Diabetes is a potentially life-threatening blood sugar disease that affects millions of people all over the globe. Unmanaged, it can cause serious injury to the body and mind. Most diabetics are restricted to the types of foods they can eat on a daily basis, although not all of those people are willing to adhere to the dietary specifications associated with the disease. As a matter of fact, there are a vast number of foods that contribute to diabetes, and worse is that they are often included in otherwise healthy meals.
Problems with Processed Grains
Certain items are not only high in sugar but are also foods that contribute to diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and metabolic syndrome among other things. According to the most recent studies, one of the top culprits for the bulk of these ailments seems to be nothing more than the consumption of highly processed grains. Foods such as white rice, bleached white bread or tortillas, white flour, and certain sugary cereals usually make their marks on the bodies of today’s susceptible diabetics more so than others.
Picking the Perfect Fruits and Vegetables
For the most part, fresh fruits and veggies are both low in fat and high in fiber. However, certain starchy foods in this category can contribute to diabetes in a big way. Starchy items such as bread, corn, grains (especially the ones mentioned above), and potatoes can sometimes cause an unhealthy spike in blood sugar levels. Although these items do not necessarily need to be avoided at all costs, they should still be seen for what they really are – foods that contribute to diabetes.
Say No to Sodium
Did you know that sodium is actually just as bad for diabetics as sugar is? It’s true; sodium can cause an unhealthy spike in blood pressure, which is pretty awful news for someone who is constantly monitoring their sugar levels and overall health. When you are diabetic, the last thing you need is to eat a bunch of foods that contribute to diabetes or that make it worse. To avoid this, try to stay away from foods that are high in sodium, especially if you already have high blood pressure.
*Note: Be sure to talk to your doctor or a nutritionist for more facts about foods that contribute to diabetes, as each and every person will have a different reaction to certain items.