Foods That Should Be Avoided by Diabetics to Lower Blood Sugar
0 comments Posted by deepti at 8:04 AMWhenever somebody is diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, the most significant coaching which they all have from their endocrinologist is to reduce the consumption of carbohydrates. No doubt how good the endocrinologist is, due to the time constraint he only mentions the name " carbohydrate" and do not put forth the details of the carbohydrates.
I am also not going into the history and geography of carbohydrates, well understanding your time constraints. After a brief review of complex and simple carbohydrates I will be listing here the food list which should be avoided to l your sugar levels. After thoroughly going through the below mentioned list you can be your own dietitian and plan your meals. These meal plans will help you in lowering and controlling the sugar levels.
Amazingly! When you finish reading this article, the control of your blood glucose will be in your own hand.
To start with, do you know what carbohydrates are? Carbohydrates are one of the essential sources of energy. Carbohydrates are classified as:-
Carbohydrate rich Fruits
I am also not going into the history and geography of carbohydrates, well understanding your time constraints. After a brief review of complex and simple carbohydrates I will be listing here the food list which should be avoided to l your sugar levels. After thoroughly going through the below mentioned list you can be your own dietitian and plan your meals. These meal plans will help you in lowering and controlling the sugar levels.
Amazingly! When you finish reading this article, the control of your blood glucose will be in your own hand.
To start with, do you know what carbohydrates are? Carbohydrates are one of the essential sources of energy. Carbohydrates are classified as:-
- Simple carbohydrates
- Complex carbohydrates
- Dietary fibers
Carbohydrate rich Fruits
- Apple
- Apricot
- Banana
- Blueberry
- Dates
- Fig
- Grapes
- Orange
- Pear
- Pineapple
- Raisins
- Strawberry
- Watermelon
- Carrot
- Corn
- Potato
- Sweet potato
- Bagel
- Barley
- Macaroni
- Muffins
- Oatmeal
- Pasta
- Spaghetti
- White bread
- White rice
- Whole wheat bread
- Cakes
- Candies
- Chocolate Milk
- Chocolates
- Dairy Products
- Pastries
- Sweets
- Table Sugar
Many people have found meditation to be a proven technique in helping them achieve success and happiness. It is especially relevant today, in our high tempo, high pressure lives. There's no better time to take time-out, meditate, and get back control and peace and happiness will follow.
Creating a special space for yourself is the first key step in meditation. This space will provide 3 important things:
Firstly...
It will become part of the focus for what you need and desire in your life. You will always associate your space with your clearly visualised goals. Whenever you enter this space, you will be in the correct frame of mind to invoke the relaxed meditation that you need.
Secondly...
This Space will be the source of your peaceful environment for the development of your intuition and spiritual awareness.
Lastly...
It will be a refuge for you. Whenever you need to gather strength, acquire peace, or rekindle your faith -- you can move into this Space, your oasis in a noisy world.
Your quiet space can be anywhere, but it must provide the right environment for your meditation. It should be quiet and free from disturbances. Try to choose a place that is uncluttered, or a space within a space that is clean and free from distractions.
Not everyone can have a space that they can set aside for this purpose. If you cannot, it does not matter, because you can choose any quiet place in which to meditate.
If you can have an exclusive place, you can adorn it with things that you feel will help you create the perfect ambiance for your meditation. Account for all the five senses when adorning this place. Something to see, feel, smell, taste and hear. Soft cushions, incense, wine and music.
If you have an exclusive place, you can create an altar to whatever size and shape you want. This altar will be a focus within a focus -- the focus of your Space. An altar can be a box over which a piece of silk or other cloth has been placed. It can be a table, or anything on which you can place your candles, crystals and other things that will help you meditate.
Place a crystal on your altar that has been left under moonlight for 20 minutes. Remember, an altar is not essential if you cannot have an exclusive place. There are no physical barriers to you meditating your way to achieving what you want in your life.
Choose a time when you know you won't be disturbed. Sit or lie down and close your eyes. Breathing gently, concentrate on each part of your body and relax it. Think of your feet and relax them -- let them feel heavy against the floor or the bed as the muscles in each foot relax. Do the same for the ankles, calves, knees, thighs, etc, working your way up to the top of your head.
When you are completely relaxed, visualise a white light entering you from above. This light is wisdom, energy and positive abundance coming to you. Let it fill you up.
