6 foods to avoid on Rybelsus

In this article:

• How Rybelsus works
• Rybelsus foods to avoid
• Foods to prioritize
• Gastrointestinal side effects
• Maximizing Rybelsus benefits

In this article

• How Rybelsus works
• Rybelsus foods to avoid
• Foods to prioritize
• Gastrointestinal side effects
• Maximizing Rybelsus benefits

Ready to take control of your Type 2 diabetes—and maybe even lose some weight—without the need to give yourself an injection? Meet Rybelsus. The brand-name glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist is an oral medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lower blood sugar levels. Though it contains the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as injectable Ozempic and Wegovy, Rybelsus comes in tablet form. While Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss, Ozempic and Rybelsus are not, although they are sometimes used off-label for this purpose.

For best results, Rybelsus should be taken in conjunction with a regular exercise program and healthy meal plan. But what you don’t eat is as important as what you do. Certain foods—like high-sugar and high-fat foods and alcohol—can make the medication less effective, impact blood sugar levels, and increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.

How Rybelsus works

As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Rybelsus mimics the effects of the incretin hormone GLP-1, which the body releases after the consumption of carbohydrates and fats. GLP-1, which is often low or insufficient in diabetes patients, regulates blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin secretion and inhibiting glucagon release, says Mir Ali, MD, a bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.

Dr. Ali says that Rybelsus also signals satiety in the brain and delays gastric emptying, which can promote weight loss. Typically, patients can expect changes in appetite within a few weeks of starting the medication, although full effects can take several months.

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6 foods to avoid with Rybelsus

Certain foods can interfere with how Rybelsus works and contribute to fluctuations in blood glucose levels. To maximize the medication’s benefits, it’s advisable to avoid these foods:

1. High-carbohydrate foods
2. Sugary snacks and beverages
3. Spicy foods
4. Acidic foods
5. High-fat foods
6. Alcohol

1. High-carbohydrate foods

Dr. Ali says that refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta, can spike blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin secretion, somewhat counteracting the effects of Rybelsus. Research indicates that consuming a diet rich in refined carbohydrates and low in fiber can contribute to insulin resistance, making it crucial to limit these foods for optimal diabetes management.

Dr. Ali points out that even healthy fruits like bananas or oranges can cause blood sugar increases when consumed too frequently or in large amounts, so moderation is key.

2. Sugary snacks and beverages

As with refined carbohydrates, sugary snacks and beverages can rapidly increase blood sugar levels, notes Dr. Ali. And that’s not only problematic for blood sugar control. “The body is working more to control the sugar rather than helping you to burn fat stores, which is the goal of weight loss,” Dr. Ali explains.

The American Diabetes Association emphasizes the importance of reducing sugar intake to manage diabetes effectively. To maintain stable blood glucose levels while on Rybelsus, it’s best to avoid candies, sodas, desserts, and fruit juices.

3. Spicy foods

While spicy foods won’t spike your blood sugar, it’s best to avoid them on Rybelsus, advises Megan Horsham, MD, a weight loss physician at The Sanctuary Wellness Institute in Florida. There is no direct Rybelsus interaction with foods like sriracha sauce, hot peppers, or kimchi, but Dr. Horsham explains that they can worsen gastrointestinal side effects like stomach pain, nausea, and heartburn—and that’s no fun!

4. Acidic foods

Avoiding acidic foods when taking Rybelsus or other GLP-1 receptor agonists is advisable due to the potential for digestive upset. That’s because citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar, and certain beverages (like orange juice or carbonated drinks) can exacerbate gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, stomach discomfort, or acid reflux. Even your morning coffee can trigger digestive disturbances. Luckily, there are low-acid options if you can’t stomach regular joe.

5. High-fat foods

Foods high in saturated fats like bacon, butter, ice cream, cheese, and fried foods should be limited when you’re taking Rybelsus, says Dr. Horsham. According to research, a diet that’s high in saturated fat increases the risk of insulin resistance, interfering with the blood-sugar-lowering effects of Rybelsus.

What’s more, high-fat foods, especially those rich in saturated fats, can further delay gastric emptying and digestion. This can worsen gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, bloating, and indigestion, which are commonly associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists.

If you’re a cheese lover, don’t worry—you don’t have to ditch the charcuterie platter. Just opt for lower-fat cheese varieties like goat and feta, and stay away from fatty, processed meats like salami and pepperoni.

6. Alcohol

Dr. Ali says that the high sugar content in many alcoholic beverages makes them a poor choice for patients taking Rybelus. Even without sugary mixers, alcohol can have unpredictable effects on blood sugar levels, sometimes causing them to spike and other times leading to a drop. The liver stores and releases glucose as needed, but when you consume alcohol, it prioritizes alcohol metabolism.

RELATED: 5 foods to avoid on Ozempic

What should you eat while taking Rybelsus?

While there are foods to avoid, there are also many that can enhance the effectiveness of Rybelsus. A healthy diet for people with diabetes should focus primarily on the following foods to support blood sugar control and promote weight loss:

• Fruits like kiwis, apples, watermelon, and grapes
• Vegetables, including spinach, bok choy, kale, collard greens, and arugula
• Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, lean meats, eggs, legumes, and tofu
• Whole grains, such as whole wheat, brown rice, barley, quinoa, spelt, and oats
• Healthy fats (in small amounts) like avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds
• Low-fat dairy products, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and sour cream

Gastrointestinal side effects of Rybelsus

According to Dr. Ali, not all patients taking GLP-1s will experience digestive problems. However, these common side effects of Rybelsus do occur and can be exacerbated by the foods above:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Decreased appetite

Serious side effects, which require medical attention, include:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Changes in vision
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Gallbladder problems
• Kidney problems, including kidney failure
• Severe stomach problems
• Serious allergic reactions

You can manage mild side effects by adjusting your diet and staying hydrated. For nausea, eating bland foods like soups and crackers can help. If severe symptoms develop, consult a healthcare provider for medical advice.

While you can take vitamins while on Rybelsus, inform your pharmacist or healthcare professional about any dietary supplements and prescription or OTC meds you’re taking to avoid potential drug interactions.

Related: Wegovy diet plan

Tips for maximizing Rybelsus benefits

To maximize its benefits, take Rybelsus on an empty stomach with a glass of water, advises Dr. Ali. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating. Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients while avoiding the foods listed above can enhance the medication’s effectiveness and your overall health.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for the best outcome. Choosing a balanced diet low in saturated fats and high in fiber, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates can help support healthy blood sugar and weight management.