Small Changes Make All The Difference For Diabetics
And Everyone Else Too!
Article contributed by Amanda Schlatt, Advanced Wellness Center, Columbus, OH
"According to the latest estimates, more than two million Canadians have diabetes. By the end of the decade, this number is expected to rise to three mil-lion. Previous research suggests that refined cereal products and foods with a high glycemic index (GI) may increase the risk of diabetes, while fruits, vege-tables and foods high in fiber may reduce diabetes risk.”
In fact, researchers in Australia studied the diets of 36,787 people over the course of four years and found that those consuming the most white bread, which has a very high GI, were 37% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than those with the least frequent white bread intake.
So, what is the glycemic index and how can small changes make a huge difference in our fight against di-abetes? The glycemic index (GI) is a way of ranking car-bohydrates that we consume by how much they affect our blood glucose levels. Food items with a high GI produce a high fluctuation in blood glucose, while low GI products produce a very small shift in glucose levels.
Why is this important? Although our body can handle these high fluctuations, it does take its toll. When blood glucose rises sharply and then plummets it takes your body to two extremes. Although our bodies are resilient, it is always a better to use them wisely than to wear them out.
Here are a few things you can do to help you consumer lower GI foods!
• Use breakfast cereals based on oats, barley and bran
• Use breads with whole grains, stone-ground flour, sour dough
• Reduce the amount of potatoes you eat
• Enjoy all other types of fruit and vegetables
• Use Basmati, Doongara or Japanese koshihi-kari rice
• Enjoy pasta, noodles, quinoa
• Eat plenty of salad vegetables with a vinai-grette dressing
When your body is working to its full potential it can utilize all of the healthy foods you put into it! Regular chiropractic adjustments keep the lines of communication open from your brain to your digestive organs. This will ensure the optimum absorption of nutrients in your digestive tract, as well as the elimination of waste products efficiently from your body. Healthy digestion and a healthy nerve system go hand in hand. Your body is amazing and has the ability to care for itself, so keep your brain communicating clearly with every cell in your body with lifetime Chiropractic care.