Why Diet Matters When Taking Jardiance
Jardiance (empagliflozin) helps your kidneys remove extra glucose and sodium via urine. A supportive diet helps this process by keeping your overall blood sugar and sodium levels in check, which allows the medication to work more efficiently. Conversely, a poor diet can counteract the drug's effects and potentially increase the risk of side effects like dehydration and yeast infections.
Core Principles for a Jardiance-Friendly Diet
Following healthy eating patterns such as the Mediterranean or DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets is effective for managing the conditions Jardiance treats, including type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. The key principles include focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods while limiting processed items, added sugars, and excessive sodium.
Prioritize Hydration
Staying hydrated is crucial for those taking Jardiance. Since Jardiance increases urination, it can lead to dehydration, which may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and kidney problems.
- Drink plenty of water: Aim for eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water or other non-sugary fluids daily.
- Include water-rich foods: Fresh fruits and vegetables, like cucumbers, watermelon, and strawberries can add to your fluid intake.
- Limit diuretics: Reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake, as both can increase fluid loss.
Load Up on Non-Starchy Vegetables
These vegetables are low in carbohydrates and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Filling half your plate with non-starchy options helps manage blood sugar levels without causing spikes.
- Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and lettuce.
- Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
- Colorful options: Peppers, carrots, and green beans.
Choose Lean Proteins
Lean protein sources help you feel full, which can prevent cravings for high-carb snacks that work against your medication.
- Fish: Fatty fish like salmon is especially beneficial due to its omega-3 fatty acids, which also support heart health.
- Poultry: Skinless chicken and turkey.
- Plant-based proteins: Beans, lentils, and tofu.
Incorporate High-Fiber Carbohydrates
High-fiber, whole-grain carbohydrates are digested slowly, providing sustained energy and preventing the rapid blood sugar spikes that refined carbs cause.
- Whole grains: Oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread.
- Legumes: Lentils and chickpeas.
- Starchy vegetables: Sweet potatoes and corn in moderation.
Embrace Healthy Fats
Incorporating healthy fats is beneficial for heart health and can increase feelings of fullness.
- Avocado: A great source of healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for cooking and dressings.
Food Choices Comparison: Best vs. Worst
Consider this comparison table for smart dietary choices while on Jardiance.
| Food Category | Recommended (Best Choices) | Limit or Avoid (Worst Choices) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | Whole grains (oats, quinoa), brown rice, whole-wheat bread | White bread, white pasta, sugary cereals, pastries |
| Proteins | Lean chicken, fish (salmon), legumes, tofu | Fried meats, processed meats (bacon, deli meat), fatty cuts of meat |
| Fats | Avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds | Trans fats, high-fat dairy, fried foods, butter |
| Drinks | Water, decaffeinated tea, unsweetened cranberry juice | Sugary soda, fruit juices, excessive alcohol, caffeinated drinks |
| Snacks | Berries, apples, almonds, low-fat yogurt | Candy, cookies, sweetened yogurt, processed snack foods |
Foods to Avoid or Limit While Taking Jardiance
While no food-specific interactions exist with Jardiance, certain foods can undermine its effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects.
High-Sugar Foods
Jardiance works to remove excess sugar. If you consume large amounts of high-sugar foods like candy, pastries, or sodas, the medication must work harder. The increased glucose in your urine can also create an environment conducive to yeast and urinary tract infections.
Ultra-Processed and Refined Carbs
Similar to high-sugar foods, processed and refined carbohydrates can cause rapid blood sugar spikes, making it more challenging for Jardiance to maintain stable glucose levels.
Excessive Caffeine and Alcohol
Both caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, meaning they increase urination, just like Jardiance. Combining them can exacerbate dehydration. Excessive alcohol also interferes with blood sugar regulation and increases the risk of ketoacidosis.
Ketogenic Diets
Very-low-carb, ketogenic diets force the body to produce ketones for fuel. Combining this with Jardiance, which also affects ketone levels, can significantly increase the risk of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious medical condition. Always consult your doctor before making major dietary changes, especially for a keto diet.
High-Sodium Foods
Jardiance helps flush excess sodium from the body, which aids in lowering blood pressure. A high-sodium diet counteracts this benefit, contributing to fluid retention and blood pressure fluctuations. Limit processed meats, canned soups, fast food, and salty snacks.
Conclusion: A Balanced, Heart-Healthy Approach
Following a sensible and balanced diet is key to getting the most benefit from Jardiance while minimizing potential side effects. The best dietary strategy aligns with heart-healthy plans like the Mediterranean or DASH diet, prioritizing whole foods, lean proteins, high-fiber carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Most importantly, prioritizing hydration and avoiding excessive sugar, processed foods, and high levels of alcohol or caffeine will support your health goals. Always consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to create a personalized eating plan that is right for you. For more information on diabetes management, visit the American Diabetes Association website.
Key Takeaways
- Hydration is Critical: Jardiance can increase urination and cause dehydration, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Choose Whole Foods: Focus on a diet rich in non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats to support blood sugar and heart health.
- Avoid Refined Carbs and Sugar: Limiting sugary foods and processed carbohydrates helps prevent blood sugar spikes and reduces the risk of infections associated with higher glucose levels in urine.
- Moderate Caffeine and Alcohol: Both act as diuretics and can worsen dehydration when combined with Jardiance; excessive alcohol also increases DKA risk.
- Avoid Ketogenic Diets: The combination of a keto diet and Jardiance can dangerously increase the risk of euglycemic DKA.
- Watch Sodium Intake: Reducing sodium helps support the blood pressure-lowering effects of Jardiance.
- Consult Your Healthcare Team: Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized advice on managing your diet with Jardiance.
