Garlic is one, as it thins the blood.
Warfarin (Coumadin) is a drug utilized to thin your blood to prevent clotting for several reasons, one of of which is to prevent you from getting a blood clot which could cause a heart attack or stroke. The main dietary concern related to taking warfarin has to do with the amount of vitamin K in your diet. Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting. Warfarin works to reduce clotting by diminishing the activity of vitamin K. Eating large amounts of vitamin K can counteract the benefits of warfarin.
Thus, try to avoid the following foods or eat the same amount of these foods on the same day of the week and inform your doctor of this so that your warfarin (coumadin) dose can be adjusted appropriately to maintain a therapeutic level (i.e. do the job it is intended to do):
* Kale * Spinach * Turnip greens * Collards * Swiss chard * Parsley * Mustard greens A few other lifestyle changes should also be noted, as follows:
* Avoid eating cranberries, drinking cranberry juice, or taking cranberry herbal products * Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of this medication * Avoid smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco. Tobacco can alter the effects of Coumadin and can cause problems with your therapy.
Finally, be aware of drug interactions, such as those listed below:
Do not take aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) unless your doctor has told you to. NSAIDs include celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), indomethacin, naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.These medicines can affect blood clotting and may cause serious bleeding in your stomach or intestines.
In summary, you should work closely with your doctor and discuss with him/her your diet and any additional medications or herbal products you are taking so that your medication dose can be adjusted accordingly.
Foods to avoid eating while you are taking warfarin are those that are high in Vitamin K. Figs are not on the list, however, so you're fine with those.Foods to avoid eating in large amounts include:Kale.Spinach.Brussels sprouts.Parsley.Collard greens.Mustard greens.Chard.Green tea.
You should try to avoid sweet foods such as chocolate
Avoid taking in so much fatty foods and dairy products.
The recommendation is to eat a balanced diet from day to day. Eating foods high in Vit K, like sauerkraut, can increase the effect of Warfarin, thus causing an increase in bleeding which could potentially cause hemorrhage. Common places of hemorrhage that could be lethal are in your brain and stomach. The above statement is false, and needs to be removed! Foods high in vitamin K, like sauerkraut, can REDUCE the effect of Warfarin, thus increasing the risk of blood clots and a lower INR. Very few foods INCREASE the effect of Warfarin. Anyone on Warfarin (I have been for years) needs to be aware that the answer above is completely false! Foods high in vitamin K will reduce the effect of Warfarin!
Grapefruit juice
Yes you can eat olives while taking warfarin. However it is important to be aware of the sodium content of your food when taking warfarin as it can have an effect on the bloods ability to clot. Olives are high in sodium so it is important to consider the amount of olives you are eating and to monitor your blood clotting levels regularly. It is also important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before making any changes to your diet while taking warfarin.When consuming olives while taking warfarin it is important to consider the following: Monitor your blood clotting levels regularly. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before altering your diet. Be aware of the sodium content in olives.By following these steps you can safely eat olives while taking warfarin.
Foods to avoid are flour and dairy. One can avoid these foods by preparing in advance and taking lunch such as fruit with them. Most fast foods contains flour, dairy and salt. If you make an effort to avoid these three foods you will also avoid fast food easily.
Yes, potassium can affect warfarin levels. High intake of potassium can increase the effects of warfarin, potentially leading to an increased risk of bleeding. It is important to maintain consistent dietary habits and monitor potassium levels while taking warfarin. Consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended for personalized guidance.
sharonm@omcan.com
WARFARIN is an anticoagulant and you should avoid green leafy vegetables rich in vitamin K. Also many medications can effect warfarin and cause bleeding, namely aspirin and other OTC meds. Check with your Dr. and/or pharmacist, as warfarin is nothing to play around with.
What foods help lower INR if a person is on Warfarin
When you take warfarin, it is best taken on an empty stomach to speed up the absorption rate. Foods high in vitamin K can counteract the effects of warfarin. Foods that are high in vitamin K include: spinach and green leafy vegetables, broccoli, and cauliflower.