Caffeine has a variety of stimulating effects on the body. While healthcare professionals don’t recommend drinking caffeine if you have certain medication conditions, it may be OK to have in moderation if you have hypothyroidism.
Diet is important if you have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Balanced nutrition supports the function of your thyroid gland, and certain anti-inflammatory effects can help relieve symptoms associated with thyroid dysfunction.
Caffeine is often a subject of interest in dietary management of chronic diseases. As a central nervous system stimulant, doctors may recommend you avoid caffeine if you have certain medical conditions, like heart arrhythmias.
When it comes to hypothyroidism, however, moderate consumption of caffeine may be OK for most people.
Caffeine has the potential to both improve and exacerbate symptoms of hypothyroidism.
The effects of caffeine may vary depending on your overall health, caffeine sensitivity and daily amounts, and whether you’re being treated for hypothyroidism.
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TSH is an important blood marker in hypothyroidism. The higher the TSH levels, the lower the amount of thyroid hormones present in the blood, and vice versa.
Low levels of thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3) and increased levels of TSH are the leading indicators of hypothyroidism.
The potential boost from caffeine is temporary, at best, and may not significantly affect your symptoms. However, it may provide some protective effects against hypothyroidism risk. More research is needed.
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While multiple protective features may be associated with coffee consumption, researchers noted that caffeine may play a significant role.
Too much caffeine, on the other hand, could adversely affect thyroid function. According to a 2024 study, consuming more than 200 milligrams (mg) of coffee daily for more than 6 months may significantly decrease T3 levels.
Potential symptoms of hypothyroidism, like anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia, may also intensify if you’re sensitive to caffeine or consume high amounts of it.
Additional research is needed to understand better the potential benefits and risks of moderate caffeine intake for hypothyroidism.
What about decaffeinated options?
Decaffeinated products aren’t always completely caffeine-free. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicates decaffeinated coffee, for example, typically still contains
If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you might also want to skip the decaf.
Caffeine may affect how well your digestive system absorbs levothyroxine, the medication used to treat hypothyroidism.
Waiting 30 to 60 minutes after coffee consumption before taking thyroid medication is the standard recommendation if you’re a coffee drinker. Some newer levothyroxine liquid formulations may be less sensitive to coffee’s interference. However, you may want to check with your prescribing doctor.
Tea isn’t off the hook, either. According to research from 2022, caffeinated tea can also hinder proper absorption of levothyroxine when consumed within 1 hour.
No standard recommendation exists on caffeine consumption for hypothyroidism. Determining what “too much” caffeine is will depend on your sensitivity and overall health.
According to the research noted above, 2 to 4 cups of coffee are associated with beneficial TSH effects for some people. At an average of 90 mg of caffeine per 8-oz cup, that’s between 180 and 360 mg a day.
Regularly going over 200 mg a day, however, may be associated with adverse thyroid effects, like decreased T3.
A doctor can help you determine how much caffeine is appropriate based on your needs.
Should you avoid caffeine with hypothyroidism?
Caffeine intake in moderation may be safe for some people with hypothyroidism, though more than 2 cups of coffee per day could worsen some symptoms. The same goes for caffeine sensitivity.
What not to drink with hypothyroidism?
Beverages to avoid with hypothyroidism are those that may interact with your thyroid medications or affect thyroid function, such as:
- soy milk
- herbal teas
- alcohol
- coffee
You still may be able to drink these in moderation or make sure you have at least 2 hours between your medication and the beverage. Be sure to check with your prescribing doctor.
What foods and drinks can make hypothyroidism worse?
Food and drinks that may worsen hypothyroidism symptoms in some people, depending on the underlying cause, may
- soy products
- cruciferous vegetables (in excess)
- gluten
- fiber (in excess)
- caffeinated beverages
- alcohol
- high iodine foods (in excess)
Every body is different, though. A food sensitivity test can help you identify those foods that may cause a reaction in your body, regardless of your thyroid function. You can also check with an endocrinologist to determine if something in your diet has the potential to worsen symptoms of hypothyroidism.
The verdict is still out on whether or not to eliminate caffeine entirely from your diet if you have hypothyroidism. Some research suggests moderate caffeine intake may improve symptoms of hypothyroidism, while other research indicates caffeine sensitivity and excessive caffeine consumption can have adverse effects.
Certain foods and beverages containing caffeine may also decrease the absorption of thyroid medications. A prescribing doctor may recommend you avoid these products or wait an hour after taking medication before consuming them.