A healthy diet and lots of exercise are the key staples of a healthy lifestyle. Grapefruit is one of the most nutritious fruits around, so why are they frowned upon if you’re taking statins?The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledged the nutrients found in grapefruits, such as vitamin C and potassium. However statins, such as simvastatin and atorvastatin, interact with grapefruit juice.
Statin side effects
The NHS noted common side effects of statins can include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Feeling sick
- Feeling unusually tired or physically weak
- Digestive system problems, such as constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion or farting
- Muscle pain
- Sleep problems
- Low blood platelet count
“Statins can occasionally cause muscle inflammation (swelling) and damage,” said the national health body.
Anybody suffering from unexplained muscle pain are advised to speak to their GP.
They might arrange a blood test to check the level of creatine kinase in your blood.
Do mention to your GP if you’ve been exercising a lot recently too, as this will also release creatine kinase into the bloodstream.
Creatine kinase is the substance released into the blood when muscles are inflamed or damaged.
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This could occur due to statins, or it may be due to working your muscles harder during exercise – or both.
Liver failure
The life-threatening condition demands urgent medical care, attested WebMD.
Early warning signs of liver failure include: nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue and diarrhoea.
As liver failure progresses, more serious symptoms emerge, such as jaundice – yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.
Other signs include a swollen belly, mental confusion, sleepiness and bleeding easily.
Treatments may involve a liver transplant, which could save your life.
Source: Daily Express
