Additionally, beverages like green tea or tonic water may interfere with your medication. When identifying foods to avoid while on blood thinners, remember that moderation is critical to avoiding unexpected side effects. Grapefruit as well as grapefruit juice contain compounds that may interfere with the way your body metabolizes certain medications.
Surprising Foods & Drinks That Impact Blood Thinning Medications
Blood thinners are an excellent medication for limiting blood clots or preventing existing clots from growing. Individuals with blood clotting disorders, heart conditions, or those at risk of developing blood clots in the lower extremities can benefit from this medication. For the best results with limited side effects, consider a balanced diet. Consider avoiding garlic, blood thinners and alcohol ginger, and other herbs that increase the risk of bleeding. Excess consumption of caffeine and alcohol can also cause dangerous side effects or limit the effectiveness of blood thinners.
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Despite their name, blood thinners (also called anticoagulants) don’t actually thin your blood. They work by keeping your blood from sticking together in a clump (clotting). Blood thinners keep a clot where it is and Sober living house from getting bigger and prevent new clots from forming. They can also allow your body to absorb the clot through the walls of your veins over time.
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If you can’t imagine life without grapefruit and closely related fruits or juices, sharing this with your healthcare provider is essential. It’s important to review all your medications with your healthcare provider each time you start or stop any medication to ensure there are no interactions. These fruits contain furanocoumarins that prevent the absorption of clopidogrel. One whole piece of fruit is enough to impact your medication absorption. Your healthcare provider will often discuss the foods you need to avoid and ensure you can follow the recommendations before choosing a specific antiplatelet medication. A team of caring, thorough primary care providers and nurses are ready to help build a healthier lifestyle and medical plan through nutrition, exercise and medical care.
- As with all green teas, you’ll want to be sure not to use overly hot water (just below boiling is best) or to steep too long, or your cup will taste bitter.
- Consumption of such vitamin K-rich foods may interfere with your blood thinning medications.
- Learn more about the potential causes and when to seek medical attention.
Work with a doctor to manage diet and ensure blood thinners are working as intended. Some studies show that garlic can support the heart and is anti-inflammatory. Like many foods on this list, garlic contains compounds that interfere with blood clotting. In some cases, garlic can enhance the effects of blood thinners, increasing the risk of bleeding. Individuals who depend on high doses of anticoagulants must adjust their garlic intake. Garlic may affect the efficacy of blood thinners or increase side effects, especially when used in supplement form.
