How to take Thyroid Medications
How to take Thyroid Medications
In general, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid or absence of thyroid) is treated with oral thyroid medications such as Levothyroxine, Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid, Levothroid, Tirosint, Cytomel, Liothyronine, Armour Thyroid, Nature-Throid, etc.
To maximize their absorption and therefore efficacy, these should be taken on empty stomach with water only, at least 30-45 minutes before meal or 4 hours after meal. Some even can be taken at bedtime. In rare circumstances, if a meal is already consumed, it is best to take thyroid medication anyway to avoid missing the dose altogether ( 40% is still better than 0%)
Certain foods, supplements, and medications significantly affect thyroid medication absorption. These should be taken at least 4 hours apart from thyroid meds. They are:
• Calcium supplements
• Iron supplements ( ferrous or ferric compounds)
• Multivitamins (they all have Calcium and some have iron)
• Antacids containing Aluminum & Magnesium
• Simethicone (used for gas)
• Sulcrafate (used for stomach acid)
• Soybean flour
• Dietary fibers
• Cotton seed meal
• Walnuts
What about Iodine ?
If a person is already on full thyroid replacement, then his or her thyroid gland is either non-functional (not working) or absent (removed by surgery). In that case, taking Iodine (material for a functional thyroid gland) is not necessary and is a waste of money (why send materials to a plant that has been closed for years ?) One can still enjoy iodine-containing foods (see below); just remember the iodine would have no health benefit.
On the other hand, if the thyroid gland is still working, taking excessive Iodine can cause either hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). With some exceptions (example, pregnancy and vegan diet), we generally do not require extra Iodine supplementation (Iodine is found in iodized salt, fish, sea foods, kelp, seaweed, dairy products, some breads, and certain multivitamins)
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