Pomegranate Juice Side Effects

Pomegranate juice contains more antioxidants than most juices, and it is a top choice among those looking for natural foods that can help the heart. The National Institutes of Health report that antioxidants protect your body against cellular damage that could lead to heart disease, cancer and a host of other diseases. Since pomegranate juice can have an effect on several health conditions, talk to your doctor before you start drinking it on a regular basis as a health supplement. Some side effects are possible.

Low Blood Pressure

There is the potential for dangerous side effects if you drink pomegranate juice in combination with some prescription medicines, such as those designed to reduce blood pressure. Pomegranate juice can lower blood pressure, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If it’s taken with other prescription medicines or herbs and supplements designed to lower blood pressure, you run the risk of developing blood pressure that is too low, also known as hypotension.

Metabolic Problems

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Consumer Reports says juices such as grapefruit and pomegranate appear to interfere with an enzyme in the body that’s vital to metabolizing many common medications, such as some statins for cholesterol. Check with your doctor before trying pomegranate juice if you are on any regular medications.

Allergic Symptoms

Some people are allergic to pomegranate. The Wellness website reports that people with plant allergies tend to be at greater risk of developing allergic reactions to pomegranate. It says people with asthma should be especially careful before drinking pomegranate juice. Some of the reactions to pomegranate include nausea, vomiting, hives, red itchy eyes and difficulty breathing. On the other hand, pomegranate juice is packed with Vitamin C and other nutrients that can work as anti-inflammatory agents and help reduce allergy symptoms.

Too Much Sugar

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Pomegranate juice is sometimes touted as a healthful drink for people suffering from diabetes, but the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center advises diabetics to proceed with caution. Sloan-Kettering says diabetics who are watching their sugar intake need to be careful if they start adding pomegranate juice to their diets because of the sugar content in the drinks.