Author: johneli

Is the Pollution of an Environment Irreversible

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Despite catastrophic impacts on ecosystems, serious pollution such as oil spills or mercury poisoning of rivers is fortunately not irreversible, most often.

The resilience of ecosystems

Over time, all of the physico-chemical reactions in the environment and the action of organisms are capable of detoxifying and eliminating chemical pollutants. If the sources of pollution are dried up, populations can gradually recover and regenerate, giving ecosystems back their functions. This is called ecosystem resilience.

However, not all ecosystems are equal in the face of pollution, some being more sensitive than others. Furthermore, the more an ecosystem is degraded and under pressure (overexploitation, various pollutions, deforestation, etc.), the lower its resilience. If certain key species are affected, it can even collapse irreversibly.

The reversibility of pollution therefore depends on the state of health of the environment and the chronic attacks it undergoes. Man can, however, intervene to promote and accelerate the return to normalcy by fighting against sources of pollution and by initiating ecological restoration and depollution actions.

Irreversible pollution

However, certain types of pollution are irreversible, at least on human time scales. This is the case, for example, of Chernobyl-type nuclear disasters, the effects of which on the environment are extremely significant and lasting.

Less extraordinary, but just as irreversible, are the biological and genetic pollution caused by invasive species. Indeed, once well established, most of these alien species become permanent members of ecosystems. Their effects are then also permanent.

This is the case, for example, of Caulerpa taxifolia in the Mediterranean Sea, an exotic alga that humans have been unable to prevent from settling in seagrass beds. Now, this species is part of the Mediterranean ecosystem and impoverishes the biodiversity and morphology of the environment by replacing the posidonia meadows.

The spectacular fall of pollution in China following the coronavirus epidemy could be seen from space. This is a striking example of how human pollution can be stopped once industrial activity is reduced. At the end of 2019, Wuhan was affected by a mysterious coronavirus and the Chinese authorities are worried. Thus they made the decision to shut down transportation to and from the city, with the objective to limit the spread of the disease. Since then, other quarantines have been declared, in China and elsewhere in the world.

These images show that these measures have had unintended consequences, a significant drop in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emission. A decrease first visible on the side of Wuhan, then on the rest of the country. Traditionally, a decrease in pollution is observed during the period of the Chinese New Year festivities, but it increases again immediately after. Not this time. And the overall NO2 concentration values ​​of 2020 around this period are lower than those of 2019. According to NASA, they are 10 to 30% lower in eastern and central China.

The Chinese have been breathing better for a few weeks. Emissions of CO2 and particulate matter have dropped dramatically in recent weeks, mainly due to the shutdown of many industries, traffic restrictions and domestic flights. The containment measures due to the coronavirus have thus resulted in a reduction of CO2 emissions from 15% to 40% in the industrial sector. Between February 3 and 16, China emitted 100 million tonnes of CO2 less compared to the same period of 2019.

The sharp reduction in industrial activities can also be seen in the level of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which results from the combustion of fossil fuels (oil and coal). The latter fell by 36% compared to last year. At the national level, the PM2.5 rate (fine particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 µm) reached 55 μg/m3 in February, against 139 μg / m3 three days earlier. This dramatic drop is only temporary however, and emissions should rebound rapidly once activity is restored. When the epidemic has subsided, it is likely that there will be a resurgence of pollution, with factories maximizing their production to compensate for their losses after their prolonged closure, according to Greenpeace.

How To Reverse Diabetes

Posted on by johneli

too much foodDiabetes has become a big problem nowadays the world over.

It is estimated that close to a third of the population in developed countries is pre-diabetic. However, more than 90% of the people suffering from diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Thankfully, research has proven that type II diabetes can be reversed with some lifestyle changes and weight management.

It is important to mention here that while type II diabetes can be reversed for many people, the individual needs to stick to the changes in order to keep the diabetes at bay permanently.

As far as a reversal of type 2 diabetes is concerned, it means that the person does not need to depend on medication to manage their blood sugar levels. So, if you or someone you know are suffering from type II diabetes, follow the tips below if you want to reverse this medical condition.

Many people suffering from type 2 diabetes are overweight, and some are obese. Your body needs insulin for controlling blood sugar and higher weight means more insulin is needed by the body. However, the pancreas is not always able to make all the needed insulin and that is when type II diabetes sets in.

One of the recommended ways to start reversing type 2 diabetes is to lose adequate body weight in case you are overweight. In most situations losing around 10-15% of your body weight may reverse this illness. As far as the exact percentage of weight a person needs to lose, it depends on various factors like their genes, their age, how much overweight they are as well as severity of the disease.

