Foods Not To Eat When On Blood Thinner Medications

After a heart attack or a stroke, doctors sometimes, prescribe blood thinner drugs. The sole purpose of these drugs is to prevent blood clots. However, there are two types of blood thinners which is anti-platelet drugs and anticoagulants.

Anti-platelets keep blood cells from sticking together and Anticoagulants keep proteins in the blood from forming clots. When you consume any of these drugs, it is important to eat the right foods which don't hider or interact with the medications. There are certain food one should not eat when on blood thinners as it can be less effective in preventing blood clots.

16 FOODS THAT THIN BLOOD

Health experts state, "One nutrient that can lessen blood thinner's effectiveness is vitamin K". The adequate intake level of vitamin K for adult men is 120 micrograms (mcg). For adult women, it's 90 mcg.

Here are some of the foods not to eat when on blood thinners, take a look and simply avoid them:

Green Tea

Though green tea is healthy for some, it is not an healthy option for those who are on blood thinners. Green tea contains vitamin K which when consumed post medications can lower the effectiveness of the tablet and thus, cause blood clots.

Cranberry Juice

Cranberries and cranberry juice is another food to avoid when on blood thinners. This food thins the blood at a higher rate, which could lead to internal bleeding.

Alcohol

You should never mix alcohol and medications together. When you do mix, the effect of the tablet decreases and thus, has no effect on your health.

Omega Fatty Foods

One of the foods to avoid when on blood thinners is omega fatty ones. Omega-3 fatty acids has the ability to increase the risk of bleeding. Avoid - pumpkin seeds, soybeans, walnuts.

Leafy Vegetables

Vitamin K is richly present in leafy vegetables. Though the liver needs vitamin K to produce blood-clotting proteins, the blood thinner medications become ineffective when these foods are consumed.

Organ Meat

Never consume too much of organ meat when you're on blood thinners. Organ meat like chicken liver will produce a higher amount of vitamin K when cooked.

Herbs

Many herbs used as supplements or as flavorings in food can increase or decrease the action of blood-thinning drugs. Large portions of garlic, ginger and turmeric are not good when on these medications.