Almost everyone has taken a pill or two in their lifetime. When we’re sick, we just take the medication and pray that we get well soon. Little do we know that the medications we are taking may actually be detrimental to our health when paired with the wrong type of food or nutrient. As a Dietitian-Nutritionist, it is my duty to make sure my client’s food intake will support the efficacy of his or her prescribed medications. Today, I am sharing some common drug-nutrient interactions to you.
Antibiotics and Probiotics – Diarrhea and destruction of normal GI flora (good bacteria) in the gut causing depletion of B Vitamins are the side effects of antibiotic therapy. Probiotic drinks like Yakult, kefir and the like can help prevent these. However, it should be taken a few hours after ingestion of the drug as it contains live bacteria which will be killed by the antibiotic rendering the probiotic drink useless.
Antidiabetes and Vitamin B12 – Vitamin B12 helps maintain nerve cells and red blood cells. We get it from meat, fish and dairy products. The antidiabetic drug Metformin interferes with the absorption of Vitamin B12 intrinsic factor complex. The intrinsic factor is a protein that binds with Vitamin B12 to be absorbed in the small intestine. Calcium supplementation and annual injection of Vitamin B12 can correct this deficiency.
Aspirin and the 3Gs and 2Fs – I call them the 3Gs: garlic, ginger and gingko; and the 2Fs: Fish oil and Flaxseed oil. High doses of these supplements including Vitamin E can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with aspirin.
Antidepressants and Tyramine – Chocolate, alcohol, aged cheese, fermented food, processed meats, smoked fish, avocado and banana contain tyramine which interacts with Monoamine Oxidase or MAO inhibitors causing the blood pressure to dangerously rise.
Antihypertensives and Caffeine – Coffee, tea, caffeinated beverages and supplements do not cause hypertension but may oppose the effects of antihypertensive drugs giving inaccurate blood pressure readings. The blood pressure may temporarily increase within 30 minutes of consumption, peak in one to two hours and may last for more than four hours before blood pressure drops down to accurate reading. Avoid caffeine prior to having your blood pressure checked.
Anticoagulant and Vitamin K – Green leafy vegetables are rich in Vitamin K which causes our blood to clot when we get injured. Increased consumption of Vitamin K rich foods will counteract the effects of the blood thinning agent Coumadin (Warfarin). This condition can be life threatening.
Lipid lowering drugs and Grapefruit juice – Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Zocor help lower cholesterol levels. Grapefruit juice inhibits the breakdown of these drugs causing drug levels to rise in the blood for up to four days. All cholesterol lowering drugs interfere with the absorption of fat soluble vitamins A,D,E,K. There should be an interval of four to six hours when you take these drugs and vitamin supplements.
There are so many foods that interact with medications. It is best to consult your physician and seek the advice of a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist to ensure that you are getting the right amount of nutrients to prevent nutrient deficiencies without compromising the therapeutic effects of your medications.
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