Coumadin, INR & low-fat diets?

[catwoman]

I posted this to another note this weekend, meant to post it as a separate thread.
I've joined Weight Watchers to lose about 20 pounds. Two weeks in a row, my INR has been around 4.0. Eating habits the same, even eating MORE broccoli & spinach and I'm exercising more. However, I'm not eating as much oil or butter, which has vitamin K.
Could that be causing the INR increase?

I mentioned that to the Weight Watcher leader today before our meeting and she said another Coumadin patient had joined WW last Saturday and was curious as to how changing to a lower-fat diet would affect her INR.

Anyone have any experience with going on a low-fat diet and how it affects INRs?

I've dropped my dosage to 5mg X 4 and 6mg X 3, a 10% drop.

 

[Ross]

I swear the sun has something to do with INR rises. I haven't changed anything at all and mine tried to creep up and out. I don't know if you'll find an answer, but stay consistent and see what happens.

 

[McCln]

Marsha

Marsha

Have you increased you activities, like walking, arobics, or whatever? That have been discussed here before and I had even discussed this with my cardio's nurse the confirm it. My INR was 4.0 two weeks ago. So, just go over what you have been doing or eating. Be consistant and watch it on the broccoli and spinach. Take care.

Caroline
09-13-01
Aortic valve replacement
St. Jude's valve

 

[catwoman]

Caroline:

I am exercising more -- walking (very briskly) 30+ minutes about 5X week -- and eating more broccoli, asparagus and spinach.
The exercise and increased consumption of dark green stuff should lower my INR, not increase it. Exercise would increase metabolism of Coumadin and more green stuff would counteract Coumadin's effectiveness.
That's why I'm baffled.

 

[Lisa in Katy]

When I went on WW type diet the same thing happened. I expected a very low INR and instead got a high one. The Coumadin nurse said it's because of cutting out all the oils - mayo, salad dressing, cooking oil, etc. Apparently I was getting way more Vitamin K from those things that from the veggies. So, we adjusted my dosage just slightly and my INR came down. My doctor stresses that you can be on any type of diet with Coumadin as long as it is consistent so you can adjust your Coumadin to fit your diet. The problem comes when you flip flop between low fat and high fat.

 

[catwoman]

Lisa:

That's what I thought... I am losing weight, so I can't complain, other than the higher-than-expected INR.

What I would love for a huge chicken-fried steak right now... or a plate of enchiladas!
I'm heading to New Orleans for a cat show this weekend. A friend is dying to go to the French Quarter on Saturday night. I'm trying to figure out how many of my "flex points" I can save up for Saturday night!