In other words, there isn’t a standard amount of weight that one needs to lose in order to reverse this issues, but in general reaching a normal weight without too much excess body fat is already a great first step to start seeing better blood glucose and Hemoglobin A1c readings. Everybody is different and reacts differently to weight loss when it comes to reversing type II diabetes.

Another key to reversing this ailment is to avoid a sedentary lifestyle as much as possible. In simple terms, it means that you need to spend a healthy amount of time each day moving your body and exercising. There are plenty of resources available online that can help you find the right exercises for your needs.

Of course the two above factors go hand in hand. If you are dynamic and hit the gym regularly practicing various types of sports like karate, Thai boxing or Zumba, then your fight with excess weight will be so much easier.

As far as losing weight itself from a nutrition standpoint is concerned, here are a few things that can help you lose extra weight and maintain a then healthy weight.

Click this link for in-depth explanations.

One of the best ways to stay away from eating excessive food is to eat many times a day instead of gorging down on food just one or two times a day. Physiology experts recommend breaking down the food consumption in multiple portions throughout the day to make it easier for you to control your blood sugar levels. So, you should eat 3 to 4 small meals a day, and you can also have some snacks in between. Make sure each of them use small portions though.

It will help you keep your blood sugar levels under control. Keep in mind that when you eat a very large meal, it also slows down your entire metabolism. With a slow metabolism, it takes longer for your body to digest the fats and sugars that may spike up your blood sugar levels. On the other hand, when you keep eating throughout the day, it keeps your metabolism smooth and helps you manage your blood sugar levels better.

Do not make the mistake of skipping a meal to lose weight.

Keep in mind that you need to maintain healthy blood sugar levels which means you need to be consistent when it comes to eating. If you develop the habit of skipping a meal, it may lead to very low levels of blood sugar followed by sweets cravings, and that is not good for your health especially if your are diabetic.

To keep your metabolism smooth, you should follow the same meal plan each day. In simple terms, try to eat your snacks and meals at same time each day to help your body regulate the level of blood sugar. It is also suggested to take all the medications that you are taking for maintaining your diabetes at the same time each day. You should also check the level of your blood sugar before and after you eat. It will allow you to keep a track of how your body is reacting to various foods you eat.

You should avoid eating anything at all at least two hours before going to bed but preferably 4 hour before sleeping. Your metabolism slows down when you are lying down in bed which means if you have a heavy meal within two hours of going to bed, it may lead to some accumulation of fat in your body as a slower metabolism will not be able to burn off everything.

Overall, most people who suffer from type II diabetes can reverse this condition by following the above mentioned tips and living a healthy lifestyle. However, it is important that you discuss the plan that you are going to follow with your doctor before you start to make sure it doesn’t adversely affects your health.

Click this link for more in-depth explanations.

Side Effects Of Diabetes Medications

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Diabetes is a condition in which excess glucose is found in an individual’s blood.

This can happen due to various reasons. Either enough insulin is not being produced in the body (Type 1 Diabetes) or the body is resistant to the insulin being produced (Type 2 Diabetes), often defective genes (Genetic) are responsible for this condition.

Insulin is the hormone signalling cells to absorb glucose for later usage such as energy cosumption. So when there is an issue with respect to insulin, glucose is not taken up by the cells and it ends up getting accumulated in the bloodstream. This is when diabetes is diagnosed. Depending upon the condition, doctors prescribe either insulin doses or medication or both to the patient.

As with most drugs, medications prescribed for diabetes have their side effects too.

The most commonly prescribed medication is metformin, commonly known as glucophage which comes under the category of biguanides. It improves the body’s response to insulin, thereby improving glucose uptake. But the side effects of this drug cause stomach problems like pain, diarrhea, discomfort and decreased appetite.

Sulphonylureas are the oldest class of drugs being given to diabetics. Their role, like others, is to reduce the amount of blood glucose in our body. But when the blood glucose becomes too low, it leads to a condition known as hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is a serious side effect of sulphonylureas besides weight gain. Other side effects include liver disease, reduced red blood cell count, skin rashes, etc.

Thiazolidinediones or TZDs include medications with the name of Actos and Avandia. They make the muscle, liver and fat cells more sensitive to insulin. But they are prone to causing heart failure and bladder cancer. Other side effects include fatigue, muscle pain, sinus, headache, bone fracture, hypoglycemia and sore throat.

The next class of drugs is called DPP-4 inhibitors. DPP4 stands for Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor. They help the pancreas in producing more insulin. They are tolerated by the body to a large extent, but can cause some side effects like Urinary tract infections (UTIs), fluid retention, headaches, facial swelling, joint pain, etc. The generic names of drugs of this class include Sitagliptin, Saxaglipton and Linaglipton. They are commonly available as Tanuvia, Onglyza and Tradjenta.
diabetes medications
The newest class of drugs to come into the market is the SGLT-2 inhibitors (Sodium Glucose Co-transporter -2). They help the body in getting rid of excess glucose by eliminating it in the urine. They cause obvious side effects like UTIs, vaginal/penis yeast infections or upper respiratory tract infections.

