How to eat on Coumadin (warfarin)

Timothy S. Harlan, M.D.

Why should you be concerned about Vitamin K?

Vitamin K interacts with Coumadin (warfarin) and changes the way warfarin affects the blood. When you eat foods that are high in vitamin K, you can decrease the effect of warfarin. Likewise, eating less vitamin K can increase the effect of the medication.

There are two approaches to managing the amount of Vitamin K in your diet: the first is to avoid all foods that are high in Vitamin K. The second is to consume about the same amount of Vitamin K each day. Here at Dr. Gourmet, we take the second approach (here's an article I wrote on The Right Dose of Vitamin K).

Since it's best to keep your Vitamin K intake stable, it's important that you do not make any major changes to your diet without speaking with your doctor. If you want to lose weight, eat a lower fat diet, or become a vegetarian, your doctor would want to know about these changes to help manage your warfarin.

Generally speaking, leafy green vegetables tend to contain higher amounts of vitamin K and one rule of thumb is to suspect that green veggies, cabbages and lettuces are high in Vitamin K. Certain vegetable oils, like canola oil, will have higher amounts of vitamin K.

Foods that are low in vitamin K include roots (like carrots), bulbs (onions, but not green onions/scallions), tubers, and many fruits and fruit juices. Cereals, grains, and other milled products are also low in vitamin K.

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Get answers to your questions about what to eat while taking Coumadin Warfarin). Hundreds of answers!

What Can I Eat?

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Lists of Coumadin (warfarin) safe recipes, along with foods that are low, medium and high in Vitamin K.

Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Recipes

Breakfast Recipes

Blueberry Muffins

Muffins, pancakes, smoothies and more. Start your day right! See all Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Breakfast Recipes »

Soup Recipes

Chicken Noodle Soup

Familiar favorites like Chicken Noodle Soup to new tastes like Roasted Eggplant Soup. See all Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Soup Recipes

Salad Recipes

Greek Salad

Delicious composed salads, side salads and salad dressings. See all Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Salad Recipes

Sides & Extras Recipes

Stuffed Potato

Vegetable side dishes, starches such as rice and potatoes and more. See all Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Side Dish Recipes

Fish Recipes

the ingredients for a healthy fish soup

Delicious halibut, tuna, grouper, whitefish and more. See all Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Fish Recipes

Shellfish Recipes

Shrimp

Easy, healthy shrimp, scallops, crab, mussels and more. See all Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Shellfish Recipes

Beef / Lamb Recipes

Meatball Hoagie

Savor the flavors of beef and lamb with easy, satisfying Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Beef and Lamb Recipes

Pork Recipes

Pork Tenderloin

Enjoy healthy, delicious pork with easy, satisfying Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Pork Recipes

Chicken Recipes

Chicken Marsala

Quick favorites and easy classics for those on Coumadin (warfarin). See all Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Poultry Recipes

Turkey Recipes

Chicken Marsala

Easy, healthy recipes, from soups to roasted breasts. See all Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Turkey Recipes

Vegetarian Recipes

Pasta Alfredo

Quick and easy tomato sauce, pastas and risotto dishes make meatless delicious. See all Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Vegetarian Recipes

Dessert Recipes

Key Lime Pie

Classic desserts such as Creme Brulee along with Whipped Cream and more. See all Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Dessert Recipes

 
 
 

Get the Coumadin Cookbook!

Coumadin Book

This indispensable book includes:

• A primer on WHAT a Mediterranean-style diet is and WHY it's great for you
• 95+ delicious Coumadin safe recipes
• Information about managing your diet on Coumadin
• Ingredient and cooking tips throughout the book
• Complete Nutrition Facts, including Vitamin K content, for each recipe

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Note: This is a revised and updated version of Dr. Harlan's The Dr. Gourmet Diet for Coumadin Users. These are the same recipes with updated Nutrition Information, with the addition of information on a Mediterranean-style diet.

How Much Vitamin K is in...?

Find out the exact amount of Vitamin K (in micrograms) of almost a thousand common foods! Listed both alphabetically and then in order of the amount of Vitamin K in the food, this list will help you know exactly how much Vitamin K you're eating. Just $4.95 for the eBook (PDF) or $12.95 for the paperback. Get your copy now!

Now even more safe recipes: Vegetable Recipes for Coumadin Users

Vegetable Recipes for Coumadin Users from Dr. Gourmet

Yes, you can eat vegetables while taking Coumadin (warfarin)! This cookbook for Coumadin users includes 88 vegetable side dish and main course recipes - all delicious, healthy, and safe for those who need to manage their Vitamin K intake.
Paperback: $19.95 » | eBook (PDF): $14.95 »