Foods to Avoid When Taking Viagra: A Complete Guide
Over the globe, around 30 million men are facing mild to moderate or severe forms of Erectile dysfunction (Ed). And the prevalence of Ed is increasing among people as they get older if and odds of developing Ed is rise.
Erectile dysfunction, like sexual problems, is now more common in men over 50s. But it is not that Ed only affects males in their 50s or 60s; it also occurs in younger people. According to a study conducted in 2013, observed that 1 in 4 men are getting their first treatment for Ed at the age of 40 or under it.
So, Ed is not limited to age. Its prevalence is increasing due to unhealthy lifestyles, inappropriate habits, and many other factors.
Once Ed starts to interrupt your sexual life, you seek treatments, and one of their best options is Ed pills. Ed medications like Viagra(Sildenafil) are a first-choice medicine for many men who face mild to moderate symptoms of ED.
While using Viagra, a man can get or keep an erection as Sildenafil is present in it helps improve blood flow to the penis. And when a male is sexually stimulated, these Ed drugs work best and help get them a naturally hard erection.
But, most m But, most men who have Ed may also suffer from other medical problems, and sometimes these problems are the main contributor to Ed in them. These medical conditions include high blood pressure, heart-related disease, and prostate problems.
And most of the medications that help to treat these conditions might interact with Viagra. Now only with medications, some food items may also cause interaction with Viagra and other Ed pills.
Alcohol and grapefruit juice or grapefruit are two examples of them. These items can potentially cause unwanted effects on the person who takes them with Viagra.
Read on to know what foods to avoid when you take Viagra and, if you did not do that, what complications might appear.
Interactions between Viagra and Food
Are you thinking about what food items you should use while taking Viagra? Then here is all you wanted to know.
You must avoid certain foods while taking Viagra, depending on your health conditions. Alcohol, High-fat meals, and grapefruit are unsafe when taken with Viagra or other PDE inhibitors.
When combined with these foods and liquids with Sildenafil, interaction may cause unwanted side effects on the body.
High-fat meals
Taking Viagra(Sildenafil) with food or on an empty stomach is safe, but too much food, especially high-fat meals, is something you should avoid.
A high-fat meal can prevent Sildenafil from getting absorbed as it may take longer to start work. It can delay the absorption up to an hour, and you must wait longer to get it effective. Also, it may reduce the medication's effectiveness against Erectile dysfunction.
If you wish to eat before taking Viagra, make it breakfast or lunch. It will help your body by giving it time to digest the food and allow Viagra to enter the bloodstream more effectively. As a result, Viagra would work in the best-expected way and help you assist with a hard erection.
We have listed some food items which contain high-fat content, and you must avoid eating them while taking Viagra-
- Fried food
- Cheese
- Heavy cream
- Fatty meals
- Bacon
- Butter
- Grapefruit or grapefruit juice
Using Grapefruit with Sildenafil can increase the levels of this medication in the body. Grapefruit can inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme and may delay the time Sildenafil takes to work.
Such interaction can prevent Viagra from getting absorbed into the gastrointestinal system. Even the person taking grapefruit and Sildenafil can risk side effects due to the interaction. It may cause unwanted negative effects such as headaches, flushing, and low blood pressure.
Alcohol
Limit the amount of Alcohol while taking Viagra(Sildenafil) to prevent the adverse effects of interaction.
Combining Sildenafil with Alcohol can lower your blood pressure and induce other side effects on the body. Also, Alcohol can intensify the effects on blood pressure, which can be unsafe. As a result, you may come across side effects like Fainting, flushing, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
People drinking Alcohol must know that it is one of the famous contributors to Erectile dysfunction. Thus, it is not advised to take Alcohol in excessive amounts, especially if you are taking Viagra.
Conclusion
Viagra is a safe and effective medication approved by the FDA for treating male impotence. And, it is not that Viagra will not interact with any other medicine or food.
When you take Viagra, you must be aware of possible interactions with other drugs, food items, and medical conditions. Some food items that have the potential to interact with Viagra are heavy and fatty meals, Alcohol, and grapefruit juice.
Make sure you discuss with a doctor all the possible interactions so that you can prevent them from reaping the benefits without any adverse effects.
Some FaQs-
What food affects Viagra?
Food items affecting Viagra(Sildenafil) are grapefruit juice, Alcohol, and high-fatty meals.
How can I absorb Viagra faster?
The best way to take Viagra for fast absorption is to take it on an empty stomach or have a light meal an hour before you take it. Take Viagra 30 to 60 minutes before sex, and do not take a double dose daily.
What should I eat before taking Viagra?
You can either take Viagra on an empty stomach or have a light snack before you take it an hour before sex. But make sure that you do not eat a high-fat meal; otherwise, it may alter the performance of Viagra.
Should I drink lots of water with Viagra?
You can swallow a Viagra tablet with a full glass of water or juice(But not with grapefruit juice or Alcohol).
Can I take Viagra with milk?
Yes, according to clinical studies, Viagra, when taken with milk, does not cause any kind of side effects or interactions. But whole milk, which can have 8 grams of fat, can become a high-fat meal and cause an upset stomach or delay the absorption of Viagra. Also, make sure you do not have an allergy to milk or lactose intolerance. You can risk stomach upset or acid reflux during such conditions if you take it with Viagra(Sildenafil).
