by emsavard
The butterfly shaped gland situated in the throat just below the Adam’s apple, is responsible for many functions in the body. The thyroid gland secretes hormones that regulate your heart rate, metabolism, breathing and body temperature. The growth of your hair and nails, the ability to become pregnant, and the appearance of your skin all depends on the secretion of the thyroid hormones.
When you have had your thyroid gland totally or partially removed because of papillary cancer or any of the other types of thyroid cancer or thyroid disease, as well as thyroid disease that causes you to have hypothyroidism, you will have to take thyroid hormone stimulating medication and will have to know how to take the thyroid medication.
Important Tips To Follow When Taking Thyroid Medication
Take on an empty stomach. Wait at least one hour before you eat or drink. No tea or coffee while you wait!
Take it by itself. Do not take any other medication or supplements at the same time.
Take medication at the same time of day. Make it a routine. This way your body is getting the dosage every 24 hours.
Calcium supplements, supplements with iron and vitamins will reduce the absorption of the medication. It is recommended to wait at least 2-3 hours to take these supplements. Be aware of your orange juice for breakfast, make sure it is not calcium fortified!!
Be aware that antidepressant medication can make thyroid medication less effective. If on this antidepressants discuss the thyroid medication therapy with the doctor.
Have a consistent diet. The absorption may change if your diet changes. For instance, if you never ate much fiber before and you decide to increase your fiber intake dramatically, there will be a change in your hormone levels.
As a papillary thyroid cancer survivor, I decided to turn a negative experience into a very positive one by developing my blog website www.papillarythyroidcancerguide.com to help as many thyroid patients and their families and friends as I can.