Not all foods can be consumed together with medications. Certain combinations can reduce the effectiveness of the medication or even cause harmful side effects. Many people often take medicine with food to mask the bitter taste. However, did you know that some foods should not be consumed with certain medications?

Foods to Avoid When Taking Medication

Here are some food and medication combinations you should avoid to maintain your health:

1. High-Fiber Foods with Levothyroxine or Digoxin

High-fiber foods can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine, which is used to treat thyroid issues, and digoxin, which is used to treat heart failure. It’s best to leave a gap of

about two hours before or after consuming high-fiber foods when taking these medications.

2. Licorice Candy with Hypertension Medication

Licorice candy contains glycyrrhizin, which can reduce the effectiveness of hypertension medications. This combination can increase the risk of arrhythmia or irregular heartbeats.

3. Green Vegetables with Warfarin

Green vegetables like spinach and kale, which are rich in vitamin K, can reduce the effectiveness of warfarin, a blood-thinning medication. Excessive consumption of vitamin K can

make the blood thinner less effective.

4. Potassium-Rich Foods with Hypertension Medication

Potassium-rich foods like bananas and avocados, when consumed with ACE inhibitors, can lead to arrhythmias or irregular heart rhythms.

5. Dairy Products with Tetracycline and Ciprofloxacin Antibiotics

Calcium in dairy products can reduce the effectiveness of tetracycline and ciprofloxacin antibiotics. It’s best to avoid dairy products at least an hour before or two hours after

taking these antibiotics.

6. High-Protein Foods with Dopamine

High-protein foods can hinder the performance of dopamine, a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease. It’s advisable to avoid high-protein intake while on this medication.

7. Alcohol with Various Medications

Alcohol can interact with various medications, such as warfarin, diabetes medications, sedatives, and pain relievers, worsening side effects or reducing the effectiveness of these drugs.