Beautiful Inside & Out: Conquering Thyroid Disease with a Healthy, Happy, “Thyroid Sexy” Life

Former Baywatch actress and self-styled thyroid disease advocate Nolin recounts her journey to wellness in this earnest effort. Joined by health advocate Shomon (The Thyroid Diet Revolution), Nolin shares her experience of living for nearly 20 years with undiagnosed Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which caused debilitating fatigue, hard-to-manage weight gain, and, likely, an erratic heart rhythm that put her and her at-the-time unborn child at risk. The misdiagnoses Nolin received were woefully off the mark, and the possibility that her symptoms could be related to thyroid disease never came up. Once she received an accurate diagnosis, she writes, “I knew it was my mission…to help raise thyroid awareness, and encourage others to be empowered and informed.” The book segues from her story to armchair medical guide, presenting an overview of the disease, testing, and treatments; challenges that arise when searching for diagnosis and treatment; a primer on hormonal function and health; and tips on being proactive when seeking care. Chapters devoted to weight management and beauty-related issues, such as puffy eyes and hair loss (side effects of the disease) and a section of feel-good homilies follow. Though the book is a good place to start for readers suffering from the disease, it’s best to view this personal take on a widespread condition as just that. (Oct.)