Effect of Coffee on Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and millions of people use it daily to increase energy and improve concentration. However, coffee consumption may have effects on thyroid health, especially in people who struggle with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. The thyroid is a small but essential gland in the body that plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, body weight, energy level, and the functioning of other body organs. In this article, we examine the relationship between drinking coffee and thyroid function, and we present important points that people with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism should keep in mind.
1. 1. Coffee and Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is one of the common endocrine disorders that can have significant effects on a person’s metabolism and energy level. Coffee consumption as a stimulant drink can have complex interactions with this disorder. In this section, we examine the effect of coffee on the absorption of thyroid drugs and the metabolism of people with hypothyroidism.
A) The effect of coffee on the absorption of thyroid drugs
People with hypothyroidism often need to take thyroid hormone replacement drugs, such as levothyroxine. Research has shown that drinking coffee can reduce the absorption of these drugs. The caffeine in coffee can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medications from the digestive tract and, as a result, reduce their effectiveness. For this reason, doctors recommend that thyroid medication be taken at least 30 to 60 minutes before consuming coffee or any caffeinated beverage to ensure proper medication absorption.
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B) Effect of coffee on metabolism and energy level
In people with hypothyroidism, the body’s metabolism is reduced and this can lead to fatigue and reduced energy levels. Coffee consumption can temporarily increase energy levels, but this effect is usually short-lived and may lead to a need for more caffeine over time, which can cause side effects such as anxiety, insomnia, and irritability.
Coffee and Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive and causes excessive production of thyroid hormones. Due to its stimulating effects, coffee consumption can aggravate the symptoms of this disease and increase problems such as anxiety and heart rate. In this section, we will examine the effect of coffee on hyperthyroidism and how to manage it.
A) Stimulating effect of coffee on symptoms of hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. This condition can cause increased heart rate, anxiety, trembling hands, and increased energy levels. Because coffee is a strong stimulant, consuming it in people with hyperthyroidism can exacerbate these symptoms.
In particular, increased heart rate and anxiety caused by coffee consumption can be dangerous for people with hyperthyroidism. Therefore, these people should limit or avoid coffee together to avoid aggravating symptoms.
B) The effect of coffee on thyroid treatments
To treat hyperthyroidism, antithyroid drugs are used that reduce the production of thyroid hormones. As mentioned earlier, coffee can affect the absorption of thyroid medication and therefore, its consumption may reduce the effectiveness of treatment. Also, some antithyroid drugs can increase sensitivity to caffeine, which can increase anxiety and irritability in patients.
3. Important tips for coffee consumption in people with thyroid problems
In the following, we will examine the important points regarding coffee consumption in people with thyroid problems:
A. Timing of coffee and thyroid medication
For people with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, proper timing of coffee and thyroid medication is very important. It is recommended that thyroid medication be taken at least 30 to 60 minutes before drinking coffee. This helps better absorption of the drug and prevents possible interactions.
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B. Limiting coffee consumption
People with hyperthyroidism should limit coffee consumption or avoid it if possible. Also, caffeine consumption in general should be done with caution, as it can exacerbate symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
C. Attention to symptoms
If you experience symptoms such as anxiety, rapid heartbeat, or shaking hands after drinking coffee, you should cut back on coffee and consult your doctor.
D. Choosing alternative drinks
People looking to cut back on coffee can switch to less caffeinated beverages, such as green tea or herbal teas. These drinks usually have less effect on the thyroid and can be used as a good substitute for coffee.
Coffee alternative for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
For people with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism who want to reduce or avoid coffee, several alternatives can help improve symptoms and reduce nervous system irritation:
1. Green tea
Hypothyroidism: Green tea contains powerful antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation. The amount of caffeine in green tea is less than that of coffee and can give the body mild energy without affecting the absorption of thyroid medication.
Hyperthyroidism: Due to the presence of caffeine in green tea, its consumption should be limited. Decaffeinated varieties of green tea can be used to minimize the stimulating effects.
