Why I’m Not Fully Carnivore (And Why Carbs Can Support Thyroid Health)

Years ago, I was 100% vegan.
And while I learned a lot, I also learned something important:

👉 Extreme diets don’t work long-term for me.

So when I discovered the carnivore diet and experienced real benefits, I made myself a promise:

I would not repeat the mistake of going all in — no matter how good it felt at first.

That mindset alone is one reason I’m not 100% carnivore.

But over time, I also found real physiological reasons — especially as a woman — why including some carbohydrates works better for my body, particularly with thyroid challenges.

Here’s what I’ve learned about carbs and thyroid health 👇

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1️⃣ Very Low Carb Can Lower T3 (Active Thyroid Hormone) 🦋

When someone stays very low carb for long periods, studies show that T3 (triiodothyronine) — the active thyroid hormone — can decrease.

This doesn’t always mean the thyroid is failing.

Often, it’s a protective adaptation.

The body may interpret prolonged carb scarcity as famine and lowers the metabolic “thermostat” to conserve energy:

Less glucose → lower metabolic demand → lower T3

Common signs include:

• Feeling cold ❄️
• Lower energy ⚡
• Slower metabolism 🐢
• Less motivation or drive

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2️⃣ Cortisol Steps In When Carbs Are Too Low 😬

Without enough carbohydrates, the body leans more heavily on cortisol to keep blood sugar stable through gluconeogenesis (making glucose from protein).

Short term? Fine.
Long term? Not ideal.

Chronically elevated cortisol may:

• Block T4 → T3 conversion
• Increase stress signaling
• Disrupt sleep 😴
• Stall fat loss

Many people on long-term very low carb feel “wired but tired.”

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3️⃣ Reverse T3 Can Increase 🚫🦋

Low-carb adaptation may increase reverse T3, an inactive thyroid hormone that blocks T3 receptors.

So even if labs look “normal,” T3 may not be able to do its job.

This can mimic hypothyroid symptoms:

• Fatigue 😴
• Cold hands and feet 🧤
• Brain fog 🌫️
• Sluggish metabolism

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4️⃣ Women Are More Sensitive to Carb Restriction 👩‍🦱

Women often respond differently than men to chronic carb restriction.

From an evolutionary standpoint, carb scarcity can signal:

“Not a safe time to reproduce.”

The body’s response?

Energy conservation, which can mean:

• Lower thyroid output
• Reduced metabolic rate
• Hormonal ripple effects

This becomes even more important:

• During stress
• With intense workouts
• As we age

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5️⃣ Carbs Support Leptin and Metabolic Signaling 🍠

Leptin is a hormone that tells your brain:

“We’re nourished. It’s safe.”

Very low carb can reduce leptin signaling over time, which may:

• Lower metabolism
• Increase fatigue
• Stall weight loss

Strategic carbohydrates can help reassure the body that it’s not in survival mode.

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6️⃣ Gut Health and Microbial Diversity 🦠

Meat is incredibly nutrient-dense, but many people still benefit from:

• A small amount of fermentable carbs
• Resistant starch
• Whole-food carbohydrates

Berries and fruit are my favorites — especially in yogurt.

These can support:

• Beneficial gut bacteria
• Regular digestion
• Reduced constipation (common on strict carnivore)

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💡 How Many Carbs?

For many women doing well on an ~80% animal-based approach:

✅ 20–60g carbs per day often works beautifully.

Many find carbs are best tolerated in the evening to support:

• Thyroid function
• Cortisol balance
• Sleep 😴

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7️⃣ Sustainability Matters 🧠❤️

I don’t want food to feel like:

• Fear
• Rigidity
• Perfection

I’ve been there before.

Including some carbs allows for:

• Flexibility
• Peace around food
• A diet I can maintain long-term

Healing shouldn’t feel like punishment.

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My Takeaway 💛

I’m not anti-carnivore.
I’m not anti-low-carb.

I’m anti-extremes and pro-metabolism.

For me, that looks like:

🥩 Mostly animal-based
🍓 Strategic, intentional carbs
🔥 Better energy
🦋 Better thyroid support
😴 Better sleep
💛 More balance

80% carnivore works better for my body than 100%.

And that’s wisdom — not weakness.