There is another class of drugs which delay the digestion of food molecules like starch, carbohydrates which in turn cause delay in production of glucose. They are known as α- Glucosidase inhibitors and can cause bloating, diarrhea and gas as side effects. Their side effects are obvious because they disturb the digestive system. They are only prescribed rarely because they are not very effective. Amylin analogues also have the same effect as α- Glucosidase.

Meglitinides act just like sulphonylureas. The only difference is that they are short acting. They also cause weight gain and hypoglycemia, but the risk is definitely lower.

Among the bile acid sequestrants, Colesevelam (Welchol) is the only drug used. They decrease the amount of bile acid that is reabsorbed. They cause heartburns, constipation, and stomach pain or increase the triglyceride levels.
Dopamine agonists also have only one approved drug- Bromocriptine (Cycloset). They can cause weakness, nausea, dizziness, headache, runny nose, sinusitis, etc.

Lactic acid is a rare side effect caused by some of these drugs. It is not commonly seen, but if it occurs and is not treated on time, it can be deadly.

Medications should always be given by a specialized diabetic medical practitioner. The drugs are usually given in combinations, between themselves or with insulin. Side effects are almost always there, but their intensity and frequency can be controlled. Doses should be taken only as prescribed and at the appropriate time. In short, utmost care should be taken by both, the doctor and the patient.

As you can see from all the above side effects, if you have been diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, be prepared for a tough ride. But alternatively you can also try to reverse the disease naturally.

The Various Types Of Carbs

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They supply our bodies with energy. Carbs are compounds that are made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in the ratio of 1:2:1. There are different types of carbs and some forms are more beneficial to our health than others. Carbohydrates can be classified into simple and complex carbs, whole grain starches and fibers.

Simple and complex carbs differ in their structure and the speed of their digestion and absorption.

Simple Carbohydrates

Simple sugars are the simplest forms of carbs. They are easily absorbed and can quickly supply the body with energy. They include monosaccharides and disaccharides. Monosaccharides are formed of one unit of sugar. They are usually referred to as sugars.

They include glucose, galactose and fructose. Disaccharides consist of 2 sugar units such as lactose (found in milk) and sucrose. Simple sugars are naturally found in fruits, vegetables and milk which also have other nutrients.

Eating foods to which simple sugars are added leads to a quick rise in the sugar level in the blood. Insulin is quickly released to bring the sugar level in the blood back to normal and leads to fat storage.

If our food intake is greater that the calories burned, this can result in weight gain and can increase the risk of cancer and type-2 diabetes. It is recommended to reduce the consumption of simple sugars and to use complex sugars instead (such as whole grains).

Complex Carbohydrates

some carbs
Complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides) consist of 3 or more sugars in a chain. They take longer to break down and digest. They include starches and fibers. They also include the refined starches that have been processed. During processing, the germ and bran are removed from these carbohydrates.

Refined starches include white bread, white pasta, white rice and white flour. Most of the nutrients have been lost during processing. Low-fiber diets with the consumption of refined starches were found to be among the leading causes of type-2 diabetes that is increasing at epidemic rates.

Whole Grains And Fibers

On the other hand, unrefined carbs (or whole grains) are packed with nutrients. They contain fiber as well as vitamins and minerals. They are better dietary options than refined carbs. They include brown bread, whole-wheat flour and whole-wheat pasta. Fibers are considered complex carbohydrates.

However, they are not digested and absorbed. They absorb water and make the stools softer. Fibers increase the bulkiness of stools and make them easier to pass. This protects from constipation and hemorrhoids. Fibers can be found in oatmeal, nuts, popcorn and in many vegetables and fruits.

Fibers and whole grains stay for a longer time in your stomach and so you feel fuller. They also don’t cause the rapid rise in the blood sugar level as that caused by simple sugars. Therefore, they were found to protect from heart disease and diabetes.

It is recommended that the daily carbohydrate intake should form 45% to 65% of the total calories consumed. You can refer to the Nutrition Facts label to determine the carbohydrate content of any food product. Some Nutrition Facts label also give the amounts of the different types of carbohydrates found in the product.

It is recommended to choose whole-grains as well as high-fiber food. Eating sufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables daily can give the body the needed carbs. It is also suggested to avoid foods and drinks to which sugar was added in large amounts. It is also better to avoid refined carbs.

Establishing a healthy lifestyle where we choose the best carbs is an essential step for a better health. It can take time and some practice to choose the right carbs and to know how to incorporate them in our daily diet. However, that will protect your body in the long run from serious diseases.

