When you are on certain medications, there are certain do’s and don’ts, and the same is the case for those on Ozempic medications. Are there foods one should avoid when taking Ozempic? What are the side effects of taking this drug?
Before we begin, it is important to remind our readers that this drug is used different amongst diabetics and non-diabetics. Please use Ozempic exactly how your healthcare provider has prescribed it to you.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is an injection containing Semaglutide. This injection is often prescribed by doctors to treat patients suffering from Type 2 diabetes. Besides serving as a diabetes treatment, some people also use it as a weight-loss treatment. Why?
Simply because it can reduce one’s appetite. When users are on Ozempic, they reduce their calories which will, in turn, translate to weight loss. However, some people also report a different reaction. Despite serving as an appetite reducer, there are reports that some users feel bloated when they use Ozempic. Ozempic is similar to Trulicity, but they do have their differences.
Some people may feel this way because they become used to the drug or because they suddenly reach a new limit of fullness. In addition, some feel the need to make adjustments to their feeding habit because they feel that they’ve gained more weight.
Ozempic comes in injection pens at 2mg and 4mg doses.
Other Uses of Ozempic
Besides serving as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes it can also be used to reduce blood sugar levels in adults and reduce the risk of some cardiovascular health issues related to the heart.
This medication is given in subcutaneous injection form once a week as part of a general treatment plan to control blood sugar levels. However, this medication is not used to treat other types of diabetes like diabetic ketoacidosis, Type 1 diabetes, or serious health complications caused by diabetes. This medication can be considered a diabetic medication but it is not insulin.
Side Effects of Ozempic
Like most drugs out there, Ozempic has a set of side effects recorded in users. Some of these side effects include but are not limited to the following:
– Constipation
– Abdominal pain
– Diarrhea
– Nausea
– Change in food taste
– Burping
– Dizziness
– Flatulence
– Headache
– Indigestion
– Stomach upset
– Skin redness in the spot the injection is given
– A slight increase in heartbeat rate
The good news is that these side effects could be temporary and can be easily managed. However, for those with prolonged side effects, the attention of a doctor may be required. Also, a user is not advised to stop using Ozempic out of the blue unless advised by his or her doctor to stop using the drug all of a sudden.
Should you Avoid Certain Food While Taking Ozempic?
There are a lot of misconceptions that many have come to take as truths regarding Ozempic. Many believe that because it slows the digestive process and affects some other bodily functions, they should avoid certain food. But this is not true.
While it is true that your doctor may recommend that you reduce your food sizes because of the slow rate of digestion caused by the drug. However, there really isn’t any need to avoid any food type.
The only reason why you should avoid certain foods is if you have always been allergic to them in the first place. So the fact remains that you can eat anything even when you are in Ozempic. However, you should avoid certain foods that make you feel bloated or are not a part of your diet. Although Ozempic may seem like a game changer in the weight loss community, it is still important to focus on the foods that you are feeding your body. As they say, you are what you eat. Ozempic should be taken with a clean diet, similar to foods that should avoided while taking Saxenda.
Another argument many put forward when taking Ozempic as a weight loss medication, is that when other weight loss medications are used, users are advised to avoid certain food. So by their estimation, that should also be the case with Ozempic. This argument is flawed and cannot stand against any medical evaluation. However, it is important to speak to your doctor if you are stacking weight loss medications together. Certain medications do not mix with others and can lead to very harmful consequences.
Depriving yourself of food while you are on medication may not only be counter-productive but dangerous to your health. Although not eating will cause weight loss, it can also be detrimental to your health, as your body and brain depend on food for normal activity. Please make sure you are still eating enough food to support your system.
So while you may need to make dietary changes by limiting your food portions or because you no longer have an appetite for certain foods, it is still in your best interest to ensure that you maintain a healthy balanced diet. Diets are a word that perceives an end date. It is suggested to look at a lifestyle change or reviewing your relationship with food to help with your long-term goals.
Should Alcohol Consumption be Stopped?
Another question many ask is if they should stop alcohol intake for as long as they take Ozempic. So far, so good; there is no proof to show that alcohol causes an adverse reaction when Ozempic is still active in the bloodstream. However, you will notice that you develop a low tolerance level for alcohol all of a sudden. So the best route to take is to take alcohol in minimal doses or based on your state of mind. Since your stomach is empty due to the lack of eating, alcohol can enter the bloodstream much quicker and you would begin to feel the side effects of alcohol intake much quicker.
Also, note that alcohol leads to dehydration, so if you must drink at all, make sure you are consuming enough water as water. If you have less water in your system, it may lead to headaches which you want to avoid when you are on medication. Please drink responsibly.
Planning Your Diet When Taking Ozempic
When you are in Ozempic, it can be quite helpful to plan your meals in advance. This practice is very popular among any diet regimen. What better way to do this than to have a meal plan in place? This can serve as a budgeting and organizational tool to help you get your desired outcomes. No food is off limit like we have pointed out earlier, but since you will be eating less, you to ensure you are getting the right amount of nutrients into your system.
The best meals to consume at meals that have sufficient fiber and lean protein.
Lean Protein
Lean protein is a great weight loss diet, and it is found in different types of animal meat. If you don’t want to stop eating meat altogether when you are on Ozempic, you can switch to strictly lean meat. It contains fewer calories compared to whole meat, and it fills you up just as much. Some examples of lean protein include turkey, chicken, tuna, eggs, and prawns. These foods give you all the protein your body needs without raising your calories by much. You can also consume lots of lentils, kidney beans, spinach, and lentils which also support protein intake.
Lean protein helps build muscle strength which is essential to reduce the risks of injuries. They also help keep your body in shape, so you don’t suffer from malnutrition. You also reduce the amount of fat you are taking in since lean protein contains less fat.
Vegetables
Eating a lot of vegetables is also helpful when you are on Ozempic medications. Veggies are great because they contain fiber and vitamins. Eating large portions of vegetables daily will replenish the nutrient lost. Please be careful with the amount of fruit you intake, as the sugar content in some fruits can be relatively high.
Fiber
Fibers should be another essential inclusion in your diet plan. Fiber may not help with the digestive process, but it does help to induce a feeling of fullness even if you’ve eaten very little food. They are low in calories and carbohydrates, which is good if you want to stick to your weight loss plan without starving yourself. They are also great for your stomach health and vital in maintaining a healthy gut.
Does my Body Still Need Carbohydrates?
Your body still requires carbohydrates to function, so you can’t afford to do without them. Meals containing low GI carbohydrates are great because they remain in the system for long without spiking blood sugar levels. Whole wheat bread, whole grains, oats, and muesli are great examples of low carbohydrate foods. Although the Keto diet has become very popular throughout the years, it is essential to note that a small portion of carbs is still a part of this diet.
Conclusion
Avoiding certain foods when you are on Ozempic medication is not advisable, even if you take it as a weight loss medication. No reports suggest that certain foods cause adverse reactions in Ozempic users. However, what is clear is that starving yourself may lead to severe complications that would jeopardize your physical and mental health. Ozempic can slow the digestive process, but you want to ensure that you maintain a perfect nutrition balance. So consuming the right food in small portions is a good move. And if you must drink alcohol, consider drinking in small doses and make sure you drink enough water to stay hydrated. If you have diabetes, it is essential to monitor your blood glucose to ensure your body is incorporating the correct amount at all times.
If you were looking to explore your options in purchasing Ozempic, it is highly suggested to obtain the medication through a Canadian supplier (such as Insulin Outlet). Canadian prices on Ozempic (and other medications, such as insulin) are much cheaper then American drugstores.
