It is well said that drinking green tea for diabetes is good to reduce sugar intake in the bloodstream. However, there are people raising doubts with controversial thoughts against the working of green tea in lowering blood sugar levels. The objective of this article is to set evidential facts to make them admit the statement that the green herbal tea is a good choice to control blood sugar. There are specific foods that are to be added in the list of foods to eat for diabetes. It is indeed a miracle that drinking herbal tea has good many health benefits in boosting insulin secretion to fight diabetes. In specific terms, type 1 diabetes can be managed by means of breaking process of blood glucose.
There are proven evidences to establish the fact that green tea can help to prevent developing type 1 diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels. The pathetic condition of type 1 diabetics is the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin secretion to break down glucose in the blood and promote bodily energy. The essence of this tea burns the food intake and the muscular energy is generated to keep the body active and vibrant. That way, there is high chance to maintain normal blood sugar levels without allowing elevated sugar levels. With this view, a diabetic can better admit drinking green tea for diabetes with much more confidence.
Benefits of green tea
Though it has been mentioned that diabetes type 1 remains controlled, the possibility for preventing type 2 diabetes is also fair when you are to take this medicinal tea regularly as a beverage. Researches on the medicinal values of green beverage have established the fact that one can lower high blood sugar in the body and reduce the risk of diabetes type 2 during the oncoming days. The control of postprandial hyperglycemia can be easy to enjoy with enhanced health with the intake of green beverage instead of drugs and medicines. The promoted health is due to the fine result of promoting glucose metabolism in the body. The effect of using green medicinal tea in serum proteomic pattern is associated to anti-hyperglycemia in a diabetic body.
Component of green tea for diabetes:
When it comes to prevention of diabetes, the health benefits of this medicinal tea are associated to the component of green tea identified as EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallete). EGCG is the prime and active component of inducing insulin secretion in the pancreas. Having good chance to control diabetes with the use of herbal tea, a diabetic can rightly choose the beverage whenever it is accessible.
With warning symptoms of diabetes, controlling diabetes is an art. If you want to be an expert, you should know the description of good diabetic foods AND bad diabetic foods.
Varadharajan R is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article should be complete active.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Varadharajan_R
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Blood Glucose Monitors That Make You Miserable and Other Facts of Life
You will find blood glucose monitors at any pharmacy: these are small devices the size of a pack of cigarettes or a mobile phone that are meant for people with insulin-related health conditions, for them to be able to use at home to measure their blood sugar whenever they need. At first glance, you could probably take one of these devices for some kind of portable entertainment gadget - a new kind of video player or something. Look closer though, and you'll find that they come with things that would really be unwelcome accessories if they went along with an iPod - lancets to draw blood from your finger and test strips the drop of blood drawn can be placed on for it can be inserted into the machine for testing.
There are dozens of brands that line the store shelves. You can expect to pay anything under $100 for one of these. Why, some doctors even give them away for free. They can afford to give you these for free because these are devices that can only run with test strips that they sell you after the fact. And they can hope for years of sales (and gouging profits) on those test strips. How do you make a choice in blood glucose monitors when you set out to buy one of these?
The first thing you need to keep in mind is that you need to find a brand and model that offers you the kind of test strips that you can afford. The typical price for a strip is one dollar each. If you test yourself as often as they ask you, you could easily spend $100 each month. Choose a model that charges you the least for these strips, and you'll find yourself far ahead of the game. Sometimes, you don't ever have to do any work choosing one of these. Your insurance plan will have a list of approved blood glucose monitors. You'll have to buy one among them to take advantage of the cover provided. If you were to buy one of these on your own without insurance cover, how would you choose one?
One of the greatest sources of misery in blood glucose monitors comes from having to prick your skin all the time for the test. Having to do that on the same part of your body can lead to a truly terrible situation. What can you do if you need to prick your fingers three times a day? Pretty soon, you'll have fingers that are all blood and gore. Save yourself the hell that some models put you through, and pick one that allows you to prick yourself anywhere on your body. You can also look for one that works with a very small blood sample. That way, the lancet won't go that deep into your skin.
There are some models by well-known manufacturers that feature fast testing times. When you suffer from hypoglycemia and you need sometimes to see if you need to ingest a little glucose quickly to correct a situation, messing around with a device that takes its time can be disappointing.
Shaminku loves to write interesting health and beauty articles on Diabetes Glucose Meter and the like. Be sure to drop by our site at http://www.HealthInfoOnline.net to learn more about health and fitness.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shaminku_Waltersoon
There are dozens of brands that line the store shelves. You can expect to pay anything under $100 for one of these. Why, some doctors even give them away for free. They can afford to give you these for free because these are devices that can only run with test strips that they sell you after the fact. And they can hope for years of sales (and gouging profits) on those test strips. How do you make a choice in blood glucose monitors when you set out to buy one of these?
The first thing you need to keep in mind is that you need to find a brand and model that offers you the kind of test strips that you can afford. The typical price for a strip is one dollar each. If you test yourself as often as they ask you, you could easily spend $100 each month. Choose a model that charges you the least for these strips, and you'll find yourself far ahead of the game. Sometimes, you don't ever have to do any work choosing one of these. Your insurance plan will have a list of approved blood glucose monitors. You'll have to buy one among them to take advantage of the cover provided. If you were to buy one of these on your own without insurance cover, how would you choose one?
One of the greatest sources of misery in blood glucose monitors comes from having to prick your skin all the time for the test. Having to do that on the same part of your body can lead to a truly terrible situation. What can you do if you need to prick your fingers three times a day? Pretty soon, you'll have fingers that are all blood and gore. Save yourself the hell that some models put you through, and pick one that allows you to prick yourself anywhere on your body. You can also look for one that works with a very small blood sample. That way, the lancet won't go that deep into your skin.
There are some models by well-known manufacturers that feature fast testing times. When you suffer from hypoglycemia and you need sometimes to see if you need to ingest a little glucose quickly to correct a situation, messing around with a device that takes its time can be disappointing.
Shaminku loves to write interesting health and beauty articles on Diabetes Glucose Meter and the like. Be sure to drop by our site at http://www.HealthInfoOnline.net to learn more about health and fitness.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shaminku_Waltersoon
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Type 2 Diabetes - Isn't Insulin the Cure for Diabetes?
Ever wondered about diabetic acidosis? Are you afraid that you might have it?
Acidosis in diabetes, also known as Diabetes Ketoacidosis (DKA) or simply Ketoacidosis, is a serious condition that occurs as a complication of Type 1 diabetes. Although rare, it may also occur in people who suffer from Type 2 diabetes given certain conditions. It is life-threatening and would often require hospital treatment.
It is common knowledge that diabetes is a metabolic condition that is characterized by inadequate production of insulin or resistance to the said hormone. On the other hand, ketoacidosis is a consequence of insulin shortage in our bodies. It is a state where the body switches to burning fatty acids. In effect, the blood becomes too acidic and the body will have critical electrolyte imbalance. If left unattended, the acidosis in diabetics can be fatal.
Diabetic ketoacidosis Symptoms and Complications
The lack of insulin causes the blood glucose level to keep rising to dangerous levels. This state is known as hyperglycemia and definitely not good as the body system is in a state of crisis. At this point, the individual is already suffering from Ketoacidosis as the blood is already packed with highly acidic ketones and still continues to become more and more acidic.
The symptoms or warning signs are very typical of that of diabetes and these are:
Increased thirst
Excessive urine production
Dizziness and nausea
Abdominal pain and vomiting
Weakness and fatigue
Double vision and confusion
Fainting spells or loss of consciousness (diabetic coma)
Ketone bodies are water-soluble compounds that are produced as by-products when fatty acids are broken down for energy in the liver and kidney. They are used as a source of energy in the heart and brain.The presence of ketones is not only limited to blood. It can also be present in the urine.
What to do
If you are a diagnosed diabetic and think that you are already suffering from DKA, get yourself to the hospital immediately. It is crucial to stop your condition from getting worse and letting ketoacids to build up to dangerous levels. Treatment will normally include fluids and insulin via intravenous line.
