Doctors and pharmacists
sometimes, tell you what you shouldn’t do, while you’re taking certain prescriptions. But they usually don’t tell you what you shouldn’t eat
.
Foods that are eaten regularly, and are healthy nutrient-rich choices, can be potentially health-damaging when mixed with some medications.
Milk
When taking antibiotics and certain osteoporosis medication, it is better to avoid drinking a glass of milk. Calcium can interfere with the effects of some antibiotics. So, other products like cheese and yoghurt should also be avoided, when on medication like tetracycline, ciprofloxacin or alendronate.
Banana
Bananas are known for their high potassium level, they can have an impact when taking blood pressure medications. Too much potassium, which can also be found in oranges, can cause irregular heartbeats and palpitations.
Grapefruit
This citrus fruit contains a compound that can block the breakdown of a number of medications in the intestines, including some of the cholesterol-lowering medicines antidepressants, migraine medications, blood thinners, blood pressure medicines and diabetes drugs.
Dark leafy greens/vegetables
Vitamin-K rich foods like these can interfere with the action of some blood thinners. Blood thinners prevent clots from forming, and vitamin K promotes blood clotting, which counters that effect. An important consideration is to keep the amount of these foods limited, but consistent.
Alcohol
Care should always be taken when mixing any medication with alcohol. Typical negative side effects include drowsiness and confusion, but more serious problems are also possible.
