Hello -

I am switching over to the Atkins plan.

Quick question -- I've seen it stated that hypos need 50 grams of carbohydrates/day in order to be able to convert T4 to T3.

So, is it appropriate for me to reduce my carbs to the 20 grams/day required for induction, or will that cause my metabolism to crash?

I'm sure right now I'm eating far more than 50 a day, so I know cutting a lot would help. But I would also like to experience the 'fuel-burning switch' that's accomplished with induction.

How have other hypos done with this?

Hi: I'm brand new to this post but thought I'd reply to you since no one else did. When I started Atkins, I lost slowly during induction but it was the first time I had lost on any diet so I was thrilled. I felt better than I ever had since being diagnosed a hypothyroid. I lost steadily and ended up 22 pounds lighter. I would say go for it!

WOW, I missed this post. I have never heard that you need 50 g of carbs a day for T3 conversion. My Doctor suggested the Atkins along with the 20 g induction and we kept a really close eye on my thyroid levels. All seemed OK.

I'm still on induction - still at or below 20 carbs daily - still losing happily.

I've noticed no problems whatsoever with the lowered carbs.

Good luck to you!

I have only been on Atkins for 2 weeks 5 days but I have already lost 14lbs...I would say that is a pretty rapid weight...esp. for someone who couldn't lose 1lb on fat free or low calorie...Well my thyroid is under control as far as I know(I am due for a doctor vist and blood work) and I am 150mcg synthroid and I am losing...I sure hope I don't have to increase up to that amount..well at least not soon I like not having an appetite...Its great eat to live not live to eat..I love it...

Hi,
I'm another one who lost very slowly during induction. I was also thrilled to lose anything because low-fat diets didn't ever work for me. I never lost a pound, so 7 pounds after two weeks was fantastic! Now after reading the symptom list for hypothyroidism, I find I almost all of them. Funny that nothing showed up on any of the routine thyroid tests my doctor had taken. I never asked for it, because I didn't know very much about thyroid function. Apparently, others have had similar test results with nothing showing abnormal. After 2 weeks the weight came off even more slowly, though I stayed on induction. I'm still losing, so I remain committed to Atkins, but now I'm looking for natural ways to stimulate my thyroid. I worry about taking hormones. There's a lot of good info on this website about coconut oil. I ordered some, but it hasn't arrived yet. I'm hoping it will help. The thought occurred that there might be others like us, who just think they're in a stall, but actually the problem is thyroid.

Hi Ive had a hypothyroid condition for 15 years, taking levothyroxine. Three days after starting Atkins came home from work very tired, slept for couple hours. The next day and every day since, I have experienced alot more energy. I lost the weight fairly quickly.Todate have lost 27lbs and are responsible for 12 other people low-carbing with great success. Got a check up from my doc after low carbing for 8 weeks, all bloodwork was better. He never mentioned anything about needing more carbs. Good luck