The thyroid is a small gland located at the base of the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism. An underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, is a common condition that can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and feeling cold. Some people believe that drinking wine can help improve thyroid function and relieve hypothyroidism symptoms. But does wine really have a beneficial effect on the thyroid? Let’s take a closer look at what research says.
Wine and Thyroid Function
Alcohol in general does not appear to directly impact thyroid hormone levels or thyroid function. However, some research suggests that moderate wine consumption may benefit the thyroid indirectly through its antioxidant effects and by supporting gut health.
Antioxidant Effects
Wine, particularly red wine, contains antioxidants like resveratrol. These antioxidants can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Chronic inflammation is believed to play a role in some cases of hypothyroidism. By reducing inflammation, wine’s antioxidants may help improve thyroid function.
One study found that resveratrol improved thyroid hormone levels and reduced oxidative stress in rats with hypothyroidism. More research is needed, but this indicates resveratrol may directly support healthy thyroid hormone levels.
Gut Health
There is a strong connection between gut health and thyroid function. An unhealthy gut microbiome has been linked with autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s. The polyphenols in wine may support gut health by acting as prebiotics to feed healthy gut bacteria.
One study found that women who drank moderate amounts of wine had increased gut microbiota diversity compared to non-drinkers. More diverse gut bacteria is considered an indicator of better gut health.
Potential Benefits of Wine for Hypothyroidism
While wine cannot cure hypothyroidism, incorporating a glass into your diet a few times a week may provide some benefits for managing symptoms including:
1. Increased Energy
Fatigue and low energy are common with hypothyroidism. Antioxidants like resveratrol in wine may help increase energy by improving thyroid hormone function and reducing inflammation that can contribute to fatigue.
2. Healthier Weight
Unexplained weight gain and difficulty losing weight are typical hypothyroidism symptoms. The polyphenols in wine can support balancing gut bacteria linked to weight management. Additionally, resveratrol activates certain receptors that regulate metabolism and could potentially support shedding excess pounds.
3. Improved Mood
Hypothyroidism often causes symptoms like brain fog, mood changes, and depression. Resveratrol and other polyphenols in wine act on pathways in the brain that control mood and cognitive function. This may result in improved mood and clearer thinking.
4. Better Sleep
Insomnia and restless sleep are common complaints with an underactive thyroid. The anti-inflammatory effects of wine’s antioxidants can help reduce cytokines that interfere with restorative sleep. Additionally, wine’s melatonin content may directly promote sleepiness in the evening.
5. Healthier Skin
Dry, rough, flaky skin can be a side effect of hypothyroidism. The antioxidants in wine protect the skin against damage from free radicals that accelerate aging. This may improve skin hydration and smoothness.
Potential Risks of Wine for Hypothyroidism
While moderate intake may offer benefits, drinking too much wine could be detrimental for hypothyroidism:
1. Weight Gain
Although wine contains antioxidants that may support weight loss, too much wine adds excess calories that lead to weight gain. This can worsen hypothyroidism symptoms.
2. Disrupted Sleep
Excess alcohol interferes with sleep cycles and can lead to frequent awakening. Poor sleep exacerbates fatigue and brain fog from hypothyroidism.
3. Nutrient Deficiencies
Alcohol impairs the absorption of key nutrients like vitamin D, selenium, zinc, and iron. Deficiencies in these nutrients can worsen thyroid problems.
4. Liver Damage
The thyroid relies on the liver to convert T4 into active T3 thyroid hormone. Excess wine consumption taxes the liver, making it less efficient at this conversion process.
5. Medication Interactions
Wine may interact with medications used to treat hypothyroidism like levothyroxine. Combining wine and thyroid meds could make the medications less effective.
Recommended Wine Intake for Hypothyroidism
Moderation is key if you have hypothyroidism and want to incorporate wine into your diet. Here are some recommend intake guidelines:
- Limit wine to 1 glass (5 ounces) per day for women and 1-2 glasses for men.
- Choose dry red wine varieties that are highest in resveratrol like pinot noir or cabernet sauvignon.
- Drink wine with meals to slow absorption and avoid spikes in blood alcohol levels.
- Avoid wine at least 2-3 hours before bedtime to prevent sleep disruption.
