When it comes to administering or taking medications, the most widely used route is the oral route (pills, capsules, syrups, solutions…etc). One of the main problems with this method of administration is the possible interaction of drugs with food since both undergo modifications in the same place in the body: the stomach. 

These are interactions that occur more frequently than expected, due to the common practice of taking medications with meals. Thus, the presence of food in the digestive system can influence the effect of orally administered medications. In most cases, this effect is minor and the effectiveness of the treatment is not altered. However, there are times when eating or not eating certain foods simultaneously with taking a drug can condition that the drug performs its therapeutic function correctly.

Goodbye bananas? 

ACE inhibitors like captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), and lisinopril (Prinivil) can be your heart's best friend as they relax blood vessels so blood flows more easily. They can also increase the amount of potassium in the body, and too much potassium can cause an irregular heartbeat or palpitations. If you are taking an ACE inhibitor, avoid consuming large amounts of potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, oranges, and salt substitutes that contain potassium.

No to dairy 

Drinking a glass of milk every day can be good, but drinking it to ingest a multivitamin with iron or your antibiotic (including tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones) is contraindicated. Here's why: When taken together, dairy binds to the drug and forms what's called a complex.  Less of the vitamin or antibiotic is absorbed when taken together. wait two hours before drinking or eating dairy products after taking the medicine.

Beware of green leafy vegetables 

If you are taking blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), you may want to monitor your consumption of dark green leafy vegetables. This drug, which helps prevent blood clots, allows blood to flow more easily by blocking the production of vitamin K in the liver, which is essential for clot formation. But green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and turnip greens are rich in vitamin K. They are also healthy, so you shouldn't avoid them altogether. Instead, eat them consistently: once or twice a week, every week. 

Acetaminophen + Alcohol 

Problems If you suffer from muscle aches, Headaches, or arthritis, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is probably your quintessential pain reliever. However, it can cause liver damage, and the possibility of serious damage is greater if you consume three or more alcoholic drinks a day. So feel free to have wine with dinner, but follow the re-corking rule and put the bottle away after a glass or two to avoid further temptations.