Carnivore Diet Not Working for Hypothyroidism? Hidden Reasons & Solutions
Understanding the complexities of hypothyroid and adrenal conditions can be challenging, especially when following dietary approaches like carnivore don't yield expected improvements. These conditions often stem from multifaceted causes that extend beyond diet alone. Environmental factors such as endocrine disruptors in everyday products, plastics, and cosmetics may contribute significantly to ongoing symptoms despite dietary changes.
Medical support plays a crucial role in managing these conditions. While lifestyle modifications form the foundation of treatment, appropriate medication can fill the gaps when the body needs additional support. Working with knowledgeable practitioners who aim for optimal hormone levels rather than merely acceptable ranges can make a substantial difference in symptom management, especially when combined with comprehensive nutrient intake and environmental optimization.
Key Takeaways
Thyroid and adrenal issues may persist despite dietary changes due to environmental exposures or underlying medical conditions requiring professional support.
Optimal hormone levels, rather than borderline normal ranges, should be the target when treating endocrine disorders.
A comprehensive approach combining appropriate medication, nutrient-dense foods, and environmental optimization offers the best chance for recovery from endocrine conditions.
Managing Thyroid and Adrenal Health
Addressing Hunger and Blood Sugar Drops
When experiencing hunger that disrupts sleep or reactive hypoglycemia while following a carnivore diet, increasing food intake is the first step to consider. Adding more fatty meat can help stabilize blood sugar levels and satisfy hunger signals that might be keeping you awake.
For those with diagnosed hypothyroidism who aren't responding to Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT) medication, ensuring adequate nutrition becomes crucial. Focus on consuming sufficient nutrients that support thyroid function, including B12, folate, zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, and iodine.
It's important to work with healthcare providers to achieve optimal hormone levels rather than just reaching the minimum threshold of "normal" ranges. For example, aiming for a T3 level closer to the middle of the reference range (around 4) may provide better symptom relief than barely meeting the lower boundary.
Environmental Factors Beyond Diet
Diet represents only part of the picture when addressing thyroid and adrenal issues. Environmental exposures can significantly impact endocrine function through various mechanisms:
Common Endocrine Disruptors:
Phthalates in scented products
Chemicals in personal care items
Plastics containing hormone-mimicking compounds
Various household products
While approximately 90% of non-communicable chronic diseases respond to diet and lifestyle interventions, about 10% may have causes outside these factors that require medical support.
In some cases, prior damage to endocrine organs may limit their ability to recover fully, even with optimal diet and lifestyle. When this occurs, appropriate medication becomes necessary to supplement the body's diminished capacity to produce essential hormones.
The most effective approach combines:
Following a strict diet tailored to your needs
Optimizing nutrient intake
Eliminating environmental toxins where possible
Using medication as needed to fill functional gaps
This balanced method allows for supporting the body while it heals, with the possibility of reducing medication if function improves over time.
Environmental Exposures and Thyroid Health
Thyroid and adrenal health can be affected by numerous factors beyond diet alone. Environmental exposures play a significant role in endocrine system function, potentially disrupting normal hormone production and metabolism.
Endocrine disruptors are particularly concerning for thyroid health. These include chemicals found in everyday products such as perfumes, shampoos, and plastics. These substances can interfere with hormone production, reception, and regulation, potentially contributing to thyroid dysfunction.
The impact of these environmental factors cannot be underestimated. While approximately 90% of non-communicable chronic diseases are preventable through lifestyle modifications, about 10% may have causes outside diet and lifestyle that require medical intervention.
For those experiencing thyroid issues, creating a healthier environment is essential. This means:
Reducing exposure to potential endocrine disruptors
Eliminating scented products and unnecessary chemicals
Minimizing contact with problematic plastics
Choosing natural personal care products
Nutritional support is equally important for thyroid function. Key nutrients include:
Essential Nutrients Importance Iodine Critical for thyroid hormone production Vitamin B12 Supports energy metabolism Folate Aids in methylation processes Zinc Required for thyroid hormone conversion Magnesium Essential for enzyme function Vitamin D Supports immune and hormonal balance
Medical treatment often serves as a bridge during recovery. Thyroid medications can provide relief while the body heals from environmental damage. The goal should be achieving optimal hormone levels rather than merely reaching the minimum threshold of "normal" ranges.