- Don’t drink wine on days when taking thyroid medication to prevent interactions.
Speak to your doctor to confirm that moderate wine intake will not interfere with any medications or treatments you’re using for hypothyroidism.
The Effect of Wine on Hashimoto’s Disease
Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. It’s an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the thyroid gland. Does drinking wine impact Hashimoto’s disease?
Inflammation Reduction
Hashimoto’s involves chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. The anti-inflammatory antioxidants in wine may help lower inflammation levels. One study found resveratrol reduced inflammatory markers in patients with Hashimoto’s.
Gut Health Support
Emerging research shows a link between Hashimoto’s and imbalances in gut bacteria. The polyphenols in wine may support gut health by feeding beneficial gut microbes and improving microbial diversity.
Potential Autoimmune Triggers
Some research indicates that alcohol may stimulate autoimmune reactions in conditions like Hashimoto’s. This is not proven, but alcohol may need to be strictly limited for some patients.
Overall, there is no consensus on whether moderate wine intake positively or negatively impacts autoimmune hypothyroidism. It likely depends on the individual. As with any autoimmune disease, an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle are recommended.
Foods That Are Better Than Wine for Your Thyroid
While wine has some benefits, certain foods are even better for supporting thyroid health. Here are some top foods to include in your hypothyroidism diet:
1. Seafood
Seafood like fish and shellfish are rich sources of selenium and zinc that support thyroid function. Fatty fish like salmon also provide vitamin D and omega-3 fats.
2. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds contain selenium, zinc, magnesium, and healthy fats that help lower inflammation and balance thyroid hormones.
3. Berries
Colorful berries are packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins that reduce inflammation and protect thyroid tissue from oxidative damage.
4. Avocados
Avocados provide anti-inflammatory healthy fats along with B vitamins that convert nutrients into energy and regulate thyroid hormones.
5. Eggs
Whole eggs contain selenium, iodine, and vitamin D along with protein to balance blood sugar and prevent energy crashes.
6. Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale and other cruciferous veggies have sulfur compounds that optimize thyroid hormone production.
7. Yogurt
Probiotic-rich yogurt supports gut health and a healthy gut microbiome is linked to better thyroid function.
8. Beans
Legumes like lentils, black beans and chickpeas are excellent sources of zinc, a mineral critical for a properly functioning thyroid.
The Bottom Line
In general, moderate wine intake may offer some benefits for managing hypothyroidism symptoms due to its antioxidants and potential to support gut health. However, excess intake can negatively impact the thyroid. Focus on getting antioxidants, anti-inflammatory fats, and key nutrients from whole foods like seafood, nuts, seeds, avocados, and beans for optimal thyroid support.
Aim to stick to 1 glass of dry red wine per day with food if you have hypothyroidism. Avoid drinking wine in excess or combined with thyroid medications. As with any condition, speak to your doctor about whether enjoying the occasional glass of wine fits into your diet and medical treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does wine interfere with thyroid medication?
Yes, wine can potentially interfere with absorption of synthetic thyroid hormones like levothyroxine. Do not drink wine within 4 hours of taking your thyroid meds to prevent issues.
Can wine improve low thyroid function?
Wine is unlikely to directly improve thyroid function. However, the antioxidants may provide anti-inflammatory effects and support gut health to help manage hypothyroidism symptoms.
Is red or white wine better for hypothyroidism?
Red wine contains more beneficial antioxidants like resveratrol. Choose dry red wine varieties like pinot noir or cabernet sauvignon.
Can wine cause hypothyroidism?
There is no evidence that moderate wine consumption causes hypothyroidism in healthy individuals. Excessive intake over a long period may potentially impact thyroid function.
Can you drink wine if you have Hashimoto’s?
Some people with Hashimoto’s disease may be able to tolerate moderate wine intake without issues. However, limiting alcohol is recommended as it may exacerbate autoimmune conditions for some.
Conclusion
Incorporating a glass of dry red wine into your diet a few times a week may offer anti-inflammatory and gut health benefits that can help manage hypothyroidism symptoms. However, wine should not be viewed as a treatment and excessive intake can exacerbate thyroid problems. Focus on getting key nutrients from whole foods and consult your doctor about whether enjoying the occasional glass of wine fits into your hypothyroidism management plan.