Hashimoto's Remission Through Carnivore Diet: My Lab Results Without Medication
Living with Hashimoto's disease presents unique challenges, but managing it through dietary changes and careful monitoring can lead to significant improvements in health outcomes. One individual's journey demonstrates how a primarily meat-based diet combined with selective vegetable consumption helped reduce thyroid antibodies to remarkably low levels, even after discontinuing thyroid medication. This personal experiment, while not recommended without medical supervision, shows promising results in symptom management.
Tracking thyroid antibodies regularly appears beneficial for monitoring disease progression, contrary to some medical practices that suggest one-time testing is sufficient. When TPO antibodies decreased from approximately 500 at diagnosis to just 43 without medication, accompanied by resolution of symptoms like brain fog and fatigue, it suggests a form of remission. Laboratory results showed normal kidney and liver function despite a high-meat diet, addressing common concerns about such nutritional approaches.
Key Takeaways
Tracking thyroid antibody levels alongside symptom management provides a more comprehensive picture of Hashimoto's disease activity than relying on lab values alone.
A primarily meat-based diet with minimal plant foods may help some individuals reduce Hashimoto's symptoms and lower antibody levels without conventional medication.
Comprehensive lab testing including thyroid function, nutritional markers, and metabolic parameters helps create a more complete understanding of autoimmune thyroid health.
Host Background and Medical Journey
Nisha's Career Transition and Health Condition
Nisha transitioned from working as a registered nurse to becoming a stay-at-home mother. She has been diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid gland. In January, she made the decision to discontinue her desiccated thyroid medication without medical supervision, describing it as her personal "n=1 experiment."
Nisha follows a carnivore-focused dietary approach, which means:
Primarily meat-based foods
Minimal vegetables
No fruits, sugars, or starches
No grains or seed oils
Her recent thyroid antibody results showed significant improvements:
Thyroglobulin antibodies: Less than 1 (optimal level)
TPO antibodies: 43 (previously 18 during pregnancy while on medication)
These numbers are particularly notable as many Hashimoto's patients typically have antibody levels between 500-1800, even while on medication. When Nisha was first diagnosed, her antibody levels were approximately 500.
Husband's Role as Medical Provider
Nisha's husband serves as her primary care physician and helps monitor her health conditions. He reviewed her recent lab results, which showed:
Blood Tests Results:
Test Result Status Blood Sugar 85 Normal Kidney Function - Excellent Creatinine - Low (positive finding) Electrolytes - Normal Liver Function - Completely normal Iodine 50 μg/L Slightly below normal range (52-109) Glutathione 406 Below range (544-1228)
Her husband emphasized the importance of considering symptoms alongside laboratory values rather than focusing solely on numbers. He noted that all of Nisha's Hashimoto's symptoms such as brain fog, pain, and extreme fatigue have improved despite being off medication.
The low glutathione levels were attributed to Nisha's disrupted sleep patterns as she breastfeeds her 10-month-old baby throughout the night, rarely getting more than 2-2.5 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Lack of exercise was also mentioned as a contributing factor, which Nisha has begun to address.
Thyroid Laboratory Results Analysis
Antibody Measurements and Hashimoto's Monitoring
Hashimoto's thyroiditis can be effectively monitored through antibody testing, contrary to some medical opinions that suggest testing only once. The current thyroglobulin (TG) antibody level is less than 1, which represents an optimal baseline value. This is the best possible outcome for this measurement. The thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody level is 43, which, while above the normal range (typically under 35 for most labs), represents a relatively low value for someone with Hashimoto's.
For context, many individuals with Hashimoto's have antibody levels ranging from 500-1800, even when taking thyroid medication. The current TPO level of 43 represents a modest increase from a previous measurement of 18 taken during pregnancy while on medication. This slight elevation occurred despite discontinuing desiccated thyroid medication.
Comparative Analysis of Laboratory Values
Previous vs. Current Results:
Measurement Previous Value Current Value Normal Range TPO Antibodies 18 (pregnant, on medication) 43 (off medication) <35 (most labs) TG Antibodies Not specified <1 <1 Blood Sugar Not specified 85 Normal Iodine Not specified 50 μg/L 52-109 μg/L Glutathione Not specified 406 544-1228
Additional laboratory values all showed normal results. Kidney and liver function tests were completely normal despite following a predominantly meat-based diet. Electrolytes were within normal ranges, and nutritional markers showed no signs of deficiency. The iodine level was slightly below the normal range at 50 μg/L (normal: 52-109 μg/L), and glutathione measured at 406, somewhat below the reference range of 544-1228.
