Vitamin K is essential for the proper formation of blood clots in the body. The K in vitamin K, which was discovered by a Danish scientist, comes from the Danish word “koagulering” which means clotting. The liver makes a protein called prothrombin, which is a vital link in the coagulation process. Vitamin K is the forerunner of prothrombin and is used by the liver to make prothrombin. There are a number of medical conditions in which prevention of excessive clotting within the body is desirable. Blood clots within the heart, arteries and veins can lead to heart attacks, strokes and phlebitis. One of the drugs used to prevent clout formation is a blood thinner called warfarin (trade name Coumadin). Warfarin interferes with the formation of prothrombin in the liver. As everyone who takes warfarin knows, they must get a blood test called the prophet prothrombin time (pro-time or P.T.) to be sure of the correct dose of warfarin. Too much warfarin leads to unwanted bleeding. Too little means that clotting is not prevented.

So why is vitamin K in the diet important to a patient on warfarin therapy? Simply because if too much vitamin K is eaten, it interferes with the action of warfarin, thus lowering the PT and making the blood more likely to clot.

Nutrition Facts

The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin K is 65 micrograms for women and 80 micrograms for men. Some of the vitamin K the body uses is produced by bacteria in the digestive tract but most comes from food. With proper food selection, a vitamin K regulated diet can be varied and adequate in all nutrients.

Special Considerations

While taking anticoagulant medications, it is not necessary to avoid vitamin K containing foods all together. Just keep consumption of vitamin K fairly consistent, rather than consuming a lot one day and very little the next. This will allow the medication to work and keep blood clotting function consistent. Regular blood tests to monitor blood clotting time for potential dangerous fluctuations is important. Keeping a food diary can be very helpful in monitoring the potential interaction between diet and medication. If the PT becomes too low check with the physician and keep a record of your own food intake. It may be you’re eating too many vitamin K containing foods.

The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. However, it is not just a simple tube. The lower esophagus has a specialized muscle around it that usually stays tightly close, opening only to allow food and liquid into the stomach. It acts to prevent the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.

Symptoms occur when the specialized muscle weekends and allow stomach acid to splash up into the esophagus. The symptoms include heartburn, chest discomfort, and bitter fluid flowing up into the mouth. Chest discomfort can occur. If the stomach juice trickles into the breathing tubes, hoarseness, cough and even shortness of breath can occur. This entire problem is called GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). A number of factors, including certain foods, may cause lower esophageal muscle to relax, causing GERD.

Nutrition Facts

A diet designed to prevent or reduce acid reflux is usually easy to follow. The basic food groups of cereals, vegetables, fruit, dairy products and meats can be eaten with only a few limitations. So, this diet generally meets the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of the National Research Council. A vitamin C supplement may be needed if an individual does not tolerate citrus food such as oranges, tomatoes, etc.

Special Considerations

The lower esophageal muscle can be weakened by factors other than food. The following recommendations may be helpful in reducing symptoms:

• Stop using tobacco in all forms. nicotine weekends the lower esophageal muscle.
• Avoid chewing gum and hard candy. They increase the amount of swallowed air which, in turn, leads to belching and reflux.
• Do not lie down immediately after eating. Avoid late evening snacks.
• Avoid tight clothing and bending over after eating.
• Eat small, frequent portions of food and snacks if needed.
• Lose weight if overweight. Obesity leads to increased 3 flex.
• Elevate the head of the bed six to eight inches to prevent reflux when sleeping. Extra pillows, by themselves, are not very helpful.

Diseases of the heart and blood vessels are the number one cause of death in United States. People with hypertension, or high blood pressure, are more likely to develop these diseases. Therefore, is important to try to lower elevated blood pressure.

Hypertension cannot be cured in most cases. It can be successfully managed with lifestyle changes and or medication. Reducing the amount of sodium in the diet can help bring blood pressure levels down.

Nutrition Facts

With proper food selection, a diet for high blood pressure can be very inadequate in all nutrients, including vitamins and minerals.

The Role of Sodium

Sodium, of course, is essential for good health. While American adults average 4,000 to 6,000 milligrams daily, the recommended daily limit for the general public is only 2,400 milligrams. Someone with high blood pressure should consult a doctor to see how much sodium should be consumed daily. As a guide, however, 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams (2-3 grams) is enough.

A common dietary source of sodium is salt. Sodium is one of two minerals that make up salt (the other is chloride). One teaspoon of salt contains a whopping 2,300 milligrams of sodium – an entire day’s supply! But sodium is also hidden in the diet in other foods, mainly processed and packaged food.

