Before I begin, just a quick disclaimer to say that this is my personal experience with the 5:2 diet while taking Warfarin - I don't recommend it to anyone who is on it, and you should always consult your doctor before embarking on any kind of diet or eating regime!
I have a heart and lung condition (Eisenmenger's Syndrome) which makes me more likely to have blood clots. I had one 4 years ago when I was 21, and it caused me to have a ministroke. I am now on the anticoagulant Warfarin for the rest of my life.
As anyone on Warfarin will know, it's a bit of a pain. It interacts with all medicines, lifestyle changes, alcohol, and diets. Everything in moderation is what I was told - if you're going to drink alcohol then do, but make sure it's a small amount, and preferably the same every day, certainly don't ever binge; if you're going to diet then do, but don't do it suddenly and don't completely change your eating habits at once (one of my problems is I don't often listen to doctors....)
Well, I had my INR (I don't know what this stands for, but basically it has something to do with the target level of Warfarin!) tested after the first 2 fast days. My target is 2.5, but anywhere between 2-3 is acceptable. It was 2.4 - pretty near perfect.
I'm under the Royal Brompton Hospital for my health condition, and I spoke to them about the diet. I was advised that it probably isn't a good idea - it won't make me feel good, I'll be very tired and lacking in energy, I might upset my body by not eating much one day and then eating the wrong things the next, etc etc. They also don't know how it will affect my Warfarin. They said by all means I could carry on if I want to, but they wouldn't advise it.
I intend to get my INR checked next week, and will definitely be keeping an eye on it while on this diet. If it is having a negative affect on it then obviously I will rethink doing the 5:2 diet....but in the meantime I guess I'll carry on picking and choosing which bits of medical advice I listen to!
Sophie
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