Coffee

Coffee is a nutrient-rich food that provides essential energy co-factors, including riboflavin, niacin, and magnesium, which work together with T3 to generate and retain ATP in the cell 2. It is also a major dietary source of niacin and magnesium, which are beneficial for thyroid function and overall health 4. Coffee drinkers have a lower incidence of thyroid disease, including cancer, compared to non-drinkers 3.

The high temperature of espresso gets the most caffeine, while lower temperature processes get the minerals and vitamins, such as niacin and magnesium, and aroma, but a little less of the caffeine 7. Instant coffee is on average just as good as brewed coffee, and it is a good source of magnesium and niacin, which are radiation protectors 5. However, drinking coffee with meals will greatly reduce iron absorption 7.

Caffeine itself is beneficial, protecting against cancer and liver injury, and reducing prolactin 2. It also has a protective effect against all kinds of radiations, and the antioxidants in coffee, such as vitamin E and ubiquinone, are protective against stress, including radiation 5. Additionally, coffee can be used to inhibit iron absorption during a meal, or up to an hour after the meal 2.

It is worth noting that some people may experience adverse effects from drinking coffee, such as increased metabolic rate and depletion of glycogen stores, which can be mitigated by eating food with coffee 7. Abnormal thyroid status can also affect ferritin levels, without necessarily affecting iron load 7.