Foods to avoid while taking Metformin

Metformin is a type of medication formulated to treat Type-2 Diabetes (T2D). Diabetes sufferers take this medication to help lower their blood sugar levels. They also use it to increase their body's ability to respond to insulin. So, if you are taking this form of medication, you need to avoid specific foods. Below is a list of foods to avoid while taking metformin:

1. Alcohol

Excessive consumption of alcohol may lead to the development of low blood glucose and lactic acidosis. This is attributed to the fact that alcohol inhibits your liver from liberating and storing sugar. Also, taking alcohol while hungry can lead to low blood glucose, especially if you are using insulin or prescribed anti-diabetes medicines like Metformin. Metformin doesn't interact with alcohol given that it amplifies the amount of lactate in your body. For that reason, avoid alcohol while taking Metformin to prevent other health complications. 

2. Bad Fats

Healthy fats form an excellent diet if you are on Metformin. However, there are good and bad fats. The good ones for diabetic patients are those classified as mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fats. The bad fats are trans fats because they affect insulin. Examples of foods that contain trans fats include cheese, butter, bacon, and sausage. These are fatty foods to avoid while taking metformin as they can worsen insulin resistance.

3. Grapefruit

So far, grapefruit cannot be combined with more than 85 medications including Metformin for T2D patients. This is attributed to the chemical combination found in grapefruits. These chemicals are likely to interact with enzymes in your gut and liver, making them ineffective in breaking down medications. Failure for the enzymes to work on Metformin can cause this drug to get into your bloodstream. As a result, it may increase the risk of overdose and lactic acid buildup in your liver. Make sure to avoid grapefruit as soon as your start taking Metformin drugs. 

4. High-Fiber Foods

Foods rich in fiber are good but so good for T2D patients taking Metformin. High-fiber foods may significantly lower Metformin levels in your body. This is because fiber reacts by binding itself to the drug, which ultimately reduces its efficacy. Avoid high-fiber foods such as chickpeas, oatmeal, berries, peas,  beans, avocados, and chia seeds if you are on Metformin.

5. Simple Carbohydrates

Other types of foods to avoid while taking Metformin are refined carbs. Keep off rice, bread, pasta, and bagels because these foods can increase blood sugar levels within a short time. These simple carbs can also increase the risk of Type-2 Diabetes. On that note, shift to slower-digesting whole grains rich in more minerals and vitamins such as whole-grain pasta, whole-wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa, millet, and more. 

Final Thought

Metformin plays a significant role in managing insulin resistance among T2D patients. Patients taking this drug are advised against taking certain types of foods, namely, alcohol, bad fats, grapefruit, high-fiber foods, and simple carbs. Always consult with your healthcare provider about what you should eat and drink while taking Metformin.