Thyroid Medication And Keto: A Conflict?

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that triggers the body's natural metabolic process, known as ketosis. While the keto diet is often used for weight loss, it is not typically recommended for people with hypothyroidism. This is because hypothyroidism is caused by the thyroid gland not producing enough thyroid hormones, which can slow down metabolism. Since the keto diet restricts carbohydrates, it may further reduce thyroid hormone levels and increase the risk of heart disease and digestive issues. However, some people with hypothyroidism have found success with the keto diet, as it can help reduce inflammation and improve thyroid function. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to diet and health, and it is important to consult with a doctor or nutritionist to determine the best eating plan for your individual needs.

Carbs are needed to make thyroid hormones work

Carbohydrates are essential for thyroid function. The thyroid makes two types of thyroid hormones: T4 (thyroxine), which is inactive, and T3 (triiodothyronine), which is the active form. The body needs to convert T4 into T3 for it to be useful, and this conversion requires a constant energy source.

When you drastically reduce your carbohydrate intake, you decrease your body's ability to produce thyroid hormones. Carbohydrates are the body's preferred energy source, and without them, your cells have a hard time functioning. Restricting carbohydrates can lead to decreased thyroid function, leaving you feeling more tired and sluggish.

Additionally, carbohydrates trigger the release of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. If your body does not get enough carbohydrates over time, it can impact how your cells respond to insulin, a condition known as insulin sensitivity. This, in turn, can affect thyroid hormone production.

Furthermore, low-carb diets can reduce the activity of the enzyme 5'-deiodinase, which is responsible for converting T4 into T3. Research shows that carbohydrates are important for this deiodination process and directly impact the levels of T3 in your body.

A well-formulated ketogenic diet may improve thyroid hormone sensitivity, meaning that your body can function normally with lower T3 levels. However, it is important to note that a ketogenic diet can put people with hypothyroidism at risk for high cortisol levels, which can then increase their risk for diabetes and heart disease.

In summary, carbohydrates play a crucial role in thyroid function by providing the energy needed for hormone production and conversion and by regulating blood sugar and insulin levels. While a ketogenic diet may not directly impair thyroid function, it is essential to proceed with caution and ensure adequate carbohydrate intake to support thyroid health.

Keto puts you in fight or flight, which is bad for your thyroid

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that triggers the body's natural metabolic process called "ketosis". Ketosis is a metabolic state characterised by elevated levels of ketones in the body. When the body doesn't have enough insulin to turn sugar into energy, the liver produces ketones from fat. These ketones are then used as fuel for the body and brain.

However, when we don't consume carbohydrates, the body has to figure out how to create them to maintain blood sugar levels. It relies heavily on stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol is responsible for increasing gluconeogenesis in the liver, which is the process of making carbohydrates from protein and fat. Adrenaline also supports this process.

Research has shown that carbohydrates directly help lower stress hormones and stress levels. Therefore, when you're skipping carbs, as on a keto diet, your cortisol levels can increase. This is problematic because people with hypothyroidism tend to have higher levels of stress hormones to begin with. High cortisol levels can put people with hypothyroidism at a greater risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Additionally, during times of stress, the body releases magnesium into the blood as a protective mechanism. However, this also means that you lose a lot of magnesium in your urine. Many people don't get enough magnesium in their diets, to begin with, so consistently high cortisol levels can put you at risk for a magnesium deficiency.

In conclusion, while the keto diet may be attractive for its potential weight loss benefits, it can be detrimental to people with hypothyroidism. The diet can increase cortisol levels, which negatively impacts thyroid function and can lead to various health risks. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially if you have a medical condition like hypothyroidism.

Micronutrient deficiencies

The keto diet's focus on high-fat foods means that micronutrient-rich foods are often limited. This can result in sub-optimal levels of many micronutrients, increasing the risk of micronutrient deficiencies. In fact, studies have found that the keto diet typically provides less than 50% of the recommended daily intake for several important micronutrients, including thiamin, folate, pantothenic acid, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc.

Two specific micronutrients that may be lacking in the keto diet are potassium and vitamin C. Potassium is essential for supporting the kidneys, heart, muscles, and nervous system, and people with hypothyroidism tend to have low potassium levels. The best way to get enough potassium is to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which may be limited on a keto diet due to their carbohydrate content.

Vitamin C, on the other hand, is a water-soluble vitamin that must be obtained from the diet as the body cannot produce it. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and is involved in protein metabolism and the production of connective tissue and neurotransmitters. While supplements can help address micronutrient deficiencies, it is generally recommended to prioritize getting these nutrients from whole foods whenever possible.

To avoid micronutrient deficiencies on the keto diet, it is important to focus on nutrient-dense food choices and consider supplementation when necessary. Working with a knowledgeable healthcare professional or registered dietitian can help individuals find the right balance and ensure they are getting all the essential micronutrients their bodies need.

Keto is unsustainable

The keto diet is unsustainable for several reasons. Firstly, it is a highly restrictive diet that requires people to cut out many healthy foods, such as fruits, beans, legumes, and whole grains. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies, as these foods are rich sources of vitamins and minerals. For example, the keto diet can result in lower intake of potassium and vitamin C, which are essential for overall health.

Secondly, the keto diet is difficult to maintain in the long term due to its strict rules and the need to constantly monitor carb intake. This can lead to what is known as "keto flu," which includes symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, and constipation. The body will also crave carbs, making it challenging to stick to the diet.

Thirdly, the weight loss achieved through the keto diet may not be sustainable. Most people who lose weight tend to regain it and sometimes even gain more. This is because the keto diet is difficult to follow long-term, and when people return to their initial eating patterns, they may regain the lost weight.

Lastly, the keto diet can be unhealthy for certain individuals, especially those with hypothyroidism. The keto diet can increase cortisol levels, which can further decrease thyroid function and put people with hypothyroidism at a higher risk for diabetes and heart disease.

In conclusion, while the keto diet may lead to quick weight loss, it is unsustainable and may even be unhealthy for some individuals in the long run. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any restrictive diet, such as the keto diet, to ensure it is safe and suitable for your individual needs.

Keto may increase your risk of heart disease and digestive issues

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat, moderate-protein diet that is designed to help burn fat. While the keto diet has been shown to have benefits for weight loss, blood sugar control, and brain health, it may also have adverse effects on your health.

Heart Disease

The keto diet has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease. A recent study found that people following a keto-like diet had significantly higher levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and twice the rate of experiencing a major cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke. The study also found that people with the highest levels of LDL cholesterol were at the highest risk for a cardiovascular event.

Digestive Issues

The keto diet may also cause digestive issues for some people. The diet is often low in fiber, which is an essential nutrient for digestion and can help prevent constipation. Additionally, the keto diet may alter your gut microbiome, leading to increased inflammation and reduced beneficial fatty acids. However, some studies suggest that the keto diet could help decrease inflammation and treat conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's disease.

Other Considerations

It is important to note that the keto diet may not be suitable for everyone. If you have hypothyroidism, for example, the keto diet may worsen your symptoms as carbs are needed to activate thyroid hormones. The keto diet can also increase cortisol levels, which can affect thyroid function.

If you are considering starting the keto diet, it is important to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian to ensure that it is safe for you and to make any necessary modifications.

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