I’ve been on a Keto diet (less than 20g carbs per day) since October last year. I was diagnosed with hashimotos in July last year. I’ve been experiencing dizziness and light headedness since November 2020. I know I’m under medicated (started on 50mcg thyroxine and now on 75 since four weeks ago). THL should be around 1 but it’s 2.8. Problem is I’m not sure if dizziness is likely to be thyroid or Keto or possibly a combination of both. Ive read that it is not recommended for hypothyroidism sufferers to eat under 30g of carbs per day.
I’ve lost most of the weight I needed to but I’m also enjoying this way of eating so I don’t really want to change and possibly pile the weight back on again. There’s no point in asking my doctor.
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Piglet1956
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The thyroid makes mostly T4 - levothyroxine is T4 - but most cells in your body need T3. Your body has to convert T4 into T3. to do the conversion it needs calories. If you are on too restrictive a diet it affects conversion. It is low T3 levels that cause many of the hypo symptoms.
Believe it or not, doctors are taught that T3 is not important, only T4 matters. It's absolute nonsense of course, but doctors never do pay attention to what patients tell them if it contradicts what they are told in training. And on top of that, doctors only get a couple of hours training on thyroid function and treatment, and one of the things they seem to be taught is that "thyroid is simple".
GPs tend to test only TSH and if you are lucky FT4. This is why many on here do private tests.My surgery only tested TSH and FT4 until my hormones went so out of kilter that they tested FT3 as well to see what was going on. I asked why FT3 had not been tested before. The reply was that as GPs they knew little about FT3 and the could not prescribe T3 liothyronine so as policy they did not test. T3 is considered the domain of the endocrinologist.
I’ve read that the keto diet can elevate cortisol and suppress thyroid function so personally steer clear and opt for variety and slow releasing whole food carbs that keep my blood sugar stable (and plenty of protein).
I saw a private functional doctor a few years ago when I felt particularly unwell. She had me on a strict no carbs diet and only one piece of fruit a day (sugar turns to carbs). Lots of veg (I found this hard). I stuck to it pretty strictly for about 18 months, had all the vitamins and minerals she suggested and weight just fell off, the brain fog and tiredness resolved and I felt amazing - but grumpy because of all the food restrictions! If you like this way of eating I’d go for it. I’m trying to get back on track.
My son has hypothyroidism and has been doing Atkins for over a year. Lost 2 1/2 stones and feels great. He also has a cheat day once a week usually at the weekend and right back on to the diet next day. Didn’t stop him losing the weight. Jo xx
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