If you are concerned about diabetes and what you should eat, get more info here.

What Can I Eat If I Have Diabetes

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Diabetes has become an extremely prevalent illness in today’s society. There are many factors that can lead to diabetes. Some of them include a sedentary lifestyle, stress, and genetic predisposition. But the most often cited reason is an unhealthy diet.

So if you have diabetes, or if your mission is to prevent the illness from occurring in the first place, what types of foods can you eat? In this article, you will discover the answer to that question.

What To Look Out For

When we try to address the recommended dietary habits, it is important to know why we recommend certain foods and not others. The main point that you should address when creating a meal plan is blood sugar spikes. For instance, foods that contain a lot of sugar (fruits, processed foods, carbs in general) can create blood sugar spikes, which produces an insulin release.

These carbohydrate foods can be separated into two categories: simple and complex carbs. Simple carbs are those that are digested and enter the bloodstream much faster, thus causing larger blood sugar spikes. The complex carbs take longer to digest, therefore causing less of an upset. This is the main thing to look out for.

Moderation Is Key

But with that being said, diabetics are encouraged to eat a moderate diet that includes all natural, organic foods, that can feed the body with all the necessary vitamins, minerals, protein, essential fats, and fiber. The issue is not really in the food itself, but in the quantities you can eat.

A diabetic can still indulge in a small sugar treat from time to time but it should always be done in moderation. There is a certain hierarchy of foods by which you should create your daily dietary choices. So let’s see which foods are the healthiest.

1. Protein

Protein-rich foods are an excellent choice for diabetics, since they are generally healthy, and do not cause blood sugar elevation. The best choices include beef, chicken, pork, turkey, fish, seafood, tofu, nuts, dairy and eggs. Always go for low fat parts of meat and low fat dairy. The preparation of food is also important. Avoid fried foods and rather bake, cook or grill your meat and fish.

2. Fats

Fats are also good, but you should make a distinction between healthy (unsaturated) and unhealthy (saturated) fats. The healthy fats include vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and avocados. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids is also good for brain and cardiovascular health. But you should stay away from saturated fats found in animal products, and also in processed foods.

The oils used in processed foods are extremely unhealthy as they are hydrogenated to make the food last longer. Our bodies unfortunately have not evolved for their consumption, and they can create inflammation in the gut and a host of other issues as well.

3. Starches

As has been previously mentioned, carbs should be separated as simple and complex. You should limit your consumption of simple carbs and eat more of the complex varieties. Some excellent complex starches include brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, baked sweet potato, and whole grain breads.

Avoid products made with white flour, and processed grains like white rice, sugar-rich cereals, and white bread. The same is true for all the various processed snacks like Snickers, Oreo, etc.

4. Vegetables

For diabetics, vegetables should be the main food on the menu. Vegetables contain a host of nutrients, and fiber which is essential for regulating blood sugar.

The best diabetic friendly vegetables are green, fiber-dense varieties, such as broccoli, kale and spinach. Try to limit your sodium intake and added sauces/toppings, and you’re good to go.

5. Fruit

Fruit contains a lot of sugar, but it’s also extremely healthy, due to the large amount of minerals and vitamins, as well as fiber. It should be treated as a semi-occasional treat, but don’t overindulge in it.

Basically, fresh and frozen fruit is the healthiest. You should avoid canned fruits with heavy syrup, and also fruit drinks, since they contain very little fiber and can cause a faster blood sugar increase.

6. Drinks

Ideally, the best drinks you can have are water and tea. All the other drinks, such as coffee, beer, wine, energy drinks, hot chocolate, should not be consumed on a daily basis, especially if there’s extra sugar added to them.

So that is the general info you should have in mind. If you’re trying to create a diabetic-friendly diet, limit your consumption of simple sugars and fried foods. At the same time try to add a variety of healthy foods so that you don’t miss any of the important macro and micro-nutrients (protein, carbs, fats, minerals, vitamins, and fiber).

I hope this article has expanded your knowledge on this topic, and will serve you as a guide in creating and maintaining healthy dietary habits.

Can Diabetes Lead To Dementia

Posted on by johneli

There is a myriad of medical conditions that go with old age, and dementia is probably one of the scariest of them all.

It is terrifying that for people age 60 and above, one in six seniors have dementia. With impaired cognitive functions, spatial awareness, language and memory loss can be problems associated with it.

There are many treatments available out there, but often times these have little effects on the individual as it is too late once your brain has been severely altered already.

With a condition terrifying such as this, the only thing we can do is prevent the onset of this ailment as early as possible. In particular are people suffering from type-2 diabetes more at risk?

