HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Suggest Remedy For Hashimito Thyroiditis With Constipation

Posted on Tue, 5 Jan 2016

Question: i am suffering from hashimito thyroiditis , post hypothyorid , i take 75 mg of thyroxine since last 7 years and the values are normal . I avoid all kinds of goitergenic foods. I wait for 1 hour after taking my thyroid medicine before consuming anything.

i am also suffering from constipation since early childhood , for which recently i have started taking aloe vera juice with gooseberry juice which is helping me. But I read somewhere that Aloe Vera juice is not safe for hypothyroid patients and it interferes in the absorption of thyroid medication.

Please guide.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Unless taken within a few hours, it will not interfere

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. Hashimoto thyroiditis is characterized by leaky thyroid where the thyroid hormone leaks out ultimately leading to hypothyroidism. Hence supplementation of thyroixine is required. Levothyroxine tablet is generally taken in the morning and is absorbed completely within a few hours of intake. Unless taken within a few hours before or after the dose of thyroxine, it is unlikely to hamper the absorption of thyroxine. (If taken along, the absorption may be hampered.)

There are other alternatives like psyllium husk, senna or other fiber supplements that you can take instead of aloe vera juice for the resolution of your constipation. Probably that is a better idea.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (13 hours later)

Dear Prof. Saha

Thank you for your reply , I have few followup questions :

1. Gap of how many hours should be there b/w thyroxine and the Aloe Vera+Gooseberry Juice ?

FYI :

Currently I am taking (20 ML + 20 ML ) Morning +Evening , I take Thyroxine only in the morning in empty stomach , and after one hour of Thyroid Supplement I take the above.

In the past I have tried other alternatives as you suggested , but over a period of time they loose there effectiveness , so I have to always change the supplements that I am taking ).

2. Does Aloe Vera+Gooseberry Juice contain any Goitergenic material/or any other compound that can harm the Thyroid gland in any way and cause issues in the existing state of the disease i.e. Hashimoto Thyroiditis , Post Hypothyroid.

3. Can consumption of Aloe Vera Juice or Gooseberry Juice can trigger Acne ? as I have an acne prone skin.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take them 4 hours apart

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.

I would suggest a 4 hour gap between the two.

I could not find any definite evidence indicating that aloe vera is goitrogenic. However, it is a common belief that it hampers iodine or thyroxine uptake. In any case, I do not see a major problem unless you take then concurrently/simultaneously. Periodic monitoring of the TSH levels are required anyway and that will make way for dose adjustment if required.

I do not think that aloe vera juice or gooseberry juice would trigger acne. Acne are due to oily skin and you need to wash your face frequently with plain water.

Regards

Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar