Although diets that have an extremely low amount of carbohydrates can have adverse effects on thyroid production, the right kind of low-carb dieting can actually be beneficial towards alleviating thyroid issues. This is because the right kind of low-carb diet is one that constantly fluctuates nutrient intake, so that you receive the benefits of low-carb dieting without the possible drawbacks on thyroid condition. By constantly cycling carb intake, thyroid function is increased, psychological well-being is stabilized, and weight is rapidly lost.
About Carb Cycling
Carb cycling is hardly a novel theory, but for many individuals who have abandoned more traditional low-carb diets due to thyroid issues, it can be a lifesaver. Carb cycling refers to the practice of adjusting carbohydrate intake on a daily basis, with some days being higher carb days (over 100 grams or so) and others adhering to the rigid principles of orthodox low-carb theory (less than 30 grams). By providing the body with carbs when it most needs the energy and restricting carbs when it does not, you receive a duel benefit --- the ability to lose weight quickly while not suffering from the drawbacks of a completely low-carb lifestyle.
Carb Cycle
To carb cycle, each day of the week is assigned as either a low, moderate, or high carb day. You may allocate two high carb days, and these should be placed on the days that you have the highest level of physical activity --- perhaps a weight training session or rigorous exercise class. Next, allocate the two moderate days to days in which you have to perform an intense to average level of physical exercise. The remaining three days of the week are low carb days --- on these days, perform no exercise greater than brisk walking or other low-intensity steady-state cardio.
On high days, you may consume up to two grams of carbohydrates per pound of body weight. On moderate days, consume a limit of one gram of carbs per pound of body weight. And on low days, only consume a half gram of carbs per pound of body weight. Other than that, keep protein relatively high, aiming for at least one gram per pound of body weight per day. Keep fat to a minimum on high carb days, and between 0.15 and 0.35 grams per pound of body weight on low and moderate days.
Carb Cycling and Thyroid
The relatively high intake of food compared to most diets will boost metabolism and thyroid function by forcing the body to compensate for the sheer quantity of food. Additionally, the high protein levels of the diet will also cause a rise in thyroid function thanks to the thermic effect of food, which states that it costs the body calories to digest food (with protein being the most difficult to digest). If you would like an even greater increase in thyroid function, consider adding a few tablespoons of coconut oil to your diet on the low carb days. Coconut oil can help to directly increase thyroid function, above and beyond the level if will already reach simply by following the plan as written.
Tags: body weight, carb days, pound body, pound body weight, thyroid function, high carb, moderate days