To prevent diabetic ketoacidosis from developing, you need to manage diabetes particularly your blood sugar levels. Regular monitoring is necessary and while you are at it, seek knowledge on how to reverse diabetes and apply it. Ultimately, it will be the cure of the root condition (diabetes) that will completely stop ketoacidosis on its tracks.
Loren R. Denton is a diabetes studies expert. For more great tips and information on acidosis in diabetes, visit www.DiabetesReversal.net.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Loren_R._Denton
Acidosis in diabetes, also known as Diabetes Ketoacidosis (DKA) or simply Ketoacidosis, is a serious condition that occurs as a complication of Type 1 diabetes. Although rare, it may also occur in people who suffer from Type 2 diabetes given certain conditions. It is life-threatening and would often require hospital treatment.
It is common knowledge that diabetes is a metabolic condition that is characterized by inadequate production of insulin or resistance to the said hormone. On the other hand, ketoacidosis is a consequence of insulin shortage in our bodies. It is a state where the body switches to burning fatty acids. In effect, the blood becomes too acidic and the body will have critical electrolyte imbalance. If left unattended, the acidosis in diabetics can be fatal.
Diabetic ketoacidosis Symptoms and Complications
The lack of insulin causes the blood glucose level to keep rising to dangerous levels. This state is known as hyperglycemia and definitely not good as the body system is in a state of crisis. At this point, the individual is already suffering from Ketoacidosis as the blood is already packed with highly acidic ketones and still continues to become more and more acidic.
The symptoms or warning signs are very typical of that of diabetes and these are:
Increased thirst
Excessive urine production
Dizziness and nausea
Abdominal pain and vomiting
Weakness and fatigue
Double vision and confusion
Fainting spells or loss of consciousness (diabetic coma)
Ketone bodies are water-soluble compounds that are produced as by-products when fatty acids are broken down for energy in the liver and kidney. They are used as a source of energy in the heart and brain.The presence of ketones is not only limited to blood. It can also be present in the urine.
What to do
If you are a diagnosed diabetic and think that you are already suffering from DKA, get yourself to the hospital immediately. It is crucial to stop your condition from getting worse and letting ketoacids to build up to dangerous levels. Treatment will normally include fluids and insulin via intravenous line.
To prevent diabetic ketoacidosis from developing, you need to manage diabetes particularly your blood sugar levels. Regular monitoring is necessary and while you are at it, seek knowledge on how to reverse diabetes and apply it. Ultimately, it will be the cure of the root condition (diabetes) that will completely stop ketoacidosis on its tracks.
Loren R. Denton is a diabetes studies expert. For more great tips and information on acidosis in diabetes, visit www.DiabetesReversal.net.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Loren_R._Denton
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Makeover Your Recipes and Let Your Imagination Run Wild!
While looking for a recipe to prepare a favorite food, I often find myself poring over various cookbooks and the Internet looking for what I perceive to be that perfect combination. Even though I have found recipes that I and my family have enjoyed immensely, I often find that I get bored with them and look for new ways to improve them. In other words, I let the recipe be a starting point, and then I let my imagination run wild with new ideas and spice combinations to create a much improved version of a well-loved recipe. Here's what I did with one such favorite.
Years ago I acquired a diabetic cookbook that contained an especially tasty recipe for beef tacos. I always followed the recipe to the letter and each time, while tasty, it always seemed to lack something. After preparing it for the one who became my husband a year ago, he made several suggestions that I thought were promising. As a chef himself, I always value his opinion. I prepare my dishes with what I prefer to call, "my special twist." I have done this for years with old family favorites that both my mother and grandmother prepared, making them even more special. I began to experiment with different things and finally hit upon a combination that gave this recipe new life and more taste than it ever had. I also made it budget friendly in that it doesn't take specialty ingredients to prepare and will stretch your food dollars. This is what I ultimately did:
Beef Tacos - Original Recipe
1 pound lean ground beef
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup diced onion
2 to 3 Tablespoons chili powder (or to taste)
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2-3 drops hot sauce (or to taste)
6 oz. can no salt added tomato paste
¼ cup water
1 can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Tortillas
Low-fat sour cream
1 Tablespoon shredded cheese (per taco)
Shredded lettuce and tomato
Sliced cucumber, if desired
The standard fare for tacos, am I right? Yes, this combination is very tasty, low in fat and calories and quite filling. It's also a little bland and boring. One thing I discovered when it first came on the market is a spice line called Mrs. Dash. I especially liked that all the combinations are salt-free and sugar free as my diet is restricted for both. When I discovered a new flavor of Mrs. Dash, Fiesta Lime, well shall we say, it was a done deal, my tacos were about to get a major flavor makeover!
My new husband is not fond of onions, but that's okay, this spice combination contains dried onion, so you don't have to take the time to dice and brown it. He is also not fond of ground beef, but prefers ground turkey. So, I took those two things into consideration when doing this recipe makeover. I will admit it was hard for a steak and potatoes girl to give up the beef. The results; however, are amazing!
Turkey Tacos - Recipe Makeover (8-12 servings)
1 pound ground turkey breast
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
4 Tablespoons Mrs. Dash Fiesta Lime seasoning blend
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
½ teaspoon ground coriander
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 drops hot sauce
6 oz. can no-salt added tomato paste
½ cup water
1 can fat-free refried beans
1 can bean of your choice (black, pinto, light or dark kidney beans), rinsed and drained
(I always use the type of bean I'm in the mood for at the time)
1 Tablespoon shredded Fiesta or Taco Blend Cheese (per taco)
Shredded Lettuce and Diced Tomatoes, as desired
1 Tablespoon low-fat sour cream
8 Whole Wheat, Fat-Free tortillas
Fresh cilantro, chopped, if desired
Heat 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a 10-inch skillet. Brown ground turkey breast with pepper, Mrs. Dash seasoning, ground cumin, chipotle chili powder, and ground coriander. Add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Stir 6-oz can no-salt added tomato paste into ½ cup water. Add to skillet. Add refried beans and can of beans of your choice. Let simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
To spice this recipe even more, I have substituted Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle seasoning blend and omitted the additional chipotle chili powder. Also, to stretch this recipe even further, add 1 cup cooked yellow or brown rice to the mix. You will have a low-fat, healthy turkey, bean and rice burrito. The calorie difference is almost miniscule, although the Carbohydrate content will be slightly higher. You can allow for this by planning for it before preparing your meal. This dish is also easy and quick to prepare, so dinner will be on the table in no time!
As you can see, the possibilities are endless when making over your favorite recipes! This can be done with any recipe, whether it is appetizers, main dishes, vegetables, other side dishes or desserts. Showing once again that the diabetic diet does not have to be boring, bland and without flavor or spice. Bon Appétit!!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Catherine_Huff
Years ago I acquired a diabetic cookbook that contained an especially tasty recipe for beef tacos. I always followed the recipe to the letter and each time, while tasty, it always seemed to lack something. After preparing it for the one who became my husband a year ago, he made several suggestions that I thought were promising. As a chef himself, I always value his opinion. I prepare my dishes with what I prefer to call, "my special twist." I have done this for years with old family favorites that both my mother and grandmother prepared, making them even more special. I began to experiment with different things and finally hit upon a combination that gave this recipe new life and more taste than it ever had. I also made it budget friendly in that it doesn't take specialty ingredients to prepare and will stretch your food dollars. This is what I ultimately did:
Beef Tacos - Original Recipe
1 pound lean ground beef
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup diced onion
2 to 3 Tablespoons chili powder (or to taste)
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2-3 drops hot sauce (or to taste)
6 oz. can no salt added tomato paste
¼ cup water
1 can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Tortillas
Low-fat sour cream
1 Tablespoon shredded cheese (per taco)
Shredded lettuce and tomato
Sliced cucumber, if desired
The standard fare for tacos, am I right? Yes, this combination is very tasty, low in fat and calories and quite filling. It's also a little bland and boring. One thing I discovered when it first came on the market is a spice line called Mrs. Dash. I especially liked that all the combinations are salt-free and sugar free as my diet is restricted for both. When I discovered a new flavor of Mrs. Dash, Fiesta Lime, well shall we say, it was a done deal, my tacos were about to get a major flavor makeover!
