Broccoli wars: vitamin K and blood-thinners
Q. I take a blood-thinner (Coumadin) and my doctor gave me a list of foods to avoid because they cause an interaction with the medication. The list includes broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, kale, and spinach. Aren't these foods supposed to be super good for you? What will I be missing if I stop eating these foods?
A. The list that your doctor gave you contains foods that are high in Vitamin K, a nutrient that plays a key role in the formation of blood clots. The clotting mechanism isn't necessarily a bad thing, by the way. It's what keeps you from bleeding to death from a paper cut. But if your blood forms clots too easily, you can have a stroke or heart attack. Vitamin K does a lot of other important things for you, too. It helps protect against both heart disease and osteoporosis by regulating the way your body stores and uses calcium, for example.
Coumadin (AKA Warfarin) prevents blood clots by blocking the action of vitamin K--and that's why your doctor wants you to avoid foods that are high in vitamin K. Consuming too much vitamin K will essentially undo the effects of the medication. But you're absolutely right that these foods are some of the healthiest foods you can eat. In addition to vitamin K, foods like broccoli and kale contain important cancer-fighting compounds along with lots of fiber, vitamin A, and other good stuff.
There is a way for you to get all the health benefits of these foods without infering with your blood-thinning therapy--but you'll need to work with your doctor.
With blood-thinners, it's critical to get the dosage right. Too much medication and you are at risk of uncontrolled bleeding; too little, and you are at risk of a blood clot. Your doctor calibrates your dosage with a blood test that measures how long it takes for your blood to form a clot.
The amount of medication it takes to get the right clotting time is directly tied to how much vitamin K is in your diet. If you eat 4 servings of broccoli one day and none the next, it's going to very hard to find the right dosage of medication for you. The easiest way for your doctor to make sure that you get about the same amount of vitamin K every day is to have you avoid foods that contain a lot of it. But then--as you've pointed out--you're not getting the benefits of these great foods.
With a little effort, you can have the best of both worlds
Getting all the health benefits of broccoli and other vitamin K-rich foods without messing up your medicine will take a little effort from both you and your doctor--and you'll absolutely have to work together. But I think it's well worth it!
Once you've cleared it with your doctor (don't skip this step!), your job will be to be sure that you get about the same amount of vitamin K from your diet every day. You can generate a list of foods that are high in vitamin K with the ND nutrient search tool. You can also use ND's pantry tool to keep track of your totals automatically. Don't worry about small variations from day to day--it's the big picture we're worried about here. The easiest thing might be to plan to eat one serving (but only one) of a vitamin K-rich vegetable every day.
Meanwhile, your doctor's job will be to test your blood-clotting time and adjust your blood-thinning medication (if needed) to accomodate the amount of vitamin K in your diet. Here's another good article on working with your doctor to navigate through the necessary adjustments.
Once you've gotten the go-ahead from your doctor, here's one of my favorite broccoli recipes. Also, be sure to check out the Cooking Healthy recipe collection on Epicurious.com for more great ways to enjoy these super healthy foods.
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Posted by: Peter | Jan 9, 2007 1:28:45 AM
Hi, this information is very useful for me. Recently I came to know about one site that is http://www.vitamin-shoppe.org/, not only the vitamin Shoppe but also gives the latest health tips.
Posted by: Christa | Mar 15, 2007 3:21:57 PM
Hi, Your "Broccoli wars" article is very enlightening, I have also been told to cut down on vitamin K containing veggies. I was supposed to go on a Coumadin regiment, but I refused to take rat poison. My Doctor recommended as a solution to start taking "Nattokinase", but he had very little information about the way it works (supposedly). Do you have a basketful of information on this product? Or do you know of any study or book that describes this?
Thanks for your help.
Christa.
