Will a low carb/carnivore diet WRECK YOUR HORMONES? Jaime Seeman MD

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Paul Saladino1h 49m · 2019-12-31

Claims Made

228

Claims Supported

179

Support Rate

79%

Support rate

179 of 228 claims supported

179 supported49 partial / not

Claims from this content

189

Well SupportedA fasting insulin level below 5 micro IU/mL is considered healthy.Well SupportedIn the third trimester, babies' serum ketone levels are significantly higher than their mothers', indicating the body shunts ketones to the fetus for brain development.Well SupportedThe majority of the US population has suboptimal metabolic health, often indicated by hypertension, obesity, or a combination of factors.Well SupportedIncreased obesity likely contributes to higher estrogen levels in men due to increased adipose tissue and aromatase activity.Well Supported

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Females on a strict carnivore diet for two months may experience a lack of menstrual cycle.

Well SupportedMetabolic flexibility means the ability to utilize a range of fuel sources, not just maximizing fat burning.

Well SupportedIndividuals may become deficient in nutrients like riboflavin, vitamin A, and folate if they exclusively consume muscle meat, highlighting the necessity of organ meats.

Well SupportedElevated estrogen levels before ovulation trigger a positive feedback loop stimulating FSH and LH release for ovulation.

Well SupportedThere is a postprandial rise in insulin when eating protein, even on a ketogenic diet, but it is significantly lower than in a non-ketogenic state.

Well SupportedFree T3, free T4, and TSH levels can change, often negatively, with ketogenic or low-carb diets.

Well SupportedInappropriate signaling from excessive linoleic acid, particularly from seed oils, may lead to insulin resistance originating in the mitochondria.

Well SupportedPregnant individuals in their first trimester may need to consume more whole food carbohydrates due to increased basal insulin production and good insulin sensitivity.

Well SupportedDuring the first trimester of pregnancy, basal insulin production increases by approximately 30% while insulin sensitivity remains good.

Well SupportedMaternal and fetal bodies produce ketones during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, with fetal ketone levels being higher than maternal serum levels.

Well SupportedReverse T3 does not elevate on ketogenic or low-carb diets; elevated reverse T3 and decreased free T3 characterize starvation.

Well SupportedOverfeeding on carbohydrates and fats can trigger inflammation and insulin resistance.

Well SupportedPerimenopause can lead to increased visceral fat deposition and insulin resistance due to erratic hormone levels.

Well SupportedThe follicular phase of the ovulatory/menstrual cycle is characterized by FSH from the pituitary and estrogen (estradiol) produced by the ovary.

Well SupportedEstrogen dominance can manifest as relatively high estrogen compared to progesterone, or absolutely high estrogen levels.

Well SupportedIncluding carbohydrates in a carnivore diet may make the diet more valuable or viable for some individuals.

Well SupportedEstrogen dominance can decrease T4 to T3 conversion, and impaired estrogen metabolism further harms thyroid function.

Partially SupportedThyroid disease is significantly more common in women than men, with estrogen's effect on thyroid function being a contributing factor.

Partially SupportedMetabolizing estrogen into the 16-hydroxyestrone or 4-hydroxyestrone pathways increases the risk of estrogen-related cancers.

Well SupportedWomen may naturally have a higher body temperature during the luteal phase of their cycle due to progesterone.

Partially SupportedChanges in a woman's menstrual cycle on a carnivore diet likely require investigation into calorie intake, fat intake, exercise levels, and stress.

Partially SupportedA ketogenic diet can improve insulin resistance and potentially restore menstrual cycling and ovulation in pre-menopausal women.

Partially SupportedPostprandial glucose excursions negatively affect the endothelium and other vascular markers.

Well SupportedAmenorrhea, or the absence of menstruation, is a strong indicator of overall health and well-being.

Partially SupportedDuring the luteal phase, progesterone is dominant, insulin sensitivity decreases, and the body uses more fat for fuel.

Well SupportedEstrogen is the dominant hormone in women, with three types: estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), and estriol (E3).

Partially SupportedSome individuals may thrive on carbohydrate-based diets, and carbohydrates are not inherently bad for humans.

Partially SupportedAdequate protein intake in carb-free diets can sufficiently fill glycogen stores, potentially supporting athletic performance.

Partially SupportedMethylation, involving methyl donors like glycine and methionine, is a key step in estrogen metabolism for excretion.

Partially SupportedThe speaker added carbohydrates back to his diet after feeling better on a carnivore diet.

Partially SupportedPregnancy is a state of insulin resistance, with the body prioritizing nutrient shunting to the fetus.

