Finding a balance between health and weight management can be challenging if you have hypothyroidism. While intermittent fasting has revolutionized the health and wellness sphere with its benefits for weight loss and health regulation, it’s essential to learn about its application to people struggling with hypothyroidism. This article is a deep dive into its benefits and potential risks, exploring the association between intermittent fasting and hypothyroidism.
The Thyroid Gland And Hypothyroidism: An Overview
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ in the front of the neck.
It secretes hormones necessary for normal metabolism and the functioning of the body.
The pituitary gland secretes the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which regulates normal thyroid functioning.
The T3 form of the thyroid hormone is the blood analyte used to diagnose hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is a disease that can affect thyroid function.
It occurs when thyroid hormone production decreases due to a loss of function in the thyroid gland or the pituitary that oversees it.
These changes could be due to inflammation or an iodine deficiency.
Either way, the thyroid secretes less TSH than required.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid disorder that can also lead to hypothyroidism.
People who suffer from thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism feel sluggish and lack energy.
Since in hypothyroidism, the metabolism slows down, and there is little energy expenditure, those suffering from it often experience weight gain.
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What Is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting, or time-restricted feeding, is a specific time-bound eating pattern.
Unlike diets where certain foods are eliminated or restricted from consumption, intermittent fasting emphasizes the time between meals.
Intermittent fasting can help delay aging, improve metabolism, and lose weight.
There are different ways to do intermittent fasting.
Types of Intermittent Fasting
Some of the most popular fasting schedules include:
- The 5:2 diet: In this type of intermittent fasting, you usually eat five days a week and completely restrict yourself from eating on the remaining two days. Alternatively, you can also severely restrict calories on those two days.
- Alternate day fasting: This implies fasting every other day. It means eating a normal amount for one day and restricting calories for the next.
- The 16/8 diet: Here, you fast for 16 hours, followed by an 8-hour eating window. Low-calorie beverages can help combat hunger pangs.
- Overnight fasting: This is one of the most convenient types of intermittent fasting, as it comes naturally to most people. This type of fasting also cuts down on late-night snacking, which is overall beneficial for the body.
- Whole-day fasting: In this type of intermittent fasting, you typically eat one large meal at a particular time and do not eat anything for the rest of the day.
Health Benefits Of Intermittent Fasting
There are many benefits of intermittent fasting.
- Reduced blood glucose
- Healthy insulin levels
- Weight loss
- Boosted metabolism
- Lowered blood pressure over time
- Reduced inflammation
Eating without fasting can elevate your blood sugar levels, causing inflammation.
Inflammation increases insulin resistance, increasing your risk of diseases like cancer.
Who Should Avoid Intermittent Fasting?
Although intermittent fasting has many benefits, you should only do it under the guidance of a medical professional.
- People who have diabetes can experience a sudden, life-threatening drop in their blood sugar levels while fasting.
- Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, athletes, and underweight people should avoid intermittent fasting.
- People who suffer from certain nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin deficiency, should also avoid fasting.
- Intermittent fasting can trigger disordered eating in some people who already suffer from diseases like anorexia or bulimia.
Intermittent Fasting And Hypothyroidism: Yay or Nay?
The thyroid gland is essential for metabolism.
It secretes hormones essential for the body’s normal functioning.
Thus, any fasting affects this organ directly.
Some people may benefit from intermittent fasting, but others may not have the same experience.
Intermittent fasting could do more harm than good for people with diabetes.
While it can improve insulin resistance, it can also cause blood sugar to drop drastically.
Some diabetes medications are affected by eating patterns, so it’s best to consult a doctor before beginning intermittent fasting.
The benefits of intermittent fasting for hypothyroidism include reduced inflammation and weight loss.
However, when not done correctly, skipping meals or fasting for multiple days may lead to nutrient deficiencies that may worsen hypothyroidism.
How Does Fasting Affect Thyroid Function?
Some studies report intermittent fasting affects thyroid function by lowering T3 and T4 hormone levels.
This can worsen hypothyroidism.
Other research has reported that intermittent fasting can help alleviate hypothyroidism symptoms by decreasing body weight and improving insulin resistance without affecting the thyroid hormones.
Thus, it’s important to understand exactly when and when not to do intermittent fasting in case you have hypothyroidism.
How to Do Intermittent Fasting If You Have Hypothyroidism?
Intermittent fasting can help you manage hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease.
But you must be sure that your adrenal glands are functioning decently and that you don’t have diabetes.
However, intermittent fasting may be beneficial for hypothyroidism if done correctly.
- Do not start with strict time or calorie restrictions. You can begin with 2-3 meals per day.
- Planning your fasting around your bedtime can make it easier. Fasting for two hours before and after bedtime can help you achieve 12 hours of fasting. Increase this window as you ease into your schedule.
- Make sure all your meals are well-balanced with adequate macros and micros.
- As you increase your fasting time, check your thyroid hormone levels periodically.
Intermittent fasting affects people differently.
If you have any health issues, including hypothyroidism, consult a doctor for an optimal diet plan.
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When Should I Take Thyroid Medication During Intermittent Fasting?
Food is one of many factors responsible for the proper absorption of thyroid medications.
If you are on medications for thyroid health, such as Synthroid, levothyroxine, or armor, fasting can help you absorb them better.
Taking these medicines first thing in the morning on an empty stomach is advisable for better results.
It’s essential to remember that this is an informational article that shouldn’t be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.
If you are on medication, talk to your doctor before changing the timings, dosage, or diet.
Summary: Intermittent Fasting and Hypothyroidism
- Intermittent fasting involves fasting for a specific time, followed by an eating window.
- Intermittent fasting can benefit those struggling with calorie-restricted diets.
- Hypothyroidism patients often experience weight gain as a result of slow metabolism.
- Intermittent fasting could help those with hypothyroidism manage their weight without restricting their diet.
- It’s also likely that fasting can help thyroid medications absorb better.
- However, intermittent fasting may have an impact on thyroid hormone levels.
- When starting intermittent fasting, it is vital to do it gradually under the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner.
References
- https://oxfordhealthspan.com/blogs/aging-well/fasting-and-hypothyroidism-friends-or-foes
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31751150/
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210929124340.htm
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/intermittent-fasting-metabolism
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279388/
- https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/apnm-2019-0554?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub++0pubmed
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4450165/