Always give thanks for the abundance in your life.
Next, start to breathe deeply. Every time you exhale let all your stress be released in that breath, and see it drift away in your mind's eye. Imagine a place of peace and that you are there. Perhaps sitting on the banks of a small stream in a sun-bathed wood. It could be a garden where you once visited and which filled you with a feeling of peace and tranquillity. Try to get to that place in your mind where you felt relaxed and at peace with the world. If you can't think of a place, create that place in your mind, and revisit it in this quiet space of yours.
Spend some time in this tranquil place, and listen. Don't ask of it questions, simply let answers come to you. Some answers will be to questions you had not thought of. Some answers will end a long-standing uncertainty. Answers may come to you immediately, or they may come later, when you least expect them.
Use your imagination to see yourself with everything that will make you happy and content. Feel the excitement well up inside you as you experience that which you desire the most. These feelings should be the same feelings of excitement, comfort, security and gratitude that you will feel when you get what you want in your life.
Creating a special space for yourself is the first key step in meditation. This space will provide 3 important things:
Firstly...
It will become part of the focus for what you need and desire in your life. You will always associate your space with your clearly visualised goals. Whenever you enter this space, you will be in the correct frame of mind to invoke the relaxed meditation that you need.
Secondly...
This Space will be the source of your peaceful environment for the development of your intuition and spiritual awareness.
Lastly...
It will be a refuge for you. Whenever you need to gather strength, acquire peace, or rekindle your faith -- you can move into this Space, your oasis in a noisy world.
Your quiet space can be anywhere, but it must provide the right environment for your meditation. It should be quiet and free from disturbances. Try to choose a place that is uncluttered, or a space within a space that is clean and free from distractions.
Not everyone can have a space that they can set aside for this purpose. If you cannot, it does not matter, because you can choose any quiet place in which to meditate.
If you can have an exclusive place, you can adorn it with things that you feel will help you create the perfect ambiance for your meditation. Account for all the five senses when adorning this place. Something to see, feel, smell, taste and hear. Soft cushions, incense, wine and music.
If you have an exclusive place, you can create an altar to whatever size and shape you want. This altar will be a focus within a focus -- the focus of your Space. An altar can be a box over which a piece of silk or other cloth has been placed. It can be a table, or anything on which you can place your candles, crystals and other things that will help you meditate.
Place a crystal on your altar that has been left under moonlight for 20 minutes. Remember, an altar is not essential if you cannot have an exclusive place. There are no physical barriers to you meditating your way to achieving what you want in your life.
Choose a time when you know you won't be disturbed. Sit or lie down and close your eyes. Breathing gently, concentrate on each part of your body and relax it. Think of your feet and relax them -- let them feel heavy against the floor or the bed as the muscles in each foot relax. Do the same for the ankles, calves, knees, thighs, etc, working your way up to the top of your head.
When you are completely relaxed, visualise a white light entering you from above. This light is wisdom, energy and positive abundance coming to you. Let it fill you up.
Always give thanks for the abundance in your life.
Next, start to breathe deeply. Every time you exhale let all your stress be released in that breath, and see it drift away in your mind's eye. Imagine a place of peace and that you are there. Perhaps sitting on the banks of a small stream in a sun-bathed wood. It could be a garden where you once visited and which filled you with a feeling of peace and tranquillity. Try to get to that place in your mind where you felt relaxed and at peace with the world. If you can't think of a place, create that place in your mind, and revisit it in this quiet space of yours.
Spend some time in this tranquil place, and listen. Don't ask of it questions, simply let answers come to you. Some answers will be to questions you had not thought of. Some answers will end a long-standing uncertainty. Answers may come to you immediately, or they may come later, when you least expect them.
Use your imagination to see yourself with everything that will make you happy and content. Feel the excitement well up inside you as you experience that which you desire the most. These feelings should be the same feelings of excitement, comfort, security and gratitude that you will feel when you get what you want in your life.
Meditation has long been an integral part of Eastern mysticism with the discipline enjoying growing popularity in the West as more people discover its benefits on both mind and body. Meditation can take a variety of forms but essentially involves withdrawing attention from the physical senses while trying to quieten the chattering noise of consciousness.
