Khaberni - Dr. Maria Kosteliova indicates that taking medications with certain foods and drinks directly impacts their effectiveness and reduces their therapeutic effect.
She says: "It is preferable to take medication pills with water, as tea and coffee may affect the effectiveness of some medications, due to these drinks containing tannins, which are binding materials., can bind with some medications, such as those containing iron, reducing their effectiveness. Therefore, it is best to delay taking medications for at least 1-2 hours after drinking coffee or tea in the morning."
It is also necessary to avoid taking antibiotics with dairy products, as they hinder the absorption of medications and form insoluble compounds. Magnesium and iron supplements may have a similar effect. Moreover, it is not advisable to take vitamin C with birth control pills.
She says: "This happens because vitamin C competes with the hormone estradiol at the level of receptors in the intestines, which increases its concentration."
Kosteliova urges separating the intake of antibiotics and medications that reduce stomach acidity, indicating that this will reduce the effectiveness of the medications.
She says: "Substances found in plant foods, such as grapefruit juice, may slow down the conversion process of many medications into metabolic products in the liver. This leads to an increased level of some medications, such as statins, which may cause undesirable side effects."
She also emphasized the importance of avoiding foods rich in vitamin K (leafy vegetables) when taking medications that affect blood clotting because it reduces the effectiveness of the medications and increases the risk of blood clotting.
She says: "When taking antidepressants, it is necessary to avoid foods such as aged cheeses, smoked meats, and fermented foods, as they may lead to high blood pressure and headaches."
From his side, Dr. Alexei Panov points out that taking medications with carbonated beverages or other non-alcoholic beverages may affect their effectiveness, and could even cause side effects. For example, sweetened carbonated drinks contain carbon dioxide, sucrose, fructose, flavorings, and food acids, which temporarily alter stomach pH, and could produce gas quickly, as well as accelerate or delay the dissolution of the medication capsule's coating.
