A new study suggests that -- despite doctor warnings to the contrary -- you can eat leafy greens rich in vitamin K if you are taking the blood thinner warfarin. .
Warfarin diet: What foods should I avoid?
Warfarin is a blood-thinning medication that helps treat and prevent blood clots.However, certain foods and beverages can make warfarin less effective in preventing blood clots.The adequate intake level of vitamin K for adult men is 120 micrograms (mcg).Certain drinks can increase the effect of warfarin, leading to bleeding problems.Avoid or consume only small amounts of these drinks when taking warfarin:.Talk to your doctor before making any major changes in your diet and before starting any over-the-counter medications, vitamins or herbal supplements.If you are unable to eat for several days or have ongoing stomach upset, diarrhea or fever, consult your doctor. .
Leafy Greens and Coumadin: What You Need to Know
The organization’s mission is to guide people to good health and happier lives by rediscovering and embracing the healthy, sustainable joys of the “old ways” of shared cultural traditions.If you’re taking any medications (especially blood thinning drugs like Warfarin, commonly sold as Coumadin or Jantoven), it’s important to talk with your doctor to determine an appropriate amount of green vegetables for you.This means that eating foods rich in vitamin K (primarily found in leafy green vegetables) can interact with blood thinning drugs, making them less effective.By embracing the tenets of brain healthy cooking, and by keeping open lines of communication with your medical team, we hope you will see changes that allow you to be a happier, healthier you. .
Don't Eat These Foods If You Take Blood Thinners or Statins
If you take medicine for your heart, doctors recommend staying away from some foods because of the risk of interaction.Foods high in vitamin K can counteract the blood-thinning effects of warfarin (Coumadin®).You should also enjoy green tea, alcohol and cranberry juice in moderation.Grapefruit and other citrus fruits can interfere with how your body metabolizes these medications. .
Can you eat green fruits and vegetables when on blood thinners
Leafy vegetables (e.g. kale, collards, turnip greens, swiss chard, salad greens, parsley, spinach) are the highest sources of vitamin K.
Other vegetables, egg yolk, soybeans, soybean and canola oils, and some nuts also provide vitamin K at lower levels. .
Blood Thinners and Greens: A Mix to Avoid? How to Eat Well for
The INR is a test used by doctors and pharmacists to check the effectiveness of blood thinning medication (Coumadin/warfarin) and to adapt the dosage.For your information, here are a few examples of natural products that could influence your INR more than eating green vegetables:.Those which increase INR values: Boldo and fenugreek Cranberry juice (in large quantities) Danshen Devil’s Claw Dong Quai Garlic capsules Ginger Ginko biloba Mayweed Papain Vitamin E (in doses larger than 400 units/day).Those which reduce INR values: Coenzyme Q10 Ginseng Green tea (in large quantities) St. John’s Wort.Two main reasons can explain why reducing your intake of green vegetables is not necessary, even if you’re going through anticoagulation therapy.For these reasons, we recommend an intake of 1 to 2 portions of green vegetables each day, even for those taking Coumadin.Note: if you are a fan of Asian cuisine and regularly eat natto (a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soya beans), it would be a good idea to avoid it, because it contains a large quantity of Vitamin K (much higher than what is commonly found in vegetables), which can influence your INR.High Content Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, spinach, kale, turnips Average Content Asparagus, avocado, broccoli, carrots, celery, cauliflower, red cabbage, cucumber, watercress, green beans, oils (canola, olive, soya), lettuce (Boston, Iceberg, romaine), fresh parsley, leek, green peas, tomato.So, in answer to the original question, no, it isn’t necessary to avoid green vegetables because the Vitamin K they contain enables a better control of both coagulation and medication.Our heart-healthy menus are approved by the nutritionists at EPIC, Montreal Heart Institute’s Center for Preventative Medicine, even for their anticoagulation therapy patients.
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Warfarin, your diet, and vitamin K foods
Some foods you eat affect the way warfarin works in your body.It is most important to eat a healthy, consistent, and balanced diet.Eat about the same amount of foods high in vitamin K each day.Contact your provider if there are sudden or big changes in your diet due to illness.Foods with vitamin K that could affect warfarin are listed on the next 2 pages.Tables were adapted from the USDA National Nutrient database for Standard Reference. .