Partially SupportedDuring the follicular phase, women have slightly increased insulin sensitivity and may tolerate more carbohydrates due to dominant estrogen.

Partially SupportedGenetic polymorphisms in MTHFR and COMT genes can impair methylation, increasing the risk of estrogen dominance and estrogen-related cancers.

Partially SupportedKetones are a normal and protective survival mechanism in mammals, including humans.

Well SupportedCognitive impairment during menopause is common due to hormonal fluctuations, particularly the drop in estrogen.

Partially SupportedPremenopausal females can optimize hormones through diet and lifestyle interventions similar to those recommended for men.

Well SupportedEstrogen replacement therapy can affect thyroid hormone feedback cycles, necessitating rechecking thyroid levels.

Partially SupportedWomen should prioritize intense gym workouts during the follicular phase to maximize muscle growth.

Partially SupportedConsuming 55-60% of calories from carbohydrates during pregnancy may make it impossible to obtain sufficient choline and fat-soluble vitamins.

Partially SupportedKetones can be converted to cholesterol via HMG-CoA reductase, which is used by fetal brains for myelination.

Partially SupportedAchieving adequate calorie intake on a carnivore diet can be challenging due to insufficient fat consumption relative to protein intake.

Partially SupportedWomen may experience menstrual cycle issues on a carnivore diet due to cultural norms influencing fat and salt intake.

Partially SupportedBlood sugar stability decreases and water retention increases before menstruation, making muscle growth more difficult.

Well SupportedThe average age of menopause in the United States is between 51 and 52 years.

Partially SupportedA healthy, insulin-sensitive individual's body can adequately utilize the CYP1A1 enzyme for phase one detoxification and metabolize estrogen down the 2-hydroxy pathway without supplemental interventions.

Partially SupportedA hemoglobin A1c of 5.6 or lower indicates less glycation than higher levels.

Partially SupportedA 'carnivore-ish' diet consists primarily of nutrient-rich animal foods like steak, chicken, salmon, shrimp, eggs, avocado, nuts, and seeds.

Partially SupportedIndividuals who are insulin resistant experience a higher insulin response from protein intake compared to those who are not insulin resistant.

Partially SupportedA comprehensive thyroid panel includes free T3, free T4, total T3, T4, TSH, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies.

Partially SupportedAthletes' nutrition is critical for long-term longevity.

Well SupportedFemales start with approximately 1 million eggs at birth, with most dying off before maturity, suggesting a selection process.

Partially SupportedThe Institute of Medicine suggests that carbohydrates are not essential when adequate dietary protein and fat are consumed.

Partially SupportedPostpartum thyroid issues can be exacerbated by drops in estrogen and progesterone.

Partially SupportedThe recommended 175g carbohydrate intake in pregnancy is derived from calculations considering obligatory glucose users, standard deviations, and increased caloric needs.

Partially SupportedReducing inflammation is key to achieving optimal health.

Partially SupportedInflammation is an overarching factor that connects various health issues, including estrogen dominance.

Partially SupportedLow testosterone and estrogen dominance are common issues in men, often correctable with diet.

Not SupportedProtein intake on a ketogenic diet does not release the same amount of insulin as carbohydrate intake when glycogen is depleted and ketones are being produced.

Not SupportedThe perception that junk food doesn't matter for athletes is misleading regarding long-term health and performance impacts.

Not SupportedCarbohydrate reintroduction experiments have not shown an improvement in athletic performance but have negatively impacted mental clarity.

Partially SupportedSufficient intake of nutrients like riboflavin, folate, B6, B12, and glycine from animal foods ensures proper methylation cycle function.

Partially SupportedDietary strategies to fix estrogen dominance include reducing polyunsaturated fatty acids, alcohol, refined carbs, trans fatty acids, and phytoestrogens.

Partially SupportedVery low-fat diets (<30g fat/day) with high carbohydrate intake can reduce estrogen and testosterone levels.

Partially SupportedCalorie restriction can improve physiology and lead to ketosis, but may not result in stable blood sugars and can lead to long-term nutrient inadequacy.

Partially SupportedWeight loss can be achieved with calorie-restricted diets like Twinkies or celery juice, but this will negatively affect blood sugar rhythm and micronutrient intake.

Partially SupportedSwitching to a whole food vegan diet for three days can cause headaches and require bodily adaptation to the new carbohydrate load.

Partially SupportedYoung people (under 26-27) may not notice the negative effects of poor nutrition because they do not feel a decline in quality of life until later.

Partially SupportedEating oats caused a blood sugar spike of over 60 points, followed by a crash, and blood sugar did not normalize within two hours.

Partially SupportedConsuming 50 grams of carbohydrates per day is not a lot.

