How many of you have thought twice before consuming milk with metformin? Well, I guess it’s most of you. Am I right? This happens to almost everyone who’s trying out new meds.

Are you asking yourself, “Can I take metformin with just milk?” 

No, you can not. Carbohydrates are a no-no while taking metformin. Milk contains a good amount of carbohydrates. As a result, it interacts poorly with metformin. Additionally, you can get really terrible diarrhea as a side effect. You can also have constipation, bloating, gas, and stomach pain.

Still not convinced? Yes, we anticipated that this would occur. But do not panic. We have a whole article and some further information on this subject.

Go ahead and read. 

Is Taking Metformin With Just Milk Good or Bad?

Most diabetic patients know about insulin. How many of you know about metformin, though? Not a lot, in my opinion. 

Well, sure, it is only used to treat type 2 diabetes. However, this drug is very effective. Those of you who are new to using this might have many questions. 

One of those questions can be, can I take metformin with just milk?

The answer is no. You cannot take metformin with just milk. The side effects of metformin primarily manifest when you’re digesting too many carbs. A 100 ml bottle of milk would roughly contain around 5 gm of carbs. This is where the issue begins.

Because of the milk’s carbohydrates, metformin doesn’t work well on it.

And as a side effect, you can experience bad diarrhea.Additionally, you can also encounter constipation, gas, bloating, and stomach pain.. In some cases, metformin can also make you tired.

As you might have guessed, not everyone may experience this, though. According to a study, 75% of people face diarrhea while taking milk with metformin. Among the other 25%, 10% of people experience other side effects. The other 15% don’t show any side effects. 

So, if you’re thinking, “Can a diabetic patient drink milk?” then the answer is yes. You could be one of that 15% of people. You can if you’re willing to take that chance.Milk doesn’t eliminate any of the functions of metformin. So if you’re looking for signs metformin is working, it probably is.

To minimize metformin side effects, you only need to avoid milk.

You can also take metformin when you are on a keto diet. But if you are diabetic, you may need to have specific dosage for metformin. 

If you’re just trying metformin and you’re not satisfied, then there are other drugs available.

These two are excellent products for the war on diabetes. You can try them out if metformin is not working out for you.  

Now, milk might not be the only thing you want to eat or drink while taking metformin. There are other foods that might trigger side effects of metformin. 

But don’t you worry. We’re here to give you detailed advice on what foods to eat and steer clear of.

Stick around for the next few sections to find out more.    

Foods You Should Avoid While Taking Metformin

Medication known as biguanides includes metformin in its class of drugs. These medicines stop the liver from producing sugar. Metformin enhances the body’s reaction to insulin. Additionally, it lessens the amount of dietary sugar that is absorbed by the body.

So, as you can guess, this works like insulin. And just like insulin, there are also some foods to avoid while taking metformin. 

Let’s find out! 

Fats

The best fats are the good fats. If someone is using Metformin, they will have a fantastic, healthy diet. Avoid foods high in trans and saturated fats though while using Metformin.

Carbohydrates

Elevated blood glucose levels are caused by simple and refined carbohydrates. Avoid eating carbs like those found in pastries, soda, and candy. Limit refined carbohydrates. This will include white rice, white bread, and pasta.

High Fiber Foods

Fiber is believed to increase the absorption of several medications and decrease their bloodstream levels. Large fiber intake may cause a person’s amount of metformin to drop. Limit your daily fiber intake to 30 grams or less.

Alcohol

Massive alcohol consumption should be avoided since it has various adverse effects.It makes low blood sugar and lactic acidosis more likely. Alcohol is known to prevent the liver from storing and releasing sugar.

Managing blood sugar levels are already difficult for patients with diabetes. So, lowering the risk of alcohol use is something to think about. Alcohol consumption on an empty stomach may cause low blood sugar.

This is valid for those who take insulin or other diabetes medications that raise levels of insulin.

Grapefruit

One investigation looked at the impact of grapefruit on metformin. Scientists discovered that people who consumed both Metformin and grapefruit juice produced more lactic acid. 

This research was compared with those who only consumed Metformin. Additionally, they might put on more fat, which can cause various health problems.

It was shown that grapefruit juice enhanced metformin buildup in the liver. The generation of lactic acid then increased as a result. The trials also showed results where grapefruits caused to be harmful. 

Patients on Metformin may be more likely to develop lactic acidosis after taking grapefruit juice.

You might feel like you can’t enjoy any food while taking metformin. However, that is not the case. 

There’s plenty of food you can enjoy while taking metformin. Let’s find out in our next segment.  

Diet to Follow When Taking Metformin

As we mentioned before, metformin is a very complex drug. You must therefore use the utmost caution when taking this.

That being said, we have a perfect diet for you that you can eat while taking metformin. These are both delicious and healthy. 

So, let’s find out

Complex Carbohydrates

Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains like brown rice, along with whole-grain bread, are the sources of carbs. They include more fiber, which makes it harder for them to be metabolized. Consequently, the release of sugar into the system is slowed. 

It is essential to monitor your overall carb intake if you consume complex carbohydrates. This matters because carbohydrates have a direct impact on blood sugar levels.

Nonstarchy vegetables

Nonstarchy foods can aid in slowing the metabolism of carbohydrates. Broccoli and leafy greens are two examples of fat-free or low-fat veggies.

Limited Intake of Fiber Foods

Although consuming a lot of fiber is not advised, consuming moderate amounts can be beneficial. It’s because fiber can aid with blood sugar regulation. For an average person, 25 and 30 grams of fiber are typically consumed each day.

Lean Protein

If a protein is low in saturated fat, then you can call it lean protein. This normally includes turkey, tofu, and some fish. These are okay if you want to eat them while taking metformin. 

Healthy Fats

Fish, olive oil, and nuts contain healthy fats that are perfect for diabetic patients. 

There are a lot of drugs for controlling diabetes. However, not everything is suitable for everyone. So, if you’re just trying this drug, it’s best that you know everything about metformin. 

FAQs

Can you take metformin without a meal?

While taking medication on empty stomach is acceptable, taking it with food makes it easier to bear. Find out if metformin is available in extended-release form. Instead of twice a day, only take one. Side effects are frequently less severe because the medicine isn’t released all at once.

How soon does metformin start to lower blood sugar levels?

Metformin does not quickly lower blood sugar levels. It takes 4-5 days for the most noticeable change to appear. However, these usually surface 48 hours after taking the medication. However, the timing is determined by the individual’s dosage.

If you’re taking metformin, is coffee okay to drink?

Metformin has the ability to slow down how quickly the body breaks down coffee. Combining metformin with coffee may intensify its effects and side effects. If you’re a minor, then you should be extremely cautious while taking metformin with coffee. It’s best if you talk to your health provider. 

Final Word

So, if you’re asking yourself, “Can I take metformin with just milk?” then you already have your answer. 

We have tried to provide all the related information about metformin and its consumption with milk. However, the human body is very complex. In almost all cases, taking metformin with milk won’t show life-threatening side effects. 

But you don’t know if you might be the exception. 

So, it’s better to avoid milk if you’re taking metformin. There’s no reason to take a chance.

Good Luck!