Can patients with thyroid nodules drink tea?

Sep 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Ziqi

Introduction

In general, whether patients with thyroid nodules can drink tea should be determined based on the nature of the nodule, the patient's physical condition, and the type of tea consumed. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention and consultation with a physician are recommended. When drinking tea, one should avoid consuming it on an empty stomach to prevent gastrointestinal irritation and avoid drinking overnight tea to reduce the risk of bacterial growth or formation of harmful substances.

Generally, whether patients with thyroid nodules can drink tea should be determined comprehensively based on the nature of the nodule, the patient's physical condition, and the type of tea consumed. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation and advice from a physician are recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the thyroid nodule is benign, the patient's thyroid function is normal, and there are no obvious symptoms such as palpitations or insomnia, the patient may consume mild tea in moderation, such as green tea, black tea, or Pu'er tea. These teas do not contain ingredients that directly affect thyroid function. Drinking them moderately can help hydrate the body and provide a pleasant taste experience, and typically will not negatively affect the condition if consumed in moderation.

If the thyroid nodule is of indeterminate nature or has malignant potential, or if the patient has hyperthyroidism accompanied by obvious symptoms such as palpitations, tremors, or insomnia, tea consumption should be approached with caution. Strong tea, which contains high levels of caffeine, may stimulate the nervous system, exacerbate symptoms such as palpitations and insomnia, and potentially disrupt endocrine stability, which could be detrimental to disease management. In such cases, consulting a physician before drinking tea is recommended.

When drinking tea, attention should be paid to the following: avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach to prevent gastrointestinal irritation; do not consume overnight tea to avoid bacterial growth or formation of harmful substances; if taking medication for thyroid-related diseases, ensure there is at least a 1–2 hour interval between medication and tea consumption to prevent interference of tea components with drug absorption; and regularly undergo thyroid function check-ups to adjust tea-drinking habits according to changes in the condition.

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