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High blood pressure is a common chronic disease, and many people need to take antihypertensive drugs for a long time to control their blood pressure. However, many people are unaware that certain daily foods and drinks may affect the effectiveness of the medication and even bring side effects when taking blood pressure medication.
Today we will explore this issue in detail and remind everyone that it is best to stay away from the following four foods and drinks during long-term use of blood pressure medications: milk, grapefruit juice, high-salt foods, and licorice products.
Blood pressure medication vs. milk: a common myth
Milk. Many people believe that milk is nutritious and good for health. However, for people taking blood pressure medications, the calcium in milk may affect the absorption of medications, especially those that rely on gastric acid dissolution, such as certain ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers.
Studies have shown that milk and other calcium-rich foods form hard-to-dissolve complexes with drugs, significantly reducing the bioavailability of drugs and thus reducing their efficacy.
One study found that calcium, when combined with certain medications, can affect the absorption and efficacy of the drug. To avoid this, it is advisable to avoid drinking milk or other calcium-rich foods for an hour before and after taking these medications.
Blood pressure medication with grapefruit juice: a dangerous combination
Grapefruit juice. Certain compounds in grapefruit juice inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme in the liver, which is responsible for metabolizing many drugs, including some common antihypertensive drugs. When the CYP3A4 enzyme is inhibited, the concentration of the drug in the body increases, increasing the risk of side effects.
Studies have shown that drinking grapefruit juice significantly increases blood levels of antihypertensive drugs such as nifedipine, which may lead to severe hypotension and other side effects. It is best for patients taking these medications to avoid grapefruit juice altogether.
High-salt foods: increase the burden of high blood pressure
A high-salt diet is detrimental to all people with high blood pressure, but it is especially important for those taking diuretics. Diuretics lower blood pressure by promoting the excretion of sodium, but if the intake of sodium in the diet is too high, it can counteract the effects of the drug and even lead to electrolyte imbalances .
Studies have shown that a high-salt diet not only affects the efficacy of diuretics, but also increases the risk of cardiovascular events. Patients taking diuretics should pay special attention to controlling salt intake, which is recommended to not exceed 6 grams per day.
Licorice products: an insidious risk of high blood pressure
Licorice. Licorice is a common food additive and Chinese herbal medicine, but the glycyrrhizic acid it contains can affect potassium metabolism, resulting in a decrease in potassium levels in the body. This can be extremely dangerous for patients taking certain antihypertensive drugs, especially those that are themselves prone to hypokalemia, such as thiazide diuretics.
For example, one study found that long-term consumption of licorice-containing products can lead to increased blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances, which can affect the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs. Patients taking these medications should try to avoid licorice and its products.
conclusion
Patients who have been taking antihypertensive drugs for a long time need to pay extra attention to their diet. Milk, grapefruit juice, high-salt foods, and licorice products are four types of foods that should be avoided as much as possible to ensure the best efficacy of the drug and avoid unwanted side effects. Reasonable dietary regulation and drug management can better control blood pressure and protect cardiovascular health.
I hope this article can provide a valuable reference for you in the process of taking antihypertensive drugs, and help you better manage the balance between diet and medication in your daily life. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet, along with the professional guidance of a doctor, is the key to controlling high blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular disease.
Finally, what experiences and insights would you like to share? Feel free to leave a message in the comment area!
bibliography
1. de Boer, A., van Hunsel, F., & Bast, A. (2015). Adverse food-drug interactions. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 73(3), 859-865.
2. Opie LH. (2012). Drug interactions of antihypertensive agents. South African Family Practice, 54(2), S23-S25.