The thyroid, a seemingly small and inconspicuous gland nestled in your neck, wields an astonishing amount of power over your overall well-being. Its influence extends to virtually every aspect of your daily life, from the energy coursing through your body to the beat of your heart, the rhythm of your breath, and the efficiency of your muscles. Indeed, your thyroid plays a pivotal role in regulating your metabolism, heart rate, and even the emotions that colour your world. However, with approximately 200 million people worldwide affected by thyroid disease and countless others unknowingly affected, the importance of this tiny gland remains underestimated and often misunderstood.
In light of this crucial connection between thyroid health and overall well-being, we turn our attention to the work ‘Microbiome Thyroid’ by Dr. Raphael Kellman. The book delves deep into this intricate relationship between our microbiome and thyroid health. In this review, we explore this enlightening work that offers insights, strategies, and solutions for those seeking to unlock the mysteries of this essential gland.
Author’s background

Raphael Kellman, MD, actively runs a successful medical practice and regularly delivers lectures worldwide.

He is a graduate of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and has authored several books on health and healing, including ‘The Microbiome Breakthrough’ and ‘The Microbiome Diet.’
What is the book about?

In ‘Microbiome Thyroid,’ Dr. Raphael Kellman presents an innovative approach to thyroid issues that goes beyond traditional treatments. Dr. Kellman emphasises the importance of superfoods, nutrient-rich diets, supplements, and lifestyle changes in addition to conventional medications. The core focus of this approach is to nurture the microbiome, combat inflammation, and tackle the underlying causes of thyroid-related diseases.
The book explores the intricate connection between gut health and thyroid function, highlighting the microbiome’s pivotal role in overall well-being. Dr. Kellman provides scientific evidence illustrating how gut bacteria influence various aspects of health, including immunity, cognition, weight management, and blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Importantly, he underscores the microbiome’s significant involvement in hypothyroidism, emphasising that an unhealthy thyroid often accompanies an imbalanced microbiome.
The book provides guidance on taking control of one’s microbiome and thyroid health, including information on thyroid gland function, disease forms, accurate testing, and NTIS. It also addresses the impact of endocrine disruptors in everyday products and offers detoxification strategies. Dr. Kellman’s approach integrates diet, nutrients, vitamins, minerals, nutraceuticals, herbs, and bioidentical hormones, tailored to individual needs, making it a comprehensive and scientifically grounded path to thyroid and gut healing. For autoimmune thyroid conditions, he also addresses the autoimmune aspect, offering a well-rounded approach to health.
Table of contents

- Introduction
- CHAPTER 1 What Is the Thyroid and What Does It Do?
- CHAPTER 2 Signs of a Thyroid Imbalance
- CHAPTER 3 The Microbiome Connection
- CHAPTER 4 NTIS: Hidden Thyroid Dysfunction
- CHAPTER 5 Testing and Treatment
- CHAPTER 6 Reduce Your Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors
- CHAPTER 7 What to Eliminate, What to Eat
- CHAPTER 8 The 30-Day Thyroid Rescue
- CHAPTER 9 Rescue Recipes and Activities
- CONCLUSION A Healthy Thyroid for Life
- Full Recipe List and Wellness Activities List
- Appendix: Supplements
- Resources
- Acknowledgments
- Discover More
- References
- About Raphael Kellman, MD
- Also by Raphael Kellman, MD
- Praise for Raphael Kellman, MD
Three key takeaways from ‘Microbiome Thyroid’