Importance of TPO and TG Antibody Measurements
Antibody measurements serve as crucial indicators for Hashimoto's disease activity and can correlate with symptom severity. While the current TPO antibody level of 43 exceeds the standard normal range, it's significantly lower than the initial diagnosis level of approximately 500.
Many healthcare professionals define Hashimoto's remission as:
TPO antibodies under 35 (strict definition)
TPO antibodies under 100 with resolution of symptoms (common clinical definition)
It's essential to consider both laboratory values and symptoms when evaluating thyroid health. Notably, despite the slightly elevated antibody levels, all previous Hashimoto's symptoms (brain fog, pain, extreme fatigue) have resolved. This symptom resolution combined with relatively low antibody levels indicates significant improvement in the condition.
The TG antibody result of less than 1 is particularly significant as it represents a complete normalization of this inflammatory marker. When evaluating Hashimoto's, the combination of laboratory values and symptom assessment provides a more comprehensive picture than either measure alone.
Dietary Management Strategies for Hashimoto's
The Meat-Focused Approach
A meat-centered diet with minimal plant foods has shown promising results for some individuals managing Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This approach eliminates grains, sugars, starches, seed oils, and most carbohydrates while focusing primarily on animal products. The diet allows occasional vegetables but excludes fruits and high-carbohydrate foods that might trigger inflammation or immune responses in sensitive individuals.
Key components of this eating pattern include:
Primary foods: Various meats, eggs, seafood
Limited additions: Select vegetables in small amounts
Completely avoided: Grains, sugars, seed oils, fruits, starches
This nutritional approach aims to reduce inflammation and autoimmune responses that commonly exacerbate Hashimoto's symptoms.
Effects on Thyroid Markers
Dietary interventions can significantly influence thyroid antibody levels and overall symptom management. Some individuals have reported substantial improvements in their TPO (thyroid peroxidase) and TG (thyroglobulin) antibody levels when following a meat-focused eating plan, even without medication.
Notable improvements may include:
Marker Changes Observed TPO Antibodies Reduction from 500+ to under 100 TG Antibodies Potential return to baseline levels (<1) Symptoms Reduction in brain fog, fatigue, and pain
Blood work results often show normal kidney and liver function despite the high animal protein intake. Other markers typically remain within normal ranges, including blood sugar, electrolytes, and albumin.
It's important to note that while lab values provide objective data, symptom improvement remains equally crucial when evaluating dietary effectiveness. Many practitioners consider antibody levels under 100 alongside symptom resolution as an indicator of disease management or remission, rather than focusing solely on laboratory reference ranges.
Comprehensive Lab Results Analysis
Blood Glucose and Renal Function
Blood glucose levels measured at 85 mg/dL, placing the reading well within normal parameters. This indicates excellent glycemic control despite following a predominantly animal-based diet. Kidney function tests showed remarkably positive results, with creatinine values registering on the lower end of the normal range. This effectively dispels concerns about potential negative impacts of high protein consumption on renal health. All markers demonstrate that the carnivore-focused dietary approach has not compromised kidney function in any way.
Electrolyte Balance and Nutritional Markers
Electrolyte panels returned completely normal values across all measurements, indicating excellent mineral balance. Albumin and globulin levels, critical indicators of overall nutritional status, showed no signs of deficiency or malnutrition. These findings confirm adequate protein intake and proper nutrient absorption despite the restricted nature of the predominantly meat-based diet with minimal plant food inclusion. The absence of nutritional deficiencies supports the viability of this dietary approach for this individual's specific health situation.
Hepatic Function and Lipid Profile
Liver function tests registered completely within normal ranges, with no elevation in liver enzymes or other hepatic markers. This is particularly noteworthy given the high fat intake characteristic of carnivore and ketogenic dietary patterns. Despite regular consumption of animal products including significant quantities of eggs and meat, liver health remains optimal. These results counter common misconceptions that high-fat, animal-based diets necessarily lead to compromised liver function or elevated liver enzymes.
Iodine Status
Iodine levels measured at 50 micrograms per liter, falling just slightly below the laboratory reference range of 52-109 micrograms per liter. This minor deficiency could be addressed through more consistent supplementation or increased consumption of iodine-rich foods. Recent dietary adjustments to include more seafood options such as scallops, shrimp, oysters and other marine foods should help improve these levels naturally. Iodine status is particularly relevant given the thyroid health considerations in this case.
