Rapid Fat Loss Diets

Monday, April 6, 2009

Using Diet as a Natural Diabetes Remedy

By Lara Richards

Diabetes is normally detected by an abnormal rise in the blood glucose levels in the body. Performing a blood test will confirm the findings. This rise in the blood glucose levels may be attributed to the body not producing enough insulin or the body is producing enough insulin but the body is not properly utilizing it. Diabetes when left uncontrolled can lead to damage other organs of the body like the eyes, kidney, nerves and the heart.

You are what you eat. It seems there is more to what this age old adage has to say. The food that you consume is for the nourishment required by the body; it is where we get our daily requirement of energy, vitamins, minerals and whatever nutrient the body needs. From starches and sugar we get our carbohydrates and from meat, poultry products, vegetables we get our protein requirements, fiber, and all the other nutrients we need. We also need water to be hydrated constantly. The glucose in the body is a form of the carbohydrate and any starch or sugar we consume is converted to simplest form of carbohydrate. The more carbohydrate we consume, the higher the glucose sugar in the body. The more it needs to be regulated.

There are many misconceptions about diabetic meal planning. Diabetic or not, you may have the idea that insulin dependence will be the end to the high blood sugar levels in the body, without any need to worry anymore about having high blood sugar level. Another one is that diabetics can eat anything so long as the eat bitter herbs and vegetables at the end of each meal. Another popular one is that it is okay for diabetics to eat anything they want as long as it is not sweet. All of these are wrong.

The battle against diabetes begins once you are diagnosed with the disease. If not avoided, you may need long term care from a physician to avoid getting the complications from the disease. Also, you need to regularly monitor your blood sugar level. You may also be required to take insulin shots to keep your blood sugar level under control.

Once diagnosed, you will be forced to make lifestyle modifications to avoid further complications from the disease. There are many diabetics who live considerably normal lives as long as they keep their blood sugar levels in check and they remain physically active.

You might think, Why the attack on food rich with carbohydrates? Because it is quite obvious that what raises the blood sugar level immediately are after eating carbohydrate and sugar rich foods. These foods considered to contain high glycemic indices are usually the ones anyone would like to eat. Chocolates, cakes, candies, ice cream are packed with sugar and carbohydrates that can be detrimental to the health of the diabetic. Generally speaking, a diabetics diet should be low in carbohydrates sugar and high in fiber, mainly to reduce carbohydrate intake and control the blood sugar level. Meals should include vegetable dishes that are lightly salted. Fruits should also be a staple. Another concern is the calorie requirement of the diabetic, which is decided by age, weight, and extent of physical activity. On the average, a grown person would require only 1,500 calories required to maintain a controllable blood sugar level. Fast food drenched in fat should be avoided as much as possible.

Staying healthy has a lot to do with good eating habits and a little discipline. They are essential not only for the diabetic but for anyone wanting to stay healthy and avoid not only diabetes but other diseases as well. The idea of eating in moderation and exercise will go along way into maintaining a healthy body. It is okay to eat sweet foods so long as you dont overeat, reducing portions or replacing some foods with healthier alternatives will help you feel not being deprived of the tempting foods that you like. - 17273

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