Levothyroxine and IBS

[Gillybabe]

I suffer from IBS and gerd and if I take levothyroxine on empty stomach first thing in the morning it really gripes my condition. What shall I do.

[Clutter]

Gillybabe,

Levothyroxine binds to the proteins in food and drink which reduces absorption and is why it is advised to take it with water before food and drink.

If you could eat the same breakfast every morning say, always eat porridge, or always eat toast or boiled egg, then there shouldn't be too much fluctuation in absorption as there might be if you ate a fry up Monday, mueseli Tues, Bacon butty Wed etc. If you can, arrange a blood test 6-8 weeks after you start taking Levothyroxine after breakfast because you may need a dose increase to compensate for the decreased absorption.

[Gillybabe in reply to Clutter]

Thank you for that help. I have been fasting for test so will definitely give this a go as I have blood test tuesday.

[jimh111]

Switch to taking levothyroxine at night. Also try magnesium citrate for the IBS, you will need to try it for a few months.

[Sammy200]

Hi, I have had IBS for over 30 years ,cannot have Fructose or Lactose ,but since January I have been on Teva Levothyroxine ( Lactose Free ) and my IBS has been much better . I started off having it in the morning but as soon as I eat my breakfast I was doubled up with pain .So I have it at night . I eat by 8-30 pm and have my Levothyroxine at 10-30--11 O'clock with glass of water and then in the morning I am able to have Breakfast and Painkiller ,s .,hope this helps .

[Gillybabe in reply to Sammy200]

Thank you so much for your help will try this.

[dang]

Just a quick question might seem off topic but it's not. Do you get IBS/gerd symptoms when you having ANY of the following: tomatoes, avocados, bananas, wine, beer, aged cheeses, smoked fish, sausages, things that are fermented and aged?

If so you may have low DAO enzyme (DAO breaks down histamines present in food) people who are DAO deficient have reactions from certain foods and medications, Levothyroxine is known to lower DAO therefore worsening such symptoms.

It may be a long shot but I figured I'd try.

[Gillybabe in reply to dang]

Yes I have trouble with all of those partucularly tomatoes.