The most common thyroid medication is levothyroxine, prescribed for hypothyroidism -- low thyroid function. Although hypothyroidism is not often caused by diet -- an iodine deficiency is the only dietary cause and is quite rare in first-world countries -- your diet does affect how well your body absorbs thyroid medication. A high-fiber diet slows digestion and can decrease the absorption of levothyroxine.
Hypothyroidism
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the base of your throat. It's responsible for producing two hormones that work together to control your metabolism -- the rate your body uses energy and oxygen. If you have hypothyroidism, or low thyroid function, you may experience weight gain, a slowed heart beat and an increased sensitivity to cold. Pale skin and weak or brittle hair and nails can also be signs of low thyroid hormone. Typically, treatment for hypothyroidism is a synthetic thyroid replacement medication called levothyroxine, which is sold under the brand names Synthroid, Unithroid, Tirosint or Levoxyl.
Levothyroxine
Levothyroxine is a synthetic T4 thyroid replacement hormone. Although your thyroid manufactures two hormones -- T3 and T4 -- your body can create T3 from T4, even with hypothyroidism. In general, patients are advised to take replacement thyroid hormone on an empty stomach at least 30 to 60 minutes before eating. Anything that affects digestion can slow the hormone's absorption. Certain substances -- including fiber -- can bind with levothyroxine in the intestine during digestion and stop absorption. Take levothyroxine alone, because vitamins that contain iron and calcium can also block hormone absorption.
Fiber
Fiber is an indigestible plant material. It helps regulate your bowels, promotes weight loss, stabilizes blood sugar levels and can lower cholesterol levels. Although you do not need to follow a low-fiber diet when using thyroid medication, you should wait a minimum of one hour and up to four hours to take fiber supplements or eat a meal very high in fiber. Consistency is important; if you make any dietary changes -- moving to or from a high-fiber diet -- you medication dose may need to be adjusted.
High-Fiber Foods
Fiber is only found in plant foods, not in animal proteins. One of the best sources of fiber is legumes; 1 c of lentils has 15 g of fiber, which is more than half the recommended daily amount for fiber. Black beans and split peas are also high-fiber choices. Fruits high in fiber include raspberries, strawberries, apples and pear with the skin intact; many fruits and vegetables have fiber concentrated in the skin. Artichokes, peas, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and corn are good sources of fiber. Choose whole grain rather than refined grain products and eat whole fruits and vegetables instead of drinking juice to get more fiber into your diet.
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