Common foods and medications that are dangerous to mix

If you’ve ever taken an antibiotic, you’ve likely been warned by your doctor and pharmacists not to drink alcohol. But do you know there are a whole bunch of foods you shouldn’t mix with certain medications?

Here’s the definitive list you should keep handy for whenever you need a new prescription, but as always, consult with your doctor before making dietary or medication changes.

This tasty, tangy citrus fruit is dangerous when taken with medications for lowering ccholesterol and blood pressure. Grapefruit juice also changes the way the body metabolizes antihistamines, birth control, thyroid-replacement drugs and stomach acid-blockers.American Family Physician explains grapefruit contains a certain compound, not found in other citrus fruits, that alters the characteristics of those medications.

Although delicious, the main ingredient in natural black licorice can reduce the body’s potassium and lead to an irregular heartbeat. This is especially dangerous for people taking high blood pressure medicines, notes the Cleveland Clinic.

Insoluble fiber, such as wheat bran, can slow the absorption of the heart medications digoxin, digitalis, digitek and lanoxin. People on this type of medication should not eschew insoluble fiber altogether. It is much too important to a healthy diet. Rather, Today’s Geriatric Medicine advises taking the medication one or two hours before or after eating.

Dairy does not mix with antibiotics. Today’s Geriatric Medicine warns that the calcium in milk, yogurt, cheese and other dairy products prevents the absorption of antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin.