Can you eat chocolate while on blood thinners?

Asked by: Miss Ebba Labadie Sr.  |  Last update: June 2, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (10 votes)

If you take blood-thinners (anticoagulants like warfarin or antiplatelets like aspirin), you should know that chocolate (like garlic) can slow blood clotting, increasing your risk of bruising and bleeding. Unsweetened dark chocolate has significant health benefits but surprising drug interactions.

Does chocolate affect blood thinner?

Dark chocolate thins the blood and performs the same anti-clotting activity as aspirin. Many doctors recommend baby aspirin to reduce our risk of heart attack or stroke. Researchers at University of California, Davis have found that dark chocolate has a similar effect.

What foods are not good with blood thinners?

Blood thinners: Eat fewer foods with vitamin K
  • Asparagus.
  • Broccoli.
  • Brussels sprouts.
  • Cauliflower.
  • Green onions.
  • Kale.
  • Parsley.
  • Spinach.

Can I eat chocolate while taking Eliquis?

Fortunately, Eliquis has not been shown to have a bad interaction with any foods. The usual culprits when it comes to food-drug interactions, such as leafy green vegetables, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, coffee, and peppermint tea, are safe to enjoy while taking Eliquis.

What drugs can you not eat chocolate with?

But eating chocolate and taking certain drugs might carry risks. In fact, eating chocolate and taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, such as Nardil (phenelzine) or Parnate (tranylcypromine), could be dangerous. MAO inhibitors treat depression.

Diet considerations when taking blood thinners | Ohio State Medical Center

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What are two blood pressure medications to avoid?

5 of the worst blood pressure medications
  • Beta blockers. Usually, beta blockers aren't used as first-choice therapies to lower blood pressure. ...
  • Loop diuretics. Furosemide (Lasix) is a type of diuretic (water pill) known as a loop diuretic. ...
  • Alpha blockers. ...
  • Vasodilators. ...
  • Alpha-2 agonists.

Can you eat eggs on blood thinners?

On the positive side, patients are able to consume many foods considered safe if they are taking any anticoagulants. These are the foods that are considered safe to consume: Meat, fish, and eggs.

Why can't you eat salad on blood thinners?

However, for some individuals on the medication Coumadin, eating salads can be worrisome because many lettuces and trendy greens are rich in vitamin K, which can interfere with this medication. Coumadin is prescribed to reduce the risk of forming blood clots.

What is the number one prescribed blood thinner?

Warfarin remains the preferred choice for people with liver disease, kidney failure, mechanical heart valves, and certain clotting disorders (thrombophilia). Warfarin offers protection for several days, whereas DOACs have much shorter half-lives.

What foods worsen blood clots?

Deli meats, sausages, and bacon are all known to contribute to blood clot formation due to their high levels of sodium and saturated fats. These ingredients can raise cholesterol levels and promote inflammation, both of which increase the risk of blood clotting.

Can I have a tooth pulled while on blood thinners?

It is typically not necessary to interrupt your blood thinner before a simple dental procedure (such as a cleaning, single tooth extraction, or cavity filling). Your dentist does not need to routinely consult your doctor about your anticoagulation before a simple dental procedure.

What can you not drink on blood thinners?

Do not use or only drink small amounts of the following when taking warfarin:
  • Alcohol.
  • Chamomile or green tea.
  • Cranberry juice.
  • Grapefruit juice.

Why should we not eat chocolate everyday?

Chocolate receives a lot of bad press because of its high fat and sugar content. Its consumption has been associated with acne, obesity, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes.

Is chocolate bad for blocked arteries?

Antioxidants in chocolate help clear plaque out of the arteries, reducing the risk of heart disease. Flavonoids found in chocolate may lower blood pressure and improve your blood flow overall. Dark chocolate has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol.

What drinks should I avoid while on Eliquis?

However, some foods and drinks can interact with it that you should be aware of. Grapefruit, pomelos, and certain teas are some examples of foods you should avoid while on Eliquis.

What is the best sleeping position to prevent blood clots?

Sleeping on your side promotes better circulation, which can help prevent blood clots. Side sleeping also encourages better breathing and digestion at night, which can help you experience more deep, restful, restorative sleep. Try sleeping on your left side more than your right if you can.

Does peanut butter interact with blood thinners?

Thyroid drugs can increase the effects of blood thinners. Some oils, including sunflower, wheat germ, safflower and soybean oil, can increase bleeding risks. Other vitamin-E-rich foods, such as peanut butter, almonds, red bell peppers and pumpkin seeds, can increase bleeding risk as well.

What are the long-term side effects of blood thinners?

Gastrointestinal issues: Chronic use of blood thinners can lead to gastrointestinal problems, such as ulcers in the stomach or intestines. Hemorrhagic stroke: Blood thinners can increase the risk of a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures.

Can you eat potatoes on blood thinners?

Just be sure that you also choose some vegetables that are lower in vitamin K. Examples are corn, mushrooms, onion, potato, summer squash, and sweet potato.

Should you eat blueberries if you are on blood thinners?

For example, it is not recommended to eat a moderately high vitamin K containing food such as blueberries at every meal. However, if this is a current dietary practice, do not abruptly discontinue doing so. It is best to keep vitamin K consumption constant while taking a blood thinning medication.

Can you drink coffee with blood thinners?

Caffeine can prevent the breakdown of anticoagulants like warfarin and increase blood levels of these drugs, leading to increased bleeding risk. Therefore, taking caffeine with anticoagulants can slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

What is the number one fruit to lower blood pressure?

Fruits that can help lower blood pressure in the long term include strawberries, blueberries, bananas, watermelon, and kiwis . Drinking pomegranate juice may also help .

What should I do if my BP is 140-90?

If you have a BP of 140/90, that is considered high blood pressure and you should discuss this with your doctor. The first thing that is usually recommended for people with high blood pressure to do is lifestyle changes such as: Maintaining a healthy weight. Consuming a healthy balanced diet low in salt.

Why is lisinopril one of the worst blood pressure meds?

Renal function impairment or kidney damage:Too much lisinopril can damage the kidneys. Angioedema:Swelling of extremities like the hands, feet, or ankles, or swelling in the face, can be a side effect of lisinopril. When swelling occurs in sensitive areas like the throat, it can be dangerous.