The thyroid gland is responsible for producing thyroid hormones essential for our body. They perform important functions within our metabolism, so their deficiency alters the body. The flaw in its production may be due to hypothyroidism, a condition that affects the way the thyroid gland produces hormones and, therefore, requires the consumption of medications to counteract the situation, such as the use of Levothyroxine. . However, its administration, despite being beneficial can have interactions when certain foods are consumed, that is why in the following FastlyHealarticle we will talk about those foods that should be avoided when taking Levothyroxine.
Table of Contents
About Levothyroxine
The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the neck and responsible for regulating the metabolism of energy in the body. That is, it determines how quickly the body will use food, and this does so through the production of hormones. The thyroid can suffer from alterations, such as hypothyroidism, which consists of a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones, which is why their essential functions are affected.
You have probably been prescribed medications to counteract the problem if you suffer from thyroid, such as Levothyroxine. It is a hormone used to treat disorders in the thyroid gland, whose function is to replace the thyroid hormone and exercise the parts that correspond to this hormone.
This synthetic hormone is prescribed by the doctor when he observes that there is a deficiency in the production of the hormone, and its consumption must be done correctly. That is, according to the instructions given by the doctor, it should be taken neither more nor less than the indicated dose and should be according to the established consumption schedule.
Foods to Avoid When Taking Levothyroxine
You should know that the diet you eat can interfere with the function of Levothyroxine, so you must be very careful with the way you eat. To get the desired and beneficial result from Levothyroxine, you will probably need to avoid eating some foods that may cause an interaction or avoid eating them several hours before taking the Medication to not interfere with its effectiveness. Foods that interfere with levothyroxine absorption are:
- Foods with a lot of calcium: such as dairy or calcium-fortified juices, can be a problem when taking Levothyroxine. Studies have shown that its consumption simultaneously as the drug can impact hormone levels, reducing their level by up to 40%, reducing the desired effect.
- Goitrogenic foods: these are foods not recommended in people with hypothyroidism and, therefore, they should be avoided when taking Levothyroxine because otherwise, the hormone will not be able to counteract the deficiency in its production. They should also be avoided because they alter the hormonal presentation and cause obesity. These foods are cabbages, celery, radishes, onion, potatoes, cereals such as wheat, dried fruits such as walnuts or chestnuts, and some fruits such as figs, peaches, and grapes.
- Cruciferous: some eliminate them entirely or only reduce their consumption. The so-called cruciferous foods are broccoli, cabbage, watercress, and turnip. These foods interfere with the absorption of iodine and, therefore, in thyroid hormone production, affecting the drug’s effectiveness.
- Sugary foods: for anyone, sugar consumption at high levels can be harmful to health. It would not be the exception in people with thyroid disorders because instability in blood glucose levels is usually observed. If it does not stabilize over time, it can generate insulin resistance. More than developing some interaction with Levothyroxine, it can worsen the condition because you would be causing more damage to the thyroid and your body in general. You will not allow the drug to do its action. You can substitute it with stevia products.
- Vegetable oils: such as soy, corn, sunflower, and canola, can be another big problem when taking Levothyroxine. This is because its consumption blocks thyroid hormone production, its transport into the blood, and its use by cells, so Levothyroxine will not produce any effect and promote inflammation. A person with problems in the thyroid gland is swollen, making the situation worse.
- Caffeine: caffeine should be avoided when taking Levothyroxine because its consumption blocks absorption. However, you can take the drug at least an hour before, let it do its job, and then drink coffee.
- Other products: soy derivatives and foods rich in fiber such as flax seeds, oats, or rye should also be avoided when taking Levothyroxine because they interfere with the gland’s functioning. Its use has been shown to interfere with the drug’s effectiveness and fail to exert its action correctly.
In the following article, you can see the recommended diet for hypothyroidism.
Mealtimes
Levothyroxine, although it should not be ingested together with some foods since its effect is diminished, it can be administered in a specific way so that it does not generate alterations. It should be taken on a consistent schedule and concerning meals. For example, it is recommended to take Levothyroxine on an empty stomach or at least one hour before eating any food so that in this way the drug has enough time to exercise its effect, in addition to the fact that fasting hormone levels may increase, and that its consumption is beneficial within the body.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Foods to avoid taking Levothyroxine, we recommend entering our medication and medical tests category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.