Dealing With Low Blood Sugar Or Hypoglycemia? You Do Not Want to Mess With This Dirty Dozen
Some of you (especially baby boomers) might remember The Dirty Dozen, a blockbuster war movie from 1967 featuring an incredible cast that included Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Jim Brown, John Cassavetes, Robert Ryan, Charles Bronson, Donald Sutherland, George Kennedy, and Telly Savalas.
Well, this article is NOT about that Dirty Dozen. It's about a dozen foods that are downright bad & dirty for you if you're someone dealing with low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. The characters in the movie were bad dudes, the foods on this list are bad foods. All twelve of them. Avoid them as much as possible.
Bad food #12-White rice:
All foods sit on a continuum that relates their sugar content to how fast they are used in your body. This is called the glycemic index.
In order to keep your blood sugar level constant with as few peaks and valleys as possible, you need to slow the rate at which your body converts your food to the various kinds of sugar used and stored in your body. The best way to do this is to eat foods that, in addition to supplying all the right components of nutrition, burn very slowly.
Since the goal is to slow the rate at which your food is broken down, it is important for an hypoglycemic to avoid fast burning, high glycemic foods starting with sugar, but also including refined foods. This includes white flour, white rice, and other refined and polished grains.
Bad food #11-White bread:
Yes, this is a junk food for an hypoglycemic. Every time you look at a slice of white bread you are seeing a slice of sugar - it acts in the body the same way.
Bad food #10-Donuts:
Think of it as white bread dipped in sugar. What could be worse? No wonder there's a big hole in the middle - it's a nutritional zero. What was just said pretty much applies to cookies and cakes in general. Anything that's made with white flour and lots of sugar, not to mention shortening, coloring and preservatives, is BAD for you!
Bad food #9-Alcohol:
Alcohol, like sugar, contains nothing but calories. It has no nutritive value at all and moves very quickly into your blood stream. This affects your blood sugar very suddenly, and there is a corresponding drop in blood sugar as the alcohol leaves your system.
In diabetes, you can control your sugar level with injected insulin. In hypoglycemia this is not possible, and if you eat and drink foods that play havoc with your blood sugar level, you just have to live with the symptoms. It's much better then, to avoid the booze and the feeling rotten that comes with it.
An extra caution: Read the labels on all your medications; many include alcohol. You need to find alternatives if at all possible. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have prescription medication containing alcohol, and ask for help finding an alcohol-free alternative. Some allergy shots also contain alcohol, so check with your doctor.
Alcohol, particularly when consumed with carbohydrate, can cause an excessive release of insulin and lead to episodes of hypoglycemia. The most common scenario is when you consume alcohol and carbohydrate alone, as with a gin (alcohol) and tonic (pure carbohydrate) and a small cracker or cookie. This is a recipe for disaster, and can cause low blood sugar and its accompanying symptoms even if you never have symptoms otherwise. The occasional occurrence of alcohol-induced hypoglycemia is not necessarily an indication that you are, or will become, a chronic hypoglycemic, but whether chronic or not, hypoglycemia is hard on your body and should always be avoided if possible.
There are fairly strong links between hypoglycemia and alcohol related problems, and more than one study suggests that alcoholism can result from unchecked hypoglycemia.
Bad food #8-Fruit drinks:
Not to be confused with fruit juices, fruit drinks are 10 per cent or less real fruit with lots of sugar. They're loaded with artificial coloring and sucrose. Definitely teeth rotters. A better choice? Fruit juice (in very small amounts). Even better? Whole fruit - since you'll benefit from the fiber!
Bad food #7-Decaffeinated coffee:
This is bad for everybody, not just hypoglycemic. The reason is that to remove the caffeine, they add chemical solvent right into your favorite beverage.
Bad food #6-Soft drinks / pop:
Let's see now, how do you spell increased bone breakage? P-O-P. Pop is nothing more than water, colorant, artificial flavor and SUGAR? It's absolutely DREADFUL for anyone dealing with low blood sugar or hypoglycemia!
Bad food #5. Diet pop:
You get all the dandy benefits of pop (!?!?), plus artificial sweetener, which has been shown in studies to actually increase your sugar cravings and alter your brain chemistry.
