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Green
tea blends are a popular and stylish drink of choice for health conscious
individuals. But is green tea beneficial when you have a thyroid disorder?
An
article published in 2010 in the Human and Experimental Toxicology
journal was the first to raise questions about the possible anti-thyroid
effects of green tea.
The
researchers reported a significant decrease in T3 and T4 thyroid hormone
concentrations when rats where given high doses of green tea. They also
reported a significant rise in TSH in response to a drop in thyroid hormone
levels.
There
have been further studies into the possible harmful effects of high dose green
tea on the thyroid. But to date these have all been conducted on animals.
It
will be good to see human studies released in the future to reveal if green tea
is truly harmful to the thyroid. Feeding laboratory rats high amounts of green
tea extract does not reflect what is happening in the real world.
This
brings to light an important issue when investigating published research. No
matter what health topic you are researching, human studies are superior to
those carried out with animals. The best studies are done using a large cross
section of the general population.
Despite
the limitations with the current research into how green tea affects the
thyroid you may want to read more before you brew up your next cup. If you
have a problem with your thyroid this popular beverage may be less than ideal.
Why green tea may
not be all that healthy when you have hypothyroidism…
Green Tea Side
Effects on Thyroid #1 The quality varies according to where the tea is grown
and how it is harvested. If you drink green tea select a certified organic
product that clearly displays the organic certification logo on the label.
Choosing an organic product will minimise your exposure to pesticides which are
known to harm the thyroid. Also check the country of origin if possible.
Most
of the world’s green tea is from China. Green tea is known to accumulate an
array of toxins from the soil and water. It is well worth seeking out a product
that is grown and harvested in an area free of industrial pollution.
Green Tea Side
Effects on Thyroid 2# Green tea can contain unacceptable levels of fluoride. The tea bush
readily absorbs fluoride thorough its root system. If you brew green tea using
unfiltered water you will further increase your intake of fluoride as most
urban water supplies contain this toxic chemical.
As
you probably already know, fluoride blocks iodine absorption. The thyroid uses
iodine to produce the thyroid hormones making this an essential nutrient for
ongoing thyroid activity. Fluoride also has potent negative effects on the
structure and strength of your bones.
Green Tea Side
Effects on Thyroid #3 Green tea may be too ‘cooling’ when you have
hypothyroidism.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) all foods and drinks have
certain qualities that govern how they affect the body. Green tea is considered
‘cooling’ and is indicated to clear heat from the body.
As
hypothyroidism is a ‘cold’ condition a beverage that further cools the body may
be less than ideal. To counter the cooling effects of the green tea you could
try adding freshly grated ginger to your tea infusion. Ginger is a warming
remedy that aids circulation.
Green Tea Side
Effects on Thyroid #4 Tannins released naturally during steeping may reduce
iron absorption.
If you have low iron levels, or are prone to low iron stores the general advice
is to drink green tea at least two hours away from meals. Over-steeping green
tea will release greater amounts of tannins. Tannins make the tea taste bitter
and will cause a drying effect in the mouth.
Green Tea Side
Effects on Thyroid #5 Green tea naturally contains caffeine. Although green tea
contains less caffeine than coffee, drinking green tea at night, or even later
in the day may disturb restful sleep. For this reason it is best consumed in
the morning. If you ever feel ‘jittery’ chances are you are drinking too much.
Green Tea Side
Effects on Thyroid #6 Caffeine acts as a diuretic and may also affect the
normal rhythm of the heart. Individuals with serious heart conditions are
therefore advised to avoid any type of beverage that contains caffeine. This
includes nutritional products featuring green tea extracts containing caffeine.
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Author Bio:
Louise O’ Connor,
the author of The Natural Thyroid Diet –The 4-Week Plan to Living Well, Living Vibrantly, who
is a specialist in Thyroid Health. She is a highly regarded Australian
Naturopath and founder of Wellnesswork.
The Natural Thyroid
Diet goes beyond diet advice and offers practical and effective ways to achieve
healthy thyroid levels within just a short period of time. For more details,
Click on
The-Natural-Thyroid-Diet.com
