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More About Food and Drug Interactions

By HERWriter
 
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Here are some key things to remember about food and drug interactions:

• Read the prescription label on the container. If you do not understand something or think you need more information, ask your physician or pharmacist.

• Read directions, warnings, and interaction precautions printed on all medication labels and package inserts. Remember even over-the-counter medications can cause problems.

• Take medication with a full glass of water.

• Do not stir medication into your food or take capsules apart (unless directed by your physician). This may change the way the drug works.

• Do not take vitamin pills at the same time you take medication. Vitamins and minerals can interact with some drugs.

• Do not mix medication into hot drinks because the heat from the drink may destroy the effectiveness of the drug.

• Be sure to tell your physician and pharmacist about all medications you are taking, both prescription and non-prescription.

Your diet may play a role in food and drug interactions. Here is a list of regular foods that may interact with medication. Possible food and drug interactions:

Leafy green vegetables, high in vitamin K, should not be taken in great quantities while taking Coumadin. These vegetables could totally negate the affects of the drug and cause blood clotting.

Caffeinated beverages and asthma drugs taken together can cause excessive excitability. Those taking Tagament (Simetidine), quinolone antibiotics (Cipro, Penetrex, Noroxin) and even oral contraceptives should be aware these drugs may cause their cup of coffee to give them more of a java jolt than they expected.

Grilled meat can lead to problems for those on asthma medications containing theophyllines. The chemical compounds formed when meat is grilled somehow prevent this type of medication from working effectively, increasing the possibility of an unmanageable asthma attack.

Consuming a diet high in fat, while taking anti-inflammatory and arthritis medications, can cause kidney damage. Also, it can leave a patient feeling drowsy and sedated.

Tomato contains small quantities of a toxic substance known as solanine that may trigger headaches in susceptible people. They are also a relatively common cause of allergies. An unidentified substance in tomatoes and tomato-based products can cause acid reflux, leading to indigestion and heartburn. Individuals who often have digestive upsets should try eliminating tomatoes for two to three weeks to see if there is any improvement.

Strawberries, raspberries, spinach, and rhubarb. These contain oxalic acid, which can aggravate kidney and bladder stones in susceptible people and reduce the body's ability to absorb iron and calcium.

Raspberries contain a natural salicylate that can cause an allergic reaction in aspirin sensitive people.

The seeds from fruits such as apple, apricot, and quinces contain amygdalin, a compound that turns into hydrogen cyanide in the stomach. Eating large amounts of seeds can result in cyanide poisoning.

Potatoes. Avoid potatoes with a green tint to the skin, and remove any sprouts; they will taste bitter and may contain solanine, a toxic substance that can cause diarrhea, cramps, and fatigue.

Plums, peaches, apricots, and cherries. People who are allergic to aspirin may encounter problems after they have eaten plums or peaches as they contain salicylates. The pits of plums, peaches and apricots contain a compound called amygdalin. When consumed in large amounts, amygdalin breaks down into hydrogen cyanide, a poison.

Horseradish. Very high doses of horseradish can cause vomiting or excessive sweating. Avoid if you have hypothyroidism.

Turmeric. Should be avoided by persons with symptoms from gallstones.

Turnips contain two goitrogenic substances, progoitrin and gluconasturtin, which can interfere with the thyroid's ability to make its hormones. Although moderate consumption of goitrogens is not a hazard for healthy people, they can promote development of a goiter (an enlarged thyroid) in persons with thyroid disease.

Sources:
http://www.fda.gov
http://www.holisticonline.com
http://www.environmentaldiseases.com

MC Ortega is the former publicist for the late Walter Payton, Coca-Cola and Dunkin’ Donuts. Ortega is a senior communications and messaging executive specializing in media relations, social media, program development and crisis communications. Also, Ortega is an avid traveler and international shopper. Ortega resides with her partner, Craig, dog, Fionne and extensive shoe collection. Ortega also enjoys jewelry design/production and flamenco dancing.

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.