Doctors Warn People Taking Cholesterol Drugs To Avoid THIS Fruit

Fruits and vegetables form a crucial part of a healthy diet, which is important for your cardiovascular health. However, according to a new warning being issued by health experts, there are a few natural foods that can interfere with the medicines you may take for your heart. Those who take cholesterol-reducing statins - medications that are vital in preventing heart and circulatory conditions- should refrain from drinking grapefruit juice as it may negatively interact with them. Doctors say grapefruit, which otherwise helps lower bad cholesterol or LDL, and increases good cholesterol, or HDL, and fights inflammation, is not compatible with statins. Statins are powerful medications that lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides by slowing down

the liver's production of cholesterol, preventing plaque buildup in arteries, and significantly reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. They are often used with diet and exercise for high cholesterol.

How is grapefruit harmful if you are using statins?

Doctors explain that to break down some prescription drugs in the body, your liver uses enzymes known as cytochrome P450. But grapefruit juice contains chemical compounds known as furanocoumarins, which block the action of these enzymes. If this happens, some drugs accumulate in the body – including ciclosporin – which prevents organ transplant rejection and manages symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and skin conditions such as psoriasis. A build-up of ciclosporin leads to many side-effects, which range from mild nausea and vomiting to kidney and liver damage. Since grapefruit is naturally packed with statins, increased statin levels in the body can raise the risk of side effects, including muscle breakdown, which is rare but serious.

How do statins work and who is prescribed them?

Statins get in the way when your liver is trying to make cholesterol. Like a good player who does not let an opponent get the ball, statins do not let your liver have an enzyme - HMG CoA reductase - it needs to create cholesterol. Your body makes 75 per cent of your cholesterol, so helping it make less can make a big difference. The rest of your body’s cholesterol comes from what you eat. Doctors prescribe statins for people who:

• Have high cholesterol, like LDL above 190 mg/dL, and are not able to reduce it by changing their eating and physical activity habits.
• Have an LDL above 160 mg/dL, or a family history of early heart disease.
• Have a history of a stroke or heart attack.
• Have diabetes and an LDL of at least 70 mg/dL and are 40 to 75 years old
• Have an LDL of at least 70 mg/dL and a high risk of getting heart disease, and are 40 to 75 years old

Which fruits are best for those who take statins?

According to doctors, those who take statins, fruits that are packed with soluble fibre like apples, citrus, berries, bananas, and plant sterols like avocados, and berries are great for cholesterol. You must focus more on fibre-rich options like apples, berries, oranges, pears, and avocados to naturally lower LDL and improve heart health alongside your medication.