A Diet and Helpful hand for coumadin Patients

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A

A New Beginning

Hello All:

I am starting to see some hope. i found a book that is downloadable for $10 to assist coumadin patients in their food choices, diets etc. I researched the doctor and he is legitimate. He writes other books for gluten free, diabetes, etc.

the website is for dr. gourmet.

try it out!!!

Aja
 
Sorry guys but there is no special diet needed for coumadin patients. Eat what you feel is good for you, throw in a bit of what you want regardless of how good for you it is and try not to binge on anything. Don't waste the $10.
 
Hey All:

It was not to make people think they have to go to the website, I was simply trying to help those that might need some direction, such as myself. Some people are scared and new to the coumadin thing... such as I, and I was just trying to help.

For those that are interested, the website on Duff Mans posting is correct. I did not feel it was a waste of $10, it has helped answer some questions that I had on how to pull everything together. It also helped for my family to cook so that I too can eat knowing what is too high, and what some recommended combinations are to help sustain inr levels.

Aja
 
Well they say a Mediterranean diet promotes cardiovascular health, but as far as INR is concerned it seems like the motto around here is "Dose the diet, not diet the dose." or something like that. Maybe I have it backwards, but the idea is to eat normally and dose for the way you eat on average.

I love me some humus.
 
Oh, dear me....

Oh, dear me....

This book may have wonderful recipes for users who are on anticoagulation and those who are not.

But, the statements in the book fly in the face of current research and practice for people who take anticoagulants. Case in point, the recipe for beef and brocolli contains the warning, "This recipe is not safe for Coumadin (Warfarin) users..." This is not correct. Brocolli does have vitamin K, but it is not lethal. The information that I read is misleading and positively wrong.

It's really too bad because I truly believe that a cook book that properly addresses anticoagulation patients could really be a benefit to a whole lot of folks. If anyone likes the recipes in the book, go ahead and use them....including the one that says it is not safe for Coumadin users. Just remember to dose the diet.

I think we sometimes lose perspective. Remember, many people who are on anticoagulation are vegetarians. They seem to do very well with a diet that relies heavily on vegetables. I am sure that they include a great deal of the "greens" in their fare.

Blanche
 
Today for lunch I had pizza with Alfredo sauce, spinach, artichoke hearts, chicken, Roma tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. I also had a garden salad with Ranch dressing. I would say this meal is pretty high in Vitamin K (as well as calories & fat!). I doubt it would be recommended by Dr. Gourmet. However, it was YUMMY! I eat spinach, edamame, and tons of other vegetables. I also eat liver occasionally! My guess is that my dose is a little higher than it would be otherwise, but that is the idea of dosing the diet.

Aja, after 10 1/2 years of this stuff I can tell you that it's really easier to not worry about what you eat. The only "trick" is to eat a normal diet and get tested regularly. Don't binge on a particular food and you will be fine. It's one of those things that you shouldn't stress over. When your doctor's office tells you to avoid whatever, just turn off your ears and nod your head. Now, that's not to say that this book is a waste of money. I love cookbooks and the only one that I ever bought that was a waste of money was a low cholesterol cookbook. Talk about a book full of tasteless recipes!
 
I just looked at the website and many of the recipes sound great and healthy. I would ignore the comments where it tells you to leave out the broccoli, parsley, celery, green onions, etc. My question is this, "Could you really eat enough parsley to affect your INR?" If raw, I think of it as a garnish that is removed prior to eating. If cooked, I never have more than tiny specks! I remember my health teacher told us when on a date to eat the parsley at the end of the meal to give us fresh breath. Ah, sex education of the 1970s!
 
A New Beginning said:
Hello All:

I am starting to see some hope. i found a book that is downloadable for $10 to assist coumadin patients in their food choices, diets etc. I researched the doctor and he is legitimate. He writes other books for gluten free, diabetes, etc.

the website is for dr. gourmet.

try it out!!!

Aja
Click to expand...

Aja, Dr.Gourmet himself registered here and began posting some of his thinking. His thinking is WRONG. He was escorted out the door(For violating the user terms of use agreement). While you may find the book helpful and some think the Coumadin cookbook (I own this one) is good too, throw them away(Well keep them for the recipes you like, but don't use it as a GUIDE TO WHAT YOU EAT)! The only thing they serve to do is keep your INR teeter tottering all over the place and driving one insane. Simply eat what you like as you've always eaten before, then the dose can be adjusted for that diet and you'll seldom have to worry about your INR when it comes to eating.

His way is exactly what Duffman is speaking of, dieting the dose of Coumadin, which is exactly opposite of how it should be. I think every one of us, when we first started on Coumadin, bought these books, spent time actually trying to count the Mcg's of Vit K in our prepared foods like we had control and I'll tell you right now, everyone and I do mean everyone, has found that it doesn't work. Sooner or later, your going to go back to your normal diet, it will get dosed properly and that will be the end of those books.

Understand, I do appreciate your efforts for trying, but please don't concern yourself with worrying about your Vit K intake. Just do your normal thing and it'll all work for the better.

You say your starting to see some hope. Are you having problems getting stable? If so, it's likely not you at all, but those who are managing you. Come down to the Anticoag forum and we'll help you get things squared away, the way they should be.

