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Writing Samples
Each year in North America, physicians prescribe an average of seven medications for every man, woman and child. Many of these provide symptom relief or treatment for very nasty diseases. But taken in combination with certain foods or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, some of these drugs may have unexpected effects on our bodies. Some drugs can alter the way we absorb foods, while some foods can alter the way in which drugs are absorbed or metabolized.
Changing the drug absorption is similar to changing the dose. That's why it is so important
to follow the instructions on the drug label. "Three times daily with a meal" means just that.
So does "for ten days." If the label advises "Avoid broccoli and spinach" — and some do
— bite the bullet. Push those green and leafies away.
Medications taken by mouth are absorbed into the bloodstream in either the stomach (most
common) or the intestines (less common). If a drug mixes with food, it has less contact with
the surface of the intestinal tract, and absorption may be delayed or reduced. In some cases,
the food and drug combine to carry the drug out of the system before it even has a chance to
be absorbed and do its job.
One example of this is Tetracycline. If it is taken with dairy products, the calcium in
these foods binds with the antibiotic to create a compound that can't be absorbed. As a result,
you don't get the benefit of the drug, and your body can't absorb nutrients from the food. A
similar problem occurs with Penicillin. It should not be taken on a full stomach, since any
fat will break down the drug before it even gets to work. Acidic fruit juices can also interact
with Penicillin G and prevent it from working. This is essential information if you take your
first dose at breakfast and your wake-up beverage of choice is orange or grapefruit juice.
On the other hand, there are foods that improve drug absorption. The antifungal medication
Griseofulvin is more effective . . .
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Food and drugs may not be a good mix
