While maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and veggies is crucial, those with specific health conditions need to ensure they're not inadvertently causing more harm than good.
Individuals on regular medication for various health issues might be oblivious to the fact that certain fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and beverages can interfere with their medicine's effectiveness. In some instances, combining food and specific medications could potentially harm the body and even worsen the condition it's meant to treat.
Whenever you start a new medication, it's essential to thoroughly read any accompanying leaflets or information packs as these may contain warnings about food interactions. Moreover, some medicines may need to be taken on an empty stomach due to potential interactions with other substances - another crucial point to be aware of when starting any new medication.
Here is a list of common food and drinks that could meddle with your medication....
1. Grapefruit is perhaps the most frequently cited food to avoid when on certain medications. Despite being loaded with vitamin C and potassium, other chemicals in the fruit can disrupt how your body metabolises certain drugs.
Specifically, furanocoumarins can interact with the enzymes in your digestive system responsible for breaking down and processing medications.
In many instances, this can result in the body metabolising more of the drug than initially intended, leading to an increased dosage which can be particularly hazardous with certain medications.
Some of the most prevalent medicines that interact with grapefruit include:
- Statin drugs used for cholesterol reduction
- Certain high blood pressure treatments
- Anti-anxiety medication
- Corticosteroids utilised for Crohn's disease management
- Antihistamines
2. Liquorice is a frequent component in various sweets and snacks, but some research indicates it could potentially lower blood potassium levels, leading to irregular heart rhythm and hypertension. Consequently, specific medicines that also impact potassium levels in the body may have amplified side effects when combined with liquorice, such as corticosteroids.
3. Dairy products rich in calcium and magnesium might disrupt the absorption of certain infection-fighting medications. Notably, some studies suggest that milk and other dairy items could hinder the body from effectively absorbing some antibiotics, potentially diminishing their efficacy.
If you are worried about consuming particular foods while on regular medication, it's always advisable to first consult your Doctor or medical team as they can provide further guidance on how to take your medicine.
3. Dairy products rich in calcium and magnesium might disrupt the absorption of certain infection-fighting medications. Notably, some studies suggest that milk and other dairy items could hinder the body from effectively absorbing some antibiotics, potentially diminishing their efficacy.
If you are worried about consuming particular foods while on regular medication, it's always advisable to first consult your Doctor or medical team as they can provide further guidance on how to take your medicine.
Above words and image from article here
Please note articles within this blog are provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your GP or local health care team/provider.
All the best Jan
I did not know about licorice. Fortunately, I detest it!
ReplyDeleteI learned all about this many, many years ago when my Mom, who loved grapefruit and had half a one for breakfast every morning, passed out and we did not know why. She continued to have grapefruit each morning and passed out again. Finally, the Doctor told her having grapefruit with the medication she was on was not a good thing. I wonder if back in those days, this type of information was not as well known or readily available.
ReplyDeleteGracias por los consejos. Te mando un beso.
ReplyDelete...I would love to have grapefruit!
ReplyDeleteDid not know about licorice -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteYes, these are all good to know. If I may add cranberry and as you wrote talk to your doctor about it. Great post.
ReplyDeleteI never heard about licorice and potassium. Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteNo grapefruit for me.
ReplyDeleteI knew about grapefruit but I didn't know about dairy products and the effects they could have. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteI do miss grapefruit.
ReplyDeleteGrapefruit, I knew that, but I don't eat it either, but not with the other one! Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteHave a happy new week, hugs Elke
I always check to see what foods cannot be consumed with meds. Since I am allergic to citrus, I never have to worry about grapefruit.
ReplyDeleteI am SO glad I don't take any medications. Thanks for the info, Jan.
ReplyDeleteGood advice. I always check with my doctor and my pharmacist.
ReplyDeleteGood advice Jan.
ReplyDeleteThis post highlights the important relationship between certain foods and medications that many might overlook. It's crucial for anyone taking regular medication to be mindful of how their diet might impact the effectiveness of their treatment. The examples of grapefruit, liquorice, and dairy products clearly illustrate how common foods can interfere with medication. It’s a good reminder to always check for food interactions and consult a doctor if you're uncertain.
ReplyDeleteI shared a new post; you are invited to read: https://www.melodyjacob.com/2025/04/amazing-guidingcross-hoodie-testimony-faith-hope.html Thank you.
I was aware that grapefruit should be avoided when taking warfarin from when my mum was on the medication, I didn't realise that it interfered with other medicines too, especially antihistamines. Hmmm, I'll have to look into that further.
ReplyDeleteAlways something to learn from your post
ReplyDeleteI have found it easier just to not eat grapefruit at all.
ReplyDeleteAnother contraindication many do not know of is cranberry on warfarin, also broccoli on warfarin.
It is confusing when dairy interacts with antibiotics, but then they advise a probiotic yoghurt when taking antibiotics
Have a lovely week, Debbie
Important topic. I'd heard about grapefruit, but not dairy or liquorice. Thanks Jan, have a great week.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI only knew about the grapefruit.
Thanks for sharing.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a great week!
Have a nice week !
ReplyDeleteOh, no! I love licorice and this is the season to harvest black jelly beans from the jelly bean bags.
ReplyDeleteI knew about grapefruit through my mother-in-law. Such a shame.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this great reminder, Jan!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing... Happy week
ReplyDeleteGreat information ~ thanks,
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores ~
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Good article Jan, I have under active thyroid and have to avoid dairy for 30 mins after taking my medication. Avril xx
ReplyDeleteI knew about eh grapefruit but not the others.
ReplyDeleteGood to know. I am not on any meds. I take turmeric everyday and know it isn't good for people on blood thinners. I try to drink mint and liquorice tea everyday as well :-D
ReplyDeleteThank for sharing💖We all should know this but wee forget.Important information👍
ReplyDeleteNever knew about licorice (which I hate). The milk conflict is something I will have to examine. I have started my husband on guava extract and spirulina algae after reading how this could heal/maybe the diabetes . Dr. Barbara O'Neill was the one who spoke about it.
ReplyDeleteREPLY TO
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane who in part of her comment said ...
"I have started my husband on guava extract and spirulina algae after reading how this could heal/maybe the diabetes . Dr. Barbara O'Neill was the one who spoke about it."
Hello and thank you for your comment.
As you may know I am not diabetic but my husband Eddie was a Type 2 Diabetic. When he was first diagnosed after a lot of research and discussions with his Doctor he decided to change his diet/lifestyle and embrace a lower carb, higher healthy fat and moderate protein diet. This worked well for him as his HbA1c blood tests showed.
You can read a little more about a UK pioneering Doctor who has transformed the lives of many Type 2 Diabetes Patients without drugs on this post here:-
https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/2025/02/diabetes-news-how-pioneering-gp-has.html
I would stress it is always advisable to work with your Doctor or medical team with any health problems/illness.
I do wish you and your husband well on your search for improved health issues.
All the best Jan
I knew about grapefruit, but not milk or licorice. It's good to know. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI had heard about grapefruit with certain medications but not the others. Very interesting to read about. Thanks Jan and all the best :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about licorice. I'm glad I don't like it!
ReplyDeleteso good to bring this to everyone's attention, it can be so harmful
ReplyDeletegood information for all of us!!
ReplyDeleteTu información me ha parecido muy interesante.Besos.
ReplyDeleteThis was most informative. I didn't know about the grapefruit or licorice. Fortunately I am not on any long term medication but I will check carefully if I am prescribed any in the future.
ReplyDelete