Is It Possible to Recover from Hypothyroidism?

By Dietdoctor @DietDoctor1

Before and after

Is it possible to recover from hypothyroidism? Most people on thyroid hormone treatment need to continue this for the rest of their lives.

Here’s a story about an exception named Julia:

The Email

Hi Andreas,

I just want to let you know that I’ve recovered from hypothyroidism since starting LCHF.

I started to eat LCHF in August last year and had lost 44 lbs (20 kg) by the end of the year. After this I started to phase out my Levothyroxine medication and am now free from medication and my labs are just keep getting better and better (I draw blood every six weeks).

I hope this can inspire and give others hope, as I know that there are many people out there struggling with both hypothyroidism and obesity!

Sincerely,

Julia

Commentary

Congratulations, Julia!

This is not a common story in my experience. Most people who are treated with Levothyroxine medication (thyroid hormone) and start an LCHF diet still need to take their medication. Some may indeed need to reduce their dose considerably, but others may even have to increase it. And many stay on approximately the same dose.

But there are always exceptions.

In Julia’s case, it’s possible that the substantial weight loss contributed to a reduction in the amount of hormone needed. Perhaps the body’s own production is enough.

Or she may have had an inflammation in her thyroid, which healed after she started eating LCHF. Perhaps the diet change contributed, but it’s difficult to know for sure.

Question:

Are you on thyroid medication for hypothyroidism? Have you started an LCHF diet after being diagnosed? What happened?

After I started an LCHF diet I…

Feel free to share your experience in more detail in the comments below.

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PS

Do you have a success story you want to share on this blog? Send it (photos appreciated) to andreas@dietdoctor.com, and please let me know if it’s OK to publish your photo and name or if you’d rather remain anonymous.