Posted by: CBS | Apr 23, 2007 12:53:50 PM
I have Von Willebrand's Disease. I try to maximize my Vitamin K intake with food and supplements, but I am not sure how to tell if I am getting the correct amount. I also have high cholesterol and I notice that supplements to lower it thin the blood. If my blood is naturally thin, then maybe my body makes the higher numbers to balance things. I am in excellent health, have no other risk factors, but still doctors try to force me to take their horrible pills, I refuse.
Posted by: Dave | Apr 23, 2007 1:11:28 PM
Great article. Much better solution than simply avoiding these foods.
RE: natto...
This an enzyme from fermented soybeans that also has blood thinning effects. And is high in Vitamin K (and I think K-2 as well). same advice as in the article. Take it on a regular basis for a while and then let doctor test clotting times. Asian groceries sell Natto in the frozen food section. It is not really palatable to Western tongues but try it at least once. So the pills or powder (Beyond a Century) are easier to take.
Posted by: g christiansen | Jul 2, 2007 2:01:21 PM
I have heart problems, and need a dietitary list of what to eat. Thanks
Posted by: Jim | Oct 14, 2007 12:28:51 AM
There's a lot of other ways to thin the blood.... Aspirin is cheap and very effective, and there are all sorts of studies that back it up as an anticlotting agent. I'd seriously ask your doctor why he's resorting to something as heavy handed as warfarin.
Posted by: robert healey | Oct 15, 2007 3:06:02 PM
Hello. I am interested in finding out about food recommendations for individuals who are taking any blood-thinner medications and food/vitamin supplements that an individuals should stay away from while taking any blood thinners for the short or long term. Any website information that may be available to review as well that would enhance upon these questions/concerns would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Posted by: anne | Feb 25, 2008 7:31:59 PM
Hi
I would like to know if it makes a difference whether the foods like broccoli, cabbage, etc. that act as natural blood thinners are eaten raw or cooked, for example cabbage in soup or eaten as coleslaw.
It seems to me that you would need to consume a great deal of vitamin K in order for it to produce a negative effect together with the Coumadin.
My mom has been told that she should avoid all these foods, which are also good for you, and I would like to be able to find a balance.
Any help and information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Posted by: bibek ADHIKARI | Apr 28, 2008 4:55:45 AM
Hellow there,
Your article is lively. The way you talked about "With a little effort, you can have the best of both worlds"was impressive.Actually i am planning to write a monograph on Brassica oleracia var italica;plenk.So if you have some information regarding this; I humbly request you to send me your views about it.
Its my e-mail address:c6urmy@yahoo.com
Thanks
Posted by: ModeiraDetroit | Jul 11, 2008 9:44:59 AM
I was eating up to 3 - 6 pounds of spinach a week, sometimes as much as a pound a day. Broccoli was high on the list as well as greens, olive oil, canola oil, and other green leafy foods. I am now my 8th day in the hospital because of clotting. Although I haven't found anything that suggests or supports Vitamin K overdose, but my personal experience leads me to believe it's possible. I eat primarily vegetables, and started eating salmon, mahi mahi, swordfish, and chicken breast after 9 months of a vean diet. The dr.'s have not concluded that my diet of non-vitamin K foods have contributed to my problem. In addition to the clotting in my leg (6 superficial clots developed in less than one week, and ultimately one in a deep vein), a CT scan found a bunch of clots in my right lung. According to the dr.'s these clots are usually found when performing an autopsy. I have been placed on Cumadin and taking a Heparin IV drip until my levels reach therapeutic to be released. It's amazing that while here in the hospital soon to be 9 days, that I had been eating tossed salads, broccoli soups, steamed broccoli, and 48 ounces of cranberry juice every day (3 times a day) and had not been told by the dr.'s that my blood would be slower to thin because of the intake. How convenient for them! So, for the next six months I will be on Cumadin and through a nurse who just happened to be called to work for one day at this hospital, ha dgiven me a 3 minute education as to why I may be having a clotting problem (it confirmed my suspicion). So, I am glad to have run across this site, but I will look for more info on Vitamin K toxicity.
