Fruits To Avoid When Drinking Medicine

JAKARTA - Fruits are known as sources of nutrition that are rich in benefits, but not all fruits can be consumed carelessly, especially when in certain medicines.

Some fruits can affect the work of drugs in the body, either by inhibiting absorption or causing dangerous reactions.

A British doctor, Dr. Xand van Tulleken, warned about the dangers of interaction between certain foods and drugs. In BBC's Morning Live event, he highlighted particularly Balinese oranges that can affect the effectiveness of various types of drugs.

Bali oranges are known to contain compounds that can inhibit enzymes that are responsible for breaking drugs in the body. As a result, drug levels in the blood can increase drastically, potentially cause serious side effects. Even in small amounts, such as half a glass of Balinese juice, can affect the metabolic process of drugs for several days.

According to Dr. Tulleken, people who regularly take drugs such as statin (lowing cholesterol), blood pressure drugs, immunosuppressants, and psychiatric drugs must avoid consuming Balinese oranges. He advised patients to always consult a doctor or pharmacist before eating the fruit during treatment.

"If you eat Balinese oranges and take medication regularly, you must always be vigilant and know what happens because Balinese oranges can be dangerous," said Dr. Tulleken as quoted by ANTARA.

In addition to Balinese oranges, foods rich in vitamin K, such as green leafy vegetables, avocado, and egg yolk, can also affect certain drug effects. Vitamin K plays an important role in the blood clotting process, but can reduce the effectiveness of blood dilution drugs.

Therefore, Dr. Tulleken suggested that consumption of vitamin K foods be carried out in a balanced and regular manner, not completely avoided.

Awareness of the interaction between foods, especially fruits, and drugs is essential to prevent unwanted side effects.

Consulting with medical personnel before eating certain foods during the treatment period is the best step to maintain the health and safety of the therapy under way.