2. Herbal teas
Hypothyroidism: Teas such as mint, chamomile, ginger, and cinnamon can improve energy and calm and balance the body. These teas are caffeine-free and can be a good substitute for coffee.
Hyperthyroidism: Teas such as borage, lavender, and hyacinth can help reduce anxiety and regulate heart rate. These teas are suitable for hyperthyroid people due to their calming effects.
3. Rooibos tea
Hypothyroidism: Rooibos tea is a caffeine-free tea with anti-inflammatory properties that can help boost the immune system and reduce fatigue.
Hyperthyroidism: Due to its lack of caffeine and antioxidant properties, rooibos tea can help calm the nerves and reduce the irritations associated with hyperthyroidism.
4. Turmeric tea
Hypothyroidism: Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help improve thyroid function. The combination of turmeric with milk or warm water is considered an energizing and useful drink.
Hyperthyroidism: Turmeric tea can help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms of hyperthyroidism, without the stimulating effects of caffeine.
5. Hot water with lemon
Hypothyroidism: Drinking warm water with lemon can help with better digestion and increase metabolism. This drink is simple and without caffeine and gives the body natural energy.
Hyperthyroidism: Due to the lack of caffeine and the antioxidant effects of lemon, this drink can help calm the nervous system and is suitable for people with hyperthyroidism.
6. Matcha tea
Hypothyroidism: Matcha is an antioxidant-rich type of green tea powder that can improve energy levels without a huge caffeine boost. A limited amount of matcha may be beneficial.
Hyperthyroidism: Due to its caffeine content, matcha should be consumed with caution or its low-caffeine varieties should be used.
7. Golden Milk
Hypothyroidism: This drink is a combination of milk (or plant-based milk), turmeric, ginger, and black pepper that can help reduce inflammation and increase metabolism.
Hyperthyroidism: Golden milk with soothing and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce anxiety and irritability in hyperthyroidism.
8. Masala tea
Masala tea is a traditional Indian drink that is a combination of black tea, milk, and various spices such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper. These compounds can have different effects on hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism:
Hypothyroidism
Increase metabolism: Certain spices in masala tea, such as ginger and cinnamon, can increase metabolism and help improve symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Caffeine: The black tea in masala contains caffeine, which can increase energy. But for people taking thyroid medication, caffeine intake should be done with caution so that the absorption of the medication is not affected.
Hyperthyroidism
Nervous System Stimulation: Due to the presence of caffeine and stimulant spices such as black pepper, masala tea may aggravate symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as anxiety and rapid heart rate.
Effect of spices: The spices in masala may relieve some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, but due to the presence of caffeine and the warming nature of this drink, people with hyperthyroidism should use it with caution.
9. Crack tea
Cracked tea is a popular drink in the Persian Gulf countries, usually consisting of black tea, milk and a lot of sugar or condensed milk. Sometimes spices such as saffron and cardamom are added to it.
Hypothyroidism
Energizing: Crack tea can increase energy levels due to its high sweetener and caffeine content, which may help some people with hypothyroidism.
High in calories: Due to the high milk and sugar content, consuming too much crack tea can lead to weight gain, which may be problematic for people with hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism
Nervous system stimulation: Like masala tea, crack tea also contains caffeine, and due to its high sugar and caffeine content, it can aggravate the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Effect of spices: If the crack tea contains spices such as cardamom or saffron, it may have soothing effects, but in general, its consumption should be limited due to the irritation of caffeine and sugar.
People with thyroid problems should choose coffee substitutes according to their specific needs. Reducing or eliminating caffeine from the diet can help improve symptoms and improve quality of life. Any changes in the diet must be made in consultation with the doctor to avoid possible problems.
Conclusion
Drinking coffee can have different effects on people with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. While moderate coffee consumption may be beneficial for some people with hypothyroidism, people with hyperthyroidism should be more cautious about caffeine consumption. Paying attention to the timing of coffee and thyroid medications, limiting coffee consumption, and choosing alternative drinks can help improve the quality of life of people with thyroid problems. The most important point is that any change in diet or drinking should be done with the doctor’s advice to avoid possible problems.
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