Posted by: Jason | Jul 18, 2008 2:21:36 PM
Just in regards to the post about warfarin being a rat poison. It was derived from that at 60 times the dose since the rat would essentialy bleed to death and the aspirin comment is that aspirin can be used that way but it binds irreversibly to your platelets which means you are at an even higher risk of bleeding with no way to stop it like with warfarin where you can take vitamin k to reverse the effects.
Posted by: NETTIE | Jul 28, 2008 11:57:14 PM
I WOULD LIKE A LIST OF FOODS A PERSON TAKING BLOOD THINER(CUMIDIN)
SHOULD AVOID............SPICIFICALY INTERESTED IN SOYBEAN.
Posted by: vmw | Jul 30, 2008 8:21:40 AM
I have recently been put on Plavix due to a stent. Does this apply to me also? I was taking vita K until July 25, 2008. I stopped because I'm not sure about the affect on my blood thinning. Thanks, VMW
Posted by: tim leira | Aug 23, 2008 10:51:31 AM
to vmw and Plavix:
Plavix does not work the same way as coumidin. Plavix keeps the platelets from sticking to each other. Coumidin interferes with vitimin k to increase the bloods clotting time. So vitamin k will not effect plavix so each your greens in confidence. By the way, I am a registered nurse.
Posted by: tim leira | Aug 23, 2008 11:02:52 AM
There's a lot of other ways to thin the blood.... Aspirin is cheap and very effective, and there are all sorts of studies that back it up as an anticlotting agent. I'd seriously ask your doctor why he's resorting to something as heavy handed as warfarin.
Posted by: Jim | Oct 13, 2007 9:28:51 PM
Let me comment on this. Yes there are studies that show aspirin is an anticlotting agent that works as good as coumidin except for 1 thing, aspirin is non reversable on the platelets, coumidin is easily reversable simply by stopping administration of it. By the way, vit k major source is not found in food, it is manufactured by the good flora in your gut! yes, you get vit k from diet but it does not compare with the bacteria in your gut. I also do not recommend soybeans or any of its products because soy can suppress your thyroid amoung other things
Posted by: john edward yulo | Aug 25, 2008 2:36:05 PM
hi i'll be having a surgey nextweek my mitral valve will be replaced by a synthetic one.. and the doctor advice me to use blood thinners.. i dont have any ideas yet on what kind of foods i have to stay away too. can you give me a list.. and is it true that i can't drink any alcohols anymore.. send me an email pls thanks a lot.. mctolytes@yahoo.com
Posted by: m. carlson | Sep 11, 2008 6:48:31 PM
I'm interested in knowing if edamame, pomegrante juice, soy yogurt and papaya are full of vitamin K. Need to watch my intake of this vitamin because I'm taking blood thinners. Thanks very much.
Posted by: Tom Norton | Sep 12, 2008 9:38:32 AM
I recently discovered that I had a clogged artery in my heart and needed a stint.....Since then I've been taking Plavix, a blood thinner, as well as a 325mg aspirin daily.....I'm also taking a cholesterol lowering drug called Lavaza.....Now I'm doing my own research, and looking for safer alternatives, like natural thinners, and natural cholesterol lowering agents such as fish oil and omega 3 fatty acids. I found out that Ginger Root Extract is very good,... Psyllium Seed Husks,... and "Extendlife" cardio klenz... which I intend to start taking as soon as I run it by my PCP. The Lavaza is an excellent cholesterol lowering drug, but I have to take 4 capsules per day, and it's quite expensive. I would appreciate your comments.
Tom
Posted by: Joe | Sep 12, 2008 6:41:28 PM
I had a pulmonary embolism in April 2008, it came out of the blue and I have no family history of this. I was on Lovenox shots for 3 weeks and Coumadin now for 5 months. The biggest thing Ive learned is that doctors can save your life, but they don't have any clue how to tell you to deal with life once they've saved you. I have essentially taken it upon myself to doctor myself. I had a CT scan and chest xray last week and there were no signs of the blood clots that had been present in April, nor DVT Deep Vein Thrombosis.