My new husband is not fond of onions, but that's okay, this spice combination contains dried onion, so you don't have to take the time to dice and brown it. He is also not fond of ground beef, but prefers ground turkey. So, I took those two things into consideration when doing this recipe makeover. I will admit it was hard for a steak and potatoes girl to give up the beef. The results; however, are amazing!
Turkey Tacos - Recipe Makeover (8-12 servings)
1 pound ground turkey breast
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
4 Tablespoons Mrs. Dash Fiesta Lime seasoning blend
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
½ teaspoon ground coriander
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 drops hot sauce
6 oz. can no-salt added tomato paste
½ cup water
1 can fat-free refried beans
1 can bean of your choice (black, pinto, light or dark kidney beans), rinsed and drained
(I always use the type of bean I'm in the mood for at the time)
1 Tablespoon shredded Fiesta or Taco Blend Cheese (per taco)
Shredded Lettuce and Diced Tomatoes, as desired
1 Tablespoon low-fat sour cream
8 Whole Wheat, Fat-Free tortillas
Fresh cilantro, chopped, if desired
Heat 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a 10-inch skillet. Brown ground turkey breast with pepper, Mrs. Dash seasoning, ground cumin, chipotle chili powder, and ground coriander. Add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Stir 6-oz can no-salt added tomato paste into ½ cup water. Add to skillet. Add refried beans and can of beans of your choice. Let simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
To spice this recipe even more, I have substituted Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle seasoning blend and omitted the additional chipotle chili powder. Also, to stretch this recipe even further, add 1 cup cooked yellow or brown rice to the mix. You will have a low-fat, healthy turkey, bean and rice burrito. The calorie difference is almost miniscule, although the Carbohydrate content will be slightly higher. You can allow for this by planning for it before preparing your meal. This dish is also easy and quick to prepare, so dinner will be on the table in no time!
As you can see, the possibilities are endless when making over your favorite recipes! This can be done with any recipe, whether it is appetizers, main dishes, vegetables, other side dishes or desserts. Showing once again that the diabetic diet does not have to be boring, bland and without flavor or spice. Bon Appétit!!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Catherine_Huff
Friday, April 15, 2011
Exercising Your Way Through Diabetes
People in this century are living a fast paced life and physical activity for daily living is no longer a necessity. However, the increase in the prevalence of obesity and diabetes warrants the importance of physical exercise in battling and controlling disease. It is emphasized that obese and diabetics should be active to remain fit and stay healthy. Encouraging patients with diabetes to walk is now the advocacy of many health care providers.
Studies have recommended that a 3 mile walk daily for 1 hour everyday over a period of 2 years can produce healthy results. Reduction of body weight by 2.4 kg has is one of the benefits of regular physical activity. Fasting plasma glucose can be reduced by almost 1 mmol/L and Hba1c by 1%. Blood pressure can also be decreased by 10mmHg for the systole and 7mmHg for the diastole. Resting heart rate improves by 5 beats / minute. Risk for cardiovascular disease related to diabetes can also be reduced.
Brisk walking is the most commonly prescribed physical activity for diabetics. Spending 45 minutes per day at a pace of 4 mile can results in greater amounts of energy expenditure. Patients with neuropathies who are unable to do brisk walking can perform other physical activities like stationary cycling or swimming. Physical activity can also benefit in terms of cost of treatment since it is economical and can result to great deal of financial savings. Medications for hypertension, high lipid levels and diabetes can be reduced as well. You do not need to go to the gym or have the latest equipments to have an effective exercise.
Common places like parks, school grounds and sports complex can be a venue for your physical activity. Try brisk walking around the park and enjoy the view of nature. However, it is not enough to tell patients to exercise. The amount of physical activity must be appropriate for the individual and must be prescribed by the physician. Exercise must be done with proper supervision. However, achieving the goal of diabetes management is not always easy. Nutritional management might also comes as a challenge for those who are not willing to sacrifice diet and exercise as a daily work around habit.
Working hand in hand with the health care providers is necessary because they are knowledgeable and directly involved in recovery process, all the steps would be a daily challenge to any person and requires pure will to go through with it.
The way to diabetes reversal is simply exercising, make sure that the list of diabetes medicine supplements are really that necessary.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_A_Sanchez
Studies have recommended that a 3 mile walk daily for 1 hour everyday over a period of 2 years can produce healthy results. Reduction of body weight by 2.4 kg has is one of the benefits of regular physical activity. Fasting plasma glucose can be reduced by almost 1 mmol/L and Hba1c by 1%. Blood pressure can also be decreased by 10mmHg for the systole and 7mmHg for the diastole. Resting heart rate improves by 5 beats / minute. Risk for cardiovascular disease related to diabetes can also be reduced.
Brisk walking is the most commonly prescribed physical activity for diabetics. Spending 45 minutes per day at a pace of 4 mile can results in greater amounts of energy expenditure. Patients with neuropathies who are unable to do brisk walking can perform other physical activities like stationary cycling or swimming. Physical activity can also benefit in terms of cost of treatment since it is economical and can result to great deal of financial savings. Medications for hypertension, high lipid levels and diabetes can be reduced as well. You do not need to go to the gym or have the latest equipments to have an effective exercise.
Common places like parks, school grounds and sports complex can be a venue for your physical activity. Try brisk walking around the park and enjoy the view of nature. However, it is not enough to tell patients to exercise. The amount of physical activity must be appropriate for the individual and must be prescribed by the physician. Exercise must be done with proper supervision. However, achieving the goal of diabetes management is not always easy. Nutritional management might also comes as a challenge for those who are not willing to sacrifice diet and exercise as a daily work around habit.
Working hand in hand with the health care providers is necessary because they are knowledgeable and directly involved in recovery process, all the steps would be a daily challenge to any person and requires pure will to go through with it.
The way to diabetes reversal is simply exercising, make sure that the list of diabetes medicine supplements are really that necessary.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_A_Sanchez
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Which Herbal Medicine Is Used for Diabetes?
Since the ancient times, herbs were used for a lot of things especially in treating illnesses and diseases. Many of our current drugs today were derived from plant sources. The use of herbal medicines has now tremendously increased. Many people with diabetes are now leaning towards herbal medicines. The most common reason why people use herbal medicines is that they are dissatisfied with the current medical treatments. The medications for diabetics are costly and have side effects.
People have this mentality that when it's herbal, it is safe for the body and will produce fewer side effects because it is natural. Since herbal medicines require no prescription and can be bought over the counter, people can easily have access making them feel empowered. In buying herbal medicines, patients must be aware of the plant variable and the manufacturing variables. Plant variables include that they must be organic and grown away from polluted areas. The soil where the herbs are grown must be safe and is not contaminated. Always consider the part of the plant used whether it is the leaf, stem or root because they have different uses.
Manufacturing variables can include the packaging, shelf life and storage. Be careful in buying herbal products especially when used for diabetes control. Some of the herbal medicines are approved as supplements and have no therapeutic claims. There are some drugs that are ineffective ad useless. Herbal medicine must be used cautiously because when you are herbal supplements for diabetes, you are consuming large quantities of the drug. Accumulation of the drug's toxic substances can cause unwanted side effects. The most of the common herb in controlling diabetes is the Bitter gourd or momordica charantia.
This plant has blood lowering effects. The leaves possess the active ingredient. It is best to use bitter gourd that is grown organically. This ingredient is mostly found in tea and drinks for diabetes. However, before using herbal medicines, it is still best to consult your physician because some of the drugs for diabetes may have interactions with the herbs. It is better to be safe than sorry.
In reality, diabetes has now affected 17 million people and approximately 5 million are undiagnosed. In the US, the increasing number of adults diagnosed to have DM. This goes to show that diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate and health are one of the country's biggest problems out in the open right now. Imagine the whole world.
