A reference guide to common medication-food interactions for patients managing chronic conditions.
⚕️ This guide is for educational purposes only. Always consult your physician or pharmacist before making dietary changes related to your medications.
ACE Inhibitors (e.g. Lisinopril, Ramipril)
ACE inhibitors increase potassium retention. High-potassium foods can cause dangerous hyperkalemia.
- Avoid or limit: Bananas, avocado, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, salt substitutes (which contain potassium chloride)
- Why: These medications already raise blood potassium levels. Adding high-potassium foods can push levels dangerously high, especially in CKD patients.
Statins (e.g. Atorvastatin, Simvastatin)
Statins are affected by certain foods that alter their metabolism.
- Avoid: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice — blocks the enzyme that metabolizes statins, causing dangerous buildup
- Limit: Large amounts of alcohol, which increases risk of liver damage
Warfarin (Blood Thinner)
Warfarin's effectiveness is significantly affected by vitamin K intake.
- Be consistent with: Leafy greens (kale, spinach, broccoli) — don't eliminate them, but keep intake consistent
- Avoid sudden increases in: Cranberry juice, garlic supplements, fish oil — can increase bleeding risk
Metformin (Type 2 Diabetes)
- Limit: Alcohol — increases risk of lactic acidosis
- Take with food: Reduces GI side effects (nausea, diarrhea)
- High sodium foods can worsen insulin resistance
Beta-Blockers (e.g. Metoprolol, Atenolol)
- Avoid: High amounts of orange juice — can reduce drug absorption
- Limit: Caffeine — can counteract the blood pressure lowering effect
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