(08-03-2014, 11:10 PM)Lotus Wrote: Grapefruit Juice
Something in grapefruit juice blocks the action of specific enzymes needed to absorb and break down drugs. These enzymes, found in the intestinal wall and liver, are called cytochrome P-450 3A4 and 1A2 (CYP3A4 and CYP1A2, for short). Several constituents of grapefruit juice have been implicated, including specific flavonoids and other phytochemicals called furanocoumarins. Concentration of these compounds varies from one batch of juice to another.
By inhibiting the action of these enzymes, grapefruit juice increases your body’s absorption of certain drugs, and also slows the process of breaking them down in the liver. Thus certain drugs affected by these enzymes stay in the body longer than normal.
You need to be well studied in your drug interactions when adding Grapefruit juice.
Quality clinical trials upon which to base therapeutic dosing recommendations are limited. Improved lipid profiles were achieved with consumption of 1 grapefruit daily for 30 days. Grapefruit juice 8 oz (237 mL), or half of a fresh grapefruit, 3 times a day before each meal for 12 weeks resulted in weight loss in a clinical trial evaluating the effect on metabolic syndrome.
http://www.drugs.com/npp/grapefruit.html
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http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ForConsumer...292839.pdf
Grapefruit Juice
http://www.pkdiet.com/pages/recipes/reci...fruit.html
I really enjoy freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. Easy simple - slice in half and juice with a reamer. Grapefruit health benefits:
1. Decreases leg swelling
2. Cholesterol - Pectin Lowers Cholesterol
3. Anti tumor activity - Lycopene a carotinoid with anti-tumor activity. Helps eliminate free radicals.
4. Vitamin C supports immune system, reduces inflammation, cold fighter, diminishes free radicals' harm
5. Limonoids promote the formation in the liver of lutathione-S-transferase, a detoxifying enzyme. This helps increase the metabolism of estrogen through the liver.
6. LDL cholesterol- Anthocyanin helps raise good cholesterol
7. Kidney stone - Reduce formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones.
8. Weight loss - Grapefruit may help prevent weight gain by lowering insulin levels. It cuts appetite and burns fat.
9. Tobacco harm reduced the activity of an enzyme that activates cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco smoke.
10. Cancer causing toxins - grapefruit works in both Phase I and Phase II (liver detoxification) to enhance the liver's ability to remove cancer-causing toxins.
11. Naringenin, a flavonoid concentrated in grapefruit, helps repair damaged DNA in human prostate cancer cell.
12. Men who ate grapefruit and other foods high in lycopene had 82% less likely to develop prostate cancer.
Grapefruit and its juice has a CAUTION. It significantly increases the production and activity of liver detoxification enzymes responsible for preparing toxic compounds for elimination from the body. A list of the nutrients in grapefruit are listed here. This can be helpful in eliminating estrogen like compounds from the liver and preventing future liver cysts from forming. CAUTION It is for this very reason that if we are on immunosuppressive agents (if we have had a transplant) then doctors recommend that we avoid grapefruit. This can create fluctuations in medication levels. Some transplant teams will allow grapefruit if you agree to eat a set amount each and everyday. Otherwise the risk of losing a transplanted organ is too great and the transplant team usually recommends that grapefruit and other citrus be avoided.
Cyclosporin (Sandimmune) has a powerful immunosuppressive activity affecting especially the T lymphocytes. It is toxic to the human kidney, and there is fear that prolonged use of the agent could lead to permanent renal damage. It also increases the growth of hair on the face and body, which can be distressing to female patients. It is a difficult drug to use because since it is fat soluble and its absorption is variable. Thus each patient needs to be individually studied to ensure that the dosage is adequate but not excessive. Grapefruit juice and Mediterranean oranges and Sun Drop, a citrus soda, contain bergamottin which enhances the effect of cyclosporin, increasing the level of the drug in circulation. St. John's wort reduces the concentration of cyclosporin rendering it less effective.
Grapefruit also interferes with many medications. While taking certain medications your pharmacist or physician may recommend avoiding grapefruit. Something in grapefruit juice – no one knows what – blocks the action of specific enzymes needed to absorb and break down drugs. These enzymes, found in the intestinal wall and liver, are called cytochrome P-450 3A4 and 1A2 (CYP3A4 and CYP1A2, for short). Several constituents of grapefruit juice have been implicated, including specific flavonoids and other phytochemicals called furanocoumarins. Concentration of these compounds varies from one batch of juice to another.
By inhibiting the action of these enzymes, grapefruit juice increases your body’s absorption of certain drugs, and also slows the process of breaking them down in the liver. Thus certain drugs affected by these enzymes stay in the body longer than normal.
Compounds in grapefruit are known to increase circulating levels of several prescription cholesterol lowering drugs including statins. For this reason, the risk of muscle toxicity associated with statins may increase when grapefruit is consumed. To counteract this, sometimes co-enzyme Q10 is given. Statins lower the body's level of coenzyme Q10 resulting in muscle pains. Coenzyme Q10 is useful when one is prescribed statins.
Grapefruit is so useful as a weight loss aide, that they have bottled it and sell grapefruit tablets.
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