Grapefruit – a forbidden fruit?

A breakfast of pomelo and grapefruit platter accompanied a glass of Seville orange juice would appear to be an extremely healthy way to starting the day. These fruits are a rich source of Vitamin C – one of the great anti-oxidant warriors that help protect our bodies from the damaging effects of free radicals.
All is not as it SeemsHowever, all is not as it seems!  This seemingly healthy breakfast is not so good for you if it affects the way your medicines work.  There is an enzyme present in grapefruit, pomelo, tangeleos and Seville oranges that can interfere with the action of some prescription medicines, as well as a few over-the-counter drugs too.
The Drug Danger from Grapefruit, Pomelo & Seville OrangesThis is a double-pronged jeopardy as with some drugs the interaction with the enzyme increases the absorption of the drug into the bloodstream, leading to potential overdose, whereas for other drugs if can block absorption, increasing the risk of liver
damage and kidney failure. What’s more, this risk occurs not just if you consume these foods when taking your medication, but also if you eat them either a few hours before or after.
What Should You Do?Current advice is not to combine these specific foods or their juices if you are on certain types of:

statin drugsblood-pressure drugsCrohn's disease drugscancer treatment drugsorgan transplant rejectionanti-anxiety drugsanti-arrhythmia drugsantihistamines
However, the above list is not exhaustive and it also varies dependent upon the exact drug. Therefore, as always, the best advice is to ask your pharmacist or other health care professional about your specific drug(s) and whether they are affected.

You can also find further information from these reputable sources:
UK - NHS Choices
US - FDA Resources for You
Some Good News if You’re Like Paddington BearIf, like Paddington Bear, you are partial to some delicious Seville marmalade, then don’t despair! It is believed that the high-heat processes involved in making marmalade destroys the enzymes that affect medicines.
Healthy Breakfast Ideas If you are looking for inspiration for really healthy breakfast ideas, then why not take a look at my Brunches & Breakfasts Gluten Free Wheat Free Recipes Cookbook? In it you will find over 30 healthy breakfast ideas such as:

Brunch Classics including Cinnamon Apple Pie Pancakes, Breakfast Corn Fritters, Slow-Cooked Baked Beans on Toast Breakfast Fruits including Apple & Fig Breakfast Crumble, Apricot, Peach & Honey Parfaits, Roasted Rhubarb with Honey Greek Yogurt Juices & Smoothies including Dairy-Free Vegan Maple Cinnamon Smoothie, Zingy Apple, Carrot & Ginger Juice, Dairy-Free Coconut, Pear & Spinach Smoothie Gluten-Free Granolas & Mueslis including Really Fruity & Nutty Honey Granola, Chocolate, Cherry & Hazelnut Granola, Walnut, Apple & Cinnamon Muesli Breakfast Eggs including Coddled Eggs with Roasted Asparagus & Parma Ham "Soldiers", Easy Eggs Benedict, Red Pepper & Cottage Cheese Frittatas Available to download from Amazon.com here or Amazon.co.uk here.