Statins

[Spreeny]

Why when taking some statins are you advised to avoid eating pineapple & grapefruit, what would happen if you ignored the advice ?

[hollie1586]

because things like pineapple and grapefruit help with lowering cholesterol too. i suppose the theory is that you dont want to be taking statins and eating pineapple etc incase it lowers your cholesterol too far

[hollie1586]

i was wrong...lol...sorry bout that.....read this =

What�s the problem with grapefruit juice and statins?
Q. A warning on my statin prescription tells me not to drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit. Does this mean I can never enjoy this delicious fruit again?

A. I can understand your disappointment at this double whammy. Here�s some news I hope will at least partly cheer you up: You don�t have to give up grapefruit forever as long as you (and your doctor) are willing to switch to a statin or other cholesterol-lowering agent that isn�t affected by grapefruit juice.

Grapefruit juice and grapefruit itself can boost blood levels of some statins and a variety of other drugs (see table). Something in grapefruit � scientists aren�t yet sure what � latches onto an enzyme in the intestines called CYP3A4. This enzyme partially breaks down some drugs, so knocking it out of action means more of the drugs get into the bloodstream. In the case of statins, abnormally high blood levels can damage muscles or the liver.

[McMouse]

You should't take a statin and grapefruit at the same time because the grapefruit inhibits the proper action of the statin. Don't know how all this all works but have been told that if the statin doesn't break down normally and do its chloresterol lowing job, then the build-up of statin in the body could be dangerous or worse. Speak to your GP for advice.

[Spreeny]

Thankyou both very much

[Spreeny]

http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/statins.ht ml?pageNum=4#4

Found out a bit more here thanks..

[gelda]

My late husband had heart problems but although he took a few other drugs for blood pressure etc. he didn't take statins, anywaythe heart specialist at the hospital told him he could still have his half grapefruit in the morning but not to drink grapefruit juice, he didn't think to ask why.