Jan 9, 20234 min read

Foods to Avoid While Taking Metformin: Sugar Will Not Kill You, Your Wrong Food Can!

Are you taking metformin or just curious to know, what is metformin or why is metformin used? Don't worry in this blog will cover that as well along with the food you should avoid.

Metformin is one of the most commonly used medications for type 2 diabetes. It works by helping to lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of long-term complications associated with diabetes. Metformin can also be used to help people with prediabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.

In addition, metformin is sometimes prescribed for other conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and certain types of acne. By controlling blood sugar levels, metformin can help reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease and stroke. It can also help with weight loss and improve cholesterol levels. Metformin is generally well tolerated and has been proven to be a safe and effective medication for both type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.

How Eating wrong food can harm metformin

Eating the wrong types of food can be detrimental to your health, especially if you are taking metformin. Eating foods that are high in sugar or carbohydrates can cause your blood sugar levels to spike, which can lead to dangerous side effects while taking metformin.

It is important to limit your intake of processed foods and fast food, as these tend to be high in sugar and carbohydrates. Additionally, it is important to make sure you are eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, which contain essential vitamins and minerals that can help your body process metformin more effectively. Eating a healthy and balanced diet is important for anyone, but especially for those who are taking metformin.

Foods to avoid while taking metformin

If you are intaking you should be knowing food you should have and you should avoid while taking metformin. Below are 6 food products one must avoid while consuming Metformin:

Alcohol

Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of metformin, leading to higher blood sugar levels which can increase the risk of developing serious complications. Additionally, alcohol can increase the risk of lactic acidosis, a potentially fatal condition that can be caused by metformin.

For these reasons, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol while taking metformin. It is also important to speak to your doctor if you are considering drinking alcohol while taking metformin, as they may be able to adjust your dosage or recommend an alternative treatment.

Fiber-Rich Foods

It is important to note that some foods can interfere with the effectiveness of metformin. In particular, fiber-rich foods should be avoided when taking metformin, as they can bind to the medication and make it less effective.

For this reason, people who take metformin should limit their intake of high-fiber foods such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Eating fiber-rich foods along with metformin can reduce its effectiveness, leading to higher blood sugar levels and an increased risk of diabetes-related complications.

Simple and Refined Carbohydrates

Simple and refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, processed snacks, and sugary drinks, should be avoided when taking metformin. This is because these types of carbohydrates are quickly broken down by the body and cause blood sugar levels to spike rapidly. This can put additional strain on the body's insulin production and lead to a greater risk of side effects, including dizziness, fatigue, and headaches.

It is much better to opt for complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and legumes, which are broken down more slowly and provide a steady source of energy. Eating a balanced diet that is high in fiber, low in saturated fat and sugar, and rich in fruits and vegetables, is the best way to ensure that you are getting all the nutrients you need while taking metformin.

Trans Fats

Trans fats are a type of fat that can be found in processed foods, such as margarine and snack foods. They are created by adding hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid. Unfortunately, trans fats can be very harmful to our health.

Studies have shown that they increase bad cholesterol levels and decrease good cholesterol levels, while also increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Because of this, it is important to avoid trans fats whenever possible. Making this small change can have a big impact on your health.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit and its juice can interact with medications, including metformin. This interaction can increase the risk of serious side effects, so it is important to avoid grapefruit and its juice when taking metformin. The problem is that grapefruit contains a chemical called furanocoumarins, which can interfere with the way the body metabolizes certain drugs, including metformin.

This can lead to higher levels of the drug in the bloodstream, which can increase the risk of dangerous side effects like lactic acidosis. It is also important to note that certain other fruits, such as Seville oranges and limes, can also interact with metformin. So it is best to avoid these fruits in order to reduce the risk of serious side effects.

Sodium

Metformin is a popular diabetes medication, but it is important to be aware of the potential side effects. One of these side effects is sodium retention, which can lead to fluid accumulation, increased blood pressure, and other health problems. To reduce the risk of these problems, it is best to avoid foods that are high in sodium when taking metformin.

Common sources of sodium include processed foods, canned soups, condiments, and cured meats. It is also important to check the sodium content of any other medications you may be taking, as they may interact with metformin and increase the amount of sodium in your system. By being aware of the potential risks and avoiding foods with high levels of sodium, you can help ensure that you get the most out of your metformin treatment.