A few of the new things I have done to change my lifestyle since April 12th 2008 are as follows.
1. I walk 4-5 miles EVERY night! Helps you lose weight immediately and promotes good blood circulation, you'll sleep great too!
Get in your car and find a path you would like to take, reset your odometer and track how far it is.
2. Spectrum Fish Oil, about 6 capsules a day. 2 morn-2 lunch-2 dinner.
3. 3 tbs Apple Cider Vinegar by Bragg every morning.
4. 1 Tbs Grade A Organic honey every morning. Not Processed!
5. NO FAST FOOD PERIOD!! No Alcohol.
6. Take Ginger capsules by Natures Way. 3 per day.
7. Take 100000 H.U Cayenne Pepper Natures Way with meals 2 caps 2 times a day. Sensitive stomachs may want to try the 40000 H.U until you see if you can handle it.
8. Watch your salt intake!! Try to keep it around 1000-1300 grams a day. Some fast food contains this in one meal!! Normal salt intake for a man daily is 2300 grams, 2000 for woman, in my opinion this is way to much!!
9. Watch fatty foods, sugars, breads, essentially stay away from processed foods or things containing bleach flour. You've got the internet to help you, study and you can find your way. Doctors don't know how to help you beyond keeping you alive and pushing drugs. Our people are sick because they refuse to study what they are putting in their mouths and from lack of exercise!! Try walking 3-5 times a night for 30 days and watch what happens, be religious with this and I promise you, you'll feel the difference.
If I can help anyone please feel free to email me.
internet@++lovemustangs.net
remove the 2 plus signs ++
I added to keep the spammer bots from grabbing the email.
Posted by: Mary | Sep 24, 2008 1:21:56 PM
Does anyone know of a multiple vitamin supplement that does not contain vitamin K?
Posted by: greg | Oct 18, 2008 2:27:17 AM
yes mary. go to http://www.shaklee.net/green_planet_nutrition you can get multivitamins
with or without vitamin K
Posted by: Sandee | Nov 3, 2008 11:18:37 AM
Hi Joe,
Does your method really work? I would also like to know if you took yourself off of Coumadin? Our stories are Exact...I'm looking for natural cures at this point...Could you please give me some feedback?
Posted by: Ava Odoemena | Jan 9, 2009 12:57:12 PM
Hm. Ironic. Going vegan radically while taking Vitamin B12 (2000 µg once a week) and Vitamin D (2000 to 5000 IU a day in winter) will most likely reverse heart disease and diabetes, so no need anymore for these medications, blood thinning and otherwise. It's horrible to think that the diet which will reverse heart disease is being recommended against in order to sustain a sort of addiction to particular medications. Wow.
Posted by: JEANNINE=JANUARY 12 2009 | Jan 13, 2009 1:02:00 AM
11 YEARS AGO I HAD A MECHANICAL AEORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT AND NATURALLY I AM ON COUMADIN [10 MG] A DAY WITHOUT VIT-K.NOW I HAVE TO GO FOR AN ANGIOPLASTY BECAUSE MY CORONARIES ARE BLOCK AND I AM SO SCARE BECAUSE I WILL HAVE TO STOP THE COUMADIN FOR A WEEK BEFORE AND HAVE A RISK TO DEVELOP A BLOOD CLOT AFTER THE PROCEDURE EVEN IF I HAVE PLAVIX AND ASPIRIN IN IV[MY CARDIOLOGIST TOLD ME THAT]
I JUST LEARN THAT VIT=K 2 CAN REVERSE THE CALCIFICATION IN THE CORONARIES AND CLEANNING THE ARTERIES.
PLEASE IF SOME BODY KNOWS ABOUT IT OR HAVE DONE IT LET ME KNOW SOON BECAUSE THE PROCEDURE WILL BE ON FEBRUARY 2
A CRY FOR HELP
PLEASE MY EMAIL IS=PCREVETTE@AOL.COM
