Keto Diet: Underactive Thyroid's Friend Or Foe?

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that triggers the body's natural metabolic process known as ketosis. The diet has been proven to reduce seizures in patients with epilepsy and shows promise in treating other chronic illnesses, including diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cancer. Given its potential health benefits, it is worth exploring its effects on individuals with hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, brain function, heart health, muscle strength, hair growth, and skin health. A keto diet may impact thyroid function by reducing the conversion of the inactive thyroid hormone T4 into the active thyroid hormone T3. This conversion typically occurs in the liver and is necessary for the thyroid hormone to become active.

Research suggests that a keto diet may decrease T3 levels and increase cortisol, a stress hormone that can further reduce thyroid function. Additionally, the diet's restriction of carbohydrate-rich foods may lead to micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in potassium and vitamin C, which are essential for thyroid health.

While the keto diet offers benefits such as weight loss and improved energy levels, individuals with hypothyroidism should proceed with caution. The diet may negatively impact thyroid function and worsen hypothyroidism symptoms. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially if you have a thyroid condition.

Ketogenic diets can reduce inflammation and modulate immune response, which is beneficial for thyroid health

Ketogenic Diets and Inflammation

Ketogenic diets are low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets that induce ketone body production by mimicking the metabolism of the fasting state without significant calorie deprivation. The ketogenic diet has been shown to reduce inflammation in the brain, which is beneficial for patients with epilepsy and other neurological illnesses. In addition, the ketogenic diet can also inhibit colitis and protect intestinal barrier decay.

Ketogenic Diets and Immune Response

The ketogenic diet has been shown to modulate the immune system and reduce the risk of mortality in COVID-19 patients. It can also reprogramme glycolysis-skewed T cells to perform oxidative phosphorylation, which is beneficial for patients with SARS-CoV-2-stimulated acute respiratory distress syndrome. Furthermore, the ketogenic diet can enhance the expression of type I interferon and antigen presentation genes, which increases the effectiveness of anti-cytotoxic T lymphocytes associated antigen 4 immunotherapy.

Ketogenic Diets and Thyroid Health

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that produces thyroid hormones, which help the body use energy, stay warm, and regulate the function of organs such as the brain, heart, and muscles. Thyroiditis refers to inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can be caused by an attack on the thyroid by antibodies, infections, or drugs such as interferon and amiodarone. The ketogenic diet can help reduce inflammation in the thyroid gland and improve thyroid health.

The keto diet can help lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, preventing damage to the body's tissues

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that triggers the body's natural metabolic process, known as "ketosis". This process is characterised by the presence of elevated ketones in the bloodstream. Ketosis is achieved by limiting the amount of carbohydrates consumed, which deprives the body of its natural fuel source, glucose. As a result, the body is forced to use stored fat as fuel instead, leading to weight loss.

One of the benefits of the keto diet is its potential to reduce oxidative stress and increase energy levels. Oxidative stress leads to inflammatory and autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto's disease, which is a common cause of hypothyroidism. By lowering reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, the keto diet can help prevent damage to the body's tissues and reduce inflammation.

Additionally, the keto diet can help regulate blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for people with Hashimoto's disease who often experience spiked sugar levels.

However, it is important to note that there is limited research on the effects of the keto diet on people with Hashimoto's disease and hypothyroidism. While the keto diet may offer some benefits, there are also potential drawbacks, such as irregular bowel movements. Furthermore, some experts recommend the keto diet as a short-term solution for weight loss rather than a long-term dietary plan.

Before starting any diet, it is essential to consult a doctor or a registered dietitian to evaluate any potential risks and determine the best approach for managing hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's disease.

The ketogenic diet may cause a decrease in the conversion of T4 to T3, the active form of the thyroid hormone

Research has shown that a ketogenic diet may cause a decrease in the conversion of T4 to T3. One study found that the plasma T3 concentration was significantly lower following a ketogenic diet, while another study found that the T3:T4 ratio was significantly greater following a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet compared to a ketogenic diet. Additionally, a study on epileptic children found that 17% of the participants developed hypothyroidism after being placed on a ketogenic diet.

