Don’t Eat These Foods If You Take Blood Thinners or Statins

Foods to avoid when taking heart medications

All medications, even life-savings ones, have potential side effects and risks. If you take medicine for your heart, doctors recommend staying away from some foods because of the risk of interaction.

Blood thinners: Eat fewer foods with vitamin K

Foods high in vitamin K can counteract the blood-thinning effects of warfarin (Coumadin®). Eat these foods in moderation:

• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Green onions
• Kale
• Parsley
• Spinach

You should also enjoy green tea, alcohol and cranberry juice in moderation.

Statins: Don't eat grapefruit

Grapefruit and other citrus fruits can interfere with how your body metabolizes these medications.

Diuretic: Avoid sodium

Because sodium causes the body to retain water, it can counteract the effect of diuretics that rid your body of fluid build-up.

If you have questions about possible interactions with your medication, talk to a Guthie cardiologist.