Doctor warns bananas could interfere with these three blood pressure drugs

 People taking common medications to manage high blood pressure or heart failure may be putting themselves at risk by consuming a common household fruit, a doctor has warned. Whilst fruits are packed with vital nutrients and vitamins, they can sometimes clash with certain medications such as captopril, fosinopril or enalapril, triggering a range of unexpected side effects.

Particular drugs prescribed for hypertension and heart failure are classified as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Medications such as fosinopril function by blocking the angiotensin hormone and enabling blood vessels to widen and relax, thereby reducing blood pressure.

Whilst these medications can prove effective, Dr Chris Steele cautioned viewers on ITV's This Morning programme that certain foods can actually stop some medicines from working as intended. This encompasses a broad range of everyday fruits including grapefruit, limes, and bananas.

Dr Chris highlighted that bananas specifically could interfere with ACE inhibitor medications such as captopril, enalapril, and fosinopril, explaining that they can upset the body's potassium balance. He said: "Bananas (as well as oranges and certain salt substitutes) are high in potassium. Mixed with these drugs, these foods can cause high potassium levels.

"Too much can cause irregular heartbeats and palpitations. Tell your GP if you're taking potassium or diuretics alongside blood pressure medication.

"Avoid eating large amounts of foods high in potassium if you're on ACE inhibitors."

Complications from high potassium in the body

Potassium is a mineral vital to the body that helps the nerves and muscles operate properly. In particular, it's essential for heart health as it can help to maintain a normal heart rhythm while managing blood pressure by aiding the body in getting rid of excess salt.

However, the body can have too much potassium, which can lead to a condition known as hyperkalaemia. According to Kidney Research UK, this can cause a number of alarming symptoms such as:

Other foods that can interact with drugs

Dr Chris also highlighted that a number of other drugs can have unintended interactions with certain food and drinks. For example, he noted that some antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, can mix with milk.

He said: "Calcium can interfere with the effects of some antibiotics, so you shouldn't take these at the same time as eating foods high in calcium, like milk, yoghurt or cheese. Supplements containing calcium should also be avoided for a few hours before and after taking these antibiotics.

"Don't drink it when you take some antibiotics including tetracycline, ciprofloxacin (quinolone antibiotics), and certain osteoporosis medication, such as alendronate (Fosamax)."

He also recommended to avoid the following if you take certain drugs:

Grapefruit if you take statins for high blood pressure

Black liquorice if you take certain heart medicines such as digoxin

Leafy greens if you take anticoagulants

Coffee if you take bronchodilators for asthma

Smoked salmon and alami if you take antidepressants

Limies if you take cough medicine

Dr Chris emphasised: "You should always ask your doctor about precautions you should take while being prescribed any new medication. Avoiding certain foods, altering your lifestyle habits, or taking other precautions might be necessary to avoid undesirable side effects."