fermented foods
2 interactions related to fermented foods
kefir + antibiotics
Antibiotics can kill the live bacteria and yeast in kefir if both are taken at the same time, and dairy calcium can bind certain antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones) and reduce their absorption. Spacing kefir a couple of hours away from each dose addresses both concerns. Note that the broader claim that kefir prevents antibiotic-associated diarrhea is not well supported: the one randomized trial of kefir itself found no benefit.
fermented foods + maois
Fermented foods accumulate tyramine when bacteria break down the amino acid tyrosine during fermentation. MAOIs block the monoamine oxidase enzyme that normally clears dietary tyramine in the gut wall and liver, so the tyramine reaches the bloodstream and triggers a surge of norepinephrine. This can produce a sudden, dangerous rise in blood pressure (a hypertensive crisis).