Complete your list of diabetes medicine is always important for diabetes reversal specially if you're on a strict diet.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_A_Sanchez
People have this mentality that when it's herbal, it is safe for the body and will produce fewer side effects because it is natural. Since herbal medicines require no prescription and can be bought over the counter, people can easily have access making them feel empowered. In buying herbal medicines, patients must be aware of the plant variable and the manufacturing variables. Plant variables include that they must be organic and grown away from polluted areas. The soil where the herbs are grown must be safe and is not contaminated. Always consider the part of the plant used whether it is the leaf, stem or root because they have different uses.
Manufacturing variables can include the packaging, shelf life and storage. Be careful in buying herbal products especially when used for diabetes control. Some of the herbal medicines are approved as supplements and have no therapeutic claims. There are some drugs that are ineffective ad useless. Herbal medicine must be used cautiously because when you are herbal supplements for diabetes, you are consuming large quantities of the drug. Accumulation of the drug's toxic substances can cause unwanted side effects. The most of the common herb in controlling diabetes is the Bitter gourd or momordica charantia.
This plant has blood lowering effects. The leaves possess the active ingredient. It is best to use bitter gourd that is grown organically. This ingredient is mostly found in tea and drinks for diabetes. However, before using herbal medicines, it is still best to consult your physician because some of the drugs for diabetes may have interactions with the herbs. It is better to be safe than sorry.
In reality, diabetes has now affected 17 million people and approximately 5 million are undiagnosed. In the US, the increasing number of adults diagnosed to have DM. This goes to show that diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate and health are one of the country's biggest problems out in the open right now. Imagine the whole world.
Complete your list of diabetes medicine is always important for diabetes reversal specially if you're on a strict diet.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_A_Sanchez
Monday, April 11, 2011
Diabetes and Carbohydrate Consumption - Are You Being Poisoned by What You Eat?
Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and a number of metabolic ailments, such as irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue, have reached epidemic levels in the Developed World. These conditions, once only a concern of the middle ages and the elderly, are now affecting young people equally. The alarming increase of type 2 diabetes has set off alarms among Government Officials and the Medical Community.
Although a mountain of research has and is being done to better understand each of these metabolic infirmities and their relation to each other, there is always an entity hiding in the shadows, refined processed carbohydrates. Could carbohydrates be at the root of all these metabolic dysfunctions? Could a condition such as carbohydrate poisoning exist and could it be the cause of many of these metabolic conditions suffered by an increasing number of people in the Developed World. A look at how the body deals with carbohydrates may convince you, that indeed, carbohydrate poisoning exists and very well could be the cause of many of these metabolic ailments.
The human body has two systems for using and storing the food we eat. One system deals with the fats we eat, the other deals with carbohydrates. The fat system stores the fat we eat and has a seemingly unlimited capacity to do so, but must get a series of green lights from other systems before it will use this fat as fuel. On the other hand, the system that deals with Carbohydrates will use them as fuel first then attempt to store them. I say attempt because the body's ability to store carbohydrates, in the form of glycogen, is limited to only a few pounds.
When we eat carbohydrates they are turned into glucose and go directly into the blood stream. Depending on the type of carbohydrates, and the other foods eaten with the carbohydrates, determines how fast glucose is pumped in to the blood stream. As glucose enters the blood stream, insulin is released from the pancreas that tells the cells throughout the body, and the liver, to grab this glucose and use it for fuel and the production of glycogen that will be stored for later use. Glycogen is the form in which carbohydrates are stored in muscles and other organs of the body, such as the liver, for later use as fuel when blood glucose levels are low. The release of insulin also signals the fat system to stop burning fat. A fast large spike in insulin, that which you get from refined processed foods, causes a greater response from systems affected by insulin, such as the halt of fat burning and the forced feeding of cells throughout the body.
The glycogen storage capacity of the body, although very limited compared to the capacity to store fat, is determined by a person's genetics, his activity level, and how often he eats. If a person is active and/or fasts he will have a far greater capacity to store glycogen then a person that is sedentary and eats all the time. A sedentary person who eats refined processed foods all the time might have virtually no storage capacity for carbohydrates. This is what's called, a one two punch, in boxing terminology. Let's look at what happens to this person being knocked out by the food he's eating.
As he eats and drinks, cupcakes and sodas, his insulin spikes. This insulin spike causes all the fat used in the making of the cupcakes to be stored as fat. So over time this adds up until he becomes obese. This insulin spike also demands that the cells in his body use or store the glucose in his blood stream. Because he's sedentary these cells don't need this glucose for energy nor do they have a place to store it, so the liver tries to convert this glucose into fat. But what ends up happening is the liver floods the blood with triglycerides.
As this continues over the years the cells develop a resistance to the effect of insulin. As a result of the high glucose levels in the blood stream, because the cells are not responding to the insulin as they should, the pancreas is forced to produce more and more insulin in an attempt to lower this glucose, all the while the triglyceride level in the blood stream is rising higher. Soon the pancreas begins to falter. Insulin level begins to drop and blood glucose levels begin to skyrocket. The liver, in an attempt to deal with the skyrocketing glucose levels, begins to flood the blood with triglycerides. While all this is going on, this person begins to suffer from chronic fatigue, because the cells in his body, no longer responding to the low level of insulin that signals them to eat, are starving. This causes great hunger promoting this person to eat even more.
As this person increases his intake of food in an attempt to quell his hunger, he begins to have bouts of vomiting and uncontrollable diarrhea, because the high levels of triglycerides in his blood has caused him to developed pancreatitis. The pancreas can no longer neutralize stomach acids in his intestines causing irritable bowel syndrome and uncontrollable diarrhea. As systems after system begins to fail, the body does the unthinkable; it begins to dump glucose via urination. This is unthinkable because the body was not designed to discard anything other than toxins. At this point, carbohydrates in the form of glucose have probably caused major damage to many organs. Dehydration due to the uncontrollable diarrhea and frequent urination causes this person to begin drinking soda after soda resulting in a vicious cycle of destruction.
Due to the high glucose levels in this person's blood he would be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. But this diagnosis is just describing the result of organs poison by excess carbohydrate consumption. Refraining from refined processed food and adding exercise to one's daily routine will most likely result in the cessation of most of the symptoms mentioned above in just a few days. Long term adherence to a low carbohydrate diet and daily exercise as described at parsonsdiet.com has seen a reversal of the damage done to organs by carbohydrates poisoning. As shown here type 2 diabetes may not be a disease, but rather a symptom of poisoning by carbohydrates and compounded by the chemicals use to process foods for taste and shelf life.
The story above describes what I and many other have gone through. The symptoms above are typical of carbohydrate poisoning. After doctors claimed to have no clue as to why I was suffering the way I was I began studying human anatomy and plowing over hundreds of research results. I began trying different diets and exercise programs to see which ones worked and which ones didn't. With research results, an understand of how the body works and a correlation between how we lived when our bodies were designed and now, I've put together a diet and life style that maximises health and well being. Although my diet and life style requires changes, once one is accustomed to these changes they become painless and totally sustainable. After all, if your living the way you were designed to live there should be no pain. To learn more about the effects of bad eating and living habits and how to cure most metabolic dysfunctions go to http://www.parsonsdiet.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gerald_Parsons
Although a mountain of research has and is being done to better understand each of these metabolic infirmities and their relation to each other, there is always an entity hiding in the shadows, refined processed carbohydrates. Could carbohydrates be at the root of all these metabolic dysfunctions? Could a condition such as carbohydrate poisoning exist and could it be the cause of many of these metabolic conditions suffered by an increasing number of people in the Developed World. A look at how the body deals with carbohydrates may convince you, that indeed, carbohydrate poisoning exists and very well could be the cause of many of these metabolic ailments.
The human body has two systems for using and storing the food we eat. One system deals with the fats we eat, the other deals with carbohydrates. The fat system stores the fat we eat and has a seemingly unlimited capacity to do so, but must get a series of green lights from other systems before it will use this fat as fuel. On the other hand, the system that deals with Carbohydrates will use them as fuel first then attempt to store them. I say attempt because the body's ability to store carbohydrates, in the form of glycogen, is limited to only a few pounds.
