The tablet, which is taken by millions of people, helps manage cholesterol – but one fruit could easily undo all of its helpful abilities
Millions of people might need to cut one fruit out of their diet for good or risk heart problems, experts claim. It could lead to a “toxic” build-up in your body.
Statins are a common medication that doctors prescribe to people who are struggling to manage high cholesterol. Around seven to eight million adults in the UK take statins, according to the British Heart Foundation.
The daily tablets reduce cholesterol production and flush the bloodstream of LDL – known as ‘the bad cholesterol’. People must get the problem under control as the ‘silent killer’ condition, which usually does not present any symptoms until later down the line, brings an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Statins work by reducing the amount of cholesterol the liver produces and help the liver remove cholesterol that’s already in the blood. The medication also stabilises plaque – a waxy substance that can build up in artery walls – and may help lower inflammation in artery walls.
Most people who take statins may have to continue taking them for life, according to the NHS. This is because if you stop taking them, your cholesterol will gradually return to a high level again.
Therefore, it’s important to know that there are certain things you cannot eat or drink whilst on this medication. One that usually surprises people is cutting out grapefruit.
Experts at Harvard Health Medical School explained why you should eliminate citrus fruit from your diet, including its juice. It’s all down to the chemistry of the drugs and the fruit, which do not work well together and, in some cases, can become “toxic”.
Statins are broken down in your intestines by an enzyme called CYP3A before they’re let into the bloodstream. This process usually runs smoothly in your body – but that changes when you eat or drink grapefruit.
Scientists found that the juice in grapefruits contains compounds called furanocoumarins, which stop CYP3A from doing its job. The report reads: “As a result, more of the drug is absorbed, making it more powerful than it’s meant to be — even toxic in some cases”.
The grapefruit rule doesn’t have to be a complete ban though as not all statin medications are affected so greatly by the fruit. You can discuss your options with a doctor who may look at switching you from drugs that see the most issues – including atorvastatin, lovastatin and simvastatin.
A doctor may advise you to avoid it completely or only consume small quantities. It is important that you do not experiment or take matters into your own hands without seeking medical expertise.
The exact amount of grapefruit required to cause a negative reaction is not clear. Just one glass of grapefruit juice could be enough for some people, while others may need to consume more of the fruit or juice to experience a problem.
Signs of high cholesterol
High cholesterol often doesn’t show any symptoms, yet it can result in significant health issues. Some potential symptoms are:
- Chest pain: Pain or discomfort in the chest that occurs during exertion and improves with rest. This is known as angina.
- Pain in the calves: Pain in the calves that occurs during exercise and improves with rest.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing.
- Jaw pain: Pain in the jaw.
- Sudden dizziness: A sudden feeling of dizziness.
- Sudden loss of balance: A sudden loss of balance or coordination.
- Facial asymmetry: Drooping of the eyelid or mouth on one side of the face.
- Numbness: Numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Blurred vision: Blurred, blackened, or double vision.
- Severe headache: A sudden and severe headache.
- Heart attack: A medical emergency that involves severe chest pain, flushing, nausea, and difficulty breathing.
A physician can assess your cholesterol levels through a blood test. Elevated cholesterol may result in plaque accumulation in your blood vessels, potentially causing them to narrow or become blocked. This condition can heighten your chances of experiencing a heart attack or stroke. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns or think you may have high cholesterol.