Why WHEN you eat affects your thyroid

Did you know that it’s not just what you are eating but when you are eating that impacts thyroid health? This is in large part due to the connection between thyroid health and blood sugar balance.

Keeping blood sugar levels balanced is critical for thyroid health, and the opposite is also true: Thyroid health is important for maintaining blood sugar balance. Here’s why:

1. Blood sugar dysregulation is inflammatory for the body. Persistent low blood sugar (like from not eating often enough) triggers stress hormones that suppress thyroid function, and persistent blood sugar spikes and insulin surges can lead to inflammation that is damaging to the thyroid.

2. High insulin and insulin resistance reduces conversion of T4 to T3. It also promotes formation of Reverse T3. If T3 is like the gas pedal that revs the engine (metabolism) up, then reverse T3 is the brake that slows things down. We don’t want this!

3. With low thyroid status the rate of glucose uptake by cells is slowed, and glucose is not absorbed by the gut as quickly. Glucose then has a hard time getting into cells, leading to increased cortisol and even more stress on the body. Glucose transporters require T3 inside the cell to work! Even early stages of thyroid dysfunction can lead to blood sugar issues.

So, how can we combat the blood sugar dysregulation and insulin resistance harmful to the thyroid? By balancing our macros in every meal/snack and eating more regularly! While meal timing depends on a lot of factors, women that struggle with thyroid function often do better with more frequent meals. Eating balanced meals every 3-4 hours helps to reduce stress, balance blood sugar, support the metabolism, and replenish liver glycogen stores.

PMID: 25580384

If you want to start working on your thyroid health, then check out my free thyroid mini-course here!

Here are a few other great thyroid health resources:


3 Ways to Work With Us

Mineral Healing Journey: A 6-Month, High-Touch Program for Women Ready to Rebalance Their Hormones at the Root

If you’re dealing with irregular cycles, PCOS, stubborn weight gain, low energy, thyroid issues, or hormone chaos, and you’re still in your cycling years, this is our most comprehensive hormone recalibration program. We’ll coach you through strategic nourishment, mineral repletion, and strength training to rebuild your metabolism and restore balance.

[Learn More About Mineral Healing Journey]

Nurture Your Fertility

Our 12-Month Advanced Fertility Program for Women Who’ve Tried Everything

If you’ve been trying to conceive for years, have experienced loss, failed cycles, or unexplained infertility, or feel like you’re “doing everything right” but still not getting pregnant, this is for you.

We focus on metabolic repair, mineral balance, inflammation, detoxification, and cellular healing, all tailored to your labs and history for BOTH partners.

[Learn More About Nurture Your Fertility]

Master Your Minerals

Self-Paced Education for Women Who Want to Understand Their Body

If you’re not ready for our group coaching but know your symptoms aren’t random, this is where to start. Master Your Minerals is our comprehensive, self-paced course that teaches you how minerals impact your hormones, metabolism, energy, and fertility.

You’ll get symptom trackers, practical tools, and structured guidance so you can start connecting the dots on your own. This is best for women who are proactive, want education first, and prefer to implement at their own pace.

[Learn More About Master Your Minerals]

Amanda Montalvo

Amanda Montalvo is a women's health dietitian who helps women find the root cause of hormone imbalances and regain healthy menstrual cycles.

Master Your Minerals

Created by
Hormone Healing RD

what are you waiting for?

Reclaim
Your Health.

Notice
We use cookies on this website to improve your experience.