Grapefruit (& Grapefruit Juice)

Grapefruit has natural chemicals that block an important enzyme in your gut and liver called CYP3A4. This enzyme helps your body break down many drugs, like cholesterol-lowering statins (Simvastatin, Lovastatin, Atorvastatin). When it’s blocked, your body absorbs too much of the drug, keeping it in your system longer and at higher doses than intended. That can cause serious side effects—especially muscle damage, known as rhabdomyolysis (or “rhabdo”).