Does the use of functional foods or nutraceuticals interfere with medication?
This article will explore the topic "Can nutraceuticals or functional foods interfere with medication?" It is important to understand this topic if you are taking medication or considering adding nutraceuticals and functional foods to your diet. This topic is important for anyone who takes medication and wants to add functional foods or nutraceuticals to their diet.
It is important to understand the interactions between functional foods, nutraceuticals and medications
Nutraceuticals and functional foods have become popular due to the potential benefits they can provide. They can, however, interact with some medications and cause changes to the safety or efficacy of those drugs. According to a recent study in the Journal of Pharmacy & BioAllied Sciences (JPBS), grapefruit juice may increase absorption of statins, causing dangerous levels of drug in the blood. Understanding these interactions will help you maximize the health benefits from both your medications and diet, as well as avoid any adverse side effects.
What to Know Before You Start
Consult a health care professional before incorporating nutraceuticals or functional foods into your diet. You can get advice on possible interactions between your medications and functional foods. Remember that nutraceuticals and functional foods are not created equally. The quality, potency, and purity of these products can differ, and this can affect their interactions with medication. A report from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that some supplements could contain prescription medications and other ingredients which are not on the labels.
Functional Foods and nutraceuticals That Can Interfere With Medications
- St. John's Wort - Known as an antidepressant, St. John's Wort may reduce the effectiveness and safety of some medications for heart disease or birth control.
- Grapefruit juice: A common morning beverage, this can increase the levels of several medications, such as statins or calcium channel blocks.
- Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo is often used to enhance memory, but it can also thin blood and cause bleeding when combined with anticoagulants such as warfarin.
- Echinacea is often taken to increase the immune system. However, it can interact with medications that reduce the immune response.
- Kava is used for its soothing effects. It can also increase the effects of benzodiazepines.
- Black Licorice can reduce the effectiveness of some high blood pressure medicines.
- Garlic supplements: they can increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners.
- Turmeric/Curcumin - These popular anti inflammatory supplements can interfere with blood thinners.
- Fenugreek - Used to treat digestive disorders, diabetes and other ailments, Fenugreek may slow down blood clotting, which can increase bleeding risk when taken with blood thinners.
- Ginseng can reduce blood sugar and interfere with the control of diabetes medications.
More Tips and Suggestions
Just because something is "natural" doesn't necessarily mean that it's safe. Inform your doctor about all functional food and supplements you use. Be aware of any side effects, and keep an eye on your feelings, particularly when you start a new functional food or supplement. You should also only buy supplements made by reputable companies and not those that make too many promises.
Conclusion
While functional foods and nutraceuticals may offer many health benefits, there is a possibility that they could interfere with medication. Consult your healthcare provider before adding these products to your diet, if you are taking medications. Be informed, vigilant and put your health first.
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