Coumadin, a brand name for warfarin, belongs to a class of medications called anticoagulants. The drug is prescribed for people who have medical disorders that increase the risk for blood clots. Coumadin blocks certain clotting factors, thinning the blood and decreasing its ability to clot. Your doctor may recommend certain dietary modifications when you are taking Coumadin.
Coumadin and Low-Carb Diet Plans
During Coumadin therapy, avoid low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets, because they may decrease the effectiveness of the drug, according to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. If you decide to start a low-carb and high-protein diet, your doctor may increase your Coumadin dose and also monitor your treatment closely. If you are already on Coumadin and following a low-carb, high-protein diet and then go off the diet, your doctor may need to reduce your Coumadin dose.
Vitamin K Foods
When taking Coumadin, eat balanced healthy meals that includes food items from all food groups. Your doctor may advise you to limit consumption of foods that contain high amounts of vitamin K because they can make Coumadin less effective in decreasing blood clots. You can include some foods that contain vitamin K in your diet, but you must be consistent in the amount you consume every day. Consult your doctor before you regularly include foods that are rich in vitamin K in your diet. Examples of foods that contain high amounts of vitamin K include green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach and cabbage, beef liver, milk, and vegetables oils such as canola and soybean.
Drinks
The doctor may also advise you to avoid or drink small amounts of cranberry juice because it can increase the therapeutic effects of Coumadin, which can lead to internal bleeding. You should also limit consumption of cranberries and cranberry herbal products. Avoid alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine, because they can increase the risk for stomach bleeding.
Effects
When you take Coumadin, you may experience side effects such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, increased intestinal gas, bloating, weakness, fatigue, changes in the way things taste and hair loss, according to Drugs.com. Contact your doctor if these symptoms get worse or do not go away. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden or severe headache, fever, chills, or unusual bleeding from nose, mouth or rectum.
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