Foods To Avoid While Taking Metformin: What Should You Eat?
Metformin is a common medication for treating type 2 diabetes. The drug lowers blood sugar levels and increases insulin sensitivity. While taking Metformin, you should not avoid any specific foods.
A healthy diet and lifestyle are also necessary to support healthy blood sugar levels, even though the drug does not work without them. This article aims to help you understand which foods to eat and which to avoid while taking Metformin for type 2 diabetes.
What Foods Should You Avoid While on Metformin?
Alcohol and certain nutrients may decrease Metformin's effectiveness, even though it doesn't interact with many specific foods.
- Alcohol: Alcohol interacts with Metformin, so do not binge drink or consume alcohol regularly while taking it. Unless you have kidney or liver problems, moderate alcohol consumption is unlikely to be harmful unless it is consumed infrequently. However, talk to your doctor before drinking alcohol while taking Metformin.
- Simple and Refined Carbs: Metformin can reduce blood sugar, but it won't work as effectively if you consume foods that spike blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels can rapidly rise if a person consumes refined or processed carbohydrates. Likewise, sugar-rich foods can be harmful. Reduce your intake of white bread, white rice, white pasta, candy, soda, desserts, and snack foods like chips and crackers. Taking Metformin with foods that can spike your blood sugar won't make it ineffective, but it can make it less effective.
- Saturated Fat: Chronic diseases like diabetes increase the risk of inflammatory disorders like cardiovascular disease. Inflammation in the body and difficulty losing weight or managing diabetes are two results of saturated fats. As a result, imbalanced lipids can occur. Saturated fat is commonly found in red meat and dairy products (milk, butter, cheese, etc.). Select low-fat dairy products instead of full-fat ones. Fats can also keep glucose levels elevated for an extended period.
- Trans Fat: Trans fats are often found in store-bought baked goods and fast-food restaurants. Because they are inflammatory, these types of foods are associated with a risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Too Much Sodium: Heart disease and hypertension are associated with diabetes. Many Americans consume too much salt, which can increase their blood pressure. You should consume at most 2,300 mg of sodium per day.
Overview of Foods to Avoid vs. Foods to Eat while on Metformin
| Avoid These Foods | Why Avoid Them | Better Options |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Increases risk of lactic acidosis | Limit intake or avoid |
| White bread, rice, pasta | Spikes blood sugar | Whole grains like brown rice, oats, quinoa |
| Red/processed meats | High in saturated fats | Lean meats, tofu, or legumes |
| Fried/fast food | Contains trans fats | Home-cooked meals with healthy oils |
| Salty snacks | Raises blood pressure | Low-sodium alternatives |
What Should You Eat While Taking Metformin?
Blood glucose control can be improved with certain foods in addition to Metformin.
- Complex Carbohydrates: Many whole grains, including brown rice, whole-grain oats, bread, and quinoa, contain fibre. Fibre slows your body's conversion of carbs into glucose, leading to a more stable blood glucose level. It also supports healthy insulin and glucose levels, gut health, and may help you lose weight if you consume it regularly.
- Healthy Fats: The type of fat you consume matters regarding a low-fat diet. Unsaturated fats are found in fish, nuts, avocados, and olive oil, which help to fight inflammation.
- Fibre: Most people need more fibre in their diets. Nutritional fibre promotes digestive health, blood sugar control, and weight loss. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables should contribute 25-30 grams to your daily diet. In addition to eating enough fibre, you can also take fibre supplements, but check with your doctor first. Take fibre supplements at least two hours before or after Metformin, as they may change how the drug is absorbed.
- Lean Proteins: Many lean protein sources, including poultry, fish, and tofu, can help control blood sugar and minimise saturated fat intake.
- Vegetables: Whenever possible, include several non-starchy vegetables on your plate at every meal, such as broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, leafy greens, and cauliflower.
- Low-Carb Fruits: Although all fruits contain beneficial nutrients, low-carb fruits are better for maintaining a healthy glucose level. Berries, for instance, contain a lot of fibre and are low in carbohydrates.
When and How Should You Take Metformin?
Metformin must be taken according to the instructions given to you by your physician or pharmacist.
A typical dosage schedule for immediate-release tablets is twice daily with meals; extended-release tablets are once daily with food.
Is It Necessary to Take Metformin With Food?
Metformin should be taken with food. As a result, there will be fewer cases of diarrhoea, nausea, gas, and bloating due to the medication.
Metformin Risks and Safety Precautions
A rare side effect of Metformin is the accumulation of lactic acid in the body. Getting too high can cause lactic acidosis, a potentially fatal condition.
Lactic acidosis requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include flushing (sudden reddening of the skin), feelings of warmth over the skin, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, changes in heart rate, and muscle pain. Seek emergency medical attention if you or a loved one experiences these signs while taking Metformin.
There are several medical conditions for which Metformin may not be safe, such as:
- Heart failure
- Metabolic acidosis
- Kidney problems or disorders
Before any surgical procedure or radiological test, you will be asked to stop taking Metformin temporarily. Metformin may interact with iodine contrast used in these procedures.
Additionally, Metformin may interact with the following drugs:
- Sympathomimetics
- Cimetidine
- Diuretics
- Garlic
- Morphine
- Phenothiazines
- Quinidine
- Phenytoin
- Green tea
- Corticosteroids
- Estrogens
- Triamterene
- Procainamide
- Coenzyme Q10
- Digoxin
- Dofetilide
- Ranitidine
- Vancomycin
- Calcium channel blockers
- Chromium
- Beta-blockers
- Oral contraceptives
What Is The Best Food To Take Metformin With?
Maintain healthy blood sugar levels with Metformin and your usual diet. Maintain a healthy weight by eating a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
What Is The Best Time Of Day To Take Metformin?
Metformin should be taken according to your medical provider's instructions. The immediate-release tablets should be taken twice a day, and the extended-release tablets should be taken at the same time each day.
When Should You Not Take Metformin?
Metformin should not be taken if you have kidney or liver problems or are allergic to its ingredients. To prevent side effects, tell your pharmacist and healthcare provider if you take any other medications or supplements.
When Should You Talk to a Doctor About Metformin?
If you have diabetes, regardless of whether you take Metformin, you can ask your healthcare provider about an appropriate diet. Alternatively, they can refer you to a registered dietitian or expert who can help you create a customised diet plan promoting healthy blood glucose levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best food to take Metformin with?
Take Metformin with a balanced meal that includes protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates to minimise side effects like nausea and support blood sugar control.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Metformin?
It’s best to avoid alcohol or limit intake. Alcohol increases the risk of lactic acidosis, especially if you have kidney or liver issues.
What foods raise blood sugar while on Metformin?
Foods high in sugar or refined carbs — like sweets, soda, white bread, and chips — can spike blood glucose levels and reduce Metformin’s effectiveness.
What vitamins may Metformin deplete?
Long-term Metformin use may lower your vitamin B12 levels, so ask your doctor about testing and potential supplementation.
Can I eat fruit while taking Metformin?
Yes, but focus on low-sugar fruits like berries, apples, or pears. Avoid fruit juices or dried fruits high in sugar.
What Is The Long-Term Effect Of Taking Metformin?
Over time, Metformin may cause people to become deficient in vitamin B12 or anaemic. Please monitor your lab work for changes under your healthcare provider's supervision. In addition to vitamin B12, they may recommend iron or calcium supplements or injections, which may deplete Metformin's nutrients.
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