Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by dysfunction of the body to produce or use insulin in an appropriate way, which leads to high blood sugar levels. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
For managing diabetes, It requires a multi-disciplinary approach that includes taking regular medication, nutrition and herbs, and making lifestyle changes like exercise and stress management. Nutrition and herbs also play an important role. Nutrition and diet also play a crucial role in managing diabetes. In this blog post, we will see the function of nutrition, food and herbs in managing diabetic condition.
Nutrition and Diabetes
Nutrition plays an essential role in managing diabetes. People with diabetes need to pay special attention to their carbohydrate intake as carbohydrates are the main nutrients that affect blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates are found in foods such as bread, rice, pasta, fruits, and dairy products.
It’s important to have a balanced diet with a focus on nutrient-dense, high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. These foods are low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help to control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications.
In addition, they need to be careful not to take excessive fat intake because it can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease. Saturated fats, found in animal products such as meat and butter, should be limited. Instead, it’s recommended to choose unsaturated fats, such as those found in fish, nuts, and seeds.
Protein is also important as it helps to control blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Good sources of protein include lean eggs, fish, poultry, beans, and legumes.
The food choices we make can have a significant impact on blood sugar levels and overall health. People with diabetes should keep a balanced diet that is rich in nutrients and low in calories and saturated fats.
Processed foods and added sugars also have to be avoided as they can cause blood sugar spikes and contribute to weight gain. Instead, it’s recommended to choose whole, unprocessed foods such as berries, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
There are several types of foods that are recommended for people with diabetes to include in their diet. These foods can help to control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications.
- Vegetables: Vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and are low in calories and carbohydrates. They are also high in fiber, which helps to slow the absorption of carbohydrates and keep blood sugar levels stable. Included are leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits, and non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers.
- Whole grains: Whole grains are a good source of fiber and nutrients, and can help to improve blood sugar control. Examples include whole wheat, oats, barley, quinoa, and brown rice.
- Lean proteins: Lean proteins, such as fish, poultry, and beans, helps control blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. They also provide satiety and help to build and repair muscle tissue.
- Healthy fats: Healthy fats, such as those found in fish, nuts, and seeds, can help to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Low-fat dairy: Low-fat dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, are a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients.
Herbs and Diabetes
Herbal medicine has been used to treat diabetes for centuries, and many studies have suggested that certain herbs may have beneficial effects on blood sugar levels and other diabetes-related symptoms. They have been found to reduce blood sugar levels, improve glucose tolerance and metabolism and increase insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes.
However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any herbal remedies. Some specific herbs have more powerful effectiveness when they combined along in a formula and it is essential for the best result what herbs should be combined and how they combined by the practitioner. Acupuncture and detox hyperthermia also synergically work with herbal therapy according to the practitioner’s judgment.