Digoxin, or lanoxin, is a cardiac glycoside used to treat congestive heart failure and an abnormal heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation, according to the Drugs website. Patients on Digoxin have to maintain normal serum potassium, magnesium and calcium levels because hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia and hypercalcemia may predispose the patient to Digoxin toxicity. Patients taking Digoxin are advised to consume foods high in potassium and magnesium and foods low in calcium.
High Potassium Foods
Low blood levels of potassium increase the risk of Digoxin toxicity, according to the Drugs website. Patients taking Digoxin undergo regular blood tests to ensure that potassium levels are normal. Patients are advised to consume foods high potassium such as bananas, potatoes, beets, parsnips, turnips, broccoli, melons, peaches, cantaloupes, kiwi, prunes, dried apricots, dates, figs, oranges, tomatoes and squash, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
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High Magnesium Foods
Low magnesium levels cause Digoxin toxicity, according to the Drugs website. Digoxin causes magnesium to leak of the cells and be excreted in urine. Foods high in magnesium are encouraged when patients are taking Digoxin. Examples of Foods high in magnesium include spinach, bananas, beans, soybeans, cashew nuts, almonds, peanut, peanut butter, halibut, potatoes, oatmeal, bran flakes, wheat bran, yogurt, brown rice, raisins and milk, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Low Calcium Foods
High levels of calcium in the blood may cause levels of Digoxin to raise leading to Digoxin toxicity, according to the Drugs website. Patients taking Digoxin are advised to limit consumption of foods high in calcium such as milk, yogurt, cheese, tofu, salmon, spinach, kale, ice cream, soy beverage, broccoli, sardines, calcium fortified orange juice and calcium fortified cereals, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
