In a message dated 9/12/2003 8:12:01 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
donnab@... writes:

<< I know you are not supposed
to eat many green veggies. I have always eaten lotz of salads. Does
this mean that I have to give them up? Help Please.......
>>
Hi, Donna,
I think you may be the same Donna to whom I sent a personal message, but I'll
repeat myself here in case you are a different person. My cardiologist told
me that I could eat unlimited vegetables while taking Coumadin but to keep the
amount constant so that my INR would stay about the same. My older brother
in permanent afib, who has been taking Coumadin for about two months, also eats
vegetables but keeps the amount the same every day. His INR is now in the
therapeutic range with a dose of Coumadin that is only .5 more than I take per
week. (I take 2.5 m.g. daily.) This issue seems to be a controversial one
among doctors, with some advising against vegetables entirely and others
approving a constant, unvarying intake of vegetables. Another element in the
decision
is the individual's reaction to the Coumadin. Small amounts of Coumadin seem
to have a great effect on some, like me, while others need large doses
regardless of their diet. Another factor to consider is the other foods you eat
which can have a blood thinning effect. For example, vitamin E, ginger, omega 3
fish oil, and other foods can enhance the effect of Coumadin, making the
required dose lower. I think you should ask your doctor's advice on this. Then
whatever you decide, you should try to keep your diet fairly constant and
unchanging so that your INR will be stable.
Mary in sinus in Seattle