Keto And Underactive Thyroid: Does It Work?

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has been proven to reduce the number of seizures in patients with epilepsy. It is also used to treat other chronic illnesses, including diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cancer. The diet triggers the body's natural metabolic process, ketosis, which forces the body to use stored fat as fuel instead of glucose.

The keto diet has become a popular choice for people looking to lose weight, but it is important to talk to your doctor before trying keto, especially if you have a thyroid condition like hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, which can cause symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, sleepiness, constipation, depression, and more.

There is some concern that the keto diet may slow the conversion of the thyroid hormone T4 into T3, the active form of the hormone. Research has shown that a reduced amount of insulin, which may occur on a keto diet, can inhibit the liver's ability to convert T4 to T3. Additionally, prolonged ketosis can lead to inflammation, which is already a concern for people with thyroid diseases.

However, the keto diet can also offer benefits for people with thyroid conditions. It can help reduce oxidative stress and increase energy, as well as reduce inflammation and regulate blood sugar levels.

Overall, while the keto diet may provide some benefits for people with hypothyroidism, it is important to proceed with caution and consult a doctor before starting the diet.

Ketogenic diets may slow the conversion of T4 into T3, the active form of the thyroid hormone

The thyroid gland, which sits at the base of your neck, makes two types of thyroid hormones: T3 and T4. T3 is the active form of the thyroid hormone and is functional, while T4 is inactive and non-functional. The body has to convert T4 to T3 through a process called deiodination, which occurs in the liver, kidneys, brain, and gut.

Ketogenic diets may slow the conversion of T4 into T3. This is important because T3 is the active form of the thyroid hormone and is responsible for the thermogenic and metabolic effects of the thyroid hormone. Therefore, making less T3 could potentially make you less metabolically active.

Research has shown that a ketogenic diet can lead to a decrease in the conversion of T4 to T3. Specifically, one study found that epileptic children on a ketogenic diet had a statistically significant increase in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Another study in adults showed a decrease in the conversion of T4 to T3, with lower T3 measurements but no change in T4.

There are a few possible explanations for why ketogenic diets may slow the conversion of T4 into T3. One possibility is an increase in cortisol, which is secreted to increase the release of stored glucose when glucose levels are low. This increased cortisol could be taking some of the T4 and putting it into what is called reverse T3, which is no longer accessible for conversion into T3. Another possibility is that the body becomes more efficient, and less T3 is needed, so there is less conversion overall.

If you are considering a ketogenic diet and have hypothyroidism, it is important to be cautious and monitor your thyroid function through testing. You should measure T4 and T3 levels and compare them before and after starting the diet to ensure they do not go too low. Additionally, measuring reverse T3 and cortisol levels can also be informative.

The keto diet may increase cortisol levels, which can lead to higher levels of reverse T3 and decreased thyroid function

The keto diet can increase cortisol levels, which can lead to higher levels of reverse T3 and decreased thyroid function. This is because the keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that triggers the body's natural metabolic process of ketosis. In ketosis, the body breaks down stored fat, and the liver produces "ketones", a type of fatty acid, which are sent into the bloodstream and used as fuel by the muscles and other tissues. However, this reduction in carbohydrate intake can lead to an increase in cortisol, the stress hormone. Cortisol is responsible for increasing gluconeogenesis in the liver, a process that makes carbs from protein and fat. Adrenaline also supports gluconeogenesis.

Cortisol can have a negative impact on thyroid function. It raises Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which corresponds to a sluggish thyroid or hypothyroidism. Cortisol also slows the conversion of T4 (thyroxine) to T3 (triiodothyronine) by directly impacting deiodinase activity and increases reverse T3. T3 is the active and functional form of the thyroid hormone, while T4 is inactive and non-functional. Therefore, when cortisol increases, it reduces the availability of the active thyroid hormone in the body.

Research has shown that people with hypothyroidism tend to have higher levels of stress hormones. The keto diet may further increase cortisol levels, putting people with hypothyroidism at a greater risk for high cortisol levels and subsequent diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, high cortisol levels can lead to a magnesium deficiency, as stress causes the body to flood the blood with magnesium, which is then lost in the urine. Many individuals do not get enough magnesium in their diets, to begin with, and high cortisol levels can further deplete this essential mineral.

In conclusion, the keto diet may increase cortisol levels, leading to higher levels of reverse T3 and decreased thyroid function. This is because the keto diet restricts carbohydrate intake, which can increase reliance on stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol has a direct impact on thyroid function, slowing the conversion of T4 to T3 and increasing TSH and reverse T3. Individuals with hypothyroidism should proceed with caution when considering the keto diet and ensure that their stress levels are under control to avoid further hormone imbalance.

