Hi Wade,

On Aug 17, 2004, at 5:19 am, Wade Reeser wrote:
> Extended low carbohydrate diets are known to lower levels of T3.  (I
> think
> that is the one from memory).  T3 is the far more active from of
> thyroid
> hormone (compared to T4).  This effect is discussed somewhat using the
> medical literature in Rob Fagin's 'Natural Hormone Enhancement' book.

This is an interesting result- but I can't help feeling that if
low-carb diets reduce T3 levels over time, that that is a deliberate
evolutionary adaptation.  Maybe it is to encourage the body to burn fat
over a longer period, unlike carbs which need to be burnt off quickly
after consumption?  My thinking is that if my thyroid starts producing
less T3, it is getting a much needed rest.  I was previously always a
big starch eater, and I could eat as much bread or pasta as I wanted
with no chance of getting fat.  But I've still got acne after 6 months
of paleo, and I am thinking maybe I have "thyroxine resistance" (using
the idea loosely...) alongside insulin resistance.

> A solution is to mix a largely low carbohydrate diet with periodic high
> carbohydrate feedings to keep T3 in 'normal' ranges.  Fagin recommends
> a
> carbo feedings every three/four days of low carb diet.  Personally, I
> eat a
> relatively high carbo diet every Friday night/Saturday with the rest
> of the
> week low carb.  It works for me; weight loss and weight control.
>

When you say relatively high carb, what do you mean?  Lots of fruit,
carrots, parsnips etc, or do you eat grains and potatoes on Friday and
Saturday?  I am only just starting low-carb (no vegetable matter apart
from leaves) so I will give it a while before I start experimenting
with high-carb days.

Regards
Ashley