9 Diet and Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Manage Medication Side Effects

Medications can help treat diseases and improve your health. But they can also cause side effects. It isn’t always possible to avoid side effects altogether. But certain diet and lifestyle changes can help prevent and manage many common issues caused by medications. Here’s what you should know.  

1. Eat a nutritious, balanced diet

Focusing on your nutrition plays a key role in maintaining your health. A balanced diet should include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Healthy fats are also important. Avoid fried and highly processed foods as much as possible.

Eating well can help with many common medication side effects, such as:

• Fatigue

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Weight changes

• Nausea

• Fluid retention

A balanced diet can also help reduce inflammation and improve your gut health, which can not only help reduce medication side effects but also improve the symptoms of many health conditions, too.

Eating well when you don’t feel well

If you aren’t feeling well, you may not have much of an appetite. But focusing on smaller, nutrient-dense foods can help you get the fuel you need. These include things such as smoothies, soups, and oatmeal. If you’re feeling nauseous, choose foods that are easier on the stomach, such as applesauce, broth, and rice or noodles.

Good to know: Some medications require a specific diet. For example, if you’re taking the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), you’ll need to eat a consistent amount of vitamin K (such as leafy greens) to keep the medication working properly. Your healthcare team will let you know if you’re taking a medication that requires specific diet guidelines.

2. Get enough rest

Getting enough rest is an important part of staying healthy. And not only do you feel better when you get plenty of sleep, but it may also help prevent or reduce a variety of medication side effects, including:

• Daytime drowsiness

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Mood changes

• Weight changes

• Headache

• Muscle or joint pain

• Constipation

By getting enough rest and practicing good sleep hygiene, you may be better able to manage these common medication side effects. As with eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep can also help with many health conditions, as it helps support your heart health, immune system functioning, and hormone levels.

3. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise is associated with many health benefits. It improves your heart health, builds stronger muscles, and can boost your mental health. In addition to the overall health benefits of exercising regularly, it can also help reduce some medication side effects, such as:

• Fatigue

• Weight changes

• Headache

• Drowsiness

• Constipation

• Muscle or joint pain

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Exercising can seem overwhelming, especially if your energy levels are low. But it’s fine to start small. Sometimes, a simple walk around the block or seated chair exercises are more than enough to boost your energy levels and get movement benefits.

That being said, be sure to follow your healthcare team’s recommendations about exercise. And remember that sometimes it’s more important to focus on rest, especially if you’re feeling sick or sleep-deprived.

4. Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated helps maintain your health by regulating your body temperature, keeping your mouth clean, and improving blood flow through your veins. Staying hydrated can also reduce some medication side effects, such as:

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Low blood pressure

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Fatigue

• Kidney problems

Hydration is especially important for older adults. They’re typically more vulnerable to dehydration and may also be more sensitive to hydration-related medication side effects. Your healthcare team can provide guidance on your daily fluid goals based on your personal history.

5. Watch your sodium and potassium intake

Sodium and potassium are essential nutrients. But consuming too much or too little of them can raise the risk of some medication side effects, such as:

• High or low blood pressure

• High or low potassium levels

• High or low sodium levels

• Edema (excess fluid)

• Bloating

• Heart rhythm changes

• Fatigue

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

Eating a balanced diet that’s low in processed foods can help manage these nutrient levels. But your healthcare team may recommend a low-sodium diet if you’re living with certain heart conditions.

6. Time your doses with your lifestyle in mind

When you take your medication can make a difference when it comes to certain side effects.

For example, taking a medication with food can help reduce or prevent nausea. So you can time your doses around your regular mealtime.

If a medication makes you drowsy, consider taking it at bedtime to avoid daytime sleepiness. On the other hand, if a medication keeps you awake, taking it first thing in the morning will probably work better for you.

Likewise, if a medication causes more frequent trips to the bathroom, taking it at bedtime may disrupt your sleep. Taking it earlier in the day may help prevent this issue and help you get the rest you need. Or if a medication makes you feel a bit jittery or makes your heart beat a little faster, taking it after your morning cardio routine may prevent these side effects from interfering with your workout.

Often, a simple adjustment can help you incorporate a medication into your lifestyle in a way that works for you. Just be sure to check in with your prescriber or pharmacist before making any changes to when or how you take your medication. Some medications have stricter requirements (such as only taking them on an empty stomach) than others. Your healthcare team can let you know if the change you’d like to make is a safe option for you.

7. Limit alcohol

Alcohol has many different effects on the body. It can cause problems with thinking and memory; alter the function of your stomach, liver, and kidneys; and lower your ability to fight infections. Alcohol can also worsen any common medication side effects, such as:

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Heartburn

• Increased bleeding risk

• Weight changes

• Headache

• High or low blood sugar

• Increased risk of infections

• Diarrhea

• Liver problems

No amount of alcohol is considered risk-free when it comes to your health. An occasional drink now and then isn’t likely to cause a major issue when it comes to medication side effects. But in some cases, you may need to avoid alcohol completely. Your healthcare team can provide guidance as to what amount of alcohol, if any, is safe for you based on your personal history.

8. Find healthy ways to manage stress

Stress can worsen many common medication side effects, such as:

• Mood changes

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Headache

• Muscle pain

• Weight changes

• Fatigue

• Sleep problems

• Mood changes

Finding healthy ways to manage stress can help reduce its impact on your health. Some tips include using breathing exercises, meditating, and doing reflective activities, such as writing in a journal. You can also ask your healthcare team for guidance.

9. Talk openly with your healthcare team

If you’re experiencing side effects from your medications, don’t be afraid to talk openly with your healthcare team. It can be intimidating to ask for help — especially if a side effect feels personal or embarrassing. But keep in mind that your healthcare team is there to help you find ways to feel better. They can also determine if what you’re experiencing is a sign that something more serious is going on.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider bringing someone with you to your appointment for support. If your office offers a private messaging service, sending your questions in writing rather than in person can also be a more comfortable option.

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Written by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

​​Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. Ulrich’s experience includes direct patient care in hospital and community pharmacies.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Ferras Bashqoy, PharmD, BCCCP, BCPPS

Ferras Bashqoy, PharmD, BCCCP, BCPPS, is a clinical pharmacotherapy specialist in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital in NYC. He enjoys working with preterm newborns, as they are small but mighty.

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