One important detail: Vitamin K is fat-soluble. So, to get the most out of it, it’s good to drink your green juice with a healthy fat source, like some seeds, nuts, or a drizzle of olive oil. But remember, green juice doesn’t have to be the only way to get Vitamin K. Soups, stir-fries, salads, and other dishes with green vegetables do a great job too.
Now, a super important point for anyone using blood thinners, like warfarin (the famous Marevan). If you take this medicine, you’ve probably heard about its connection to Vitamin K. Warfarin works by blocking Vitamin K1’s action in the liver, which thins the blood and prevents clots. In the past, the advice was to completely avoid foods rich in Vitamin K, but today we know that the most important thing is to keep your intake consistent and not cut out these healthy foods.
So, you don’t need to, and it’s not recommended to, remove broccoli, kale, or spinach from your diet. The key is to eat similar amounts of Vitamin K every day, and your doctor will adjust your INR (a blood test) based on what you eat. For example, if you love a leafy salad or your morning green juice, you can and should keep having them. Just tell your doctor so your blood thinner dose can be adjusted, considering your regular intake.
What’s really concerning are sudden changes. One day you don’t eat it, two days you do, one week you don’t. That’s not good. The effect of warfarin can get out of whack. Always talk to your healthcare professional to match your diet with your treatment instead of cutting out nutritious foods. Your conversation with your doctor is vital for your safety.
As you can see, the power of healthy circulation and a strong heart is largely in your hands. With small but powerful changes to your diet and lifestyle, focusing on these vitamins we just learned about, you can have a huge impact on your health. Think about it: taking care of your body is the best long-term investment you can make. You deserve this health.
