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Bat Spit
Tue, Apr-03-07, 14:47
I've seen mentions of the number of carbs needed to optimize the T3/T4 conversion, but I can't find the thread with the search down and I would really, really like to find some specific references.

I don't have thyroid issues, but I have been stalled for a very long time and I'm trying to figure out what my body would like me to do next. Those references will help me as I explore how many carbs my personal body wants for optimal functioning.
Nancy LC
Tue, Apr-03-07, 19:00
Have you ever considered seeing someone in the bariatric specialty? I know the Eades used to do that and I think if you find a good doctor they might be more open to looking into issues that might be keeping you from losing weight involving endocrinology.
Bat Spit
Wed, Apr-04-07, 09:07
I've thought about it. I see my PCP in June, which gives me 2 more months post my recent surgery to see if fixing that physical stress helps things. I think it will.

But I'm still interested in figuring out the carb level my body wants. Its been a good thinking project while I'm still physically restricted.
Nancy LC
Wed, Apr-04-07, 09:55
I don't know that I've heard anything definitive, it's always sounded pretty speculative to me. (About carb levels and T3/T4 conversion).
Nancy LC
Wed, Apr-04-07, 16:40
Actually, just googled "carbohydrates t4 conversion" and there's a lot of stuff out there, but most of it is studies in rats. I don't think anyone really knows what happens in humans.
kbclocarb
Fri, May-04-07, 05:29
Just for the record, there are two things that can go wrong when converting T4 to T3. 1) It doesn't convert. 2) It converts, but a certain amount gets converted to "reverse" T3, which hogs all the good spots where the "normal" T3 should go, stopping the good stuff getting in. I appear to have (2), so my hypothyroidism didn't respond well to thyroid extract (Thyroid USP, Armour), but does to T3.

How this affects carbohydrate metabolism, I don't know.

Have a look at Mary Shomon's http://thyroid.about.com as there is quite a lot of infomation there.
evenik
Fri, May-04-07, 08:50
When I was young I was put on Synthroid. At the time I ate high carb diet (mostly whole grains). I had T3 and T4 levels tested before and after starting Synthroid. Guess what, no amount of carbs could make me convert T4 into T3. My T4 levels rose from low to normal-high, but my T3 levels did not change a bit. I had to start Armour in order to optimize my T3.