Keto And Thyroid: A Match For Weight Loss?

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that triggers the body's natural metabolic process known as ketosis. It has been proven to reduce the number of seizures in patients with epilepsy and shows promise for treating other chronic illnesses, including diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cancer. The keto diet has gained immense popularity in recent years and is often touted as a magic bullet for weight loss. However, it is not for everyone, especially those with thyroid disorders or at risk of developing one.

The thyroid is a tiny gland located at the front of the neck, below the voice box. It plays a huge role in the development of the body and the maintenance of metabolism by secreting two hormones, T3 and T4, into the bloodstream. T3 is the active form of the thyroid hormone and plays a role in the metabolism of all cells. T4 is the inactive form, which gets converted to T3 as needed.

The keto diet can be a major strain on the adrenals, which produce stress hormones such as cortisol. Reduced carb intake leads to a decrease in thyroid hormone levels and an increase in cortisol, which further decreases thyroid function. This can put people with hypothyroidism at an even greater risk for high cortisol levels, which can then increase their risk for diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, a reduced amount of insulin may affect the body's ability to convert the inactive thyroid hormone T4 to the active thyroid hormone T3.

While the keto diet can offer tremendous benefits for people with thyroid conditions, it is important to proceed with caution and consult a doctor before starting this diet, especially for those with hypothyroidism.

The keto diet can cause micronutrient deficiencies, especially of potassium and vitamin C, which are important for thyroid health

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat, and moderate-protein eating pattern. It is often touted as a magic bullet for weight loss. However, it is not for everyone, and it is essential to consider your unique needs, especially if you have a thyroid disorder or are at risk of developing one.

The keto diet can detrimentally impact hormone balance, particularly thyroid hormones. Research indicates that periods of starvation (which the keto diet mimics) and weight loss from the keto diet can lower T3 levels, leading to weight gain. From a biological standpoint, it makes sense for the body to lower T3 production when it senses caloric/carbohydrate restriction: lower T3 means less energy expenditure. When your body perceives a 'famine', your metabolism downregulates to become as efficient as possible to keep you alive for as long as possible.

If you have a thyroid condition, you may see initial positive results on the keto diet, but over time, you may develop symptoms such as increased tiredness and weight gain due to your body's response to the low-carb diet, which is to lower T3 production.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, reducing inflammation and helping regenerate other antioxidants like vitamin E. It is also involved in protein metabolism and the production of connective tissue and some neurotransmitters. Vitamin C can improve thyroid function by reducing TSH and increasing blood levels of T3 and T4.

To avoid micronutrient deficiencies on the keto diet, it is recommended to take a "food first" approach, focusing on getting essential nutrients from whole foods instead of supplements. Eating a balanced diet full of whole foods should provide adequate amounts of most micronutrients. However, high-carbohydrate foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes contain many essential micronutrients. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of potential micronutrient deficiencies when following a keto diet and make sure to include a variety of nutrient-dense foods.

The keto diet may be unsustainable and lead to weight regain

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat, and moderate-protein eating pattern. It has gained popularity in recent years as a weight-loss method. However, it is not a sustainable diet and may lead to weight regain. Here are some reasons why:

Carbohydrates are needed to make thyroid hormones work:

Carbs play a crucial role in the activation of thyroid hormones. Specifically, carbs are necessary for the process of deiodination, which converts the inactive form of thyroid hormone (T4) into the active form (T3). Research shows that a low-carb diet like keto can lead to higher levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can interfere with thyroid function and increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Keto puts your body in a state of fight or flight:

When you don't consume carbs, your body has to figure out how to make them to sustain blood sugar levels. This relies heavily on stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Increased cortisol levels can lead to higher levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which corresponds to a sluggish thyroid or hypothyroidism.

Micronutrient deficiencies:

The keto diet requires a very low carb intake, often eliminating or severely restricting nutrient-dense carbohydrate foods like grains, lentils, fruits, and vegetables. This can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly of potassium and vitamin C, which are essential for overall health and thyroid function.

Unsustainability and weight regain:

The keto diet is challenging to maintain and may lead to weight regain. Most people who attempt weight loss end up regaining the lost weight and sometimes even more. Instead of restricting carbs, a more balanced approach, such as the Mediterranean diet, may be a more sustainable and healthier option, especially for those with hypothyroidism.

In conclusion, while the keto diet may lead to initial weight loss, it is not a sustainable long-term solution and may negatively impact thyroid function and overall health. A registered dietitian can help find a more balanced and enjoyable eating plan that supports thyroid health.

