Short Answer: Coffee is bad for hypothyroidism. Because it has caffeine and other substances that can reduce the absorption of levothyroxine, increase blood sugar levels, stress the adrenal and thyroid glands, and trigger inflammation and immune reactions.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, which is located in the front of your neck and produces hormones that regulate your metabolism.
In hypothyroidism, your body does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which can slow down your metabolism and affect many bodily functions.
This can lead to various health problems, such as weight gain, fatigue, depression, high cholesterol, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, and menstrual irregularities.
One of the key factors in managing hypothyroidism is diet.
What you consume can affect your thyroid function, which can impact your hypothyroidism symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage hypothyroidism, you should consume iodine-rich foods like seaweed, fish, eggs, and dairy products, and avoid goitrogenic foods like cruciferous vegetables, soy, millet, and peanuts, which can interfere with thyroid hormone production.
Now, coffee is a popular beverage that contains caffeine, a stimulant that can boost your energy and alertness.
People usually drink coffee in the morning or throughout the day to stay awake and focused.
Coffee is bad for hypothyroidism because it contains substances that can reduce the absorption of levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone that is commonly prescribed for hypothyroidism.
This can lower the effectiveness of the medication and worsen your hypothyroidism symptoms.
Coffee may also increase your blood sugar levels, which can affect your thyroid function and hormone balance.
One cup of coffee can give you about 95 mg of caffeine, which is about 13% of your daily limit.
Caffeine can negatively affect your hypothyroidism by stimulating your nervous system, increasing your heart rate, and raising your cortisol levels, which can stress your adrenal glands and thyroid gland.
Furthermore, coffee is a diuretic and an acidic beverage, and both are bad for hypothyroidism.
Because, diuretics can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can impair your thyroid function and hormone conversion.
Acidic beverages can lower your stomach acid, which is essential for breaking down and absorbing levothyroxine.
That’s why I suggest you limit your coffee intake to avoid the possible complications.
Stick to one cup of coffee per day or less to minimize the negative effects on your hypothyroidism.
You can also drink your coffee at least four hours after taking your levothyroxine to reduce the interference with absorption.
Also, you shouldn’t drink coffee if you have Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune form of hypothyroidism, to prevent inflammation and immune activation.
Because, coffee can trigger your immune system to attack your thyroid gland and worsen your condition.
You can buy fresh coffee beans in your local market or order them online.
Always choose organic and fair-trade coffee to avoid pesticides and chemicals that can harm your thyroid.
Because, these substances can disrupt your endocrine system and interfere with your thyroid function and hormone balance.
You can store them in an airtight container in a cool and dark place for up to six months.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing hypothyroidism effectively.
I always recommend my hypothyroidism patients to follow a hypothyroidism-friendly diet to improve their thyroid function, hormone levels, and overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.