Healing Thyroid Issues: Keto Diet's Role And Timeline

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that triggers the body's natural metabolic process known as ketosis. While the keto diet has been touted as a successful way to lose weight, it may not be suitable for those with thyroid problems. The thyroid is a small organ at the base of the neck that regulates metabolism, reproductive health, body temperature, mood, and immunity. When the thyroid isn't functioning properly, symptoms can be severe and far-reaching.

The thyroid needs glucose to produce its hormones T3 and T4 and to convert these hormones from inactive to active form. A ketogenic diet doesn't supply the right form of energy for optimal thyroid function and can lead to the production of Reverse T3, an anti-energy thyroid hormone that can worsen symptoms and lead to weight gain.

However, there is conflicting evidence on the impact of a ketogenic diet on thyroid function. Some studies have shown that a ketogenic diet can result in a greater loss of body mass compared to a high-carb, low-fat diet, despite no change in resting metabolic rate or physical activity level. Additionally, while plasma T3 concentration decreased more on the ketogenic diet, all thyroid hormone levels remained within the normal range.

Overall, while a ketogenic diet may not be the best approach for those with thyroid problems, more research is needed to fully understand the impact of this diet on thyroid function.

The keto diet can be harmful to thyroid health

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that triggers the body's natural metabolic process, "ketosis". While the keto diet has been touted as a successful way to lose weight, reduce inflammation, and even reverse certain chronic conditions, it may not be the right choice for those with existing thyroid problems. The thyroid is a small organ at the base of the neck that regulates metabolism, reproductive health, body temperature, mood, and immunity. When the thyroid isn't functioning properly, the symptoms can be severe and far-reaching.

The thyroid needs glucose to produce its hormones T3 and T4 and to convert these hormones from inactive to active form. A ketogenic diet doesn't supply the right form of energy for the thyroid to function optimally if it is struggling. When thyroid dysfunction is the cause of health problems, especially hypothyroidism, dramatically cutting out most carbs can further suppress the thyroid's ability to function.

Additionally, cutting out carbs suddenly can trigger the production of Reverse T3, which has the opposite effect of T3. Reverse T3 causes the body to go into fat storage mode, produces sluggish and sleepy feelings, and can interfere with healthy insulin usage, leading to weight gain.

• Eat the right kind of carbs: Refined and processed carbs like grains, flours, and sugars should be avoided. Instead, focus on high-quality carb sources like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
• Supplement nutrient deficiencies: Common nutrient deficiencies associated with thyroid problems include magnesium, zinc, selenium, and vitamin D3.
• Get the right kind of thyroid support: While it's possible to reverse hypothyroidism without medication, in some cases, it's faster and safer to support the thyroid with a boost of either T3, T4, or both. There are several forms of thyroid medication available, including synthetic T4, synthetic T3, and desiccated thyroid.

While the keto diet has its benefits, it's important to consider its potential impact on thyroid health. For those with existing thyroid problems, the keto diet may do more harm than good.

The thyroid needs glucose to produce hormones

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, and thyroid hormones have a direct impact on glucose metabolism. Thyroid hormones can affect glucose homeostasis by influencing pancreatic beta-cell development and glucose metabolism in various organs, including the liver, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, adipose tissue, skeletal muscles, and the central nervous system.

Thyroid hormones can increase glucose absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, stimulate hepatic glucose output, and enhance lipolysis, leading to increased free fatty acids that stimulate hepatic gluconeogenesis. They also directly stimulate insulin secretion by pancreatic beta-cells and increase glucagon release by pancreatic alpha-cells. Additionally, thyroid hormones increase glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) gene expression and glucose uptake in skeletal muscles.

Hyperthyroidism is associated with hyperglycemia and can contribute to metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, hypothyroidism is linked to insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, with a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes observed in individuals with hypothyroidism.

A ketogenic diet can lead to the production of Reverse T3

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that triggers the body's natural metabolic process known as "ketosis". While the keto diet has been proven to reduce the number of seizures in patients with epilepsy, its effect on thyroid function is less clear. Some studies have shown that the ketogenic diet can lead to a decrease in T3 levels and an increase in reverse T3 (rT3). This does not necessarily indicate hypothyroidism, but it is important to monitor how you are feeling and how your body is responding to the diet.

Reverse T3 is produced when the conversion of inactive T4 doesn't happen as it should. As a result, the body goes into fat storage mode, and you may experience sluggishness, sleepiness, and mood changes. Additionally, reverse T3 can interfere with healthy insulin usage, leading to weight gain, especially in the middle.

Chronic stress can also contribute to the production of reverse T3. When you are stressed, your body releases cortisol, which signals your body to slow down processes that are unnecessary for dealing with the stressor, including thyroid hormone production. If you are constantly stressed, your adrenals can become overworked, leading to adrenal fatigue and further decreasing thyroid activity.

