Hi there.
Has anyone had any advice from the cardiac team about any foods to avoid?
I'm on aspirin, clopidogrel, beta blockers, BP tablets and statins.
I know to avoid grapefruit juice, and recently found out about avoiding cranberry juice as well.
I've also read conflicting information about avoiding greens like sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower. Also bananas and tomatoes?
Or ignore it all and eat the above in moderation?
Lily
The only thing I was told about was to avoid grapefruit juice with Statins, nothing else. The Cardio nurse or cardio physio didn't make any recommendations either.
Look at the leaflets with your drugs and see what they say. Grapefruit is a common thread, but anything else...? My personal idea is to avoid added sugars and heavily processed stuff, eat more fresh fruit and veg, but it's pay your money and take your pick.
This might be a good start...
bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...
And as far as grapefruit juice is concerned it might be worth reading this too
Hello and welcome to the forum!
The first point I would make is that the. BHF recommend a Mediterranean diet.
Grapefruit juice is the main food to avoid as it affects statins and some BP medications. It also affects some pain killers so it is always important to read the insert.
The greens comes about from Warfarin which is affected by the Vitamin K they contain. It is not really a question of avoiding them but eating in moderation and in the same quantities to maintain a stable INR.
Bananas are a source of potassium and can be an issue with some people but you would be told this by your GP/consultant.
Others to avoid are processed meats, transfats and foods whose ingredients remind you of 'O' level chemistry.
And before taking any supplements check with your GP or pharmacist.
Hi there, to add to the other great comments - I asked specifically about bananas and was told (albeit by a GP rather than cardiologist) that moderation was the key and 2 or 3 bananas a week is fine) I love tomatoes and probably eat 2 a day on average which may be too many but I’ve noticed no ill effects from them!
I also gave up grapefruit due to the interaction with statins, I used to enjoy Sainsbury’s pink grapefruit cordial but sadly I’ve had to trade it for the summer fruits version 
I also try to follow a Mediterranean diet now and have cut back as much saturated fat as possible for me (cheese etc) and feel
All the better for it. Good luck x
I'm on a similar combination of drugs after my attack in 2019.I knew about grapefruit juice...did NOT know about cranberry, thank you. I don't like it anyway so no problem for me.
As for greens like sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower bananas and tomatoes - I eat them all especially bananas and tomatoes which are 2 of my favourite fruits.
AFAIK, pretty much all fruit and veg is good. The reason for avoiding grapefruit, as others have said, is that it reacts adversely with some of the meds. Oh and I also take a Vit D supplement daily - I asked my cardiac specialist and he approved.
I was somewhat surprised by your comment that Cranberry Juice can affect medication. As I enjoy the odd pint (15% Cranberry juice, 15% Apple juice, 70% water), I did a quick trawl to try to find out the basis for you having been told this as nothing has ever been said to me. Most of the reports that I could find concluded that there MAY be some interaction, primarily where the liver is involved in processing the drug. As this appears to be rather vague, I think an "all things in moderation" approach is best and I won't be changing my drinking habits. 😀
When I got a UTI post surgery I was advised cranberry juice and lemon barley water were helpful in curing UTIs. I have been on similar medication for years.
Yes indeed Michael. I've always tried to keep well hydrated and have never had a UTI. Cranberry juice is a good cleanser. I like to make sure the system runs clear at least once a day. 😀
All I was advised was not to eat grapefruit with statins!!! nothing else was banned!!?? I think it depends on what you want to do? Following a healthy diet where you do not eliminate any major food groups is perhaps a good idea if you want to lose weight. Being aware of not eating junk food, snacking between meals or in the evening, eating processed or convenience foods, and trying to eat takeaway food in moderation. Its all common sense really and mind over matter. Eat what you enjoy but a healthy version!!!
Thanks to everyone who has replied to my query.I shall enjoy some sprouts and cauliflower with my tea tomorrow.
👍
Lily
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