Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD

Thyroid Pharmacist

Podcast Episode 111: Can You Do Keto If You Have Hashimoto's? Your Top Keto Questions Answered With Ben Azadi

111: Can You Do Keto If You Have Hashimoto’s? Your Top Keto Questions Answered With Ben Azadi

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LISTEN TO THE PODCAST – Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, I spoke with Ben Azadi about some of the biggest questions and misconceptions of the ketogenic diet, and whether it is helpful for those with Hashimoto’s and thyroid conditions.

One of the most common questions I hear is whether people with thyroid disease should avoid keto altogether. Ben shares why the answer isn’t necessarily yes, and explains how a well-formulated ketogenic diet may help reduce inflammation, improve metabolic flexibility, and support overall health when used strategically rather than continuously.

During our conversation, we discuss how to follow a keto diet in a way that supports thyroid health, common side effects people experience when getting started, and why flexibility, food variety, and personalization are essential for long-term success. Whether you’re keto-curious or wondering if it’s the right fit for your healing journey, this episode offers practical guidance to help you make an informed decision.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

  • Whether you should do keto if you have Hashimoto’s. One of the biggest myths surrounding thyroid health is that keto is completely off-limits. Ben shares a different perspective and explains why how you approach keto may matter more than whether you do it at all.
  • The surprisingly simple tweak that may make keto more sustainable. If the thought of giving up carbs forever has kept you from trying keto, you’ll want to hear Ben’s flexible approach that challenges the idea that ketosis has to be permanent.
  • Why keto sometimes causes constipation, bad breath, or even changes in body odor. These concerns may discourage people from sticking with keto – however, they aren’t that common. Discover what’s actually happening in your body, plus simple strategies that will help you feel your best when you start keto.
  • If keto is really just bacon, butter, and cheese. Ben breaks down what a well-formulated ketogenic diet actually looks like, including several nutrient-dense foods that many people don’t realize are keto-friendly.
  • The unexpected signs that your metabolism may be improving. Beyond weight loss, Ben discusses some surprising physical changes he’s seen in people who improve their metabolic health and why they may reveal more than you think.
  • Whether eating the same healthy foods every day could backfire. Learn why food variety, seasonal eating, and metabolic flexibility may play a bigger role in long-term wellness than following any one diet perfectly.

Check Out Ben’s Latest Book!

Keto Flex Revised: The Advanced Guide to Metabolic Flexibility, Fat Burning, and Hormone Health for Every Body at Every Stage is a clear, customizable, and science-rooted roadmap to long-term fat loss, hormone balance, and cellular healing through the strategic use of ketogenic nutrition and fasting. It’s available on Amazon.

Connect with Ben

Freebies

  • Access the free Keto Flex pre-order bonuses here!

Resources Mentioned

  • KETO-MOJO GK+ Bluetooth Glucose & Ketone Testing Kit – Includes GK+ Bluetooth meter, 10 ketone strips, 10 glucose strips, 20 sterile lancets, lancing device, glucose and ketone control solutions.
  • Blood ketone meter – A finger-prick device used to measure blood ketones and determine whether you’re in nutritional ketosis.
  • Breath ketone meter – A non-invasive tool that estimates ketosis by measuring acetone in the breath.
  • Urine ketone strips – An inexpensive way to estimate ketone production, especially during the early stages of ketosis.
  • Electrolytes – Mineral supplements that may help replenish potassium and other electrolytes lost during the transition into ketosis. Consider Rootcology Electrolyte Blend.
  • Gallbladder support – Ox bile is a digestive support supplement that may help individuals who struggle to digest fats, particularly after gallbladder removal. You can find it in Rootcology Liver & Gallbladder Support.
  • Liver support – Supplements intended to support healthy liver function and detoxification pathways during metabolic changes. Check out Rootcology’s Liver Support Kit for more information on liver support supplements.
  • Digestive enzymes – Enzyme supplements that may support fat digestion and nutrient absorption during a higher-fat diet. Consider Rootcology Broad Spectrum Enzymes.
  • Binders – Supplements sometimes used to help support the body’s elimination of toxins.

Keto-Friendly Foods Discussed

  • Avocados – A rich source of healthy fats and potassium that may help support electrolyte balance and digestive regularity.
  • Grass-fed meat – A protein-rich staple commonly included in a well-formulated ketogenic diet. Consider getting grass-fed meat delivered straight to your door via a company like ButcherBox.
  • Eggs (with the yolk) – A nutrient-dense source of protein and healthy fats.
  • Leafy green vegetables – Low-carbohydrate vegetables that provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals while supporting ketosis.
  • Arugula – A bitter leafy green that may help stimulate healthy bile production.
  • Apple cider vinegar – Commonly used to support healthy blood sugar regulation and digestion.
  • Citrus fruits – Lemon and lime are often incorporated into keto through flavored water while also providing digestive support.
  • Artichokes – A fiber-rich vegetable that may help support healthy liver and bile function.
  • Herbs – Consider rosemary, thyme, and basil for their potential role in stimulating healthy bile production.
  • Berries – Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are lower-sugar and can often fit within ketogenic carbohydrate limits.
  • Bone broth – A collagen-rich, keto-friendly food that supports gut, skin, hair, and joint health. Make it at home with this thyroid-friendly recipe or consider a delivery service like The Flavor Chef.

Articles and Resources Related to Keto and Metabolic Health

Get the Full Episode Transcript

Let’s Connect!

Got questions? Drop them in the comments! 🙂

About Our Host

Dr. Izabella Wentz 

Dr. Izabella Wentz is a compassionate, innovative, solution-focused integrative pharmacist dedicated to finding the root causes of chronic health conditions. Her passion stems from her own diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 2009, following a decade of debilitating symptoms.

Dr. Izabella Wentz has written several best-selling books, including the New York Times bestseller Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause, the protocol-based #1 New York Times bestseller Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back, the Wall Street Journal bestseller Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology: Nutrition Protocols and Healing Recipes to Take Charge of Your Thyroid Health, and Adrenal Transformation Protocol. Her latest book, IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is now out in the world, and available here!

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About Our Guest

Ben Azadi is a leading authority on metabolic health, New York Times bestselling author of Metabolic Freedom, and one of the most impactful voices in the space today. After losing 80 pounds and transforming his own life, he’s on a mission to help 1 billion people break free from physical and mental obesity. His work has reached millions worldwide, and he has personally coached thousands to reclaim their health.

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