Are there any known interactions between naproxen and broccoli, or can I eat broccoli safely while taking naproxen?

You can generally eat broccoli safely while taking naproxen, as no authoritative drug information lists a direct, clinically proven interaction between naproxen and broccoli. ^{[1] [2]} Standard prescribing and consumer medication guides for naproxen highlight interactions with certain medicines (like anticoagulants, other NSAIDs, steroids, and some antidepressants) and alcohol, but do not identify routine foods such as broccoli as a concern. ^{[1] [3]}

What official naproxen guidance says

Official medication guides for naproxen focus on avoiding combination with other NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or aspirin), caution with blood thinners, and monitoring for stomach bleeding risks, rather than interactions with common foods. ^{[2] [3]} These guides also recommend telling your clinician about all medications and supplements, but they do not warn against eating cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli. ^[4]

Broccoli and drug‑metabolism: theoretical considerations

Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a natural compound that can modulate enzyme systems involved in drug metabolism (phase II enzymes like glutathione‑S‑transferases and transporters like MRP1), and it can influence certain cytochrome P450 pathways in experimental models. ^[5] In cell studies, sulforaphane altered the activity and expression of some drug‑handling enzymes and transporters when combined with specific drugs; however, this evidence is preclinical and does not show a clinically meaningful interaction with naproxen in typical dietary amounts. ^[6] Naproxen itself has relatively simple pharmacokinetics, is highly protein bound, is extensively absorbed, and is cleared mainly via renal excretion as the parent drug and simple metabolites; it is generally little affected by food in routine use. ^{[7] [8]}

Practical guidance for taking naproxen with food

• Taking naproxen with food can slightly slow the rate of absorption for some NSAIDs, but this typically does not reduce the overall amount absorbed and can help lower stomach irritation. ^[9] Consumer medication guides also emphasize gastrointestinal safety rather than food restrictions. ^[2]
• Given naproxen’s profile and the lack of documented food interactions, eating normal servings of broccoli as part of a balanced diet is considered reasonable. ^{[1] [8]}

When to be cautious

• If you use high‑dose broccoli extracts or sulforaphane supplements (much stronger than food), there could be theoretical effects on drug metabolism; evidence is limited and not specific to naproxen, so discussing supplements with a clinician is sensible. ^[5]
• Watch for typical naproxen side effects such as stomach pain, heartburn, black stools, or unusual bruising, and avoid combining naproxen with other NSAIDs or alcohol, which can raise bleeding risk. ^{[3] [2]}

Bottom line

Based on established naproxen prescribing and consumer guidance, broccoli does not have a known, clinically significant interaction with naproxen, and eating broccoli in normal dietary amounts is generally considered safe. ^{[1] [2]} Experimental data on sulforaphane do not translate into proven real‑world issues with naproxen at typical food intake. ^{[5] [8]}