One prevalent issue with people with thyroid disease is which supplements should not be taken with thyroid medications. It should be noted that there is no straightforward solution to this issue. But, the much more complicated response is more so.
It is always best to talk to your healthcare provider for expert advice. If you take an expensive medication prescribed by your doctor, don’t expect it to do everything for you.
Taking multiple medicines may be required to deal with a particular situation. It can quickly lead to a problem because you could easily run into a host of side effects that mimic those of another illness or medication.
Self-medication is never recommended if you suffer from thyroid or other health conditions.
So let’s look at what can cause complications with thyroid medication.
- Iron supplements may interfere with absorption of thyroid medication.
- Calcium supplements can reduce the effectiveness of thyroid medication if taken together.
- Soy supplements might hinder thyroid hormone absorption and should be used cautiously.
- Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium should be taken separately from thyroid medication.
- Fiber supplements should be spaced apart from thyroid medication to avoid interference.
- Taking thyroid medication too close to antacids can reduce its absorption.
- Selenium is an important supplement for thyroid health but must be taken at the right time.
What Is Thyroid Disease?
Before we explore what supplements should not be taken with thyroid medication, let’s find out what thyroid disease is.
To use the phrase “thyroid illness,” it is essential to define what you mean by “thyroid failure.” Usually, your thyroid produces hormones that keep your body running smoothly.
Your body consumes energy too fast when the thyroid produces far more thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism is the medical term for this condition.
It is prevalent these days, and proper check-ups and blood tests are required to diagnose it.
Which Medicines are Used to Treat Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism, if left untreated, may cause you to need medicine for the rest of your life.
As a result, a change in your daily routine and your way of life is required. If you are on thyroid medication, your treatment course may interfere with your daily routine, including coffee, cheeses, or other dietary supplements you consume constantly.
You’ll want to address your particular requirements with your doctor so that you can start feeling better and moving on in life.
Levothyroxine
It is the most popular medication for Hypothyroidism. Some brand names are also used to refer to this medicine.
These medicines help replenish the thyroid hormone in your blood that your body isn’t naturally generating.
Discovering the appropriate medicine or dose for you may take some time. Once you’ve worked out your treatment plan, some factors may interfere with how well the prescription works for you.
Medical Conditions That Conflict With the Thyroid Medications
Another thing that complicates the issue of which supplements should not be taken with thyroid medication dosage is that some other conditions can affect how your thyroid works.
For example, malignancy can cause nodules to form in the thyroid gland. While these may not physically appear as symptoms, they can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening!
Which Supplements Should Not Be Taken With Thyroid Medications?
Take no herbal remedy to lower your thyroid dose. They can have the opposite side effects.
For example, Chinese mushrooms, which treat many thyroid conditions, contain chaste berries. Even though it causes many side effects, it may also induce severe conditions, including vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes death!
Some thyroid medicines may interact with common prescriptions, vitamins, and even foods if you’re new to regular prescription medications.
In this article, primary care doctors discuss thyroid drug interactions you should be aware of before taking any medicine.
Supplements to Avoid
It is never advised to start supplements without consulting your doctor first.
However, as a general rule, avoid medicines and supplements listed below for at least four hours after taking thyroid medication.
- Iron
- Calcium
- Magnesium
These minerals may be found in multivitamins that include them. Biotin should be avoided while having your thyroid levels checked, since it may interfere with proper assessment.
Before thyroid tests, it’s usually advised to cease taking biotin for 1-2 weeks.
It is because Levothyroxine interactions may also be caused by excessive iodine intake. Before introducing vitamins or other medications to your regimen, talk to your primary care physician or endocrinologist.
Self-medication sometimes does more harm than good.
Watch Out for Changing Brand Names
Most hypothyroid medicines have the same active component, i.e. (levothyroxine). Therefore, switching brand names may appear safe.
But there’s reason to think that moving between brands or generics may affect how your body responds to or absorbs the synthesized hormone in the long run.
Foods to Avoid
It should be taken nearly 30 minutes before each meal to most benefit from levothyroxine.
When taken with food, its absorption from the stomach is reduced. Certain foods, such as:
- Bean-based foods and flours such as edamame, tofu, and miso
- Grapefruit or grapefruit juice
- Walnuts
- Dairy products, such as yogurt or cheese, are high in calcium.
- Dietary fiber-rich vegetables such as kale and broccoli
Besides, slowing down your metabolism, fatty, or sugary meals may make it more difficult for you to absorb the medicine.
It is advised to avoid such food items. If you feel inconvenient or mostly miss your medication last meals, discuss the matter with your physician.
What About Coffee?
We all like our morning cup of coffee. But will you be able to consume coffee after receiving thyroid medication?
Scheduling is critical when it comes to medicine intake. Do not sip coffee or any other beverage for at least an hour after taking your levothyroxine.
Takeaway
Still, we need to know more about what supplements should not be taken with thyroid medications.
This is not a comprehensive list, but it gives you an idea of all the possible interactions you could have and precisely what supplements should not be taken with thyroid medications.
To control your thyroid levels and feel better, you need to take the appropriate thyroid medication at the correct dose and avoid the items that may throw that off.
Thyroid medicine should be given at least three hours after meals or at least 30 minutes before meals. Never take supplements or medication without consulting a doctor first.
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