Warfarin, also known by its brand name of Coumadin, is a blood thinner often prescribed to people with heart conditions and to those at risk of developing dangerous blood clots that may prevent healthy blood flow to the brain and heart. Certain diet adjustments may need to be made while taking warfarin to ensure the efficacy of the drug is not increased or decreased. Consult with a physician, pharmacist or registered dietitian prior to making any changes to your diet and vitamin regimen while taking warfarin.
Leafy, Green Vegetables
Vitamin K is a vitamin necessary in the body to help blood clot by contributing to the formation of clotting factors in the liver. Warfarin works to decrease the activity of vitamin K and prevent the formation of these clotting factors in people who are at risk of developing a dangerous clot. Dark, leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale and collard greens are high in vitamin K and their intake should be monitored. Perhaps more important than the avoidance of certain foods high in vitamin K is the consistency of eating those foods. For people who normally do not eat many leafy green vegetables, consuming them while taking warfarin may increase the drug's anticoagulant effect. On the other hand, if you normally eat foods high in vitamin K, continuing to eat them, but in smaller quantities, is generally acceptable.
Other Vegetables
In addition to leafy green vegetables, other vegetables high in vitamin K that may affect warfarin's efficacy include broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Like with the leafy green vegetables, complete avoidance of these foods is generally not necessary, but eating them consistently from week to week is recommended.
Cranberry Juice and Herbal Teas
Cranberries, cranberry juice, green tea and other herbal products may increase warfarin's effect on anticoagulation. Avoidance of these products may be recommended. Inform your physician if you are currently taking any herbal products prior to starting warfarin therapy.
Alcohol
As with many medications, alcohol can affect the way warfarin works in your body by increasing or decreasing its efficacy. Although some doctors may allow alcohol in small quantities, most will recommend complete avoidance of alcoholic beverages while on the drug.
Supplemental Vitamin K
Many multi-vitamins contain a dose of vitamin K. Although generally safe, like with vitamin K foods your intake of the multi-vitamin must be consistent from day to day. Nutritional supplement shakes may also have added vitamin K and you should check with your doctor before continuing to drink them. Lastly, some fat-free chips made with olestra are often sprayed with vitamin K, which is a fat-soluble vitamin. An alternative would be to choose low-fat baked chips instead of those prepared with olestra.
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