Which foods interfere with levothyroxine?

What foods interfere with thyroid medication?

Does food interact with levothyroxine?

The absorption of levothyroxine in the gut is decreased when taking the hormone at the same time as calcium, iron and some foods and other drugs. Because of this, patients are usually instructed to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before food intake to avoid erratic absorption of the hormone.

Do dairy products interfere with levothyroxine?

Dairy products—including milk, cheese and yogurt—contain high calcium levels, which affect how levothyroxine is absorbed into your body. Drinking milk or eating other calcium-rich foods less than 4 hours before or after taking levothyroxine can reduce the absorption of the drug, lowering its efficacy.

Can you take vitamin D with levothyroxine?

No interactions were found between levothyroxine and Vitamin D3.

HYPOTHYROIDISM FOODS TO AVOID - DIET FOR LOW THYROID LEVELS

What foods trigger hypothyroidism?

These foods contain goitrogens or are known irritants if consumed in large amounts: Soy-based foods: tofu, tempeh, edamame beans, soy milk, etc. Certain fruits: peaches, pears, and strawberries. Beverages: coffee, green tea, and alcohol — these beverages may irritate your thyroid gland ( 27 , 28 , 29 )

What supplements Cannot be taken with levothyroxine?

Calcium supplements — or antacids containing calcium — can interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone replacement medications, such as synthetic thyroid hormones levothyroxine (Synthroid, Unithroid, others) and liothyronine (Cytomel), as well as thyroid extract supplements.

What can I eat for breakfast after taking levothyroxine?

Can you eat yogurt after taking thyroid medicine?

This helps ensure that the drug is properly absorbed in the intestine so you get your full dose. That said, some foods should only be eaten at least three to four hours after thyroid medication. Examples include calcium-enriched foods such as high-calcium orange juice and Greek yogurt, as well as fiber-rich foods.

Can I drink coffee with levothyroxine?

Current product labels and treatment guidelines recommend patients take thyroid hormone replacement therapy on an empty stomach, but this new research shows that absorption of liquid levothyroxine is not affected by consuming coffee shortly after taking the medication.

What blocks the absorption of levothyroxine?

Drugs that Impair Levothyroxine Absorption

A number of drugs have been shown to impair the absorption of levothyroxine; these drugs include calcium carbonate, aluminum- containing antacids, sucralfate, iron supplements, cholestyramine, sevelamer, and, possibly, ciprofloxacin, raloxifene, and orlistat.

Why do you have to drink a full glass of water with levothyroxine?

The Levoxyl-branded tablet may rapidly swell and disintegrate, and cause choking or gagging if it becomes stuck in your throat. Take with a full glass of water, but talk with your doctor should you have difficulty swallowing it.

What increases the absorption of levothyroxine?

Research suggests taking your Thyroxine with vitamin C improves T4 uptake and reduces TSH level. It is believed this is because vitamin C helps reduce the pH of the stomach, increasing stomach acidity which in turn facilitates improved Thyroxine absorption.

What is the best breakfast for hypothyroidism?

Aim for a breakfast that includes all the food groups: whole grains, meat or beans, vegetables, fruit and dairy. For grains, choose oatmeal, whole grain cereal, granola, whole wheat pancakes or a whole wheat tortilla. Make a breakfast burrito with scrambled egg whites and sauteed vegetables.

Does coffee affect thyroid?

Summary. Caffeine in coffee and other caffeinated beverages can affect the absorption of the thyroid drug levothyroxine by making the drug pass through your gut too quickly. This can cause your T4 hormone levels to drop or fluctuate.

What is the best time to take levothyroxine?

Take levothyroxine once a day in the morning, ideally at least 30 minutes before having breakfast or a drink containing caffeine, like tea or coffee. Food and caffeinated drinks can both stop your body taking in levothyroxine properly so it does not work as well.

Can you eat ice cream with hypothyroidism?

Most cases of hypothyroidism are caused by an autoimmune disease. If that's the case, remove gluten from your diet, and avoid dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream.

Can I drink lemon water after taking thyroid medicine?

No interactions were found between lemon and levothyroxine. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

What can worsen hypothyroidism?

Iodine deficiency.

Too little iodine can lead to hypothyroidism, and too much iodine can worsen hypothyroidism in people who already have the condition. In some parts of the world, iodine deficiency is common, but the addition of iodine to table salt has virtually eliminated this problem in the United States.

Is it better to take levothyroxine at night or in the morning?

There is consensus that levothyroxine should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach. A pilot study showed that levothyroxine intake at bedtime significantly decreased thyrotropin levels and increased free thyroxine and total triiodothyronine levels.

What are the long term side effects of levothyroxine?

The long-term effects of thyroid medication include weight fluctuations, sensitivity to heat, joint pain, changes to your menstrual cycle, and possibly even autoimmune dysfunction.

Can I sleep after taking thyroid medication?

Official answer. Many people who take medication to treat an underactive thyroid gland are told to do so in the morning on an empty stomach, but there are times that it may make sense to take the prescribed medication at night before bed.

Does orange juice interact with levothyroxine?

The effect of grapefruit on levothyroxine is the opposite: Drinking grapefruit juice — or orange juice — can inhibit uptake transporters and reduce the drug's absorption.

Do any vitamins interact with levothyroxine?

No interactions were found between levothyroxine and Vitamins. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Is it OK to take multivitamins with thyroid medication?

Multivitamins. Like hormones, minerals like iron and calcium can bind to thyroid hormone and inhibit absorption. A good rule of thumb: “Take your thyroid hormone first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, and take multivitamins and other supplements at lunch, at least 4 hours later,” suggests Levy.