High blood pressure, the silent killer, has become a public health problem worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 1 billion people worldwide suffer from high blood pressure. This number is alarming, but what is even more worrying is that cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases caused by hypertension are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. For people with high blood pressure, antihypertensive drugs are an important part of their daily life and can help them maintain normal blood pressure levels, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. However, the effects of antihypertensive drugs do not exist in isolation, they are closely related to the patient's dietary Xi.
1. Interaction between antihypertensive drugs and milk.
Milk is an often overlooked food in the administration of antihypertensive drugs. It may affect the absorption and effectiveness of blood pressure medications. This is due to the high calcium content in milk, and some antihypertensive drugs, such as calcium channel blockers, dilate blood vessels by blocking calcium channels on cell membranes, reducing the burden on the heart and lowering blood pressure. When the calcium in milk is ingested at the same time as these drugs, it may form complexes that are difficult to absorb or interfere with the normal process of drug absorption. In this condition, the solubility of the drug in the intestine is reduced, resulting in the drug not being adequately absorbed into the blood circulation, which reduces the bioavailability and efficacy of the drug. For this reason, doctors often recommend avoiding milk or other calcium-rich foods while taking blood pressure medications.
2. The "5 things" that should be avoided when taking antihypertensive drugs
1.High-potassium foods: Potassium is essential for maintaining normal blood pressure, but for people taking antihypertensive medications such as diuretics, excess potassium may cause abnormal potassium in the blood. In particular, potassium-sparing diuretics can cause arrhythmias and other problems due to excessive potassium ions. Therefore, foods high in potassium such as bananas, potatoes, etc. should be avoided.
2.High-sodium foods: Sodium is another key mineral that regulates blood pressure. A high-sodium diet can increase blood pressure levels in people with high blood pressure, which can reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive medications. Therefore, foods high in sodium such as pickles, pickled products, etc. should be avoided.
3.Grapefruit and its juice: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice contain a compound that inhibits key enzymes in drug metabolism, causing abnormally high concentrations of certain antihypertensive drugs in the blood, increasing the risk. Therefore, grapefruit juice or consumption of grapefruit should be avoided.
4.Caffeinated beverages: Caffeine is able to temporarily raise blood pressure, which may counteract the effects of the medication in patients who are taking blood pressure medications. Therefore, caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, etc. should be avoided.
5.High-fat food: High-fat dietary Xi will not only increase the burden on the heart, but also may affect the metabolism of drugs and reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs. Therefore, high-fat foods such as fried foods, fatty meats, etc. should be avoided.
3. Understand the interaction between food and antihypertensive drugs.
The effects of food on drug absorption and metabolism are carried out through a variety of mechanisms. Some foods may affect the solubility and absorption rate of the drug in the intestine or alter the rate at which the drug is metabolized by affecting enzymes in the liver. Therefore, it is important to understand these interactions and optimize the efficacy of antihypertensive drugs through a proper diet. While taking antihypertensive medications, patients should follow these dietary guidelines: talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the properties of the antihypertensive medications you are taking;Minimize the intake of foods high in sodium, potassium and fatAvoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit;Control your intake of caffeinated beverages;Talk to your doctor about whether you need to adjust the timing of your medication to avoid adverse interactions with your diet.
Fourth, practical suggestions.
Through the above popular science knowledge, it is hoped that it can help patients with hypertension to better understand how to assist the efficacy of antihypertensive drugs through diet, so as to control blood pressure more effectively and protect cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. In addition to paying attention to what they eat, patients should pay attention to the following:
Monitor blood pressure regularly: Patients should monitor their blood pressure levels regularly so that they can adjust their medications and diet regimens in a timely manner.
Moderate exercise: Moderate exercise can help patients manage their weight, enhance their cardiorespiratory function and metabolic levels, and thus better control their blood pressure.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure, and patients should avoid drinking alcohol or drink small amounts of alcohol.
Relaxation: Stress and fatigue can increase blood pressure, and patients should try to relax and stay calm.
In conclusion, for people with high blood pressure, rational medication and a healthy diet are the keys to controlling blood pressure. By paying attention to the interactions between diet and medications and following the doctor's advice, patients can better manage their blood pressure and protect their cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health.