Dr. Akil Palanisamy, M.D.

Dr. Akil Palanisamy, a Harvard-trained physician practicing integrative medicine, combines Ayurveda and Western medicine in his clinical practice with patients in San Francisco. 

After completing his undergraduate degree in biochemistry at Harvard, he performed clinical research at Harvard Medical School where he wrote his senior thesis. This was followed by medical school at the University of California, San Francisco, residency training at Stanford University, and fellowship in integrative medicine with Dr. Andrew Weil at the University of Arizona. 

But that’s not it - what makes Dr. Akil unique is his in-depth study of the ancient Indian Science of Ayurveda which helps him take a holistic approach with his patients and show exceptional results of recovery and healing. 

He studied Ayurveda in India at the Arya Vaidya Chikitsalayam in Coimbatore and completed clinical training with his guru Dr. L. Mahadevan in Derisanamcope, Tamil Nadu at the Sri Sarada Ayurvedic hospital. 

As a Harvard trained MD, Dr. Akil integrates a strong scientific background in biochemistry and Western Medicine with training in Ayurveda and study of ancestral societies around the globe. This unique background enables him to seamlessly blend Ayurvedic principles with the latest research in nutrition, food science, and medicine. Dr. Akil is known to provide definitive, practical health information based on cutting-edge research and clinical experience. 

Module 1: The Thyroid

The thyroid, as a part of the endocrine system (a collection of glands that are hormone producing) has a range of functions in the body. It regulates temperature, metabolism, and cellular function in every part of the body. Every single one of your 100 trillion cells is affected by the thyroid. But what happens when your thyroid function is disrupted? Get to know about the common potential symptoms associated with low thyroid or hypothyroidism, and high thyroid or hyperthyroidism. 

Module 2:  Autoimmune on the Rise

Thyroid autoimmune diseases, just like other types of autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, celiac disease etc. are on the rise. 
But why? There are several factors including changes in the gut bacteria comprising the microbiome, increasing food allergies and sensitivities, chronic infections and the rise of toxins in the environment. These chemicals mimic hormones in our body, disrupt the function of our endocrine or hormone system, and assault the delicately balanced immune system that keeps us healthy. The immune system has to fight off invaders, but all the thousands of new chemicals it's faced with, lead to mixed messages, forcing the body to attack itself. You will learn how exposure to these toxins is THE impetus in the development and progression of autoimmune thyroid disease & read about a case study from one of Dr. Akil’s patients, and how he successfully reversed her thyroid disorder. 

Module 3: Diagnosis of Thyroid Disease

In this module, Dr. Akil will give an in-depth medical explanation of the key hormones involved with the thyroid. You’ll learn exactly which hormones are involved to ensure the correct functioning of the thyroid – and what happens if their functioning is disrupted. You’ll learn what to ask for specifically at the doctor’s office when testing for thyroid issues – and you’ll actually get to understand the significance of your results! If clinical tests aren’t feasible for you right now, don’t worry, Dr. Akil will also show you a way to assess your own thyroid function by taking your basal body temperature using a thermometer.  

Module 4: Root Causes of Thyroid Disorders

There are many different root causes and factors that contribute to the development of thyroid disease. You’ve read the list above. These factors can cause both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The primary cause of each is actually autoimmune – Hashimoto’s disease for hypothyroidism and Graves’ disease for hyperthyroidism. Dr. Akil will discuss each root cause and share the solutions in this module.

Module 5: The Thyroid Detox Diet

This 21-day cleansing diet will help you eliminate commonly problematic foods, increase your intake of nutrient-dense healing foods, and begin the process of detoxification and healing of your body. The regimen will help you increase energy, reduce inflammation, burn fat, and reverse disease. It will also help you identify foods that you are sensitive or intolerant to, during the reintroduction phase when you are bringing the specific foods back into your diet. The goal of the Thyroid Detox Diet is to avoid the most allergenic foods, simplify your body’s digestive processes, and facilitate removal of toxins.

Module 6: Detoxification

Because toxins are such a big factor in the development of Hashimoto’s disease, Dr. Akil will talk more in-depth about detoxification. You will: learn why sweating in a sauna or steam room is an effective way to stimulate toxin release through the skin, get to know about the ancient Ayurvedic therapy of oil-pulling; discover the neti pot and the practice of nasya to help cleanse your nasal passages; enjoy the relaxing yet energizing practice of Abhyanga or self-massage; and understand why you need to keep your lymphatic system fit to ensure a healthy immune system. You will: discover 8 Super Foods and supplements such as Beets, Flaxseeds, Garlic, Turmeric, Bentonite clay, Chlorella and more for daily detofixication; learn why keeping a strong Agni or digestive fire is so important for breaking down and absorbing nutrients; and, of course, understand why you need to balance your doshas.

Module 7: The Thyroid Diet

The Thyroid Diet is the best long-term plan for losing weight, increasing energy, boosting metabolism, and achieving optimal thyroid function. This is assuming that you have completed the 21-day Thyroid Detox Diet. During this time, you should have determined which foods you are sensitive or intolerant to, and which foods you can tolerate, because you’ll need that knowledge for customizing the following diet. You’ll learn which foods to avoid, which types of foods to eat every day, which types of foods to eat frequently, and rarely. You’ll also get some guidelines on what your meal portion sizes should look like.

Module 8: Botanical Remedies & Subtle Therapies

Herbs and botanical remedies are a big part of Ayurveda. In this module, Dr. Akil will give his recommendations for certain herbs such as Ashwagandha and Guggulu that are beneficial for thyroid issues. Besides herbal remedies, Dr. Akil will also recommend some supplements and subtle therapies – since stress and emotional and even spiritual factors can play a huge role in thyroid disease. You will learn about the benefits of Udana Vayu, Mantra Meditation and Yoga Asanas.