The decrease in T3 levels may be due to increased cortisol levels associated with a ketogenic diet. Cortisol is a stress hormone that increases when the body is deprived of carbohydrates, its primary energy source. High cortisol levels can further decrease thyroid function and increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Furthermore, a ketogenic diet may not be sustainable in the long term and can be challenging to adhere to. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a ketogenic diet, especially for those with hypothyroidism, as it may impact thyroid function and medication dosage.

Prolonged ketosis can force the body to accumulate acid, which may cause inflammation

Prolonged Ketosis and Inflammation

How Ketosis Reduces Inflammation

The ketogenic diet is naturally high in many anti-inflammatory foods and void of foods known to cause inflammation. For instance, the diet includes fatty fish like tuna, salmon, and herring, while excluding processed grains like wheat, rice, and barley, and starchy vegetables like potatoes and sweet potatoes.

When the body is in a state of ketosis, it produces the ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), which has been linked to improved mitochondrial function and decreased oxidative stress. BHB also activates the AMPK pathway, which assists in regulating energy and inhibiting the inflammatory Nf-kB pathways.

Beta-Hydroxybutyrate and Inflammation

Beta-hydroxybutyrate can block the NLRP3 inflammasome, an immune system receptor linked to inflammation. The NLRP3 inflammasome reacts to threats to the body, such as toxins, infections, or too much glucose, and can be overactivated by constant exposure to inflammation caused by inflammatory foods.

Carbohydrates and Inflammation

Excess carbohydrates are broken down into sugars, causing blood glucose levels to remain high. Constant intake of high-sugar foods can lead to glucose buildup in the blood, resulting in inflammation and, if chronic, serious problems like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Eating to Reduce Inflammation

While a whole-foods-based ketogenic diet is inherently anti-inflammatory, certain foods are better for fighting inflammation. These include healthy fats like egg yolks, oils like coconut and olive oil, nuts like almonds and macadamia nuts, fatty fish like salmon, and avocados.

It is important to avoid inflammatory foods, such as processed foods, high-glycemic foods like refined sugars and grains, refined vegetable oils high in omega-6s, and coffee and alcohol.

The keto diet may be unsustainable and hard to maintain in the long term

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that triggers the body's natural metabolic process, "ketosis". While it is advertised as a weight-loss wonder, it is actually a medical diet that comes with serious risks and is best used as a short-term dietary change to jump-start weight reduction.

The keto diet is unsustainable for several reasons. Firstly, it is difficult to find keto-friendly options when eating out or celebrating with friends. Most restaurants do not cater specifically to keto diets, and it can be a hassle to find suitable options that align with the diet's restrictions.

Secondly, the keto diet can be difficult to maintain due to the limited variety of food options it offers. Many people get tired of eating the same high-fat foods and crave more wholesome, nutritious meals. The diet restricts many healthy foods, including sweet potatoes, whole-grain bread, quinoa, brown rice, and oatmeal, which are rich sources of vitamins and minerals.

Additionally, the keto diet can be challenging for those who want to reduce their consumption of animal products. While it is possible to follow the keto diet as a vegetarian or vegan, it is much more difficult as beans and lentils are off the menu. This often leads to a diet heavily reliant on meat and animal products, which may not be desirable or sustainable in the long term.

Furthermore, the keto diet can lead to an increase in "bad" LDL cholesterol, which is linked to heart disease. It can also cause nutrient deficiencies, especially if one does not supplement their diet with the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Lastly, the weight loss achieved through the keto diet may not be sustainable. In fact, many people who attempt weight loss through dieting tend to gain back the weight they lose and sometimes even more.

Overall, while the keto diet may offer some benefits, it is important to consider the challenges of maintaining this diet in the long term. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before starting any new diet, especially one as restrictive as keto.

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