{"id":628064,"date":"2024-06-03T09:30:21","date_gmt":"2024-06-03T13:30:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628064"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:56:12","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:56:12","slug":"hydrochlorothiazide-foods-to-avoid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/hydrochlorothiazide-foods-to-avoid\/","title":{"rendered":"4 foods to avoid when taking hydrochlorothiazide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hydrochlorothiazide<\/span><\/a> is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. “Hydrochlorothiazide, or HCTZ, belongs to a class of diuretics (water pills) known as <\/span>thiazide diuretics<\/span><\/a>,” says <\/span>Ken Zweig, MD<\/span><\/a>, an internist practicing in Arlington, Virginia. It’s also used to treat edema, which is swelling caused by the build-up of fluid in the body’s tissues. It works by helping the kidneys move water and electrolytes out of your body through urine. Off-label, it can be used to treat people with diabetes insipidus and calcium-containing kidney stones.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hydrochlorothiazide is taken once daily with or without food, but patients may be advised to adjust their diet when taking it. Some foods to avoid when taking hydrochlorothiazide include those high in sodium and salt, as well as alcohol and grapefruit juice. It’s also recommended to follow a low-sodium diet, such as the <\/span>DASH diet<\/span><\/a>, and eat plenty of potassium-rich foods.<\/span><\/p>\n

How hydrochlorothiazide works<\/span><\/h2>\n

Hydrochlorothiazide acts as a diuretic, leading to more frequent urination. “It forces the kidneys to release extra salt and fluid through the urine, helping to lower blood pressure and reduce fluid retention,” Dr. Zweig explains. It works quickly, within <\/span>an hour or two<\/span><\/a> of taking the medication. “It also causes vasodilation, which helps to reduce blood pressure” by opening your blood vessels, says Dr. Zweig.<\/span><\/p>\n

4 foods to avoid with hydrochlorothiazide<\/span><\/h2>\n

What you eat can affect your <\/span>blood pressure<\/span><\/a>. Certain foods elevate it, while others lower blood pressure. Similarly, your diet can work against hydrochlorothiazide or increase the risk of side effects, Dr. Zweig says. Generally, those taking hydrochlorothiazide are advised to follow a heart-healthy, low-sodium diet. Here are some of the foods you should avoid when taking this medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. High-sodium foods<\/span><\/h3>\n

When you’re diagnosed with hypertension, dietary changes are one of the first courses of action, says <\/span>Mary Greene, MD<\/span><\/a>, a board-certified cardiologist practicing in New York City. Specifically, foods that are high in sodium or salt are the first to be limited. “A high-sodium diet can counter the effects of HCTZ, so prescription drugs alone may not make a significant improvement on blood pressure,” explains Dr. Greene.<\/span><\/p>\n

To maximize its effects, limit high-sodium foods when taking hydrochlorothiazide, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n