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Did you know that flossing your teeth daily can make you 6.4 years younger? Check out www.realage.com to learn more.
Drug Interaction and Food
We are somewhat aware of drug interaction possibilities with herbs, but what about interaction with food? It seems that they’re quite a few drug/food interactions that we should be aware of. Some of the consequences of mixing the two can be life altering to say the least. Take a look at the following listing below to see if you can avoid running into food/drug interaction pitfalls.
Black licorice should be avoided when taking digoxin. When taken together, they can produce irregular heart rhythms and cardiac arrest. Licorice and diuretics will produce dangerously low potassium levels. This puts you at risk for numbing weakness, muscle pain and even paralysis. Licorice can also interact with blood pressure meds or any calcium channel blockers.
Aged cheese (brie, parmesan, cheddar and Roquefort), fava beans, sauerkraut, Italian green beans, some beers, red wine, pepperoni and overly ripe avocados should be avoided by people taking MAO antidepressants. The interaction can cause a potentially fatal rise in blood pressure.
Grapefruit juice interacts with calcium channel blockers (including Calan, Procardia, Nifedipine, and Vereapamil), cholesterol control medications, some psychiatric medications, estrogen, oral contraceptives and many allergy medications (Seldane Hismanal).
Orange juice should not be consumed with antacids containing aluminum. The juice increases the absorption of the aluminum. Orange and milk should be avoided when taking antibiotics. The juice’s acidity decreases the effectiveness of antibiotics, as does milk.
Milk does not mix with laxatives containing bisacodyl (Correctol and Ducolax). You might find the laxative works a little “too well” in the morning.
Oatmeal and other high fiber cereals should not be eaten when taking digoxin. The fiber can interfere with the absorption of the drug, rendering the drug useless. Do not stop eating your cereal right away as it could cause digoxin levels in your system to soar to toxic levels. Contact your doctor for help with any dietary changes.
Leafy green vegetables that are high in vitamin K should not be taken in great quantities while taking Coumadin. There vegetables could negate the affects of the drug and cause blood clotting.
Caffeinated beverages and asthma drugs taken together can cause excessive excitability. Those taking Tagamnet (Simetidine), quinlone antibiotics (Cipro, Penetrex, Noroxin) and even oral contraceptives should be aware these drugs may cause their cup of coffee to give them more of a jolt than they expected.
Grilled meat can lead to problems for those on asthma medications containing theophyllines. The chemical compounds formed when meat is grilled somehow prevent this type of medication from working effectively, increasing the possibility of an unmanageable asthma attack.
Diets high in fat while taking anti-inflammatory and arthritis medications can cause kidney damage and can leave you feeling drowsy and sedated.
Alcoholic beverages tend to increase the depressive effects of medications such as benzodiazepines, antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, muscle relaxants, narcotics or any other drug with sedative actions.
Aspirin can modify the effectiveness of arthritis medications, strong prescription steroids and diuretics. Combining aspirin with diabetic medications can drop blood sugars to dangerous levels. Aspirin can also lead to toxicity when taken with glaucoma and anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) drugs and cause bleeding episodes when combined with a blood thinner, like Coumadin.
Acetaminophen taken with high doses with Coumadin can cause bleeding episodes.
Over-the –counter antihistamines sold under the names Actifed, Theraflu, Dimetapp, Benadryl and Comtrex should be avoided if you are taking anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications.
Oral contraceptives are less effective when taken with barbiturates, antibiotics, anti-fungal or tuberculosis drugs.
Turnips can interfere with the thyroid’s gland ability to make hormones. Moderate intake should not affect a healthy person.
Tomatoes contain small quantities of solanine that may trigger headaches in susceptible people. Tomatoes can be a relatively common cause of allergies. An unidentified substance in tomatoes can cause acid reflux leading to indigestion and heartburn.
Strawberries, Raspberries, Spinach, and Rhubarb contain oaxic acid, which can aggravate kidney and bladder stones, and reduce iron and calcium.
Raspberries contain a natural saliccylate that can cause an allergic reaction in asprin sensitive people.
Potatoes with a green tint in the skin may taste bitter and may contain solanine, which can cause diarrhea, cramps and fatigue. Be sure to remove any sprouts.
Horseradish eaten in high doses can cause vomiting or excessive sweating. Avoid eating horseradish is you have hypothyroidism.
Tumeric should be avoided by persons with symptoms from gallstones.
Everything that you put in your mouth has the potential to interact with something else. It is a good idea to be mindful of our bodies as a whole and realize everything we ingest be it “natural” or medically derived has intended and unintended effects on us!
Medicines and Herbs
Did you know that herbs and some foods might interact in a negative way with the medications you take? For that reason, you should always list the herbs you are taking on your medical history. Here are a few herb/drug interactions you should be aware of:
Hawthorn is generally taken in an effort to reduce angina by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It should never be taken with Lanoxin (digoxin), which is prescribed for most heart ailments. Taken together, the mix can lower your rate too much, causing blood to pool, bringing on possible heart failure.
Ginseng has been known to increase blood pressure. In addition, ginseng, garlic or supplements containing ginger, when taken with the blood-thinning drug, Coumadin, can cause bleeding episodes. Coumadin is a very powerful drug that leaves little or no room for error. Ginseng can cause over stimulation resulting in insomnia. Consuming caffeine with ginseng increases the risk of gastrointestinal upset. Ginseng is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. Long-term use of ginseng may cause menstrual abnormalities and breast tenderness.
Garlic combined with diabetes meds can cause a dangerous decrease in blood sugars. Some people who are sensitive to garlic may experience heartburn and flatulence. Garlic also has anti-clotting properties, Please check with your doctor if you are taking anticoagulant drugs.
