Don't Eat This If You're Taking That

September 7, 2015
Neuroscientists Madelyn Hirsch Fernstrom (The Runner’s Diet) and John Fernstrom bring their expertise with nutrition and pharmacology to this discussion of foods and supplements that can inhibit common medications. The authors divide the book into sections focused on different categories of drugs, such as analgesic, cholesterol-lowering, and anti-reflux medications, and they include several lists of foods to limit or abstain from altogether. Some common culprits are obvious; alcohol is almost always to be avoided, though grapefruit appears on the prohibited lists almost as frequently. Readers are warned of the potential for life-threatening serotonin syndrome if they combine the herbal supplement St. John’s Wort with antidepressants, and they will learn that combining antacids with certain nerve pain medications can reduce the latter’s effects. Other lesser-known dangers covered in the book are the inhibiting effects of Vitamin K on anticoagulants, and of orange juice on the beta blocker atenolol. Additional topics include the way in which pain relievers function and the different ways beta blockers and calcium channel blockers lower blood pressure. This is an excellent resource for anyone taking prescription medication, collecting a wealth of vital information into one accessible volume.

October 1, 2015
Written by husband-and-wife neuroscientists, this easy-to-understand guide gives potentially lifesaving information about foods that can interact with common prescription medicines given for hypertension, acid reflux, high cholesterol, pain relief, diabetes, migraines, and depression. Two big villains: grapefruit and alcohol. Grapefruit blocks an enzyme that breaks down drugs. Alcohol can exaggerate side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness, and mixed with high doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol), it can also damage the liver. The authors also tackle supplements. For example, fish oil seems innocuous, but, like aspirin, it thins the blood. So mixing the two can increase the risk of bleeding. And even healthy foods such as leafy greens and milk can interfere with certain drugs. (Too much calcium can be a problem with antihypertensive medication known as calcium channel blockers.) The Fernstroms have organized the chapters by category (blood thinners, antidepressants), and shaded boxes break out specific foods to avoid with each. Understandably, the authors couldn't tackle every disease and drug. Readers will undoubtedly keep their fingers crossed for a sequel.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)