Busting Diabetes Diet Myths

            There are a number of common misconceptions about diabetes diets. Some people say that consuming too much sugar contributes to diabetes. Others believe that their life is over and they will never be able to enjoy food again due to perceived strict diabetes dieting. Some people feel that there are too many food rules when it comes to setting a diabetes diet. While you do have to watch what you eat, the statements above fall within diabetes diet myth guidelines. Let’s debunk these diabetes diet myths right now.

1. Eating too much sugar contributes to diabetes. This statement is false. While this disease still has some mystery surrounding it, there are some common truths. For example, eating too much sugar does not cause diabetes. Rather, your body cannot properly turn the food you consume into energy in the right way. Your pancreas produces a hormone called insulin which helps the body convert the food you eat into glucose. Glucose is what fuels the body cells. When your pancreas does not make insulin or not enough of it, you can develop diabetes.

2. There are too many guidelines to follow in a diabetes eating plan. This statement is not entirely accurate. While you will have to plan your diet menus, you do have plenty of leeway in regards to what you eat. Each person is different so your food options will depend on the severity of your diabetes, physical fitness level, and the medications you are on. A nutritionist or dietician that specializes in diabetes can help. You will be amazed at the number of foods “allowed” on a diabetes diet.

3. Eating your favorite foods is a thing of the past. Again, you do not have to deprive yourself of your favorite foods for the sake of diabetes. Just change the way you make them. For instance, swap heavy cream and butter for margarine and low fat milk when making fettuccine Alfredo. Fry chicken in the oven using a light olive or canola oil instead of deep fat frying methods. You could even eat your favorite foods only in smaller portions or as a reward for sticking to a healthier diet plan.

4. Carbohydrates should be avoided because they adversely affect blood sugar levels. This statement is true up to a certain point. There are good and bad carbohydrates. The bad carbohydrates do not provide much nutritional value and include refined, processed foods with plenty of fat and sugar content. The good carbohydrates found in healthy diets with plenty of fibrous fruits, whole grains and vegetables are necessary for a stable diabetes diet. These good carbohydrates have the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients for the best nutrition possible.

5. If you take diabetes medication, you can eat whatever you want because it will take care of your health. The truth is medications are just one of many tools that must be used in conjunction with others to simply maintain your health. You cannot eat junk food while taking your diabetes medication and expect your health to be fine. You must choose a healthy diet along with exercise and your medication in order to maintain or even improve your quality of life. What you eat makes a big difference in your dosage of medications for diabetes.
              Having diabetes does not have to be a death knell on how you live your life. With a few lifestyle changes, you can still enjoy life, even cheating every once in a while on your diet. Diabetes myths don’t rule your life – you do.
 

Five Natural Treatments to Control High Blood Pressure

            If you have just been diagnosed with hypertension aka high blood pressure and your blood pressure readings have not reached dangerous levels yet, you just might be a candidate for natural high blood pressure treatment. Basically, a natural treatment means that there are no prescribed pharmaceutical medications. It is important though to consult with your doctor to make sure that any natural high blood pressure treatment you follow will not do more harm than good.

          Most medical doctors concur that once you start on the road of blood pressure medication, you are typically on it for life. Therefore, if you catch hypertension early, a natural blood pressure treatment, or a combination of them, just might be able to lower your blood pressure readings and avoid prescribed medications. Not only will you obviously save money but your health will improve as well. Natural treatments can take many forms; some are proven methods while others are just now becoming popular and proven to make a difference for many people with hypertension. Here are five natural treatments to control high blood pressure:

1. Lifestyle changes – The first natural treatment for hypertension is one that your doctor will actually prescribe. Change how you live your life! If you smoke, find a way to quit. If you drink, lower your intake and drink only in moderation or not at all. Follow a sensible diet such as the DASH plan which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. Incorporate an exercise plan slowly into your daily schedule until it becomes routine.

2. Health supplements and herbs – The Chinese have known for thousands of years that herbs can help cure certain conditions and alleviate others. Today, many people look to garlic, one of the most popular condiments and herbs to help reduce blood pressure. Garlic can be eaten, taken in pill form or even in a powder. This pungent herb helps thin the blood to allow better blood flow and therefore better oxygenation of the organs, which in turn helps lower blood pressure. Hawthorne, fish oil caplets, and Coenzyme Q10 are additional supplements that may also help.

3. Ayurvedic medicine – As a natural high blood pressure treatment, more people are looking to this type of medicine which tailors your treatment based on body type and health, also called a dosha. High blood pressure may manifest itself in different ways so dosha molds a treatment for your specific symptoms. This plan institutes a variety of natural treatments such as yoga breathing exercises as well as a plan of special herbs along with a low-salt and low-fat diet.

4. Managing stress – Hypnotherapy, biofeedback and massage therapy are just a few natural high blood pressure treatment options that help relieve stress and manage it. Some experts believe it is important to balance your entire self, not just the physical symptoms, in order to tackle hypertension. Focusing on mind and body relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation and other relaxation methods can reduce stress and therefore blood pressure.

5. Chinese medicine – Chinese traditionalists believe all treatment should be focused around your core circulation of energy in the body, known as qi or chi. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe that when qi is disrupted, hypertension is the result. Incorporating different herbal concoctions and acupuncture are just a few Chinese practices gaining ground as a natural high blood pressure treatment.
           Popularity for natural treatments to control high blood pressure is at an all time high, thanks to a sharper focus on health as well as the high cost of hypertension medications. When you decide to try a natural high blood pressure treatment, always consult with your doctor. If you are currently taking medications for other health conditions, you could have certain allergic reactions to some types of herbs or the herbs could negatively magnify the potency of the medication. Being well-informed is important so that you do more good than harm with your chosen natural high blood pressure treatment.