Goldenseal is generally used for coughs, stomach upsets, menstrual problems and arthritis. However, the plant’s active ingredient will raise blood pressure, complicating treatment for those taking anti-hypertensive medications, especially beta-blockers. For patients taking medication to control diabetes or kidney disease, this herb can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalance. High amounts of consumption can lead to gastrointestinal distress and possible nervous system effects. Goldenseal is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
Feverfew is believed to be a natural remedy for migraine headaches. It should never be taken with Imitrex or other migraine medications. It can result in the patient’s heart rate and blood pressure to rise to dangerous levels.
Guarana is used as a stimulant and diet aid, It contains 3 to 5 percent more caffeine than a cup of coffee. Watch consumption of this herb with any medication that advises you to not mix with caffeine products. Avoid use during pregnancy. Long-term use of Guarana may lead to decreased fertility, cardiovascular disease, and several forms of cancer.
Kava has anti-anxiety, pain relieving, muscle relaxing and anticonvulsant effects. It should not be taken together with substances that also act on the central nervous system, such as alcohol, barbiturates, anti depressants and antipsychotic drugs.
St John’s wort is used for mild depression. It is said to have a similar influence on the brain as MAO inhibitors. MAO inhibitors are found in major antidepressants. Mixing MAO inhibitors with foods high in tyramine, an amino acid, produces one of the most dramatic and dangerous food-drug interactions. Symptoms can occur within minutes of ingesting these foods and can cause rapid rise in blood pressure, a severe headache, and perhaps collapse and even death. Foods high in tyramine include aged cheese, chicken liver, Chianti (and certain other red wines), yeast extracts, bologna (and other processed meats), dried or pickled fish, legumes, soy sauce, ale and beer.
White Willow is used for fever, headache, pain and rheumatic complaints. Use of this herb may lead to gastrointestinal irritation, if used for a long time. It exhibits similar reactions as aspirin (aspirin is derived from white willow). Long-term use may lead to stomach ulcers.
9 Surprising Symptoms of Stress
When was the last time you went through a period of stress? Can you remember the way your body reacted? Chances are you didn't feel quite like yourself. Health experts say that stress can come with some pretty surprising symptoms-from forgetfulness to nausea to skin rashes. Is your body sending you an S.O.S. that you shouldn't ignore? Read on to find out if stress is taking a toll on you-and what you can do to reverse the effects. Read More >>
Periodontal Infection and Glycemic Control: Diabetes
Burden of Diabetes - Complications include:
- heart disease
- stroke
- high blood pressure
- visual impairment
- renal disease
- amputation
- complications in pregnancy
Costs? $132 billion of that $92 billion direct medical costs and $40 billion in indrect costs ie: disability, work loss, premature mortality.
What is the link between diabetes and perondontitis? Epidemiological studies provide support for a relationship between insulin. Perio disease is a chronic inflammatory disease. People with high levels of inflammation are more likely to have insulin resistance than those with lower levels.
Insulin resistance is a continuing problem in people with diabetes. People with chronic inflammation are more likely to acquire diabetes at some time in the future. Inflammation involves increased permeability of the capillaries leading to potential portals to the systemic circulation for inflammatory mediators and products of the bacterial infection.
Treating periodontal infection can have important potential in managing diabetes.
Compiled by Carrie Rogers, RDH
from Inside Dentistry April 2007 Issue
For more information go to www.insidedentistry.net
What is Tooth Erosion?
A recent survey of AGD members revealed that dentists think tooth erosion is more common today compared to five years ago, and many respondents stated that consuming soft drinks, as well as other foods with a low pH value (such as fruit juices, pickles, fresh fruit and yogurt), contributes to tooth erosion. Tooth erosion is the breakdown of tooth structure caused by the effects of acid on the teeth. Dental enamel is the thin, outer layer of hard tissue that helps maintain the tooth's structure and shape while protecting it from decay.
Taken from AGD in Action September 12, 2007 issue Antibiotic prophylaxis - Making sense of new AHA guidelines
The American Heart Association announced in April that it no longer recommends antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of infection endocarditis in certain dental patients. If you have heart conditions please contact your cardiologist for information on whether you need to take antibiotics before your dental treatment. For more information go to www.ada.org
DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN?
Do you remember when there were no childproof caps on drugs, and that was OK?
Do you remember when you could hold a child in your lap in the car, and that was OK?
Do you remember when you could rely on Social Security for retirement, and that was OK?
Do you remember when twice a year dental cleanings were the standard, and that was OK?
The facts are that the old six-month cleaning is obsolete for many patients. As our knowledge increases about the effects of systemic diseases and oral health, we have to consider: "Is what we've done for so long enough?" We know that bacterial inflammation in the mouth can be a factor in the development of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and other serious problems. Because of this, a few dental benefit companies have recently begun to offer additional "hygiene" service provisions, either as part of a dental plan or as part of a medical management program. Some plans are offering extra cleanings for diabetic patients who are enrolled in a disease management program. Delta of Virginia recently added a benefit designed to address research indicating that incidences of premature, low-birth weight infants may be related to oral conditions. They are now covering extra cleanings for pregnant women under certain conditions. In dentistry, we have advocated 3-4 month recall appointments for diabetics, pregnant women, those with heart problems, auto-immune disorders, patients under going chemotherapy and patients in orthodontics, just to name a few.
Insurance companies may be starting to get on the bandwagon, but what if yours does not cover the extra care you need? The link between systemic health and oral health is becoming clearer and insurance benefits should NOT be the only consideration when making a decision about treatment. People who have lost their teeth often say they would give any amount of money to get them back. A person's smile, attractiveness, ability to chew and enjoy food and general sense of well-being are dependent on dental health. Now we know that general health is impacted as well.
Cindy Bailey
Edited from RDH magazine
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