Instead of taking warfarin would it not be possible just to cut out green vegetables and cranberry juice ?

[jbriobarnsey]

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

In a word, no. As you know, there are foods which can increase the effect of the warfarin or work against the effect of the warfarin. if you need anticoagulation to the extent that your health care provider has prescribed warfarin or one of the newer anticoagulants I would follow that advice. I would not take the chance of relying on the mild anticoagulation effects of food or herbs to prevent that stroke.

[TheStand]

Completely agree with SRMGrandma.... The possible blood thinning effects of eating more or less of certain foods are not enough to effectively thin the blood to prevent blood clots.

[AFAssociation1]

The new oral anticoagulants do not interact with food/drink/medication. Warfarin does, hence the need for testing. Cutting out green veg wouldn't create a stable INR as warfarin would still interact with other things. However, you would still need to maintain a balanced healthy diet. The key to maintaining a stable INR is to avoid drastic changes in diet. Steady and often works well.

[rupert12]

Oh I agree with everyone, I would not want to come off Warfarin, it gives me comfort when I am in AF knowing that I have a degree of protection against a stroke. I suppose I am lucky that I only have an INR test once a month now and it has been 2 for the last few months. I don't get any side effects, so personally there is no reason to come off it. When I tell people I am on Warfarin some say, "Oh dear" as if it is a bad thing, certainly there seems to be a kind of stigma, particularly amongst those who know nothing about it!!

[sann]

Hi rupert12 havejust read your post,at the moment they(drs) are suggesting i go on warfarin,but as i get a lot of side effects when taking tablets i feel unsure about this,can you help me sort it out? Thanks Ann