12 combinations of drugs with certain foods have a weaker or stronger effect
Some people say that certain medications are not effective, but you should know that some type of food reduces (or intensifies or causes side effects) the effect of medications. Vitamins and minerals in tablets or foods also interact with medications and can cause side effects. Medications therefore affect the absorption of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Excessive use of laxatives (drugs that stimulate bowel movements) speeds up the flow of food through the digestive organs and reduces the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K. Tablets to protect against unwanted pregnancy reduce folic acid and vitamin B6, so it is recommended to eat more green vegetables and foods with vitamin B6. Certain medications (steroids, thyroid hormones, antihistamines, and psychoactive medications) stimulate appetite. The interaction of drugs and food depends in part on the health of the patient and the age of the person. Elderly people (who have more diseases) should pay attention to their food choices because they have reduced liver and kidney function (which is why drugs are broken down and excreted more slowly). So read the instructions from the medication and watch your diet to avoid side effects.

1. Milk antibiotics (especially tetracyclines) should be taken with water and not with milk and yogurt (because calcium from milk and yogurt blocks the absorption of these drugs and thus their action). These medications should be taken on an empty stomach or 2 hours after a meal. Antibiotics should not be combined with foods that contain iron (spinach, bananas, liver, lettuce) or with iron supplements. Milk and dairy products reduce the absorption of corticosteroids (certain heart medicines) but also other medicines.
2. Plant fibers – plant fibers (from weeds, peas, beans, kale or in the form of dietary products) slow down the resorption of drugs, reducing the effect of drugs, especially drugs for heart disease.
3. Fatty foods slow down the emptying of the stomach, so the drug is exposed to gastric acid for a longer time, it is broken down faster and therefore has a cardinal effect.
4. Cheese- Depressed people who use drugs from the group of inhibitors (drugs that prevent the breakdown of the amino acid tyramine such as auromid and aurorix) should not eat cheese that is rich in it. In contrast, an excess of this amino acid can increase blood pressure and cause the heart to beat faster. Bananas also contain tyrant but can be taken in small amounts with this medicine.
5. Insides – contain vitamin B12, so they can reduce the effects of insomnia and depression and pain medications.
6. Vegetables – people who use anticoagulants should not eat cabbage salad, cabbage or spinach dishes, liver and other offal because this type of food contains vitamin K (which increases coagulation and thus cancels the effect of drugs). Vitamin E has a similar effect and should not be taken with drugs that are against blood clotting because it increases the risk of clots (and thus stroke and heart attack).
7. Grapefruit-drugs from the group of calcium channel inhibitors given to people with heart disease and sedation should not take drugs in grapefruit (or grapefruit juice) at the same time. This fruit slows down the absorption of these drugs in the intestines and their breakdown in the liver. The effect of the drugs is amplified as if a multiple dose had been taken. Grapefruit is also not recommended for people who use statins (medicines to lower blood cholesterol). Grapefruit also interacts with hormones, certain antibiotics and anti-allergy drugs because it reduces the usefulness of drugs.
8. Salt-psychiatric patients who use drugs should not omit salt from food because the concentration of some drugs then increases and unpleasant symptoms may occur (the appearance of anxiety and irritability).
9. Alcohol-drinking increases the effects of tranquilizers, antidepressants and neuroleptics. Alcoholic beverages should not be taken with an antibiotic as this combination causes headache and nausea. The same side effects alcohol causes with drugs to treat fungal infections.
10. Coffee, coca-cola and caffeine tea from these beverages cause stomach problems if taken with a drug that dilates the airways of asthmatics. Caffeine reduces the effects of some tranquilizers and increases fluid excretion. Indian, Ceylon and black tea should not be taken by a person who uses iron supplements.
11. Cigarette-tobacco smoke reduces the effect of all drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and painkillers. Smokers should have a double dose of vitamin C that they can make up for by taking lemonade, fresh fruits and vegetables.
12. Taking medication before or after a meal-medication should be drunk with a glass of water. For the effect of some drugs, the period of taking, ie before or after a meal, is irrelevant. Iron supplements and antibiotics should be taken one hour before meals or 2 hours after meals. There are medications that lower blood glucose levels so they are taken just before a meal or during a meal. All anti-rheumatic medicines and painkillers should be taken after meals to protect the gastric mucosa.