Blood-thinning medications are prescribed to help prevent clots, especially for those who are more susceptible to heart attacks, strokes, and pulmonary embolism, but some healthy foods, including certain vegetables, may hinder the medications' effectiveness.
The blood-thinning medications include rivaroxaban, apixaban, and warfarin. They work by preventing the clotting process, but when these medications are prescribed, patients are advised against consuming common vegetables as reported by Dr. Chris Steel, in a report for "Surrey Life".
Among these warnings, Steel pointed out the following: "Leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin K, which aids in clotting. Warfarin is used to prevent the production of vitamin K, so consuming large amounts of leafy vegetables suddenly will affect the effectiveness of the medication."
Foods rich in vitamin K
These also include leafy vegetables, egg yolks, chickpeas, and lentils.
These foods should not be completely excluded from the diet, but it is important to consume consistent and regular amounts of them.
The doctor added: "Also avoid consuming large amounts of cranberry juice or products during the use of anticoagulants, as it may alter the effect of warfarin medication, and reduce the intake of garlic and ginger as they may increase the risk of bleeding."
