Sildenafil, a medication that treats erectile dysfunction (ED), is sold under the brand name Viagra and the generic drug Revatio. It comes as a tablet and as a suspension that is taken by mouth. It also is available as an injection that is only given by a doctor.
Foods that are high in fat may slow the absorption of sildenafil, making it take longer to reach maximum effectiveness. These foods should be avoided while taking the medication.
1. Bananas
Unlike tablets, sildenafil oral jelly can be chewed and swallowed easily. It is also easy to digest, making it an excellent option for older adults and people with difficulty swallowing pills. It is not recommended to take this medicine with fatty meals because it can decrease the absorption of the drug in the body. Taking it with a fatty meal can increase the likelihood of side effects such as headache, flushing, stomach upset, diarrhea, and blurred vision.
If you have a medical condition that affects your kidneys, liver, or heart, talk to your doctor before taking this medication. You should not take this drug in combination with nitrates (medicines that treat chest pain) because it can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
If you are taking sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction, you should avoid eating bananas because they can interfere with the medication’s effectiveness. Instead, eat other fruits that are high in fiber, such as peaches and apples. These foods are beneficial for gut microbes and reduce your blood sugar response after a meal.
2. Cheese
Sildenafil is a drug that alters blood flow in the penis, helping treat erectile dysfunction. It’s also used for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It can cause side effects, including nosebleeds, flushing, headache, stomach upset, dizziness, and vision changes like blurred or colored vision and impaired blue/green color discrimination. These side effects usually go away after a few days or weeks, but you should call your doctor if they become severe or don’t stop.
Sildenafil shouldn’t be taken with foods high in fat, because this can reduce the amount of medicine your body absorbs. It can also be dangerous to take sildenafil with drugs called nitrates (often given for chest pain) because it can cause a dangerous drop in your blood pressure.
If you have liver or kidney problems, the dose of sildenafil you take may be different. You should also talk to your doctor before taking sildenafil if you have a history of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease or PVOD because it can make this condition worse. If you’re allergic to sildenafil or any of its ingredients, your doctor will probably not prescribe it for you.
3. Nuts
Nuts, especially Brazil nuts and hazelnuts, are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep blood sugar under control. This, in turn, reduces the risk of diabetes. Nuts are also a good source of fiber.
Studies show that people who eat nuts regularly are healthier than those who don’t. They have a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. This is largely because tree nuts and peanuts are high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which are associated with reduced lipid levels and lower body weight [2, 3].
However, you should not go nuts with these healthful foods because too many of them could lead to obesity and indigestion. In addition, if you consume them with medications such as nitrates (used to treat chest pain) you might experience a dangerous drop in blood pressure. In that case, you should consult your doctor. Instead, toss a modest handful of nuts in your morning cereal or into a bowl of yogurt with fruit. You can also add them to a meatless salad for lunch or dinner.
4. Eggs
Sildenafil Oral Jelly (also known as Kamagra) is a jelly-like form of sildenafil and is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It is specially designed for those who don’t like to swallow pills and can be taken 15 – 30 minutes before lovemaking or as directed by your doctor. The medicine should not be consumed with fatty meals, as this may reduce the amount of drug that your body absorbs.
You shouldn’t take this drug if you have certain heart problems or are taking nitrates (a type of medication often used to treat chest pain). These medications can cause dangerously low blood pressure when combined with sildenafil. It’s also not safe to take this medication if you have liver or kidney problems or sickle cell anemia.
This medication comes with a patient information leaflet that should be read carefully before starting treatment and each time you get a refill. Follow the instructions and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you don’t understand. Some side effects may occur, such as headache, flushing, stomach upset, nasal congestion, diarrhea, or dizziness.
5. Meat
The healthiest foods and diets are balanced. Changing one type of fat for another, such as switching fried chicken for fish, won’t lower your cholesterol or improve your mood. Instead, you should replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats and avoid trans fats.
You should also limit sugary foods and drinks, which are high in energy (measured as kilojoules or calories). Regularly eating too many of these foods increases your risk for obesity and tooth decay. This includes added sugars found in soft drinks, sweets, syrups, and unsweetened fruit juices and smoothies. It’s best to choose nutrient-rich whole fruits and vegetables, milk, unsweetened yogurt, or low-fat kefir.
You should not take sildenafil with certain medicines that alter the flow of blood to the penis, such as nitrates used to treat chest pain or heart problems. The combination can cause a dangerous drop in your blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you’re taking these medicines.