What Food Labels Mean with Regard to Sodium

The US Food and Drug Administration has developed these definitions that appear on food packages to assist consumers watching their sodium intake:

• “low sodium” means the food has 140 milligrams or less of sodium per serving
• “very low sodium” means the food has 35 milligrams or less sodium per serving
• “salt-free” means the food has 5 milligrams or less of sodium per serving
• “light in sodium” means the food has at least 50% less sodium then the original version
• “reduced sodium” means the product has at least 25% less sodium than the original version

Special Considerations

Read food labels. Most sodium in the American diet comes from processed foods. Check the nutrition facts label for sodium content. Select foods labeled low sodium, very low sodium, or salt free, and watch out for ingredients that indicate high sodium content. Here’s a clue: any ingredient with the word sodium in it, such as disodium phosphate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium benzoate, sodium hydroxide, sodium nitrite, sodium proprionate, and sodium sulfate means that the food likely has a high sodium content. Baked goods made with baking powder or baking soda may also be high in sodium.

Limit consumption of high-sodium processed foods. These include cured and smoked meats, and some prepackaged, frozen and canned foods, most soups, and condiments.

Remove the salt shaker from the table and make meals tasty and flavorful with herbs and spices. While cooking, experiment with fresh and dried herbs, such as onions, garlic, basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, rosemary, black and red pepper, and onion and garlic powder. These all add flavor without adding sodium.

Beware of salt substitutes. Not all salt substitutes are sodium free. Some contain sodium, but in a lesser amount than regular table salt. Read the labels, and if you take medication for your blood pressure, consult your doctor before using a salt substitute.

Maintain a healthy body weight and exercise regularly. Maintaining a healthy body weight and exercising are both very important in controlling blood pressure. If you are overweight, just a modest weight-loss can significantly improve high blood pressure. Regular exercise with a physician’s approval is important in helping you lose weight and maintain weight loss. This helps keep blood pressure down.

Limit consumption of alcohol. In many people, drinking excessive alcohol raises blood pressure. It is recommended that people with high blood pressure limit alcohol consumption to no more than one ounce per day. That’s about the amount in 2 ounces of 100-proof whiskey, one 8-ounce glass of wine, or two 12-ounce cans of beer.

Eat adequate amounts of potassium rich foods. Potassium, another mineral essential to good health, works in concert with sodium to regulate blood pressure. Studies have shown that people who consume more potassium have lower blood pressures than those who consume less. Rich sources of potassium include many fruits such as cantaloupe, bananas, watermelons, oranges and orange juice, as well as potatoes, spinach and zucchini. (Important note: If taking medication for high blood pressure, such as diuretics, consult a doctor before using salt substitutes that contain high amounts of potassium.)

• Half an apple with two teaspoons of peanut butter.
• An orange and a few dry roasted nuts.
• 10 cashew nuts.
• 10 almonds.
• Two ounces of lean roast beef.
• Half a small avocado.
• Three ounces of cooked, whole-grain noodles with one fresh tomato and a half ounce of hard cheese.
• One seven grain Belgian waffle.
• Four mini rice cakes with two tablespoons of low-fat cottage cheese.
• Three ounces of low-fat cottage cheese and three whole wheat crackers.
• A quarter cup of fat free ranch dressing with mixed raw veggies.
• Six Wheat Thins crackers and two teaspoons of peanut butter (or any nut butter).
• One small baked potato with a half a cup of salsa and two tablespoons of fat free sour cream.
• One third cup of unsweetened applesauce with one slice of whole wheat toast cut into four strips for dunking.
• One half cup of frozen orange juice eaten as sorbet.
• Two large graham cracker squares with one teaspoon of peanut butter.
• Three hand-fulls of unbuttered popcorn seasoned with herbs.
• Four to six ounces of no-fat or low-fat yogurt.
• A five ounce tossed salad with lettuce, tomato, cucumber and a quarter cup of fat free dressing.
• Half a “finger” of string cheese with four whole wheat crackers.

Fun Food Tips … Did you know?

Choosing pretzels out of a vending machine instead of potato chips can save 9 grams of fat.

Starting a meal with a glass of water will curb your appetite.

A root beer float made with 1/2 cup of low fat ice cream and 8 oz. of root beer has only 3g of fat!

Fortune cookies are usually fat free!

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