Recent research was conducted on 2 million individuals’ GP records checking their body mass index (BMI) from middle age to old age. Findings say that those diagnosed with dementia actually have low body mass index. These findings only tell us that there is a contradiction on the hypothesis that the likelihood of getting dementia increases when an individual is obese.

However Deborah Gustafson, an epidemiologist in State University New York says that the design used on the study mentioned above was flawed because the time frame as to when the BMI was recorded was inconsistent and did not coincide with the dates on when these subjects got diagnosed with dementia.

According to Gustafson, BMI and dementia have a complicated relationship. Aside from our genes being a factor of this condition, a higher BMI during the ages 30 to 60 increases the risk of developing dementia later on. To put this in a clearer perspective, it is healthier to be neither obese nor underweight.

The director of Research and Development at the Alzheimer’s Society says that there is evidence-based strategies in delaying the onset or preventing dementia. According to Dr. Doug Brown, looking after your heart health, diet, and exercise are the three secrets in preventing this condition from occurring. A study following 3000 individuals in the course of 35 years showed that regular exercise or even taking as little as a 30-minute walk can already help reduce the risk.

15 to 20 years before you will see clinical symptoms, dementia may already have started to take over. Early intervention is a good way for preventing this condition. It has been determineed that unhealthy lifestyle choices can cause the early onset and therefore, pre-diabetic conditions, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can be the signs that you need to take action early on to avoid getting it later. A healthy diet and regular exercise routine has been found to improve cognitive functions among midlife adults.

Try to stay on top of your vascular condition as well. This will not only help you keep a healthier body, it also delays other age-related conditions that you might need to face if you did not take care of your health. According to Gustafson, educating yourself about how to take blood pressure will help you to stay cognizant in preventing high cholesterol levels and diabetes. Smoking also increases the risk of dementia, and according to scientific studies, smokers have a 45% higher risk. The more you smoke, the higher this percentage increases.

Educating yourself as early as possible is one of the keys in preventing dementia too. Aside from the knowledge you get about how to prevent and manage this disease, you also activate your cognitive abilities as you learn new information.

Educating and learning new things is the exercise your brain needs to stay alert. The more you keep it active, the more it prevents dementia. Exercising your body is also important to keep your cholesterol, blood pressure and weight at normal levels. You should also be strict with your diet.

A diet high in cereals, vegetables, fruit and fish may lower the risk of dementia and other vascular diseases. Eating foods rich in vitamins B6, B12, A, C, E, omega-3 and folic acid is a must. But eating a plate of fish drizzled in olive oil and tomatoes is healthier than drinking a bucket of vitamins.

3 Ways To Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

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When your body has a surplus of blood sugar, you can expect that you are on your way to getting Insulin Resistant Type 2 Diabetes.

Given the dire consequences of this disease, you will suffer so many complications in your health that will take you time, effort, energy, money – practically your entire life.

Luckily, there are measures one can take to prevent Type 2 Diabetes from creeping up later in your life. How do you exactly adopt a healthy lifestyle in order to reduce the likelihood of getting this disease?

Move More and Maintain A Healthy Weight


Obesity is one of the major factors leading to the development of type-2 diabetes, and staying on a normal BMI or on a normal body weight will be a good preventative approach. Morbidly obese individuals should seek their physician’s advice if they need to get a bariatric surgery (a surgery that reduces the size of your stomach).

Though invasive, this procedure can help. However, not all obese individuals have to undergo this operation. Some will only require to make better lifestyle decisions. Did you know that losing as little as 5 kilos can already reduce the risk of diabetes by 50%?

Regular exercise is also essential in maintaining a good blood circulation and a healthy weight. Relying on diet alone is simply not enough. Maintaining optimal muscular functions is key to proper insulin response as the muscles are involved in the absorption of glucose, which they burn for energy. When you exercise every day, and keep your muscles moving and active, you are improving your body’s sensitivity to insulin and ensuring that your blood sugar levels are stable.

Smart Food Decisions

Purging your kitchen or pantry is the first thing you need to do to start eating smarter. Get rid of all the junk food lying around, including most processed foods. The main goal is to reduce your intake of sugar. There are 3 kinds of sugars, simple sugars, starches and dietary plant fibers. Simple sugars are your maple syrup, honey, and regular white and brown sugar.

These sugars generally make up more than 10% of the food you eat. Yes, it does not sound like it is too much, but believe us when we say it is.

Simple sugars are easily digested and absorbed by the body – this forces your body to produces more insulin. Starches are the hardest to digest, so they do not rapidly assimilate in your blood stream.

Dietary fibers are the best kinds. They are sugars found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. They are tougher on the stomach and rely on your bacterial flora for them to be digested. It takes much longer for them to be digested, causing sugar to only gradually show up in your blood stream. Therefore it is recommended to limit your intake of simple sugars and starches. Opting for dietary plant fibers is the optimal strategy for diabetics.

