Intermittent Fasting with Hashimoto's Disease: Can It Help with Symptoms?

Are you one of the 1 to 2 percent of people in the US affected by Hashimoto’s disease? Studies show that intermittent fasting may benefit various autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. So, can intermittent fasting also alleviate the symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease?

This article delves into the relationship between intermittent fasting and Hashimoto’s disease, its potential benefits and risks, and what to consider when fasting with this condition.

First Things First, How Does Intermittent Fasting Work?

Intermittent fasting involves alternating between periods of eating and fasting. Eating windows can be as short or as long as you want, and you can complement it with a particular diet and exercise to enhance its effects. Among its variations are 20:4, 18:6, and 14:10. 

Additional fasting variations include:

• 5:2 method: Eat normally 5 days a week, and significantly reduce calorie intake (500-600 kcal) on the remaining 2 non-consecutive days.

• Alternate-Day fasting: Alternate between regular eating days and fasting days. On fasting days you don’t eat or can choose to reduce calorie intake to about 500 kcal. 

• OMAD (One Meal a Day): You fast for 23 hours and consume all daily calories in one bountiful meal within 1 hour. During fasting hours, only non-caloric beverages are allowed.

• Extended fasting: As its name states, it consists of fasting for periods longer than 24 hours, such as 36, 48, or 72 hours. This type of fast is done less frequently due to its intensity. 

Learn more about the different types of fasts to determine which is best for you. Discover which intermittent fasting plan is ideal for your particular health condition by taking the Fastic quiz.

What Does Science Say? Does Intermittent Fasting Impact Hashimoto’s Disease?

Intermittent fasting can potentially benefit Hashimoto’s disease by improving symptoms. Let's review the following study findings to learn how intermittent fasting impacts thyroid functioning. 

• One alternate-day fasting study showed that triiodothyronine (T3), a particular hormone involved in thyroid regulation, did decrease its levels, nonetheless, thyroid function was not impacted. 

• Another study comparing alternate-day fasting and calorie restriction and their impact on subclinical hypothyroidism showed that the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) were not altered.

• A review of the effects of intermittent fasting on the circadian rhythms of hormones explained that although T3 levels dropped drastically within the first 24 hours of fasting, TSH levels remained unchanged. It is important to note that TSH levels have to increase or decrease to impact thyroid hormone production.

Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

Research has shown that intermittent fasting encourages weight loss. A meta-analysis of 27 intermittent fasting trials found that fasting led to weight loss, ranging from 0.8% to 13% of baseline body weight. Hearing this, it is no surprise intermittent fasting has plenty more health benefits to offer, such as:

• improve insulin sensitivity

• enhance brain function and mental clarity

• reduce inflammation

• lower risk of heart conditions

• promote cellular repair and longevity

Intermittent Fasting and Hashimoto’s Disease: How Can Fasting Help with Hashimoto’s Symptoms?

Intermittent fasting may benefit autoimmune diseases through weight reduction which can help the immune system. Moreover, intermittent fasting can potentially also help treat Hashimoto’s disease symptoms by:

Reducing oxidative stress: All kinds of diseases increase oxidative damage, including autoimmune disorders. Intermittent fasting can increase protective proteins such as antioxidant enzymes and help reduce oxidative stress.

Lowering inflammatory biomarkers: Chronic inflammation that comes with Hashimoto’s disease is due to your immune system mistakenly attacking your healthy thyroid cells. Along with oxidative stress reduction, intermittent fasting regulates immune responses and promotes autophagy.

Helping improve your gut microbiome: Intermittent fasting can help restore metabolism, thus impacting the gut microbiome by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Alterations in the gut microbiome play a role in thyroid functioning. 

How to Do Intermittent Fasting with Hashimoto’s Disease? What to Watch Out For?

Potential risks of intermittent fasting with Hashimoto’s disease

Intermittent fasting can potentially disrupt thyroid hormone levels. As discussed, although the studies previously mentioned showed no negative effects on thyroid hormone production, fasting can still disrupt thyroid hormone levels, impact metabolism, and lead to nutrient deficiencies due to possible changes in diet and eating routine. Ensure prime nutrition during fasting using Fastic. The Fastic app tracks your daily meals and calorie intake and sends timely reminders so you don’t miss a beat on your eating schedule.

It’s significant to point out that you must not do intermittent fasting with Hashimoto’s disease if you have poor functioning adrenal glands. Fasting can cause more stress on adrenal glands, worsening symptoms. Moreover, if you have diabetes, intermittent fasting is not a smart approach to tackle Hashimoto’s disease symptoms either. Fasting affects blood sugar levels, which can be detrimental for people with diabetes.

Tips for starting intermittent fasting safely

Give it a go with short fasting periods and gradually increase the duration. During the eating window, prioritize a nutrient-dense diet and maintain peak hydration.

Adjusting fasting windows to suit thyroid health

Opt for shorter fasting durations or interchange fasting schedules to minimize the impact on your thyroid functioning. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Monitoring and listening to your body

Monitor your thyroid levels regularly and try different fasting protocols to understand which one works better with your particular condition. Keep an eye on how your body reacts and if you experience negative effects such as fatigue or dizziness consider making changes.

Does Thyroid Medication Break Intermittent Fasting?

People with Hashimoto’s disease take medication to regulate thyroid hormone levels and manage symptoms such as weight gain and fatigue. Thyroid medications don’t usually break a fast because they are typically low in calories. Nonetheless, it is necessary to consult your healthcare provider for accurate medication indications on timing during fasting.

No matter the medical condition, medication will most likely always have to be modified during intermittent fasting to ensure safety and effectiveness. Fasting affects the body’s physiological processes, such as changes in metabolism and absorption. Your medication dosage might need to increase or decrease depending on your unique health condition. Hence, optimal management of medication interaction during fasting is essential for maintaining control over your body’s response.

What Can We Conclude About Intermittent Fasting and Hashimoto’s Disease?

Intermittent fasting can be practiced with Hashimoto’s disease provided you follow appropriate medical guidance and ensure a safe approach. Remember, intermittent fasting has benefits as well as risks. Therefore, it is paramount to be conscious of how you go about it so you don’t worsen your symptoms. Download Fastic now for simple, safe, and effective intermittent fasting with Hashimoto’s disease.

Disclaimer: It is advised to speak with a health professional before beginning intermittent fasting or a diet program. There may be side effects for people with certain medical conditions.