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Foods that interact with medicines




Kale And Blood Thinners

Dark leafy greens like kale (but also: broccoli, chard and red leaf lettuces) are full of fiber and important vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin K -- an important antioxidant that also helps fortify bones and support brain function. The problem? It’s also a coagulant, so it promotes blood clotting. If you’re on a blood thinner, a healthful bowl of kale salad could counteract the work your medicine is doing.

Dairy And Antibiotics

If you’re taking a course of quinolones-based antibiotics, beware of anything rich in calcium, which can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb the medication. Antibiotics made with quinolones include popular drugs like Ciprofloxacin and other treatments often used for common ailments like urinary tract infections, pneumonia and bronchitis. 

Stinky Cheese, Cured Meat And Antidepressants

If you’re into the gourmet tasting platters at pretty much any wine bar, beware. Both cured meats (salami, prosciutto, et al) and moldy, stinky cheeses like parmesan and blue cheese contain an amino acid called tyramine that can interfere with MAOI-based antidepressants.

That’s because tyramine, which also occurs naturally in the body and works to regulate blood sugar, can start to build up to dangerous levels within those who take MAOIs. That’s because MAOIs also inhibit an enzyme, monoamine oxidase, that helps to break down tyramine in the blood stream. The body will naturally calibrate tyramine levels, but consuming excess tyramine can lead to a dangerous spike in blood pressure. The Mayo Clinic has a full list of foods high in tyramine.

Caffeine And, Well, A Lot Of Things

Caffeine can interact with a wide range of medications. What’s more, some medications interfere with the body’s response to caffeine. Quinolones antibiotics, for example, can impede the body’s breakdown of caffeine, leading to extreme caffeine side effects like jitteriness and rapid heart beat. Estrogen, asthma medications and anti-anxiety medications can also have this effect.

What’s more, caffeine hinders blood clotting, so those who take anticoagulants may find their blood so thinned that they experience bleeding.

Licorice And Heart Medicine

The FDA recommends avoiding licorice if you’re on digoxin, a drug for heart failure or abnormal heart rhythm because the herb-based candy can increase the risk of digoxin’s toxic effects.

Those taking angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for high blood pressure should also watch out for licorice, which can diminish their effectiveness and even lead to a build-up of potassium.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

how come doctors never warned us about what not to eat when they prescribe medicines?