When we eat carbohydrates they are turned into glucose and go directly into the blood stream. Depending on the type of carbohydrates, and the other foods eaten with the carbohydrates, determines how fast glucose is pumped in to the blood stream. As glucose enters the blood stream, insulin is released from the pancreas that tells the cells throughout the body, and the liver, to grab this glucose and use it for fuel and the production of glycogen that will be stored for later use. Glycogen is the form in which carbohydrates are stored in muscles and other organs of the body, such as the liver, for later use as fuel when blood glucose levels are low. The release of insulin also signals the fat system to stop burning fat. A fast large spike in insulin, that which you get from refined processed foods, causes a greater response from systems affected by insulin, such as the halt of fat burning and the forced feeding of cells throughout the body.
The glycogen storage capacity of the body, although very limited compared to the capacity to store fat, is determined by a person's genetics, his activity level, and how often he eats. If a person is active and/or fasts he will have a far greater capacity to store glycogen then a person that is sedentary and eats all the time. A sedentary person who eats refined processed foods all the time might have virtually no storage capacity for carbohydrates. This is what's called, a one two punch, in boxing terminology. Let's look at what happens to this person being knocked out by the food he's eating.
As he eats and drinks, cupcakes and sodas, his insulin spikes. This insulin spike causes all the fat used in the making of the cupcakes to be stored as fat. So over time this adds up until he becomes obese. This insulin spike also demands that the cells in his body use or store the glucose in his blood stream. Because he's sedentary these cells don't need this glucose for energy nor do they have a place to store it, so the liver tries to convert this glucose into fat. But what ends up happening is the liver floods the blood with triglycerides.
As this continues over the years the cells develop a resistance to the effect of insulin. As a result of the high glucose levels in the blood stream, because the cells are not responding to the insulin as they should, the pancreas is forced to produce more and more insulin in an attempt to lower this glucose, all the while the triglyceride level in the blood stream is rising higher. Soon the pancreas begins to falter. Insulin level begins to drop and blood glucose levels begin to skyrocket. The liver, in an attempt to deal with the skyrocketing glucose levels, begins to flood the blood with triglycerides. While all this is going on, this person begins to suffer from chronic fatigue, because the cells in his body, no longer responding to the low level of insulin that signals them to eat, are starving. This causes great hunger promoting this person to eat even more.
As this person increases his intake of food in an attempt to quell his hunger, he begins to have bouts of vomiting and uncontrollable diarrhea, because the high levels of triglycerides in his blood has caused him to developed pancreatitis. The pancreas can no longer neutralize stomach acids in his intestines causing irritable bowel syndrome and uncontrollable diarrhea. As systems after system begins to fail, the body does the unthinkable; it begins to dump glucose via urination. This is unthinkable because the body was not designed to discard anything other than toxins. At this point, carbohydrates in the form of glucose have probably caused major damage to many organs. Dehydration due to the uncontrollable diarrhea and frequent urination causes this person to begin drinking soda after soda resulting in a vicious cycle of destruction.
Due to the high glucose levels in this person's blood he would be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. But this diagnosis is just describing the result of organs poison by excess carbohydrate consumption. Refraining from refined processed food and adding exercise to one's daily routine will most likely result in the cessation of most of the symptoms mentioned above in just a few days. Long term adherence to a low carbohydrate diet and daily exercise as described at parsonsdiet.com has seen a reversal of the damage done to organs by carbohydrates poisoning. As shown here type 2 diabetes may not be a disease, but rather a symptom of poisoning by carbohydrates and compounded by the chemicals use to process foods for taste and shelf life.
The story above describes what I and many other have gone through. The symptoms above are typical of carbohydrate poisoning. After doctors claimed to have no clue as to why I was suffering the way I was I began studying human anatomy and plowing over hundreds of research results. I began trying different diets and exercise programs to see which ones worked and which ones didn't. With research results, an understand of how the body works and a correlation between how we lived when our bodies were designed and now, I've put together a diet and life style that maximises health and well being. Although my diet and life style requires changes, once one is accustomed to these changes they become painless and totally sustainable. After all, if your living the way you were designed to live there should be no pain. To learn more about the effects of bad eating and living habits and how to cure most metabolic dysfunctions go to http://www.parsonsdiet.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gerald_Parsons
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Diabetes Management - Do Not Become A Statistic By Learning How To Manage Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetes management involves the ability to properly manage blood sugar levels. A proactive approach with diabetes treatment will ensure that you do not become a statistic by learning how to properly manage your blood sugar levels. Diabetes mellitus is an epidemic that is sweeping the nation and the lack of proactivity is leading to diabetes related deaths or other diabetes related complications.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes management begins with a proper understanding of what diabetes is. It is a chronic disease that does not need to be a death sentence and when properly managed, you can avoid all the diabetes related complications such as limb amputations, heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, blindness, diabetic coma, etc.
When suffering from this disease, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, too little insulin or the body develops a resistance to the insulin that is produced by the pancreas. Insulin is needed to remove glucose that is in the blood and distribute it to the various cells in the body for energy or fuel needed for daily activities. Glucose is derived from the conversion of the food that is consumed.
With these problematic insulin levels, the glucose in the blood cannot be removed and distributed to the cells which causes an accumulation of this glucose in the blood that is inevitably removed from the blood through urine which is a waste of glucose since the cells will have no energy or fuel for daily activities.
Diabetes management requires the proper management of these glucose levels to ensure that the cells get the fuel that they need and to avoid diabetes related complications.
Over 18 million people in the US are plagued by this disease and more than half of them are unaware that they have this chronic disease. It is known as one of the silent killers because the symptoms of diabetes if any, take a long time to develop.
When you finally notice symptoms of diabetes, you may have had the disease for years which is why diabetes testing on at least an annual basis is important to rule out the disease or to start a diabetes management program as soon as possible in order to start reversing diabetes.
Diabetes Management
Diabetes management first requires a diabetes diagnosis which should follow an overnight fast in order for blood sugar levels to be tested. This diabetes testing involves testing the urine or blood samples after this overnight fast.
While various medications may be prescribed for diabetes management, the natural approach for diabetes treatment and even diabetes cure is one of the best ways to properly manage this disease.
It is important to note that Type 1 diabetes which results when the body does not produce any insulin or too little insulin, which then leads to diabetics with this type to require daily injections of insulin for survival. This type usually develops in childhood.
Type 2 diabetes begins in adulthood and the skyrocketing rates of new cases leads to the conclusion that poor lifestyle choices are being made which is causing the increased number of new cases. This type is most impacted by making lifestyle changes that include maintaining a healthy weight, following a proper and healthy diet and incorporating exercise.
These changes can allow a diabetic to properly manage this disease and in some cases cure the disease. For both types of diabetes, glucose monitoring devices are necessary to determine the blood sugar levels on a daily basis to ensure that blood glucose levels are not too high and not too low.
Diabetes Diet
Since glucose is derived from the food that we eat, diabetics need to monitor what they eat and make adjustments as necessary to maintain even glucose levels on a daily basis. Since glucose is mainly affected by carbohydrates, many diabetes diets include carbohydrate counting for diabetes management. Working with a dietitian is an important step to incorporate a proper diabetes diet and properly manage blood sugar levels.
Diabetes management will ensure that you do not become a statistic. Adopt an action plan starting today and not tomorrow to not only manage but to cure diabetes. Do not bury your head in the sand for one more day. This is a serious disease that you can overcome. Visit visit http://www.squidoo.com/treatment_for_diabetes_reverse_symtoms_naturally for important diabetes resources that will help you cure diabetes NATURALLY!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Robbins
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes management begins with a proper understanding of what diabetes is. It is a chronic disease that does not need to be a death sentence and when properly managed, you can avoid all the diabetes related complications such as limb amputations, heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, blindness, diabetic coma, etc.
When suffering from this disease, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, too little insulin or the body develops a resistance to the insulin that is produced by the pancreas. Insulin is needed to remove glucose that is in the blood and distribute it to the various cells in the body for energy or fuel needed for daily activities. Glucose is derived from the conversion of the food that is consumed.
With these problematic insulin levels, the glucose in the blood cannot be removed and distributed to the cells which causes an accumulation of this glucose in the blood that is inevitably removed from the blood through urine which is a waste of glucose since the cells will have no energy or fuel for daily activities.
