Grapefruit juice is known for its beneficial effects on many parts of the body. Since its discovery in 1827, scientists have been studying the effects of grapefruit on the human body, and today there is a wealth of information on the topic. It has been found to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, stop digestion of dietary fats, and thwart the growth of some cancers.
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it has been suggested that grapefruit could be used to reduce some of the chronic pain associated with arthritis. But did you know that grapefruit juice can interact with certain medications and supplements, inhibiting their effects? Specifically, grapefruit juice inhibits the action of sildenafil (Viagra) in the body. The following discusses the interactions between grapefruit and sildenafil, as well as the safety of drinking grapefruit juice while taking Viagra or other similar medications.
What Is Grapefruit And Its Health Benefits?
Grapefruit (Citrus Grandis) is a quintessential part of any tropical or subtropical garden. Its fruit has a bright, shiny exterior that changes color when cut or bruised, ranging from brilliant white to deep orange. It can be easily recognized by its large, smooth pads (known as zest) and its sour taste.
Grapefruit has been shown in studies to contain antioxidants and Vitamin C, two important nutrients whose importance has recently been underlined by doctors at Harvard Medical School. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient, necessary for human health. It is involved in the synthesis of DNA and collagen in the human body, and is thus critical for keeping our bodies firm and young-looking. It helps the body to fight and recover from infections, especially viruses and bacteria. Antioxidants are compounds which protect our cells and tissues from damage caused by free radicals – unstable molecules that can lead to cell damage and premature aging.
Besides being health-enhancing, vitamins and antioxidants can make some medications more effective. In some cases, grapefruit has been known to negate the need for medications – if and when used in conjunction with proper diet and exercise.
Grapefruit And Sildenafil: An Inhibitor-Mediator Interaction
Grapefruit juice has been shown in studies to inhibit the action of sildenafil (Viagra) in the body. This is a medication commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. As a result of grapefruit’s interaction with sildenafil, the medication may not be as effective in the body.
Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, which works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. The substance is generally well-tolerated by most patients, although mild side effects have been reported. The most frequent side effects reported by men using Sildenafil include headaches, flushing, and upset stomach. Women using the medication have reported effects such as muscle pain, upset stomach and diarrhea.
Like most medications, sildenafil can interact with other substances in the body. Some of these interactions have been theorized to be beneficial, while others may be harmful. The following discusses some of the more significant of these interactions, and whether they are helpful or harmful.
Is Water Beneficial In Combination With Sildenafil?
Since phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors prevent the decomposition of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), it has been suggested that drinking water may be helpful in conjunction with sildenafil. It is theorized that by hydrating the body, cGMP levels may increase, resulting in improved erectile function. However, it should be noted that while hydration is necessary for a healthy body, drinking too much liquid can potentially cause the patient to become dehydrated. If dehydration is severe, it might even have adverse effects on the body. For example, excessive dehydration has been known to cause kidney stones. In these instances, drinking water might not be the best option.
Should Pomegranate Juice Be Avoided While Taking Sildenafil?
Besides grapefruit juice, pomegranate juice has also been shown in studies to interact with sildenafil, inhibiting its effects. Like grapefruit juice, pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients. Pomegranate juice has potent anti-inflammatory properties and also inhibits the growth of cancer cells. While most patients generally experience benefits from taking sildenafil, in some instances it may be ineffective or even harmful when used in combination with pomegranate juice.
The following summarizes the interactions between grapefruit and sildenafil, as well as the potential health benefits and risks of drinking grapefruit juice while taking Viagra or other similar medications.
Potential Health Benefits Of Drinking Grapefruit Juice
Consumers are increasingly aware of the health benefits which come with eating fruits and vegetables, and also the importance of avoiding foods with added sugar. Because of this, more people are willing to try new things when it comes to their nutrition – even if it’s a fruit they’ve never tried before. This is why it is important to research the potential benefits and side effects of any new food product or dietary change before making it a part of your routine.
One of the more significant health benefits of grapefruit juice is its ability to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. In one study, rats that were fed a diet rich in cholesterol and treated with grapefruit juice were found to have significantly lower levels of cholesterol in their blood compared to the control group. Interestingly, another study found that feeding rats a diet rich in cholesterol and then injecting the animals with a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (Sildenafil), produced a synergistic effect – the combination of the two substances resulted in significantly lower cholesterol levels compared to what was observed in the control or Sildenafil groups alone. It seems that by inhibiting the decomposition of cGMP, these compounds work together to lower cholesterol.
Besides lowering cholesterol, grapefruit juice has also been shown to help protect the stomach and intestine from cancerous cells. Animals that were fed a diet rich in antioxidants and then injected with pancreatic tissue (which had been damaged by chemicals) saw significantly fewer signs of cancer growth in comparison to those fed a regular diet. It would seem that the antioxidants in grapefruit juice interfere with the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting the organs from damage. This is why scientists at the Linus Pauling Institute consider grapes and grapefruit to be superfoods.
Risks Of Drinking Grapefruit Juice
Since its benefits seem to outweigh its risks, it is generally safe to recommend that you drink grapefruit juice on a regular basis. However, as with most things in life, there are exceptions. If you are currently on medication or take medication on a regular basis, it may be best to avoid consuming grapefruit juice, as it may interact with some medications, preventing their full effects from being felt by the body.
It is well-established that grapefruit juice can interact with medications and supplements which affect the body’s hormone levels. When this happens, it may not be beneficial for the patient – especially if the medication is needed to treat a hormone-related disease. One such example is the androgenic steroid (androgen), which is used to treat prostate cancer and other hormone-related diseases. When given in conjunction with grapefruit juice, the effectiveness of androgens may be reduced. Some studies have even suggested that grapefruit juice may promote the growth of some types of cancer in the body.
The following section details some of the more significant risks of drinking grapefruit juice, as well as suggestions for safer alternatives.
Dangers Of Drinking Grapefruit Juice
As noted above, grapefruit juice can inhibit the action of various medications and supplements in the body. This can lead to adverse effects in various situations. Patients who are taking or have taken medications related to vision, blood pressure, or cholesterol levels may be at risk of developing serious problems if they drink grapefruit juice regularly.
How Can I Take Advantage Of The Benefits Of Grapefruit Juice Without Risking My Health?
If you are interested in trying out the health benefits of grapefruit juice but do not want to undergo the risks involved with drinking it, then it is best to follow the guidelines presented by the FDA, and consume the juice in moderation.
According to the FDA, you should not drink more than 16 ounces of grapefruit juice per day. If you are currently taking medications or supplements, then it is best to speak with your doctor before increasing your intake of grapefruit juice, as there may be risks involved with combining these substances in your body.