Tea Thyroid Danger
January 5, 2011 Written by JP [Font too small?]Even the healthiest foods and remedies aren’t recommended for certain people. A bowl of freshly picked, organic green leafy vegetables is a wonderful addition to most diets. But it can be a veritable poison if you happen to be allergic to the greens in question. Likewise, exceedingly benign treatments such as massage therapy need to be applied in an individualized manner. Does it make any sense to give a deep tissue massage to someone with a bleeding disorder? The fact of the matter is that all natural remedies ought to be viewed subjectively. Adverse reactions are not the exclusive domain of conventional medicine. (1,2,3)
Black, green and white teas are among the top antioxidant sources in modern and traditional diets. Phytochemicals found in the leaves of Camellia sinensis yield wide ranging health benefits that impact conditions as varied as Alzheimer’s Disease and numerous forms of cancer. However, the irony is that these very same free radical fighters that protect the body can also negatively impact thyroid function. (4,5,6)
Some natural health experts claim that tea’s naturally occurring fluoride content can harm the thyroid. It’s true that some sources of tea do contain fluoride. What’s more, excess intake of fluoride from any source can lead to thyroid dysfunction. This concern is relevant enough for me to recommend asking tea manufacturers whether they test for aluminum, fluoride and other potentially toxic minerals in their products prior to buying them. Having said that, it doesn’t appear that these undesirable elements are predominantly responsible for the anti-thryoid activity in tea. (7,8,9)
The best information we currently have to work with stems from several animal studies on the topic. The latest investigation, published in the August 2010 issue of the journal Human & Experimental Toxicology, describes how green tea has greater anti-thryoidal potential than black tea because of its higher content of polyphenolic flavonoids. This finding is corroborated in other recent examinations which mostly point to select antioxidants known as catechins as the culprit. In animal models higher levels of green tea intake generally bring about dysfunction in the thyroid gland via decreased levels of serum thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), reduced activity of thyroid peroxidase and even thyroid lesions. (10,11,12,13)
Percentage of Symptoms and Signs in Clinical Hypothyroidism |
|||
| Symptoms | (%) | Signs | (%) |
| Fatigue | 88 | Dry coarse skin | 90 |
| Cold Intolerance | 84 | Voice Hoarseness | 87 |
| Dry skin | 77 | Facial Periorbital Oedema | 76 |
| Voice Hoarseness | 74 | Slowed Movements | 73 |
| Decreased Hearing | 40 | Mental Impairment | 54 |
| Sleepiness | 68 | Bradycardia < 60/min | 10 |
| Impaired Memory | 66 | Bradycardia > 60/min | 90 |
| Paresthesia | 56 | Weight Gain | 72 |
| Constipation | 52 | Hair Loss | 41 |
Source: Hippokratia. 2010 Apr–Jun; 14(2): 82–87. (link)
Before jumping to any conclusions, I think it’s important to take a few factors into account. Firstly, the studies available have all been conducted in animal subjects. The results demonstrated in such trials often do not translate to human populations. Also, several observational studies have examined a proposed link between tea consumption and thyroid cancer. If anything, these epidemiological investigations have concluded that tea appears to afford a protective effect. This would argue against the widespread anti-thyroidal activity of tea in a real world setting. (14,15,16)
Related trials in humans have examined the impact of other goitrogenic foods. Most have not raised significant cause for concern. For instance, a recent intervention conducted at the University of South Carolina found that daily consumption of soy protein (67.5 grams/day) failed to “affect thyroid end points” in a group of 25 postmenopausal women. Ensuring adequate dietary iodine also appears to be an important part of the equation. Iodine-replete diets may afford protection against the thyroid suppressive activity of many common foods. But there’s really no sense in playing guessing games with such an important matter. If you consume large quantities of tea or other foods that may affect the thyroid (cruciferous vegetables, peanuts, soy, etc.) make sure to have your thyroid function tested – especially if you exhibit any of the symptoms associated with hypothryoidism. This will allow you and your health care team to make any necessary adjustments to your diet. (17,18,19,20,21)
Note: Please check out the “Comments & Updates” section of this blog – at the bottom of the page. You can find the latest research about this topic there!