Diabetes management requires the proper management of these glucose levels to ensure that the cells get the fuel that they need and to avoid diabetes related complications.
Over 18 million people in the US are plagued by this disease and more than half of them are unaware that they have this chronic disease. It is known as one of the silent killers because the symptoms of diabetes if any, take a long time to develop.
When you finally notice symptoms of diabetes, you may have had the disease for years which is why diabetes testing on at least an annual basis is important to rule out the disease or to start a diabetes management program as soon as possible in order to start reversing diabetes.
Diabetes Management
Diabetes management first requires a diabetes diagnosis which should follow an overnight fast in order for blood sugar levels to be tested. This diabetes testing involves testing the urine or blood samples after this overnight fast.
While various medications may be prescribed for diabetes management, the natural approach for diabetes treatment and even diabetes cure is one of the best ways to properly manage this disease.
It is important to note that Type 1 diabetes which results when the body does not produce any insulin or too little insulin, which then leads to diabetics with this type to require daily injections of insulin for survival. This type usually develops in childhood.
Type 2 diabetes begins in adulthood and the skyrocketing rates of new cases leads to the conclusion that poor lifestyle choices are being made which is causing the increased number of new cases. This type is most impacted by making lifestyle changes that include maintaining a healthy weight, following a proper and healthy diet and incorporating exercise.
These changes can allow a diabetic to properly manage this disease and in some cases cure the disease. For both types of diabetes, glucose monitoring devices are necessary to determine the blood sugar levels on a daily basis to ensure that blood glucose levels are not too high and not too low.
Diabetes Diet
Since glucose is derived from the food that we eat, diabetics need to monitor what they eat and make adjustments as necessary to maintain even glucose levels on a daily basis. Since glucose is mainly affected by carbohydrates, many diabetes diets include carbohydrate counting for diabetes management. Working with a dietitian is an important step to incorporate a proper diabetes diet and properly manage blood sugar levels.
Diabetes management will ensure that you do not become a statistic. Adopt an action plan starting today and not tomorrow to not only manage but to cure diabetes. Do not bury your head in the sand for one more day. This is a serious disease that you can overcome. Visit visit http://www.squidoo.com/treatment_for_diabetes_reverse_symtoms_naturally for important diabetes resources that will help you cure diabetes NATURALLY!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Robbins
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Makeover Your Recipes and Let Your Imagination Run Wild!
While looking for a recipe to prepare a favorite food, I often find myself poring over various cookbooks and the Internet looking for what I perceive to be that perfect combination. Even though I have found recipes that I and my family have enjoyed immensely, I often find that I get bored with them and look for new ways to improve them. In other words, I let the recipe be a starting point, and then I let my imagination run wild with new ideas and spice combinations to create a much improved version of a well-loved recipe. Here's what I did with one such favorite.
Years ago I acquired a diabetic cookbook that contained an especially tasty recipe for beef tacos. I always followed the recipe to the letter and each time, while tasty, it always seemed to lack something. After preparing it for the one who became my husband a year ago, he made several suggestions that I thought were promising. As a chef himself, I always value his opinion. I prepare my dishes with what I prefer to call, "my special twist." I have done this for years with old family favorites that both my mother and grandmother prepared, making them even more special. I began to experiment with different things and finally hit upon a combination that gave this recipe new life and more taste than it ever had. I also made it budget friendly in that it doesn't take specialty ingredients to prepare and will stretch your food dollars. This is what I ultimately did:
Beef Tacos - Original Recipe
1 pound lean ground beef
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup diced onion
2 to 3 Tablespoons chili powder (or to taste)
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2-3 drops hot sauce (or to taste)
6 oz. can no salt added tomato paste
¼ cup water
1 can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Tortillas
Low-fat sour cream
1 Tablespoon shredded cheese (per taco)
Shredded lettuce and tomato
Sliced cucumber, if desired
The standard fare for tacos, am I right? Yes, this combination is very tasty, low in fat and calories and quite filling. It's also a little bland and boring. One thing I discovered when it first came on the market is a spice line called Mrs. Dash. I especially liked that all the combinations are salt-free and sugar free as my diet is restricted for both. When I discovered a new flavor of Mrs. Dash, Fiesta Lime, well shall we say, it was a done deal, my tacos were about to get a major flavor makeover!
My new husband is not fond of onions, but that's okay, this spice combination contains dried onion, so you don't have to take the time to dice and brown it. He is also not fond of ground beef, but prefers ground turkey. So, I took those two things into consideration when doing this recipe makeover. I will admit it was hard for a steak and potatoes girl to give up the beef. The results; however, are amazing!
Turkey Tacos - Recipe Makeover (8-12 servings)
1 pound ground turkey breast
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
4 Tablespoons Mrs. Dash Fiesta Lime seasoning blend
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
½ teaspoon ground coriander
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 drops hot sauce
6 oz. can no-salt added tomato paste
½ cup water
1 can fat-free refried beans
1 can bean of your choice (black, pinto, light or dark kidney beans), rinsed and drained
(I always use the type of bean I'm in the mood for at the time)
1 Tablespoon shredded Fiesta or Taco Blend Cheese (per taco)
Shredded Lettuce and Diced Tomatoes, as desired
1 Tablespoon low-fat sour cream
8 Whole Wheat, Fat-Free tortillas
Fresh cilantro, chopped, if desired
Heat 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a 10-inch skillet. Brown ground turkey breast with pepper, Mrs. Dash seasoning, ground cumin, chipotle chili powder, and ground coriander. Add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Stir 6-oz can no-salt added tomato paste into ½ cup water. Add to skillet. Add refried beans and can of beans of your choice. Let simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
To spice this recipe even more, I have substituted Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle seasoning blend and omitted the additional chipotle chili powder. Also, to stretch this recipe even further, add 1 cup cooked yellow or brown rice to the mix. You will have a low-fat, healthy turkey, bean and rice burrito. The calorie difference is almost miniscule, although the Carbohydrate content will be slightly higher. You can allow for this by planning for it before preparing your meal. This dish is also easy and quick to prepare, so dinner will be on the table in no time!
As you can see, the possibilities are endless when making over your favorite recipes! This can be done with any recipe, whether it is appetizers, main dishes, vegetables, other side dishes or desserts. Showing once again that the diabetic diet does not have to be boring, bland and without flavor or spice. Bon Appétit!!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Catherine_Huff
Years ago I acquired a diabetic cookbook that contained an especially tasty recipe for beef tacos. I always followed the recipe to the letter and each time, while tasty, it always seemed to lack something. After preparing it for the one who became my husband a year ago, he made several suggestions that I thought were promising. As a chef himself, I always value his opinion. I prepare my dishes with what I prefer to call, "my special twist." I have done this for years with old family favorites that both my mother and grandmother prepared, making them even more special. I began to experiment with different things and finally hit upon a combination that gave this recipe new life and more taste than it ever had. I also made it budget friendly in that it doesn't take specialty ingredients to prepare and will stretch your food dollars. This is what I ultimately did:
Beef Tacos - Original Recipe
1 pound lean ground beef
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup diced onion
2 to 3 Tablespoons chili powder (or to taste)
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2-3 drops hot sauce (or to taste)
6 oz. can no salt added tomato paste
¼ cup water
1 can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Tortillas
Low-fat sour cream
1 Tablespoon shredded cheese (per taco)
Shredded lettuce and tomato
Sliced cucumber, if desired
The standard fare for tacos, am I right? Yes, this combination is very tasty, low in fat and calories and quite filling. It's also a little bland and boring. One thing I discovered when it first came on the market is a spice line called Mrs. Dash. I especially liked that all the combinations are salt-free and sugar free as my diet is restricted for both. When I discovered a new flavor of Mrs. Dash, Fiesta Lime, well shall we say, it was a done deal, my tacos were about to get a major flavor makeover!
My new husband is not fond of onions, but that's okay, this spice combination contains dried onion, so you don't have to take the time to dice and brown it. He is also not fond of ground beef, but prefers ground turkey. So, I took those two things into consideration when doing this recipe makeover. I will admit it was hard for a steak and potatoes girl to give up the beef. The results; however, are amazing!
