Many people ask their doctor about potential side effects and interactions with other treatments when prescribed a remedy. However, it’s important to note that some common vegetables, fruits, snacks, and beverages can affect the body’s metabolism and absorption of nutrients. This can affect the effectiveness of treatment and may also lead to certain side effects that can be dangerous. This article discusses 9 foods to avoid while undergoing treatment. Read on to learn more.

Grapefruit
Rich in vitamin C, grapefruit is often recommended for a faster recovery. However, it can interfere with certain treatments. For instance, it is recommended to avoid grapefruit while undergoing treatments for high cholesterol, heartburn, high blood pressure, cough, or thyroid disease. This is because grapefruit can increase the absorption rate of certain prescriptions, leading to an increased risk of liver damage. Furthermore, it causes muscle breakdown.

Dairy products
Milk, yogurt, and other dairy products are rich in calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients. While it is suggested to have dairy every day, it is not recommended for those undergoing treatments for any internal infection. Consuming dairy products while undergoing treatment for infections can make the treatment ineffective. The calcium in these foods causes interference and prevents the treatment from combating the infection.

Green and leafy vegetables
There are very few foods as healthy as green leafy vegetables. They are a powerhouse of all the good vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. So it is always recommended to add leafy veggies to daily meals. However, there are certain exceptions when one is prescribed blood thinners. A high percentage of vitamin K in these veggies prevents the blood thinners from managing blood clots, thus making the treatment fail. In this case, it is best to completely avoid green leafy vegetables or have them in moderation.

Aged cheese
Aged cheese contains tyramine. It is a type of amino acid that can alleviate blood pressure when present at higher levels in the bloodstream. Certain prescriptions, such as those for depression and Parkinson’s disease, prevent the breakdown of tyramine. This increases the risk of high blood pressure and other associated health problems. Other foods that contain tyramine include processed meats, chocolate, and soy products. All these foods should be avoided while undergoing treatments for Parkinson’s and depression.

Fruit juice
Fruit juices are usually not recommended due to the high sugar content. Moreover, some fruit juices are best avoided when undergoing specific treatments. For example, apple juice and orange juice should not be consumed when a person is undergoing treatment for hypertension. Similarly, treatments for seasonal allergies become ineffective when any acidic juice is consumed. This is why apple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and even grapefruit juice should be avoided at such times.

Licorice
It is best to avoid licorice if a person is undergoing treatments for low potassium levels, heart failure, and arrhythmia. Licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin and a high amount of sugar. While glycyrrhizin will further lower potassium levels in the body, the excess sugar intake will also cause adverse reactions due to the treatment. So keep away from licorice tea, candy, and supplements.

Bananas
Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, which is essential for good health. However, if you are receiving treatment for high blood pressure or heart problems, it’s recommended that you avoid consuming foods that are high in potassium. These treatments can cause one’s body to retain excess potassium, disrupting the heart’s rhythm.

Fiber-rich foods
Eating high-fiber foods, such as walnuts, legumes, beans, etc., can make prescribed treatments for underactive thyroid glands less effective. Also, fiber-rich foods should be avoided while taking prescriptions for heart-related problems and high blood pressure disorders. Consult a doctor to know whether it is safe to eat high-fiber foods a couple of hours before or after taking the prescriptions.

Fortified foods
While it is healthy to add fortified foods to one’s meal plan, they can make certain treatment options ineffective. Most fortified foods such as breakfast cereals, bread, eggs, fruit juice, soy milk, yogurt, and other milk alternatives are often suggested to add extra nutrients to everyday meals. However, the additional vitamins and minerals added to these foods, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc, can counteract the effects of certain treatments. For instance, if undergoing treatment for any infection, it is recommended to avoid having calcium-fortified orange juice or a super-fortified energy bar or smoothie.