In recent years, high blood pressure has become a major problem that plagues people's health. To control high blood pressure, many patients need to take antihypertensive drugs for a long time. However, some people may have some questions about the use of blood pressure medications, such as whether it is possible to drink milk while taking the medication. In fact, patients who have been taking antihypertensive drugs for a long time need to stay away from some foods to ensure the efficacy of the medications.
First, let's understand why you can't drink milk when taking blood pressure medication
Antihypertensive drugs lower blood pressure by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) or blocking angiotensin receptors (ARB).
Milk is rich in calcium ions, which can chemically react with the active ingredients in antihypertensive drugs, thereby reducing the efficacy of the drug.
In addition, the protein in milk can also interact with antihypertensive drugs, affecting the absorption and metabolism of the drug. Therefore, patients who have been taking antihypertensive drugs for a long time should avoid drinking milk while taking the drug to ensure the efficacy of the drug.
Second, patients who have been taking antihypertensive drugs for a long time should also stay away from some other foods
1. Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant that causes an increase in blood pressure. Antihypertensive drugs work to lower blood pressure, and if you consume too much caffeine while taking the drug, it will cancel out the effect of the drug.
Therefore, patients who have been taking antihypertensive drugs for a long time should try to avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and cola.
2. Salt
A high-salt diet is one of the main causes of high blood pressure. Antihypertensive drugs work by lowering salt levels in the body to lower blood pressure.
Therefore, patients who have been taking antihypertensive drugs for a long time should minimize salt intake and avoid eating salty foods such as pickled products, instant noodles and pickles.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol is a nervous system depressant that can cause blood pressure to rise. Antihypertensive drugs work by suppressing the nervous system to lower blood pressure. Therefore, patients who have been taking antihypertensive drugs for a long time should avoid drinking alcohol so as not to affect the efficacy of the drugs.
4. Chili peppers
The capsaicin in cayenne pepper is able to stimulate blood vessels, causing blood pressure to rise. Antihypertensive drugs work by dilating blood vessels to lower blood pressure. Therefore, patients who have been taking antihypertensive drugs for a long time should try to avoid chili peppers and spicy foods.
5. Sugar
Long-term high blood pressure can lead to damage to blood vessels and disorders of glucose metabolism, which in turn increases the risk of diabetes. Diabetes can further worsen high blood pressure.
Therefore, patients who have been taking antihypertensive drugs for a long time should minimize their sugar intake and avoid consuming too much candy, desserts, and beverages.