How Foods Containing Vitamin K Can Affect Your Blood Thinners

There are foods containing Vitamin K that are green and leafy vegetables. Everyone knows that vegetables, in particular green vegetables, are good for them because they are a healthy part of a person’s daily eating regimen, or at least they should be. Some people like to load up on green vegetables because they know that they are healthy and provide plenty of vitamins and nutrients.

However, if you are taking blood thinner medication due to a stroke, the medication and consuming foods with Vitamin K does not necessarily bode well for you. You cannot consume a lot of green leafy vegetables and use the medication together. It can cause an adverse reaction, such as severe bleeding. The blood thinner works as the dominant force to keep blood clots away.

While on the medication, you will have to discipline yourself to refrain from eating foods with vitamin K. At first, it can be difficult because they’re probably some of your favorite foods to eat. Eventually, when you realize the seriousness it can do to your health, you’ll get on board.

Foods containing Vitamin K include:

– Asparagus
– Avocado
– Collard Greens
– Lettuce (iceberg)
– Broccoli
– Brussels sprouts
– Cabbage

Consistency is the key with keeping your blood level stable. Make sure that you are taking the medication as directed. There are other healthy foods to eat, but foods with Vitamin K should be avoided.

If you consume foods with Vitamin K, this can affect results from blood tests. When you’re having your blood tested the results can be confusing. Since Vitamin K works to clot the blood, it counteracts with that the blood thinner medication is supposed to do. The medication prevents blood from clotting. Doing this can prevent you from having a recurring stroke or a heart attack.

It can be dangerous for your blood levels to constantly fluctuate. Another thing that can happen is that you can experience bleeding in your gums or nose. If you are coughing up blood or it’s in your urine, contact your physician as soon as possible. It could be a more serious health issue.

You should consult with your physician regarding your post-stroke blood thinner medication and not consuming foods with Vitamin K. They may have to do blood tests on a regular basis until they see that your blood has stabilized. You have to make sure that the medication will work the way it’s supposed to without interference from foods that can block the process.

William “Josh” Hohman is the author of Vitamin K Nutrition. Learn more about Vitamin K Nutrition by clicking here.

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