Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Vitamin K Foods & Warfarin







Warfarin is a blood-thinning medication that has to be watched very carefully by your doctor so that it works the correct way.There are many foods that you have to watch out for while taking Warfarin, because certain foods will decrease the correct level of Warfarin in your blood. Read on to learn what foods and drinks to avoid or eat less of in order for your Warfarin to provide the maximum benefits.


What Is Warfarin?


Warfarin is an anticoagulant medicine used to treat or prevent harmful blood clots that may occur in the veins or the lungs. This medicine is used to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.








Vitamin K


Vitamin K acts as a blood-clotting agent and will prevent Warfarin from doing its job. That's why when you take Warfarin daily you must watch your intact of green leafy vegetables, which contain high amounts of vitamin K.


Moderation Is the Key to Warafin Happiness


While taking Warfarin, when you do eat foods or take vitamins containing vitamin K, you have to eat these foods in moderation--about 1/2 a cup per day. You must eat the same amount of vitamin K containing foods every day so that your Warfarin stays at the proper level.


Proper Warafin Level


To ensure the proper level of Warfarin in your blood, you may want to completely avoid vitamin K foods and vitamin supplement formulas containing vitamin K.


Vitamin K Foods


Foods that are rich in vitamin K include spinach, lettuce, kale, watercress, turnip greens and collard greens.


Other Foods and Drinks to Avoid


You also must avoid drinking green tea and consuming green tea products. Ginseng products and avocados should be avoided as well because they can increase your risk of forming blood clots.

Tags: blood clots, containing vitamin, level Warfarin, level Warfarin your, medicine used, proper level