There has been much interest of late in the subject of abundance, indeed the self-help shelves are chock full of titles on the topic. The principle of abundance says the universe consists of plentiful supply just waiting to be claimed by those who ask.
This meditation combines the mental and physical benefits of an altered state with a training of the mind to promote abundance-attracting behavior. You can either memorize the words, repeating them internally to yourself, or read them onto a tape (changing "I" to "you") to be listened to at the appropriate time.
Find a place and time when you won't be disturbed. If you live with others you might choose a time when they are otherwise engaged. Or you can just negotiate some "me" time in which you'll be left alone.
Get comfortable. Sit or lie down, as you prefer; if you find you easily fall asleep it's probably best to sit. You might want to play some gentle (eg new age) background music, or silence may work best for you.
Begin by focusing on your breath. Breathe deeply, slowly and steadily - in and out. Feel the breath going deep into your abdomen. Do this 10 or 20 times or so.
Focus on each part of your body in turn, relaxing them completely. Focus on your toes and work up. Focus on your soles, heels, ankles, calves, knees, thighs, hips, abdomen, solar plexus, chest, shoulders, upper arms, elbows, lower arms, hands, fingers, neck, head.
Enjoy being in a state of complete relaxation for a few moments. Then say the following words to yourself or listen to the tape you recorded:
I am a unique individual, a Spiritual being undertaking an incredible adventure in the magnificent realm of the physical universe.
The world I currently inhabit is truly amazing. I experience its magnificence every time I contemplate the sheer size and scale of the galaxies, stars and planets. And when I observe the beauty of nature, or the complexity of the living ecosystems of which I am a part here on planet earth.
In its relatively short existence the creativity and ingenuity of humankind has made enormous progress in accelerating nature's work by shaping her raw materials inventions capable of enhancing the quality of this experience we call life.
The world I inhabit has abundant supply. More than enough for everyone to enjoy a life of unlimited plenty, for the universe in unlimited in its capacity to supply.
As a part of the original creative source I have the God-given right to enjoy all that I desire. I know that abundance is not only about material things, but also, and more importantly, about love, friendship, good health, purpose, fulfillment and Spiritual growth. In all of these areas too I am entitled to, and will receive, plentitude.
I know that it's not wrong to desire abundance for myself and my loved ones, because with abundance I am more empowered to promote the Spiritual growth of myself and others, which is the very purpose of my being.
In order to achieve I must first conceive. Therefore I now take a few moments to visualize my future abundance. I see my abundance in detail; the kind of house I'll live in, my business or job, the food I'll eat, the clothes I'll wear, the car I'll drive...
Whatever it is I desire I now see it as clearly as though it's already mine. And I know that it is already mine, just like a house I've taken title to but have yet to pick up the keys. The abundance I desire is already mine.
Each time I meditate on abundance, so my imaging becomes cleaner and more detailed. And I move closer to realizing the abundance that is already mine.
I hold the image for a few moments more.
I make the image an ever-present part of my psyche. It remains with me throughout my daily life.
I know that the infinite powers of Spirit and the physical universe are already moving to realize my abundance. And in turn my thoughts and actions align themselves with the realization of my abundance.
To return to waking consciousness, count back from 20 to 1. Take a few more deep breaths and stretch your arms and legs. You may find a drink of water or a light snack helpful in returning your attention to the physical realm.
Practice the meditation often, ideally every day, but at least 2-3 times a week. Feel free to change the words to better suit your circumstances, personality or desires; or to reflect the abundance that starts to appear in your life.
There has been much interest of late in the subject of abundance, indeed the self-help shelves are chock full of titles on the topic. The principle of abundance says the universe consists of plentiful supply just waiting to be claimed by those who ask.
This meditation combines the mental and physical benefits of an altered state with a training of the mind to promote abundance-attracting behavior. You can either memorize the words, repeating them internally to yourself, or read them onto a tape (changing "I" to "you") to be listened to at the appropriate time.
Find a place and time when you won't be disturbed. If you live with others you might choose a time when they are otherwise engaged. Or you can just negotiate some "me" time in which you'll be left alone.
Get comfortable. Sit or lie down, as you prefer; if you find you easily fall asleep it's probably best to sit. You might want to play some gentle (eg new age) background music, or silence may work best for you.
