Home Health & Life The Harvest Moon may be the season for pomelos, but for some,...

Health & Life

The Harvest Moon may be the season for pomelos, but for some, it’s best to avoid this fruit altogether.

15 September, 2024

Who Should Avoid Eating Grapefruit?

– People on anticoagulant medication.

Grapefruit interferes with the metabolism of anticoagulants, leading to increased drug levels in the body, similar to an overdose.

– Patients with heart rhythm disorders, heart valve replacements, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, stroke, etc., may be on anticoagulant medication. Those on dialysis should also be cautious about consuming grapefruit due to its high potassium content, which can lead to hyperkalemia and heart rhythm disturbances.

– People taking the following types of medication should also be cautious about eating grapefruit:

Grapefruit juice can affect the metabolism of drugs and reduce their effectiveness or even worsen side effects. Grapefruit can interfere with enzyme and transporter mechanisms involved in drug breakdown or absorption from the gut, resulting in either too much or too little medication in the body. Avoid consuming grapefruit when taking statins, calcium channel blockers, antihypertensives, antipsychotics, lipid-lowering drugs, immunosuppressants, sedatives, antidepressants, or anti-anxiety medications.

Given its high potassium content, people with kidney infections should exercise caution when eating grapefruit. The kidneys may fail to filter out excess potassium, leading to life-threatening complications.

Grapefruit’s high acidity can exacerbate heartburn and reflux symptoms in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Grapefruit.

The Value of Grapefruit

Healthy individuals who are not on medication can benefit from regularly consuming grapefruit due to its rich nutrient profile:

– Immune System Boost: Grapefruit is packed with vitamins A, C, zinc, and copper, all of which strengthen the immune system. The antioxidant properties protect cells from harmful bacteria and viruses and may help prevent respiratory infections or shorten illness duration.

– Cardiovascular Health: Regular grapefruit consumption can help lower cholesterol levels, particularly serum triglycerides, thereby reducing the risk of arterial blockage. The phenolic antioxidants also inhibit the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and prevent coronary atherosclerosis.

– Improved Blood Sugar Control: Grapefruit has a low glycemic index, making it a safer carbohydrate choice for diabetics. Moreover, the plant chemical naringin, found in grapefruit and its juice, can enhance insulin sensitivity. Thus, consuming grapefruit can lead to better blood sugar management and a reduced risk of type II diabetes.

– Weight Loss: The fiber content in grapefruit promotes satiety and curbs appetite. Fiber slows down the body’s digestion of food, reducing the likelihood of overeating or snacking.

– Reduced Risk of Kidney Stones: Eating grapefruit may help prevent calcium buildup and the formation of kidney stones. Citric acid in grapefruit can bind to excess calcium and aid in its excretion from the body. It also increases urine volume and pH, making the environment less favorable for kidney stone development.

Frequently asked questions

While pomelos are a delicious and healthy treat for most, some people need to be cautious during the harvest moon season when the fruit is at its peak. For those taking certain medications, the interaction with pomelos can be dangerous as it may increase the drug’s potency and lead to an overdose.

The interaction is due to a group of compounds called furanocoumarins found in pomelos, which can inhibit an enzyme that metabolizes drugs in the body. This enzyme is called CYP3A4, and it’s responsible for breaking down a vast majority of medications. By inhibiting this enzyme, pomelos can cause an increase in the drug’s concentration in the body, leading to potential toxicity.

Yes, statins used to lower cholesterol, such as atorvastatin and simvastatin, are known to interact with pomelos. Other medications include some calcium channel blockers for blood pressure, immunosuppressants, and certain anti-anxiety medications like buspirone.

The symptoms of an adverse reaction can vary depending on the medication and the individual, but they may include muscle pain, weakness, and dark-colored urine. In severe cases, it can lead to a breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, which can be life-threatening.

It is always best to consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking medication and want to introduce pomelos to your diet. They can advise you on any potential interactions and adjust your medication dosage if necessary to ensure your safety.