Intermittent Fasting and Hypothyroidism

Intermittent Fasting and Hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s disease) is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. This affects the entire body’s metabolism and causes a variety of problems, including weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, depression, and much more.

Intermittent fasting is a popular dieting strategy that involves cycling between periods of fasting and eating.

What is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. It involves going without food for set periods of time, then eating normal-sized meals or snacks.

There are several different ways to do intermittent fasting, but the most common is the 16:8 method.

This involves fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window.

For example, you would eat all your meals between noon and 8 p.m., then fast from 8 p.m. until noon the next day.

Intermittent fasting can help you lose weight, improve your metabolism, and increase your energy levels. It’s also a great way to improve your overall health and well-being.

6 Health Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

1. Intermittent fasting can help you lose weight.

2. Intermittent fasting can improve your insulin sensitivity.

3. Intermittent fasting can reduce inflammation.

4. Intermittent fasting can help prevent cancer.

5. Intermittent fasting can improve your brain health.

6. Intermittent fasting can lengthen your lifespan.

If you have hypothyroidism, intermittent fasting may help you lose weight, improve your insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and prevent cancer. It may also improve your brain health and lengthen your lifespan.

Types of Intermittent Fasting

There are several different types of intermittent fasting, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. The most popular methods are the 16/8 method, alternate day fasting, whole day fasting, and the 5:2 method.

1. The 16/8 Method: This involves fasting for 16 hours out of the day and consuming all your food within an 8-hour window. For example, you might choose to fast from 8 p.m. to noon the next day.

2. The 5:2 Fasting: With this method, you consume only 500–600 calories on two non-consecutive days of the week while eating normally the other five days.

3. Overnight Fasting: Also known as the “12/12” method, you would fast for 12 hours overnight (say, from 7 pm to 7 am) and eat freely during the remaining 12 hours.

4. Alternate-day Fasting: This involves fasting every other day. On fasting days, you would consume only water, herbal tea, or other clean (not acidic) calorie-free beverages.

5. Whole-day Fasting: As the name suggests, this entails fasting for an entire day, consuming only water, only water, herbal tea, or other clean (not acidic) calorie-free beverages.

Can Intermittent Fasting Affect Thyroid Function?

There is some evidence that fasting can affect thyroid function. In one study, 45 obese subjects were placed on a four-day fast.

They found that everyone’s TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) levels increased during the fast. However, everyone’s T3 (active thyroid hormone) levels decreased. Men saw bigger changes than women.

When participants were supplemented with T4 during the fast, their T3 levels still decreased. However, when they were supplemented with T3, their T3 levels remained stable.

After the fast, the participants’ diet affected whether their thyroid hormone levels recovered. Those who ate a pure carbohydrate diet saw their T3 levels return to normal.

However, those who ate a diet that was high in fat and protein had lower T3 levels after refeeding. This suggests that intermittent fasting may have different effects on thyroid function depending on the composition of your diet.

Another study has shown that intermittent fasting can affect thyroid function and help normalize imbalances in thyroid hormone levels “Lowered levels of triiodothyronine without impaired thyroid gland function”.

There is no definitive answer to whether intermittent fasting affects thyroid function as the research on the matter is inconclusive.

Some studies suggest that intermittent fasting can have an impact on thyroid function, while other studies are not able to confirm these findings. Therefore, more research is needed in order to determine whether or not intermittent fasting has a direct effect on thyroid function.

In addition, In hypothyroid patients, fasting produced greater improvements in fasting insulin and insulin resistance.

Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism show improvements in insulin resistance as well as fasting insulin levels were also observed.

Intermittent fasting, Weight loss, and Hypothyroidism

One of the main benefits of intermittent fasting is weight loss. Intermittent fasting has been shown to boost metabolism by 3.6-14% (1). This is because when you fast, your body starts to burn fat for energy, which leads to weight loss.

Intermittent fasting also has been linked with reduced levels of insulin, a hormone that promotes fat storage (2). This is beneficial because it can help you burn stored body fat, leading to even more weight loss.

If you’re looking to lose weight, intermittent fasting is worth trying. Just make sure to do it in a way that fits your lifestyle and exercise program.

How To Start Intermittent Fasting with Hypothyroidism?

Intermittent fasting is generally safe for most people, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you have hypothyroidism:

1. Make sure you’re getting enough nutrients: When you fast, your body doesn’t get the same amount of nutrients it does when you eat regularly. This can be a problem if you’re not getting enough of the nutrients your body needs.

2. Drink plenty of fluids: When you fast, your body eliminates toxins and waste products through urine and sweat.

This can lead to dehydration if you’re not drinking enough fluids. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water or other fluids (like herbal tea) while fasting to stay hydrated.

3. Avoid prolonged fasting: If you have hypothyroidism, it’s best to avoid long fasts (longer than 48 hours). This is because long fasts require energy, and typically, hypo cases are very depleted individuals.