Begin by focusing on your breath. Breathe deeply, slowly and steadily - in and out. Feel the breath going deep into your abdomen. Do this 10 or 20 times or so.
Focus on each part of your body in turn, relaxing them completely. Focus on your toes and work up. Focus on your soles, heels, ankles, calves, knees, thighs, hips, abdomen, solar plexus, chest, shoulders, upper arms, elbows, lower arms, hands, fingers, neck, head.
Enjoy being in a state of complete relaxation for a few moments. Then say the following words to yourself or listen to the tape you recorded:
I am a unique individual, a Spiritual being undertaking an incredible adventure in the magnificent realm of the physical universe.
The world I currently inhabit is truly amazing. I experience its magnificence every time I contemplate the sheer size and scale of the galaxies, stars and planets. And when I observe the beauty of nature, or the complexity of the living ecosystems of which I am a part here on planet earth.
In its relatively short existence the creativity and ingenuity of humankind has made enormous progress in accelerating nature's work by shaping her raw materials inventions capable of enhancing the quality of this experience we call life.
The world I inhabit has abundant supply. More than enough for everyone to enjoy a life of unlimited plenty, for the universe in unlimited in its capacity to supply.
As a part of the original creative source I have the God-given right to enjoy all that I desire. I know that abundance is not only about material things, but also, and more importantly, about love, friendship, good health, purpose, fulfillment and Spiritual growth. In all of these areas too I am entitled to, and will receive, plentitude.
I know that it's not wrong to desire abundance for myself and my loved ones, because with abundance I am more empowered to promote the Spiritual growth of myself and others, which is the very purpose of my being.
In order to achieve I must first conceive. Therefore I now take a few moments to visualize my future abundance. I see my abundance in detail; the kind of house I'll live in, my business or job, the food I'll eat, the clothes I'll wear, the car I'll drive...
Whatever it is I desire I now see it as clearly as though it's already mine. And I know that it is already mine, just like a house I've taken title to but have yet to pick up the keys. The abundance I desire is already mine.
Each time I meditate on abundance, so my imaging becomes cleaner and more detailed. And I move closer to realizing the abundance that is already mine.
I hold the image for a few moments more.
I make the image an ever-present part of my psyche. It remains with me throughout my daily life.
I know that the infinite powers of Spirit and the physical universe are already moving to realize my abundance. And in turn my thoughts and actions align themselves with the realization of my abundance.
To return to waking consciousness, count back from 20 to 1. Take a few more deep breaths and stretch your arms and legs. You may find a drink of water or a light snack helpful in returning your attention to the physical realm.
Practice the meditation often, ideally every day, but at least 2-3 times a week. Feel free to change the words to better suit your circumstances, personality or desires; or to reflect the abundance that starts to appear in your life.
Basic meditation will improve your focus, make you a happier person, and greatly reduce the stress in your life. And this ancient practice is actually quite easy to learn and apply.
There are many different forms of meditation. This practice is thousands of years old and has been used by warriors, monks, artists, and visionaries since the beginning of history to achieve great peace and focus.
But the really great news is anyone, including you, can very easily learn basic meditation. And once you begin this powerful but simple practice your life will likely change in ways you never imagined possible.
The simplest way to describe meditation is to say it is the practice of sitting still and doing nothing. Quite literally this practice is about sitting comfortably in a quiet room, relaxing completely and allowing your mind to be totally free.
The most basic meditation is the watching of your breath. To perform this exercise you simply find a comfortable spot away from any distractions, sit cross-legged on the floor, and completely allow your hips and shoulders to relax.
It's best to sit in a room with a closed door. And by all means if you need to place a pillow underneath you to support your back do so.
Once you are in position and have allowed your body to relax, close your eyes. Be very aware of the darkness as you look into your closed eyelids.
After a moment of relaxing into the darkness, allow your attention gently to find your breath. Become aware of your lungs as they inhale, as they pause briefly, as they push the air back out, and finally as they begin the cycle again.
Make no effort to control or change your breathing, and allow your body to find whatever rhythm it wants in the moment. Sometimes your breathing will be very slow and deep. Other times your lungs will work more quickly and will not pull the air in quite as deeply. Accept your breathing for what it is and simply watch it.
There are many specific breathing exercises you can learn to develop the proper lung function, but those should be practiced separately from your meditation sessions.
