Six everyday foods and drinks secretly disrupting your medication - including the one pharmacists say to 'avoid completely'

Some of these interactions can make your medication less effective, while others might actually increase the risk of side effects.

The list includes some surprising culprits that many of us would consider healthy choices.

From your morning grapefruit juice to leafy green salads, dairy products, and even the occasional glass of wine, these everyday items can all affect how well your treatment works.

Grapefruit tops the list as the biggest offender when it comes to medication interactions.

The citrus fruit contains natural chemicals that block a liver enzyme responsible for breaking down certain drugs, meaning more of the medication stays in your system than intended.

"This is especially important if you're taking medicines like statins, blood pressure tablets, some antidepressants, or immune-suppressing drugs," Ian explained.

"Even one glass of grapefruit juice can have an effect that lasts for up to one day, so it's safest to avoid it completely with these medications."

Although it may come as a shock to anyone who loves starting their day with a refreshing glass of grapefruit juice, the consequences can be stronger or more frequent side effects from your regular prescriptions.

Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli are packed with vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting.

This becomes particularly important for anyone taking warfarin, a blood thinner that works by reducing vitamin K's effects.

"So, if you suddenly eat a lot more (or a lot less) vitamin K-rich foods than usual, it can throw off the balance and make warfarin either less effective (if you eat more greens) or too strong (if you suddenly cut them off)," the pharmacist said.

The good news is you don't need to ditch your salads entirely, as pharmacists recommend keeping your intake steady rather than making dramatic changes.

Cranberry juice is another one to watch if you're on warfarin, as it contains compounds that can intensify the drug's blood-thinning effects, potentially raising the risk of bruising or bleeding.

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt can also cause issues, particularly with certain antibiotics used to treat chest and urinary infections.

The calcium in these foods binds with medications such as tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones, preventing proper absorption and meaning your body doesn't receive the full dose.

"If you're prescribed one of these antibiotics, don't worry; you don't need to avoid dairy altogether. Just try to take your dose a couple of hours before or after having milk or dairy foods so it can do its job properly," the pharmacist advised.

Meanwhile, aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented foods contain tyramine, which can trigger dangerous blood pressure spikes in people taking older antidepressants called MAO inhibitors.

Though these medications are less commonly prescribed nowadays, those taking them should be aware of which foods to steer clear of.

Alcohol is one of the most common substances that clash with medications, and its effects depend entirely on what you're taking.

It can make drugs like antidepressants, sedatives, and strong painkillers far more sedating, leaving you feeling drowsy or unsteady on your feet.

"It can also put extra strain on your liver or interfere with how medicines for diabetes work, making blood sugar harder to control," the pharmacist noted.

The advice isn't necessarily to give up drinking completely, but to check your patient information leaflet or have a chat with your pharmacist about what's safe for you.

Ian commented: "Knowing what to look out for means you can take control of your health and get the most out of your treatment."