The Benefits of Water Fasting and Thyroid Health: My Next Adventure!
Helllloooo lovely community,
I’m excited to share that I’ll be embarking on a water fast! For those who’ve followed my journey, you know I’m always exploring the latest research and practices to support holistic health. This time, I’ll be diving into the world of water fasting, and I want to bring you along for the ride—especially when it comes to its impact on thyroid health. Let's bust some myths and share some truths!
Thyroid Health & Why It Matters
Before we get into the details, here's a little trivia: Did you know 1 in 33 adults suffer from hypothyroidism? Even more surprising is that over 1 million Australians are living with an undiagnosed thyroid condition! The thyroid is a powerhouse of a gland, sitting quietly at the base of your neck, but responsible for so much. From regulating metabolism to managing energy levels and hormones, it’s the small gland with big responsibilities.
If you’ve been feeling chronically fatigued, and it’s not just about needing more sleep, it might be worth getting your thyroid checked!
Water Fasting & The Thyroid: Setting the Record Straight
With so many people affected by thyroid issues, it’s no surprise there’s confusion about fasting and thyroid health. Does prolonged fasting harm your thyroid? Let's pull on our Myth Busting caps... 🥁 drumroll please – It’s a myth!
While water fasting has some incredible benefits, especially for those with thyroid imbalances, there are important things to consider before diving into extended fasting.
Prolonged Fasting & Your Thyroid: What to Know
When fasting for several days (like I’ll be doing), the thyroid plays a vital role in how your body uses energy. Here’s the good news:
Supports Fat Burning (A Fasting Favourite!) When you fast, your body switches from burning carbs to burning fat for energy. This process can be boosted by thyroid hormones, helping to burn fat more efficiently—great news for weight management.
Resets Energy Metabolism Think of fasting as your body’s “low power mode.” Your thyroid helps conserve energy during fasting, keeping key functions working even when you’re not eating. This metabolic reset can be incredibly beneficial.
Boosts Cellular Cleanup (Autophagy) Fasting activates autophagy, the body’s natural cell cleanup process. This is like a deep cleanse for your cells and can even support your thyroid’s health by removing damaged cells.
Reduces Inflammation Water fasting has been shown to lower inflammation, which is crucial because chronic inflammation can impair thyroid function and worsen autoimmune conditions. This reset can be especially beneficial for anyone dealing with thyroid disorders like Hashimoto's.
Improves Insulin Sensitivity Since thyroid conditions often affect blood sugar control, fasting can improve insulin sensitivity, which supports overall thyroid health.
The Bottom Line
So, does fasting harm your thyroid? The short answer: No! With the right guidance and support, water fasting can be a powerful tool for improving thyroid health. Not only is it safe, but it’s also highly effective for those suffering from thyroid imbalances. By reducing inflammation and resetting the endocrine system, water fasting can help address the root causes of thyroid dysfunction.
I’m excited to experience this firsthand and share the journey with you all. Stay tuned for updates!
With love and wellness,
Aleisha