Blood thinners: Eat fewer foods with vitamin K Foods high in vitamin K can counteract the blood-thinning effects of warfarin (Coumadin®). Eat these foods in moderation: Asparagus. Broccoli.
Dense with nutrients, broccoli is a healthy addition to any balanced diet. However, if you have a condition that requires you to take blood-thinning medication, you might want to be cautious. Broccoli doesn't thin your blood, but the vitamin K in broccoli can inhibit your anticoagulant medication.
Turnip greens – These vegetables are over 100% of a person's daily Vitamin K intake. Beet greens – beet greens as a very good source of iron, providing 15% of the daily recommended amount in a 1-cup serving. These greens contain 3X times the amount of Vitamin K. Too much for people who are taking blood thinners.
Common foods high in Vitamin K include kale, spinach, and broccoli. It's also found in salad dressing and mayonnaise. It's OK to eat foods high in vitamin K while taking warfarin.
Broccoli, kale, spinach, cabbage, collards.
These nutrient-rich vegies are high in Vitamin K. This vitamin supports blood clotting. It's essential to stopping the flow of blood when we get cut. Some blood-thinning drugs, particularly warfarin, block vitamin K's clotting action.
“Fatty food we eat, like burgers, deep-fried food, red meat, or a high cholesterol diet, is pro-inflammation,” he says. “It creates an inflammatory process in the body and this process can be an added risk for patients who develop blood clots.”
Avocado has been reported to decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin). Decreasing the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin) might increase the risk of clotting. It is unclear why this interaction might occur. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly.
Don't take over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or supplements unless you check with your doctor first. Your blood thinner may not work right with them. For example, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can make you bleed more. Even common products like Pepto-Bismol can cause bleeding.
However, for some individuals on the medication Coumadin, eating salads can be worrisome because many lettuces and trendy greens are rich in vitamin K, which can interfere with this medication. Coumadin is prescribed to reduce the risk of forming blood clots.
People who are using blood thinners should not suddenly start eating a lot of cauliflower because the high levels of vitamin K could react adversely with the drugs.
Jayne Hurley, senior nutritionist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, reminds us that people on blood thinners don't need to avoid greens, they need to avoid big swings in the amount of greens -- and vitamin K -- they have from one day to the next. That's what could cause a problem.
Healthy Choices
Some of the healthiest foods that you can eat, including foods like broccoli and spinach, are high in vitamin K. You might read or be told that you need to be aware of your vitamin K intake, because vitamin K can interfere with how warfarin works or make it less effective.
As broccoli is rich in Potassium that causes lowering of blood pressure, an excess consumption can result in hypotension. An excess broccoli consumption can also increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Patient on blood thinners can have increased risk of bleeding due to the presence of Vitamin K in broccoli.
Blood-thinning medications: Garlic may make the actions of blood-thinning medications including warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and aspirin stronger, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Broccoli might increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking broccoli along with some medications that are changed by the liver might decrease the effects and side effects of some medications.
Aside from bleeding-related issues, there are several side effects that have been linked to blood thinners, such as nausea and low counts of cells in your blood. Low blood cell count can cause fatigue, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath. Be careful mixing medications.
Honey might slow blood clotting. In theory, taking honey along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
A new study published in November 2022 in Annals of Internal Medicine found apibaxan to be the safest blood thinner among DOACs, including dabigatran, edoxaban and rivaroxaban. Apibaxan was associated with the lowest risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Bananas are high in potassium which is not good for certain medications. Try not to eat bananas or oranges if you take ACE inhibitors such as captopril, enalapril and fosinopril among others. ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure and treat heart failure by opening up blood vessels, so blood flows more efficiently.
The coumarins are the enzymes of concern for patients taking warfarin,” she explains, since it may increase your risk of bleeding. Additionally, she says that celery's vitamin K content makes it a concern for people taking blood thinners because it's the nutrient that helps your blood clot.
Bromelain may affect the blood's ability to clot. When taken with blood thinners, it could raise the risk of bleeding.
Because you are taking a blood thinner, you should try not to hurt yourself and cause bleeding. You need to be careful when you use knives, scissors, razors, or any sharp object that can make you bleed. You also need to avoid activities and sports that could cause injury. Swimming and walking are safe activities.
Foods rich in vitamin E, such as almonds, avocado, and spinach, can help dissolve blood clots. Vitamin E has anticoagulant properties and can help prevent blood clots from forming. It is recommended to consume foods rich in vitamin E regularly.