Healthy Diet

20 Vegetables Low in Carbs

Despite being rich in minerals, vitamins, and other important nutrients, vegetables are low in carbs. Additionally, vegetables are ideal for low-carb diets because they are high in fiber yet low in carbs.

There is a wide variation in the definition of low carb. While some go as low as 20 grams per day most are under 150 grams of carbs per day. It is always a great idea to eat more vegetables whether you are on a low-carb diet or not.

Here is a list of some of the 20 best low-carb vegetables to include in your diet:

Bell Peppers

They are incredibly nutritious and they are also known as capsicums or sweet peppers. They may help reduce inflammation, decrease cancer risk and protect cholesterol and fats from oxidative damage thanks to the antioxidants they contain known as carotenoids.

9 grams of carbs, 3 of which are fiber are contained in one cup (149 grams) of chopped red pepper. A whopping 317% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) of vitamin C, which is often lacking on very low-carb diets, and 93% of the RDI vitamin A, are provided.

Although their antioxidants may vary, there are similar nutrient profiles in green, orange, and yellow bell peppers.

Broccoli

A true superfood is a broccoli. Radishes, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprout are among the members of the cruciferous vegetable family to which broccoli also belongs.

Insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes may be reduced by broccoli as shown in studies.

Additionally, several types of cancer, including prostate cancer may be prevented by taking broccoli as thought. 6 grams of carbs, 2 of which are fiber are contained in one cup (91 grams) of raw broccoli. Lastly, more than 100% of the RDI for vitamin C and K and also provided in broccoli.

Asparagus

A tasty springtime veggie is asparagus.8 grams of carbs, 4 of which are fiber are contained in one cup (180 grams) of cooked asparagus. Additionally, an excellent quantity of vitamins A, C, and K are also found in asparagus hence making it an excellent source for them. Keeping your diabetes symptoms under control might be aided by adding asparagus to your diet according to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

You will also get the following when you make a point of eating asparagus often:

High levels of folate. Up to 60 percent of your recommended daily allowance of folacin can be delivered in one 5.3-ounce serving of asparagus. The production of red blood cells and cell division both benefit from the vitamin folate.

Low in calories and with countless nutrients. Just to name a few, asparagus features vitamins B6, A, and K, thiamin, and fiber.
Excellent source of antioxidants. Apart from the antioxidants known as flavonoids and polyphenols, asparagus is also featuring high quantities of vitamin C and E. Reduction of chronic disease and prevention of the accumulation of free radicals have been shown to be done by antioxidants.

Can improve digestive health. Having a regular bowel movement is supported by the insoluble fiber included in asparagus, which gives feces more volume. Small amounts of soluble fiber are also present, which dissolves in water and produces a gel-like substance in the digestive tract.

Lots of minerals. From this vegetable, you will get a bit of manganese, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium apart from it being known for its high iron and copper content. Additionally, potassium is vital for treating diabetes it can also help in lowering blood pressure.

Mushrooms

There are very few carbohydrates in mushrooms. Just 2 grams of carbs, one of which is fiber is contained in a one-cup (70-gram) serving of raw, white mushrooms.

Moreover, strong anti-inflammatory properties have been shown in mushrooms. There were significant improvements in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory markers in a study in men with metabolic syndrome, who ate 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of white mushrooms for 16 weeks.

Zucchini

The most common type of summer squash and a popular vegetable is zucchini. Summer squash features long soft skin that can be eaten.

Winter squash, on the other hand, is higher in carbohydrates than summer kinds and comes in a variety of shapes with wonderful skin.

4 grams of carbs, one of which is fiber are contained in one cup (124 grams) of raw zucchini. It is a good source of vitamin C as well. supplying each dish with 35% of the RDI. Similar to zucchini, yellow Italian squash and other summer squash varieties have nutrient profiles and carb counts.

Spinach

Major health benefits are provided with this leafy green vegetable known as spinach. DNA damage can be reduced by spinach as reported by researchers.

Besides, the risk of common eye diseases such as cataracts and muscular degeneration may be reduced by spinach apart from protecting heart health. Several vitamins and minerals are also found in spinach in excellent quantity.

More than 10 times the RDI for vitamin K is provided in one cup (180 grams) of cooked spinach.

Further, carbs become more concentrated as the leaves are cooked down and lose their volume despite spinach being low in carbs. For example, 7 grams of carbs with 4 grams of fiber are contained in one cup of cooked spinach while one gram of carb with almost one gram of fiber is contained in one cup of raw spinach.

Avocados

Avocados are a distinct and delectable meal. Typically, avocados are consumed as vegetables despite them being technically a fruit. Very few digestible carbs and high-fat content is found in avocados. 13 grams of carbs, 10 of which are fiber are contained in one cup (150-gram) serving of chopped avocados.

Further, a type of monounsaturated fat that has beneficial effects on health known as oleic acid is found in high quantities in avocados. LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels can be lowered with the help of avocados as per the findings from small studies.

Furthermore, potassium, folate, and vitamin C are found in excellent quantities in avocados. Avocados may be beneficial for weight management despite being a fairly high-calorie food.

There was a reported fuller feeling and less desire to eat for eating over the next five hours in overweight people who included half an avocado in their lunch in one study.

Cauliflower

One of the most versatile and popular low-carb vegetables is cauliflower. It can be used as a substitute for higher-cab foods such as rice, potatoes, and many more, plus it features a very mild taste. 5 grams of carbs, 3 of which are fiber are contained in one cup (100 grams) of raw cauliflower.

It also contains significant amounts of vitamin K and 77% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. reduced risk of heart disease and cancer are associated with cauliflower just like other cruciferous vegetables.

Green Beans

String beans or snap beans are the other names given to green beans at times. Along with beans and lentils, they are a member of the legume family.

Compared to most legumes, they have significantly fewer carbs. 10 grams of carbs, 4 of which are fiber are contained in one cup (125-gram) serving of cooked green beans.

Additionally, chlorophyll may help protect against cancer as suggested in animal studies and chlorophyll is found in high quantities in green beans. Improved brain function during aging is associated with carotenoids which are contained in green beans.

Lettuce

One of the lowest carb-vegetables is lettuce. 2 grams of carb, one of which is fiber are contained in one cup (47 grams) of lettuce. It may also be a good source of certain vitamins depending on the type.

Romaine and other dark-green varieties are rich in vitamins A, C, and K for instance. A compound linked to an increase in heart disease called homocysteine can be reduced in levels by the high folate in lettuce.

Compared to a low folate diet, one study in 37 women showed that consuming foods high in folate for five weeks reduced homocysteine levels by 13%.

Garlic

The immune system benefits from the consumption of garlic. Resistance to the common cold and decreased pressure may be boosted by garlic found in studies.

Due to garlic’s strong taste and aroma, in one sitting, the amount typically consumed is very low despite it being a high-carb vegetable by weight. One gram of carbs, part of which is fiber is contained in one clove (3 grams) of garlic.

Kale

In addition to being a popular vegetable, kale is also quite nutrient-dense. Quercetin and kaempferol are some of the leaded nutrients its features.

Protection against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases may be aided by kale apart from lowering blood pressure as has been shown. 7 grams of carbs, one of which is fiber is contained in one cup (67 grams) of raw kale. An impressive 206% of the RDI for vitamin A and 134% of the RDI for vitamin C is also provided by kale.

Improved immune function and increased skin ability to fight damaging free radicals, which can speed up the aging process can be done by a high intake of vitamin C as it has been shown

Cucumbers

Apart from being refreshing, cucumbers are also low in carbs. 4 grams of carbs, less than 1 gram of which is fiber are contained in one cup (104 grams) of chopped cucumber.

Cucurbitacin E, a compound that may have beneficial effects on health is found in cucumbers despite it being very high in minerals or vitamins.

Moreover, it may protect brain health because of its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties as per results from test-tube and animal studies.

Brussels Sprouts

Another tasty cruciferous vegetable is Brussel Sprouts. 6 grams of carb, 2 of which are fiber are contained in a half-cup (78-gram) serving of cooked Brussels sprouts.

Additionally, 137% of the RDI for vitamin K and 80% of the RDI for vitamin C are provided by this vegetable. Risk factors for cancer, including colon cancer may be reduced by eating Brussels sprouts as controlled human studies suggest.

Celery

Digestive carbohydrates are incredibly scarce in celery. 3 grams of carbs, 2 of which are fiber are contained in one cup (101-gram) serving of chopped celery. With 37% of the RDI for vitamin K, it is a good source of that vitamin.

Further, an antioxidant that shows potential for both preventing and helping treat cancer known as luteolin is contained in celery.

Radishes

Radishes are a type of Brassica vegetable that has a peppery, sharp flavor. 4 grams of carbs, 2 of which are fiber are contained in one cup (116 grams) of raw sliced radishes.

With 29% of the RDI, they are fairly high in vitamin C. The risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women may be reduced by radishes by modifying the way the body metabolizes estrogen.

Onions

One of the nutritious and pungent vegetables is onions. Because of onions’ robust flavor of onions, they are usually consumed in small amounts despite being fairly high in carbs by weight.

6 grams of carbs, one of which is fiber are contained in a half cup (58 grams) of sliced raw onions. Eating red onions reduced LDL cholesterol levels in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as per foundlings in one study.

Eggplant

In many Italian and Asian dishes, a common vegetable is an eggplant. 8 grams of carbs, 2 of which are fiber are contained in a one-cup (99-gram) serving of chopped, cooked eggplant.

Lowering cholesterol and improving other markers of health may be aided by eggplant as suggested by animal research despite it not being very high in most vitamins and minerals.

The purple pigment of its skin known as nasunin contains antioxidants. Free radicals may be reduced by nasunin while also protecting your brain health as reported by researchers.

Cabbage

The health advantages of cabbage are remarkable. The risk of certain cancers including esophageal and stomach cancer can be reduced with help of cabbage as a cruciferous vegetable.

5 grams of carbs, 3 of which are fiber are contained in one cup (89 grams) of chopped raw cabbage. Additionally, it offers 85% of the RDI for vitamin K and 54% of the RDI for vitamin C.

Artichokes

Apart from being delicious, Artichokes are also nutritious. 14 grams of carbs are contained in one medium-sized globe artichoke (120 grams) but it is very low in digestible (net) carbs since 10 grams come from fiber.

