What Nurses See When Patients Don’t Have Enough Access to Nutritious Food

How food insecurity can complicate treatment and recovery

For many people, taking medication is part of managing a chronic condition or recovering from illness. But for individuals experiencing food insecurity, following medication instructions isn’t always simple. Many prescriptions must be taken with food to work properly or to avoid harmful side effects. When someone doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from, even routine treatment can become difficult to manage.

There are many reasons why certain medications need to be taken with food. Some can irritate the stomach lining, increasing the risk of ulcers or bleeding, while others rely on food to help the body absorb the medication properly.

How non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs react with food

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen (found in brands such as Advil and Motrin) and certain antibiotics can cause stomach irritation when taken on an empty stomach. NSAIDs work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and inflammation, but those same enzymes also help protect the stomach lining. Without food as a buffer, the stomach can become irritated. Symptoms may include bloating, heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, or vomiting. Over time, high doses or long-term use can increase the risk of ulcers.

Medical experts estimate that about one-third of NSAID users experience digestive symptoms such as heartburn, bloating, or stomach pain, and 2–4% of chronic users develop serious complications like bleeding ulcers each year.

How some antibiotics work with food

Many antibiotics are also recommended to be taken with food. Medications such as Clindamycin, Ciprofloxacin, Minocycline, and Amoxicillin can be particularly hard on the stomach. Taking them with food can reduce nausea and digestive discomfort. In other cases, certain foods may affect how well the body absorbs the medication, which is why following a doctor’s instructions is essential.

The importance of food for people with Diabetes

For people managing Diabetes, eating with medication is even more critical. If diabetes medications are taken on an empty stomach, blood sugar levels can drop dangerously low, causing dizziness, nausea, fainting, and confusion. A common medication such as Metformin can also cause severe stomach upset if taken without food. These medications are designed to work alongside the body’s digestion of meals, making consistent access to food essential for safe and effective treatment.

For individuals facing food insecurity, these medical instructions can be difficult to follow. When meals are skipped or uncertain, medications may be delayed, taken incorrectly, or avoided altogether, which can worsen health conditions over time.

Access to reliable nutritious food is about managing health

That’s why access to reliable, nutritious food is about more than nourishment—it is also a critical part of managing health. Organizations like Long Island Cares help ensure that families, seniors, and individuals living with chronic conditions have consistent access to the food they need. By providing nutritious groceries through its network of pantries and programs, Long Island Cares helps neighbors not only put meals on the table but also safely follow the medical guidance that keeps them healthy.

Because medications, health conditions, and dietary needs vary, the best practice is always to follow the instructions provided by your physician or pharmacist. Taking medication as directed—and with the food your body needs—can help reduce side effects and ensure treatments work as intended.

Sources

• The Hidden Dangers of Ibuprofen and Naproxen: Protecting Your Digestive System from NSAIDs. Cory Calendine, MD

  https://www.corycalendinemd.com/post/the-hidden-dangers-of-ibuprofen-and-naproxen-protecting-your-digestive-system-from-nsaids

• Antibiotics

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16386-antibiotics

• Metformin: Uses and Side Effects by Julie DavisMedically Reviewed by Michael Dansinger, MD

  https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/metformin-side-effect