Swallowing meds with coffee can harm your health: How it disrupts treatment for hypothyroidism patients
Numerous studies endorse the array of health benefits coffee provides. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that relying on this prevalent stimulant is not always conducive to our health. A particularly harmful and dangerous habit is swallowing medications with coffee.
Jan 9, 2024 | updated: 1:18 PM EST, January 10, 2024
This is particularly critical for patients with hypothyroidism who are on a consistent regimen of hormonal medications. Medical practitioners recommend a particular break between consuming coffee and taking thyroid medication. The esteemed endocrinologist Dr. Suwala elucidates the interactions of such medicines with coffee via social media.
Drinking coffee too soon after consuming the medication notably impedes the effectiveness of hypothyroidism replacement therapy. This occurs due to the sequestration of the active ingredient, levothyroxine (LT4). This eventually leads to the disruption of hormone absorption (even by several dozen percent!) and a delay in peak effects - Dr. Suwala posted on his Facebook profile.
Dr. Suwala further notes that the type of coffee plays a significant role in this situation. Milk, often added to beverages, contains calcium, which further hampers the absorption of levothyroxine by our body. According to the expert, thyroid hormones should ideally be consumed 45-60 minutes before breakfast. Conversely, drinking coffee 2-3 hours after taking the medication is safest. If the drug is in liquid form, a gap of at least an hour should be maintained.