Bad food #4-Sugary breakfast cereals:
Now here's a guarantee: If you want to start your day in a low life-force mode, then this is the junk breakfast for you - even more so if you add to those cereals a couple toasted pieces of white bread.
Bad food #3-Deep-dish pizza:
This is an excellent way to stack, jack and pack your glycemic index tract with one big dollop of sodium, dough (white flour) and fat - an overnight weight-gain wonder.
Bad food #2-Ice cream:
Here's a beauty, high in sugar and high in fat, for another whack attack on your pancreas and your arteries.
Alright, this is it! The number 1 in our top 12 list of really bad foods for hypoglycemics...
Bad food #1-French fries (and their cousin potato chips):
Here's why: Both of these are unparalleled sodium-loading enzyme-dead food. And new information now shows that they're high in acrylimide, a known cancer-causing agent. In fact, the amount of acrylimide in a serving of fast-food French fries is 300 times above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's limit set for one glass of water.
Bon appetit!
Eat well, be well, live well!
Diets To Control High Blood Pressure
There are changes we can adopt into our diets to control high blood pressure. Adopting a healthy eating plan is a two prong approach as it prevents the development of having a high blood pressure and lowers an existing elevated blood pressure.
Fiber Rich Diet
Having a diet that has a huge amount of fiber has been proven to be successful in preventing and treating many different cardiovascular diseases such as Hypertension. However, the effect of different dietary fibre varies. Water soluble gel-forming fibers have the best result in lowering high blood pressure.
Guar gum, apple pectin, psyllium seeds, oat fiber, fenugreek seed powder, fennel seed powder, dandelion root powder and ginger root powder are examples of water soluble gel-forming fibers. They are not only effective for Hypertension, they are also useful in getting rid of heavy metals present in our body, lowering our cholesterol levels and aids weight loss.
One way to ingest water soluble gel-forming fibers is to consume one to three tablespoons of herbal bulking formula that contains water soluble gel-forming fibers such as those listed above.
Sugar Low Diet
The common sugar that we use for cooking increases our blood pressure. This common sugar is called sucrose. The actual mechanism to how sucrose does this is still not fully understood. However, some people have postulated that sugar increases the production of a hormone called adrenaline. Adrenaline increases the amount of sodium being retent in our body and narrows our blood vessels.
Instead, people should switch to a diet that is high in potassium (vegetables and fruits) and essential fatty acids. Seven grams of potassium should be ingested daily. The diet should be low in salt, sugar and saturated fat. On the whole, diets should have a big component of vegetables and members of the onion/garlic family.
"Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)" is a research sponsored by NIH. In this study, what is the impact of different type of nutrients in food on blood pressure is being tested. Results showed that diets that have a huge emphasis on vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy foods and low amount of cholesterol, saturated fat and total fat are useful in lowering high blood pressures.
The diet that DASH recommended was to have nuts, fish, poultry and whole grains and lessen the amount of sweets, sugared beverage, fats and red meat. DASH diet is another type of diet that can be employed to control high blood pressure.
Vegetarian Diet
People who follow a vegetarian diet tend to have both a lower level of blood pressure and lower occurrences of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. There vegetarian diet can be a diet that can control blood pressure. Therefore researchers have a hypotesis that it could be that a vegetarian diet contains a greater amount of complex carbohydrates, potassium, vitamin A, polyunsaturated fat, vitamin C, fiber, calcium and magnesium; all of them might have a positive impact on high blood pressure.
Low Sodium level diet
The key for Hypertension patients to note is that they must avoid foods that have high levels of salt and sodium. People who were not able to get high blood pressure medication in the past resorted to consume a very low salt-reduced, low-calorie "rice diet." Apparently, people were able to lower their blood pressure significantly just by avoiding salt.
Countries that uses low level of sodium in their cooking tend to have lower level of blood pressure when compared to countries that use high amount of salt. Japan and America have one of saltiest diets in the world and thus also the highest blood pressures.
Be conscious and careful of what you are eating. Avoid any unnecessary amount of sodium intake. If you have Hypertension, you must avoid foods that contain huge amount of salt or are highly processed. Examples of such food include fast food, frozen pizza and preserved vegetables.
