lack of me redirecting the conversation back to that topic several times. She was much more focused on explaining to me how dangerous and unethical any of the dissected natural thyroid versions are. I told her that she was wasting her breath because I personally had rapidly restored health with previous use. Thankfully I do have an appointment with yet another Doctor who totally supports use of dissected versions and prescribes them as well.

            I can not handle the raw potato or raw potato starch due to skin and stomach flares within minutes of ingesting it. Green bananas, PBX granules and acacia I have no problems with but it is very difficult finding the green bananas and I do not like the raw plantain at all.

          • Bob Niland

            Lisa wrote: «…and it was not for the lack of me redirecting the conversation back to that topic several times.»

            Sounds like you’ve mastered being an unpatient.

            re: «She was much more focused on explaining to me how dangerous and unethical any of the dissected natural thyroid versions are.»

            She’s getting that propaganda from the T4 patented potion pusher. Those scammers have been instructed by the FDA, if not the courts, to cease that libel, but they are apparently still at it. It says something about the doctor when the fallout of this reaches a patient’s ears.

            re: «I can not handle the raw potato or raw potato starch due to skin and stomach flares within minutes of ingesting it. Green bananas, PBX granules and acacia I have no problems with…»

            That reaction looks less like a prebiotic indication, and possibly more suggestive of a nightshade issue. Do you get the same reaction to tomato or cooked potato?

            re: «…it is very difficult finding the green bananas…»

            Some tips: greens are more common in the organic section. We’ve also gotten accustomed to asking store personnel if they have any greener in back. When we find a stash, we buy a lot of it, peel and dice it promptly, and freeze it for future use (in smoothies).
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          • Lisa

            Bob, yes I do have lots of problems with nightshades to include okra, peppers, tomato, eggplant, potato and all nightshade spices. Cooked potato makes me bloat, turn red and itchy, but raw potato wrecks complete havoc internally and externally, as do peppers (green bell peppers especially) and cooked tomato. If I even touch raw okra I immediately break out in a rash that within the hour looks/feels like a really bad sunburn. My food allergies are quite severe in nature. I’ve been taken to the hospital on several occasions because wait staff either thought I was just being difficult or simply did not take me seriously. I rarely eat out or at other peoples homes (unless I bring my own food) because of this. And for those of you out there that insist that one bite won’t hurt….well yes, yes it does. It hurts very much.

            I do tolerate yam very well but I only eat it on rare occasion as a dessert rather then as a side dish. I bake it, butter it, add cinnamon and a dollop of coconut cream from the can (which is BPA free and organic.) One yam lasts me several days because I don’t really eat or even crave sweets. So as not to confuse anyone reading this, Yam is not a nightshade and is completely different then a sweet potato but many people think that they are one and the same. In my humble opinion they are better.

  12. Elaine Fortier

    I followed Lose the Wheat ..Lose the Weight two years ago. Lost 20plus lbs. then put the book back on the shelf. with all my other failures ….it was too difficult to give up the comfort foods I grew up . Gained back the 20 lbs plus. Yo yo dieting has messed me up. My IBS got so severe it made it impossible to travel. I was always afraid of not finding a restroom in time ! Reread Dr Davis’ book again in desperation Cleaned out the pantry of all the grains that I loved but didn’t love me back. I have been grain, and sugar free since December 8th 2016. That’s the day I decided that it was not just the weight that was killing me it was what I was eating. Fast forward …I am finally on a live-it! No more diets.! I’ve lost 30lbs but more importantly I can travel again and my IBS and GERD are gone for good. No drugs. A food plan that I can live with. I’m writing a recipe book with what I’ve learned . I look at the past without judgement but look to the future with hope and joy.

    • Bob Niland

      Elaine Fortier wrote: «I followed Lose the Wheat ..Lose the Weight two years ago.»

      That would be the original 2011 book. Be aware that later books, such as Wheat Belly Total Health (2014) and Undoctored (2017) have additional program elements with significant benefits. You can get sense of those by browsing the back traffic on this blog and the Undoctored Blog.

      Chief among the topics, for full IBS and GERD recovery, would be cultivation of bowel flora, which was not in the 2011 book.

      re: «…I can travel again and my IBS and GERD are gone for good.»

      Glad to hear it (although consensus medicine will be in denial about it, and big pharma will hope that few others figure out your secret).
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  13. DLM

    “I’ve lost 30lbs but more importantly I can travel again and my IBS and GERD are gone for good”

    You might consider getting a stool analysis to see how and what your gut is doing. You can tailor your efforts that way to reduce possible dysbiotic species and cultivate certain beneficial flora. I thought I had kicked my food allergies and digestive problems “for good” also, only to have them come back even worse about a year later. I think my main problem though could have been longstanding Vitamin D deficiency that maintained the GI problems.

  14. Tracey

    Hi there, I have regular (quarterly) blood tests for my Hashimotos but my bloods are all over the place..From the beginning I have been Hypo But of late the labs have come back as Hyper, my latest test has me again as Hypo..The only med’s I take are Thyroxin and jump around between 150mcg to 100 and now back to 120mcg..I am forever tired and wake up with a foggy head, nor quite a headache but pretty darn close..I was told many years ago that I should not take Iodine but reading your comments on other stories here I am concerned that this was bad advice..I do not take any supplements and have been LCHF for 18 months..Because I suffer from Vestibular Migrain I always have Diazapam 5mg on hand and find that if I can manage a cup of tea with a paleo cookie (which are cooked with maple syrup, not really LCHF I know) before rising I can keep a handle on it, almost..So I guess I am asking what would cause my bloods to be all over the place, diet perhaps and should I be taking Iodine..
    Thanks..

    • Bob Niland

      Tracey wrote: «I have regular (quarterly) blood tests for my Hashimotos but my bloods are all over the place.»

      What exact tests, readings, units of measure and Reference Ranges? I might expect an attentive monitoring to include TPOab, fT4, fT4, rT3, TSH, arising oral temp and perhaps hsCRP, but wouldn’t be surprised if all you are getting is a TSH. And on what basis was Hashi’s originally diagnosed?

      re: «The only med’s I take are Thyroxin…»

      Do you mean thyroxine (T4)? What product specifically?

      re: «I am forever tired and wake up with a foggy head,…»

      That could easily be due to an inadequately treated thyroid, but if you aren’t already following an overall program like Wheat Belly or Undoctored, other suspects lurk (like wheat).

      re: «I was told many years ago that I should not take Iodine…»

      Supplemental iodine is not recommended while there is active inflammation from an uncorrected autoimmune thyroid condition (such as Hashis or Graves). On the Undoctored Inner Circle site, Dr. Davis recently engaged with a forum member on an approach for adding iodine. Even people with AI thyroid need iodine, but supplementing it can be a problem while a thyroid AI condition is still active.

      A prerequisite to resolving Hashimotos is a quelling dietary and personal environment issues that enable, if not cause, AI to develop and persist.

      re: «Because I suffer from Vestibular Migrain…»

      That might respond to just the diet, even before the thyroid is optimized.

      re: «…paleo cookie (which are cooked with maple syrup, not really LCHF I know)…»

      Yep. Sugar is sugar. Glucose and fructose have their metabolic effects, and the body doesn’t much care if whether they came from tree sap or industrial corn byproduct.
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About Dr. Davis

Dr. William DavisDr. William Davis is a New York Times #1 best selling author and Medical Director and founder of the Undoctored program, including the Undoctored Health Workplace Program.