Some foods and drinks may interact with certain medicines. This issue does not always get as much attention as needed. At the same time, such interactions may influence the course of treatment and the condition of the patient. Moreover, avoiding or adding certain foods and drinks may even help to prevent side effects. Here we are going to unveil this case taking as an example Furosemide. The latter is prescribed quite often, so it’s worth checking the dietary restrictions and recommendations for this medicine.
What is Furosemide (Lasix)
Furosemide belongs to the big group of so-called water pills. They are designed to help the body eliminate excess liquid and return to balance in this issue. Lasix is a popular brand name of this remedy and it goes in a wide variety of doses starting from 20 and ending with 80 mg.
Therefore, the doctor selects the treatment mode, dosage and number of pills per day to reach the desired effect without negative consequences. In turn, the patient should stick to it and also follow the recommendations on the diet.
Lasix Usage
The most common indications for its prescription include:
- heart failure;
- high blood pressure;
- edema (excess liquid in some body parts);
- kidney disease.
All these issues are accompanied by the retention of water in the body. This leads to even higher blood pressure and additional load on the cardiovascular system and kidneys and may become a reason for certain complications like strokes, etc.
At the same time, the body cannot cope with the situation on its own and requires outer stimulation. The easiest way to do this is to apply a diuretic like Furosemide that activates the kidneys and helps to quickly eliminate the excess water and combat the symptoms of the above-mentioned diseases.
How does it work
This medicine belongs to the group of loop diuretics. It influences the special part of the kidneys stimulating them to work more and eliminate water and salt from the body.
As a result, the kidneys filtrate the blood more rapidly and create more urine. The patient pees more frequently and that is how the desired effect is achieved.
Foods to Avoid When Taking Furosemide
As Furosemide directly influences the water/salt balance of the body, it’s better to avoid certain foods that also have similar effects or those that can interact with the active ingredient and change its work.
Salt/sodium
While a diuretic works, water is eliminated together with sodium and chlorides. These two atoms comprise common salt. There is a link between salt and water in the body. When the concentration of sodium and chlorides in the bloodstream rises, the body responds with the retention of water.
Therefore, when a person undergoes treatment with water pills, it’s important to control the amount of consumed salt and avoid salty and processed foods, such as chips, processed meats, canned goods, condiments, etc. They contain high concentrations of salt and neutralize the action of any diuretic. Moreover, they contribute to higher blood pressure, edema and other unpleasant health conditions.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit inhibits the group of liver enzymes that metabolize many medicines, including Furosemide. As a result, an active ingredient stays in the bloodstream longer and may enhance stronger effects and adverse reactions. Therefore, grapefruit juice should not be taken together with any medicines and diuretics too.
Alcohol
Any alcoholic beverage has a certain diuretic effect. They lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. That is why, if Furosemide is taken simultaneously, this will lead to the doubling of the effect and sharp changes in the electrolyte concentration, which is bad for health.
Moreover, such a combination provides and additional load on the liver, which must metabolize both medicine and alcohol. This may cause certain liver diseases.
Caffeine
Caffeine is also a compound with not only stimulating but also diuretic properties. This effect can be easily observed after a cup of coffee or tea. In addition, this compound can be found in chocolate and soda.
Thus, a combination of these foods and drinks with Furosemide leads to a more pronounced diuretic effect and loss of salts, which may result in adverse effects and bad health consequences.
Tips
Now, let’s proceed with the question of what to do while taking Furosemide. A few simple steps and rules help to avoid side effects and get only positive results after treatment.
Drink plenty of water
First and foremost, do not stop drinking water while on diuretics. One may think that if we need to eliminate its excess, it’s better not to replenish the amount from the outside. However, the body constantly needs fresh water for numerous purposes and it’ll be able to restore the balance only if you drink enough.
On average, a person should consume from 1.5 to 2 liters of fresh water per day. Still, the exact number depends on age, sex, profession and even climate. Thus, determine what is suitable for you and stick to these numbers despite all other factors.