Gluten Free Foods, Yummy Tasting Friendly Food
Gluten free foods enjoyed a successful 2006 and are expected to come on even stronger in 2007. Companies have nearly doubled sales of its gluten free brands in 2006. There has also been expanded distribution in the U.S. and throughout Canada.
For companies who desire to sell these special but necessary products, it is best they seek certification before forging ahead with plans. Certification indicates that you are uniquely qualified to meet the challenging needs of dietary restricted consumers. Companies should also be fully committed to their mission of bringing great tasting gluten free foods to market.
Certification undoubtedly gives consumers the added confidence that all products are safe for those who must have a gluten free diet. It also ensures that the highest level of food safety and quality are put into practice.
There are exciting opportunities ahead in the gluten free, allergen free market. With the unrelenting strong demand for these types of foods on the increase; manufacturers and retailers are looking to develop more lines. Many are also looking to launch additional products and expand their distribution into new markets as well.
Their repertoire of products includes soft baked cookies, snack bars, granola, bagels and semisweet chocolate chips. Some offer trail mix that are specially made to be gluten free and free of the eight most common allergens.
It is estimated that twelve million Americans have at the very least one food allergy. A further three million have celiac. It is an autoimmune disorder of the small bowel. Once diagnosed with the disorder the only effective treatment is through diet. It results in the gluten sufferer adopting a lifelong avoidance of gluten.
People with Celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, cannot process grains such as wheat, barley or rye. Gluten sensitivity keeps approximately fifteen percent of Americans from eating bread, pasta, pastry, and other gluten based foods. It damages their intestines.
Celiac sufferers may also be sensitive to certain food additives such as soy, MSG and other products. It is one of the most common genetic lifelong disorders in the United States. Another problem has been that many of the current gluten free baking companies produce bland tasting products. Gourmet high caliber gluten free baked goods are hard to find.
Today there are some very tasty recipes online. They range from sweet potato casserole to coffeecake. In addition, the foods can be served safely to anyone embracing a gluten free diet. Although there are many restrictions with gluten free living, you do not have to live in fear of everything that you eat. However, you must be sensible in your food choices.
If you make bad diet choices your health problems can range from having no symptoms to having extreme symptoms. You can experience bloating, diarrhea and weight loss due to inappropriate absorption of nutrients. All of these symptoms have to do with the digestive system and the consumption of wheat or wheat gluten.
How To Happily Live Gluten Free
Living Gluten free can be complicated for many people. It stems from a disease known as Celiac disease and is an intolerance to Gluten. So far, the only known way to treat Celiac disease is to abstain from gluten.
Living a gluten free life has its challenges. You need to make lists of gluten free foods, gluten free diet foods if you're dieting, you need to be aware of gluten free fast foods, and much more. So how does one cope in a gluten world?
Here are a few tips to help with the Celiac disease and how to live gluten free.
Be consistent in your awareness of where gluten may crop up. Be sure to avoid eating wheat, rye, barley and any for of non gluten free baked goods. Pastas also fall into this category to watch out for.
Durum and Semolina are forms of wheat as well as Spelt and Kamut.
Living gluten free means always reading labels. Watch out for trigger words such as "modified food starch", or "food starch" for that matter. The ingredients quite possibly contain grains that are incompatible with someone who lives with the Celiac disease.
Gluten free diets are starting to become more accepted in many countries and the USA is no exception. If you live a gluten free life, you will find that some restaurant chains are now containing a gluten free menu. Some food stores, such as Whole Foods are not carrying gluten free food items as well.
Scour the internet for gluten free recipes. You can find gluten free recipes for foods such as, gluten free crackers, gluten free bread, gluten free and even gluten free alcoholic drinks.
If you are preparing a Thanksgiving dinner and you want to have a gravy, be sure not to use flour, unless it is some form of gluten free flour. Try making your gravy with cornstarch or arrow root. These are both acceptable ways to make gravy if you are living a gluten free life.