As you watch your breath rise and fall you allow your mind to rest from the constant forced thinking and internal chatter it endures throughout the day. Releasing your mind from its daily work on a regular basic will change the way your body works, and it will change the way you think.
Meditating for as little as three to five minutes each day is a great start. As your body and mind become more comfortable with the routine you can extend this to ten, fifteen, or twenty minutes.
Most people in today's chaotic society do not experience relaxation on this profound, intentional level. You may be surprised by the increased focus, heightened awareness, improved patience, and greater sense of happiness and personal power you begin to experience after only a few weeks.
It's difficult to attain a purely intellectual understanding of how basic meditation can produce these amazing results. And to be honest most traditional schools of thought avoid clouding the experience with excessive analysis and debate.
Once you understand how to experience basic meditation you should not bother with the details of how this practice actually causes the positive changes you begin to notice. Just be grateful you have welcomed these changes into your life and continue to meditate.
There are many different forms of meditation. This practice is thousands of years old and has been used by warriors, monks, artists, and visionaries since the beginning of history to achieve great peace and focus.
But the really great news is anyone, including you, can very easily learn basic meditation. And once you begin this powerful but simple practice your life will likely change in ways you never imagined possible.
The simplest way to describe meditation is to say it is the practice of sitting still and doing nothing. Quite literally this practice is about sitting comfortably in a quiet room, relaxing completely and allowing your mind to be totally free.
The most basic meditation is the watching of your breath. To perform this exercise you simply find a comfortable spot away from any distractions, sit cross-legged on the floor, and completely allow your hips and shoulders to relax.
It's best to sit in a room with a closed door. And by all means if you need to place a pillow underneath you to support your back do so.
Once you are in position and have allowed your body to relax, close your eyes. Be very aware of the darkness as you look into your closed eyelids.
After a moment of relaxing into the darkness, allow your attention gently to find your breath. Become aware of your lungs as they inhale, as they pause briefly, as they push the air back out, and finally as they begin the cycle again.
Make no effort to control or change your breathing, and allow your body to find whatever rhythm it wants in the moment. Sometimes your breathing will be very slow and deep. Other times your lungs will work more quickly and will not pull the air in quite as deeply. Accept your breathing for what it is and simply watch it.
There are many specific breathing exercises you can learn to develop the proper lung function, but those should be practiced separately from your meditation sessions.
As you watch your breath rise and fall you allow your mind to rest from the constant forced thinking and internal chatter it endures throughout the day. Releasing your mind from its daily work on a regular basic will change the way your body works, and it will change the way you think.
Meditating for as little as three to five minutes each day is a great start. As your body and mind become more comfortable with the routine you can extend this to ten, fifteen, or twenty minutes.
Most people in today's chaotic society do not experience relaxation on this profound, intentional level. You may be surprised by the increased focus, heightened awareness, improved patience, and greater sense of happiness and personal power you begin to experience after only a few weeks.
It's difficult to attain a purely intellectual understanding of how basic meditation can produce these amazing results. And to be honest most traditional schools of thought avoid clouding the experience with excessive analysis and debate.
Once you understand how to experience basic meditation you should not bother with the details of how this practice actually causes the positive changes you begin to notice. Just be grateful you have welcomed these changes into your life and continue to meditate.
Did you know that sore gums, which also bleed, could be an indication that you might have a heart attack? Surprised? It is true. Medical information states that bleeding gums, which is caused by an infection of a certain bacteria that thrives in your mouth as a result of poor hygiene, will cause a heart attack. This is stunning news, as people normally tend to ignore gums problems. Your dentist would advise you to increase the number of daily brushings, as well as recommending that you take adequate supplements of vitamins C and D, as well as the coenzyme Q10.
There is more to the bleeding of gums than the scare of loosing teeth, according to some medical reports. It seems that the same bacteria that cause your gums to bleed could be the same that causes heart attacks. Who would have thought that irregularly brushing your teeth or neglecting a gum inflammation could have such serious repercussions? This is reason enough for anyone to sit up and take adequate measures to prevent gum disease before it becomes a serious health problem.
