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. For example, 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 is also a big deal 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. 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. Eating slowly and mindfully can help you feel full and enjoy the food more. Resisting second helpings and saving leftovers for later can also help. 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.