Turmeric / curcumin, when taken along with the drug, Synthroid, is not known to cause any interaction and/or lead to untoward or unwanted effects. On the contrary, turmeric has a positive impact on the medical conditions of the thyroid gland, for which Synthroid is administered. This is because of curcumin, the active agent in turmeric, which shows anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
Read: Turmeric benefits in goitre
Table of Contents
What is Synthroid?
Synthroid (commonly known as Levothyroxine) is the synthetic form of the endogenous, thyroid hormone T4 (tetraiodothyronine).
It is used to supplement the body’s insufficient stores of thyroid hormone, which can occur due to poor synthesis, thyroid resection or any other reason.
The major indications of Synthroid include hypothyroidism, post-thyroidectomy status, thyroiditis, and goitre.
It is also indicated in patients with thyroid cancer to maintain TSH suppression, which aids in arresting the development and spread of malignant cells.
Turmeric & Synthroid – do they interact?
There have been no proven, conclusive reports on any interaction between turmeric and Synthroid.
Turmeric has in fact, beneficial effects in various thyroid conditions.
The mechanism of action of turmeric includes, but is not limited to the following:
Reduce Inflammation and progression of the disease
In thyroiditis, turmeric not only helps to reduce the inflammation but also acts as an immunomodulator, which helps halt the progression of the disease.
Antioxidant property
Hypothyroidism is the main indication of Synthroid.
An animal study conducted in 2002 showed that the antioxidant properties of turmeric are beneficial in hypothyroidism by reducing the thyroid gland atrophy and preventing suppression of thyroid hormone levels.
Moreover, hypothyroidism is frequently associated with depression and curcumin has proven antidepressant effects in major depression.
Thus, it might also be of help in combating hypothyroidism-induced depression.
Decrease goiter size
A 2015 study that assessed 2335 individuals demonstrated that turmeric helps to decrease the goitre size and recommended turmeric to reduce the risk of developing goiter in endemic regions.
Thus, turmeric can be administered along with Synthroid in thyroid disorders.
A word of caution
However, it is better to be careful in doing so and a few precautions need to be adhered to.
Since the absorption of Synthroid is hampered by food, it is recommended to take this drug on an empty stomach and to eat food (with turmeric) or turmeric-containing compounds no less than one hour later.
Also, turmeric should be ingested cautiously when certain painkillers are taken to alleviate pain in thyroiditis.
Although turmeric helps in thyroid disorders, it is best to check with your doctor to ensure that there is no risk involved and you can make the most of its therapeutic properties along with the prescribed, allopathic medications.
Interested in Turmeric, Read these
If you are interested in turmeric, here are some great articles to introduce to various aspects of it:
Turmeric Benefits – Check out the Most comprehensive list of proven turmeric benefits. Read more>
Turmeric Dosage – How much turmeric you should be taking? Here is the answer. Read more>
Turmeric / Golden Paste – Find Out how to make the most “effective turmeric recipe”. Read more>
Turmeric Powder or Supplements – Should you take supplements or powder? Get your answer here. Read more>
Best Turmeric Powder Brands – Confused which turmeric powder to buy, check out our recommended list of brands. Read more>
Best Turmeric Supplements – Looking for supplements, check out their types and best brands here>
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