8 Common Foods & Medications You Should NEVER Mix!

Most of us have taken medication at some point. Whether it’s for a headache, back pain, an infection or an illness. While medication is designed to help with your symptoms, it also comes along with a list of risks and unwanted side effects that may occur. If you’ve ever had a prescription filled, you know that most medications come with a list of do’s and don’t’s. You might be warned not to take the medication on an empty stomach, or not to drink alcohol with the medicine in your system. Something that most doctors or pharmacists don’t tell you, is that everyday foods can also have an effect on your medication and your body.

Certain foods can have unwanted effects when they interact with certain medications inside your body. Even food that is good for you might not pair well with your prescription. It’s best to talk with your doctor before making any major changes to your diet, but if you’re taking medication, the following list might help!

1. If you take cholesterol medication…

Skip grapefruit and grapefruit juice! Grapefruit juice can increase the levels of cholesterol medication in your bloodstream. This can leave you more susceptible to unwanted side effects of your medicine.

2. If you take anticoagulants…

Ditch the cranberry juice! According to some studies, patients who drank cranberry juice while taking anticoagulants experienced blood thinning. Dramatic thinning of the blood can lead to health complications.

3. If you take blood pressure medication…

Avoid bananas! Blood pressure medications can increase the levels of potassium in your body. Bananas are filled with potassium, and too much can cause problems. If your potassium levels are too high, you may experience irregular heartbeat or heart palpitations.

4. If you take heart failure medication…

Put down the black licorice! Black licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a chemical that can cause irregular heartbeat when combined with digoxin. Licorice may also inhibit the effectiveness of your medication, causing further complications.

5. If you take blood thinners…

Skip the spinach! Spinach, along with other leafy greens, contain Vitamin K. This vitamin can interfere with blood thinners and anticoagulants. It may cause your medication to be less effective. Kale, broccoli and other dark green veggies should be avoided as well.

6. If you take tetracycline antibiotics…

Avoid dairy! The high calcium content in dairy can prevent your body from correctly absorbing the antibiotics. The antibiotics may becomes less effective and unable to work properly.

7. If you take thyroid medication…

Ditch the walnuts! Walnuts are high in fiber, which can prevent your body from properly absorbing thyroid medication. Be sure not to overindulge in high fiber foods.

8. If you take medication for bacterial infections…

Skip cured meats! Eating food containing tyramine while taking medication for a bacterial infection can cause harmful spikes in blood pressure. Tyramine is an amino acid that is found in food that is smoked, cured or fermented. Avoid salami, dry sausage and processed cheeses.

Taking medication comes with a risk of unwanted side effects. While some medication may be necessary, exploring natural healing may allow you get a better handle on your condition, without risking harm to your body. It’s worth a shot! Check out the video below to learn about some of the amazing effects of two natural foods: cinnamon and honey.