Based on NIH | Is it true that taking naproxen means I should limit my spinach intake?

No, naproxen does not require you to limit spinach or other high–vitamin K foods. Naproxen (a nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drug, or NSAID) has no known interaction with vitamin K in leafy greens, and standard drug guidance for naproxen does not include restrictions on spinach. ^{[1] [2]}

Where the spinach restriction comes from

• The advice to limit leafy green vegetables such as spinach applies to people taking the blood thinner warfarin (also called coumadin). Vitamin K can reduce warfarin’s effect, so warfarin users are told to keep vitamin K intake consistent and avoid large surges from foods like spinach. ^{[3] [4]}
• This warfarin‑specific advice is often confused as a general rule for all pain relievers, but it does not apply to naproxen. ^{[3] [4]}

What to know about naproxen and food

• You can take naproxen with or without food; taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset for some people, although the total amount your body absorbs is generally not changed in a meaningful way. ^{[5] [6]}
• Some labels suggest taking NSAIDs with food or milk to minimize stomach irritation, but this is about comfort and safety for the stomach, not about avoiding specific foods like spinach. ^[5]

Important naproxen interactions to consider

• Naproxen can interact with certain medications and increase bleeding risk, such as anticoagulants (blood thinners like warfarin), other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), aspirin, oral steroids, and certain antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs). These are medication interactions, not food interactions. ^{[2] [7]}

Special note on kidney stones and spinach

• If you have a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones, your clinician may advise limiting high‑oxalate foods like spinach to reduce stone risk. This advice is about kidney stone prevention, not about naproxen. ^{[8] [9]}

Practical guidance

• If you’re only taking naproxen and not warfarin (or another anticoagulant), you generally do not need to limit spinach. ^{[1] [2]}
• If you do take warfarin together with naproxen (which is often avoided due to bleeding risk), you would need consistent vitamin K intake and careful medical supervision but that’s because of warfarin, not naproxen. ^{[2] [3]}

Bottom line

• There is no evidence‑based requirement to restrict spinach while taking naproxen. Eat a balanced diet and use naproxen as directed, watching mainly for medication, not food, interactions. ^{[1] [2]}