In view of the seriousness of the situation, you need to learn to recognize the symptoms of gum disease, which usually starts with simple signs like sore gums, oral tissue inflammation and bleeding gums, among others. If you already suffer from such problems, then try treating it at home by increasing the frequency of your brushings, as well as flossing. You would also need to take vitamin supplements, plus a special compound known as coenzyme 10. Most likely, these measures will have your gums healthy in no time. However, in case it does not, you need to make a dental appointment and follow whatever treatment the dentist prescribes.
Who would have connected tooth loss with a heart attack? Amazing as it sounds, it looks like this is true. Ever since it was discovered that the bacteria that causes bleeding gums also causes heart attacks, gum disease treatments have become a high priority. However, instead of looking for treatment, it is always better to look for ways to prevent such a disease, which means better oral hygiene, a better diet and adequate intake of vitamin and coenzyme supplements. Often, all it takes to maintain proper oral health is brushing twice daily, followed by careful flossing.
There is more to the bleeding of gums than the scare of loosing teeth, according to some medical reports. It seems that the same bacteria that cause your gums to bleed could be the same that causes heart attacks. Who would have thought that irregularly brushing your teeth or neglecting a gum inflammation could have such serious repercussions? This is reason enough for anyone to sit up and take adequate measures to prevent gum disease before it becomes a serious health problem.
In view of the seriousness of the situation, you need to learn to recognize the symptoms of gum disease, which usually starts with simple signs like sore gums, oral tissue inflammation and bleeding gums, among others. If you already suffer from such problems, then try treating it at home by increasing the frequency of your brushings, as well as flossing. You would also need to take vitamin supplements, plus a special compound known as coenzyme 10. Most likely, these measures will have your gums healthy in no time. However, in case it does not, you need to make a dental appointment and follow whatever treatment the dentist prescribes.
Who would have connected tooth loss with a heart attack? Amazing as it sounds, it looks like this is true. Ever since it was discovered that the bacteria that causes bleeding gums also causes heart attacks, gum disease treatments have become a high priority. However, instead of looking for treatment, it is always better to look for ways to prevent such a disease, which means better oral hygiene, a better diet and adequate intake of vitamin and coenzyme supplements. Often, all it takes to maintain proper oral health is brushing twice daily, followed by careful flossing.
Have you noticed lately that there are so many commercials on TV about medications? I'm guessing but it must be 20% or more of the TV commercials. The most disturbing part of the commercial is at the end when the side effects are read off (sometimes very rapidly). Some of those effects I would not wish on my worst enemy!
The simple facts are that most medications may cause some pretty drastic complications. The pharmaceuticals realize that and do inform the public, yet the public is quick to adopt medical solutions to high cholesterol levels. I think this is something to worry about.
There is a simpler, less disturbing way. I've advocated the use of natural foods to lower cholesterol - a natural solution. The problem is most of the public has embraced fatty fast food high in sodium and sugars. Processed food may have additives that cause similar effects. These could be called 'unnatural foods'. They may taste great, but they come with many ingredients that are not good for you.
People eat way too much of the unnatural foods causing their arteries to clog up with saturated fats and increasing their levels of blood cholesterol. It's no wonder we have high cholesterol and diabetes running rampant in our society.
All these sugars and fats help to add to our waistlines and we see a growing number of obese people walking around. Over 60% of adults are overweight. We have a heavy population. Heart health is down in an era where we have the means to prevent heart disease altogether.
It's not only adults that are overweight now we see it in children. Recently it was proposed that doctors should screen 8 year old children and if they have high cholesterol they should be given statin drugs to lower it, so that later on in life they will not have to face heart disease related problems.
Many children can be classified as obese. There are cases of type 2 diabetes in children. And there are nutritionists recommending that children be taught what a proper healthy diet is and get them away from junk food.
If we look back at what early man ate, we see that he ate the natural foods around him. At that time our physiologies were adapting to these healthy foods. When it comes right down to it - natural foods are our foods. They protect us from a whole host of diseases.
Fortunately, natural foods are still available to us. The frozen foods and produce sections of your local supermarket contain all the natural foods a person could ever want. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain many nutrients which will protect our hearts and arteries from hardening of the arteries (artherosclerosis). A daily diet containing these foods will remove us from harm's way and prevent a lot of chronic ailments.
The simple facts are that most medications may cause some pretty drastic complications. The pharmaceuticals realize that and do inform the public, yet the public is quick to adopt medical solutions to high cholesterol levels. I think this is something to worry about.
