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PROMOTING WELLNESS
by Mary Jo Dalton, Health Ministry Nurse
First United Methodist Church, Santa Monica, CA
www.santamonicaumc.org :: (310) 393-8258 :: info@santamonicaumc.org

Several case reports suggest that there may be an effect of cranberry juice on the INR (International Normalized Ratio) which determines the ability of the blood to clot. Eight patients in the United Kingdom have recently been reported to have an increase in their INRs after drinking cranberry juice. If a person is on coumadin (a blood thinning drug, used to prevent clots and strokes), drinking excessive amounts of cranberry juice could increase the coumadin’s effect and potentially cause internal bleeding. More controlled studies are needed to clarify the relevant influence of cranberry juice on the INR, but it may be wise to limit intake of cranberry juice when on coumadin.

On the other end of the spectrum, the effect of coumadin could be reduced by eating foods high in vitamin K which aids in the clotting of blood. These foods include asparagus, avocados, beef liver, broccoli, cabbage, green onions, soybeans, lettuce, spinach and other green leafy vegetables. If you take warfarin (coumadin), pay attention to how much vitamin K you consume each day and discuss this with your doctor. Also, if you are unable to eat for several days due to persistent stomach upset or diarrhea or fever, contact your doctor, as she/he may want to adjust your dose.

Since certain medications and dietary supplements can affect the way coumadin works, tell your doctor if you are on any over-the-counter drugs or herbal supplements.

Information for this article was taken from Dr. Steven Moll, director of the Thrombophilia Program at the Department of Medicine at UNC Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on the Thrombophilia Support Page on the Mayo Clinic web site.