1. Always take on an empty stomach. At least 4 hours after your last food and 1 hour before you eat any additional food.

2. Always take your thyroid drug with no other medications.

3. Wait at least 2 hours after you take your thyroid prescription to take anything with high iron content (chicken or beef liver, sardines, spinach, or even a multivitamin and mineral supplement).

4. Avoid eating large quantities of food that are known to act like anti-thyroid prescriptions. These foods include: Brussels sprouts, millet, cassava, cauliflower, turnips, and rutabagas.

5. Take antacids (like TUMS) at least 2 hours after your thyroid prescription. Antacids may slow or diminish the absorption of your prescription.

6. Eat calcium-rich foods at least 2 hours after your thyroid prescription. Calcium-rich foods include: milk, fortified juices, yogurts, and cheeses.

7. Be aware that if you start taking a birth control pill or other hormone replacement therapy, you may need to discuss with your physician a change in your dose of thyroid prescription.

8. Take your antidepressant separately from your thyroid prescription. Taking them together may accelerate the effects of both medications.

9. Cholesterol lowering medications should be taken at least 4 hours after your medication.

You are not alone.

Let me tell you my own story. I was very sluggish. My hair was thinning. I felt like my mind was in a thick fog. I could look at food and gain weight. When my TSH was first checked it was 84. I was put on Synthroid. My TSH shot down to less than 0.03 and stayed that way for over six months. My thyroid was finally radiated into submission. Thru the years my TSH never stayed stable. My symptoms have not subsided. I have followed the above steps for taking my medication properly and have since I first started taking it. So it is not a matter of non-compliance or improperly taking my medication.

My Health hq