Inulin, which functions as a prebiotic and feeds beneficial gut flora, makes up a portion of the fiber. What’s more, artichokes may protect heart health.

A reduction in inflammatory markers and improvement in blood vessel function was experienced when people with high cholesterol drank artichoke juice in one study.

The Bottom Line

Vegetables that can be included in a diabetic low-carb diet are many. They may reduce your risk of various diseases and improve your overall health and well-being in addition to being low in carbs and calories.

Essential Oils for Diabetes

Carious symptoms and complications can be brought by the way the body produces and uses insulin, which is affected by diabetes. Treatment with essential oils or aromatherapy may help as believed by some.

Essential Oils, Aromatherapy, and Diabetes

What are Essential Oils?

Concentrated compounds extracted from plants that contain oil are these oils. The scents, flavor, and other properties of the plant, which are the essence of a plant are captured. “Oil of whatever plant it is extracted from”, or ethereal oils is another name for essential oils. Oil of bergamot, oil of lavender, and many more are some examples.

It does not mean that our body cannot do without it despite the word “essential” attached to the oil. The plant essence i.e., flavor and scents are contained in the oil and that is the meaning of the ‘essence’ in the oil.

In historical times, essential oils have been used in the production of perfumes and as a common remedy to various ailments such as cold, infection, and many more hence they are not a new trend.

In the peel of citrus fruit, a person can easily find an essential oil. Essential oil spreads the scent of fresh oranges when an orange is peeled.

Wondering How Essential Oils Are Extracted?

Two major processes are involved in the extraction of essential oils from plants and they include: –

Distillation (by steam or water)

The process of heating the plants over water or passing steam through them is involved in this process to extract oil from plants.

Mechanical process (like cold pressing)

To bring out the oil, the plant is squeezed or pressed with a steel press.
Expression, solvent extraction, and many more are other processes.
Essential oils often smell, taste, etc. more powerful than the original plant they were extracted from because they contain concentrated compounds.

Essential Oils vs. Carrier Oils

Carrier oils are always confused with essential oils by people but they are actually. Generally speaking, vegetable oils that are extracted from the seeds, kernels, and nuts of fruits are known as carrier oils while essential oils are extracted from the aromatic leaves, barks, and roots of plants.

However, these definitions have exceptions. Essential oils when applied directly without dilution to the skin can irritate or burn it and therefore carrier oils are commonly used to dilute essential oils.

The effects of diabetes can be reduced using the following essential oils.

Coriander seed

All over the globe, coriander or cilantro seed grows. Digestive issues like indigestion, diarrhea, and flatulence can be solved using coriander seed as a remedy in many traditions.

Additionally, the fight against diabetes may also be aided using coriander seed essential oil. Blood sugar levels in rats with diabetes were reduced because of an extract from coriander seed as per the findings by scientists in a study from 2009.

After using coriander seed oil, the beta cells in the pancreas were more active as noted by researchers. Blood sugar may be reduced by this because of the aiding in increased insulin levels. For online purchases coriander oil is available.

Lemon Balm

According to a study published in 2015, people with high blood sugar levels may benefit from Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) essential oil.

Consumption of glucose by cells was encouraged by the essential oils as per the findings from the researchers.

When a person uses it in a diffuser or applies it to the skin, it suggests that the oil may be beneficial for blood sugar levels however, humans were not used when the team carried out the test in a lab. Online purchase for lemon balm essential oil is available.

Clove bud

In preventing or managing type 2 diabetes, it was found that clove bud essential oil could play a role as per the findings by researchers in an animal-based study.

In a way that may combat diabetes, the oil reduced levels of enzymes in the pancreas as discovered by the team.

Additionally, features of diabetes that result from oxidative stress might be prevented or managed using the clove bud essential oil as they noted. To battle free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage cells throughout the body, an antioxidant is needed and when this body does not produce enough antioxidants to battle it, this occurs.

Online purchase for clove bud essential oil is available.

Black Seed

Many conditions including diabetes have been treated using black seed, or Nigella sativa, in traditional medicine by people.

In 2014 findings by scientists tested the effects of Nigella sativa seed and its essential oil on diabetes in a rat model. Treatments for high blood sugar and the issues that come with it could be helped using both the seed and essential oil in their conclusion.

Further, the risk of diabetes complications that result from oxidative stress may be reduced using the antioxidants that Nigella sativa is rich in as per the findings by the researchers also. Your blood sugar may be reduced to safe levels after using black seed essential oil, alongside a varied and healthful diet. Online purchase for black seed oil is available.

Black Pepper

High blood pressure and circulatory problems are often associated with people with type 2 diabetes.

Managing or preventing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure might be helped using essential oil from a common kitchen spice, black pepper according to findings from a 2013 study.

Certain enzymes that may contribute to diabetes and high blood pressure may be blocked using a lot of antioxidants contained in the oil as noted by the researchers.

Online purchase of black pepper essential oil is available.

Helichrysum and Grapefruit

Type 2 diabetes symptoms’ key control factor is weight management. Being overweight can increase the risk or make symptoms worse despite the fact that it does not cause every case of diabetes.

For many people with diabetes, the first-line treatment is losing weight. Despite the fact that essential oils may help, changes to diet and exercise are involved.

Compared to rats who did not consume any supplements, according to a study published in 2015, there was less weight gained, fewer signs of inflammation, and less excess insulin in rats with obesity who consumed extracts of either Helichrysum or grapefruit as supplements.

If they use these extracts properly in future research, the idea that people may lose weight with the help of both Helichrysum and grapefruit may be shown. Relaxation and weight loss may be aided by massaging with a base oil that contains Helichrysum or grapefruit essential oils after a workout for example.

Online availability of both Helichrysum and grapefruit is there.

Cinnamon

A renowned spice in desserts and other dishes with an aroma is cinnamon. Without adding more sugar, its flavor seems to boost sweetness.

Additionally, people with diabetes may be helped by this popular spice. Body weight, blood pressure, inflammation, sugar and fat levels, and insulin sensitivity may benefit from cinnamon as per the determination by scientists before publishing their findings in 2010.

Controlling certain features of diabetes in some people may be helped by consuming cinnamon and using the essential oil regularly.

Online purchase for cinnamon essential oil is available.

Lavender

Apart from helping to relieve diabetes symptoms according to research published in 2013, in traditional and western medicine, the lavender essential oil has numerous uses.

Protection against oxidative stress, which causes complications in people with diabetes, and balancing of high blood sugar levels may be aided by the use of lavender essential oil as found by researchers in animal experiments.

Online purchase of lavender oil is available.

How To Use Essential Oils for Diabetes?

How Essential Oils Would Interact with Your Medicine for Diabetes

Apart from inhaling through the nose or applying or massaging through the skin, essential oils can be used by diluting it with carrier oils such as coconut oil.

At least without the proper guidance of a qualified doctor, you should never ingest essential oil

So, do essential oils interact with your medication? It is true that the drugs we take sometimes interact with some essential oils.

There are two ways that essential oil enters your body before we see how they interact. These ways include:

• Through skin

Essential oil is absorbed via the body’s fluid after entering through the skin follicle, and sweat glands when applied it is mixed with a carrier oil on your skin.

• Through inhalation

Essential oil is absorbed into the bloodstream after you either breathe it when it is diffused in the air or when you inhale it directly through your nostrils.

These essential oils interact with medication after being absorbed into your bloodstream and entering your body by either:

Binding to plasma proteins and tissues where these drugs normally bind or stick to after competing with the diabetic drugs you are taking. CYP enzyme activities responsible for drug metabolism are then either increased (induced) or stopped (inhabited). The enzyme CYP2B6 metabolizes the lemon tea tree and Litsea inhibits drugs for example. Thereby inhibiting the efficacy of medications, your digestive system flora and motility could be changed by them.

Moreover, this active compound ‘furanocoumarin’ is contained in the citrus family where some essential oils such as lemon oil, orange oil, and other oils are derived. Intestinal P-glycoprotein, which can raise your medication or drug level above normal has been found to be inhibited by this compound.

It is advisable and crucial to meet your doctor if have essential oils that have the potential to interact with medications. To use the essential oil without interfering with your drugs, you may be told to work out a way to muse it or stop using the essential oil, or medication first by the doctor after assessing the risk.

Diluted on the skin or in a massage: some particles may enter the bloodstream or provide localized treatment since they are small enough to pass through the skin. Using a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil to dilute an essential oil should be always done.

Relaxing and reducing the stress level in a person can be aided by oils as part of the massage.
Wound dressings, lotions, or bath salts can be applied with diluted essential oils by people.

Cautions

Whether in a diffuser or on the skin, for everyone, not all oils are healthful. For people with breathing problems such as asthma, some oils can irritate their lungs and be dangerous, for example.

Allergies

To check for allergies try applying a dime-sized amount to the forearm, before using a diluted essential oil mixture. It should be safe to use the diluted oil if after 24-48 hours no indications of allergies appear.

Hormonal Impact

When people apply them to the skin, some essential oils, including lavender, contain substances that may disrupt hormonal activity as noted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in 2018. In prepubescent males, this may lead to the unwanted growth of breast tissue. Many essential oils are toxic, never swallow any.

When Should You Not Use Essential Oil with Diabetes?

• If you notice a spike in the symptoms of your disease or any new complications or issues, you should not use an essential oil
• Since some essential oils, can interfere with your medications, or unless directed by a qualified doctor, you should not use an essential oil together with your drugs at the same time.
• It might irritate and many more, therefore before application on your skin always mix the oil with a carrier oil such as almond oil, olive oil, etc. hence you should not use essential oil directly on your skin.

Essential Oils You Should Avoid If You Are Diabetic

It does not mean something is safe if it is natural as we have established and essential oils are among them.

Mild to serious complications and possibly even death can be caused by some oils that are dangerous to diabetics. Apart from some oils interfering with or exacerbating your already weakened immune system, they can also interact with the diabetic drugs you are taking.

As a diabetic, here are some of the essential oils you should avoid:
• Angelica
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Hyssop
• Bitter almond
• Red thyme
• Tansy
• Wormwood

Conclusion

Bioactive compounds extracted from plants are contained in essential oils, in summary. Apart from managing diabetes, relieving stress, being a natural pesticide, and treating infection, essential oils have a wide range of uses.

Some oils may not be safe and can worsen your condition if you are diabetic hence making them dangerous to you and therefore should be taken by you.

