Diabetes and Diet

Diseases are best fought when those in the high-risk bracket understand as to what are the risk factors involved. It is true that you cannot avoid the genetic factor but you can still keep the situation in your control by making a few changes in your current approach to life and living.

Bad Cholesterol is supposed to be a major culprit in case of heart diseases. It is a type of a lipid, a soft, fat-like substance. Atherosclerotic plaque, which can cause blockage of blood flow in the arteries and can also cause heart attack, can develop due to excess of cholesterol. Popular by the name of ‘Bad’ cholesterol, LDL cholesterol gets deposited on the walls of arteries and is transported to different sites throughout the body where new hormones are developed and cell membranes are repaired. On the other hand the ‘Good’ cholesterol called HDL cholesterol, carries cholesterol to the liver where the alteration process is done, after which it is removed from the body.

According to the physicians, the blood pressure level of a normal person is less than 130 mm Hg for systolic blood pressure and less than 85 mm Hg for diastolic blood pressure. Every individual should get his blood pressure checked at least once in every two years so as to know the status, and if any increase is found, the treatment should be started forthwith. If your blood pressure level is little higher than normal then get it checked once a year, and take good care if it is very high and then get multiple measurements to check out whether it remains that high all the time or fluctuates. Immediate medical attention is a must in such cases.

If you are suffering from diabetes, which is a chronic disease of insulin deficiency or resistance, then you are more prone to heart disease. On the other hand if you are suffering from type 2 diabetes then you can easily avoid it by losing your weight either through exercise or by taking balanced nutrition.

If you smoke, stop smoking immediately because it affects your lungs very badly, and not just heart diseases, it may also lead to many other problems.

A daily 30 minutes physical exercise or fast walking can keep you away from heart diseases and can also be helpful in controlling obesity.

Minimize your daily alcohol intake to three ounces or less. It would definitely be a healthy step. Include fresh fruits and vegetables, sufficient amount of potassium, calcium and magnesium in your daily diet. Avoid saturated fats and cholesterol to keep your heart healthy. Just a little care and a little awareness is all it takes to keep heart diseases at bay.

Ashish Jain
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/diabetes-blood-pressure-and-bad-cholesterol-cause-heart-ailment-119984.html

Diabetes is a disease that can lead to very serious complications — such as blindness and amputation of limbs due to gangrene. For that reason — if you have diabetes, be sure to take care of yourself.

Here are some health tips for you to remember as you try to properly care for yourself:

1. Stay on schedule with your medication and take it at the same time on a daily basis — preferably about the time you usually eat.

2. Exercise regularly.

Walking, playing golf, and using a treadmill are three possible exercises you might want to consider. Since diabetics can become exhausted rather easily, regular exercise will help you be more energetic.

3. Take special care of your feet.

Diabetes can result in numerous complications affecting the limbs and feet, so keep watch over your feet and point out to your doctor any suspicious infections. If you have any sores on your feet, they can easily become infected if you have diabetes. After you’ve taken a bath or shower, carefully examine your feet. Be sure to dry them thoroughly — and make sure the areas between your toes are completely dry as well. Wear properly fitting shoes and socks to protect your feet.

4. Most importantly, keep checking your blood glucose levels and make sure they are at the level recommended by your doctor.

5. Drink a lot of water every day — at least 64 ounces.

6. Eat a healthy diet and include carbohydrates, good fats and lean protein. Eat a lot of fresh vegetables. Take a daily multivitamin and make sure that you include antioxidants as well as essential minerals.

7. Ward off gum disease as much as possible by brushing and flossing your teeth properly and often. Visit your dentist on a regular basis as well so that you don’t build up tartar on your gumline.

8. Get plenty of sleep — at least seven to eight hours every night. Keep regular hours so that your body gets used to a consistent sleep pattern. Go to bed at about the same time each night. Not getting enough sleep can be very harmful to you as a diabetic.

Although there are serious complications that can result from having diabetes, you can help protect yourself by carefully following the eight tips in this article.

Patricia Wagner
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/need-to-protect-yourself-from-the-complications-from-diabetes-70890.html

I have been thinking about what to write next, and honestly nothing had came to mind until the word chocolate popped into my mind and sent my taste buds ranting for just a taste of it once more. Chocolate has became a bad thing for me since being diagnosed with Diabetes, however after hours of research and reading I think I have found the cure to my cravings. As some of you may know when fighting Diabetes, you have to watch what you eat and the carbohydrates in them. Chocolate is high in this department but there is hope for us.

