The thyroid is located in your neck just above your collar bone. It is an endocrine gland that produces hormones that help regulate your metabolism and energy levels. If your thyroid is unable to produce enough hormones, you may need to take thyroid medication known as levothyroxine. While there is no special diet plan for people on thyroid medication, certain foods interact with the medication, and you may need to make minor changes to your diet to maximize its effectiveness.
Levothyroxine
Levothyroxine is a medication that provides your body with hormones normally produced by your thyroid. It is given to people whose body does not produce enough hormones, as in the case of individuals with hypothyroidism. It is also used to treat goiters, which is an enlarged thyroid gland. The medication helps regulate your energy levels and metabolism. Levothyroxine does not work immediately, and it can take several weeks until your body reacts to the medications. In addition, do not suddenly stop your medication unless directed by your physician.
Diet and Levothyroxine
Certain foods interact with your levothyroxine medication, and you may need to make changes to your diet to maximize effectiveness. Soy-based infant formula, cotton seed meal, soy flour and walnuts all decrease your body's ability to absorb levothyroxine and should not be eaten at the same time you take your medication. In addition, fiber in food can also decrease absorption and you should not eat foods high in fiber, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts or beans, at the same time you take your medication.
Hypothyroidism
Levothyroxine is most often prescribed to people with hypothyroidism, which is a common condition that affects both children and adults. People with hypothyroidism have low levels of the thyroid hormone circulating in their body, causing a slowdown in metabolism. In addition to affecting your metabolism, hypothyroidism also causes weight gain, fatigue, constipation, irregular heartbeat and depression. Hypothyroidism can also increase your risk of high blood cholesterol levels. While taking your medication helps lessen symptoms, it is still important that you follow a healthy diet to help maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Healthy Diet
While no special diet exists for people taking thyroid medication, except avoiding certain foods at the time you take your medication, following a healthy balanced diet can help you reduce some of the symptoms associated with the disease associated with the medication. A healthy balanced diet should contain the right amount of calories you need to maintain a healthy weight. Your doctor can help you determine your calories needs. In addition, taking into consideration the times you take your medication, your diet should include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy products.
References
- MedlinePlus: Thyroid Diseases
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Avoid Food-Drug Interactions
- Drugs.com: Levothyroxine
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders; Hypothyroidism; May 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Hypothyroidism Diet: Can Certain Foods Increase Thyroid Function?; Todd B. Nippoldt; November 2010
- U.S. Department of Agriculture; Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010; Executive Summary
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