In the cold winter, a bowl of hot soju chicken or ginger duck is the first choice for many people to keep warm and nourish themselves. Such heart-warming dishes are a common dietary choice in winter. However, it is important to note that if you are suffering from
coldWhen taking cold medicine, you must be extra careful when taking tonic food - because the wine added to the medicinal food is likely to interact with the medicine, leading to adverse consequences, and in severe cases even threatening your health.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning regarding the potential interactions between alcohol and sesame oil chicken, ginger duck, and other tonic dishes. These dishes, often flavored with alcohol, can increase the risk of drug-alcohol interactions if consumed after taking medication. This interaction can increase the side effects of the medications themselves and potentially damage the liver and kidneys. Furthermore, the adverse symptoms experienced by different medications and alcohol can vary.
According to information compiled by the Drug Injury Relief Foundation, taking many common medications with alcohol carries significant risks. For example, drinking alcohol while taking blood pressure medication can further dilate blood vessels, potentially causing low blood pressure and leading to dizziness, fatigue, and other discomfort. Furthermore, alcohol in combination with blood sugar-lowering medications or insulin can prolong the effects of hypoglycemia, potentially causing coma, headaches, and other symptoms in severe cases. The risks are even greater for people with diabetes.
Regarding antipyretics and analgesics, consuming alcohol after taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs significantly increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding. Even if taking acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), alcohol can exacerbate the drug's hepatotoxicity and cause liver damage if liver function is poor. The risks of taking central nervous system medications, such as sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and morphine-based analgesics, are even more severe when taken with alcohol. Symptoms include drowsiness, mental confusion, and impaired motor coordination. In extreme cases, it can even lead to coma or respiratory failure, which can be life-threatening.
In addition to the interactions between drugs and alcohol, the FDA also reminds that
Winter tonicMedicinal foods are often made with traditional Chinese medicines, and these ingredients can interact with Western medicines. These interactions can not only increase or decrease the effectiveness of Western medicines, affecting treatment outcomes, but can also increase the risk of side effects. Therefore, while taking medication, it's important to avoid consuming medicinal foods simultaneously, and never mix Western and Chinese medicines on your own. If you need to take supplements, consult a physician or pharmacist to ensure medication and dietary safety.
