MYXEDEMA is described as "a disease caused by decreased activity of the thyroid gland in adults; characterized by dry skin, swellings around the lips and nose, mental deterioration, and a subnormal basal metabolic rate."

This list exists entirely for the discussion of issues vegetarians, vegans, and macrobiotics do, might, or could have around thyroid function, particularly hypothyroidism (myxedema, Grave's) and hyperthyroidism. Discussions will include food and thyroid, specifically the widespread recommendations for including sea vegetarian in the diet of myxedemics, and soy's relationship to thyroid function, since in many vegetarian diets soy and soyfoods have nearly become "staples" for transitional and longterm vegetarians. Discussions will also consider comparative international nutrition and Asian, Indian, European, and North American diets and their relationships (both positive and negative) to thyroid functioning both optimal and suboptimal).

Potential listmembers will be asked to provide a "listmember introduction" to explain her or his interest in the topic and credentials or qualifications for contributing to helpful discussion. Hopefully, in each personal "listmember introduction" the potential listmember (listmember applicant) will discuss her or his experience with seaweed and soy.

This is a friendly, conversational list, not explicitly an "expert list," but it's not a chat list and it DOES oblige ALL members to do research, to talk about their relevant reading AND medical experiences with myxedema. Be forewarned of this expectation.