Managing type 2 diabetes is about more than just taking medication. It requires careful attention to daily habits, including what you eat. For people taking Jardiance, also known as Empagliflozin, food choices become even more important. Jardiance helps control blood sugar by removing extra glucose through the urine. It can also help lower the risk of heart problems in some people with type 2 diabetes.
While Jardiance is effective, certain foods can interfere with its benefits or increase the risk of side effects. Making smart food choices is an important part of getting the best results from treatment. Knowing which foods to avoid when taking Jardiance can help keep blood sugar steady, prevent Jardiance dehydration risk, and reduce the chance of unwanted problems.
Understanding how Jardiance works makes it easier to plan meals. If you’re evaluating treatment options, it’s helpful to read this comparison of Invokana and Jardiance, which explores the differences in how each medication manages type 2 diabetes. Jardiance helps remove extra sugar from the body, but this also causes the kidneys to work harder. If you eat too much sugar or too many carbohydrates, Jardiance may not be enough to control blood sugar on its own. Eating the wrong foods can lead to dehydration, infections, or other health concerns.
Being mindful about diet can help people get the most out of Jardiance. It is not about cutting out all favorite foods forever. Instead, it is about learning what to limit or avoid to stay safe and healthy while on medication.
Why Food Choices Matter When Taking Jardiance
Food has a big impact on how Jardiance works. Since the medication helps lower blood sugar by removing extra glucose through the urine, eating large amounts of sugar or processed carbohydrates can overload the system. This makes the medication work harder, which may cause side effects like dehydration or frequent urination.
Certain foods can also increase the risk of infections, especially urinary tract infections or yeast infections. This is because Jardiance causes the body to pass more sugar through the urine, which can create an environment where bacteria and yeast grow more easily.
Some foods interact with the way the kidneys function. Because Jardiance affects the kidneys, it is important to avoid foods that can damage them or make them work harder than necessary. Staying hydrated and choosing healthy, kidney-friendly foods helps support the treatment process.
Making good food choices is not about being perfect all the time. It is about creating a balanced diet that works well with Jardiance, keeps blood sugar stable, and supports overall health.
What Foods Not to Eat with Jardiance?
There are specific foods not to eat with Jardiance. These foods can cause spikes in blood sugar, increase the risk of dehydration, or lead to other health issues. Here are ten foods to be careful with:
1. Sugary Drinks
Sodas, sweetened teas, fruit juices, and sports drinks contain large amounts of sugar. These drinks can cause quick spikes in blood sugar, which puts stress on the body. Since Jardiance removes sugar through the urine, drinking sugary drinks makes this process harder. It can also lead to dehydration because the body has to work overtime to get rid of the extra sugar.
2. Processed Baked Goods
Cakes, cookies, doughnuts, and pastries are packed with refined carbohydrates and sugars. These foods break down quickly into glucose, raising blood sugar levels too fast. They also contain unhealthy fats that can harm the heart, making it more difficult to manage diabetes properly.
3. White Bread and Pasta
White bread, white rice, and regular pasta are made from refined flour, which turns into sugar in the body quickly. These foods can cause blood sugar to rise fast, making it harder for Jardiance to do its job. Whole grain options are a better choice because they are digested more slowly.
4. Fried Foods
Fried chicken, French fries, and other deep-fried foods are high in unhealthy fats and calories. These foods can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart problems. For people on Jardiance, avoiding fried foods helps protect the heart and kidneys.
5. High-Sodium Foods
Foods high in salt, such as canned soups, processed meats, and salty snacks, can raise blood pressure and strain the kidneys. Since Jardiance affects how the kidneys work, too much sodium can lead to further kidney stress or dehydration.
6. Full-Fat Dairy Products
Ice cream, whole milk, and full-fat cheeses are high in saturated fat. These fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Low-fat or non-fat dairy options are safer choices when managing diabetes with it.
7. Candy and Sweets
Candy bars, gummies, and other sweets are loaded with simple sugars. These cause sharp increases in blood sugar levels, making it harder to keep glucose under control. Limiting candy and sweets and choosing natural sugars from fruit is a healthier way to satisfy a sweet tooth.
8. Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol can lead to dehydration, which is a concern for people taking it. Since Jardiance causes the body to lose more water through urine, drinking alcohol increases the risk of becoming dehydrated. Alcohol can also cause sudden drops or rises in blood sugar, which can be dangerous.
9. High-Carb Snack Foods
Chips, crackers, and snack bars often contain a lot of carbohydrates and added sugars. These snacks can cause blood sugar levels to spike quickly. Choosing snacks with protein and fiber, like nuts or Greek yogurt, is a better option.
10. Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are high in sugar and caffeine. The sugar leads to blood sugar spikes, while the caffeine can cause dehydration. Both of these problems can make it harder for it to work properly and increase the risk of side effects.
