Inside: Get to know how to improve your Hashimoto's by following a keto diet, and the right way to follow a keto diet and the benefits of being on a keto diet for your Thyroid health.

Hashimoto's is the state of autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its Thyroid Gland as a response to the immune system. This affects the functionality of the Thyroid Gland and as a result, it becomes incapable to release an adequate amount of hormones which leads to Hypothyroidism. 

There are various factors that cause Hashimoto’s which include Genetics, Radiation Exposure and other Environmental Factors like exposure to excessive iodine which becomes the major reason for triggering Thyroid disease in people who are already at risk. 

Hashimoto’s leads to various symptoms like Chronic Fatigue, Weight Gain, Muscle Aches, Fertility Problems, Depression, Slowed Heart Rate or Irregular Menses. This affects the productivity of a person in day-to-day activities. 

Hence, to get better control of Hashimoto’s Disease and its symptoms, Ketogenic Diet has come up as a great solution. Keto Diet is a combination of high fat and a low carb diet. Traditionally, Keto Diet has also been proven to manage symptoms of childhood epilepsy. 

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Keto Diet

Keto Diet works on a framework of using Glycogen and Ketones to produce energy rather than relying on glucose. To understand the mechanism better, let’s know the flow of converting food into energy by the body. 

Through Digested Food, the body extracts glucose to produce energy which becomes the major source of energy for the body but when the body doesn’t get enough glucose it takes energy from glycogen which is the energy storage unit of the body. It is mainly found in the muscle cells of the Liver but it has a limitation of storing about 100 grams of glycogen only which easily gets depleted. 

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When the body no longer has access to glucose and glycogen, it uses the backup fuel known as Ketogens. It is a water-soluble molecule produced in the liver from fatty acids. There are three types of ketones – β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), acetoacetate, and acetone. It helps the body to produce energy in the absence of glucose. 

Hence, when a person restricts the Carbohydrates in their diet, it makes the body shift from glucose to ketones. This limits the circulation of blood sugar and allows the body to utilize fats for producing energy. 

The metabolic state of producing energy from ketones is known as ketosis. In this process, the body gets the energy supply in the blood through the Ketones. This is the reason that fasting and starvation put the body's metabolism into a state of ketosis. 

This high fat, low carbohydrate diet doesn’t come with any harmful effects, hence it can be followed for an indefinite period of time. As it burns fat to produce energy, it also plays a vital role in weight loss. 

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To follow a Keto Diet one should consume liberal amounts of fat, moderate protein, and non-starchy vegetables. Foods that contain carbohydrates should be taken in a smaller quantity to maintain the state of ketosis. 

The classic ketogenic diet contains a 4:1 ratio by weight of fat to combined protein and carbohydrates. High-Fat Foods generally include high-fat foods such as oils, fish, avocado, eggs, cheese, specific types of meats, nuts, and seeds. Non-starchy vegetables and limited amounts of lime, lemons, and berries can also be taken. 

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Benefits of Following a Keto Diet

Following a Keto Diet have numerous benefits for the people suffering from Hashimoto’s. These are: 

Boosting Energy and Reducing Oxidative Stress

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are produced by the normal cellular metabolism and environmental factors. ROS are highly reactive molecules that can damage cell structures. With the help of antioxidants, a healthy body can handle a certain amount of ROS. But due to autoimmune conditions, this balance gets disturbed which is known as Oxidative Stress.

It contributes to several inflammatory and immune-mediated disorders. Ketogenic diets can reduce the generation of these ROS by uncoupling proteins and increased levels of antioxidants, including glutathione. Reducing Oxidative Stress helps to normalize Thyroid Function which leads to increased energy. 

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Reducing Inflammation

A ketogenic diet involves a variety of anti-inflammatory foods that help to reduce inflammation and balance gut flora. Reducing Inflammation helps to ease out the symptoms of Hashimoto’s.

Improving Blood Sugar Levels

In most people suffering from Hashimoto’s, a carbohydrate-rich diet blows up blood sugar levels very quickly. This leads to excessive release of insulin that causes unpleasant symptoms such as nervousness, lightheadedness, anxiety, and fatigue. The Keto diet helps to maintain blood sugar levels as it is low in sugar and refined carbohydrates. 

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Improving Brain Fog and Mood-Related Symptoms

Regular consumption of sugar leads to various brain-related symptoms like headaches, dizziness, brain fog, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and insomnia. Hence, following Keto Diet keeps your blood sugar levels down which eliminates the brain fog, mood swings, and other symptoms associated with Hashimoto’s. Blood Sugar Balance and utilisation of ketones by the brain help to get mental clarity as well. 

Hence, it’s always a good idea to adopt the Keto Diet and see how it works for you. Being an individualised approach, the benefits of the keto diet may vary from person to person, so keep a check on how your body is reacting after adapting to Keto Diet. People have seen immense results in improving Hashimoto’s and its symptoms through Keto Diet due to its amazing combination of high fats and low carbohydrates. So, if you are suffering from Hashimoto’s, following a Keto Diet is the best thing you can do for yourself.

Suffering from a chronic disease like thyroid, gut problem, weight issues, autoimmune issues, etc... is not easy. Dr. Gupta is a certified Functional Medicine Physician and his personalized plans have helped thousands of people to reclaim their health back.

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