For thyroid function specifically, aiming for mid-range or slightly higher values offers better symptom relief than borderline levels. A TSH of 2.0 might be preferable to 4.5, even though both technically fall within normal parameters.
It's worth noting that some environmental damage may be permanent. If the thyroid or adrenal glands have sustained significant harm, complete recovery might not be possible, necessitating ongoing medication support.
Importance of Comprehensive Nutrient Intake
Maintaining optimal health requires more than just following a specific diet plan—it demands a comprehensive approach to nutrient intake. For individuals dealing with thyroid or adrenal issues, ensuring adequate nutrition becomes even more critical. When the body signals hunger strongly enough to disrupt sleep, it's often communicating a genuine need for more nutrients.
Fatty meats can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing persistent hunger. These provide essential nutrients that support endocrine function and help stabilize blood sugar levels, which is especially important for those with reactive hypoglycemia.
Several key nutrients play vital roles in supporting thyroid and adrenal health:
B12 - Essential for energy production and neurological function
Folate - Supports methylation processes
Zinc - Critical for immune function and hormone production
Magnesium - Involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions
Vitamin D - Regulates immune function and supports hormone balance
Iodine - Fundamental component of thyroid hormones
Environmental factors can significantly impact endocrine health. While approximately 90% of non-communicable chronic diseases are preventable through diet and lifestyle modifications, about 10% may have causes outside these factors. Endocrine disruptors found in everyday items—plastics, personal care products, and household chemicals—can interfere with normal hormone function.
When addressing thyroid issues, aiming for optimal hormone levels rather than merely reaching the minimum threshold of "normal" ranges is advisable. For instance, with T3 (a thyroid hormone), the middle of the reference range rather than the lower boundary often yields better symptom relief. Many practitioners consider a T3 level around 4 to be ideal, despite lab ranges showing 3-5.5 as "normal."
Medical intervention sometimes serves as a valuable bridge while the body heals. Thyroid medication can provide relief while dietary and lifestyle changes take effect. This approach—optimizing diet and lifestyle first, then supplementing with medication as needed—creates a balanced strategy for managing health conditions.
Food quality matters for nutrient content, including iodine. The iodine content of foods like egg yolks depends on what the animals ate and the soil quality where their food was grown. This highlights the interconnected nature of nutrient cycles in our food system.
Research has shown that specific dietary approaches can dramatically improve cellular energy production. After 3-4 months on a ketogenic diet, studies indicate individuals may develop up to four times the number of mitochondria (cellular power plants) with four times greater efficiency, demonstrating the body's remarkable capacity to adapt to nutritional changes.
Medical Support and Medication Philosophy
A balanced approach to health often requires both lifestyle changes and appropriate medical support. For individuals with thyroid and adrenal issues, hunger that disrupts sleep may indicate the need for increased food intake, particularly fatty meats. Persistent symptoms despite dietary changes suggest other factors may be at play.
Environmental exposures can significantly impact hormone function. Endocrine disruptors present in everyday items like plastics, perfumes, and household products may contribute to ongoing health challenges. While approximately 90% of non-communicable chronic diseases are preventable through lifestyle modifications, the remaining 10% may require additional intervention.
Key nutritional considerations include:
B12
Folate
Zinc
Magnesium
Vitamin D
Iodine
Medication plays a valuable role when self-correction isn't sufficient. The optimal approach involves using medication to fill gaps while making diet, lifestyle, and environmental improvements. This may mean temporarily supporting thyroid function with medication while the body recovers, then potentially reducing or eliminating that support as health improves.
