How To Help Thyroid Meds Work Best

How To Help Thyroid Meds Work Best

Having a balanced and healthy thyroid is key for healthy hair.  It's a well-known fact that when the thyroid is not functionally properly it can cause a range of hair challenges.

Thyroid hormone replacement meds are essential if you have hypothyroidism.  Studies have shown that there are things you can do to help your meds work best.   

Time Your Thyroid Meds Appropriately

Be sure to talk to your doctor about the best time to take your thyroid medications.  Ask what is the best time of the day to take the meds, whether you should take them on a full or empty stomach and a list of any foods which might hinder the success of the drugs.

Avoid taking thyroid medications at the same time as calcium or iron supplements.  Studies have shown that both type of nutirents can prevent thyroid hormones from being appropriately absorbed.

It's best to take any thyroid meds at least one hour before or after calcium or iron.

Know The Effect Of Antacids That Contain Aluminum or Calcium

Studies have shown that antacids contain calcium or aluminum can block the absorption of thyroid hormones.

According to the National Institutes of Health, waiting 4 hours after taking thyroid medications is the best plan for avoiding any conflicts.

If you have a tendency to take a lot of antacids you may need to discuss your use of antacids with your physician treating you for thyroid issues.

Provide A List Of Other Medications To Your Doctor Or Pharmacist

Some anti-depressants can effect how much thyroid hormone your body may need.  It's also been proven that some types of blood thinners can become more potent when combined with thyroid medications.

Be sure that your thyroid meds don't conflict with any existing medications.

Eat Foods Rich In Certain Nutrients

Discuss the benefits of foods rich in selenium to support your thyroid with your doctor.  Selenium is prevalent in Brazil nuts, seeds and grains, chicken, brown rice and eggs.

On the flip side some studies have shown that a high concentration of selenium may encourage the development of diabetes.  If you decide to supplement your diet with selenium be sure to get a blood glucose test for diabetes as well as a ferritin test for anemia and a mental health screening for depression.

Foods Which Block Thyroid Hormone Production

Certain foods contain chemicals which block the production of thyroid hormones.  These include  cabbage, broccoli, rutabaga, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, watercress and peanuts.

Cooking inactivates the interfering chemical, known medically as a goitrogen.  In most cases it's wise to eat the thyroid hormone blocking foods fully cooked.  Raw peanuts or soybeans should never be eaten. Fortunately, peanut butter is heated to a high enough degree that the goitrogens are destroyed.