Turkey Tacos - Recipe Makeover (8-12 servings)
1 pound ground turkey breast
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
4 Tablespoons Mrs. Dash Fiesta Lime seasoning blend
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
½ teaspoon ground coriander
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 drops hot sauce
6 oz. can no-salt added tomato paste
½ cup water
1 can fat-free refried beans
1 can bean of your choice (black, pinto, light or dark kidney beans), rinsed and drained
(I always use the type of bean I'm in the mood for at the time)
1 Tablespoon shredded Fiesta or Taco Blend Cheese (per taco)
Shredded Lettuce and Diced Tomatoes, as desired
1 Tablespoon low-fat sour cream
8 Whole Wheat, Fat-Free tortillas
Fresh cilantro, chopped, if desired
Heat 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a 10-inch skillet. Brown ground turkey breast with pepper, Mrs. Dash seasoning, ground cumin, chipotle chili powder, and ground coriander. Add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Stir 6-oz can no-salt added tomato paste into ½ cup water. Add to skillet. Add refried beans and can of beans of your choice. Let simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
To spice this recipe even more, I have substituted Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle seasoning blend and omitted the additional chipotle chili powder. Also, to stretch this recipe even further, add 1 cup cooked yellow or brown rice to the mix. You will have a low-fat, healthy turkey, bean and rice burrito. The calorie difference is almost miniscule, although the Carbohydrate content will be slightly higher. You can allow for this by planning for it before preparing your meal. This dish is also easy and quick to prepare, so dinner will be on the table in no time!
As you can see, the possibilities are endless when making over your favorite recipes! This can be done with any recipe, whether it is appetizers, main dishes, vegetables, other side dishes or desserts. Showing once again that the diabetic diet does not have to be boring, bland and without flavor or spice. Bon Appétit!!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Catherine_Huff
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Why You Need to Get Rid of Diabetic Neuropathy Signs and Symptoms
When you have diabetes mellitus, chances are high that you just will suffer from diabetic neuropathy symptoms and therapy is vital if you're experiencing this type of discomfort. Neuropathy typically arises due to prolonged elevated blood glucose levels, and usually extends up to 5 years or far more. Diabetes is generally one of the most frequent cause of neuropathy, however you will find also other components that will cause this nerve disorder.
Some of the diabetic neuropathy symptoms are evident, like discomfort in the extremities, which is most frequently felt on the feet. Even so, you will find also far more subtle manifestations that you just ought to pay attention to and have them treated. Some signs include numbness, tingling, diarrhea, and erectile dysfunction at the same time as a lowered potential to fight infection and wounds in the extremities as a result of reduction of blood flow.
Beneath are one of the most powerful methods to adhere to:
1. Have your blood sugar levels monitored often. Adhere to the orders of one's medical doctor and maintain a record of one's glucose levels all via the day.
2. Consume correctly. A diet that aids in easing nerve discomfort is merely a great, wholesome, and balanced diet. A balanced diet tells you what foods you should consume, the time you should consume, the quantity of food you should consume, and also contains wholesome snacks. Be sure to watch everything you consume simply because every single bite counts when we're speaking about blood glucose control.
3. Workout frequently. Even a 20-40-minute daily workout will do. Workout is required in decreasing your blood glucose levels, so it's an indirect way to greatly lessen the danger of getting a neuropathy. This may be accomplished merely by just utilizing the stairs instead of a lift or taking a walk around your neighborhood.
Should you be experiencing nerve discomfort, you will find other choice treatment options for neuropathy, based on the extent of injury to your nerves along with other symptoms.
- Many people encounter relief once they take warm bath and frequent walks. Even so, individuals who've cuts or sores on their feet may have difficulty taking frequent walks. Also, take great care of one's feet simply because that is one of the most frequent spot for nerve harm.
- Consult your medical doctor about discomfort medication. Presently, Lyrica and Cymbalta are the only approved medicines for diabetic neuropathy but you will find other discomfort medications like topical creams and over-the-counter drugs accessible.
- Acupuncture may also aid relieve discomfort related to neuropathy.
- Anodyne treatment may be employed to relieve nerve pains. When only accessible at expensive and upmarket clinics, anodyne therapy is now accessible in the house with all the introduction of a range of portable devices.
- Vitamin B12 can aid nevertheless it should be taken in restricted doses.
After you have religiously followed these recommendations, you may not only treat the symptoms of neuropathy but also aid to avert the far more serious complications that will arise simply because of of diabetic neuropathy like diabetic foot ulcers. It is a truth that up to 10% of individuals will create foot ulcers as a result of nerve harm and troubles with peripheral circulation and physicians estimate that nearly 75% of all amputations that occur as a result of the reduction of blood flow associated with diabetic neuropathy could have been prevented with correct foot care.
To learn more about Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms and to learn about Anodyne Therapy and its used in treating pain go to my own web site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Ro_Sharp
Some of the diabetic neuropathy symptoms are evident, like discomfort in the extremities, which is most frequently felt on the feet. Even so, you will find also far more subtle manifestations that you just ought to pay attention to and have them treated. Some signs include numbness, tingling, diarrhea, and erectile dysfunction at the same time as a lowered potential to fight infection and wounds in the extremities as a result of reduction of blood flow.
Beneath are one of the most powerful methods to adhere to:
1. Have your blood sugar levels monitored often. Adhere to the orders of one's medical doctor and maintain a record of one's glucose levels all via the day.
2. Consume correctly. A diet that aids in easing nerve discomfort is merely a great, wholesome, and balanced diet. A balanced diet tells you what foods you should consume, the time you should consume, the quantity of food you should consume, and also contains wholesome snacks. Be sure to watch everything you consume simply because every single bite counts when we're speaking about blood glucose control.
3. Workout frequently. Even a 20-40-minute daily workout will do. Workout is required in decreasing your blood glucose levels, so it's an indirect way to greatly lessen the danger of getting a neuropathy. This may be accomplished merely by just utilizing the stairs instead of a lift or taking a walk around your neighborhood.
Should you be experiencing nerve discomfort, you will find other choice treatment options for neuropathy, based on the extent of injury to your nerves along with other symptoms.
- Many people encounter relief once they take warm bath and frequent walks. Even so, individuals who've cuts or sores on their feet may have difficulty taking frequent walks. Also, take great care of one's feet simply because that is one of the most frequent spot for nerve harm.
- Consult your medical doctor about discomfort medication. Presently, Lyrica and Cymbalta are the only approved medicines for diabetic neuropathy but you will find other discomfort medications like topical creams and over-the-counter drugs accessible.
- Acupuncture may also aid relieve discomfort related to neuropathy.
- Anodyne treatment may be employed to relieve nerve pains. When only accessible at expensive and upmarket clinics, anodyne therapy is now accessible in the house with all the introduction of a range of portable devices.
- Vitamin B12 can aid nevertheless it should be taken in restricted doses.
After you have religiously followed these recommendations, you may not only treat the symptoms of neuropathy but also aid to avert the far more serious complications that will arise simply because of of diabetic neuropathy like diabetic foot ulcers. It is a truth that up to 10% of individuals will create foot ulcers as a result of nerve harm and troubles with peripheral circulation and physicians estimate that nearly 75% of all amputations that occur as a result of the reduction of blood flow associated with diabetic neuropathy could have been prevented with correct foot care.
To learn more about Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms and to learn about Anodyne Therapy and its used in treating pain go to my own web site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Ro_Sharp
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Type 2 Diabetes - Children With Diabetes At School!
Type 2 diabetes once never appeared in children but it is now rapidly increasing in kids. The increase in children with Type 2 diabetes parallels with the rising rates of childhood obesity and low rates of childhood exercise. Although the typical age for a child being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes is thirteen and a half years, the disease has been found in children as young as four.
When dealing with diabetes in children it was understood Type 1 diabetes which usually starts in childhood or adolescence (or early adult life) was the cause, now diabetes in children includes Type 2 diabetes.
Monitoring diabetes is something that requires constant supervision and making good, conscious decisions. But what about children who are at school? This can be a critical time for them with so many unhealthy choices available at lunch and the long days of classes. That's why it is important to make sure they plan ahead and the adults around them are prepared to act if a situation occurs.