When evaluating test results, aim for optimal rather than minimal acceptable ranges. For instance, with T3 levels, the middle of the reference range (around 4) often provides better outcomes than barely meeting the minimum threshold of 3. Working with healthcare providers who understand these nuances is essential.
Some damage to endocrine organs may be permanent despite best efforts. Giving the body the best chance to recover requires strict adherence to appropriate dietary protocols, proper supplementation, and patience. Time will ultimately reveal how much function can be restored.
Regarding iodine from egg yolks, cooking method doesn't appear to significantly affect iodine content. The iodine level primarily depends on the chicken's diet and the soil quality where their food was grown. Consumers should prepare eggs according to personal preference without concern about iodine degradation.
Optimizing Treatments with Dr. Brigh
When dealing with thyroid and adrenal issues, even after following a carnivore diet for extended periods, some patients may not experience improvement on Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT) treatment. For those struggling with symptoms like hunger-induced insomnia or reactive hypoglycemia, increasing food intake—particularly fatty meat—may provide relief.
Thyroid and adrenal functions can be affected by numerous factors beyond diet. Environmental exposures to endocrine disruptors found in common products like perfumes, shampoos, and plastics can significantly impact hormone balance. Approximately 90% of non-communicable chronic diseases treated by doctors are preventable through lifestyle changes, but 10% may have causes outside dietary control.
For those with persistent issues, a multi-faceted approach is recommended:
Follow a strict elimination diet
Ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients:
B12
Folate
Zinc
Magnesium
Vitamin D
Iodine
Medication plays an important role when natural approaches aren't sufficient. The optimal medical philosophy involves prioritizing diet and lifestyle interventions while using medications to fill therapeutic gaps. Sometimes medications provide crucial support during recovery periods, even if patients can eventually discontinue them once health improves.
Working with knowledgeable healthcare providers who understand optimal reference ranges rather than merely normal ranges can make a significant difference. For instance, aiming for the middle of reference ranges rather than barely clearing the lower limit is preferable—a T3 level of 4 is generally better than just reaching 3 at the bottom of the "normal" range.
It's worth noting that permanent damage to endocrine organs may occur in some cases, potentially limiting recovery regardless of dietary interventions. Time and consistent effort with the strictest possible approach to diet, supplementation, and environmental factors offer the best chance for improvement.
Regarding iodine intake, there's no evidence suggesting cooking denatures dietary iodine in foods like egg yolks. The iodine content of eggs depends primarily on the chicken's diet and the soil quality where their food is grown. Preparation method doesn't appear to significantly affect iodine availability.
Research supports the remarkable adaptability of our cellular energy systems. Following a ketogenic diet for 3-4 months can lead to approximately four times the number of mitochondria in cells with four times greater efficiency due to autophagy, mitophagy, and mitogenesis processes. These improvements in mitochondrial function and quantity continue to develop beyond this initial period.
Potential Organ Damage from Endocrine Dysfunction
Endocrine organs like the thyroid and adrenals can suffer irreversible damage from various factors. When these organs are compromised, they may not recover fully even with appropriate interventions.
Environmental exposures play a significant role in endocrine disruption. Chemical compounds in everyday products such as plastics, shampoos, perfumes, and various household items can interfere with normal hormone function. These endocrine disruptors represent a considerable threat to glandular health over time.
Diet and lifestyle factors contribute approximately 90% to non-communicable chronic diseases. However, the remaining 10% of conditions may stem from causes unrelated to diet, lifestyle, or environmental factors. These cases often require medical intervention regardless of other changes made.
Medical Support May Be Necessary:
Replacement hormones (thyroid medication, adrenal support)
Vitamin and mineral supplementation
Regular monitoring by healthcare providers
Even when following strict dietary protocols like carnivore or ketogenic diets, some individuals may not experience complete recovery of endocrine function. This occurs because once significant damage has occurred to these organs, the body sometimes cannot regenerate full functionality.