The dangers of some essential oils to a diabetic person include causing the development of new complications and symptoms, raising your blood pressure, interfering with your medication, and the worst, a possible death.

Seeking the advice of a qualified medical doctor is key if you want to use essential oil either as a way to freshen your home or manage your condition as a diabetic.

FAQs

Can diabetics use essential oils?

The use of essential oils such as dill, cinnamon, coriander, or ylang-ylang can tamper with diabetes as discovered recently. Essential oils can help reduce some aggravation of the condition despite the that they can never completely cure diabetes.

Which oil reduces blood sugar?

According to new research, compared to other kinds of fats, cholesterol and blood sugar are reduced more by extra virgin olive oil.

How long does it take cinnamon to lower blood sugar?

After 40 days a significant decrease in serum glucose levels was seen after the addition of 1, 3, or 6g of cinnamon to the diet. Only in the group receiving 6g of cinnamon were the values significantly lower after 20 days.

Is peppermint good for diabetics?

The good news for your A1C is that you may feel calmer after adding peppermint tea to your drink rotation. Since improved blood glucose levels can be due to reduced stress, the calming effects of peppermint tea may be beneficial to individuals with type 2 diabetes.

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Flax Seed Oil Benefits for Diabetics

Is Flaxseed Oil Good for Diabetics?

Flax seeds and flaxseed oil may improve your blood sugar control, and insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk factors for heart disease. This is because they are rich in unique plant compounds, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and many more.

People with diabetes may gain a lot by using flax seeds and flaxseed oil since they have multiple health benefits that are essential in managing the condition.

Diabetes is one of the conditions that affect so many people globally in the modern day. In the United States alone, there are approximately 30 million people with diabetes and more than twice the number with prediabetes. It is worrying since these numbers are constantly on the rise.

The potential to lower blood sugar levels and delay the development of type 2 diabetes are some of the multiple health-promoting compounds found in flax seeds and flaxseed oil.

This article reviews the benefits and downsides of eating flax seeds and flaxseed oil if you have diabetes.

Your lipid profile and reduced blood sugar levels can be improved by the consumption of flaxseed. Flax seeds have the potential to slow down the absorption of carbohydrates in the body.

This was tested when people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes maintained healthy blood sugar levels after taking a flaxseed supplement daily for 12 weeks.

Additionally, high blood sugar levels are caused by insulin resistance, and since flaxseed is effective in lowering insulin sensitivity, using it will help in lowering insulin resistance in your body.

Flaxseed Nutrition

One of the world’s oldest crops is flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum). Since about 3000 B.C., flax seeds have been cultivated for use in both the food and textile industries. The seeds are exceptionally nutritious and include roughly 45% oil, 35% carbohydrates, and 20% protein.

In every 10 grams or a tablespoon of whole flax seeds packs, you will find the following:

• Calories: 55
• Carbs: 6 grams
• Fiber: 2.8 grams
• Protein: 1.8 grams
• Fat: 4 grams
• Omega-3 fatty acid: 2.4 grams

Omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential fatty acid that your body cannot produce and the only way to obtain it is by consuming it in food.

One of the best sources that you can get Omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is flax seeds. Additionally, to provide an excellent omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 0.3 to 1, flax seeds and flaxseed oil have enough omega-6 fatty acids.

Fiber, both the soluble and insoluble kinds are the majority carb content found in flaxseed oil and flax seeds. When combined with water, soluble fiber forms a viscous mass that aids in controlling blood sugar levels.

Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, operates by increasing fecal volume and preventing constipation because it is not soluble in water. Lastly, comparable to that soybean, there is a significant amount of digestible high-quality protein, and amino acid profile contained in flax seed.

Difference Between Flax Seeds and Flaxseed Oil

Solvent extraction or pressing dried flax seeds is the process used in extracting flaxseed oil. Because of this, there is no fiber present in flaxseed oil.

Additionally, there are no protein and carb contents in flaxseed oil because after the extraction process from dried flax seeds oil pure fat content remains.

For instance, there are 0 grams of proteins and carbs in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of flaxseed oil whereas the fat content is 14 grams. However, there are 3 grams of carb, 1.8 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fat in the same quantity of whole flax seeds.

However, flaxseed oil delivers a higher amount of ALA than flax seeds because of its higher fat content.

Benefits Of Eating Flax Seeds and Flaxseed Oil If You Have Diabetes

• Because they may improve many diabetes risk factors, both flaxseed oil and flax seeds have proved to have positive effects on this condition.
• Blood sugar control can be promoted by the use of flax seeds.
• The fiber in flax seed plays an essential role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, which is crucial for people with diabetes. Flax seeds are considered a low-glycemic food because of their high fiber content.

Therefore, consuming flax seeds will promote your blood sugar control. Food digestion in your body gets slowed and the rate of absorption of nutrients like sugar in your body decreases. This is caused by mucilage, a soluble fiber content in flax seeds.

Compared with the control group in one 4-week study, 29 people with type 2 diabetes found that consuming 10 grams of flaxseed powder each day reduced fasting blood sugar by up to 19.7%.

Compared with a control group in a 3-month study, 120 with type 2 diabetes who consumed 5 grams of flaxseed gum daily on their food experienced a fasting blood sugar reduction of up to 12%. Moreover, there were similar results observed in people with prediabetes who consumed two tablespoons (13grams) of ground flax seed daily in a 12-week study.

Flaxseed oil cannot benefit blood sugar control despite research showing that flax seeds seem to benefit blood sugar regulation.

• A hormone that regulates blood sugar is known as insulin. The sensitivity of insulin in your body can be improved by using flaxseed oil and flax seeds.

Your body requires greater amounts of insulin to lower your blood sugar levels if it has difficulties responding to insulin. This is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and it is known as insulin resistance.

How sensitive your body is to insulin is the meaning of insulin sensitivity and preventing and treating type 2 diabetes depends on improving it in your body.

• A powerful antioxidant known as lignan is available in high quantities in flax seed and they are responsible for slowing the development of diabetes and improving insulin sensitivity.

Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) is very predominant in lignans found in flax seeds. SDG has the potential to improve insulin sensitivity and delay the development of both type 1 and 2 di8abetes as per the results from studies in animals.

However, further research is needed since human studies have not been able to confirm this effect.

Insulin sensitivity in both animals and humans has been linked to ALA from flaxseed oil, on the other hand. In fact, an increase in insulin sensitivity was observed in 16 people with obesity after they received a daily oral dose of ALA in supplement form in one 8-week study.

It was found that supplementing with flaxseed oil improved insulin sensitivity in a dose-dependent manner as per the studies in rats with insulin resistance. This means that the greater the improvement depends on how larger the dosage is.

• May reduce your risk of heart disease. Both flax seeds and flaxseed oil have been shown to help against conditions where diabetes is their risk factor for multiple reasons. Some of the diabetes risk factors include heart disease and stroke and some of the reasons that both flaxseed oil and flax seeds help protect against them are because of their content such as fiber, ALA, and SDG.
Cholesterol-lowering properties are found in flax seeds in soluble fibers such as the mucilage gum. Cholesterol absorption in your body reduces because of the soluble fibers in flax seed such as mucilage’s ability to form a gel-like substance that affects metabolism.

For example, compared with the control group in one 7-day study in 17 people who used flax seed fiber, their total cholesterol was lowered by 12% and LDL (bad) cholesterol was lowered by 15%.

Further, lignan SDG found in flax seeds acts as both an antioxidant and a plant-based compound that imitates the hormone estrogen known as phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogens are essential in reducing blood pressure in your body, while the antioxidant properties help in lowering cholesterol.

Compared with the control in one 12-week study in 30 men with high blood cholesterol levels, it was determined that those who received 100 mg of SDG experienced a decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

• Omega-3 fatty acid ALA has potent anti-inflammatory effects. One of the risk factors for stroke is clogged arteries.

It was found that the anti-inflammatory effects in flaxseed and flax seeds may help regress or even in treating clogged arteries. There were promising results when participants with high blood pressure consumed about 4 tablespoons (30 grams) of milled flax seeds every day.

Compared with the control group, a reduction of 10-15 mm Hg and 7 mm Hg in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (the top and bottom numbers of the reading) respectively was observed.

People Who Should Not Use Flaxseed Oil

There are certain people that should not use flaxseed oil, and they include: –

• Pregnant women. Increased risk for premature birth and other adverse effects may be experienced when you use flaxseed oil during pregnancy.

• Children. Despite it being likely safe for children to consume small amounts of flaxseed, there has not been credible evidence on the safety of flaxseed oil when they consume it.

• Breastfeeding mothers. When it comes to consuming flaxseed oil for breastfeeding mothers, there is a lack of reliable information about its safety.

• People with bleeding disorders. Whether flaxseed oil may increase the risk of bleeding is a debate that has been there. However, it is advisable that you talk to your healthcare provider before using flaxseed oil in food, in supplement form, or as a topical treatment if you have a bleeding disorder.

• Surgery. To prevent bleeding, it is advisable that at least two weeks before surgery and throughout the initial recovery period, you should stop using flaxseed oil.

• People taking blood clotting drugs. There may be an increased risk of bleeding and bruising if you are taking flaxseed oil with medications that slow down blood clottings, such as warfarin, diclofenac, or aspirin.

Before adding flax seeds or flaxseed oil to your daily routine, it is advisable that you consult with your healthcare provider.

The bottom line

People with diabetes may get help from the multiple health benefits of flaxseed oil and flax seeds in managing the condition.

Reduced risk factors for heart disease, improved blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity are some of the multiple health befits found in flax seeds and flaxseed oil since they are rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and unique plant compounds.

However, using either flaxseed oil or flax seed may interact with other medications prescribed for the treatment of diabetes and therefore you should be mindful before consuming them.

FAQ:

Is Flaxseed Good for Lowering Blood Sugar?

Indeed, apart from playing a role in the prevention of prostate cancer, consuming flaxseed may aid in lowering your blood sugar levels.

Who Should Not Take Flaxseed Oil?

If you are using certain medications, have a preexisting medical condition, or take the wrong dosage it may cause undesirable side effects.

Therefore, before relying on flaxseed oil to boost your omega-3 fatty acid levels to ensure you are using the supplement safely it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Is It Safe to Take Flaxseed Oil Every Day?

