Gas
Metformin patients often experience an increase in flatulence (gas). To manage this side-effect, doctors suggest patients make dietary changes. Avoid spicy foods as they tend to stimulate digestive acids, which can cause gas to escape throughout the digestive tract. Yogurt containing probiotics or active cultures may help regulate digestion. For this reason, some people choose to take active probiotic supplements.
Reduce the amount of fat consumed to slow down digestion. Slow digestion of high-fat foods allows gas to accumulate in the empty spaces within the digestive system. Simethicone, an over-the-counter medicine that can reduce gas, is one option. Ginger can be beneficial to some patients. Gas is a common problem that patients should discuss with their doctors.