Another smart food decision it to eat the right kind of fat. Eating the wrong kind will also influence the development of your body to resist insulin. A diet of saturated fats promotes chronic inflammation and will result to Type 2 Diabetes. Eating healthy fats like avocados, olive oils and fish oils containing omega-3 fatty acids is preferred. Eating unsaturated fat will reduce the likelihood of you getting Type 2 Diabetes as omega-3 improves your body’s response to insulin.

Use Spices Instead of Sugar and Salt

Sugar and salt aren’t really bad if used minimally. But with all the processed food we are eating, nobody can track how much sodium and glucose we are putting in our bodies. One way to flavor your food is with the use of spices, and these spices can be an instrument in preventing diabetes.

Cinnamon is widely used as an ingredient in sweet treats. But do you know that when used right, cinnamon can improve sugar tolerance. It also has the ability to interfere with byproducts that can destroy blood vessels. Aside from cinnamon, Jamaican allspice, thyme, turmeric and black pepper are among the many spices that can prevent Type 2 Diabetes.

Can Diabetics Live Without Carbs

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There are several weight loss plans that push for the dominance of fat and protein over the other macronutrients called carbs or carbohydrates. This is what happens with Paleo, South Beach, Atkins and other simple low carb diets. A person can lower the carbohydrate intake to meet a certain weight goal, but this leads to some negative and positive side effects.

But a large number of dieticians are now saying that avoiding all the carbohydrates is not a real safe dietary resolution. However, living without sugar and other forms of carbohydrates is possible.

“Carbs” is the term that those who want to lose weight are really trying to avoid. According to Dr. Robert Atkins, this is bad, which left numerous people puzzled about carbohydrates and their significance to their health. Importantly in attaining and maintaining a healthy body weight, they matter.

Carbs represent a broad class of food and we need to learn that not all of them have a similar effect with respect to diabetes. The focus should be on the kind and amount of carbs in our daily diet. Although it is suggested that we must lessen the quantity of sugar in our diet, we should also limit starchy carbs. These claims are supported by Sian Porter, a dietician, who adds that there is a strong belief that the fibers present in whole grain versions of starchy carbs are definitely good for everyone’s health.

Protein and carbohydrates contain approximately a similar amount of calories in every gram. But fat has roughly twice as many calories for each gram as protein or carbs. However, there are other factors that influence the satiety or the sensation of feeling full. It depends on the kind and quantity of food eaten. Also, environmental factors like availability and portion size are also crucial. Satiety varies from one person to another.

Foods that are high in protein help a person feel fuller and these include eggs, fish, beans, dairy products and meat. An individual should avoid overeating protein to have a healthy balanced diet. Make sure you include some starchy foods such as vegetables and fruits in your diet.

The body prefers to use carbs as energy for the metabolism, muscles and nervous system. When a person eats carbohydrates, the body breaks it down into smaller sugar units. These will be transported through the bloodstream to the organs and tissues, where these are put to use as energy. One of the sugars that carbs break down into is called glucose. This element is vital to the central nervous system.

The human body can use protein for energy, but this process will increase stress on the kidneys because the byproducts will be excreted into urine.

When you cut your consumption of carbohydrates, your body will benefit in terms of weight loss. In 2014 the Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease published a report stating that low carb diets can reduce the body weight and lower the risk factors for any cardiovascular disease. But, eliminating carbs completely will cause problems to the body’s biological functions. To make it easier for you to have all the nutrients in your diet and lose weight without putting your health in jeopardy, check the 7 steps to health guidebook.

The Iowa State University Extension released a statement that without glucose, an individual might feel dizzy and weak. This can also lead to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. In some occasions, a person might experience poor physical performance as well as mental fatigue.

It is highly suggested by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans for people to eat at least 45 to 65% of their calories from carbs. If you are following a 2,000 calorie diet, this is equal to 225 to 325 grams of carbohydrates daily. This is because every gram of carbs is equal to 4 calories.

On the other hand a study by The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism reported in 2003 that women who are consuming as little as 20 grams of carbs daily lose more weight compared to those who are having low-fat diets. But this only leads to short term results. Having such small quantity of carbohydrates over a period of half a year is not related to the increase in cardiovascular risks.

You can get rid of simple carbs such as sugar without experiencing harmful effects while still eating complex carbs in the form of whole grains or vegetables.

If you want to go for a low carb diet, stay away from simple carbohydrates like lactose and sucrose. These types of carbs break down swiftly and are absorbed into the bloodstream immediately. They provide a source of energy that can only last momentarily.