Partially SupportedFlavonoids can slow down COMT activity, which may be undesirable for estrogen detoxification.

Not SupportedA vegan diet caused the speaker's blood sugar to be highly variable and made it difficult to achieve adequate protein intake for building lean body mass.

Partially SupportedWomen with elevated glucose levels in pregnancy, even if not meeting gestational diabetes criteria, have significantly increased adverse outcomes.

Partially SupportedProlonged presence of estrogen, particularly estrone, increases the risk of estrogen-dominant cancers.

Partially SupportedCycle tracking using urinary metabolites or serum tests is necessary to understand individual hormonal profiles.

Partially SupportedKetogenic diets can be a factor in amenorrhea.

Partially SupportedIn the second half of pregnancy, insulin sensitivity decreases, leptin and insulin resistance increase, and lipolysis and gluconeogenesis rise.

Partially SupportedThe estrogen metabolite 2-methoxyestradiol can be poorly excreted, leading to thyroid cell apoptosis and increased TPO autoantibodies.

Partially SupportedPlacental hormones contribute to insulin resistance in pregnancy to ensure glucose supply to the fetus.

Partially SupportedDietary factors like sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts can upregulate the pathway that promotes the production of the 2-OH estrogen metabolite, which is the safest.

Partially SupportedHormone imbalances, not the hormones themselves, are detrimental.

Not SupportedA calorie deficit alone is insufficient for addressing health issues like insulin resistance and hypothyroidism in overweight menopausal women.

Not SupportedOral contraceptives can deplete B vitamins, zinc, selenium, and magnesium, and contribute to insulin resistance.

Not SupportedRecommending pregnant women consume 55-60% of calories from carbohydrates is harmful to the baby.

Partially SupportedA ketogenic diet and a standard American diet, even at the same 1,500 calorie level, differ significantly in glycemic variability and hormonal effects.

Partially SupportedEating two plain apples on the third day of a vegan diet caused a large blood sugar spike.

Partially SupportedA ketogenic diet normalized the speaker's thyroid function and resulted in a hemoglobin A1c of 4.9.

Partially SupportedVisualizing blood sugar graphs from different diets can help individuals make informed food choices by predicting post-meal glycemic responses.

Partially SupportedTransitioning to whole food carbohydrate sources like squash and sweet potatoes did not lead to feeling as good as a ketogenic diet.

Partially SupportedTallow aids in the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients and can be beneficial for hair, skin, and nails.

Partially SupportedThe insulin response to foods is context-dependent and influenced by an individual's overarching metabolism.

Partially SupportedConsuming too many calories leads to inflammation, and a caloric deficit can remove inflammation.

Partially SupportedProcessed foods can cause inflammation due to a lack of satiety mechanisms.

Partially SupportedKeeping blood sugar excursions less than 20 milligrams per deciliter helps the speaker feel her best and avoid physical manifestations of glycemic variability.

Partially SupportedStool testing is necessary to measure beta-glucuronidase activity.

Partially SupportedUrine ketone levels do not correlate with blood ketone levels in pregnancy.

Partially SupportedMaternal hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia during pregnancy increase the baby's risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Partially SupportedIndividuals with insulin resistance tend to be estrogen dominant, a condition influenced by insulin resistance, xenoestrogen exposure, alcohol use, and obesity.

Partially SupportedMuscle is considered the 'organ of longevity'.

Partially SupportedA low-level ketogenic diet with high protein intake can provide benefits without significant negative impact on mental clarity.

Partially SupportedDesiccated eye supplements may be beneficial for eye health due to growth factors and other compounds found in animal eyes.

Partially SupportedKetogenic diets do not negatively impact basal metabolic rate and are associated with equivalent or greater weight loss than low-fat diets.

Partially SupportedObesity and being overweight are inflammatory states, and weight loss can reduce this inflammation.

Partially SupportedThe speaker experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancies and was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after her first daughter, requiring thyroid medication.

Partially SupportedThe body can produce sufficient estrogen metabolites through pathways other than cruciferous vegetables.

Partially SupportedLiver conjugation and gut beta-glucuronidase activity can disrupt estrogen elimination, leading to reabsorption and potential estrogen dominance.

Partially SupportedSmaller fat cells secrete less leptin, and low leptin levels can disrupt the pulsatile release of LH, affecting the menstrual cycle.

Partially SupportedSupplements like DIM or I3C should only be used for estrogen metabolism issues when testing reveals specific imbalances.

Partially SupportedSignificant fluctuations in menstrual cycle length can occur, particularly in women who are very lean, and may indicate hormonal changes.