Flaxseed oil is probably safe for most individuals to consume when taken orally. You can safely use flaxseed oil daily for up to 6 months if they are supplements containing 2 grams.

Flaxseed oil supplements comprising 2 grams per day can be taken safely for up to 6 months. Additionally, higher dosages of up to 24 grams per day have been taken without incident for up to 7 weeks. Loose stools and diarrhea are some of the side effects you may experience when you take flaxseed oil in large doses.

Will Flaxseed Lower A1c?

Participants with type 2 diabetes, who took flaxseed lignans for 12 weeks, saw an improvement in hemoglobin A1c, according to a study published in the journal Plos One.

Your blood sugar levels may reduce significantly when you take about 10-20 grams of flaxseed powder daily as claimed in some studies.

Does Flaxseed Oil Affect Kidneys?

In conclusion, a decline in renal function and reduced glomerular injury with favorable effects on blood pressure, plasma lipids, and urinary prostaglandins may be experienced with dietary flax seed consumption.

When Is the Best Time to Take Flaxseed Oil?

Overall, for optimal health, it is advisable taking flaxseed capsules in the morning to provide your body with necessary and essential nutrients.

Additionally, to keep the bowels moving regularly and to prevent digestive issues it is best to take flaxseed oil in the morning.

Does Flaxseed Interfere with Metformin?

Between flaxseed and metformin, there have been no interactions found.

Is Flaxseed Good for Insulin Resistance?

Flaxseed supplementation decreased insulin resistance, according to the findings from a recent study. An HOMA-IR index significantly decreased despite the plasma insulin concentration not changing significantly.

Therefore, this suggests following flaxseed supplementation there was a decrease in insulin resistance or decreased glucose concentration.

Which Is Better, Flaxseed or Flaxseed Oil?

The provision of much more ‘essential’ fatty acids per serving is the major advantage of flaxseed oil over ground seeds.

The ‘essential’ fatty acids are healthy fatty acids that your body cannot make and therefore you need to take them through a diet.

Does Flaxseed Oil Increase Creatinine?

The serum and kidney creatinine levels in several pathological and experimental conditions have been lowered by the use of flaxseed oil or flaxseed diets. Renin mRNA levels in SHR 37 have been shown to be inhibited by flaxseed oil.

Does Flaxseed Oil Affect Blood Pressure?

Lower risk of developing high blood pressure has been linked with a higher intake of flaxseed oil as per the result shown in the population research.

Additionally, blood pressure in men with high cholesterol and normal blood pressure can be lowered by taking flaxseed oil supplements, according to suggestions from early research.

Is Flaxseed Oil Anti-Inflammatory?

There are anti-inflammatory properties in a-linolenic n-3 fatty acid (ALA), which is abundant in flaxseed oil (FO)

Does Flaxseed Oil Help You Sleep?

One of the natural mood lifters is omega-3 fatty acids and they are abundant in flaxseed oil. To promote a night of deeper sleep, it was noticed that many people took just 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil one hour before bed. In initiating and maintaining sleep, generally, fatty acids are involved.

Before using flaxseed oil and to ensure that it is appropriate for you, it is advisable that you speak with your healthcare provider.

Is Intermittent Fasting Good for Diabetes?

Improving insulin sensitivity, losing weight, and gaining better control of your blood sugar levels could be helped by intermittent fasting if you have diabetes. 16/8,5:2 fasting and alternate-day fasting as the most popular forms of intermittent fasting for diabetes diets.

A fantastic way to lose weight, improve brain and heart health, gain better control over blood sugar levels, and many more is through intermittent fasting. People have begun to wonder about intermittent fasting for diabetes and it is no surprise given the popularity of this diet.

Choosing the right diet can make the difference, if you are at a high risk of developing diabetes or if you are currently managing diabetes.

You may be able to reduce the amount of medication you need to manage the condition if you are able to control your blood sugar levels through diet.

To learn more about intermittent fasting diabetes for diabetic patients like how these diets can help you manage your diabetes and the most popular intermittent fasting methods it is worth taking your time.

You can start living your best life with diabetes by taking charge of your diet and treatment plan.

What Is Intermittent Fasting?

A series of diets such as alternating between times you may eat and times you may fast is known as intermittent fasting. Fasting restrictions may be set to specific days of the week or certain times of the day depending on the diet you choose.

The Different Types of Intermittent Fasting

Dieters can choose from several fasting periods due to the flexibility provided by intermittent fasting diets. There are multiple forms of intermittent diets for diabetes and some of the most popular include:

The 16/8: It is considered the most sustainable hence making it the most popular intermittent fasting diabetes diet. Eating eight hours a day is restricted to this type of intermittent fasting. You can fast for the remaining 16 hours after choosing an eight-hour window that you would like to have meals within. Moreover, your fasting period must remain consistent throughout the week for the best results.

5:2: You can eat at any time of the day; however, you will select two nonconsecutive days to restrict your caloric intake to around 500 to 600 in this form of intermittent fasting.

Alternate day fasting: In this type of intermittent fasting, you can either fast or eat a meal containing less than 500 calories the following day after eating your regular diet one day. Of all the forms of intermittent fasting diets, this is considered the most difficult.

When your caloric intake is restricted, you must eat a balanced diet during periods and choose healthier snack alternatives.

The Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Blood Sugar

Insulin sensitivity and reduced insulin levels can be improved through fasting and calorie restriction. While fasting and shortly after eating people with diabetes who intermittently fast can better control their blood sugar levels because of this.

Can You Use Intermittent Fasting to Reverse Diabetes?

A link between intermittent fasting and type 2 diabetes remission has been suggested through some evidence. There was improved insulin resistance and ceasing diabetes treatment in insulin-dependent diabetics as per the results of a small study.

Additionally, there were reduced hemoglobin levels and significant weight loss in insulin-dependent diabetics as a result of the diet.

Additional Benefits of Intermittent Fasting for Diabetes

Apart from providing better blood control, you may also experience the following benefits from intermittent fasting for diabetes:

Your weight will reduce
The health of your brain will improve
The health of your heart will improve
Risk of obesity-related illnesses, including some forms of cancer and sleep apnea, will reduce
The risk of inflammation-associated conditions like arthritis, asthma, and stroke will reduce

Is Intermittent Fasting Better or Worse for Certain Types of Diabetes?

The benefits and risks of intermittent fasting in people with diabetes have been looked at in only a small number of studies.

People who have type 2 diabetes are always the main focus of most of these studies. And this is because, when fasting for long periods people with type 1 diabetes are at higher risk of having low blood sugar.

Insulin, which is what increases the risk of low blood sugar is always needed by people with type 1 diabetes because of this. Insulin increases the risk of low blood sugar and it is the reason people with type 1 diabetes use it.

However, there is also a higher risk of low blood sugar in response to fasting in people with type 2 diabetes who are on insulin or certain oral medications.

While fasting for Ramadhan, people with type 1 diabetes were looked at in one study. Their risk of low blood sugar decreased with careful planning as was found by researchers.

There was strict monitoring of their blood sugars while participants decreased their doses of insulin medication. They were able to successfully fast without significant complications after taking these measures.

There was temporary fasting for participants in this study. For someone to undertake in the long term these measures are not practical for them. Therefore, for people with type 1 diabetes intermittent fasting may not be the safest or best option.

For those on insulin or other medications that increase the risk of low blood sugar intermittent fasting is also not ideal for them.

Intermittent Fasting Diabetes Risks and Precautions

Before starting a new diet, you must be aware of these risks since intermittent diabetes is not without risks. The following side effects may be brought about by intermittent fasting:

Fatigue
Mood changes
Persistent hunger
Nausea
Headaches
Insomnia

These symptoms are more likely to be experienced by patients with diabetes. Furthermore, a sharp increase in blood sugar levels after fasting or low blood sugar levels when fasting is the most significant risk of fasting for patients with diabetes.

Hyperglycemia or blood sugar levels that are too high can be resulted from eating foods that contain high levels of carbohydrates or sugars after breaking a fast.

People with diabetes especially patients with type 1 diabetes can also be at risk of developing hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar during fasting.

It is essential to be aware of the signs of low and high blood sugar levels to avoid either of these conditions if you have diabetes and would like to try intermittent fasting.

Vigorous exercise can make your blood sugar levels fall further and therefore you also need to avoid intense workouts during fasting periods.

Before you begin intermittent fasting, it is recommended that you speak with your primary healthcare provider about dietary changes if you are currently managing diabetes.

Necessary adjustments to your medication can be aided by your healthcare team to ensure you start intermittent fasting safely.

The Bottom Line

Improving insulin sensitivity, losing weight, and gaining better control of your blood sugar levels could be helped by intermittent fasting if you have diabetes.

Intermittent fasting does come with its risks despite it being safe for most people. Therefore, you must speak with your healthcare provider and monitor any symptoms you experience should you choose to begin intermittent fasting for diabetes.

FAQs

How long should a diabetic do intermittent fasting?

There are variations in intermittent fasting plans. Limiting eating to certain periods of the day or restricting calories two or three days a week are among the varying plans.

Fasting for up to 36 hours at a time for 7 or 14 days is part of the stricter plans. However, for people with type 2 diabetes, the latter isn’t typically recommended.

Can fasting worsen diabetes?

Insulin, a sugar-regulating hormone, action may be impaired hence increasing diabetes risk by fasting every other day to lose weight.

Before starting such weight loss programs careful considerations should be made since long-term health risks may be associated with fasting-based diets according to suggestions from findings.

Does intermittent fasting raise blood sugar?

There were significant reductions in fasting glucose levels (an average decrease of 4.16 mg/dL; p = 0.003) in individuals who practiced intermittent fasting as shown in eight studies in a 2021 literature review.

Does fasting lower a1c?

Scientists report, that in people with type 2 diabetes, intermittent fasting could be a beneficial option for lowering HbA1c.

Why is my blood sugar high after fasting for 16 hours?

Even if you follow a strict diet, your fasting blood sugar reading can go up since your body does not respond to insulin the same as most. Your body’s way of making sure you have enough energy to get up and start the day is by a boost in sugar.

How long can a diabetic go without eating?

The absolute max people with diabetes should push is 5 to 6 hours between meals. During the day, you should try to minimize any long gaps without eating.

Does intermittent fasting cause insulin spikes?