Be well!
JP
Tags: Green Tea, Tea, Thyroid
Posted in Food and Drink, Nutrition
January 6th, 2011 at 8:46 pm
Your blog is so informative – I agree, even the best thigs for one person migt not be so good for others. It happened to me that I had heard about Endormologie as a very good way of slimming massage – and even though I had issues with my vericose and spider veins I signed up for it – I am sorry to say that the massage maybe helped me loose couple inches, but it increased vein aprearance on my legs, which at this point is irriversible. I think if I had known that I would defintely skipped it. Thank you for your post – I am tea lover but also have thyroid problem. Your post made me search deeper into the issue.
January 6th, 2011 at 11:54 pm
Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your valuable experience. I appreciate it!
Be well!
JP
January 9th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
I have taken a supplement of 400mg of green tea for years and regularly drink about 3 pints of black tea a day(I’m English!).
A recent thyroid test showed perfect results. I think the fact that tea can prevent excessive iron absorption and is choc a block with polyphenols helps to counteract a lot of the negative aspects of any thyroid problems it may cause.
Of course it could be I am setting myself up for Alzheimer’s with all that fluoride and aluminium in the tea. C’est la vie!
January 9th, 2011 at 8:37 pm
Liverock,
I’m genuinely happy to hear it. Not only because I wish good things for you. But also because I hope that this proposed tea-thyroid connection doesn’t apply to any/most people.
As for the Alzheimer’s concern, there may still be hope for you:
http://www.spandidos-publications.com/ijmm/26/1/45
Be well!
JP
March 14th, 2015 at 1:18 pm
Update: Zinc supports healthy thyroid function and health …
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07315724.2014.926161#abstract
J Am Coll Nutr. 2015 Mar 11:1-9.
Effects of Zinc and Selenium Supplementation on Thyroid Function in Overweight and Obese Hypothyroid Female Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.
OBJECTIVE: Zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) are essential trace elements involved in thyroid hormone metabolism. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Zn and Se supplementation on thyroid function of overweight or obese female hypothyroid patients in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.
METHODS: Sixty-eight female hypothyroid patients were randomly allocated to one of the 4 supplementation groups receiving Zn + Se (ZS; 30 mg Zn as zinc-gluconate and 200 μg Se as high-selenium yeast), Zn + placebo (ZP), Se + placebo (SP), or placebo + placebo (PP) for 12 weeks. Serum Zn, Se, free and total triiodothyronine (FT3 and FT4), free and total thyroxine (FT4 and TT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and anthropometric parameters were measured. Dietary intake was recorded using 24-hour food recall. Physical activity questionnaire was completed.
RESULTS: No significant alterations were found in serum Zn or Se concentrations. Mean serum FT3 increased significantly in the ZS and ZP groups (p < 0.05) but this effect was significant in the ZP group compared to those in SP or PP groups (p < 0.05). Mean serum FT4 increased and TSH decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the ZS group. TT3 and TT4 decreased significantly in the SP group (p < 0.05). Mean FT3:FT4 ratio was augmented significantly in the ZP group (p < 0.05). No significant treatment effects were found for TT3, FT4, TT4, or TSH between groups. CONCLUSION: This study showed some evidence of an effect of Zn alone or in combination with Se on thyroid function of overweight or obese female hypothyroid patients. Be well! JP
May 13th, 2015 at 3:41 pm
Update 05/13/15:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4366771/
Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2015 May-Jun; 19(3): 347–350.
Turmeric use is associated with reduced goitrogenesis: Thyroid disorder prevalence in Pakistan (THYPAK) study
Introduction: South Asian population has a particularly high prevalence of thyroid disorders mainly due to iodine deficiency and goitrogen use. There is no data available for prevalence of thyroid disorders in the general population living in nonmountainous regions of Pakistan.
