When taking metformin for PCOS, it’s important to avoid foods that can interfere with its effectiveness or exacerbate PCOS symptoms. Endocrinologists highly advise high-sugar food, unhealthy fats & refined carbohydrates to avoid when taking metformin for PCOS.
Let’s discuss everything about metformin and foods to avoid while using this medication.
What is Metformin?
Metformin is an oral medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, but it is also commonly prescribed for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Its main function is to treat the insulin resistance.
Why Metformin Is Prescribed for PCOS:
Metformin is commonly prescribed for PCOS to:
Treat Insulin Resistance:
Insulin resistance is a key factor in PCOS. This is the condition in which the body’s cells don’t respond properly to insulin and that leads to high blood sugar and insulin levels. These elevated insulin levels can worsen PCOS symptoms by increasing androgen production (male hormones), which causes issues like irregular periods, acne, and excessive hair growth.
Metformin reduces insulin resistance, balances blood sugar levels, and decreases androgen production.
Restore Ovulation:
By lowering insulin and androgen levels, Metformin can help in restoring normal ovulatory cycles, making it easier for women with PCOS to conceive.
Manage Weight:
Many women with PCOS struggle with weight gain due to insulin resistance. Metformin also helps in weight loss, especially with a healthy diet and exercise.
Improve Menstrual Regularity:
By addressing hormonal imbalances, Metformin often helps in regulating menstrual cycles, which is a common concern in PCOS.
Prevent Long-Term Complications:
PCOS increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues. Metformin also helps in reducing these risks by improving insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health.
Foods to Avoid When Taking Metformin for PCOS:
1. Sugary Foods and Drinks:
Avoid foods that are high in added sugars because these can increase the blood sugar level and cause insulin resistance to get worse. The sugary foods and drinks include:
- Hard candy, gummies, chocolates with added sugar, and caramel
- Donuts, muffins, pastries, cookies, and sweet rolls
- Ice cream, cakes, brownies, puddings, and pies with added sugar
- Sugar-coated cereals, granola bars, and flavored oatmeal packets
- Sweetened popcorn, yogurt with added sugar, and snack cakes
2. Refined Carbohydrates:
Refined carbohydrates are processed foods that lose their natural fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This makes them easy to digest but causes blood sugar levels to rise quickly. Women taking metformin for PCOS should avoid these foods because they can worsen insulin problems and make the medicine less effective. The example of refined carbohydrates are:
- White Bread and Bagels
- White Rice
- Pastries, Cakes, and Cookies
- Breakfast Cereals
- Pasta Made from Refined Flour
- Crackers and Chips
- Processed Snack Bars
- Instant Noodles
Also Read: Intermittent Fasting For PCOS and Insulin Resistance
3. Fried & High-Fat Foods:
Fried foods are typically cooked in oils that are high in unhealthy fats, particularly trans fats and saturated fats. These fats are linked to increased insulin resistance and inflammation, both of which can exacerbate PCOS symptoms. Moreover, fried and greasy foods can cause gastrointestinal side effects like bloating, which are already common for those on metformin.
- French fries
- Fried chicken
- Tempura or batter-fried vegetables
- Packaged snacks like chips and cheese puffs
- Fast-food burgers
- Frozen pizzas
- Microwaveable fried items like chicken nuggets or fish sticks
- Margarine
- Full-fat dairy-based desserts like custards or cheesecakes
- Creamy pasta sauces (like Alfredo)
4. Alcohol:
Drinking alcohol while taking metformin can increase the risk of a serious problem called lactic acidosis, where too much lactic acid builds up in the blood. This occurs because both metformin and alcohol impact the liver’s ability to function properly and increase the probability of this condition
Alcohol can also mess with blood sugar levels, and cause them to rise quickly (especially with sugary drinks) or drop dangerously low, particularly when combined with metformin.
5. Full Fat Dairy Products:
Full-fat dairy contains saturated fats that may worsen insulin resistance.
Dairy contains natural hormones and growth factors, such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which can also affect hormone regulation in women with PCOS. This can worsen symptoms like acne or irregular cycles. Examples of full-fat dairy products are:
- Whole milk
- Full-fat cheeses (e.g., cheddar, brie)
- Cream and heavy whipping cream
- Full-fat yogurt
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I eat fruit while taking Metformin?
Yes, but avoid fruits with high sugar content like mangoes, and grapes. Opt for low-glycemic fruits like berries, apples, and pears to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Is dairy safe to consume with Metformin?
You don’t need to avoid dairy entirely when taking metformin, but it’s best to skip sweetened dairy products. These foods can add extra sugar and calories, which might make it harder for metformin to control your blood sugar levels effectively.
Should I avoid caffeine while taking Metformin?
Caffeine doesn’t directly interfere with Metformin, but consuming large amounts can increase stress hormone levels, which may worsen PCOS symptoms. One to two cups of caffeine is okay.
Can I eat ice cream with metformin?
You should avoid ice cream and other sugary food items. Because these can increase blood sugar levels and cause insulin resistance to get worse.
What happens if you miss a dose of metformin for PCOS?
If you miss your metformin dose and realize it after a few hours, take it as soon as you remember. But if you are too late and it’s time for the next dose, skip it. Don’t take two doses at the same time.
Conclusion:
A balanced diet is very crucial to improve the efficiency of metformin and for managing PCOS symptoms. Eating healthy foods like vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps in regulating blood sugar levels, which is important to improve insulin sensitivity. A balanced diet also supports weight management, which can reduce excess androgen (male hormones) levels, helping with symptoms like acne and excess hair growth. By avoiding processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats, the body can better respond to metformin, improve overall health, and reduce PCOS symptoms.