Statins are currently the first choice for treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. They can significantly lower cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, improve endothelial function, and prevent the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. However, long-term use of statins may lead to some side effects, such as elevated transaminases, myopathy, diabetes, cognitive impairment, and tumor cell experiments, with elevated transaminases and myopathy being the most common.
To reduce the side effects of taking statins and improve treatment effectiveness, it is recommended that patients avoid consuming certain foods while taking medication. Here are some foods to be aware of:
Fried foods are high in fat, calories, and salt, and prolonged consumption can lead to obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and other diseases. These conditions can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke in patients, affecting the efficacy of statins. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid eating fried foods, such as fried chicken, French fries, and fried dough twists, while taking statins.
Statins are metabolized in the liver, and alcohol also needs to be metabolized by the liver. Concurrent intake of both can increase the burden on the liver, affecting drug metabolism and liver and kidney function, thereby increasing the side effects of statins. Therefore, it is important to abstain from alcohol and avoid consuming alcoholic foods, such as liqueur chocolates, wine-filled rice balls, and beer, while taking statins.
Spicy foods can be irritating to the gastrointestinal tract, potentially affecting drug absorption and utilization. Additionally, spicy foods often contain high amounts of salt and oil, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is best to avoid consuming spicy foods, such as hot pot, barbecue, and chili, while taking statins.
Grapefruits are rich in nutrients, such as vitamin C, fiber, etc., but they also contain furanocoumarins, a substance that can inhibit an enzyme in the liver, affecting the metabolism of statins, increasing drug blood levels and side effects. Therefore, it is advised to avoid consuming grapefruits, including grapefruit juice, grapefruit tea, etc., while taking statins.
In addition, patients should focus on improving their lifestyle, such as controlling weight, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, etc. In terms of diet, opt for a light taste, avoiding fried, alcoholic, spicy foods, and instead consuming more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat protein foods. Furthermore, patients should undergo regular physical examinations, monitor blood sugar and liver and kidney function, adjust drug doses and treatment plans promptly.
In summary, special attention should be paid to diet while taking statins, avoiding fried foods, alcoholic beverages, spicy foods, grapefruits, etc. It is also essential to improve lifestyle, undergo regular physical check-ups, monitor blood sugar and liver and kidney function, and adjust drug doses and treatment plans in a timely manner to achieve the best treatment outcomes.
