Anticoagulant drugs inhibit the body's ability to clot blood, or coagulate. They prevent new clots from forming, and prevent current clots from getting bigger. Blood clots can have serious consequences, including heart attack and stroke.
According to the American Heart Association, Coumadin is one of the most commonly prescribed anticoagulants. It is important to know which foods can interact with Coumadin, leading to potentially dangerous blood conditions.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is an important component in the very complicated process of blood clotting. Whereas Coumadin is used to inhibit the process of blood clotting in the body, vitamin K works to increase blood clotting. Consuming excessive amounts of vitamin K can interfere with the drug's effectiveness and may result in the formation of dangerous clots. Knowing which foods and beverages are high in vitamin K and avoiding them can help prevent potentially harmful food and drug interactions.
Balanced Diet
You should eat a healthy and balanced diet when taking Coumadin. The Food and Drug Association (FDA) recommends Coumadin users not make any diet changes without talking to a doctor or Registered Dietitian first. Now is not the time for attempting a weight loss diet, and in fact quick weight loss should be avoided. Maintain a consistent intake of low to moderate vitamin K foods.
Vitamin K Foods
Vitamin K is found in a variety of foods including leafy green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli, some vegetable oils like canola and soybean, as well as garlic and black licorice. Consuming too much of these foods, according to the Mayo Clinic, can affect how your blood clots. However, it is not necessary to eliminate all vitamin K foods completely. Consistency is important--if you normally consume a salad for lunch, keep eating a salad for lunch.
Beverages to Avoid
Although there are many foods high in vitamin K, it is generally difficult to over-consume these foods on a daily basis. Beverages, however, can quickly lead to potential interactions with Coumadin.
Alcohol, green tea and cranberry juice can all interact with Coumadin and cause potentially dangerous bleeding. The FDA recommends avoiding these beverages when taking Coumadin.
Supplements
In addition to foods, there are many over-the-counter herbal supplements that can have dangerous side effects when taken with Coumadin. The Mayo Clinic lists the following supplements as having the potential to interact with Coumadin: fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, alfalfa, bromelains, coenzyme Q10, cranberry extracts, danshen, Dong quai, evening primrose oil, garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, glucosamine, St. John's wort, willow bark and wintergreen.
Always talk to a doctor, pharmacist or nurse concerning any questions regarding medications, foods and supplements.
