{"id":1192,"date":"2022-04-29T19:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-29T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/?p=1192"},"modified":"2022-07-17T21:22:44","modified_gmt":"2022-07-17T21:22:44","slug":"foods-to-eat-and-foods-to-avoid-while-taking-metformin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/foods-to-eat-and-foods-to-avoid-while-taking-metformin\/","title":{"rendered":"Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid While Taking Metformin"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>What foods to eat while taking metformin? The answer is complex. However, there are some general guidelines that should be followed. These include added sugar, salt, trans fats, and foods high in fiber. Read on to discover the best foods to eat while taking metformin. There are several herbs and spices that can lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Fish is also a great choice as it contains omega-3 fatty acids.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6610b1fc81cac\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6610b1fc81cac\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/foods-to-eat-and-foods-to-avoid-while-taking-metformin\/#Avoiding_high-fiber_foods\" title=\"Avoiding high-fiber foods\">Avoiding high-fiber foods<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/foods-to-eat-and-foods-to-avoid-while-taking-metformin\/#Avoiding_sodium\" title=\"Avoiding sodium\">Avoiding sodium<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/foods-to-eat-and-foods-to-avoid-while-taking-metformin\/#Avoiding_saturated_or_trans_fats\" title=\"Avoiding saturated or trans fats\">Avoiding saturated or trans fats<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/foods-to-eat-and-foods-to-avoid-while-taking-metformin\/#Avoiding_added_sugar\" title=\"Avoiding added sugar\">Avoiding added sugar<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/foods-to-eat-and-foods-to-avoid-while-taking-metformin\/#Avoiding_herbs\" title=\"Avoiding herbs\">Avoiding herbs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Avoiding_high-fiber_foods\"><\/span>Avoiding high-fiber foods<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-1601 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_1158660511-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"423\" height=\"282\" srcset=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_1158660511-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_1158660511-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_1158660511-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_1158660511-285x190.jpg 285w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_1158660511.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 423px) 100vw, 423px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There are certain foods you should avoid while taking metformin. The best foods to eat while on metformin are those that contain fiber, such as cooked dried beans, peas, brown rice, bran products, whole grain bread and cereals, crackers, and legumes. Beans, particularly kidney and soybeans, are especially high in fiber, and they're a great choice for diabetics.<\/p>\n<p>According to a University of Michigan study, fiber can decrease the concentration of metformin in the body. It is recommended that people taking metformin consume between 25 and 30 grams of fiber per day. Other foods to avoid while taking metformin include alcohol and processed foods. Both of these substances can lower blood sugar levels, and they can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. That's why it's best to avoid drinking too much alcohol while taking metformin.<\/p>\n<p>It's important to avoid refined and simple carbs, which will spike blood sugar levels. Instead, eat a diet rich in vegetables and whole grains that are high in complex carbohydrates. These foods are high in fiber, which slows down the release of sugar into the bloodstream. Because carbs directly affect blood glucose levels, eating plenty of nonstarchy vegetables will help your body keep your glucose levels stable. You should also add healthy fats to your diet, such as olive oil and fish.<\/p>\n<p>As with any other drug, eating too many fiber-rich foods can interfere with your ability to process the drug. Metformin isn't related to weight gain, but it can interfere with the function of organs such as the kidneys and liver. A healthy kidney and liver are necessary to ensure that metformin remains in the bloodstream. But be sure to ask your doctor first. You don't want to experience too much lactic acid.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Avoiding_sodium\"><\/span>Avoiding sodium<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-1598 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Shutterstock_1888557391-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"410\" height=\"410\" srcset=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Shutterstock_1888557391-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Shutterstock_1888557391-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Shutterstock_1888557391-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Shutterstock_1888557391-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Shutterstock_1888557391-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Shutterstock_1888557391-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 410px) 100vw, 410px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Sodium is a necessary electrolyte that your body needs for proper muscle and nerve function. However, most of us are consuming too much sodium. A recent study in the American Journal of Hypertension shows that 89 percent of the population is overly sodium-reactive. The higher sodium excretion in your body increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. To reduce sodium intake while taking metformin, make sure you are eating foods with low sodium content.<\/p>\n<p>If possible, try to cut back on the amount of fast food you consume, especially those high in salt. Instead, opt for vegetables, whole grains, and fish. Fruits are also rich in fiber. Fiber makes it difficult for your body to metabolize sugar, slowing down the release of glucose into your bloodstream. You should also consume lean protein, as it can help slow carbohydrate metabolism. Also, consume foods rich in healthy fats, such as nuts, fish, and olive oil.<\/p>\n<p>You should also limit your intake of refined and simple carbohydrates. While healthy fats are ok for metformin users, saturated fats should be avoided. Additionally, you should limit sodium intake to about 2300 milligrams a day. In addition, you should limit your intake of refined carbohydrates and high-fiber foods. These foods can lower the concentration of metformin in your blood. But don't forget to include plenty of fiber in your diet &#8211; it can help absorb certain drugs and reduce metformin levels in your blood.<\/p>\n<p>Alcohol and metformin are not compatible. Both can cause an accumulation of lactate and lactic acid in the blood. It is, therefore, best to avoid alcohol and foods that are high in sodium. Alcohol and metformin can cause lactic acidosis, a condition where too much lactate is present in the blood. You should consult your doctor before drinking alcohol while on metformin. A few examples are below.