The keto diet can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to Hashimoto's disease, an underlying cause of hypothyroidism

The ketogenic diet can be a valuable tool for managing Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, the keto diet may alleviate symptoms associated with this condition.

Reducing Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's antioxidant defences. This imbalance can lead to inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, including Hashimoto's disease. The keto diet has been shown to reduce the generation of ROS by increasing levels of antioxidants, such as glutathione. Additionally, the diet may improve mitochondrial function, further reducing oxidative stress.

Lowering Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a common issue for people with Hashimoto's disease. The ketogenic diet, when designed well and incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, can help reduce inflammation. The ketone β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) inhibits inflammasomes, which are responsible for activating inflammatory responses. By reducing inflammation, the keto diet may alleviate symptoms related to autoimmune thyroid disease.

Regulating Blood Sugar Levels

People with Hashimoto's disease often experience spikes in blood sugar levels. A low-carb ketogenic diet can help balance blood sugar, as it is naturally low in sugar and refined carbohydrates. This can lead to improved glycemic control and reduced insulin resistance.

In summary, the keto diet has the potential to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for people with Hashimoto's disease by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation and regulating blood sugar levels. However, it is important to note that the keto diet may not be suitable for everyone, and individual needs may vary. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet.

The ketogenic diet may not be sustainable or healthy in the long term, especially for those with hypothyroidism

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that triggers the body's natural metabolic process known as "ketosis". While it has been proven to reduce the number of seizures in patients with epilepsy, its long-term sustainability and healthiness are questionable, especially for those with hypothyroidism.

Carbs are needed to make thyroid hormones work

Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in metabolism, and thyroid hormone status correlates directly with energy expenditure and body mass. The keto diet's severe restriction of carbohydrate intake can lead to a decrease in thyroid hormone levels, as carbs are needed for the conversion of T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) to T3 (active thyroid hormone). This conversion is necessary because T3 is the active form that the body can use.

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

When the body doesn't consume carbs, it has to figure out how to make carbs to sustain blood sugar. This relies heavily on stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol increases with a low-carb diet and is responsible for increasing gluconeogenesis in the liver, a process that makes carbs from protein and fat. High cortisol levels can lead to increased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and decreased conversion of T4 to T3, further reducing thyroid function.

Micronutrient deficiencies

The keto diet's restriction to 50 grams of carbs or less per day can lead to eliminating or reducing nutrient-dense, carbohydrate-rich foods like grains, lentils, fruits, and vegetables. This can result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly potassium and vitamin C. These nutrients are essential for overall health and proper thyroid function.

It's unsustainable

The keto diet is challenging to maintain and may not be suitable for long-term weight loss. Most people who attempt weight loss through dieting gain back the weight they lose and sometimes even more.

In conclusion, while the keto diet may offer some benefits, such as weight loss and increased energy, it may not be a sustainable or healthy option in the long term, especially for those with hypothyroidism. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any diet, especially if you have a medical condition like hypothyroidism.

People with hypothyroidism should consult a doctor or dietitian before starting a keto diet to ensure it is safe and appropriate for them

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that triggers the body's natural metabolic process known as "ketosis". While it has proven health benefits, such as reducing seizures in patients with epilepsy, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to a slowdown in bodily processes. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, hair loss, sleepiness, constipation, depression, low heart rate, irregular menstrual cycles, and infertility.

There are several reasons why people with hypothyroidism should consult a doctor or dietitian before starting a keto diet:

• Carbs are needed to make thyroid hormones work: Carbohydrates are important for the conversion of T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) to T3 (active thyroid hormone). Research shows that a low-carb keto diet can decrease the levels of T3 in the body.
• Keto may increase stress and negatively impact thyroid function: When the body doesn't get enough carbs, it relies on stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to sustain blood sugar levels. People with hypothyroidism tend to have higher levels of stress hormones, and the keto diet may further increase these levels, leading to a sluggish thyroid.
• Risk of micronutrient deficiencies: The keto diet restricts carb intake to 50 grams or less per day, leading to the elimination or reduction of nutrient-dense carbohydrate foods. This can put people with hypothyroidism at risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, especially potassium and vitamin C, which are essential for thyroid function.
• Potential adverse effects: While the keto diet may offer benefits for people with Hashimoto's disease (the most common cause of hypothyroidism), there are also potential drawbacks, including irregular bowel movements. A diet with fewer carbohydrate restrictions may be a better option.
• Individual variations: Every individual is different, and the keto diet may affect people with hypothyroidism differently. Consulting a doctor or dietitian can help determine if the keto diet is suitable and safe for a particular person.

In conclusion, while the keto diet may offer some benefits for people with hypothyroidism, it is essential to consult a doctor or dietitian before starting this diet to ensure it is safe and appropriate. They can help monitor thyroid levels, nutrient intake, and any potential adverse effects.

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