Nutritional Support and Health Optimizations
Antioxidant Capacity Management
Glutathione levels require careful monitoring for anyone managing autoimmune conditions. Recent testing showed a level of 406, falling below the normal range of 544-1228. This important molecule serves critical functions in the body's antioxidant defense system. Several factors commonly contribute to low glutathione levels. Sleep disruption presents a significant challenge, particularly for nursing mothers experiencing fragmented sleep patterns. Physical activity levels also impact glutathione production, with regular exercise helping to boost these natural antioxidant mechanisms.
Physical Activity Integration
Establishing a consistent exercise routine becomes essential for improving overall health markers and supporting immune function. After reviewing recent lab results, a physical activity program has been initiated to address previously sedentary patterns. Exercise not only supports antioxidant capacity but also helps maintain healthy weight, improves insulin sensitivity, and reduces inflammation markers. Even moderate activity several times weekly can produce measurable improvements in metabolic health and immune function.
Rest Recovery and Maternal Challenges
Sleep quality presents unique challenges during early motherhood, particularly with an 11-month-old breastfed infant. Nighttime feedings restrict continuous sleep to approximately 2-2.5 hour intervals, significantly disrupting normal sleep architecture. This fragmented rest pattern directly impacts various physiological processes, including glutathione production and immune regulation. While motherhood necessitates these sleep interruptions, implementing supportive strategies between feedings can help maximize rest quality during limited windows. Sleep disruption represents a temporary but significant factor in overall health management that requires acknowledgment and adaptation.
Functional Medicine Insights
Additional Evaluation by a Medical Specialist
A functional medicine nurse practitioner conducted a comprehensive assessment of the thyroid condition and overall health status. The evaluation revealed TPO antibodies at 43, which while not within normal range (under 35), represents a significant improvement compared to the initial diagnosis level of approximately 500. The thyroglobulin antibodies measured less than 1, indicating optimal baseline levels for this marker.
Blood glucose measured 85, placing it squarely in the healthy range. Both kidney and liver function tests showed excellent results, contradicting concerns about high-protein diets negatively impacting organ function. The creatinine levels were notably low despite the meat-centric diet, demonstrating healthy kidney filtration.
Several areas requiring attention were identified during the assessment:
Serum plasma iodine measured 50 micrograms per liter (normal range: 52-109)
Total glutathione at 406 (normal range: 544-1228)
The low glutathione levels may be attributed to disrupted sleep patterns and limited exercise. The patient had begun addressing these factors after receiving the test results.
Autoimmune Protocol versus Meat-Based Approach
The functional medicine practitioner typically recommends the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) for autoimmune thyroid conditions, but acknowledged the effectiveness of the patient's alternative dietary approach. The patient had opted for a primarily animal-based diet that includes:
Primary foods:
Various meats (especially red meat)
Poultry
Eggs
Limited vegetables
Excluded foods:
Grains
Seed oils
Sugar
Starch
Fruit
This dietary approach, combined with targeted supplementation, was implemented instead of continuing desiccated thyroid medication. The medical specialist noted significant symptom resolution despite the TPO antibodies being slightly above the normal range at 43.
The patient had also begun incorporating more seafood varieties including scallops, shrimp, and oysters to diversify nutrient intake and potentially address the slight iodine deficiency. Regular iodine supplementation was already part of the regimen but consistency in consumption needed improvement.
Future Health Management Plans
I intend to continue monitoring my Hashimoto's condition through regular lab testing while maintaining my primarily carnivore dietary approach. My recent lab results have been promising despite discontinuing thyroid medication, with TPO antibodies at 43 and thyroglobulin antibodies less than 1. Though not within normal range, these numbers are significantly lower than most Hashimoto's patients who typically have antibodies between 500-1800.
My holistic approach focuses on symptom management rather than just lab numbers. Even with slightly elevated antibodies, I've experienced resolution of brain fog, pain, and extreme fatigue. Many experts consider antibody levels under 100 with symptom improvement as disease remission.
For nutritional improvements, I plan to address my slightly low iodine levels (50 μg/L, just below the 52-109 μg/L normal range) by being more consistent with iodine supplementation and incorporating more seafood like scallops, shrimp, and oysters into my weekly meal planning. This should complement my current meat-based diet.
I'll also work on improving my glutathione levels, which tested at 406 (below the 544-1228 normal range). This will involve:
Improving sleep quality - difficult with a breastfeeding infant
Increasing exercise - recently initiated
Continuing nutritional support
My kidney and liver function tests remain excellent despite my high-protein, high-fat diet. Blood sugar remains stable at 85, and all other metabolic markers show optimal nutrition with no signs of deficiencies.
I have scheduled a follow-up appointment with a functional medicine practitioner to gain additional perspective on my current management approach. Initial feedback has been positive, with the practitioner acknowledging the effectiveness of my carnivore approach despite typically recommending the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP).
