7 FOOD-DRUG INTERACTIONS YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO IGNORE!
GRAPEFRUIT AND STATINS Do you enjoy having grapefruit with your statins in the morning? If so, you should reconsider. Grapefruit can interfere with how your body processes these medications, which increases the chances of experiencing negative side effects. Switching to a different type of citrus fruit would be for the best. BANANAS AND ACE INHIBITORS Potassium-rich foods like bananas mixed with ACE inhibitors can lead to high potassium levels, risking heart arrhythmias. Moderation is key; some ACE inhibitors are best taken an hour before meals. FRUIT JUICE AND HYPERTENSION MEDS If you’re on certain hypertension drugs, grapefruit juice could be a buzzkill. Also, apple or orange juice might dampen the effects of beta blockers. Keep the juices on hold within a couple of hours of your medication. HIGH-FIBER FOODS AND THYROID/HEART MEDS Are you someone who loves to eat a lot of high-fiber foods? If you are taking medications like levothyroxine or digoxin, you should be careful. Overeating fiber can make these medications less effective. To avoid any problems, plan your meals in a way that considers your medication.
When it comes to medications, we’re used to checking in with our doctors about potential clashes with other drugs. But what about the sneaky culprits lurking in our favorite foods that can disrupt the effectiveness of our prescriptions? This topic often slips under the radar, even for many healthcare professionals. Yet, these food-drug interactions are crucial, especially for older adults juggling multiple prescriptions.
So, let’s take a look at some of the common food and drug interactions that you should keep an eye out for.
DAIRY AND ANTIBIOTICS Calcium in milk, cheese, and yogurt can interfere with drugs like doxycycline and ciprofloxacin, affecting how well they combat infections. Best tip? Give it an hour before or two hours after taking these antibiotics. LEAFY GREENS AND WARFARIN Warfarin and vitamin K-rich greens like spinach and kale? Not the ideal combo. These veggies can mess with the effectiveness of this blood-thinning medication. Consider a chat with your doctor to find the right balance. TYRAMINE-RICH FOODS AND MAOIS An older class of antidepressants (MAOIs) doesn’t play well with tyramine- packed foods like aged cheeses and red wine. The result? A sudden spike in blood pressure. If you’re on MAOIs, consider bidding farewell to these tasty troublemakers.
TAKE A BREAK
Baked Salmon With Garlic and Lemon
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a zesty dish that combines salmon with the vibrant flavors of garlic and lemon!
INGREDIENTS • 2 lbs salmon fillets
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillets on the baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the salmon.
4. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through. Serve and enjoy!
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