Intermittent Fasting and Hypothyroid

A Hashimoto’s functional medicine approach is a collaborative method that treats the root cause of your symptoms by using personalized testing, tailored food and supplement recommendations, interventions to optimize gut health, and stress reduction techniques. 

Fasting aside, many Americans do not meet the recommended daily amounts for nutrients like vitamin A and iron. What’s more, a whopping 95 percent of people fail to meet the recommended amounts of fiber (12). Fiber has a vital role in maintaining optimal gut health which then indirectly affects your thyroid health! Skipping meals or fasting for multiple days during the week may create nutrient deficiencies that can ultimately worsen a hypothyroid condition. 

Intermittent fasting is one tool that may be beneficial for some individuals. 

However, fasting with a hypothyroid condition should be carried out carefully. As always, focus on eating an unprocessed, whole-food diet that is rich in fiber. Listen to your body, and stop any practice that may make you feel worse, mentally or physically. Because of the clear connection between low-calorie diets and reduced thyroid function, we usually recommend against full-day fasts. A safer alternative may be to extend your overnight fast by eliminating late-night snacking (which tends to involve low-quality foods anyway!). 

Prolonged fasting is not for everyone. Along with hypothyroid disorders, intermittent fasting is not recommended during pregnancy, for women with eating disorders, or those with unresolved adrenal issues.

If you have a thyroid condition (or suspicions for one), check out our individualized Functional Medicine Program to help you find healing.