Posted , 4 users are following.
I'm dealing with gastritis and reflux and since my stomach is so sensitive I noticed that every time after taking my synthroid it starts to burn my stomach, has anyone dealed with this?
Should I take it with some food, anyone taking it that way and it's still absorbed properly?
Thank you
0 likes, 10 replies
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dianna58599 danielle2500
Posted
Levothyroxine or Synthroid, synthetic forms of thyroid hormone replacement are best tolerated, and provide a more level response. This medication must be taken 4 hours after your last meal and 4 hours before your next meal (I suggest taking it in the middle of the night). Have it at your bedside, with a water bottle (must be taken with no less than 8 ounces, 1 cup of water (only)). I would wait and take a multi vitamin and drink almond milk, both with calcium, until lunch time, because aluminum, calcium and/or magnesium in antacids or multivitamins, and iron (in cereals and milk) will block the absorption of the thyroid medication, so space these at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after thyroid medication. Foods to avoid, walnuts, tofu, grapefruit, pomegranates, cranberry...I know these are healthy foods, but unfortunately interfere with thyroid replacement medications. Medications to avoid, salicylates (like aspirin).
Be sure to read the entire medication package insert provided by your pharmacist, usually stapled to your prescription bag; It has additional information, I think you will find beneficial.
Lastly, hypothyroidism is a type 3 chronic autoimmune disease, so you are predisposed to other type 3 conditions. You may need your endocrinologist(Primary care physician's usually do not have the specialization or training and will refer you to an endocrinologist; Your medication is in MICROgrams so small changes make a big difference). You will probably need to be tested for gluten sensitivity, which can result in gut problems, Celiac disease, vitamin D3 level, etc. which could be causing the digestion problems(this is done with a blood testing).
Summary: Make changes to ensure you are taking your thyroid replacement properly and continue to take it, then address the stomach problems. These problems may have presented from your hypothyroidism, rather than the thyroid medication, so see an endocrinologist (a doctor who specializes in the treatment of glandular diseases like thyroid, diabetes, and more).
Hope this helps, and you feel better soon:)
danielle2500 dianna58599
Posted
thank you, my doctor said to take it on an empty stomach 1 hour before the ppi, but the stomach burning is awful for that hour 😦
dianna58599 danielle2500
Posted
Unlike an antacid, PPI's do not work in 1 hour, so no, your relief in one hour is not from your PPI. PPI's need to be spaced 4 hours, please read the papers from the pharmacist(a drug specialist). Keep a diary of your foods, to see what is causing your stomach upset,and take it to your endocrinology appointment. It is not the thyroid medication. You may need to stop eating foods with gluten, like bread, pretzels, etc. Please see an endocrinologist who is a specialist in hypothyroidism, and can do blood tests, or special diets to help you.
Hope this helps, and I want you to feel better soon.
danielle2500 dianna58599
Posted
my stomach starts burning right after taking the synthroid, I'm on a very restrictive diet, only eat chicken and veggies, some bread, no dairy, if synthroid is not the cause, then why is my stomach burning right after taking it? I'm getting very depressed, as it's making my issues worse 😦
pattino danielle2500
Posted
I take Synthroid 150mg just after waking up with no problems and eat soon after ,I don't take any particular dietary restrictions about it except avoiding charcoal for the morning. I doubt Synthroid has any "corrosive" effect like many foods ,but you might be one of those people that suffer from overacidic stomach and takes ppi's , I suffered that for 4 years . My suggestion is to rethink your ppi dosage so that your stomach is more healed and less sensitive. Also some "24 hours ppi" are not really as 24 hours as they should be ,some generic brands are suspected to reduce acidity for 20, 21 or 22 hours so maybe you shouldn't take Synthroid on that gap time .
Nexium promises a full 24 hours protection but is also the most expensive , I never took it.
Hope you heal soon
danielle2500 pattino
Posted
thank you, so you eat right after taking your medication, you don't wait one hour? and had no issues?
pattino danielle2500
Posted
No issues at all ever , my thyroid was removed in 2012 and I started Synthroid I never felt a difference between my own hormone and the synthetic ,never an issue , seamless . It was removed because of a tiny cancerous nodule. I'm sure your overacidic stomach is the cause of your problems , I had 4 years of atrocious stomach acid and ulcers so I know your fight ,that's what you have to solve.
MtViewCatherine danielle2500
Posted
i had a tough time taking thus on an empty stomach and in fact, while on it, my gut problems and sensitivities worsened.
I tried everything from splitting the doses, tried compounded to avoid additives, tried different brands. In the end this stuff doesn't work because it supresses your own thyroxin production and does not have the biological activity of natural thyroxin.
Honestly, when I started looking at the chemistry if thyroxin, I came to the conclusion that its absurd to think that the synthetic meds would do anything but screw you up.
I have a low functioning thyroid gland and use essential amino acid supplements. my mother has had her thyroid gland removed and is doing better than ever using a natural thyroxin replacement called ThyroGold.
I have tried over a dozen medications, many herbs, supplements. The ThyroGold and amino acids are the best I could find.
You'll want to go to a strict glutenfree diet. Acupuncture is very helpful. take good quality vitamin and mineral supplements.
danielle2500 MtViewCatherine
Posted
thank you, were you having stomach burning from it as well?
dianna58599 danielle2500
Posted
Agreed, if you do not take the thyroid medication as directed, it will not work. Natural thyroid supplements are dangerous depending on the cows they get it from, you risk mad cows disease. They must incinerate the cows to get rid of the prions in their brain, and stop the spread to other cows. I prefer safety and FDA regulation.
Synthetic FDA approved thyroid replacement, taken as directed and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist is MUCH SAFER.