Nutrition & IV Therapy Tips | Issue 7 | March 2026 - Nutrition

Supporting Your GLP-1 Journey: Nutrition & IV Therapy Tips

Safe strategies to manage side effects, support metabolic health, and make the most of your treatment.

Peptides Are Trending… And GLP-1s Are One of Them

Hi guys! Have you also been hearing about peptides everywhere lately?

Everywhere I go, people are talking about peptides for health, wellness, and performance. So lets join in on the conversation.

Simply put, peptides are short chains of amino acids, and yes, GLP-1 medications fall into this category too. Medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are synthetic versions of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone in your body.

I use these medications in patients who need structured metabolic health support, and I’ve seen excellent results – especially when they’re combined with the right nutrition and hydration plan.

But like anything powerful in life, they too need proper support structures in place to work well.

How GLP-1 Medications Work in the Body

Brain: Reduce hunger and cravings, helping you feel full sooner
Stomach: Slow digestion, keeping you satisfied longer and reducing blood sugar spikes
Pancreas: Stimulate insulin release for healthy blood sugar regulation
Liver: Improve glucose storage and stability
Muscles: Help muscles use glucose more efficiently

When paired with proper GLP-1 weight loss nutrition, I’ve seen patients experience:

Improved appetite control
Better energy
More stable blood sugar
Improved lab results

However, side effects like nausea, fatigue, digestive changes, and potential nutrient deficiencies may also occur, which is why GLP-1 medication support is so important.

5 Nutrition Strategies I Use for GLP-1 Weight Loss Support

Whether you’re newly started or on treatment long-term, this is the nutrition foundation I use for Ozempic users and other GLP-1 patients:

Make Protein a Priority
I’ve found that including protein at every meal helps my patients stay full, maintain muscle, and support metabolism. Eggs, fish, Greek yoghurt, or plant proteins like tofu and lentils usually work well.
Load Up on High-Fibre Vegetables
Adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and zucchini keeps digestion smooth and helps my patients feel satisfied for longer without spiking their blood sugar levels.
Include Healthy Fats
I encourage my patients to avoid processed fats but do include healthy fats such as avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds to support energy and provide anti-inflammatory nutrients in balanced amounts.
Stay Hydrated
Lower appetite often means lower fluid intake. Water and electrolytes make a noticeable difference in energy and digestion.
Focus on Small, Nutrient-Dense Meals
When appetite is reduced, I find my patients do best with small, high-quality meals or snacks, like smoothies, soups, or balanced plates, to make sure they’re still getting the nutrients they need.

Quick Meal Ideas

High-protein Greek yoghurt with berries
Avocado toast with a poached egg
Nutrient-dense smoothies or soups

GLP-1 Side Effects Management

GLP-1 medications can be very effective, but they don’t come without their challenges.

The most common issues I see include protein and micronutrient deficiencies (Vitamin D, calcium, iron, B12, B1, magnesium, electrolytes), nausea, gastrointestinal changes (constipation), and fatigue.

Even with good nutrition habits, these can still occur. Here’s what I’ve found works to combat them:

For nausea:
Small, frequent meals. Simple, easy-to-digest foods like soups, crackers, ginger tea.

For fatigue:
Pair lean protein with complex carbs to stabilise energy.

For digestive changes:
Increase fibre gradually, hydrate well, and include probiotic-rich foods.

For low appetite:
Focus on smaller, nutrient-dense options rather than large meals.

This is where a structured metabolic health support plan makes all the difference.

Supplements & IV Therapy for GLP-1 Patients

Sometimes food alone isn’t enough.

In my clinical experience, targeted supplementation and IV therapy for GLP-1 patients can help to bridge nutritional gaps, especially when appetite is significantly reduced.

Suggested Support:

IV Drips (based on individual assessment):

Oral Supplements:

Terranova Calcium Magnesium Complex
Vitamin D
Digestive enzymes (Phytoceutics’ Bettergut® or Terranova’s Digestive Enzyme Complex)
Terranova’s Easy Iron Complex

When done right, safe IV vitamin therapy can help maintain energy, hydration, and micronutrient levels, particularly in patients struggling with fatigue or inadequate intake.

As always, this should be individualised and professionally guided.

Important Note

Although serious side effects are rare, contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

Severe abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting
Unusual changes in mood or energy

Simple, realistic solution to support your GLP-1 journey

GLP-1 Support Smoothie

GLP-1 Support Consultations

If you’re on GLP-1 medication and feeling unsure about what to eat, how to manage side effects, or whether IV therapy is appropriate for you, know you don’t have to navigate it all alone.

I offer personalised GLP-1 medication support consultations online or at my Sandton office. Feel free to contact me at my number below.

Together, we can build a realistic, sustainable plan that supports your: