Eat, Drink And Be Wary

Medication provides lifesaving treatment for people all over the globe. From diabetes to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), certain prescriptions empower patients to live fulfilling, pain-free lives. However, proper use is integral to reaping the benefits. Common household items such as citrus juice and leafy greens can blunt the effectiveness of specific medications. Plan to avoid foods or beverages that cancel out or heighten the effect of the medication. Specific foods can interact with more than one type of drug. As a result, patients with overlapping prescriptions may struggle to get the proper dose of medication and nutrients on a daily basis. In cases of severe allergies or interactions, compounding drugs allow physicians to more effectively treat patients. To determine any potential problems, patients must share personal intolerances and current medications, as the healthcare provider manages treatment.

Citrus packs a punch

From generalized anxiety and pain management to antibiotics and hormone treatment, the acidity of citrus can impact proper care for a wide variety of health conditions. Grapefruit and other types of citrus juice can cause significant drug interactions, limiting the drug’s effectiveness. Chemicals in the fruit can interfere with gut enzymes that metabolize the drug in the stomach and greater digestive system. In short, the medication can be absorbed too quickly or too slowly, leaving the patient vulnerable to breakthrough symptoms and interactions. For patients on multiple medications, meeting with a primary care practitioner to discuss interactions can nip potential problems in the bud.

Don’t eat your greens

Green, leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins, but patients on anticoagulant medicine should think again. Some nutrients impact the body’s ability to metabolize certain medicines by binding with the drug’s other ingredients, reducing or speeding up absorption. Spinach and kale contain high levels of vitamin K, which helps form blood clots throughout the body. Certain leafy greens cancel out the effects of antiplatelet medicine, which keeps existing blood clots from growing. If left unchecked, the interaction can cause blood clots throughout the blood vessels and heart, leading to a high risk of a heart attack and stroke.

Getting around allergies

People all over the world benefit from medications. However, using a drug correctly is key to effective and efficient treatment. Ingredients such as citrus juice and leafy greens can interact badly with specific medications. Reading drug interaction labels helps minimize potential risk, along with frequent meetings with a primary care provider. Customizing the dose allows pharmacists to remove problematic ingredients, allowing for precise and made-to-fit care. Patients with complex pharmaceutical needs may benefit from compounding medications, but all patients can benefit from a baseline knowledge of common drug interactions.