Aspirin, also called acetylsalicylic acid, is used to treat short-term discomfort and long-term disease. An analgesic, aspirin can reduce dull tissue pain and relieve headaches, while long-term use of aspirin can help thin your blood and reduce the risk of blood clots. However, aspirin can interact with a number of compounds in your system, including some of the foods that might make up a part of your diet.
Caffeine-Containing Foods
Foods that contain caffeine can potentially interact with aspirin. The mix of caffeine with aspirin can have a beneficial effect on your ability to perform mental accuity -- individuals who consumed caffeine and aspirin together report increased alertness and vigilance, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Coffee or coffee beans, tea, dark chocolate and some sodas all provide a source of caffeine.
Alcohol-Containing Foods
Beverages made with alcohol can also interact with aspirin, and this interaction might pose a health risk. Aspirin in your body is processed by your liver -- enzymes within your liver metabolize the drug, allowing it to pass from your body hours after you take a dosage. Alcohol also undergoes chemical changes in your liver so that the toxin can be cleared from your body. Taking aspirin and alcohol together can strain your liver, since it may not effectively process both chemicals at the same time. Chronic alcohol consumption when taking aspirin can eventually lead to liver damage, according to the Colorado State University website.
Milk
In some cases, interactions between food and aspirin can help relieve aspirin's side effects. Individuals who suffer from an upset stomach after taking a dose of aspirin can benefit from taking the drug with milk. Aspirin can negatively affect the cells that line your stomach, breaking down the protective layer that protects your cells from stomach acid, leading to pain and an increased risk of stomach ulcers due to acid damage. Milk helps to neutralize the levels of acid in your stomach as it digests, helping to reduce these unpleasant effects.
Considerations
In addition to interactions with specific foods, aspirin interacts with a number of compounds, including chemicals found in medications or dietary supplements. For example, vitamin K supplements can affect the thickness of your blood, potentially negating the anticoagulant effects of aspirin. If you regularly take aspirin, seek medical attention to learn how your specific supplements or medications might affect aspirin to help avoid an interaction that might harm your health.
References
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology: The Effects of Caffeine and Aspirin on Mood and Performance
- Colorado State University: Nutrient-Drug Interactions and Food
- VIMO: Bayer Aspirin (Aspirin (oral))
- ScienceDaily: Aspirin, Acid Blocker A Day Keeps GI Bleeding At Bay
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin K
