Short Answer: Coffee is bad for hypothyroidism. Because it has caffeine and it can interfere with levothyroxine absorption, increase blood sugar and cortisol levels, overstimulate the thyroid and adrenals, and disrupt sleep and circadian rhythm.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, which is located at the base of your neck.
In hypothyroidism, your body does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which regulate your metabolism, growth, and development.
This can lead to various health problems, such as fatigue, weight gain, depression, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, and increased sensitivity to cold.
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, dairy, and eggs, and avoid goitrogenic foods like soy, cruciferous vegetables, peanuts, and millet.
Now, coffee is a brewed drink made from roasted coffee beans.
People usually drink coffee in the morning or throughout the day to boost their energy and alertness.
Coffee is bad for hypothyroidism because it contains caffeine, which can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone medication used to treat hypothyroidism.
This can reduce the effectiveness of the medication and worsen the hypothyroidism symptoms.
This is especially true for people who drink coffee within an hour of taking their levothyroxine dose.
One cup of coffee can give you about 95 mg of caffeine, which is about 25% of your daily limit.
Caffeine can also increase your blood sugar levels, which can cause cortisol spikes and stress your adrenals and immune system.
This is highly undesirable for people with hypothyroidism, especially those who also have Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition that attacks the thyroid gland.
Furthermore, coffee is a stimulant and stimulants are bad for hypothyroidism.
Because, they can overwork your already sluggish thyroid and adrenals, and disrupt your sleep quality and circadian rhythm.
Poor sleep and stress can further impair your thyroid function and hormone balance.
That’s why I suggest you limit your coffee intake to avoid worsening your hypothyroidism.
Stick to one cup of coffee per day or less, and drink it at least four hours after taking your levothyroxine dose.
You can also try decaffeinated coffee or other alternatives like herbal teas, green tea, or chicory root coffee.
These can provide some antioxidants and polyphenols without the negative effects of caffeine.
Also, you shouldn’t drink coffee if you have or suffer from insomnia, anxiety, heart palpitations, or high blood pressure to prevent aggravating these conditions.
Because, caffeine can stimulate your nervous system and increase your heart rate and blood pressure.
You can buy fresh coffee beans or ground coffee in your local market or order it online.
Always choose organic and fair-trade coffee to avoid pesticides and support ethical practices.
Because, pesticides can harm your health and the environment, and unethical practices can exploit the farmers and workers who produce the coffee.
You can store them in an airtight container in a cool and dark place for up to a month.
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.