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Contraindication Warnings

Understanding warnings about foods that may not be safe for you

4 min readUpdated Jan 15, 2026

Contraindication Warnings

ClapDiet warns you about foods that may not be safe based on your health profile.

What Are Contraindications?

A contraindication is when something (like a food) should be avoided because of:

  • A health condition you have
  • A medication you take
  • An abnormal lab value
  • A combination of factors
  • Types of Warnings

    🔴 Strong Warning

    "This food should generally be avoided"

  • Serious risk
  • Clear contraindication
  • Requires attention
  • Example: High-potassium food for someone with severe kidney disease and on ACE inhibitors

    🟠 Caution Warning

    "Use caution with this food"

  • Moderate concern
  • May be okay in small amounts
  • Worth being aware of
  • Example: Grapefruit for someone on certain statins

    🟡 Informational

    "Something to be aware of"

  • Mild concern
  • Generally fine, just know about it
  • Context-dependent
  • Example: High-sodium food when managing blood pressure

    Where Warnings Appear

    Food Details

    When viewing any food:

  • Warnings section at top
  • Explains why
  • Links to learn more
  • Search Results

    Warning icons appear:

  • Red badge = strong warning
  • Orange badge = caution
  • Helps filter choices
  • When Logging

    If you log a concerning food:

  • Pop-up explains the issue
  • Option to proceed or cancel
  • Logged with note
  • In Recommendations

    Foods with warnings:

  • Rarely recommended
  • Lower priority
  • Explained if shown
  • How Warnings Are Determined

    Warnings are based on:

    Your Health Conditions

    Each condition has associated food concerns:

  • Kidney disease → potassium, phosphorus
  • Gout → purines
  • Hypertension → sodium
  • Your Medications

    Drug-food interactions:

  • Warfarin → vitamin K
  • Statins → grapefruit
  • MAOIs → tyramine
  • Your Lab Results

    Abnormal values trigger warnings:

  • High potassium → high-K foods flagged
  • Low iron → no iron blockers with meals
  • Combinations

    Sometimes the combination matters:

  • CKD + ACE inhibitor = extra potassium caution
  • Multiple conditions = layered warnings
  • Overriding Warnings

    You can still eat warned foods:

  • See the warning
  • Tap "Log Anyway"
  • Optional: note why
  • Food is logged
  • We understand that:

  • Warnings are general
  • Your doctor may advise differently
  • Occasional small amounts may be fine
  • Adjusting Sensitivity

    Control warning strictness:

  • Go to Settings > Safety Settings
  • Adjust sensitivity:
  • - High: More warnings, extra caution

    - Standard: Balanced approach

    - Low: Only serious concerns

    When Warnings Are Wrong

    If you believe a warning is incorrect:

  • Tap Report Issue on the warning
  • Explain why it seems wrong
  • We'll review and update if needed
  • Note: Some warnings are evidence-based and remain regardless of user feedback.
    Important: Warnings supplement, don't replace, medical advice. Discuss dietary restrictions with your healthcare provider. Related Articles:
  • Adding Health Conditions
  • Medication Tracking
  • Lab Safety Alerts
  • warningscontraindicationssafetyalertsavoid