This is his Coumadin menu. Take note of the almost nonexistence of anything leafy green. This is so wrong on so many levels. Your body needs these nutrients.
http://www.drgourmet.com/warfarin/warfarinrecipes.shtml#maincourse
 
A New Beginning said:
Hey All:

It was not to make people think they have to go to the website, I was simply trying to help those that might need some direction, such as myself. Some people are scared and new to the coumadin thing... such as I, and I was just trying to help.

For those that are interested, the website on Duff Mans posting is correct. I did not feel it was a waste of $10, it has helped answer some questions that I had on how to pull everything together. It also helped for my family to cook so that I too can eat knowing what is too high, and what some recommended combinations are to help sustain inr levels.

Aja
Click to expand...


Again, please don't think were attacking you. We aren't. Were simply trying to tell you that it doesn't work and you shouldn't be trying to make it work. You need to talk to the people that take the drug. We are the ones that know the ins and outs of this drug from real experience with it. We'd be more then happy to help you with any of your Coumadin concerns at any time. All you have to do is ask when you need help. ;)
 
Aja,
Just about everyone that starts Coumadin is made to think that they must, like diabetics, closely monitor their diet and make sure they don't consume anything but tiny amounts of Vitamin K. We all start out feeling like we must be ever-vigilant. I remember being afraid to eat salad and broccoli and even green beans. The thing to remember that the reason most weight-loss diets don't work is because it's not the normal way of eating and people revert back. Making yourself follow a "coumadin diet" is just going to lead to a life of food frustration that isn't necessary at all.

Some studies show that those who consume vitamin K in their foods have a more stable INR.

Our mantra is "Dose the Diet - don't Diet the Dose".

The reality is that fluctuations in INR have little to do with what food you eat. If you don't usually eat spinach salads and you go and have 3 or 4 large ones in a row - yes your INR will change. But most people don't eat like that.

You do need to be wary of pre-packaged diet food and drinks because many derive their protein source from soy - and high concentrations of soy and this will change your INR. But if this is what you know you will be eating regularly, then you just check your INR and change your dose as needed.

We're not scolding you at all. We were all where you were at one time. We just want to give you the freedom that should be yours. Eat what you want, check your INR regularly, change your dose when needed and you'll be fine.

I've been on the drug for over 17 years. My INR has been more stable since I stopped monitoring what I ate in relation to my Coumadin (now I do need to monitor it in relation to my weight!!!!).

I don't look on a dose change as a failure of mine for not doing something, or doing something I shouldn't have. It's a sign that I'm living my life. I adjust my dose - and keep on living life.

Best wishes.
 
Aja, thanks for posting this thread...the replies have been very helpful to me as I am still learning about all this and tend somehow to diet the dose! but not anymore.

Karlynn, very nicely said and I shall always try to remember
" Some studies show that those who consume vitamin K in their foods have a more stable INR." not forgetting the nutritious benefits in those foods.

As for me, it will be a torture to give up my cilantro and/or parsley; but may not consume them in the same amount!? or shouldn't I change my habit as long as I would take the same amount on weekly basis or daily basis?!

:)
 
Eva said:
Aja, thanks for posting this thread...the replies have been very helpful to me as I am still learning about all this and tend somehow to diet the dose! but not anymore.

Karlynn, very nicely said and I shall always try to remember
" Some studies show that those who consume vitamin K in their foods have a more stable INR." not forgetting the nutritious benefits in those foods.

As for me, it will be a torture to give up my cilantro and/or parsley; but may not consume them in the same amount!? or shouldn't I change my habit as long as I would take the same amount on weekly basis or daily basis?!

:)
Click to expand...


Don't change your habit, eat what you normally eat.
 
Eva - I LOVE cilantro! Eat it - enjoy it!

I've really been loving edemame (soy beans) lately. I buy them by the bags, pre-cooked and frozen. I heat them in the microwave, salt them, then peel and eat. They are so yummy - and my INR hasn't changed a bit. Because of this - I'm guessing that the soy protein in the prepackaged foods and drinks I spoke of either: A - might be highly concentrated or B. not contain the fiber that the actual bean itself has and that keeps it from messing with my INR. Either way - my INR has been unchanged from it's norm since snacking 3 or 4 days a week ok these little green gems!

I also caution anyone that starts eating them often to check their INR regularly. An occasional snack every now and then is not big deal. But since I found them so tasty and knew they were healthy to eat as I try to lose some weight I did keep an eye on my INR for a couple of weeks.
 
Question......

Question......

Karlynn said:
Eva - I LOVE cilantro! Eat it - enjoy it!

I've really been loving edemame (soy beans) lately. I buy them by the bags, pre-cooked and frozen. I heat them in the microwave, salt them, then peel and eat. They are so yummy - and my INR hasn't changed a bit. Because of this - I'm guessing that the soy protein in the prepackaged foods and drinks I spoke of either: A - might be highly concentrated or B. not contain the fiber that the actual bean itself has and that keeps it from messing with my INR. Either way - my INR has been unchanged from it's norm since snacking 3 or 4 days a week ok these little green gems!

I also caution anyone that starts eating them often to check their INR regularly. An occasional snack every now and then is not big deal. But since I found them so tasty and knew they were healthy to eat as I try to lose some weight I did keep an eye on my INR for a couple of weeks.
Click to expand...

This brings up a question ?. I have never notice any change/problem with my INR and I eat a wide variety of food, lots of salad and lots of greens ?. Are some people less sensitive to food induced INR changes than others? ? Inquiring minds want to know:rolleyes:
 
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