Can I Eat Bananas While Taking Jardiance?
Bananas are a healthy fruit, but they contain natural sugars and carbohydrates. For people taking Jardiance, it is best to eat bananas in moderation. Choosing small bananas and pairing them with a source of protein or healthy fat can help prevent blood sugar spikes.
For example, eating half a banana with a handful of almonds or a spoonful of peanut butter slows digestion and helps control blood sugar levels. Bananas should not be eaten on an empty stomach, especially when managing diabetes, because they can raise blood sugar quickly.
People with diabetes do not need to avoid fruits completely, but it is important to choose lower-sugar options like berries, apples, or pears more often than high-sugar fruits like bananas or mangoes.
Can You Eat Garlic While Taking Jardiance?
Garlic is safe to eat while taking Jardiance. In fact, garlic has many health benefits for people with diabetes. It may help lower blood sugar, improve heart health, and reduce inflammation. Garlic also contains antioxidants that support the immune system.
Including garlic in meals is a healthy choice, especially when it replaces salt or other unhealthy flavorings. Garlic can be added to vegetables, meats, soups, and sauces to make meals taste better without adding sugar or harmful fats.
However, people who take blood-thinning medications should talk to their doctor before eating large amounts of garlic. This is because garlic can thin the blood, and combining it with certain medications might increase the risk of bleeding.
What Are the Dangers of Taking Jardiance?
While Jardiance is an effective medication for type 2 diabetes, it does come with some risks. Understanding these dangers of taking Jardiance can help people use the medication safely.
Dehydration
Jardiance causes the body to lose more water through urine. If people do not drink enough fluids, they can become dehydrated. This may lead to dizziness, low blood pressure, and kidney problems.
Urinary Tract Infections
Since it causes more sugar to leave the body through urine, it can increase the risk of urinary tract infections. Signs of infection include pain while urinating, frequent need to urinate, or cloudy urine.
Yeast Infections
Women may experience vaginal yeast infections, and men may get yeast infections in the genital area. This happens because the extra sugar in the urine creates a space where yeast can grow more easily.
Low Blood Sugar
If it is taken with other diabetes medications, especially insulin or sulfonylureas, it can sometimes cause low blood sugar. Signs of low blood sugar include shakiness, sweating, confusion, and dizziness.
Kidney Problems
Because Jardiance affects the kidneys, it is important to have regular check-ups to make sure the kidneys are working well. Drinking plenty of water helps protect the kidneys while on this medication.
What Can You Not Take with Jardiance?
Certain medications and supplements can interact with Jardiance and should be used with caution. Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting new medications or supplements while taking Jardiance.
Diuretics
Diuretics, also known as water pills, are often used to treat high blood pressure. These medications can increase the risk of dehydration when taken with Jardiance because both cause the body to lose extra water.
Insulin or Sulfonylureas
When used together with Jardiance, insulin or sulfonylureas can increase the risk of low blood sugar. Doctors may need to adjust doses to prevent this. If you’re deciding between medications, this Januvia vs. Jardiance guide offers a complete breakdown of effectiveness, side effects, and patient use cases.
NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or naproxen, can increase the risk of kidney problems. Since Jardiance affects the kidneys, it is important to use NSAIDs carefully.
Herbal Supplements
Some herbal supplements, like St. John’s Wort or ginseng, may interact with diabetes medications. Always check with a healthcare provider before adding any supplements. When exploring supplement options, it’s important to avoid scams and risky purchases. Learn about the 8 mistakes to avoid when buying supplements online to stay safe.
Tips for Safe Use of Jardiance
To get the most benefit from Jardiance while avoiding side effects, follow these tips:
- Drink plenty of water every day.
- Eat balanced meals with whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Avoid sugary drinks and high-carb snacks.
- Check blood sugar levels regularly.
- Talk to your doctor about any side effects or concerns.
- Keep track of urinary or genital symptoms to catch infections early.
Making healthy choices and staying in touch with a healthcare provider helps ensure that Jardiance works well and supports long-term health.
Final Thoughts
Taking Jardiance is an important step in managing type 2 diabetes, but food choices play a big role in how well the medication works. Avoiding foods that cause blood sugar spikes, increase dehydration, or harm the kidneys is essential for staying healthy while on Jardiance. By being mindful of what you eat, you can reduce side effects and enjoy the benefits of this medication.
For people looking for affordable options, it is possible to buy Jardiance online from Canada through 365 Script Care. This makes it easier to access the medication without overpaying, especially when managing long-term diabetes care.This trusted option makes it easier to access medication while continuing your journey to better health.
Managing diabetes is about making smart choices every day. With the right plan, support from healthcare providers, and a focus on healthy eating, people taking Jardiance can control their blood sugar, protect their kidneys, and improve their overall quality of life.