Materials and Methods: A total of 2335 residents of Pak Pattan, Punjab, Pakistan were interviewed about demographic, dietary, medical and environmental history as well as screened for goiter. Individuals of all ages and either gender were included.
Results: Median age was 34 (10–88) years and 1164 (49.9%) were males. Median monthly income was 49 (3.9–137) USD. Six hundred and sixty-nine (28.7%) subjects had palpable goiter. 77.5% (n = 462) and 22.5% (n = 133) had World Health Organization Grade I and Grade II goiters respectively, further screened by measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). In subjects with TSH <0.4 mg/dL, free T3 and free T4 levels were measured. In 185 goiter subjects when TSH was measured, 50% (n = 93) were euthyroid, 48% (n = 89) were hyperthyroid, and one subject each was hypothyroid and subclinically hyperthyroid. 29/89 hyperthyroid subjects underwent radionuclide scanning. Twelve subjects had heterogeneous uptake consistent with multinodular goiter, 12 subjects had diffuse uptake, two had cold nodules and two had hyperfunctioning single nodules. Goiter was significantly more common among females, unmarried individuals and individuals drinking tube well (subterranean) water. Goiter was less common among those who consumed daily milk, daily ghee (hydrogenated oil), spices, chilies, and turmeric.
Discussion: In our study population, goiter was endemic with very high prevalence of hyperthyroidism. Turmeric use was association with reduced goitrogenesis. Further studies to assess iodine sufficiency, thiocyanate exposure and autoimmunity need to be conducted. Masses consuming high goitrogen diets should be educated to incorporate turmeric, spices and green chilies in their cooking recipes, to reduce the risk of goiter development. In addition, use of iodized salt in their daily diet cannot be overemphasized.
Be well!
JP
April 20th, 2016 at 11:16 pm
Updated 04/20/16
http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/jcim.ahead-of-print/jcim-2014-0079/jcim-2014-0079.xml
J Complement Integr Med. 2016 Apr 7.
Effect of 6 months intense Yoga practice on lipid profile, thyroxine medication and serum TSH level in women suffering from hypothyroidism: A pilot study.
BACKGROUND: A significant number of women in India are suffering from hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is characterized by elevated lipid profiles and thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH). It leads many comorbid conditions such as coronary artery disease, obesity, depression, osteoporosis, sleep apnea, and etc. Yoga is proven to be effective in reducing weight, dyslipidemia, depression and it brings the balance in autonomous nervous system. We aimed to study the effect of 6 months yoga practice on lipid profile, thyroxine requirement and serum TSH in women suffering from hypothyroidism.
OBJECTIVE: To practice on study the effect of 6 months yoga practice on lipid profile, thyroxine requirement and serum TSH in women suffering from hypothyroidism.
METHODS: Twenty-two household women suffering from hypothyroidism between the age range of 30 and 40 (mean±SD; 36.7±3.2) years, with average 4±1.12-year history of hypothyroidism were included in this study. Subjects with known cardiac issues, hypertension, history, recent surgery, slip disc and low back pain were excluded from this study. None of the subjects were on any other medication except thyroxine which was kept during the intervention phage (mean 65.78±22.74 mcg). All the subjects underwent 6 months of yoga practice 1 h daily for 4 days a week. Lipid profile, thyroxine dosage and serum TSH level were assessed before and after intervention. Data was analyzed using paired sample t test & Wilcoxon’s signed rank test.
RESULTS: The paired sample t-test showed significant reduction in total cholesterol (p=0.006; -8.99 %), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p=0.002; -9.81 %) and triglycerides (p=0.013; -7.6 %), and there was a significant improvement in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p=0.02; +9.65 %) along with nonsignificant reduction in TSH level (p=0.452; -9.72 %). Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed significant reduction in thyroxine medication score (p=0.029; -15.30 %) from.
CONCLUSION: 6 months practice of yoga may help in improving cholesterol level, serum TSH, may also help in reducing the thyroxine requirement in female patients suffering from hypothyroidism. However, further randomized controlled studies need to be conducted to confirm the present finding.
Be well!
JP