Free Diabetic Diets
Diabetic people tend to gain weight, and coping with the disease is difficult. If not treated effectively, diabetes can be life threatening. When diabetes is complicated by obesity, the medical complications can be daunting. This is why many diabetic people tend to be extremely cautious about what they eat. Many turn to local clinics or the Internet to gather free information regarding diabetic diets.
Free diabetic diets are mostly services freely available on the Internet, at bookstores and local clinics. A patient may utilize any of these resources and find many very effective free diabetic diets. These diets are low in simple sugar and starches and concentrate on simple, wholesome foods. It is possible to receive free diet updates by enlisting with any free online service provider or signing up for mailing lists.
Low carbohydrates, sugar free and no trans-fats foods form the crux of free diabetic diets. Since these diets are considered healthy, clientele extend beyond diabetics. Health conscious people and fitness enthusiasts commonly use them as well. The diabetic diet is aimed at balancing food intake and eliminating the use of products made from white flour.
Free diabetic diets are designed to improve the eating habits of all diabetics or people predisposed to the condition. This information helps people understand the truth and importance of a diabetic diet. Free diabetic diets may even mention guidelines for eating out.
Noted dieticians and health consultants plan these diets that are easy to follow, and a number of patients and other food lovers often contribute recipes and tips. Recipes include many specialty items like cheesecakes, peanut butter cookies, and a variety of similar desserts. You?ll also find delicious entrees; sandwiches and meals prepared using whole wheat. Free diabetic diets are recommended by physicians and are used by many people with and without diabetes.
Low Carb Diet Side Effects
Many people curious about starting a low carb diet wonder if there are side effects they need to be aware of before getting started. Many also wonder if there are harmful low carb diet side effects too, so let's look at the most common side effects of low carb dieting, and talk about whether any of these are harmful.
Some of these low carb diet side effects can be problematic for people with health conditions, particularly if they're taking medications for those conditions. Often the side effects are good, but you need to be aware they can happen and talk to your medical care provider because they'll need to monitor your progress and possibly change, reduce, or eliminate medications as you progress.
For instance, a very common low carb diet side effect is lowered, or more even blood sugar levels. This is an important low carb diet side effect for any diabetic, particularly ones that take insulin shots or medication. Since low carb diets can drastically reduce your blood sugar levels naturally, your doctor may need to adjust your medication levels to compensate for those changes.
Another low carb diet side effect is of course losing a lot of weight. This by itself is not technically a side effect, but related effects of losing weight can include regulation of blood pressure, easing or disappearance of digestive tract problems, and resolution of breathing problems too.
If you're taking high blood pressure medication, then the side effect of having that lowered from eating a low carb diet will need to be addressed by your doctor or medical care specialist. The same applies for digestive troubles, if you experience resolution to those problems as a low carb dieting side effect, your doctor will need to adjust or eliminate the medications you take.
Now if you don't take medications for conditions such as those listed above, you may still experience low carb diet side effects, but they're likely to be ones you're happy to have.
Common, "good" low carb diet side effects include reduced cravings for sugars and starches; increased energy; reduced bloated and gassy, upset stomach feelings; improved bowel movements; regulated blood sugar levels and blood pressure levels; loss of excess water retention; and of course, loss of excess body fat.
There are some low carb diet side effects that are not harmful, but you need to be aware of them because they are uncomfortable at best. These low carb diet side effects are more common during the first one to five days on the diet, and are side effects of your body adjusting to your eating changes. These side effects can include headaches; nausea; dizziness; lethargy or low energy; severe sugar cravings; irritability; and constipation.
There are also a couple of women specific low carb diet side effects. In the first week or two of your new low carb diet, you may experience oddities with your monthly menstrual flow. Usually this side effect lasts a short time though, and is caused by your body adjusting to the new eating lifestyle you've chosen. A great low carb diet side effect comes later: Women's menstrual flow is usually reduced, and there is generally much less pain or other problems involved while you're on a low carb diet.
Many of those early low carb diet side effects can be reduced by drinking extra water and getting plenty of rest, plus making sure you don't go hungry. In rare cases these initial low carb diet side effects can last as long as ten days, but usually they're present from approximately the third to the fifth day of your low carb diet.
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