First, try a dark chocolate, these have less fats, less carbohydrates and a richer flavor so less in this case is truly more. Another thing to consider is that when you eat a dark chocolate everyone says to eat it slowly, savor the flavor, and let is dissolve on its own in your mouth. Well if you do these things then you will be reaping all of the benefits with a few consequences. Darker chocolate takes longer for the body to turn into sugar and if you have it after a healthily meal then it takes even longer to absorb. Remember all Diabetes diets have free foods in them and though chocolate is not on the list eating after one of your free foods helps the body t adjust and leaves you feeling better.

There are different types of chocolate available with nuts, berries, and other flavors added. Nevertheless, remember plain dark chocolate is always better for you. Another type of chocolate available is diet chocolate, is this truly better for you? Nope they still turn into glucose and in my opinion; the sugar substitute changes the flavor and does not do a thing for the chocolate. In addition, the substitute chocolate has been known to cause stomach-cramping, diarrhea, and of course upset your stomach.

Another food for thought concerning chocolate is the same as any food or drink when either on a Diabetic Diet or just plain eating right, Food in Moderation is always best.

Dee Owens
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/diabetes-and-chocolate-87922.html

The importance of burning fats, losing excess weight and keeping fit in today’s fast paced world cannot be overemphasized as is evident in the proliferation of numerous weight loss plans and diet programs. without doubt burning fats and maintaining the right-sized body weight leads to improved well being and better health.

In the quest to achieve desired target weight many have fallen prey to dozens of people claiming to be experts who have little or no credentials or track records to back up their claims. though some of these programs work but to burn fats and keep fit there has to be commitment and sustained efforts from the person in question to be able to lose fats permanently and stay fit thereafter.

Losing weight can be really frustrating and stressful to most people but the gains of a new sleeker and slimmer you are worth the efforts. You need to burn fats and lose weight to prevent yourself from being imprisoned by physiological inconveniences caused by inactivity.

To look and feel good you need to stick to a plan and follow it through to the latter to achieve lasting results which will of course help you to avert coronary heart diseases, shortness of breath, stroke, hypertension and diabetes. Everyone needs to keep fit for the benefits of a toned body are many fortifying you way to seventy years plus.

To burn fats and lose weight successfully must not involve spending tons of money on supplements and diet products, eating the right foods at the right time with routine physical exercises can aid a great deal. Summon up courage today to burn the fats, lose weight and tone those sagging muscles to look and feel good, save money on clothing, have a better posture and increased over all productivity.

Come up with a plan today to burn fats and keep it off for good. Lose weight and boost your energy level for the human body is a machine through which the mind works, every exhibition of mental activity is accompanied by physical activity. In order to perform efficiently the body must be taken care of and maintained in such a way that it will be capable of performing our day to day tasks all through life.

abraham uke
http://www.articlesbase.com/weight-loss-articles/burn-fats-and-lose-weight-look-and-feel-good-84642.html

General Description

The bitter melon or bitter gourd is the bitterest of all vegetables known to humankind, but it is also the most medicinally effective. Though bitter, its fruit is eaten as a vegetable and is used to make several mouthwatering dishes especially in India. In India, the bitter gourd is known as the karela. Its biological name is Momordica charantia.

Morphologically, the bitter melon is an herbaceous vine which bears tendrils and it creeps along supports. Leaves are simple and alternate, and flowers are yellow. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The fruit of the plant, which is known as the bitter melon, has an oblong shape with a warty exterior and is dark green in color.

Bitter melon possesses various chemicals such as charantin, peptides resembling insulin and several alkaloids. Due to these constituents, bitter melon is quite widely used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Properties

Bitter melon is a valuable vegetable. It is useful in most metabolic and physiological processes of the human body. It has the following properties:-

(i) Bitter melon is composed of various chemicals that have a hypoglycemic activity, i.e. they reduce the amount of sugar in the blood.

(ii) Bitter melon stimulates appetite.

(iii) Bitter melon helps in the entire digestion process. Hence it is used in treatment of digestive problems.

(iv) Bitter melon has emetic, purgative and anthelmentic properties. It is also anti-flatulent.

(v) Bitter melon is used in the dissolution of fats from the body. It is known to have anti-lipolytic properties.

(vi) Bitter melon possesses all the essential vitamins in good amounts, such as vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin C and also minerals like iron.

(vii) Bitter melon is anti-inflammatory and astringent. It has specific action on the movement of bowels.

Uses

(i) Anorexia

Bitter melon is an appetite stimulant. Hence it is used in the treatment of anorexia, a disorder in which a person is unable to eat the required amount of food.

(ii) Blood Impurities

Bitter gourd is used as a blood purifier due to its bitter tonic properties. It can heal boils and other blood related problems that show up on the skin. For treatment, a cupful of the juice of the bitter melon must be taken each day in the morning, with a teaspoon of the juice of the citrus lemon in it.

