These common fruits and vegetables should be avoided or consumed in moderation if you’re taking certain medications. Let’s get clear in this brief review so you can further discuss any of this with your doctor.

Bananas

Rich levels of potassium in bananas are wonderful unless you’re being treated for high blood pressure. Too much potassium can increase the heart rate of those taking blood-pressure lowering medications such as ACE inhibitors.

Grapefruit

Delicious and healthy, but grapefruit can decrease the effectiveness of certain antihistamines and blood pressure meds. Cholesterol-lowering statins are affected in another way. Compounds in grapefruit inhibit statins from being properly metabolized leading to higher levels of statins in your body which in turn lead to a greater risk of side effects such as muscle pain.

Leafy Greens

They are rich in vitamin K which is necessary for normal clotting of the blood. But vegetable greens such as kale can decrease the effectiveness of certain blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin). Similarly, cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower are rich in cancer-fighting compounds, but they also interfere with warfarin.

Avocados

Tyramine-rich foods such as avocados, as well as salami, chocolate, red wine, pickled veggies, smoked foods and certain cheeses adversely interact with MAO meds used to treat depression and Parkinson’s disease leading to high blood pressure.

Dairy

Calcium in dairy as well as calcium-fortified foods and supplements interfere with the body’s ability to absorb tetracycline antibiotics making them less effective.

Walnuts

Foods high in fiber interfere with the effectiveness of medications prescribed for an underactive thyroid such as synthroid, levothroid and levoxyl.

So if any of these issues are yours, please be careful with these foods and get even clearer by talking to your doctor.

About the Author

Jan is a contributor to Juice & Smoothie Recipes That Heal! with over 275 recipes that fight illnesses based on the latest nutritional discoveries, and How to Make the Best Juice and Smoothies – 23 Essential Tips.