Grapefruit interferes with proteins in the small intestine and liver that normally break down many medications. Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking these medications can lead to higher levels of them in your blood — and more side effects.
What happens if you drink grapefruit with medication?
Many drugs are broken down (metabolized) with the help of a vital enzyme called CYP3A4 in the small intestine. Grapefruit juice can block the action of intestinal CYP3A4, so instead of being metabolized, more of the drug enters the blood and stays in the body longer. The result: too much drug in your body.
What drugs does grapefruit interfere with?
Medicines affected by grapefruit
- Statins. Statins are medicines that lower your cholesterol.
- Calcium channel blockers.
- Anticoagulants.
- Antiplatelet medicines.
- Ciclosporin and immunosuppressants.
- Entocort.
- Cytotoxic medicines.
- Other medicines.
Can you eat grapefruit if you take high blood pressure medicine?
Grapefruit contains compounds that may interfere with how your body absorbs some drugs, including some blood pressure medicines. It can leave too much or too little of the drug in your bloodstream, which may be dangerous. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist if grapefruit could affect the medicine you’re taking.
Who shouldn’t eat grapefruit?
Grapefruit increases the blood levels of three common statins substantially, increasing the risk of rhabdomyolysis ( 4 ):
1–3: Some cholesterol medications
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Lovastatin (Mevacor)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
Does grapefruit affect blood pressure?
Studies have shown that eating grapefruit every day can lower systolic blood pressure by as much as five points. This may be due to grapefruit’s high levels of potassium, which neutralize the negative effects of sodium (a common cause of hypertension).
What vitamins should not be taken with grapefruit?
Taking grapefruit with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk for a serious heart issue. Examples of supplements with this effect include bitter orange, ephedra, iboga, and Panax ginseng. Drinking grapefruit juice when taking licorice might increase licorice’s ability to lower potassium levels.
What fruits interfere with high blood pressure medication?
People taking ACE inhibitors or ARBs should limit their intake of high-potassium foods like bananas, oranges, avocados, tomatoes, white and sweet potatoes and dried fruits —, especially apricots.
Does grapefruit lower blood pressure quickly?
Citrus fruits
Studies have also shown drinking orange and grapefruit juice may help reduce blood pressure. Yet, grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interfere with common blood-pressure-lowering medications, so consult your healthcare provider before adding this fruit to your diet ( 4 , 6 ).
Can you eat bananas on blood pressure medication?
Bananas and other potassium-rich foods
A high concentration of potassium makes bananas healthy for most of us. But you could end up with too much potassium if you eat a bunch of bananas while taking an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, like lisinopril or captopril.
Can I eat grapefruit in the morning and take atorvastatin at night?
Does Lipitor have a grapefruit warning? Yes, you should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Lipitor (atorvastatin). Compounds in grapefruit can negatively interact with certain statins, including Lipitor, Altoprev (lovastatin), and Zocor (simvastatin).
What happens if you eat grapefruit everyday?
Health Benefits
From the peel to the pulp, right down to the juices, grapefruit contains vitamins and minerals that can aid in weight loss, lower risk of diabetes and hypertension, possibly reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, and help fight skin damage caused by sun and pollution.
Does grapefruit burn belly fat?
Grapefruit is the best food to help reduce abdominal fat.
Grapefruits are a source of nutrients that help support weight loss, including satiating fiber. And data published in the Journal of Medicinal Food shows that eating half of a fresh grapefruit before meals is linked to significant weight loss.
What is normal blood pressure for a 70 year old?
Normal blood pressure for most adults is defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 and a diastolic pressure of less than 80.
Why can’t you eat grapefruit with statins?
Grapefruit contains a chemical that can interfere with your body’s ability to break down or metabolize certain statin medications. When statin takers eat large amounts of grapefruit, the level of statins in their blood can increase, raising the possibility of side effects.
Does vitamin D interact with grapefruit?
Dear S.M.: There is no evidence that vitamin or mineral supplements are affected by grapefruit juice in the same way it affects certain medications.
What blood pressure meds should not be taken with grapefruit?
Do all medicines interact with grapefruit?
- High cholesterol: atorvastatin (one brand: Lipitor) and simvastatin (one brand: Zocor)
- High blood pressure: felodipine (one brand: Plendil), nifedipine (one brand: Procardia), and nisoldipine (one brand: Sular)
Is grapefruit juice good for your kidneys?
Animal proteins also contain phosphates, another factor that may raise the risk of kidney stones. Drink Florida Grapefruit Juice – along with other citrus beverages, grapefruit juice has citrate, which may help prevent kidney stones.
Can I ever stop taking blood pressure medication?
The bottom line. In general, you shouldn’t stop taking blood pressure medications suddenly. If you do, they can cause potentially dangerous side effects that can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Blood pressure medications are often stopped more gradually, utilizing a strategy such as tapering.
What time of day is blood pressure highest?
Usually, blood pressure starts to rise a few hours before a person wakes up. It continues to rise during the day, peaking in midday. Blood pressure typically drops in the late afternoon and evening. Blood pressure is usually lower at night while sleeping.
How long does it take for grapefruit to lower your blood pressure?
“In the present study, a single intake of grapefruit juice increased the plasma concentration of nifedipine and also decreased blood pressures 3 hours after intake of grapefruit juice…”
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.