If you want to try long fasting, start with shorter fasts (12-24 hours) and gradually work up to longer ones.

4. Listen to your body: As with anything, it’s important to listen to your body when you’re fasting.

If you start to feel faint, dizzy, or otherwise unwell, stop fasting and eat something. Intermittent fasting is supposed to be beneficial, so don’t push yourself too hard.

5. Make sure to review our free natural healing guides: Dry & Water Fasting- Everything You Need To Know, and how to heal hypothyroidism naturally with diet and herbs.

FAQ

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that regulates metabolism. It does this by producing thyroid hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and tyrosine.

During thyroid development, T3 and T4 are produced while the pituitary gland produces a third hormone: thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

This hormone controls thyroid function through a feedback loop, similar to that of a home central heating system (Thereby stimulating thyroid hormone production).

The pituitary gland controls thermostat settings at certain temperatures. A thermostat sends a signal (TSH) to an energizer to the thyroid (which generates more T4).

Unlike most hormones, T4 remains active in the body for long periods of time.

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid does not produce enough of the hormones T3 and T4. This can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and other symptoms.

The most common symptom of hypothyroidism is fatigue. Other symptoms include, muscle weakness, dry skin, thinning hair, cold intolerance, and constipation.

Does fasting make hypothyroidism worse?

Fasting does not make hypothyroidism worse. In fact, it can help treat hypothyroidism.

When done correctly, intermittent fasting can help to regulate the thyroid hormone levels. This is because when you fast, your body is able to better use the thyroid hormone that is already present.

Can fasting affect TSH levels?

Fasting can affect TSH levels. This is because when you fast, your body is able to better use the thyroid hormone that is already present. This can lead to reduced levels of TSH.

Is fasting required for thyroid test?

No, fasting is not required for thyroid test. You can have your thyroid tested without fasting. However, if you are fasting, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and listen to your body.

If you start to feel faint, dizzy, or otherwise unwell, stop fasting and eat something.

Is it OK to fast with hypothyroidism?

Yes, it is OK to fast with hypothyroidism. However, it is important to listen to your body and make sure you’re getting enough nutrients.

You should also drink plenty of fluids and avoid long fasts (longer than 48 hours). If you want to try long fasting, start with shorter fasts (12-24 hours) and gradually work up to longer ones.

What happens to your thyroid when you fast?

When you fast, your thyroid hormone levels can become regulated. This is because when you fast, your body is able to better use the thyroid hormone that is already present.

This can lead to reduced levels of TSH. Additionally, fasting can help to relieve symptoms of hypothyroidism such as fatigue and weight gain.

Can hypothyroidism be cured completely?

Low thyroid activity can be balanced with an alkaline diet of fruits, veggies and herbs.

Can fasting help with thyroid issues?

Fasting can help with thyroid issues by regulating thyroid hormone levels. This is because when you fast, your body is able to better use the thyroid hormone that is already present.

When should I take intermittent fasting with thyroid medication?

You should take your thyroid medication as prescribed by your doctor (Only prolonged fasting requires adjusting of thyroid medications).

Additionally, it is important to listen to your body and make sure you’re getting enough nutrients. You should also drink plenty of fluids and avoid long fasts (longer than 48 hours).

If you want to try long fasting, start with shorter fasts (12-24 hours) and gradually work up to longer ones.

Can diet reduce thyroid nodules?

Yes. An alkaline diet of fruits, veggies, and herbs reduces thyroid nodules. Make sure to review our free guides about thyroid nodules natural healing and goiter.

Final Words…

Intermittent fasting has become a popular way to lose weight, but it can also help people with hypothyroidism.

Fasting can be a helpful tool in treating hypothyroidism and regulating the thyroid hormone levels. Additionally, fasting can help to relieve symptoms of hypothyroidism such as fatigue and weight gain. However, it is important to listen to your body and make sure you’re getting enough nutrients.

Keep in mind that while restricting calories may be beneficial for thyroid health, an alkaline diet of fruits, vegetables, and herbs is required to balance thyroid function since the cells require an alkaline environment in order to heal.

Natural Thyroid Healing Guide

Let’s dive right to it!

Learn about “The Art and Science of Detoxification & Regeneration of Cells” in the next video, which Dr. Morse discusses why and how we become sick, as well as what weakens and destroys our cells and what environment our cells need to recover in order to heal.

He covers the most important bodily systems and organs, including The Great Lymphatic System, Endocrine System, link between weak kidneys and adrenals, two sides of chemistry, acid vs alkaline, as well as the ideal diet for easy cell detoxification and regeneration with ease.

All the information you need to know about natural thyroid healing is also covered in our free guides:

Hypothyroidism Self- Healing Guide

Best Natural Herbs For Hypothyroidism

Dr. Morse Book is available now on Amazon

Get the Our free Thyroid Alkaline meal plan levels 1-3 by signing up.

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