Antihypertensive drugs are a common type of medication used for cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure. However, many people may not know that it is best not to drink milk when taking blood pressure medication. Why?
It turns out that milk contains a substance called casein, which can react with certain components in antihypertensive drugs, reduce the effectiveness of the drug and even cause adverse reactions. Therefore, it is best for patients taking antihypertensive drugs to stay away from the "6 substances" such as milk to ensure the efficacy of the drugs.
First, let's understand how a blood pressure lowering drug works. Antihypertensive drugs mainly lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, reducing the load on the heart, and lowering the salt in the blood.
The casein in milk reacts with certain components in antihypertensive drugs to form an insoluble substance, which reduces the absorption and utilization of the drug. As a result, antihypertensive drugs are less effective or even completely ineffective.
Secondly, the casein in milk can also affect the metabolism and excretion of antihypertensive drugs. The metabolism and excretion of antihypertensive drugs in the body is done through the liver and kidneys, and casein interferes with this process, resulting in a longer stay in the body and a longer duration of the drug's effect. As a result, patients may experience an overdose of the drug, which can lead to adverse reactions such as low blood pressure, dizziness, fatigue, etc.
In addition, the calcium ions in milk can also react with certain components in antihypertensive drugs to form insoluble salt precipitates. This not only reduces the absorption and utilization of the drug, but can also lead to the formation of kidney stones. Therefore, it is best for patients taking antihypertensive drugs to avoid consuming milk and other calcium-rich foods at the same time, so as not to affect the efficacy and health of the drugs.
In addition to milk, there are some other foods that should also be avoided. For example, naringenin in grapefruit and yuzu juice can interfere with the metabolism of antihypertensive drugs, increasing the concentration of the drug in the body, thereby increasing the risk of adverse reactions. In addition, stimulant foods such as caffeine, alcohol, and cayenne pepper can also irritate the heart and blood vessels, increase fluctuations in blood pressure, and reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications.
In conclusion, patients taking antihypertensive drugs should stay away from the "6 substances" such as milk to ensure the efficacy and safety of the drugs. In addition to milk, irritating foods such as grapefruit, caffeine, alcohol, and chili peppers should also be avoided. At the same time, patients should also follow the doctor's advice, take the medication on time and in the right amount, and have regular follow-up visits to ensure stable blood pressure and disease control.
The most important thing is to maintain good lifestyle habits, such as reasonable diet, moderate exercise, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, etc., to improve the efficacy of antihypertensive drugs and prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.