What to avoid when taking anticoagulants?

Warfarin in particular and anticoagulants in general are used to prevent the formation and growth of blood clots. Accordingly, the diet for people taking anticoagulants plays an important role in helping to prevent serious consequences, even death, caused by blood clots. So what should people taking blood-clotting drugs avoid?

Vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants inhibit the blood clotting cycle indirectly by competing with vitamin K, reducing the amount of vitamin K in the body. This in turn prevents the synthesis of some vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver such as factors II, VII, IX and X. For anticoagulants to work best, you should avoid making any major changes. to the diet, especially about foods containing vitamin K to limit the effect on the anticoagulant effect of the drug.
The body can synthesize vitamin K and can also get it from certain foods. If suddenly adding foods rich in vitamin K in the diet of people taking anticoagulants, the anticoagulant effect will be reduced. Conversely, if suddenly adding foods that are low in vitamin K to the diet of someone taking anticoagulants, the likelihood of side effects from anti-potassium drugs is greater.

Although there is no specific diet, you should abstain from certain foods and beverages that may decrease or alter the effectiveness of anticoagulants.
2.1 Foods High in Vitamin K Although eating small amounts of vitamin K-rich foods in an anticoagulant diet should not cause serious problems, avoid consuming large amounts Foods rich in vitamin K, because they will reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants. Foods with high vitamin K content include: kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, mustard greens, green lettuce, collard greens, broccoli, asparagus, parsley, ...
About food Drinking green tea contains a lot of vitamin K and may reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants. In addition, drinking grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, and alcohol during anticoagulant treatment may increase the risk of bleeding.

2.2 Foods that are low in vitamin K There are many foods that are low in vitamin K that, if suddenly introduced into the diet of someone taking anticoagulants, will increase the risk of side effects due to decreased blood levels. vitamin K levels in the body. Some vegetables and fruits low in vitamin K include: sweet corn, onions, squash, eggplant, tomatoes, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, peaches, apples, strawberries, watermelons, pineapples , banana,....

In addition to the foods listed above, other substances including drugs, supplements and herbal products can also interact with anticoagulants and affect the effectiveness and safety of anticoagulant therapy. Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking before starting your anticoagulant for proper monitoring.
Some drugs that can interact with anti-potassium anticoagulants include: antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or fluconazole, some birth control pills and antacids, drugs for seizures, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, anti-inflammatory drugs. Depression such as fluoxetine, ...
Supplements and herbs such as ginkgo gingko biloba, garlic, co-enzyme Q10 can also interact with anticoagulants, affecting their effects.

Interactions with food, drugs and other substances can increase the risk of side effects of anticoagulants including: allergic reactions, gastrointestinal upset, rash, hair loss, itchy skin, chills, inflammation of your blood vessels, liver or gallbladder disorder, heavy bleeding when injured, etc. If symptoms persist or are severe such as persistent abdominal pain for several days, diarrhea and high fever, seek medical advice. Go to the nearest hospital for prompt treatment.
In addition to paying attention to the diet for people taking anticoagulants, people taking anticoagulants should regularly have blood tests to monitor and control problems related to vitamin K levels in the body. From there, doctors will be able to advise and adjust anticoagulants accordingly to improve effectiveness and safety during treatment if needed.
To maintain proper nutrition and ensure health after using anticoagulants, patients can perform periodic health checks, perform blood tests to monitor and control blood levels. vitamin K.
Periodic health check-ups help detect diseases early, thereby planning treatment for optimal results. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has general health checkup packages suitable for each age, gender and individual needs of customers with a reasonable price policy.
The results of the patient's examination will be returned to the home. After receiving the results of the general health examination, if you detect diseases that require intensive examination and treatment, you can use services from other specialties right at the Hospital with quality treatment and services. outstanding customer service.

References: healthline.com, mayoclinic.org