Thanksgiving Feast: Food and Medication Mix-Ups to Avoid

Thanksgiving is a time for big meals and family, but it's also a time to be careful with food and medicine. Some foods can mess with common medicines, causing problems.

Food and Medicine Interactions

• Leafy Greens like spinach and kale have vitamin K, which helps blood clot.

• If someone is on blood thinners, eating too much or too little of these greens can be risky.

• Dairy products, like milk and cheese, are good for bones but can interfere with certain antibiotics.

• To avoid this, it's best to take antibiotics a few hours before or after eating dairy.

• Grapefruit juice can also cause issues.
• It blocks enzymes in the liver that break down some medicines, making side effects worse.

• This is especially important for people taking statins, blood pressure meds, or antidepressants.

• Alcohol is another thing to watch out for.
• It can make some medicines, like antidepressants and sedatives, more potent, leading to drowsiness or unsteadiness.
• It can also strain the liver and mess with diabetes medications, making blood sugar harder to control.

Food Safety During Thanksgiving

• Raw turkey, undercooked stuffing, and food left out too long can cause food poisoning.
• The CDC advises keeping frozen turkey at 0°F or below until ready to thaw.
• Thawing should be done in the fridge, in cold water, or in the microwave, never on the counter.
• Cooking the turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F is crucial, and using a food thermometer helps ensure safety.
• Stuffing the turkey is not recommended for food safety reasons.
• Leftovers should be stored properly and eaten within four days or frozen for longer storage.

Avoiding Overeating and Other Risks

• Eating too much or too fast can lead to indigestion, heartburn, and bloating.
• It's also easy to choke if you're not careful.
• Drinking too much alcohol can increase the risk of accidents.
• To enjoy the feast without issues, it's best to:
• Eat regular meals before the big meal and avoid arriving too hungry.
• Eat slowly and mindfully to help you feel full and enjoy the food more.
• Resist second helpings and save leftovers for later.

Long-Term Health Considerations

Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy, but it's important to think about long-term health.

• One big meal won't ruin your health, but consistent healthy eating habits will support your well-being in the long run.