Raised insulin levels, damaged pancreatic cells and increased amount of abdominal fat may be caused by intermittent fasting according to suggestions from new research.

Is it Ok to intermittent fast every day?

Depending on your preference, you can repeat this cycle as frequently as you would like i.e., from daily to just once or twice per week. Among those looking to lose weight and burn fat, this fasting method has grown widely in popularity.

Benefits for Vitamin B12 for Diabetics

Is Vitamin B12 Good for Diabetics?

There is an essential vitamin to your body yet it cannot produce it. This essential vitamin is known as cobalamin or Vitamin B12. Apart from being added to certain foods and being available as an oral supplement or injection, you can find Vitamin B12 naturally in animal products.

There was a vitamin B12 deficiency of about 29.66% in diabetic patients as per the laboratory tests that were done in a study in 2016. There were also lower values of B12 statistically in patients on metformin.

Vitamin B12 deficiency was significantly higher in those who smoked than in those who did not smoke. Additionally, vitamin B12 was lower in patients using multivitamins compared to non-users.

Your body needs vitamin B12 for various purposes. This vitamin is essential for the formation of red blood cells and DNA synthesis apart from being essential in supporting the normal function of your nerve cells. The recommended daily intake (RDI) is 2.4 mcg, for most adults. However, for breastfeeding or expectant mothers, it is higher.

What Are the Symptoms of B12 Deficiency?

There is a wide range of symptoms that may be related to folate or vitamin B12 deficiency. If the condition goes untreated it can worsen despite it developing gradually. The symptoms include: –

• Fatigue or extreme tiredness
• Lethargy (lack of energy)
• Breathlessness
• Feeling faint
• Headaches
• Pale skin
• Palpitations (noticeable heartbeats)

Benefits Of Vitamin B12

Improving your memory, helping prevent heart disease, and boosting your energy is among the multiple impressive ways that vitamin B12 may benefit your body.

Here are 9 benefits of vitamin B12 that are all based on science:

1. Helps with red blood cells formation and anemia prevention

Red blood cells are essential to your body and vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in their production. A reduction in red blood cell formation is caused by low vitamin B12 since the low levels of vitamin B12 inhibit the proper development of red blood cells.

The deficiency of vitamin B12 in your body will lead to red blood cells becoming larger and typically oval. Small and round is an indication of healthy red blood cells.

The rate at which red blood cells will be moving into your bloodstream will not be appropriate because of their larger and irregular shape and this will cause megaloblastic anemia.

Moreover, you may experience symptoms such as weakness and fatigue when you are anemic and this is due to the lack of enough red blood cells in your body to transport oxygen to your vital organs.

2. May Prevent Major Birth Defects

A healthy pregnancy is much dependent on adequate vitamin B 12 in your body. For the proper development of a fetus’s brain and nervous system, sufficient B12 levels are required from the mother, especially during pregnancy.

You may have an increased risk of birth defects such as neural tube defects due to vitamin B12 deficiency in the beginning stages of pregnancy. Moreover, premature birth or miscarriage may be contributed by maternal vitamin B12 deficiency.

Compared to those with adequate levels, women are three times more likely to give birth to a child with birth defects should they have vitamin B12 of lower than 250 mg/dl as per results from one study.

Further, compared to women with levels above 400 mg/dl, women with a vitamin B12 deficiency and levels below 150 mg/dl the risk of giving birth to a child with defects was five times higher.

3. May Support Bone Health and Prevent Osteoporosis

Your bone health may be supported by adequate levels of vitamin b12 in your body. People with a vitamin B12 deficiency also had lower than normal bone mineral density as per the result of one study in more than 2,500 adults.

You are at an increased risk of having osteoporosis in case you have bones with decreased mineral density since your bones are likely to become fragile and delicate over time. Especially in women, there is a link between osteoporosis and low vitamin B12, and poor bone health as shown in other studies.

4. May Reduce Your Risk of Macular Degeneration

An eye disease that mainly affects your central vision is known as macular degeneration. To help prevent the risk of age-related macular degeneration maintaining adequate levels of vitamin B12 is essential.

Additionally, there is a type of amino acid that is found in your bloodstream known as homocysteine and according to studies supplementing with vitamin B12 may help lower it. An increased risk of age-related macular degeneration has been associated with elevated homocysteine levels.

Supplementing with vitamin B12, along with folic acid and vitamin B6, may reduce this risk as per a study that involved 5,000 women aged 40 and above.

To fully understand vitamin B12’s role in promoting vision health and preventing macular degeneration further studies are ultimately needed.

5. May Improve Mood and Symptoms of Depression

Your mood may be improved by using vitamin B12. It is not yet fully understood the effect of vitamin B12 on mood. However, there is a chemical responsible for regulating mood and it is known as serotonin and vitamin B12 plays an essential role in its synthesizing and metabolizing.

Therefore, you are likely to have a depressed mood because of decreased serotonin production that is caused by vitamin B12 deficiency in your body.

Symptoms of depression in people deficient in this vitamin can be improved by the use of vitamin B12 supplements as supported by studies.

Compared to those treated with antidepressants alone in one study with people with depression and low vitamin B12 levels, it was found that those who received both antidepressants and vitamin B12 were more likely to show improved depressive symptoms.

There were two times more the risk of severe depression associated with vitamin B12 deficiency as per discovery from another study. Furthermore, better treatment outcomes and an increased probability of recovery from the major depressive disorder have been linked with high vitamin B12.

Research does not currently suggest that vitamin B12 supplements have the same effect in those with normal B 12 levels despite these supplements helping to improve mood and depression in people with deficiency.

6. May Benefit Your Brain by Preventing the Loss of Neurons

Memory loss especially in adults has been associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. The loss of neurons in the brain is known as brain atrophy and often this is associated with dementia or memory loss using vitamin B12 can play a major role in preventing it.

A combination of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acid supplements slowed mental decline as per the results of one study in people with early-stage dementia. Poor memory performance can be contributed even with vitamin B12 levels on the low side or normal in findings from another study.

Therefore, even in the absence of a clinically diagnosed deficiency, supplementing with this vitamin may improve memory.

To make sound conclusions on the effect of vitamin B12 supplements on memory and cognitive function, more research is needed.

7. May Give You an Energy Boost

The go-to product for a surge of energy has long been touted to be vitamin B12 supplements. Despite them not necessarily providing energy by themselves, the production of energy by your body is always supported by vitamins.

Scientific evidence suggesting that vitamin B12 supplements can boost energy in those with sufficient levels of this vitamin is currently not there. On the other hand, taking a supplement or increasing your intake will likely improve your energy level especially if you are significantly deficient in vitamin B12.

Fatigue or lack of energy is one of the most common early signs of vitamin B12 deficiency.

8. May Improve Heart Health by Decreasing Homocysteine

An increased risk of heart disease has been linked to high blood levels of the common amino acid homocysteine. Your homocysteine levels are likely to become elevated if you are significantly deficient in vitamin B12. Your risk of heart disease may be reduced by a decrease in homocysteine levels with the help of vitamin B12 as shown by the studies.

To understand the relationship between vitamin B12 and heart health, further research is needed. This is because scientific evidence to confirm vitamin B12 supplements are effective in this regard is currently not there.

9. Supports Healthy Hair, Skin and Nails

To promote healthy hair, skin, and nails, adequate levels of vitamin B12 are needed given this vitamin’s role in cell production.

It is true that various dermatologic symptoms include hyperpigmentation, nail discoloration, hair changes, vitiligo (another term for the loss of skin color in patches), and angular stomatitis (inflamed and cracked mouth corners) can be caused by low vitamin B12 levels in your body.

Dermatologic symptoms in people with vitamin B12 deficiency can be improved by supplementing with vitamin B12. However, taking a vitamin B12 supplement is unlikely to improve your skin, nail strength, or hair health if you are well-nourished and not deficient in this vitamin.

Who Is at Risk of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

An estimated 20% of people in the United States and the United Kingdom aged 60 and above have normal or deficient borderline levels while the number of people with vitamin B12 deficiency is estimated to be around 6%.

The occurrence of vitamin B12 deficiency can happen in one of two ways. It can be either your body is unable to fully absorb vitamin B12 from the food you eat or the food and diet you take do not have adequate amounts of the vitamin.

Those at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency are as follows:
• Older adults
• If you have gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease.
• If you have ever had surgeries especially gastrointestinal like bariatric surgery or bowel resection surgery
• If you are on a strict vegan diet
• If you are using blood sugar control such as metformin
• If you are using proton pump inhibitors for chronic heartburn

A reduction in the absorption of vitamin B12 can be caused if there is reduced secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach of many older adults.

Your doctor may recommend intramuscular injections of B12 to increase your levels if your body has difficulty absorbing it.

Despite some plant-based kinds of milk or grains having been fortified with Vitamin B12, it can only be naturally found in animal products in abundance since it is always limited in vegan diets. Because of this, people with a strict vegan diet are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Preventing vitamin B12 should be easy if you eat a healthy, varied diet. However, it is advisable that you speak to your doctor especially if you think you might be at risk.

Oral or intramuscular injections are the most common ways of preventing or resolving vitamin B12 deficiency.

Metformin And Vitamin B12

The relation between prolonged usage of metformin and vitamin B12 deficiency has been shown in the evidence from observational along with interventional studies.

The calcium-dependent absorption of B12 may be affected. The dose and the duration of metformin usage have been stated to be inversely related to the serum vitamin B12 values.

Considerable problem of peripheral neuropathy in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients may increase due to the extended use of metformin, accompanied by vitamin B12 deficiency.

Vitamin B12 deficiency affects about 30% of diabetics who are 40 years of age and above and state about having a diminished sensory perception in their feet by being an impending health abnormality, neuropathy.

The Bottom Line

Through diet or supplements are the only means that you must obtain vitamin B12, a water-soluble vitamin. Preventing major birth defects, bone health, improving mood, and maintaining healthy skin and hair are some of the many bodily functions and benefits of vitamin B12 to your health.

It is crucial that you get enough vitamin B12 through your diet. However, supplements are a simple way to increase your B12 intake if you struggle to obtain enough or have a condition that affects its absorption in your body.

FAQs

Do diabetics need B12?

For optimal hemopoietic, neuro-cognitive and cardiovascular function, vitamin B12, which is an essential micronutrient is required. Among patients with type and type 2 diabetes mellitus, biochemical and clinical vitamin B12 deficiency has been demonstrated to be highly prevalent.

