Experts have claimed that eating one specific fruit could lead to “toxic” trouble. Those at risk of heart and cholesterol issues are urged to avoid completely.
Statins, a widely prescribed drug for managing high cholesterol, are taken by an estimated seven to eight million UK adults, according to the British Heart Foundation. These daily pills are crucial in reducing cholesterol production and clearing ‘bad cholesterol’, known as LDL, from the bloodstream.
With high cholesterol often being named a ‘silent killer’ as it often presents no early symptoms, it’s vital to keep heart health in check to avoid the heightened risk of heart attacks and strokes. Statins not only cut down on the liver’s cholesterol output but also aid in removing existing blood cholesterol and stabilise arterial plaque, potentially reducing inflammation in artery walls.
The NHS stated on its website that most statin users may need to stay on the medication “for life” since stopping can cause cholesterol levels to rise again. Patients must be aware that their diet must exclude certain foods and drinks while on statins, with grapefruit being a surprisingly common item to cut out, reports the Mirror.
Harvard Health Medical School experts have warned about the dangers of combining this citrus fruit with certain medications. The interaction between the fruit’s chemistry and drugs can be harmful and sometimes even “toxic”.
Statins, used to manage cholesterol levels, are typically broken down in the intestines by an enzyme known as CYP3A. However, grapefruit juice contains compounds called furanocoumarins that inhibit this enzyme, leading to higher absorption of the drug and increased potency, which can be dangerous.
The report states: “As a result, more of the drug is absorbed, making it more powerful than it’s meant to be – even toxic in some cases”. Not all statin drugs are equally affected by grapefruit, so a total ban isn’t always necessary.
Patients are encouraged to consult their doctors, who might suggest switching from statins like atorvastatin, lovastatin and simvastatin, which are most impacted by grapefruit consumption. Doctors may recommend avoiding grapefruit entirely or limiting intake, but patients should not make these decisions without professional advice.
People taking statins can generally eat oranges and other citrus fruits, though. Very Well Health recommends switching to ‘safe’ citrus fruits such as blood oranges, clementines, lemons, limes mandarins and tangerines. But it is best to check this with your doctor first.
The precise amount of grapefruit that triggers an adverse reaction varies. For some individuals, just one glass of grapefruit juice could cause issues, while others may need more to see an effect.
It’s crucial not to self-experiment and to seek medical guidance from a GP. Signs of high cholesterol should also be monitored closely.
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 in the calves
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden dizziness
- Sudden loss of balance
- Facial asymmetry
- Numbness
- Blurred vision
- Severe headache
- Heart attack
A doctor can determine your cholesterol levels through a blood test. High cholesterol can cause plaque to build up in your blood vessels, which may narrow or block them.
This could increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. If you have any worries or believe you might have high cholesterol, it’s important to consult with your GP.