Foods that should not be eaten with medicine

Cold medicine, painkillers + chocolate

Cold medicines and pain relievers already contain caffeine. Therefore, consuming them together with foods high in caffeine, such as chocolate, coffee, cola, or energy drinks, can lead to an excess of caffeine in the body, resulting in caffeine overdose effects. Side effects such as vomiting, nausea, insomnia, and palpitations may occur, so it is best not to consume these foods or drinks when taking medication or before and after taking it.

 

Anemia medication, vitamins + green tea

The tannin component mainly found in green tea has excellent antioxidant properties, but it is actually counterproductive when taken with anemia medication or vitamins. Anemia medications contain a lot of iron, and the tannin in green tea or leaf tea oxidizes the iron, preventing its absorption in the body, which leads to it being excreted directly and reduces the medication's effectiveness. To see the effects of anemia medication or vitamins, you should drink plain water instead of green tea.

 

High blood pressure medication + banana

Bananas themselves are good for people with high blood pressure, but the story changes if you are taking medication for hypertension. Hypertension medications contain ingredients that inhibit potassium excretion. However, consuming foods high in potassium, such as bananas, can significantly increase potassium levels in the body, leading to muscle weakness, increased heart rate, muscle pain, chills, vomiting, or diarrhea. Therefore, it is recommended to consume them with a time gap of about 2 to 24 hours.

 

Sleeping pills + alcohol

People suffering from insomnia often turn to sleeping pills or alcohol. If these two are taken together, the worst-case scenario must be considered. The combination of sleeping pills and alcohol suppresses the central nervous system, which can lead to respiratory paralysis, so they should be taken at least 8 hours apart. Additionally, long-term use of sleeping pills can lead to dependency, so it is advisable to undergo proper sleep disorder testing and treatment.

 

Antidepressant + cheese

When taking MAO inhibitors used for depression treatment, it is advisable not to consume foods such as cheese, smoked salmon, ham, and bluefish. These foods contain a substance called tyramine, which stimulates the release of adrenaline, causing excitement and irritating nerves and blood vessels. In simple terms, antidepressants inhibit the breakdown of tyramine, and cheese increases the amount of tyramine, leading to a conflict within the body. In such cases, symptoms like headaches, allergies, or acute hypertension may occur.

 

Laxatives, antibiotics + milk

Laxatives and antibiotics are usually coated on the outside to prevent their effectiveness from diminishing as they pass through the large intestine. However, alkaline milk can damage this protective coating, causing it to dissolve in the stomach and reduce its effectiveness. If the stomach is overburdened, it can cause stomach cramps. Therefore, when taking laxatives or antibiotics, not only should you be cautious with milk, but also with dairy products such as yogurt and cheese.