Take thyroid medicine? Don’t do these 5 things

The treatment of thyroid disease has a long and rich history that spans a century.

Natural desiccated thyroid medicine is made from the thyroid glands of pigs, termed porcine. It was first developed in the late 1800s — which was a good thing because, at the time, doctors were transplanting thyroid glands from animals into humans via surgery, which in and of itself was dangerous!

The advent of pills — even those extracted from pig glands — grew in popularity for good reason

until the 1950s, when synthetic T4 drugs became available.

Today, both synthetic thyroid hormones and natural NDT drugs remain popular; however, I have five important warnings for you if you take any type of thyroid medication:

1. Don’t drink coffee with your medicine.

Coffee contains compounds called tannins that can interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone in the gut. The tannins bind to the medication like metabolic “glue” and prevent it from being absorbed properly, so it doesn’t do its job or obtain proper blood levels.

If you take thyroid medication, wait at least 60 minutes after taking your medication before drinking coffee.

2. Don’t take calcium supplements with your medicine.

Calcium can interfere with the absorption of all thyroid medications, whether T4 drugs like Synthroid or NDT drugs like Armour.

If you need to take calcium supplements for other health reasons, like a parathyroid condition, osteoporosis or hypocal-* cemia, take your medication 3 to 4 hours after your medicine.

3. Don’t eat yogurt or drink milk with your thyroid medicine.

Just like calcium supplements, eating calcium-rich foods right after you take your thyroid medication will interfere with absorption. So don’t take your pill and then eat a bowl of yogurt, a bowl of cereal, or drink a glass of milk! Wait about 3 to 4 hours after you take your medication.

4. Don’t drink green juice with your medicine.

Some people like to take their thyroid medication,

then drink a green juice smoothie. This is almost always going to be a problem! Some examples of goitrogenic foods to eat in moderation include cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, as well as soy products. Consuming goitrogens in moderation is fine, but don’t overdo it.

Goitrogens may contribute to hypothyroidism as well as autoimmune Hashimoto’s flare-ups. This, and much more, is discussed in my book “Thyroid Healthy,” available on Amazon.

5. Don’t take thyroid medication at night.

Thyroid medication is stimulating. This means that it will speed up your metabolism, burn fat, increase

energy levels, and improve hair and nail growth.

The best time to take thyroid medication is in the morning when energy is welcome. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating.

If this topic interests you, I have a longer version of this article posted at my website, as well as some free thyroid ebooks and magazines which I can send as a gift for you to download. To learn more or receive those, visit my website.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Discuss any medication changes, including timing, with your physician. For a longer version of this article, visit www.suzy cohen.com.