Partially SupportedXenoestrogens found in plastics, phthalates, chemicals, nail polish, and makeup are endocrine disruptors that can stimulate estrogen receptors.

Partially SupportedDietary changes can resolve estrogen dominance, irregular menstrual cycles, and heavy bleeding.

Partially SupportedKeto-adaptation upregulates gene transcription and translation for monocarboxylate transporters, enabling better ketone utilization.

Partially SupportedHormonal balance in women is influenced by diet, exercise, sleep, mental state, and environmental exposures.

Partially SupportedSuckling increases the mono carboxylate transporter in the brain, facilitating ketone uptake for cholesterol synthesis and neuron myelination.

Partially SupportedBlood sugar fluctuations trigger the secretion of counter-regulatory hormones, which can cause anxiety and other symptoms.

Partially SupportedKetone levels above 5 mmol/L are needed to change the acid-base balance of the blood.

Partially SupportedIf fertilization does not occur, estrogen and progesterone levels fall, initiating the next menstrual cycle.

Partially SupportedSerum ketone levels in women on a standard diet are typically around 1, and in fetal cord blood around 2.

Partially SupportedIn a ketogenic state, protein intake causes a significantly lower postprandial insulin rise compared to a mixed carbohydrate diet.

Partially SupportedMany women and OB/GYNs are unaware of drug-nutrient interactions with oral contraceptives.

Partially SupportedAmenorrhea indicates the body is not functioning optimally and may signal reproductive system issues.

Partially SupportedHypothalamic hypogonadism can be caused by being more than 10% below ideal body weight.

Partially SupportedProper nutrient repletion can mitigate negative impacts of MTHFR polymorphisms on the methylation cycle.

Partially SupportedStudies on caloric ketogenic diets with 28 to 59 participants over six months showed zero cases of hypothyroidism.

Partially SupportedMaintaining social flexibility with diet, such as being able to be ketogenic, is important for sustainability.

Partially SupportedThe quality of food impacts human physiology in a nuanced way.

Partially SupportedMinimal glycemic variability leads to feeling best.

Partially SupportedEstrogen receptors are present throughout the body, including the brain, bones, and heart, influencing various functions.

Partially SupportedAchieving a dangerous level of ketogenesis in pregnancy would require significant fasting and is difficult.

Partially SupportedIntermittent fasting is a tool to help reduce caloric intake and reduce inflammation.

Not SupportedDIM is not necessary for healthy estrogen metabolism if the body is functioning optimally.

Partially SupportedSwitching between fuel sources like carbs and fats over weeks benefits adaptation, including upregulating MCT transporters and downregulating GLUT transporters.

Partially SupportedEstrogen dominance can be associated with PCOS, obesity, alcohol use, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and xenoestrogen exposure.

Partially SupportedA postprandial blood glucose elevation of approximately 30 milligrams per deciliter after eating is generally accepted as healthy, with blood sugar returning to baseline within two hours.

Partially SupportedA diet primarily composed of nutrient-rich animal foods, including meat, fish, shrimp, and occasional vegetables, is a sustainable approach.

Partially SupportedA healthy life includes eating meat, playing, and being kind to others.

Partially SupportedInsufficient calorie intake on carnivore or low-carbohydrate diets can lead to a drop in testosterone in men and menstrual cycle disruption in women.

Partially SupportedBreastfeeding women can be successful on a carnivore or low-carbohydrate diet if they consume sufficient calories.

Partially SupportedMen may experience a drop in testosterone on calorie-restricted diets, which can be reversed by increasing food intake.

Partially SupportedEating a carnivore-based diet for about a year led to significant leaning out.

Partially SupportedSome individuals following a carnivore diet may experience a slight elevation in fasting glucose.

Partially SupportedA strict carnivore diet for 21 days was mentally difficult to maintain.

Not SupportedFasting, particularly one meal a day, is not recommended for women of reproductive age who are attempting to get pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Partially SupportedDuring perimenopause and menopause, women often experience loss of lean body mass, reduced protein digestion efficiency, and decreased metabolic rate and thyroid function.

Partially SupportedDiet plays a role in hormone production and balance in women.

Partially SupportedCalorie restriction and diets like keto reduce thyroid function as the body conserves energy when sensing nutrient scarcity.

Partially SupportedDr. Jamie Seeman found ketogenic diets helped her lose weight and maintain good metabolic flexibility and insulin sensitivity.

Partially SupportedEstrogen dominance in women can be caused by a lack of normal menstrual cycles and ovulation, insufficient progesterone production from the corpus luteum, polycystic ovarian syndrome, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, or significant xenoestrogen exposure.