The law has protected children since 1973 when Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act took effect. Since then, new legislation has been enacted including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1991 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. All of these are in place to protect children from discrimination for their condition. Plus, any school that receives federal funding or is classified as being open to the public is required to accommodate the needs of diabetic children.
So what kinds of accommodations are required? One is to have the individual assessed for their particular case. It is also to take place at a reasonable time with as little disturbance in their normal school day as possible. This includes any participation they might have in school activities.
It is important for parents to know and understand that some day cares may not be able to handle the needs of diabetic children. They might not have the capability of administering the required snacks at the appropriate times. Plus, some day cares might not grant access to diabetic children because of their condition. While this is a blatant disregard for the law, it unfortunately still continues to occur.
Regardless if a child is in a day care or school setting there are certain provisions that have to be in place. For example, certain responsibilities have to be met by both parents and school personnel. Co-operation between both parties is necessary for the well-being of the child.
Some of the requirements that have to be available include:
the availability of snacks and meals at the appropriate times
plus, there has to be personnel who are adequately trained for blood sugar testing and what the results would indicate. They also need to be familiar with recognizing the symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia and the necessary treatment options for both
there has to be adequate storage for insulin and sufficient time for injections as prescribed by a physician
personnel must have the resources and ability to test for ketones and take the appropriate action if there is a problem with the levels
Although drug therapy can help, the real key to managing Type 2 diabetes in children is increasing exercise and decreasing sweets or carbohydrate portions.
To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments
Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.
Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverleigh_H_Piepers
When dealing with diabetes in children it was understood Type 1 diabetes which usually starts in childhood or adolescence (or early adult life) was the cause, now diabetes in children includes Type 2 diabetes.
Monitoring diabetes is something that requires constant supervision and making good, conscious decisions. But what about children who are at school? This can be a critical time for them with so many unhealthy choices available at lunch and the long days of classes. That's why it is important to make sure they plan ahead and the adults around them are prepared to act if a situation occurs.
The law has protected children since 1973 when Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act took effect. Since then, new legislation has been enacted including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1991 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. All of these are in place to protect children from discrimination for their condition. Plus, any school that receives federal funding or is classified as being open to the public is required to accommodate the needs of diabetic children.
So what kinds of accommodations are required? One is to have the individual assessed for their particular case. It is also to take place at a reasonable time with as little disturbance in their normal school day as possible. This includes any participation they might have in school activities.
It is important for parents to know and understand that some day cares may not be able to handle the needs of diabetic children. They might not have the capability of administering the required snacks at the appropriate times. Plus, some day cares might not grant access to diabetic children because of their condition. While this is a blatant disregard for the law, it unfortunately still continues to occur.
Regardless if a child is in a day care or school setting there are certain provisions that have to be in place. For example, certain responsibilities have to be met by both parents and school personnel. Co-operation between both parties is necessary for the well-being of the child.
Some of the requirements that have to be available include:
the availability of snacks and meals at the appropriate times
plus, there has to be personnel who are adequately trained for blood sugar testing and what the results would indicate. They also need to be familiar with recognizing the symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia and the necessary treatment options for both
there has to be adequate storage for insulin and sufficient time for injections as prescribed by a physician
personnel must have the resources and ability to test for ketones and take the appropriate action if there is a problem with the levels
Although drug therapy can help, the real key to managing Type 2 diabetes in children is increasing exercise and decreasing sweets or carbohydrate portions.
To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments
Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.
Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverleigh_H_Piepers
Friday, April 1, 2011
Type 2 Diabetes - Glucose Tolerance and Your Heart!
Traditionally the way diabetes has been diagnosed has been with fasting blood sugar. This makes a great deal of sense when dealing with Type 1 diabetes in which the pancreas is unable to make or release enough insulin to let sugar enter the cells and be broken down into energy.
In the case of Type 2 diabetes, however, the cause is different and the body's chemistry is different. In Type 2 diabetes, at least in its early stages, the pancreatic beta cells are able to produce insulin but the body's cells are insensitive to it. Consequently, insulin levels can actually be abnormally high. Blood pressure and heart rate can rise after an intravenous injection of insulin, even when the blood sugar concentration is kept the same with injections of sugar solution. This is probably due to an increase in the blood concentration of noradrenaline that accompanies an injection of insulin. Noradrenaline has to do with setting off the fight or flight response, which increases the heart rate.
A group of researchers in the Second Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Hematology and Rheumatology at the University of Ryukus Graduate School of Medicine in Okinawa, Japan, set out to discover whether glucose intolerance, caused by insensitivity to insulin, could be associated with heart disease in people with normal blood sugars. Results of their work were published the March edition of the journal Diabetes Care.
Two hundred and eighty-seven volunteers were recruited for the study. Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed and their hearts were examined by echocardiography. The left ventricle of the heart was of particular interest because it is the part that pumps blood out to the rest of the body. When blood pressure is high for too long the left ventricle grows overly large, its muscle growing inward to make the hollow space inside the ventricle too small to hold an adequate supply of blood. When that happens congestive heart failure can be the consequence. In congestive heart failure the blood backs up from the left ventricle, the pumping action of the heart becomes less and less powerful and fluid collects in the lungs.
This fluid in the lungs makes breathing difficult and is a medical emergency. Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for congestive heart failure.
It was found the volunteers with impaired glucose tolerance caused by insulin resistance, had worse left ventricular function than the volunteers who suffered with high blood sugar levels. Therefore it was concluded that impaired glucose tolerance was worse for the function of the left ventricle than high blood sugar levels.
It has long been known that normalizing your weight and exercising regularly are good for your heart, because less weight means less work for your heart and regular exercise gives your heart muscle the workout that all muscles need.
Now it would seem there is even more reason for exercising and losing fat for a healthy heart. Losing fat, especially belly fat, also helps to improve insulin sensitivity which is the basis for Type 2 diabetes.
To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments
Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions ... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.
Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverleigh_H_Piepers
In the case of Type 2 diabetes, however, the cause is different and the body's chemistry is different. In Type 2 diabetes, at least in its early stages, the pancreatic beta cells are able to produce insulin but the body's cells are insensitive to it. Consequently, insulin levels can actually be abnormally high. Blood pressure and heart rate can rise after an intravenous injection of insulin, even when the blood sugar concentration is kept the same with injections of sugar solution. This is probably due to an increase in the blood concentration of noradrenaline that accompanies an injection of insulin. Noradrenaline has to do with setting off the fight or flight response, which increases the heart rate.
A group of researchers in the Second Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Hematology and Rheumatology at the University of Ryukus Graduate School of Medicine in Okinawa, Japan, set out to discover whether glucose intolerance, caused by insensitivity to insulin, could be associated with heart disease in people with normal blood sugars. Results of their work were published the March edition of the journal Diabetes Care.
Two hundred and eighty-seven volunteers were recruited for the study. Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed and their hearts were examined by echocardiography. The left ventricle of the heart was of particular interest because it is the part that pumps blood out to the rest of the body. When blood pressure is high for too long the left ventricle grows overly large, its muscle growing inward to make the hollow space inside the ventricle too small to hold an adequate supply of blood. When that happens congestive heart failure can be the consequence. In congestive heart failure the blood backs up from the left ventricle, the pumping action of the heart becomes less and less powerful and fluid collects in the lungs.
This fluid in the lungs makes breathing difficult and is a medical emergency. Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for congestive heart failure.
It was found the volunteers with impaired glucose tolerance caused by insulin resistance, had worse left ventricular function than the volunteers who suffered with high blood sugar levels. Therefore it was concluded that impaired glucose tolerance was worse for the function of the left ventricle than high blood sugar levels.
It has long been known that normalizing your weight and exercising regularly are good for your heart, because less weight means less work for your heart and regular exercise gives your heart muscle the workout that all muscles need.
Now it would seem there is even more reason for exercising and losing fat for a healthy heart. Losing fat, especially belly fat, also helps to improve insulin sensitivity which is the basis for Type 2 diabetes.
To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments
Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions ... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.
Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverleigh_H_Piepers
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