Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients are among the most common patients who must take an Anticoagulant (blood thinner) drug such as Coumadin (also known as Warfarin), suggested News-Medical.net. Stanford University noted in a study that the common side effect of low blood pressure during Dialysis Treatments "increases risk of clots," which can damage an AV Fistula as well as travel to the heart or brain and cause further health complications or death. Hence it is safe to say that medications such as Coumadin are very important for Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients. Certain foods and beverages, however, can lessen the drug’s effectiveness in preventing blood clots. Similarly, consuming other types of food could result in a greater risk for bleeding. Knowing the foods to avoid will help Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients prevent these side effects.
Stanford University's finding is further supported by the Department of Health and Human Services who said that excessive blood clotting may also be due to, "central venous catheters and Dialysis shunts. Surgery or procedures done on blood vessels may injure the vessel walls. This can cause blood clots to form. Also, catheters and shunts have a man-made surface that may trigger blood clotting."
Recommended Reading: Dental Work On Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Doing Dialysis Risk Hemorrhage, Heart Attack & Stroke
Hence, when taking Warfarin Chronic Kidney Disease patients should avoid foods with large amounts of vitamin K which clots blood such as leafy vegetables spinach, kale, cabbage, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green onions, endive, lettuce, turnip, collard greens, mustard greens and even canola oil. Other foods to avoid are as follows:
Cranberries and Cranberry Products: Contrary to what Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients are typically told about cranberries, if they are on a Coumadin regimen then cranberries are not typically recommended. Livestrong.com reported, "Cranberry products destabilize Coumadin and increase its effect on the body leading to severe bleeding problems."
Herbal Products: Similarly, some herbal products negatively interact with Coumadin and dangerously enhances it blood thinning effects which may lead to bleeding disorders. Herbal products to be avoided include coenzyme Q10, green tea,herbal teas containing tonka beans, sweet clover or sweet woodruff, bromelains, dong quai, garlic, Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and St. John's wort.
Alcohol: Already off limits for most patients suffering Chronic Kidney Disease and/or Dialysis, if you have an occasional drink, you should know that consuming alcohol while taking Coumadin can increase the effect of Coumadin and lead to severe bleeding problems, according to PubMed Health.
Oils and Fats: To prevent disrupting the way Coumadin is intended to effectively work in the body by cutting oils and fats. Do not just avoid cooking with fats and oils, also check the labels of foods like mayonnaise which may contain olive or canola oil.
Recommended Reading: Vitamin Supplements That CKD Patients Should Consider Utilizing And Others To Avoid
Of course all Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients should have a discussion with their Dietitians before making any major dietary changes. Also, consider ordering the Dialysis Tailored Multivitamin MV One Plus to help improve overall health outcomes.
Recommended Reading: New Found Ulcer Risk In Chronic Kidney Disease Patients And Strategies To Reduce Occurrences
For the Latest Breaking News and information about how those with Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis and Diabetes can better manage and improve their lives, visit KidneyBuzz.com every day. Also, Like KidneyBuzz.com on Facebook and join the real-time discussion with over 23,900 other Friends. Follow KidneyBuzz.com of Twitter for Live Tweets which give up-to-date information about important occurrences in the Chronic Kidney Disease Community throughout your day.