To support healthy thyroid function while on a ketogenic diet, it is important to ensure adequate nutrient intake, manage stress levels, and consider a cyclic ketogenic diet or carb backloading strategy. Nutrients such as iodine, tyrosine, Vitamin A, Selenium, Zinc, B Vitamins, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E are crucial for thyroid hormone production. Managing stress through adaptogenic herbs, B vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin C, and magnesium can also help reduce the negative impact of cortisol on thyroid function. Finally, a cyclic ketogenic diet or carb backloading strategy can help keep the thyroid "stoked" while still getting the anti-inflammatory benefits of keto.

The keto diet can be beneficial for hypothyroidism

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 has been touted as a successful way to lose weight, its benefits for thyroid problems are less clear. Thyroid problems require specific dietary interventions to rebalance, and it's not as simple as cutting carbs or taking medication.

The keto diet switches the body's primary source of energy from glucose to ketones. Glucose is derived from carbohydrates and excess proteins in the diet and is used to provide cellular energy. When there is an excess of glucose, it gets stored as fat. The keto diet, on the other hand, uses fat, followed by protein, and then carbohydrates, as the primary source of energy. This has therapeutic implications for conditions such as epilepsy and diabetes.

The thyroid is a small organ at the base of the neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism, reproductive health, body temperature, mood, and immunity. When the thyroid isn't functioning properly, the symptoms can be severe and far-reaching. The thyroid needs glucose to produce its hormones T3 and T4 and to convert these hormones from inactive to active form. A ketogenic diet doesn't supply the right form of energy for optimal thyroid function and can lead to the production of Reverse T3, an anti-energy thyroid hormone that can worsen symptoms and lead to weight gain.

Instead of cutting out carbs, focus on choosing the best carbohydrates as your body's fuel. Refined and processed carbs like grains, flours, and sugars should be avoided, while high-quality carb sources like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds can be included in the diet. In addition, supplementing with certain nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, selenium, and vitamin D3 can help boost thyroid function and address common deficiencies associated with thyroid problems.

Hypothyroidism causes the metabolism to slow down, making individuals more susceptible to fatigue and weight gain. The keto diet may help prevent and reduce weight gain by burning fat for fuel instead of glucose. However, small studies have found that a ketogenic diet can lead to increased levels of T4 and decreased levels of T3, the active form of the thyroid hormone. More research is needed to determine the lasting effects of a keto diet on thyroid hormone production.

Pros and cons of the keto diet

The keto diet may be beneficial for managing hypothyroidism by improving metabolism and insulin resistance and reducing consumption of inflammatory foods. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with liver, pancreatic, kidney, or gallbladder diseases. Some potential cons of the keto diet include electrolyte imbalances, quick weight loss from water loss, "keto flu," risk of developing kidney stones and liver disease, constipation, and difficulty sustaining the restrictive diet.

The keto diet can cause uncomfortable side effects

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that triggers the body's natural metabolic process, "ketosis". While the keto diet has been touted as a successful way to lose weight, reduce inflammation, and reverse certain chronic conditions, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with existing thyroid problems.

Thyroid function

The thyroid is a small organ found at the base of the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism, reproductive health, body temperature, mood, and immunity. The thyroid needs glucose to produce its hormones T3 and T4 and to convert these hormones from inactive to active form. When not enough carbs are present, hormone production and conversion slow, which can worsen a hypothyroid condition.

Reverse T3 production

Cutting out carbs suddenly can trigger the production of Reverse T3, which is the opposite of T3, the primary energy-boosting thyroid hormone. Reverse T3 causes the body to go into fat storage mode, produces sluggish and sleepy feelings, and can interfere with healthy insulin usage, leading to weight gain, especially in the middle.

Nutrient deficiencies

With thyroid issues, certain nutrient deficiencies seem to be common, and just eating a whole foods diet might not be enough to correct them. The top nutrient deficiencies associated with thyroid problems include magnesium, zinc, selenium, and vitamin D3.

Keto flu

Transitioning to a keto diet may cause what is known as "keto flu", which is the body's way of adapting to using fat as fuel instead of glucose from carbohydrates. Staying hydrated and keeping electrolytes balanced can help curb the onset of keto flu.

Constipation

Constipation may occur on the keto diet due to low intake of dietary fiber. Increasing fibrous foods such as nuts, seeds, legumes, and non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, kale, and cucumbers can help.

Difficulty sustaining the diet

A low-carbohydrate diet like keto may seem restrictive, and it can be challenging to sustain due to its restrictive nature.

Frequently asked questions