Partially SupportedMethylation, crucial for estrogen detoxification, involves B vitamins, choline, and SAMe as methyl donors.

Partially SupportedProgesterone production in women primarily originates from the ovary after ovulation, with small amounts produced by the adrenal glands.

Partially SupportedEstrogen dominance can occur if estrogen metabolism pathways are not functioning correctly, leading to proliferative growths.

Partially SupportedIncreased body fat and decreased muscle mass during perimenopause/menopause elevates the risk of cardiovascular disease and other health issues.

Partially SupportedEstrogen metabolism occurs in three phases in the liver, producing metabolites 2-OH, 4-OH, and 16-OH.

Partially SupportedFlavonoids like resveratrol, quercetin, and genistein have estrogenic activity by mimicking estrogen receptors.

Not SupportedPrescribing oral contraceptives or TRT for hormonal imbalances without addressing underlying lifestyle causes like insulin resistance is a disservice.

Partially SupportedMaintaining social flexibility within a ketogenic or low-carb framework is important for long-term adherence.

Partially SupportedIndividuals who are insulin resistant may benefit from low-carb and ketogenic diets.

Partially SupportedS-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is the primary methyl donor in the human body, participating in over 300 reactions.

Partially SupportedAdding back small amounts of complex carbohydrates can help boost leptin levels and potentially restore a menstrual cycle in women experiencing amenorrhea due to low leptin.

Partially SupportedThe estrobolome refers to the collection of gut organisms involved in metabolizing estrogen.

Partially SupportedCarbohydrates are not required for the conversion of T4 to T3; zinc and selenium are crucial cofactors for thyroid function.

Partially SupportedIt is possible to eat a high-carbohydrate diet if it is also low in fat, and consuming too much of both macronutrients can cause health issues.

Partially SupportedCruciferous vegetables may help with estrogen dominance.

Partially SupportedBlood sugar levels remained stable with no significant ups and downs during a carnivore diet.

Partially SupportedChanging one's diet can improve cognitive function, sleep quality, and overall well-being.

Partially SupportedThe brain synthesizes its own estrogen and progesterone using cholesterol.

Partially SupportedThe luteal phase is associated with a slight increase in metabolic rate (150-200 extra calories/day), higher hunger, and increased cravings the week before menstruation.

Not SupportedPregnancy blood sugar parameters may be too liberal and may not adequately protect cardiovascular health and the glycocalyx.

Partially SupportedOvereating carbohydrates and fats together may lead to insulin resistance, but focusing on one macronutrient may improve insulin sensitivity.

Partially SupportedCalorie-restricted diets may not provide stable blood sugars or long-term nutrient adequacy, even if they lead to ketosis or improve insulin sensitivity.

Partially SupportedImprovement in tolerance to whole food carbohydrates may be due to a reduction in insulin resistance over time.

Partially SupportedStudies on low-carb and ketogenic diets in pregnancy have primarily been conducted on rodents, with some showing neurological changes in offspring from extremely low carbohydrate intake.

Partially SupportedThe speaker was diagnosed with pre-diabetes at age 31, despite having degrees in nutrition, exercise science, and medicine.

Not SupportedSome individuals do not respond well to carbohydrates, and critics unfairly label advocates of low-carb or ketogenic diets as charlatans.

Partially SupportedJaime Seeman MD manages hypothyroidism and feels well on a ketogenic diet with normal free T3 and a TSH around 2.

Partially SupportedStudies have not shown hypothyroidism in participants on calorically sufficient ketogenic diets.

Partially SupportedA ketogenic diet can help manage cognitive decline in women during menopause by addressing insulin resistance.

Partially SupportedTransitioning to a carnivore diet can cause a loss of menstrual cycle, which may return with the addition of fruits, tubers, and reduced stress.

Partially SupportedHigh fiber intake can potentially lower estrogen levels too significantly, leading to anovulation in women.

Partially SupportedThere is potential harm to babies from high carbohydrate consumption by mothers during pregnancy.

Partially SupportedInflammation is the overarching factor connecting insulin resistance and estrogen dominance.

Partially SupportedInsulin resistance can be caused by inflammation, infection, pathogens, gut dysbiosis, and overfeeding of mixed macronutrients.

Partially SupportedHigh beta-glucuronidase activity may be caused by dysbiosis and insulin resistance.

Partially SupportedCarbohydrate restriction can reverse insulin resistance and other health issues.

Partially SupportedKetones increase fat utilization and blunt exaggerated insulin response in pregnant women.

Partially SupportedLow testosterone and elevated estrogen levels in men can lead to erectile dysfunction, and TRT does not address the root cause if it is insulin resistance.