The recommended approach combines medical interventions with lifestyle modifications. Medications can provide relief while dietary and environmental changes create conditions for potential healing. This integrated strategy addresses symptoms while attempting to resolve underlying causes.
For thyroid conditions specifically, seeking optimal hormone levels rather than merely "normal" ranges is critical. For example, aiming for the middle of reference ranges rather than barely clearing minimum thresholds can significantly impact symptom resolution and quality of life.
Persistent hunger, sleep disturbances, and ongoing symptoms despite dietary interventions may indicate underlying endocrine damage requiring additional medical support. These symptoms should not be ignored as they can signal ongoing hormonal imbalances.
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Exploring Iodine in the Diet
Adequate iodine consumption remains critical for proper thyroid function and overall health. When dealing with hypothyroidism and adrenal issues, ensuring sufficient iodine intake becomes even more important among other essential nutrients.
For individuals following restrictive diets like carnivore or ketogenic approaches, monitoring iodine levels should be a priority. Fatty meats can provide numerous nutrients, but may not always supply optimal iodine amounts depending on the animal's diet and soil quality where it was raised.
Many environmental factors can affect thyroid function beyond diet alone. Endocrine disruptors found in plastics, perfumes, shampoos, and other household products may interfere with proper hormone function. These environmental exposures account for numerous thyroid-related issues.
Iodine sources vary in their reliability. The iodine content of egg yolks, for example, depends entirely on what the chickens consumed and the soil quality where their feed was grown. Contrary to some concerns, cooking does not appear to denature iodine in foods.
When addressing thyroid issues, optimal hormone levels rather than merely "normal" ranges should be the goal. For instance, a T3 level of 4 might be more beneficial than a level of 3, even though both fall within standard reference ranges.
Some patients may require medication to support thyroid function while working on dietary and environmental improvements. This combined approach represents a balanced philosophy: implement diet and lifestyle interventions first, then use appropriate medications to fill any remaining gaps.
Working with healthcare providers who understand optimal reference ranges rather than merely standard ranges can make a significant difference in symptom management. This approach allows patients to feel better while addressing the root causes of their conditions.
Key nutrients to ensure adequate levels include:
Iodine
Vitamin B12
Folate
Zinc
Magnesium
Vitamin D
Persistent thyroid issues may sometimes result from permanent damage to endocrine organs. In such cases, a strict diet with appropriate vitamins and minerals gives the body its best chance at recovery, even if some medication support remains necessary.
Mitochondrial Improvement on a Ketogenic Diet
Transitioning to a ketogenic diet creates profound changes at the cellular level. Research indicates that after approximately 3-4 months on a strict ketogenic diet, individuals can experience significant improvements in mitochondrial function and quantity.
During this timeframe, the body undergoes processes such as autophagy and mitophagy—cellular cleanup mechanisms that remove older, less efficient mitochondria. This is followed by mitogenesis, which generates new mitochondria throughout the body's cells.
These metabolic adaptations are substantial. Studies have shown that following this adjustment period, cells may contain up to four times the number of mitochondria compared to pre-ketogenic states. Not only do these cells have more mitochondria, but these energy-producing organelles are also more efficient and effective in their function.
The improvements don't plateau at the 3-4 month mark. Mitochondrial function and quantity continue to enhance beyond this initial period, with ongoing benefits observed up to 2-3 years after beginning the diet.
For those with thyroid or adrenal issues, optimizing mitochondrial function through dietary interventions may provide supportive benefits alongside medical treatment. However, other factors including environmental exposures, endocrine disruptors, and potential underlying conditions should be considered when addressing persistent symptoms.
Ensuring adequate nutrition is critical during ketogenic adaptation, particularly minerals and vitamins that support mitochondrial function:
B12
Folate
Zinc
Magnesium
Vitamin D
Iodine
These nutrients provide the building blocks necessary for optimal cellular energy production and hormone regulation.
