December 2007 Vol. 26. No. 12

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Senior Friends
HSRC launches community-based initiative to improve Alzheimer’s care
Alzheimer's: Food and the person with dementia
Around the Center: Holiday foods can conflict with medications
Foster Grandparents: Make a difference in the lives of children

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Around the Center
Holiday foods can conflict with medications
by Danna Bates

The holidays are fast approaching, and that means we will all be tempted by many wonderful foods and in larger than normal quantities. Most of us know that eating too much of a good thing can be bad, but did you know that some of the foods you eat can cause problems with medications that you may be taking? I learned this lesson the hard way.

When I was younger I took a drug called theophylline for my asthma. I was in school and drinking a great deal of caffeine to stay awake cramming for finals. I ended up in the hospital with heart palpitations — all caused by the interaction of the medication and what I was eating and drinking.

Eating certain food while taking medicine can change a drug’s effectiveness by causing you to get more or less of the drugs you are taking. After you take your medication (pill or liquid) the absorption begins. Even though most medications are taken by mouth and go to your stomach, they are not absorbed there. The medication is in your stomach with whatever else you have eaten.

The medications travel into the small intestine, where they are broken down by enzymes. This way the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine and taken to the liver. It then is processed by the enzymes and then the drug’s effects begin. Any remains of the drug are eliminated through urine or by the liver.

How do you know what foods do not mix with your medications? Check your prescription bottle, but the best way is to ask your pharmacist. They are by far your best resource and are very willing to help you.

Let me give you a few examples of foods that can cause some interactions with medications. People taking blood thinner medications need to avoid large servings of leafy green vegetables rich in vitamin K. Eating onions and garlic can also decrease the effectiveness of blood thinners. The danger comes when you significantly change or increase the amounts of these foods you ingest, and during the holidays we seem to increase everything.

Most of you know that milk can decrease the effect of some antibiotics, but did you know that highly acidic foods such as tomatoes or fruit juice can increase the acid production in the stomach and decrease the effectiveness of the medication? If you are taking a diuretic you should be careful not to eat licorice or use a lot of salt. That can cause your body to lose potassium and magnesium.

My friend’s father was taking a medication for Parkinson’s and had a problem with the new high-protein diet he suddenly went on. It took several weeks, but his diet was decreasing the effectiveness of the drug that had been treating his disease.

The best suggestion I can give you this holiday season is use moderation when you are eating out. Always ask what is in something if you are not sure — especially if you have food allergies — and always take the time to have a consultation with your pharmacist.

Spend the extra time to find out the best way to take your medications, what foods you should or should not eat, and if you should take with meals or empty stomach. After all, your doctor thinks you need this medication and wants you to get its full benefits.

Happy holidays to everyone.

Danna Bates is director of the McKinleyville Senior Center. Her e-mail is dbates@humboldt1.com. Please note that the McKinleyville Senior Center will be closed the entire week of Christmas and New Year’s Eve.