Foods to Avoid While Taking Mounjaro
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a new medication approved in 2022 for treating type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1 and GIP, two intestinal hormones that help control blood sugar levels. While Mounjaro can improve diabetes management, there are certain foods it’s best to avoid or minimize while taking this medication.
How Mounjaro Works
Mounjaro is administered via a once-weekly injection. It helps lower blood glucose in three main ways:
- Increasing insulin production from the pancreas
- Suppressing glucagon secretion from the pancreas
- Slowing digestion to reduce glucose absorption
Together these effects allow better blood sugar control. However, the slowed digestion can also worsen any gastrointestinal side effects if problematic foods are consumed.
Potential Dietary Issues on Mounjaro
The most common side effects of Mounjaro involve the digestive system, including:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain, bloating
Eating the wrong foods can exacerbate these issues. Being mindful of dietary choices while starting Mounjaro therapy can help minimize discomfort.
Foods to Avoid on Mounjaro
Here are some foods it’s best to restrict or avoid altogether when taking Mounjaro:
1. High-Fat Foods
Fatty, greasy and fried foods require more digestion time and can worsen GI side effects. Foods high in saturated fat are especially problematic. Limit items like:
- Fatty red meats like steak, ribs, bacon
- Processed meats like sausage, hot dogs, deli meats
- Fried foods
- Fast food
- Whole milk dairy
- Rich salad dressings, sauces, gravies
- Baked goods
- Fried snacks like potato chips, donuts
2. Spicy Foods
Heavily spiced or chili-based dishes can irritate the digestive tract, especially when not used to them. Avoiding excessively spicy items can help, such as:
- Hot sauces
- Chili pepper
- Cajun or Creole dishes
- Jerk chicken, shrimp
- Indian curries
- Salsas
- Pepperoni, spiced sausage
3. High-Fiber Foods
Fiber slows digestion, so consuming high volumes can worsen GI issues. Limit high-fiber foods like:
- Whole grains - brown rice, oats, whole wheat pasta
- Beans, lentils
- Certain vegetables - broccoli, peas, sweet corn
- Fruits with skin/seeds - berries, plums, figs
- Dried fruits
- Bran cereals
- Nuts and seeds
4. Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower contain compounds that can cause bloating and gas. It’s best to limit intake of:
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Kale
- Radishes
- Turnips
5. Carbonated Beverages
The carbonation and bubbles in fizzy drinks like soda, beer, sparkling water and champagne can induce gut issues like gas, bloating and belching.
6. Sugar Alcohol Sweeteners
Found in low-calorie baked goods, chewing gum, protein bars and sugar-free candies, sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol and mannitol are difficult to digest, causing diarrhea in some people.
7. Caffeine
High intakes of caffeine can stimulate the gut causing loose stools. Limit coffee, energy drinks, tea (black, green) and chocolate.
8. Alcohol
Alcohol irritation and dehydration effects can be enhanced on Mounjaro. It’s best to restrict alcoholic drinks when first starting treatment.
Foods to Focus on with Mounjaro
Instead emphasize foods that are easy on digestion and help control blood sugar when taking Mounjaro:
1. Non-Starchy Vegetables
Vegetables like leafy greens, carrots, tomatoes and cucumbers provide nutrients without spiking blood sugar. Their high water content prevents constipation.
2. Lean Protein
Protein foods like chicken, fish, eggs, pork loin, tofu and legumes are satisfying, help maintain muscle mass and avoid blood sugar crashes.
3. High-Fiber Fruits
Less sugary high-fiber fruits like berries, grapefruit, avocados, apples and pears offer benefits without excessive sugars.
4. Healthy Fats
Emphasizing plant-based fats like olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds and fatty fish provides energy and helps absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
5. Fermented Foods
Fermented items like yogurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut contain beneficial probiotics that support gut and digestive health.
6. Well-Tolerated Grains
Stick to gentler grains like white rice, corn tortillas, oats, grits and cream of wheat while avoiding whole grains.
7. Baked/Grilled Foods
Choosing lighter cooking methods like baking, broiling, grilling and roasting avoids added oils that exacerbate GI issues.
8. Lean Dairy
Low-fat milk, Greek yogurt, string cheese, and cottage cheese provide protein, calcium and vitamins without the fat.
9. Water
Staying well-hydrated with water and limiting beverages with added sugars, fat or caffeine is key.
Tips for Managing Diet with Mounjaro
Additional suggestions to minimize diet-related side effects when starting Mounjaro include:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Slow down eating
- Chew foods thoroughly
- Reduce portion sizes
- Avoid eating within 1-2 hours of bedtime
- Be cautious with trigger foods
- Track foods and symptoms in a journal
- Increase liquid calories if struggling with solid foods
- Incorporate nutritious smoothies
- Stay hydrated between meals
- Take probiotic supplements
Being mindful about dietary choices can help make starting Mounjaro more tolerable and support optimal diabetes management.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment