Introduction: Whenever someone is prescribed thyroid medicine, it is natural for them to be curious and ask questions about certain common lifestyle modifications that will be required. For example, many patients wonder if they will still be able to consume something as commonplace as coffee in their daily diet.
Unbeknownst to many, drinking coffee and taking thyroid medication can have a direct correlation to the efficacy of the medication. This article will focus on the recommended time frame that one should wait between drinking coffee and taking their prescribed thyroid medicine.
What Is Thyroid Medicine?
Thyroid medicine is a type of medication used to treat either an overactive or underactive thyroid; a gland situated at the front of the throat that produces vital hormones that regulate your metabolism and energy levels.
It can be prescribed to those with either a hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism diagnosis. Those with hypothyroidism usually have decreased thyroid hormone levels and need an external medication that can replace the missing thyroid hormone naturally produced by the thyroid gland. Meanwhile, those with hyperthyroidism have an excess of thyroid hormone in their system, and require an oral medication to reduce the active secretion from the thyroid.
Link Between Coffee And Thyroid Medication
Coffee is a stimulant and contains caffeine, which can indirectly affect the absorption of thyroid medication. Caffeine has the ability to increase the body’s metabolism, which is counter-productive to the goal of treating hypothyroidism.
Furthermore, caffeine can interfere with the absorption rate of levothyroxine, the most common thyroid medicine. Levothyroxine (L-thyroxine) is an oral medication and the body is designed to absorb this medication quickly and efficiently. Consuming coffee directly after taking this medication could potentially decrease the absorption rate and lead to an underworking of the thyroid.
How Long After Taking Thyroid Medicine Can I Drink Coffee?
The question of “drinking coffee and taking thyroid medicine” can have a definitive answer as the recommended time frame between drinking coffee and taking medication can vary. For example, studies suggest that one should wait at least an hour or longer before drinking coffee after taking levothyroxine.
In cases of concentrated liquids or supplemental pills taken in addition to levothyroxine, it is even more important to wait the recommended time frame of at least an hour or longer before drinking coffee. However, keep in mind that this time frame can be subject to both change and variance based on the specific medication and its concentration.
Additional Tips for Sufferers
Aside from discussing the time frame between when you should take your thyroid medication and when you should drink coffee, there are other tips that sufferers should consider when managing both the disease and its symptoms.
For one, it is a good idea for sufferers to discuss their water intake capacity with their doctor. Water is known to affect digestion, absorption, and circulation of medications throughout the body so it is important to ensure the correct amount is being consumed.
In addition to this, it is suggested to take thyroid medication separately from vitamins and medications as they can interfere with the absorption rate of the thyroid medications and have a resultant impact on the effectiveness of the prescribed drugs.
Optimal Delivery Mechanism
When it comes to ensuring that you are getting the most out of your prescribed medications, it is important to discuss any associated habits with your doctor to make sure they supplement the medicinal aspect of your disease.
A good tip is to take proteins such as eggs before taking thyroid medication. Proteins are known to bind to certain medications and increase their absorption rate by up to four times. Furthermore, taking your prescribed thyroid medication on both an empty stomach and in the form of a pill has been known to result in the most effective delivery.
Reasons To Avoid Coffee
For some, the notion of having to forgo the drinking of coffee for at least an hour after taking prescribed thyroid medications can lead to an utter sense of loss. Since the metabolisation of the hormones released from the thyroid can be affected by the caffeine in coffee, it is beneficial and something to consider to reduce the amount of coffee being consumed before taking thyroid medications.
Although drinking coffee may have been a morning ritual that you cherish, as someone managing a thyroid disorder, it is important to note that caffeine can interfere with the body’s normal absorption process and have an adverse effect on the symptoms you are attempting to control.
Replacements of Coffee Drinks
The good news is that there are dairy free, caffeine free, and natural replacements of coffee drinks that you can use to give yourself the same feeling of satisfaction. For example, tea can provide that special feeling you get from coffee without having the same potential impact on the delivery of thyroid medication.
Another great and nourishing alternative to coffee is bone broth as it can be consumed as a hot or cold beverage and has a naturally sweet flavour. Furthermore, it provides necessary electrolytes to revitalise the body of those sweet cravings associated with the drinking coffee.
Summary
As one managing a thyroid disorder, it is important to be aware of the effects coffee can have on the absorption of thyroid medicine. This can have adverse affects on the efficacy of medications and the management of your condition. Discuss with your doctor to understand the best time frame you should be waiting before having a hot cup of coffee.
Finally, it is important to keep in mind alternatives that can provide that same sense of satisfaction without having the same adverse effect on your prescribed medication. This can be in the forms of tea, bone broth or other types of nourishing liquid replacements. By following the above advice, you have a greater chance of succeeding at effectively managing your condition and ultimately reaching a state of optimal health.