Does B12 Lower Blood Sugar?

To metabolize proteins, fat, and carbohydrates into glucose, the help of vitamin b12 is essential. Your body’s main source of energy is glucose and because of this, low glucose levels in your body can be caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Fatigue is one of the main symptoms of hypoglycemia and to treat severe fatigue, vitamin B12 supplements are widely used.

Does Vitamin B12 Give You Energy?

Vitamin B12 might reduce your chance of fatigue thanks to its role in energy metabolism. To convert protein, fat, and carbs into energy, your body needs the help of vitamin B12 for its metabolization.

How Much B12 Should a Type 2 Diabetic Take?

Currently, in the US, 2.4 µg of synthetic vitamin B12 daily in either in fortified food or supplement form is the believed recommendation for adults with type 2 diabetes that are 50 years and above.

Does B12 increase diabetes?

Homocysteine levels can be reduced with B12 supplementation. With vitamin B12 therapy as there is the correction of hyperhomocysteinemia, improvement in glycaemic control can be shown in type 2 diabetes as a metabolic syndrome.

Does B12 Help with Insulin Resistance?

In patients with metabolic syndrome, the was improved insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction, along with decreasing homocysteine levels after folate and vitamin B12 treatment as per the results of a study. This, therefore, indicates that on cardiovascular risk factors there are multiple beneficial effects of using folic acid.

Is Vitamin B12 Good for Diabetic Neuropathy?

When it comes to the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, it is still unclear whether taking vitamin B12 can help. A lessening pain and other abnormal sensations have been shown in some small studies. However, taking B12 supplements for diabetic neuropathy has not been shown to help people who do not have a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Are B12 shots Good for Diabetics?

In reducing the risk of low B12 and HHcy-related symptoms, treatment with B12 injections or supplements would help. The pain and suffering of diabetic patients would be reduced by such practice. Besides, the medical cost associated with treatments of diabetic co-morbidities would significantly decrease.

Which Vegetable Has the Most Vitamin B12?

Spinach, beetroot, potatoes, mushrooms, alfalfa, and many more are some of the vitamin B12 foods for vegetarians that contain a high amounts of Vitamin B12. However, some amount of vitamin B12 can be found in most vegetables.

Does B12 Help You Sleep?

To help induce sleep, it has been found that vitamin works directly on the brain. Additionally, to help patients with sleep disorders like insomnia, vitamin B12 benefits have been demonstrated. Insomnia is a disorder for those with difficulty falling asleep. Depending on the dose that is used, vitamin B12 has also been shown to improve sleep in healthy persons.

Does B12 Cause Weight Gain?

There is little evidence to suggest that vitamin B12 has any influence on weight loss and gain despite the various processes in which it has been involved.

How Does B12 Make You Feel?

2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 a day is recommended by doctors for adults since they are usually safe. Your body will pass the rest out through your pee should you take more than what you need. Vomiting, nausea, anxiety, headache, and dizziness are some of the side effects that you may experience after taking vitamin B12 in high doses.

Can Vitamin B12 Affect Blood Pressure?

Lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure was associated with a higher intake of vitamin B12 as it was found. In children, lower systolic blood pressure was associated with a higher intake of folic acid.

Is Vitamin B12 Good for Kidneys?

Foods that are a rich source of B vitamins are recommended by medical experts. To prevent other diseases that might cause harm to people suffering from kidney failure, vitamin B12 or folic acid and vitamin B6 along with EPO and iron function together. Therefore, it is true that when it comes to kidney function, vitamin B12 is involved.

How Much B12 Should a Diabetic on Metformin Take?

A dosage of 2.4 mcg a day is recommended for all individuals of 14 years and above. However, a slightly more dosage will be needed for nursing or expecting women. For those taking metformin, mandatory supplementation with B12 has now been proposed. Vitamin B12 will do the trick by taking a daily multivitamin containing 100% of the daily value (DV).

Should I Take B12 In the Morning or At Night?

Taking your B vitamins in the morning or with a meal is a general rule of thumb. For example, you should definitely take vitamin B12 in the morning. If taken at night, your sleep may be interrupted since B12 is important for energy metabolism.

How Long Does It Take for B12 To Start Working?

Before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms like lack of energy and extreme tiredness start to improve, it may take a few weeks. The cyanocobalamin tablets may start to work within a few days if you have a hydroxocobalamin injection to boost your vitamin B12 at the start of treatment.

Which Vitamin Is Best for Nerves?

Energy to function for your nerves is provided by vitamin B1(thiamine) while to transmit nerve impulses correctly and relieve nerve pain, vitamin B6 is essential. To protect your nerves from damage and regenerate them vitamin B12 is involved. Your nerve pain may be partly caused by a deficiency in vitamins B12 or B1.

Can Vitamin B12 Affect Your Eyes?

For neurological function, an essential vitamin is vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin. Progressive, bilateral, painless vision loss that is often associated with reduced color vision and central or cecocentral scotomas is a result of a rare complication caused by vitamin B12 deficiency optic neuropathy.

Benefits of a Cold Shower for Diabetics

Benefits of a Cold Shower for Diabetics – A great majority of people usually crave and enjoy hot showers in the waking hours of the morning. In fact, the feeling of the warm water on your skin is usually nothing short of magical.

As such, many folks do crank up the handle all the way up just to experience that warm caressing and massage-like feeling after a long night’s sleep.

Nonetheless, did you know that cold showers are just as important and as such should often be in your daily shower routine? More so for those with diabetes.

Many individuals often dread cold showers, especially in the mornings. However, have you ever realized that after taking one, you often feel quite different? If you have not, then you should give it a try as you might quite like the feeling afterward.

Experts indicate that you should often give cold showers a fair chance in your routine even if you do not like them. This is because, just like hot showers, they are also often associated with a number of health benefits.

Benefits of taking a cold shower

Cold showers are great and as such, some of the proven health benefits associated include:

Calming itchy skin

Cold showers have been associated with reducing the urge to scratch itchy skin. As such, even those with skin conditions that itch may overcome the desire to scratch the associated skin surfaces after taking a cold shower.

Waking up an individual

This is essentially increasing the overall alertness of an individual after a long night’s sleep. The cold shower sprays shock the body and associated organs thereby improving body activity through increased;

Oxygen intake
Heart rate
Brain activity

Increasing blood circulation

This is among the top reasons cold showers are widely recommended. As the cold water contacts your skin, surface blood vessels are often constricted, and as such surface circulation is immensely reduced.

This results in faster blood circulation within the deeper vessels in the body tissues in order to counteract the cold and maintain an ideal body temperature.

In essence, cold showers often trigger the circulatory system reducing inflammation and even further preventing cardiovascular diseases. It thus has direct opposite implications compared with hot showers among individuals with hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

Reducing muscle soreness post engaging activity/exercise

Cold water often has regenerative abilities. As such, after a vigorous and engaging activity like an intense workout session, the cold shower would initiate muscle relaxation and eventual repair.

Potentially boosting weight loss

This is another scientifically proven fact given that some fat cells such as the brown fat cells can often generate body heat by burning body fat. Nonetheless, the initiation of the entire process often depends on exposing the body to cold conditions like taking a cold shower.

Encouraging glowing hair and skin

Based on several accounts of anecdotal evidence collected over the years, cold showers have often been associated with several positive implications with regard to skin glow and healthy hair.

For instance:

Wellness experts have often claimed that since cold water constricts surface blood flow, the subsequent effect is always smooth and healthy glowing skin.
Furthermore, cold water unlike hot water does not dry out the sebum layer of the skin. As such, your skin and hair remain lubricated, protected, and healthily glowing.
Finally, experts also claim that cold water closes and strengthens your hair cuticles. As result, an individual’s hair may become stronger and healthier over time.

The cons of taking a cold shower

Despite the numerous benefits, cold showers also often present with some disadvantages, especially in selective scenarios. For instance;

Cold showers are often not recommended when you are already cold.

This is because exposing your body to even colder water will not help warm you up as this will only make you even colder increasing the time your body takes to warm back up.

Cold showers may also be a bad idea for the sick.

The cold water may create an even colder environment which might be too hard on your immune system further compromising your health. As such, it is only best to ease into the cooler temperatures rather than dive into a cold one.

Benefits of hot showers

With all the benefits of cold showers, it then begs the question of why many people like hot showers. That’s simple, many people do so to ease the stress of the day.

Thus:

A hot shower will help you relax and fall asleep better at night.

It achieves this by activating our parasympathetic nervous system which subsequently initiates the feeling of tiredness which then makes us relax and fall asleep.

Other benefits of a hot shower include:

Providing relief from cold/respiratory symptoms

Hot showers often create a warm environment which then prompts the formation of steam within the bathroom. Steam has long been used as a natural remedy for reducing cold and respiratory-associated complications.

As such, the heat from the hot water and formed steam helps to:

Open airways
Loosen up phlegm
Clear out nasal passages

Aiding with blemishes

Hot water contacting the skin often facilitates the opening up of skin pores which subsequently allows your body to get rid of trapped dirt and excess oil causing blemishes thus rendering your skin smooth and with little to no blemishes.

Muscle relaxation

Finally, hot showers have also been found to help in the relief of body tension thus helping in the soothing of muscle fatigue.

The cons of a hot shower

Hot showers often do have some downsides too. However, these can often be avoided by appropriately regulating the shower water temperature and maybe taking care of your skin after a hot shower. Some of these cons include;

Drying out and irritating the skin

Hot water can often cause damage to the keratin cells on the outermost surface of the skin, the epidermis. This essentially diminishes the cells’ ability to lock in moisture thus creating dry skin.

Worsening of certain skin conditions

Since the hot water may result in dry skin, certain skin conditions like eczema may often take a turn for the worse complicating an individual’s health.

Encouraging itching

The heat from the hot shower water may often facilitate the release of histamine to the skin by mast cells resulting in initiation and continued itching and probable scratching on the skin.

Worsening of hypertension/cardiovascular disease

Individuals with these underlying health conditions may often increase their severity by taking too hot showers.

Which is better? Cold or Hot Showers?

Both shower options present with significant benefits and as such, opting for a single option might mean missing out on the other’s health benefits to your body. As such, an age-old technique is often recommended to ensure you get maximum health benefits from both options if possible.

