It is very important to take thyroid medication properly, especially if you are suffering from hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease.
A common question people ask is, How long should one avoid eating after taking thyroid medication? Maintaining the right timing between medication and meals is very important for your health
How long should I eat after taking thyroid medicine?
Doctors recommend that after taking thyroid medication, you should wait for at least 30 to 60 minutes before eating something. which can reduce the effect of the medicine
If it is difficult to wait till morning, then some studies say that taking medication at bedtime on an empty stomach at least 3 hours after eating is also a good option. But before making any change, you must consult your doctor.
Best practices for taking thyroid medication
If you want your medication to be proper, then definitely follow these tips
Always take it on an empty stomach. Take it with a glass of water as soon as you wake up in the morning
Wait for 30-60 minutes so that the medication can be absorbed properly
Take it daily in the evening and maintain the routine
Avoid certain foods and supplements that can interfere with absorption Talk to your doctor for alternatives. If you find it difficult to wait, then explore the option of bedtime dosing
What happens if you eat early
If you eat early, your thyroid levels can fluctuate, which can lead to symptoms like rashes, weight gain and hair loss
The effect of medication can be reduced, which will not give proper results
You may need higher doses, which will have to be taken from time to time
Foods and drinks that can affect thyroid medications
Some foods and beverages can create problems in the absorption of thyroid medications
Coffee can reduce the absorption of medications by up to 30%
Soy products can disturb thyroid function
High-fiber foods can take time for medications to be absorbed
Calcium supplements: These should not be taken with thyroid medications. Take them with a gap of at least 4 hours
Grape fruit and its juice: These can change the way the body processes medications
Alternative ways to take thyroid medication:
If you find it difficult to wait until morning, you may want to consider these options:
Bedtime dosing, taken at least 3 hours before bedtime, is a good alternative to your last meal Liquid or gel capsule versions: These are absorbed more easily and reduce the stress of swallowing
Conclusion:
The general recommendation is to avoid eating for 30 to 60 minutes after taking thyroid medication to ensure proper absorption by the body
If it is for alternative formulations. By following these best practices, you can better maintain your thyroid health
Also read: Hypothyroidism causes symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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