However, the complex carbohydrates take a longer time to digest. These will gradually increase blood glucose and provide a longer lasting kind of energy. If you have the luxury to choose, pick fiber-rich options like vegetables and whole grains. This includes carrots, leafy greens and celery.

There is a healthy way to hack simple carbohydrates in your diet. Work on cutting your added sugar intake. Spend some time to read ingredient labels and take note if a form of sugar is close to the top of the list. Other added sugars are hidden in the names of dried cane syrup, brown rice syrup, high fructose corn syrup, maple syrup, invert sugar, sucrose, and molasses.

12 Myths About Diabetes Debunked

Posted on by johneli

diabetes
It is a real challenge for people with diabetes to search for the most effective and lasting treatment to control their blood sugar levels. But, before any doctor could recommend any medication, you have to undergo some testings. Blood sugar is measured in milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood (mg/dl) in the United States. In Canada and the United Kingdom, it is measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/li).

Before any blood sugar testing, you have to understand what is a normal blood sugar level. In addition, you also need to be informed that blood glucose level depends on the type of diabetes a person have .

Levels of blood glucose vary during the day for a person without diabetes. It should not go beyond 100 mg/dl upon waking.

It should be clear that nothing can beat a well-balanced diet plan, an active lifestyle, and a diabetes medication in keeping the right levels of blood sugar. There are things and foods that work, while there are those that you should avoid.

1. Going for Low-Carb Diets

These diets are not balanced and only deprive someone’s body of the much-needed vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This is according to Constance Brown-Riggs, author of The African American Guide to Living Well with Diabetes. Just recently, she guided a PWD type 2 who consume very little carbohydrate. The practice only resulted in severe headaches and poor energy.

Brown-Riggs, a successful Registered Dietitian, and Certified Diabetes Educator, has helped the patient balance out his diet plan by suggesting grains, fruits, and other foods containing carbs. Upon doing this, his energy level was restored, his headaches ease off, and he was glad to learn that he could consume healthy carbohydrate sources while controlling his glucose levels significantly. To triumph, someone has to manage portions of all his meals, eat in small portions over the day, and coordinate with a health care team to create a personalized meal plan, activities, and medication.

2. Skipping Some Meals

This move could potentially drive the blood glucose levels higher. When someone does not eat for numerous hours because of sleep or other causes, the body stimulates itself with glucose released from the liver.

For those who have type 2 diabetes or PWDs type 2, the liver does not appropriately detect that the blood has sufficient glucose already, so it keeps on realesing more. Eating with a small amount of carbohydrate tells the liver to stop supplying glucose into the bloodstream.

Unfortunately, skipping meals will only lead to overeating. This practice can be the reason a person experiences an increase in his weight. Also, if an individual takes a certain diabetes medication that fuels the body’s own insulin like common sulfonylureas or injectable insulin, he is at risk of having a blood glucose level drop too low when he skips or delays his meals.

3. Adding Diabetes Bars and Shakes to Meals

According to Brown-Riggs, bars and shakes produced especially for individuals with diabetes may help control the blood glucose levels for those who have hectic schedules. If these are used as snacks or meal replacements, they take the presumption of carb counting. You can easily toss them in your purse or desk drawer so you will have the right choice when it’s difficult to take a break for lunch or when you are stuck in traffic.

But you have to be careful not to fall into the trap of consuming these items in addition to your daily snacks or meals. If so, your weight and blood glucose level could soar high. You must trade them for other food items, or your carbohydrate and calorie intake will surely increase.

4. Sprinkling Cinnamon To Your Food

In 2003, a Diabetes Care research reported that cinnamon might possess the ability to lower the levels of cholesterol, blood glucose, and triglyceride for those who have type 2 diabetes. In other studies, the results were not so encouraging. When a group of researchers accumulated the results from 5 studies with a total of 282 participants with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, they concluded that there is no benefit from cinnamon. These findings were published in the Diabetes Care 2008 issue.

Still, you can enjoy this fragrant, sweet spice, which adds such delight to your taste buds without needing to add sodium or calories. Cinnamon adds interesting flavours to poultry and beef and brings out tomatoes’ natural sweetness. You can sprinkle it on fruits, oatmeal, and yogurt to add sweetness even without adding sugar.

5. Drinking Too Much Water

It is an excellent idea to drink plenty of water and other calorie-free beverages when the blood glucose has climbed. High blood glucose can lead to excessive urination, and water can prevent dehydration.

However, Brown-Riggs made it very clear that drinking plenty of water would not lower the levels of high blood glucose.

6. Drinking Green Tea

Of course, if you want to cut calories and get a great dose of polyphenols, replacing sugary drinks with green tea is a smart idea. But, it won’t help in reducing the blood glucose. Some studies reveal that green tea might prevent type 2 diabetes and develop insulin sensitivity. Unluckily, the proof is not strong enough to make certain suggestions.