Contrast shower

This technique entails getting the water as cold as possible and then standing in it for about a minute.

After the minute is over, you change the water temperature to as hot as your body can handle and then again stand in it for an additional one minute.

Subsequently, alternate between one minute each of cold and hot water for about three to five cycles for optimal benefits.

The cold water constricts surface blood vessels directing all the blood to the middle of the body.

Subsequently, the hot water expands the surface blood vessels allowing the blood to come rushing out again to the surface. This essentially facilitates the pumping of blood completely through the muscles, organs, and tissues of the entire body.

The contrast shower technique thus aids in rapid regeneration and detoxification of an individual’s body.

Conclusion

Despite the fear of taking cold showers, it is usually ideal to ease into the habit, slowly. You should thus start by slightly lowering the water temperature at the end of your usual shower. Make the water just cold enough that you start to feel slight discomfort and stay underneath for two to three minutes.

The next time you shower, ensure the water is slightly colder than the last time, and also try lasting underneath for an additional minute or two.

To decrease the discomfort in your mind, try deep breathing exercises when showering. After a couple of tries, let’s say seven to ten times, you might even start enjoying the cold showers and eventually turn down hot water completely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is a cold shower good for you?

A number of studies have associated cold icy showers with a heightened immune system and increased resistance to illnesses.

An example is a study in the Netherlands that concluded that cold showers reduced the number of workers calling off work for sickness by 29% and another one also connected cold showers to increased cancer survival.

Is it good to take a cold shower every day?

Taking cold showers every day has been associated with a number of benefits such as increased efficiency in the circulatory system, and better-looking skin among others. As such, it is recommended if possible.

When is the best time to have a cold shower?

The best and most recommended time is usually in the morning as it will kick-start your overall systems getting you ready for the day’s engagements. Although it might be difficult, you can often start with your limbs, submerging one at a time to ease into the coldness.

How long should a cold shower last?

This often depends entirely on an individual. Most people often prefer starting with a warm shower and then switching near the end for a brief moment of 30 seconds to about 2 minutes. Nevertheless, some also just prefer a purely brief shower of 5 to 10 minutes or as long as you need.

Do cold showers burn fat?

Yes, but the process is not going to be any faster to elicit significant changes. As such, you should focus on other fat-burning techniques like intense exercise.

Similarly, adopting cold showers to the extreme like taking a 10-minute ice bath may elicit some benefits but not significant as this may often come with complications like impaired muscle growth and strength gains.

Are cold showers unhealthy?

Definitely no. if anything, they are tremendously good for you as they have proven to elicit tremendous benefits such as improved mood, burning of fat, and increased immunity among others.

How do you shower with neuropathy?

If your nerves are dulled, telling whether the water in your shower is the right temperature or even scalding hot may be difficult.

As such, you may need to often test with your elbow, install a bath thermometer or even acquire a temperature-controlled faucet to help gauge the water temperature for safe showering.

Should you put your head under a cold shower?

While the cold water rushing on your head might be beneficial waking your brain faster and initiating all the little energy systems in the body, I would recommend taking it easy and may be doing so only in intervals of short periods or when needed. This is because it is important not to lose heat in your head as this might prompt negative implications.

Are cold showers at night good?

Despite the overwhelming recommendation for cold showers as morning activities to help with refreshment and energy boost for the rest of the day’s engagements, they also help in the night as they tend to increase an individual’s endorphins which are the feel-good hormones.

Can you sleep after a cold shower?

Yes, the cool water usually aids in tricking your whole system into sleep mode. This is because, when you sleep, your body temperature lowers and by taking a cold shower before bed, you will essentially be initiating the temperature-lowering process thus showing the body it is near bedtime.

Why should you avoid hot showers?

Hot showers are often associated with several downsides if not taken accordingly. For instance, they can inflame the skin causing redness, itching, and even peeling mimicking the side effects of a sunburn.

Furthermore, they can disrupt the skin’s natural moisture balance and retention by depriving it of the natural oils, fats, and proteins that keep it healthy and glowing.

Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lower Blood Sugar Immediately?

A significant improvement in blood glucose levels was noticed 30 minutes after consumption of apple cider vinegar by a group that used it on a short-term basis.

Over the years, folk medicine has favored apple cider medicine. Additionally, there have been multiple claims made by persons using it for its supposed advantages.

Apples are chopped, covered with water, and left at room temperature until the natural gas ferments and turn into ethanol to produce apple cider vinegar.

Bacteria then transform this alcohol into acetic acid. In the cider, “mother” strands will start to form.

These are frequently the subject of health claims and are strained out of certain products but not others. The following batch of cider can also be made using the “mother,” if desired.

Apple Cider Vinegar Nutritional Value

Apple cider vinegar does not have a significant quantity of vitamins, minerals, or even calories if you look at the nutritional fact label.

This is because the potential health benefits of apple cider vinegar are found in substances that do not form part of the standard nutritional label.

The acetic acid which forms during fermentation is apple cider vinegar’s claim to fame. There are multiple health benefits to acetic acid.

Raw apple cider also contains the following:

• Natural probiotics (friendly bacteria). This will help boost your immune system and gut health.

• Antioxidants. It will help in preventing any damage to your body’s cells.

But will apple cider vinegar really help you control blood sugar?

There is proof that fermented foods, including apple cider vinegar that contains lactic or acetic acid, can lower blood sugar levels by assisting the liver in storing glucose.

As a result, the body produces and absorbs glucose at a slower rate.

You should dilute 1 – 2 tablespoons of apple vinegar cider in a glass of water if you wish to consume it.

If you want the best and the greatest impact on your blood sugar, you should drink it just before bedtime or before meals.

Apple cider vinegar can cause stomach irritation or damage your tooth enamel. Therefore, you should not consume undiluted apple cider vinegar just like with most kinds of vinegar.

Cider made from apples is another useful cooking component. Therefore, you can use apple cider vinegar in multiple items such as salad dressings, marinades, sauces, and soups. Besides, multiple types of fish and meat work well with apple cider vinegar.

The distilled kinds of apple cider vinegar are the ones that people are most likely to see for sale. This variety of apple cider vinegar is colorless and transparent.

Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar

Despite apple cider vinegar having multiple benefits to your health, there are certain side effects that may come along especially if you do not use it correctly.

Some of the side effects of apple cider vinegar include:

• When your tooth enamel erodes you can never get it back. Apple cider vinegar is high in acidity. The acidity of the apple vinegar cider is likely to erode your enamel.

• If you drink apple cider vinegar straight it can easily damage your esophagus.

Watering down the apple cider vinegar is a great way of reducing its acidity and preventing problems such as enamel erosion and damage to your esophagus.

You can water down your apple cider vinegar by adding a tablespoon to a mug of warm water.

Other possible side effects of apple cider vinegar include the following:

• Lower potassium levels. Hypokalemia is a condition caused by low potassium levels. If you have low potassium levels in your body, it is advisable for you not to use it since it may worsen your condition.
• Interaction with medicines. Some medicines, such as diuretics and insulin, can interact with apple cider (water pills). Therefore, it is advisable that you ask your doctor if it is safe for you to use apple cider vinegar if are taking any medications.
• Nausea and vomiting. Some folks can’t stand apple cider vinegar’s taste or acidity, very literally. Therefore, you should stop using apple cider vinegar if it makes you feel sick.

Availability

Additionally, you can get apple cider vinegar as pills or gummies. There is no recommended dosage, so read the product’s instructions carefully or ask your doctor how much is safe for you. Look for a company that has received a third-party endorsement.

Takeaway

You may want to consider consuming diluted apple cider vinegar if you have type 2 diabetes since scientists believe it is safe to drink.

Additionally, drinking apple cider vinegar may be beneficial to your body when it comes to helping you control your blood sugar levels.

However, scientific evidence supporting the use of apple cider vinegar helps in controlling blood sugar levels is little. Therefore, using apple cider vinegar or any other isolated dietary change to be a quick fix for diabetes should not be considered.

Some of the most effective methods of controlling diabetes that you can use include eating a high-fiber diet containing the correct amount of carbohydrates, protein, and healthful fat. You should also do physical exercise regularly.

Is apple cider vinegar better than other types for blood sugar control?

Apple cider vinegar is the type of vinegar that has been studied by scientists most often for reducing blood glucose levels. However, it is believed that other types of vinegar have the potential to act similarly in the body according to researchers.

All vinegar contains acetic acid, which is the element that scientists think has an impact on managing blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight.

Without mentioning apple cider vinegar specifically, some research employs vinegar solutions. For example, one study showed that a 30 milliliter(ml) vinegar solution that contained 6 percent acetic acid had positive effects on glucose and lipid metabolism.

Based on acetic acid concentrations and the impact of that specific component on blood sugar, vinegar should help improve these levels theoretically.

The majority of food vinegar variants have an acetic acid content of 4–7%. To verify the advantages and outcomes of various kinds of vinegar, scientists must do additional investigation.

FAQ:

Does vinegar lower blood sugar quickly?

The rate at which your stomach empties the food you have eaten into the small intestine is slowed down by the acetic acid in vinegar.

This in turn provides the body more time to eliminate glucose from circulation and inhibits the breakdown of carbohydrates. In the end, this lessens the regular blood sugar increase following a meal.

How much apple cider vinegar do I take to lower my blood sugar?

It is interesting to note that only a tiny amount of apple cider vinegar is required to produce these results.

It has been demonstrated that taking four tablespoons (20 ml) of apple cider vinegar before meals dramatically lowers blood sugar levels after meals.

Does taking apple cider vinegar before bed lower blood sugar?

The best times to drink apple cider vinegar for blood sugar control are shortly before meals and right before bed.

For instance, consuming 2 tablespoons (30ml) of apple cider vinegar at bedtime for two days lowered fasting blood sugar levels by as much as 6% in a study of persons with type 2 diabetes.

Should I drink apple cider vinegar before or after my meal?

Consuming apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach is the best way to take it. Vinegar might lose some of its potency when you eat certain foods and drinking vinegar before meals help your body metabolize food more quickly.

Waiting for at least 20 minutes after consuming the apple cider vinegar before eating anything is recommended by experts.

How much apple cider vinegar should you drink a day for diabetes?

You should drink around two (2) spoons every day. Never drink it straight; always dilute it with water, seltzer, or tea, or include it in your food. Consume no more than 2 tablespoons daily.

