Coffee and thyroid are two crucial words for individuals who, on one hand, love coffee and, on the other hand, are taking medication for thyroid conditions. If you have an overactive thyroid, consuming coffee can exacerbate your thyroid symptoms as it has stimulant effects.
According to a study published in the Thyroid Journal, it has been found that caffeine blocks the absorption of thyroid hormone replacements. Dr. Lee states, ‘Individuals who were taking their thyroid medications with their morning coffee had uncontrollable thyroid levels, and we cannot understand the reason behind it.
Many individuals with thyroid disease are compelled to take medication consistently. Exercise caution when consuming certain beverages, such as coffee.
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thyroid
If an endocrinologist diagnoses the presence of thyroid disease based on symptoms, the patient is prescribed medication to combat hypothyroidism or chronic thyroid inflammation (Hashimoto’s). Ideally, treatment should be continued in the long term, as individuals with the condition may experience familiar or even new symptoms if they discontinue medication, for example.
No Coffee for Thyroid Hormone!
After taking thyroid hormone in the morning, wait half an hour before eating breakfast – patients should adhere to rules like this. Otherwise, drug absorption becomes irregular, or the secretion (residue) of the thyroid gland is influenced.
Since many individuals with Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism don’t experience significant improvement in symptoms such as fatigue and lethargy with the use of levothyroxine alone, the logical conclusion is that they turn to coffee or caffeinated tea.
Can coffee have a negative impact on our hormones, and is coffee intolerance present in Hashimoto’s?
Yes, if caffeine is consumed improperly, improper coffee consumption can have a negative impact on our hormones, which is especially crucial in the case of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s.
Improper coffee consumption can have drawbacks. The negative effects of unhealthy caffeine consumption can be observed in the following cases:
1. Increased cortisol secretion (adrenal stress hormone)
2. Blood sugar fluctuations
3. Loss of a healthy sense of well-being due to fatigue/awakening
Some individuals with Hashimoto’s or thyroid patients, in general, clearly become aware of their coffee intolerance through their body’s feedback. After consuming coffee, they experience tremors, a rapid heartbeat, and restlessness.
How does coffee affect the consumption of thyroid medication (Levothyroxine)?
One of the most common thyroid medications prescribed for hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s is Levothyroxine. These are usually taken in the morning on an empty stomach, half an hour before breakfast.
Can coffee impact the absorption of synthetic thyroid hormones from Levothyroxine? Absolutely! Several studies have shown that coffee can inhibit the absorption of the T4 hormone (thyroxine) from thyroid medications. Coffee delays the absorption of T4 hormone by 40 minutes and reduces its bioavailability by up to 32%.
So, if you are currently taking Levothyroxine, we recommend always taking it with water instead of coffee and waiting at least 30 minutes before consuming coffee for the first time or after breakfast.
Can I drink coffee before a thyroid blood test?
Anyone taking thyroid medications like Levothyroxine should regularly visit their doctor to check their thyroid levels and undergo blood tests. If, in addition to TSH, free thyroid hormones such as fT4 and fT3 are also measured, it might be reasonable (after consulting with the doctor) not to take the thyroid medication in the morning before the blood test.
And what about breakfast and coffee before the thyroid blood test?
If your doctor is checking your thyroid levels, there is no need to fast. You can have your regular breakfast and drink your coffee as usual.
Is green/black tea a better alternative for Hashimoto’s?
In addition to coffee, there are other foods or drinks that also have caffeine-like effects:
- Cocoa/chocolate
- Green tea
- Black tea
- Energy drinks
- Cola
The stimulant active ingredient in cocoa is called “theobromine,” and in green and black tea, it is called “theine.” Since caffeine or tea in tea is bound to tannins, this effect is slower than that of coffee but has a more prolonged duration.
Coffee is recommended in moderation with Hashimoto’s.
In general, with autoimmune thyroid disease like Hashimoto’s, attention should be paid to your diet, avoiding foods that are inflammatory and irritating to your stomach. In addition to coffee, this includes wheat, alcohol, sugar, and cow’s milk.
Coffee stimulates the stomach and triggers the production of stomach acid, so if you have autoimmune gastritis, which can be associated with Hashimoto’s, you should avoid its consumption.
Coffee with milk and sugar, in particular, requires three times more for the body and food digestion and is also harsh on the stomach without severe autoimmune gastritis.
In essence, in addition to autoimmune gastritis, gluten intolerance may also be more prevalent with Hashimoto’s.
If you can tolerate autoimmune gastritis, you can certainly enjoy coffee moderately with Hashimoto’s.
However, if you experience heartburn and severe stomach issues, then you should consider a mild diet for the stomach and low irritation to support food digestion.
The final
thought of the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans, the crisp sound of the coffee machine, and the subtle fragrance wafting through the apartment – who wouldn’t eagerly anticipate the moment for a flavorful, warm, and robust cup of coffee?
In this article, you will learn exactly what changes occur in the body when we experience this energetic sensation. We will explore whether this feeling is possible without coffee, the positive and negative effects of coffee consumption on Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism, and how you can mitigate its negative impact. You will understand whether substituting coffee with tea has benefits or not, and what effect caffeine may have on your thyroid medications like levothyroxine.