The keto diet can increase cortisol levels, which can negatively impact thyroid function

The keto diet is a very low-carbohydrate diet, with less than 50 grams of carbohydrates per day. This diet can put the body into a state of ketosis, where fat is used for energy instead of carbohydrates. While this diet has been touted as a magic bullet for weight loss, it is not for everyone and can have a detrimental impact on hormone balance, particularly thyroid hormones.

Cortisol is known as the "stress hormone" and it influences blood sugar levels, macronutrient metabolism, blood pressure, immune responses, and other bodily responses to stress. Chronically elevated levels of cortisol can lead to negative health outcomes such as cognitive decline, sleep disruption, low immune function, increased abdominal fat, and blood sugar imbalances.

Research has shown that cortisol levels increase on a ketogenic diet. This may be due to the body's increased reliance on stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to sustain blood sugar levels when carbohydrates are restricted. Carbohydrates directly help lower stress hormones and stress levels, so when you're skipping carbs, as on a keto diet, your cortisol levels can go even higher.

Additionally, cortisol raises Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which corresponds with a sluggish thyroid or hypothyroidism. Cortisol also slows the conversion of T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) to T3 (active thyroid hormone) and increases reverse T3, an inactive form of T3 that cannot be used by the body.

Thus, the keto diet can put people with hypothyroidism at an even greater risk for high cortisol levels, which can then increase their risk for diabetes and heart disease. Therefore, it is important for individuals with thyroid conditions to be cautious when considering the keto diet and to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if this diet is suitable for their unique needs.

The keto diet can cause a reduction in thyroid hormone levels, which may worsen hypothyroidism symptoms

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat, and moderate-protein eating pattern that can detrimentally impact hormone balance, particularly thyroid hormones. Research indicates that periods of starvation and weight loss resulting from the keto diet can lower T3 levels, which may lead to weight gain. From a biological standpoint, when the body senses caloric or carbohydrate restriction, it lowers T3 production to conserve energy. As a result, you may experience increased tiredness and weight gain, along with other hypothyroidism symptoms.

Additionally, when the body is deprived of carbohydrates, it relies heavily on stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to sustain blood sugar levels. Cortisol, a stress hormone, can increase Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which corresponds to a sluggish thyroid or hypothyroidism. Cortisol also slows down the conversion of T4 to T3, further reducing active thyroid hormones.

Furthermore, the keto diet may put individuals with hypothyroidism at a greater risk for high cortisol levels, which can increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease. The diet may also make it challenging to obtain sufficient nutrients, such as potassium and vitamin C, which are essential for thyroid health.

While the keto diet offers benefits like weight loss and improved blood sugar control, it is crucial to consider potential drawbacks, especially for those with hypothyroidism. The diet may cause a reduction in thyroid hormone levels, specifically T3, which can exacerbate hypothyroidism symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional and monitor thyroid levels closely if considering the keto diet with hypothyroidism.

The keto diet can lead to inflammation, which is already a concern for people with thyroid conditions

The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating pattern that has gained popularity in recent years. While it may be an effective weight-loss tool for some, it is not suitable for everyone and can have negative impacts on those with thyroid conditions.

The thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck, plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's metabolism and regulating essential functions. It secretes two types of hormones: T4, the inactive form, and T3, the biologically active form that influences cellular processes and metabolic rate. An imbalance in these hormones, known as hypothyroidism, can lead to fatigue, hair loss, constipation, depression, and other symptoms.

The keto diet's restriction of carbohydrate intake can directly impact the levels of T3 in the body. Carbohydrates are essential for the process of deiodination, where the inactive T4 is converted into the active T3 form. By limiting carbohydrate intake, the body relies on stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to sustain blood sugar levels. This can lead to increased cortisol levels, which is already a concern for people with hypothyroidism. Elevated cortisol further suppresses the conversion of T4 to T3 and can increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Additionally, the keto diet may lead to micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in potassium and vitamin C. These nutrients are abundant in carbohydrate-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, which are restricted on a keto diet. Potassium is essential for supporting vital organs like the kidneys, heart, muscles, and nervous system. Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, aids in reducing inflammation and improving thyroid function.

Furthermore, the keto diet can be challenging to sustain and may not be a practical long-term solution for managing thyroid conditions. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to determine the most suitable dietary approach for your individual needs and health goals.

Frequently asked questions