Numerous studies show that there are some foods to avoid when taking certain medications or undergoing certain treatments. Most of these medications, many prescribed by online doctors via an online pharmacy, are aimed at managing diabetes, cholesterol levels, insulin, and blood pressure—such as Ozempic, Semaglutide, and Glucofort. The reason why the following foods should be avoided when taking certain drugs range from causing heart problems, raising blood pressure, and interfering with drug absorption:
1. Grapefruit
If you are taking Repatha, Evolocumab, or any other drug for controlling high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heartburn, a cough, or thyroid disease, then you may want to avoid this citrus fruit. That is because it negatively impacts how the body metabolizes some drugs, in particular, the ones we have just talked about. It makes the body absorb medicine into the bloodstream quickly. And this, in return, can lead to muscle breakdown and liver damage due to incredibly high drug concentration.
2. Cranberries
Studies show that cranberries may inhibit organic-anion-transporting-polypeptide (OATP). This transport enzyme plays a crucial role in transporting certain types of drugs into the cells. This means, without it, drugs are highly unlikely to work as properly as anticipated. Cranberries may also inhibit metabolizing enzymes, which, in turn, decreases the rate at which drugs are metabolized. The result is an increased concentration of drugs in the body. And when there is a higher concentration of drugs in the body, you are likely to experience innumerable side effects of the drug you have taken.
3. Dairy products
Doctors often do not recommend milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products when you are under treatment. That is because these types of food tend to negatively interact with certain drugs. You see, dairy is high in calcium, which interferes with some iron supplements and antibiotics. Calcium prevents the body from absorbing these iron supplements and antibiotics, thereby, leading to less active circulation in the bloodstream.
4. Leafy green veggies
When we’re young, we’re encouraged to eat our greens. However, if you are taking blood thinners, then you may need to reduce the amount of leafy green veggies you normally eat. That is because greens are rich in vitamin K, which tends to compromise the ability of blood thinners to prevent blood clots.
5. Pickled and fermented foods
These foods contain tyramine, which makes it somewhat unsafe for those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as well as some drugs for treating Parkinson’s disease. Tyramine is an amino acid, which when high in the bloodstream, can lead to blood pressure. As such, fermented and pickled foods are always not recommended when you are taking antidepressants such as MAOIs.
6. Alcohol
Most, if not all, treatments discourage patients from taking drugs with alcohol. But did you know the two can still combine to unleash devastating effects even when taken hours apart? Alcohol can escalate the effects of drugs. And this, in turn, can lead to all kinds of complications, including heart problems, difficulty in breathing, and internal bleeding. In a nutshell, whether your treatment deals with insulin or you are just from having surgery, alcoholic drinks should be completely avoided until the doctor says otherwise.
7. Aged cheeses
Aged cheeses are just like fermented, pickled foods in the sense that they too are discouraged for patients taking an antidepressant, which is MAOI. Examples of MAOIs are Parnate (tranylcypromine), Emsam (selegiline), Nardil (phenelzine), and Marplan (isocarboxazid). Aged cheese contains tyramine, which is involved in the regulation of blood pressure. Having said that, aged cheese is one type of food you will want to steer clear of if you do not want to deal with complications due to high blood pressure.
8. Cured meats
Prepared meals, such as salami, beef jerky, and pepperoni, are not spared either when it comes to foods to avoid when taking certain drugs. One main problem with beef jerky, salami, pepperoni, and other cured meats is that they are incredibly high in sodium. Sodium is known for making the body retain excess fluid. And when the body retains excess fluid, you are likely to develop high blood pressure and even suffer from various heart problems.
It is highly recommended that you seek your doctor’s advice before consuming any of the above foods when under treatment. This can help prevent various health complications or ensure you do not have to deal with adverse side effects from the drugs you are using.
