Because reactions can vary, always talk to your pharmacist before starting a new prescribed or over the counter medication.
Ask questions like:
- When is the best time to take the medication?
- Is it best to take the medication on an empty stomach or with food?
- Should I take it in the morning or at bedtime?
- Are there any foods that interact with the medication?
- Do any of my other medications or supplements interact with the new medication?
- What are the side effects of the medication?
Here are a few examples of how food and medicine do not mix:
- Certain antibiotics are best taken on an empty stomach while others should be taken with food to minimize stomach irritation.
- Drinking milk with certain thyroid pills decreases the body’s absorption of the medication.
- Grapefruit juice interacts with statins so avoid it if you’re taking that type of medication, which is commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol.
- The consumption of pomegranate juice is contraindicated when taking certain blood pressure medications.
- Stay away from caffeine in coffee, tea and energy drinks if you’re taking amphetamines or most asthma drugs.
- Wine and antidepressants are a bad mix!
- Vitamin K rich foods like kale and broccoli should be avoided if you’re prescribed blood thinners like Coumadin.
- Even some over the counter meds like aspirin or Motrin can cause stomach irritation and increase the risk of vitamin C deficiency.
Please seek medical advice from your doctor and/or pharmacist. This information is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.