Food and drug interactions may pose danger

October 26, 2005 in Heart Health, Nutrition Topics in the News

Food and drug interactions may pose danger

According to Canadian researchers and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, cardiac medications mixed with certain foods and herbal supplements can pose a serious danger to patients’ health.

In a paper presented at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress 2005, known food-drug interactions were outlined along with their potential health risks. Some of the more common interactions included medications for high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms and grapefruit (and grapefruit juice) as well as blood thinners with papaya extract. In the case of grapefruit juice, a single glass has the ability to increase or, less commonly, decrease the level of the drug in the blood.

Since a drug’s potency can be affected by everything from genetics, age, gender, disease states, diet (including supplements) and social factors, it is imperative that patients disclose these things to their health care professionals.

All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.