Help to solve your hypothyroidism with a ketogenic diet
Do you have hypothyroidism?
It is certainly worthwhile to see what this way of eating can bring you! Low-carb or ketogenic food can be an excellent idea for both a slow-acting thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and a fast-acting thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
This diet is effective in losing weight, but people often get fewer complaints and more energy. Sometimes medication can even be reduced. The results vary per person, and this approach often needs some time before the benefits start kicking in.
Slow thyroid function – keto diet
There is almost always insulin resistance. Switching to the ketogenic lifestyle can help you react better to insulin so that the conversion of inactive thyroid hormone (T4) is better converted to active thyroid hormone (T3). The ketogenic approach ensures that chronic inflammation is reduced. Chronic inflammation can cause autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s disease.
Weightloss
A slow thyroid gland can make it very difficult to lose weight (despite medication). Many people with slow functioning thyroid gland have tried all kinds of diets with little or no result. The great thing is that with a ketogenic lifestyle, it is possible to lose weight! It might take a while before one loses weight, but it is a matter of persistence! This “diet” is easy to do because it is very saturating and will never feel hungry.
- Eat around 25g of carbs a day, not less! If you eat too little carbohydrates, too little insulin is produced, and there is less conversion from T4 to T3. To be sure, keep around 25 grams of carbohydrates per day, then you’re safe!
- Never take too few calories because this can even slow your thyroid gland down even more!
- Fasting:Â no longer than 24 consecutive hours;Â You can certainly do Intermittent-fasting (IF) if you want, but a maximum of 24 consecutive hours, otherwise your thyroid gland will work slower.
No improvements after 6 months?
If you do not notice any improvement after 6 months, you can also consider eating cyclic ketogenic. You eat ketogenic for 6 days a week and a little more carbohydrates (up to 100 grams) 1 day a week. As a result, you have a higher insulin response once a week so that more T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) is converted into T3 (active thyroid hormone). It is essential to get these carbs out of pure, real food. Preferably no processed foods! Sweet potato or some fruits are perfect! Keep avoiding gluten, grains, soy, and legumes.
Eating Cyclic keto is a much less effective way to go keto for weight loss, and not easy because you have to “switch the ketosis button every time”. We definitely advise against this approach unless it is essential!
Do mind!
- Give it a chance for at least 6 months!
You may not notice the positive effects immediately. This may be because your body is busy recovering. Don’t give up too soon! Losing weight can also be slower compared to others, but keep it up! - This is especially important for thyroid problems because your body needs more micronutrients (small elements in food that are important for your health, such as vitamins and minerals).
- Avoid gluten, grains, soy, and legumes.
These are food groups that have an inflammatory effect and negatively influence thyroid function. If you follow the menus and recipes of the start guide, then you will always be fine. - Make sure you get iodine.
Iodine is added to bread. If you no longer eat bread, you must ensure that you get iodine. This is possible by using iodinated salt or a supplement.
What if it does not work?
If, after 6 months of eating ketogenic, you feel worse than before you started, you can consider stopping the ketogenic lifestyle. However, it doesn’t hurt to look at it any longer since you eat pure and healthy food. Give your body enough time to get used to a new lifestyle and recover from complaints and illness.
It is advisable to have your blood levels checked (TSH, T3, T4 and if possible, rT3) 3-6 months after you start living the keto-life. You can use these checks to see if your thyroid function improves. If you suddenly get a worsening of symptoms, you should consult your doctor.
My own experience with the ketogenic lifestyle
I have been on every existing diet in the last 10 years, low-carb for 9 years…without success. After I had my daughter, I have never been the same. I could not get back to my original weight before pregnancy, whatever I tried. You can imagine I felt really frustrated at that time.
2 years ago, I got really sick, and I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and ovarian cancer. My doctor advised me to follow an AIP keto diet combined with my treatment. In the beginning, I experienced nothing but weight gain, but after 8 months of persistence, weight loss kicked in. Above all this, I felt better every day. I can exercise, have loads of energy and need much less sleep.
Being ill, I was lucky to have a good doctor, a sister: Sandra Bloom, a health writer with a lot of knowledge about “holistic health”, and I was even luckier to recover my health and view on life.
I have found a new passion in life. I want to teach everyone to live a non-toxic life. This means I promote a paleo& keto lifestyle and a holistic lifestyle, free of toxic chemicals.
Love,
Ketocosmo