There is a simpler, less disturbing way. I've advocated the use of natural foods to lower cholesterol - a natural solution. The problem is most of the public has embraced fatty fast food high in sodium and sugars. Processed food may have additives that cause similar effects. These could be called 'unnatural foods'. They may taste great, but they come with many ingredients that are not good for you.
People eat way too much of the unnatural foods causing their arteries to clog up with saturated fats and increasing their levels of blood cholesterol. It's no wonder we have high cholesterol and diabetes running rampant in our society.
All these sugars and fats help to add to our waistlines and we see a growing number of obese people walking around. Over 60% of adults are overweight. We have a heavy population. Heart health is down in an era where we have the means to prevent heart disease altogether.
It's not only adults that are overweight now we see it in children. Recently it was proposed that doctors should screen 8 year old children and if they have high cholesterol they should be given statin drugs to lower it, so that later on in life they will not have to face heart disease related problems.
Many children can be classified as obese. There are cases of type 2 diabetes in children. And there are nutritionists recommending that children be taught what a proper healthy diet is and get them away from junk food.
If we look back at what early man ate, we see that he ate the natural foods around him. At that time our physiologies were adapting to these healthy foods. When it comes right down to it - natural foods are our foods. They protect us from a whole host of diseases.
Fortunately, natural foods are still available to us. The frozen foods and produce sections of your local supermarket contain all the natural foods a person could ever want. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain many nutrients which will protect our hearts and arteries from hardening of the arteries (artherosclerosis). A daily diet containing these foods will remove us from harm's way and prevent a lot of chronic ailments.
High cholesterol is a condition that can be treated one of two ways; through lifestyle changes based on diet and exercise and in more extreme cases with prescription drugs used in conjunction with the first two. No matter the ways used to lower cholesterol not taking care of the problem creates dangers that can be life threatening. Raised cholesterol levels can lead to atherosclerosis (a hardening of the arteries), which puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke.
If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol here are 5 ways you can lower your levels without the use of prescription drugs.
1. Eat a healthy diet - Your diet has a large impact on your cholesterol levels. A diet low in Trans fats and saturated fats is key because these two substances are the biggest contributor to high blood cholesterol levels. This change alone can have a large impact on what you levels do.
2. Start exercising - Exercise builds up your cardiovascular system which is essential to reversing the dangerous effects caused by high cholesterol.
3. Quit smoking - Smoking accelerates the rate at which dangerous plaques build up in your arteries. These plaques block the flow of blood causing your heart to work harder and raising your blood pressure. This can cause a heart attack or if a plaque breaks loose it can cause a clot and a stroke.
4. Reduce stress - Learning to relax can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Stress can contribute to high levels of cholesterol even when you are eating a low fat low cholesterol diet.
5. Visit with your doctor - As more is learned about cholesterol and its effects on your health doctors are becoming more in tune with the proper way to treat this dangerous problem. Most doctors will recommend changes in diet and exercise before they prescribe cholesterol lowering medications. In more extreme cases drugs will be prescribed along with lifestyle changes. In many cases once your cholesterol is under control there is a good chance that medications can be discontinued.
If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol here are 5 ways you can lower your levels without the use of prescription drugs.
1. Eat a healthy diet - Your diet has a large impact on your cholesterol levels. A diet low in Trans fats and saturated fats is key because these two substances are the biggest contributor to high blood cholesterol levels. This change alone can have a large impact on what you levels do.
2. Start exercising - Exercise builds up your cardiovascular system which is essential to reversing the dangerous effects caused by high cholesterol.
3. Quit smoking - Smoking accelerates the rate at which dangerous plaques build up in your arteries. These plaques block the flow of blood causing your heart to work harder and raising your blood pressure. This can cause a heart attack or if a plaque breaks loose it can cause a clot and a stroke.
4. Reduce stress - Learning to relax can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Stress can contribute to high levels of cholesterol even when you are eating a low fat low cholesterol diet.
5. Visit with your doctor - As more is learned about cholesterol and its effects on your health doctors are becoming more in tune with the proper way to treat this dangerous problem. Most doctors will recommend changes in diet and exercise before they prescribe cholesterol lowering medications. In more extreme cases drugs will be prescribed along with lifestyle changes. In many cases once your cholesterol is under control there is a good chance that medications can be discontinued.
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