Increase dietary protein
Lean meat is also suggested as a good recommendation for patients who take diuretics. It does not contain excess salt and at the same time provides enough sodium, potassium and chlorides together with valuable amino acids. These are the main components of any healthy diet, which is especially important for the proper treatment of diseases that are cured with diuretics.
Monitor mineral levels
In addition, ask your doctor to check sodium, potassium, and magnesium levels periodically. For this, you’ll need to pass a simple lab blood test and get a quick result. If dietary changes do not improve this balance sufficiently, then it’s worth considering supplements or special medicines that contain these elements.
What to Eat While Taking Lasix?
Furthermore, certain foods are recommended to patients who regularly take diuretics. They contain high concentrations of nutrients and minerals. Therefore, they help to avoid side effects and maintain electrolyte balance.
High fiber foods
Beans, whole grains, oats and all fruits and vegetables present perfect sources of high-fiber foods. Their sufficient presence in the diet guarantees the normal work of the gastrointestinal system. In addition, fiber takes part in regulating water/salt balance.
Therefore, such foods are advisable while taking Furosemide. They help to avoid such side effects as constipation or diarrhea and stabilize the concentration of minerals in the body.
Lean protein
Lean meat (beef) and fish, shrimp and low-fat milk together with beans and peas are the best sources of proteins for the body. Proteins provide amino acids that are building blocks for all organs and systems. Thus, it’s important to have enough concentration.
In addition, all these products contain sodium and chlorides but their values are not excessive and replenish the need that arises due to the intake of Furosemide. Thus, this point is quite versatile and everyone will be able to find a proper source of lean protein to compromise a diet.
Calcium-rich foods
All dairy products contain a lot of calcium. However, it’s better to stick to those that are low in fat. In addition, beans, seeds, nuts and leafy green vegetables also provide this element to the body. Calcium may also be eliminated from the body as a result of the intake of diuretics. That is why the concentration of this element should be replenished and maintained at the proper level.
Iron-rich foods
Lean meat, liver, oysters, spinach and many seeds and beans are rich in iron. Diuretics rarely lead to the pronounced loss of this element. However, it’s not very easy to determine its deficiency. Thus, it’s much easier and safer to prevent it. In addition, many foods that were described above contain high concentrations of iron too.
Potassium-rich foods
The most important point for patients who regularly take diuretics is maintaining the concentration of potassium. It leaves the body first together with excess water, sodium and potassium. Its deficiency may lead to heart failure, changes in the heart rhythm and other bad health consequences.
Therefore, potassium-contained medicines are often prescribed with Furosemide and it is recommended to enrich the diet with avocado, bananas, potato, salmon, dried apricots, spinach, etc. All these products are readily available so one can add them to a daily diet and avoid adverse effects after the intake of diuretics.
Summary
In a nutshell, Furosemide is a powerful medicine with strong diuretic properties. Its effect is quick and pronounced and helps to cure many diseases of the cardiovascular system and kidneys. At the same time, it influences the water/salt balance of the body and should be combined with a proper diet. This helps to prevent and avoid adverse effects and return the body back to the norm as soon as possible.
Keep in mind, that due to the effect of Furosemide, the body loses not only water but also such valuable elements as sodium potassium and others. Therefore, it is crucial to replenish their amount in order to stay healthy and active.
FAQ
What should you eat when taking furosemide?
It’s important to eat many fruits and vegetables as they are rich in sodium, potassium, magnesium and other minerals that are eliminated due to the Furosemide effect. Lean meat is also advisable as a source of valuable proteins and nutrients.
Can you eat bananas while taking furosemide?
Yes, you can. Moreover, it is recommended as bananas are rich in potassium and this medicine leads to the loss of this element.
What Cannot be taken with furosemide?
The patient should avoid very salty and processed foods, grapefruit juice, alcoholic beverages and caffeine-containing foods and drinks. They all hinder the action of the medicine or contribute to more pronounced side effects.