did you get better weight loss during OWL?

[gummidge]

After 10 days on induction in ketosis - my thyroid is getting stressed and showing symptoms - did any of you fare better during OWL rather than Induction?

[Nantucket]

My thyroid seems to be getting worse after induction too. I am on the last day of induction and I have had to peel myslef out of bed feeling like a mack truck hit me all week-I haven't felt that for awhile and it's always the first sign of things getting worse.

I'm interested to hear responses.

[kelrivas]

There could be a whole list of reasons why you are not feeling well on induction.

First and foremost regardless of what anyone tells you DO NOT go below 20 grams of carbs. For me I was able to do induction on 30 grams (power protein). You need those carbs to process T3, especially if you are on some sort of T4 med, and even if you are not. Armour is not only T3 but a combo of all the T's. You need carbs, not alot, but some. I function best on about 35-40, lower I feel like crap, and difficult to live with, more and I can't lose weight.

Second when you switch over to the low carb WOE you are going to be tired. Your body takes time to adjust and build new enzymes and switch over to fat burning. It has not been doing this for a while, and now you are kicking your metabolism into gear and it can stress out your adrenal functions. So relax and do not start new exercise programs until you are on OWL, or until you feel that sudden "WHOOSH" of energy, which you should if you are doing this right.

Be careful using low carb products. Many have wheat gluten, and sugar alcohols that really can cause food intolerances and make you feel horrible.

Next be sure you are supplementing with a good multi vitamin that has plenty of potassium, selenium, zinc and B12, as well as take a an Omega 3 supplement. Also take a good multi-enzyme supplement to help digest everything. These are not optional on low carb when you are hypothyroid they are essential.

Get all your blood work done again. Your thyroid may actually be working better and your meds may need adjusting. IF you will feel racy during the day and exhausted at other times this is an indication you need some new blood work done. Also seriously considering getting a complete saliva and blood spot test from a natural path doc. I know balancing my other hormones has really helped me feel better and helped my thyroid function better.

You might want to consider doing a liver detox, which is taking a supplement in the morning and one in the evening. Sun makes a good product sold at healthfood stores. This helped my thyroid absorption.

Last but not least play around a bit and see if you do better with maybe more vegetables, more protein, or more fat. Everyone has to find the right balance. This is not discussed very often, but not everyone does well on Atkins, some do better on a Power Protein Plan, while other do great on South Beach. Adjust a bit to see what makes you feel better.

Try looking at Mary Shomon's book Thyroid Diet. She explains why you may need some carbs..

good luck
Kellie
(10+ years with hypothyroidism)

[Judynyc]

kelrivas aka Kellie told you the truth.....while I don't have a thyroid issue, I know several women on this forum who do and are on meds for it. They do better when adding in fruit and veggies, some do better with some dairy too.....we each need to try many different foods to find what works best for our individual bodies.

I agree to avoid processed foods aka low carb products as much as possible...fresh and whole is the best. :agree:

Good Luck!!

[southbel]

I personally can't do Induction level carbs and I just don't lose well at that level. I am losing nicely and feel best around the 40-50 level. For me, I added extra veggies in and keep my protein moderate. If I have too much protein, I get sluggish too. Just have to find your right combination. I also have other issues though because I have hypoparathyroidism as well as hypothyroidism, so I just have to carefully balance my diet. Although, as far as eating goes, I feel best on LC, just more moderate LC versus very LC. I have lost nearly 100 pounds now, so it can be done!