Foods you should avoid when taking common medications

While it's important to eat a health balanced diet, some foods can interact with certain medications and prevent them from working as they should

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.

Scroll down for a list of common food and drinks that could meddle with your medication....

Grapefruit

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

Liquorice

While liquorice is a frequent component in various sweets and snacks, 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.

Dairy products

A broad range of 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're worried about consuming particular foods while on regular medication, it's advisable to first consult your doctor who can provide further guidance on how to take your medicine.