Short Answer: Black tea is good for hypothyroidism in moderation. Because it has antioxidants and polyphenols that can benefit the heart and lower cholesterol, and caffeine and fluoride that can stimulate the metabolism and prevent tooth decay.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, which is located in the front of your neck.
In hypothyroidism, your body does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which regulate your metabolism and many other functions.
This can lead to various health problems, such as fatigue, weight gain, depression, high cholesterol, and increased risk of heart disease.
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 seafood, dairy products, and eggs, and avoid goitrogenic foods like cruciferous vegetables, soy, and millet, which can interfere with thyroid hormone production.
Now, black tea is a type of tea that is more oxidized than other teas, and has a strong flavor and color.
People usually drink black tea with or without milk, sugar, or lemon.
Black tea is good for hypothyroidism because it contains antioxidants and polyphenols that may help protect the heart, lower cholesterol, and reduce inflammation.
However, black tea also contains caffeine and fluoride, which can have negative effects on hypothyroidism if consumed in excess.
One cup of black tea can give you about 47 mg of caffeine (about 5% of your daily limit) and 0.3 mg of fluoride (about 12% of your daily limit).
Caffeine can stimulate the nervous system and increase the heart rate, which can be beneficial for people with hypothyroidism who feel sluggish and tired.
However, too much caffeine can also cause anxiety, insomnia, and irritability, and may interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication.
Fluoride can help prevent tooth decay and strengthen the bones, which can be beneficial for people with hypothyroidism who are prone to osteoporosis and dental problems.
However, too much fluoride can also cause dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis, and may inhibit the function of the thyroid gland.
Furthermore, black tea is a source of dietary iodine, and iodine is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis.
However, the amount of iodine in black tea varies depending on the soil, water, and processing methods, and may not be sufficient to meet the daily requirement of 150 mcg for adults.
Therefore, black tea should not be relied on as the sole source of iodine for people with hypothyroidism.
You can drink one to three cups of black tea per day safely, as long as you do not have any medical conditions or allergies that may be affected by caffeine or fluoride.
More than that can cause side effects such as insomnia, nervousness, stomach upset, and irregular heartbeat.
Also, you shouldn’t drink black tea if you have hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) to prevent worsening your symptoms.
Because black tea can increase the metabolism and the heart rate, which can be dangerous for people with hyperthyroidism.
You can buy fresh black tea leaves or tea bags in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose organic and high-quality black tea to avoid pesticides and contaminants.
Because they can harm your health and reduce the benefits of black tea.
You can store them in an airtight container in a cool and dry place for up to two years.
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 overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.