Can you eat green fruits and vegetables when on blood thinners?
Answer
What is Vitamin K?
Vitamin K is responsible for activating certain clotting factors in the blood. Those who are prescribed a blood thinner, such as Warfarin (also known as Coumadin), should avoid foods high in Vitamin K because this will counteract the effects of the medication. When taking these types of medication, abrupt increases or decreases in the intake of vitamin K-rich foods should be avoided. Focus on consuming a relatively similar amount of Vitamin K each week. It is not necessary to avoid Vitamin-K rich foods, just be mindful of your intake.
Food Sources Of Vitamin K:
- Green and leafy vegetables (e.g. kale, collards, broccoli, turnip greens, swiss chard, salad greens, parsley, spinach) are the highest sources of vitamin K.
- Other vegetables, egg yolk, soybeans, soybean and canola oils, and some nuts also provide vitamin K at lower levels.
- Fruit is not a significant source of vitamin K.
It is most important to follow the instructions of your physician and closely monitor the diet and medicine levels to find the right balance. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables as part of your daily routine is beneficial to both your physical and mental health. Try to aim to Have A Plant® Every Time You Eat! For inspo browse our plant-packed recipes and curated content series.
