Patient’s Story
I am 32 years old , from Mumbai in India. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism a few years ago. I have been on thyroid medications (T4) since then , but I didn’t feel good despite my thyroid tests being “normal”. I had brain fog, anxiety and mood issues. I was gaining weight. My Endocrinologist suggested that I should start an antidepressant medication. I did not agree with his recommendation. Meanwhile, my cholesterol levels had gone up, so I was prescribed a cholesterol lowering medication as well.
I did what most of you would do…..I researched! I came across Dr. Kar’s website during my search for a Functional Medicine doctor.
Initially I was very sceptical about making dietary changes. No doctor before her had discussed my food! I found out that I had high thyroid antibodies, low iron, low vitamin D and vitamin B12.
I stopped eating gluten. At that point I wasn’t open to doing a complete elimination diet. Dr. Kar recommended nutritional supplements to correct my deficiencies.
Over a period of 1 month I felt about 70% better! My brain fog was gone, my mood was stable, my husband said that I was less irritable! I was sleeping better. Dr. Kar had stopped my cholesterol medications at the first visit because she said that once my thyroid function is optimised, the cholesterol will normalise. That is exactly what happened when I checked after 3 months!
Six months down the line, I have lost weight and my mood is good. I don’t feel helpless anymore! I am on thyroid meds but at a lower dose than before.
About Dr. Kar
Dr. Shabnam Das Kar MD, FMNM is a doctor, a specialist in Functional and Metabolic Medicine and an international speaker. Before transitioning into Functional Medicine she was practicing as an Obstetrician Gynaecologist for more than 20 years in Mumbai. She lives in Calgary, Canada, and Mumbai, India.
Dr.Kar says:
I have the unique experience of living and working in two countries. This gives me the ability to personalize your treatment to your situation. Living and working in Canada makes me familiar with the best of treatment available in my field, while having the knowledge to tailor it to what is available in India.
Many of you are overwhelmed by the information that comes up in your research.Often you need help to translate that knowledge into action. Helping you navigate that path is my mission.
As a Functional Medicine specialist I look at a basics-first approach to your health.The basics are your food and gut health, sleep, stress management and targeted supplementation.
However, my approach is to use a combination of the best in Western Medicine along with Functional Medicine, not one in exclusion of the other. I recommend a cautious and practical approach to your care, being sensitive to cost and local availability. I am a great believer in the power of making small incremental changes over time.
TRAINING AND CREDENTIALS
- MBBS and MD (OB-GYN) from India
- Fellow, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), USA.
- Advanced Endocrinology Certification from Metabolic Medical Institute (MMI)
- Special training from Metabolic Medicine Institute on Functional Medicine approach to Autoimmune Diseases
- Brain Health Coaching Certification from Amen Clinics, USA.
- Trained in The Clinical Practice of Alzheimer’s Prevention From Alzheimer’s Universe
- Tiny Habits Certified Coach
WORK
- Functional Medicine Doctor
- Brain Health Coach
- Director of Medical Education at Better Medical Centre, Canada.
- Adviser Health Startups
- Speaker at medical conferences in Asia and Canada.