1A poor microbiome can lead to thyroid issues
In ‘Microbiome Thyroid,’ Dr. Raphael Kellman sheds light on the profound impact of the microbiome, a vast community of bacteria living within and on our bodies. This microbiome, composed of approximately forty trillion bacteria, plays a pivotal role in our overall health. It acts as a communication network, intricately connected to our immune, endocrine, and nervous systems, influencing everything from metabolism to cognition. When the microbiome is balanced, it supports our well-being, but when imbalanced, it can lead to issues like inflammation, weight gain, and thyroid dysfunction.
Dr. Kellman emphasizes that healing the microbiome is the first step in addressing thyroid diseases, as the gut bacteria are intimately linked to thyroid function. An unhealthy microbiome can contribute to inflammation, leaky gut, and metabolic endotoxemia, all of which can impact thyroid health. By nurturing and restoring the microbiome, individuals can potentially mitigate the risk of thyroid issues and other health problems, providing a unique and holistic approach to healing from within.
2Thyroid superfoods nourish the microbiome and, in turn, improve thyroid function
Within the pages of the book, Dr. Kellman highlights a wide array of foods that offer tremendous support for a healthy thyroid. These foods are rich in compounds crucial for optimal thyroid function and overall well-being.
From apples with their toxin-binding pectins to avocados supplying energy-regulating fats, and from the thyroid-nurturing tyrosine in artichokes to the thyroid hormone-supporting nutrients in eggs, Dr. Kellman explores a diverse range of superfoods that can make a substantial impact on thyroid health. Wild-caught fatty fish, such as salmon and sardines, provide selenium and omega-3s, while Brazil nuts offer a significant dose of selenium. Greek yoghurt contributes vitamin D and natural probiotics, while hemp seeds contain micronutrients to protect the thyroid.
Moreover, these thyroid superfoods are not just beneficial for the thyroid; they offer a wealth of health benefits, from antioxidant-rich berries to memory-boosting dark chocolate and skin-hydrating dark chocolate.
Dr. Kellman shares a story of his patient, who had a very low level of beneficial gut bacteria which affected her thyroid gland and made her suffer from ‘fatigue; gastrointestinal problems of gas, bloating, and cramping; brain fog; depression; a poor memory; and weight gain.’ After adopting a diet recommended by Dr. Kellman, she experienced a significant reduction of the symptoms.
"She added blueberries, strawberries, jicama, Jerusalem artichoke, and a small amount of high-quality dark chocolate (80%) to her diet. These particular foods are known to heal and nourish the microbiome… Within a few weeks, Laurie began to feel a lot better. She started to lose weight without even trying, and eventually lost 11 pounds over eight weeks. Her gut symptoms improved, and, for the first time in almost a decade, she felt positive about her future."
3Exposure to toxins disrupts the functioning of the thyroid gland
The author acknowledges that we live in an environment filled with toxins and chemicals, making it challenging to maintain health. Environmental toxins are pervasive and harmful, found in food, air, water, household products, and more. These toxins, called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), can disrupt our hormonal balance and thyroid function.
The thyroid is highly sensitive to EDCs, leading to thyroid dysfunction. Even if thyroid tests appear normal, hidden dysfunction can occur due to EDC interference. The body has a natural detoxification system in the liver, but excessive toxin exposure can overwhelm it.
Several common environmental toxins, including Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and glyphosate, have been linked to thyroid dysfunction and various health issues. BPA, found in plastics and food packaging, disrupts hormones and thyroid function, emphasizing the importance of reducing plastic use and selecting BPA-free products. Phthalates, present in cosmetics and household items, also affect the thyroid.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews

Strengths
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Offers a comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing thyroid issues, making it a valuable reference for individuals seeking to improve their well-being.
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Serves as a practical resource for jump-starting a clean, healthy diet.
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Features a variety of delicious recipes that make healthy eating enjoyable.
Weaknesses
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Promotes numerous supplements and foods, some of which are conveniently sold by the author on his website, potentially raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
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The recommended 30-day diet plan and recipes may be time-consuming and impractical for individuals with busy schedules.
Best quotes from ‘Microbiome Thyroid’

“Your thyroid controls your metabolism and ultimately your energy level. It affects your heart rate, your breathing, and how efficiently and smoothly your muscles work. In a sense, every activity you do throughout the day, from getting out of bed, to walking and talking, to deciding what you’re going to do, to focusing on an assignment at work, is being governed by your thyroid. It also affects your emotions and your ability to feel ‘in the moment.’ Your mood, your decision-making, and even your libido are all influenced by this little gland in your neck.”
“What else plays a key role in metabolism? The thyroid. What else is part of your body’s signaling network? The thyroid. What else can become depleted if your body is in a state of inflammation? The thyroid. Indeed, if there is one element common to thyroid issues, it is that they almost all go hand in hand with some component of microbiome dysfunction. All roads lead back to your gut bacteria.”
“Healing the microbiome is the first step in healing thyroid disease, one that should not be overlooked.”
Final takeaway

‘Microbiome Thyroid’ by Dr. Raphael Kellman provides a holistic and innovative approach to understanding and addressing thyroid issues. This book is a valuable resource that will help readers improve their well-being by nurturing their microbiome and making dietary changes. It sheds light on the significant impact of the microbiome on thyroid health and offers a wide range of thyroid superfoods to support optimal thyroid function.
Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to take control of their thyroid and gut health and is willing to explore comprehensive dietary and lifestyle changes.
Where to buy
You may purchase ‘Microbiome Thyroid’ on Amazon at the best price. It is available in paperback, audio and Kindle versions, so you may choose an option that appeals to you the most.