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Showing posts with the label CYP3A4 enzyme

⚠️ Why Is Grapefruit Dangerous? The Hidden Chemistry Between Food & Medicine ๐ŸŠ

In the vibrant world of health-conscious eating, grapefruit is often hailed as a superfruit. It's low in calories, high in vitamin C, and filled with antioxidants that seem to promise vitality in every bite. But what if this seemingly innocent fruit held a dangerous secret ? What if its fresh tangy flavor could interfere with your health instead of enhancing it ? This is not clickbait— grapefruit can, in fact, pose serious health risks , especially when combined with certain medications. ๐Ÿงช The Bitter Truth: Grapefruit’s Interaction with Drugs At the core of grapefruit's risk lies a powerful natural compound group called furanocoumarins . These bioactive substances affect an enzyme in your intestines known as CYP3A4 , which plays a crucial role in metabolizing many medications. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) , grapefruit juice can block this enzyme, causing your body to absorb too much of a drug . In simple terms, your normal dosage becomes an over...