Green tea extracts (not the beverage) in high amount have been linked to several cases of liver toxicity said Laura Shane-McWhorter, a University of Utah College of Pharmacy professor. She authored The American Diabetes Association Guide to Herbs and Nutritional Supplements in 2009. She warns people with diabetes to use green tea extract supplements with prudence.

7. Drinking Alcohol

Yes, alcohol may lower the blood glucose. Sadly, it can do so intermittently and cannot be considered an effective or safe method to control glucose. Alcohol can impede with the capacity of the liver to elevate blood glucose and can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). In reality, it is difficult to foresee just when alcohol might cause this.

Sometimes, the effects may be felt the next day. When alcohol is combined with high sugar beverages like juices and sodas, or consumed foods containing carbohydrates, the blood glucose may at first go up, but plummet later on. This should be considered, especially if an individual takes a medication that can lower blood glucose like insulin or sulfonylurea.

8. Consuming A Few Tablespoons of Vinegar

According to Dr. Carol S. Johnston of the College of Nursing & Health Innovation at Arizona State University, a spoonful of vinegar helps blood sugar to go down. Taking 1 to 2 tablespoons of vinegar before eating a major meal may slow the increase of the postmeal surge in the blood glucose level significantly. But, this does not give anyone the authority to go crazy over carbs.

It is true that vinegar may slow down starch digestion and keep food in the stomach much longer. Because of the delay in emptying the stomach, vinegar helps to dull the climb of blood glucose in reaction to eating. But, vinegar is a problem itself. Nothing is fun in drinking a tablespoon or more before eating. A brilliant idea to add a significant amount of it in your meal is to splash some on a salad and other vegetables.

Be cautious if you change something on your carb consumption. It has been reported that there is a higher incidence of hypoglycemic episodes in people with type 1 diabetes who consume vinegar.

9. Doubling Up The Dose of Your Diabetes Medicines

Some people may think that taking diabetes medicines twice the amount recommended by the doctor is a good idea. Nevertheless, it is a very dangerous thing to do because it can risk a person’s blood glucose plunging crucially low when taking medication to lower blood glucose.

If an individual’s blood glucose constantly runs high, he has to work closely with his doctor to modify his medications and create a customized diet plan. If it is high because you eat a lot, find a way to resolve it. Do not change or adjust your medicines alone, you need the expert knowledge of a doctor to do it for you.

10. Sleeping Instead of Having An Exercise

A registered dietitian and diabetes educator named Jennifer Hyman said that if someone is giving up exercise for sleep, the chances are he is not active enough during the day. This will turn into a nasty cycle because insufficient physical activity lowers the quality of sleep. Poor sleep only leaves a person too tired to exercise.

She recommends that you should dedicate at least a few minutes for daily exercise through taking the stairs or walking.

11. Doing Exercise Instead of Going to Sleep

Lack of sleep or poor sleep can interrupt the hormones, which leads to increased appetite, a thicker waistline, and higher blood glucose. A group of researchers from The Netherlands discovered that even just a night of poor sleep can lessen insulin sensitivity by about 25%.

12. Taking Diabetes Supplements

It won’t take an entire day for you to find some of the most popular diabetes supplements today. There are some who claim that bitter melon or bitter gourd can lower the blood glucose. This kind of vegetable is common in India, Philippines, and other parts of Asia. Some studies reveal that the vegetable, its juice, or extract could improve glucose tolerance. Unfortunately, most of those studies have no solid design, and the outcomes widely vary.

The chromium picolinate may serve as an insulin sensitizer, which can improve the levels of blood glucose in people suffering from type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Some studies say it works, while some say it does not.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database claimed that taking guar gum with meals may possibly lower blood glucose after the meal. Because it contains a high amount of fiber, it may be helpful in decreasing cholesterol levels. Sadly, this might cause stomach upset. Furthermore, guar gum may also minimize the absorption of penicillin and other medications.

What is diabetes

Posted on by johneli

More and more people are suffering from Type-2 Diabetes in the USA and worldwide, it is an epidemic. If you are reading this page, you may probably have concerns about it and what to learn more.

The main question we are trying to solve is, do you need to take prescription drugs all your life or is there another way to get rid of Diabetes, once and for all? And a corollary question asks what is the cause of the rise of cases.

There is a lot of misinformation about it on the Internet or even in medical circles, and as I was myself diagnosed with diabetes, I wanted to gather all the real scientific data and share it with you, my reader.

Interestingly the disease itself has usually no symptoms. You know you have it simply because your doctor told you that your blood level glucose was way over normal, that’s it. But if you discover you have diabetes because of other symptoms, then it means the disease is already at an advanced stage.

How To Reverse Diabetes Naturally