Controlling Diabetes through Diet
A person’s diet directly affects their health and this is especially true for individuals who have a pancreas that does not work correctly. Starches in the diet turn straight into sugars in the digestive tract and cause blood sugar levels to rise. By being careful what one eats, it is possible to control how much that sugar level in the blood rises. An individual that is pre-disposed to diabetic tendencies can structure a diet that includes more fruits and vegetables than starches or meats. The starchy foods, like breads, baked items, potatoes and breading on meats or vegetables raises blood sugar levels to very high levels, so the intake of these items needs to be restricted and more vegetables and fruits eaten to replace the foods that are too starchy.
Glycemic Index
The measure of blood sugar impact of a food is called the glycemic index. This index varies widely according to the type of sugar that is consumed. A good example of this varied measurement is found in palm sugar that has a low glycemic index of around 35, and table sugar or processed white sugar has a glycemic index of 64. Finding a replacement for sugar is important for diabetics or individuals that are border line diabetic. A natural sugar replacement can be found in the Stevia plant. The natural sugar in the plant that can be extracted for sweetener is called rebiana. Rebiana has no calories and is a zero on the glycemic index. This can be a boon for those who must restrict starches and sugars in their diet, though more research must be done on rebiana to find out how this substance will react over a long period of time.
Natural Sugars
Many people crave sugar and this is an indicator that something is missing in the essential nutrients that they need in their diet. By talking with a natural health care profession, the person may be able to find out what is lacking in the diet that is causing them to crave the sweets. Natural sugars, such as honey, are more easily processed than processed sugars and will not raise the glycemic index alarmingly high as the same amount of processed sugar would.
Are Sweeteners Necessary
Research has been done and it was found that once an individual cuts down on sugar laden food and drink, food that has a natural sweetness all of a sudden become very sweet to the individual that does not consume processed sugars. Once the palate adjusts to natural sugars, it was found that the foods containing processed sugars were too sweet.
If you or someone you know is in the numbers of the individuals that must watch their glycemic index, it is recommended that you speak with a clinical dietician that can help plan a diet that will keep the glycemic index down and the body strong and healthy.