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Avoiding_saturated_or_trans_fats\"><\/span>Avoiding saturated or trans fats<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-1602 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Shutterstock_1170784564-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"342\" height=\"342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Shutterstock_1170784564-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Shutterstock_1170784564-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Shutterstock_1170784564-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Shutterstock_1170784564-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Shutterstock_1170784564-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Shutterstock_1170784564-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 342px) 100vw, 342px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>While on metformin, it is essential to avoid foods high in saturated and trans fats. These fats are created by a chemical process, hydrogenation, which turns liquid vegetable oils into solid ones. This process is especially harmful to health and is found in packaged snacks, baked goods, stick margarine, and shortening. This kind of fat is not only unhealthy, but it can also increase your risk of heart disease. The good news is that more products are available without trans fats.<\/p>\n<p>When it comes to carbs, try to limit or avoid fast food. This is because these foods are high in fat and salt. Instead, choose healthy fats like olive oil, fish, and nuts. You can also choose to use sea salt instead of white table salt, if available. During long-term metformin use, dietary supplements of vitamin B12 are also recommended. Avoiding these food groups is beneficial for the overall health of your body.<\/p>\n<p>If you're on Metformin, you can take it with foods that are rich in fibre. High-fibre foods bind with the medicine and reduce its concentration in your blood. When paired with metformin, too much lactate builds up in your blood, and this is a condition known as lactic acidosis. To minimize the risk of complications while on metformin, try to limit your alcohol consumption to one or two drinks per day.<\/p>\n<p>You should also be careful when eating foods high in saturated or trans fats while on metformin. Some of these types of fat are naturally occurring but are dangerous in large amounts. The NHS recommends that you limit your intake of fats as part of your diabetes treatment. You can also check with your doctor if any foods should be avoided while taking metformin. You should discuss all food and drug interactions with your doctor before beginning metformin.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Avoiding_added_sugar\"><\/span>Avoiding added sugar<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-1600 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_615908132-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"414\" height=\"276\" srcset=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_615908132-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_615908132-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_615908132-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_615908132-285x190.jpg 285w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_615908132.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 414px) 100vw, 414px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When taking metformin, it's important to limit your intake of added sugar. These sweets can raise your blood sugar quickly, which will affect your medication's effects. You should also avoid refined grains, which have been stripped of their nutrient-rich parts. They raise your blood sugar levels and worsen your insulin resistance. Fried foods should also be avoided, as these are also high in fat and will increase stomach side effects caused by metformin. Instead, focus on eating more fiber and walking.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, consume complex carbohydrates from whole grains, vegetables, and fish. Whole grains contain more fiber and are slower to break down, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Also, choose foods with moderate amounts of fibre. Try to eat at least 25 grams of fibre a day. Lastly, eat plenty of lean protein, which helps maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Healthy fats come from nuts, olive oil, and fish.<\/p>\n<p>It is important to remember that it is important to take metformin with meals, not with a snack. However, you should not eat something high in sugar before or after taking metformin. If you're worried about the social stigmas that you might experience, talk to a trusted colleague to seek support. If you're concerned about your job, you can get help from Diabetes UK and a specialist.<\/p>\n<p>Drinking alcohol and sugar should also be avoided while taking metformin. Alcohol can cause lactic acid to build up in your blood. You shouldn't drink alcohol while taking metformin, and alcohol should not be consumed on an empty stomach. You should also avoid oral contraceptives and blood pressure medications while taking metformin. You may also want to consult a nutritionist before consuming these foods. You can find a variety of sources of added sugar in your daily diet.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Avoiding_herbs\"><\/span>Avoiding herbs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-1599 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_2035931759-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"427\" height=\"283\" srcset=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_2035931759-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_2035931759-768x508.jpg 768w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_2035931759-285x190.jpg 285w, https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_2035931759.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 427px) 100vw, 427px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There are several reasons why you should avoid herbs while taking metformin. Some herbs can lower your blood sugar, but some can increase it. It's important to avoid any herbs that may cause interactions between metformin and these over-the-counter products. Additionally, consuming herbs with your medication can reduce the effectiveness of the drug. For these reasons, you should avoid all herbal medicines and eat the right amount of food while taking metformin.<\/p>\n<p>The most important reason to avoid herbal supplements while taking metformin is that many of them may interact with your prescription drugs. These interactions can make the effectiveness of one drug less effective or cause side effects. Because people do not disclose over-the-counter medications and supplements, scientists are not able to keep track of drug-supplement interactions. It's a good idea to consult your pharmacist or physician if you're taking one of these drugs, and follow their instructions carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What foods to eat while taking metformin? The answer is complex. However, there are some general guidelines that should be followed. These include added sugar, salt, trans fats, and foods high in fiber. Read on to discover the best foods to eat while taking metformin. There are several herbs and spices that can lower cholesterol [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1472,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[45],"tags":[78,79,62,83,57,81,82,80],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1192"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1192"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1192\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1603,"href":"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1192\/revisions\/1603"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1472"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1192"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1192"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1192"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}