(iii) Diabetes Mellitus

A lot has been written lately about the very beneficial aspects of bitter melon in the treatment of diabetes. As already discussed above, bitter melon has a host of bitter chemicals in which, which are hypoglycemic in action. It also has at least one substance that is like the insulin secreted by the human pancreatic glands. Hence, bitter melon is extremely effective in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Doctors all over the world prescribe having either bitter melon juice early in the morning or to include it in some other fashion in the daily diet. Regular use of bitter melon over a period of time helps to bring the blood sugar level down.

(iv) Diarrhea

For diarrhea, the juice of a bitter lemon is mixed with the juice of the spring onions, both two teaspoons in quantity. This is then added with the juice of a lemon. This juice is given to the patient twice a day. This remedy is also effective in curing the diarrhea that is caused due to cholera.

(v) Hangovers

The juice of the bitter melon is excellent remedy for hangovers. It is also very beneficial in preventing the liver damage that occurs due to excessive alcoholism.

(vi) Piles

In case of piles, the fresh juice of bitter melons is prescribed to the patient with positive results. Three teaspoons of juice of the bitter melon leaves is to be extracted each morning, added to a glassful of buttermilk and then consumed on an empty stomach. Carrying on this routine for thirty days will treat piles completely. Even externally, the paste of the leaves of the piles can be applied over the hemorrhoids.

(vii) Pyorrhea

Pyorrhea is bleeding from the gums. Including bitter melon in the daily diet or having some of its juice every morning on an empty stomach helps to reduce this problem.

(viii) Respiratory Problems

The paste of the leaves of the bitter melon is mixed with equal amounts of the paste of tulsi leaves. This is taken with honey each morning as a treatment and prevention for respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, common colds and pharyngitis.

(ix) Skin Infections

In case of scabies, ringworm and psoriasis, etc. one cup of bitter melon juice must be had each morning on an empty stomach. This juice can be made more potent by adding a teaspoonful quantity of the juice of the lime in it. It is also used in prevention of leprosy in vulnerable regions of the world.

Special Ayurvedic Preparations

Bitter melon is used mostly as a vegetable. It is incorporated in the daily diet. Its juice is also prescribed, generally mixed with other citrus juices like those of the lemon. There are no special preparations made out of the karela, as it is generally consumed in its basic form.

Precautions

There has been some indication that the juice of the karela may induce abortion of fetuses in pregnant women. More research on this is going on. At the same time, attempts are being made to extract the essential components of the bitter melon in a more acceptable and safe form for human consumption.

Dr John Anne
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/bitter-melon-natural-remedies-for-diabetes-118250.html

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, one of the most important things that you can do is manage your weight. Being overweight can affect your blood sugar levels dramatically since fat cells can become resistant to insulin, causing your blood sugar levels to rise. Losing just 10-20 pounds can make a huge impact on your diabetes. In fact, getting down to your recommended weight can get you off of diabetic medicine and allow you to live a healthier lifestyle.

You should never begin a weight loss diet on your own if you are a diabetic. Talk with your doctor and a diabetic educator. Set up an appointment to meet with a registered dietician. Losing weight on your own without the guidance of your doctor can be dangerous to a diabetic. Your diabetic medicines will probably need to be adjusted as you lose weight, so it is important to have your doctor involved.

Start by cutting back by 500 calories per day. This is safe for most diabetics and will promote weight loss. The ideal goal is cut back on carbohydrates, proteins and fats equally. Your diet should consist of 50%-55% carbohydrates, 30% fats and 10%-15% proteins.

Carbohydrates are very important in a diabetic diet. They have the biggest impact on blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates are broken down into sugars very early in the digestion process. It is important to get a refresher course on carbohydrates and how to measure them from the dietician.

Watch your blood sugar levels carefully when following a weight loss plan. You are at an increased risk for becoming hypoglycemic, especially if you are exercising and losing weight but haven’t adjusted your diabetic medications. If you start to feel nauseated, sweating or have trouble concentrating, have your blood sugar level checked immediately. It is a good idea to always carry fruit juices or other snacks with you.

Different types of exercise affect your blood sugar levels in different ways. The aerobic exercises such as, running or anything that gets your heart rate up, will drop your blood sugar immediately. More strenuous exercise or weight lifting can drop your blood sugar hours later. It is important to plan accordingly for the type of exercising that you are doing. Over time this will not be a problem as you lose the weight and are able to reduce your diabetic medication or maybe stop it altogether.

Do plenty of research on the best diabetic weight loss plans. Talk with your doctor and keep him updated frequently of your progress. Make sure that you follow a weight loss plan that is approved by your dietician or diabetic educator. Weight loss in never easy and it is a special challenge for someone with diabetes. However, the benefits of losing the weight far outweigh the alternative of living the rest of your life with diabetes.

Jeff Wilson
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/weight-loss-is-very-important-if-you-have-diabetes-126252.html