If you've been prescribed a statin by your doctor to control high cholesterol, chances are you're aware that you shouldn't eat grapefruit or drink its juice.  But why?

The easy answer is that grapefruit contains items that make the body digest the medicines in statin drugs at a higher rate - leaving a larger dose in the body at any single time.  This can lead to adverse affects some of which can be serious like liver and kidney damage.

The Food and Drug Administration suggests that statin users follow their doctors and pharmacists orders and not consume grapefruit while they are on the medication. If you're a citrus fruit lover, be assured that your other favorites like oranges, lemons, limes and the like are okay to consume.

To read more details about the effects of grapefruit, statins, and other prescription medications, click here.

 

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