Food/drink/drug interactions, Part two
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Coffee, tea, Coca-Cola and similar caffeine-based beverages can in combination with neuroleptic drugs (antipsychotics) block effect and absorption of the drug. The less known interaction of these beverages is with drugs for asthma and bronchitis.
We may talk again and again about the killing combination of drugs and alcohol and people will still think that cannot happen to them. Medicine practice showed that every time when liver failure occurs suddenly it is because alcohol/drug interactions. Alcohol connects very easily with the antidepresive chemical structure causing fatally substance that liver simply cannot detoxicate. And just one more thing about alcohol and drug interactions: drinking alcohol while on diabetes therapy may lead to deathly hypoglycaemia.
Some drugs may reinforce food degradation. A large number of drugs affect the appetite and if they are taken during a long period that can be the cause of undernourishment or higher body weight. The culprits of higher body weight are usually drugs for allergic reactions, drugs against depression and anti-inflammatory drugs. Corticosteroids which have very broad use can also cause higher body weight. Persons who use corticosteroids should take the food rich with proteins, vitamin D and calcium.
Vitamins and minerals, that harmless supplements, can glue with some drugs causing unusual body reactions: skin rush, diarrhea or constipation, hard breathing, weakness or vomiting. There are almost no vitamins that don't interfere with some drug. It is proved by scientific researches that drugs that can be bought in pharmacy without a prescription in a great measure decrease the level of vitamin A in our body.
So, the drugs that are supposed to abate an illness, actually extend it. Scientific researches also proved that reduced levels of A, B and C group of vitamins in people of older ages is closely connected with food/drink/drug interactions. People who use anticoagulants, drugs that affect the process of blood coagulation, should avoid eating dark green coloured vegetables, for they are rich with vitamin K that inhibits drugs work. So, slow down with spinach, cabbage, beans, parsley and fish.
Long use of Aspirin cause bleeding in digestion system and that can decrease the level of iron in your organism causing milder or heavier type of anaemia.
Ask your doctor for advice what to eat and drink and what to avoid while you are using the therapy. ■