Lee Shoemaker

I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism(Grave's disease) in sept. of 2002. I was placed on methimazole to control my overactive thyroid. After going from a very active state to almost hypoactive and then back again I decided to try a dietary change. I went on the Atkins diet and lost 40lbs. The interesting thing is that my energy returned and I felt like my old self. Thinking that the diet was not good for me long term I have since gone back to the "normal" carbohydrate diet that most of us are on. Recently I began to feel hyperactive again despite being on a 5mg. regimen of Methimazole. My endocrinologist just confirmed that my T-3 count is way up. It is acknowledged that fasting or starvation reduce T-3 levels in the body. If carbs. are ingested T-3 levels return quickly, however protein does not have the same effect and the levels stay low. Most people on carb. restricted diets will have low T-3 levels. In fact the body will go into a protective state and produce rT-3 (reverse t-3). I am going to go back on Atkins' diet and I believe my symptoms will in fact go away again!
I would encourage you to talk to your doctor and discuss any major diet changes. If there is no concern I think it would be beneficial to give it a try. Good luck!

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