Health Tip

Precaution to Grapefruit juice lovers!

Beware of "juicing" your medicines! New research shows that grapefruit juice isn't the only juice that interferes with the way your body uses drugs. Orange and apple juice can also limit the body's absorption of drugs and compromise their effectiveness. "The original finding is that grapefruit juice markedly boosts the amount of drug that gets into the bloodstream," says Dr. David Bailey of Canada's University of Western Ontario. But now, Dr. Bailey's research shows that grapefruit juice can lower the body’s absorption of some prescription drugs-including many antibiotics. The best way to avoid problems: Always take your pills with full glass of water.

On the other hand, there is good news about drinking grape juice. Drinking Concord grape juice may help fight age-related memory problems. A University of Cincinnati study tracked adults with early memory decline who consumed 15 to 21 ounces of grape juice or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. Those drinking the grape juice showed significant improvement in their ability to learn lists and experienced other short-term memory benefits. Investigators believe the benefits are due to natural antioxidants in the Concord grape juice.