What happens when you drink apple cider vinegar every day?

Lower blood triglycerides, smaller waist circumference, reduced belly fat, and weight loss are some of the results of consuming apple cider vinegar every day according to a study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry.

What is the best time to take apple cider vinegar for diabetes?

Takin 20 grams (20 ml) of apple cider vinegar diluted in 40ml of water, with 1 teaspoon of saccharine, could lower your blood sugar after meals according to research from 2004.

Additionally, taking apple cider vinegar before bed helped moderate blood sugar upon waking accordioning to another study from 2007.

How can I stabilize my blood sugar overnight?

Checking your blood sugar (or CGM) before is a great way of stabilizing your blood sugar overnight. Additionally, eating lots of food close to bedtime should be avoided.

Low-carb, early dinners without any after-dinner snacks are crucial for many diabetics to stay in range overnight. To cover your evening meal, you could choose to eat less at night and increase your basal insulin intake.

How long should I wait to eat after taking apple cider vinegar?

Yes. You can drink diluted apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach. In fact, it is the recommended way to take apple cider vinegar. Just wait about 20 minutes or so after drinking apple cider vinegar to eat.

Can apple cider vinegar damage your kidneys?

Your kidneys shouldn’t be harmed by apple cider vinegar.

What medications can you take with apple cider vinegar?

A few drugs and apple cider vinegar may not interact well.

Some medicines for diabetes. Those who consume vinegar while taking insulin-stimulating drugs run the risk of having dangerously low potassium or blood sugar levels.

Digoxin (Lanoxin). Your blood potassium levels drop when you take this drug.

Certain diuretic drugs.

Does apple cider vinegar interfere with blood pressure medication?

Continue taking any prescription drugs, and adhere to any suggested schedules. More research is required, but apple cider vinegar may help decrease blood pressure. However, it doesn’t seem that using apple cider vinegar moderately carries any hazards.

When should you not take apple cider vinegar?

If you have a sluggish stomach, you should avoid drinking apple cider vinegar.

Additionally, drinking ACV can affect the muscles of your stomach if your digestive system is slow.

Limiting the intake of apple cider vinegar to one teaspoon a day mixed with water or sprinkled on the salad is advisable in such cases or you should avoid it completely.

Caution:

To maintain healthy blood sugar levels, do not use apple cider vinegar by yourself. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine to treat or prevent diabetes.

Before increasing your intake of any type of vinegar you should talk to your doctor if you are currently taking blood-sugar-lowering medications.

Does MSG Affect Diabetes?

What is MSG?

MSG is a short form of monosodium glutamate. Intake of MSG in healthy adults has been linked with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.

This is because, regardless of energy intake, intake of MSG in healthy adults correlates with the resulting increase in body mass index.

It is a flavor-improving substance made from L-glutamic acid, which occurs naturally in many meals.

Because l-glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid, your body can make it on its own and does not require food to provide it. MSG is a common food additive that is a white, odorless crystalline powder.

It is referred to as E621 in the food business. With little effort, it dissolves in water and separates into sodium and free glutamate.

It is created by fermenting sugary ingredients including molasses, sugar cane, and sugar beet.

Your body cannot differentiate the difference between glutamic acid found naturally in some foods and that found in MSG since there is no chemical difference between them.

Unami, a distinct flavor associated with MSG, is the fifth basic flavor after sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. The flavor of Unami is described as “meaty,” alluding to the presence of proteins in food.

Inosine 5’-monophosphate (IMP) and guanosine 5’-monophosphate (GMP) as other Unami compounds apart from MSG. MSG is widely utilized in processed foods in the West and is popular in Asian cuisine.

People’s typical daily intake is thought to range between 0.3 and 1.0 grams. MSG is typically consumed in processed and packaged foods in Western nations, but it is frequently added to home cooking in China.

650,000 tons of MSG are used globally every year according to estimates. Increased risk of insulin, diabetes, and obesity has been found to be brought by intake of MSG in studies done in rodents.

The association between MSG intake and the risk of hyperglycemia after five years was assessed by researchers in the Jiangsu Nutrition Study (JIN) study that was based on a large population-based in China.

A total of 1056 people (445 men and 611 women) with fasting plasma glucose of 7.0 mmol/l (FPG>126 mg/dl) or having known diabetes and hyperglycemia as FPG>5.6 mmol/l (FPG>100.9 mg/dl) were involved in the Jiangsu Nutrition Study (JIN).

Each household was asked about their usual monthly consumption of these items to determine the amount of MSG and other seasonings consumed by individuals.

The quantity of MSG consumed per person was determined by dividing the total amount of MSG consumed by the number of people living in the household by the number of people in each household.

This figure was then adjusted for the proportion of each person’s energy intake and consumption. Also evaluated in 1056 participants was the consumption of alcohol and cigarette smoking.

It was found by the authors that the mean intake for the entire population that participated in the research was 3.8 g/day.

Even after adjustment for a number of covariates, including dietary patterns, it was found that the highest quartile of MSG intake was associated with a lower risk of incident hyperglycemia.

Based on the findings of this study, the authors came to the conclusion that Chinese individuals who consume a lot of MSG have a lower chance of developing hyperglycemia.

To establish the casual links between MSG intake and hyperglycemia, more research is needed.

For many years, MSG has been used as a food additive. The FDA has received multiple reports of concerning reactions that people have attributed to foods that had MSG in them during this time.

The concerning reactions were known as MSG symptom complex and they included the following:

• Headache
• Flushing
• Sweating
• Face pressure or tightness
• Numbness (lack of feeling), tingling or burning in the face, neck, and other areas
• Quick fluttering heartbeats
• Chest pain
• Nausea or feeling sick
• Weakness

Common foods that contain MSG

Many different foods especially those that are high in protein contain MSG present naturally. Additionally, during processing, MSG is added to ingredients and other foods.

These are some of the common foods that you may be eating daily that contain MSG:

• Animal-based protein: chicken, beef, salmon, mackerel, scallops, crab, shrimp
• Cheese: Parmesan, Emmenthal, cheddar, Roquefort
• Vegetables: tomatoes, onions, cabbage, green peas, spinach, mushroom, broccoli
• Processed meats: pepperoni, bacon, pastrami, sausages, salami
• Sauces and dressings: soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, salad dressing
• Premade and packaged foods: canned soups, canned tuna, frozen meals, crackers, potato chips, flavored snacks
• Condiments: seasoning blends, rubs

Further, to season menu items like fried chicken, chicken nuggets, and fries, fast-food chains such as McDonald’s, Chic-fill-A, and KFC use MSG.

1. Does MSG spike insulin?

Fasting healthy subjects given monosodium glutamate orally has been shown to raise plasma insulin levels without changing blood glucose levels.

2. What is MSG made of?

MSG stands for Monosodium Glutamate and it is consisting of water, sodium, and glutamate. An amino acid used to make proteins in food and our body is known as glutamate. There is no distinct flavor associated with MSG.

3. Does MSG spike blood pressure?

A significant increase in SBP and DBP was associated with MSG intake. SBP and DBP were more likely to rise in women who consumed a lot of MSG. Consumption of total glutamate was likewise positively correlated with a rise in SBP.

4. Does Chinese Food Spike Blood Sugar?

In diabetes, Chinese foods are considered one of the worst foods to consume. This is because they are high in calories, sodium, fat, and carbohydrates that can dramatically increase your blood sugar levels.

5. Is MSG Worse Than Salt?

Reaching for MSG to flavor your food can help you eat less sodium since it contains two-thirds less the amount of sodium compared to table salt. Therefore, it is a great option if you are looking to lower your sodium intake.

6. Is MSG Harmful?

MSG has been classified as a food ingredient that is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), although many health advocates do not agree with this assessment.

7. Does MSG Cause Inflammation?

MSG – Monosodium glutamate, which is frequently found in Asian cuisine, especially dishes made with soy sauce, can cause inflammation. Additionally, canned soups, salad dressings, and several fast foods frequently include it.

8. Does MSG Affect Cholesterol?

The results of the current study also showed that oral administration of MSG considerably increased the levels of serum LDL and VLDL cholesterol in the treatment groups. Additionally, a notable decline in HDL level was seen.

9. Is Ajinomoto Same As MSG?

Basically, Ajinomoto and MSG are the same things. MSG is the brand name of the product, and Ajinomoto is the name of the Japanese manufacturer.

The brand name Ajinomoto itself became rather well-known for the product, so the business copyrighted it to ensure exclusivity.

10. Why Is Ajinomoto Harmful?

It may cause a number of problems, including tingling and burning in the face and neck. The MSG in question is a neurotransmitter that activates the nerves and throws the neurotransmitter equilibrium.

Ajinomoto has a connection to these conditions, which can include illnesses like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s.

11. How Do You Avoid MSG?

The only sure way of avoiding prepacked food products is by making everything from unprocessed ingredients since MSG is pretty much in them.

Additionally, rather than dining out or purchasing frozen meals, cook your food. Rather than processed, canned or vacuum packed, buy your ingredients in the raw.

12. What Should a Diabetic Eat at A Chinese Restaurant?

You should focus on dishes packed full of lean proteins and vegetables with limited rice and noodles when ordering Chinese. An example might be steamed chicken and broccoli with the sauce on the side.

13. How Long Does MSG Stay in Your System?

Symptoms brought on by MSG are normally mild and disappear completely on their own within 72 hours.

However, you should speak to your healthcare provider, if your symptoms do not appear to resolve or continue worsening after 48 hours as it may be something more serious.

14. What Does MSG Do in Your Stomach?

A number of acid-dependent disorders may have their pathophysiology associated with the stimulating impact of MSG on the basal secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

MSG overuse can result in “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome,” gastritis, and duodenal and stomach ulcers.

15. Does MSG Affect Your Joints?

Other goods that include MSG, such as flavored canned potato chips, canned soups, soup mixes, salad dressings, and other processed sauces, are mostly unknown to the majority of people.

MSG contributes to persistent inflammation and makes age- and injury-related joint pain worse.

16. What Does MSG Do to The Brain?

MSG causes havoc on brain processes as well as the death of brain cells when it enters the brain.

Even in tiny amounts, MSG can produce reactions in many people within 48 hours, which might make it challenging to identify the exact dish that caused the reaction.

17. Does MSG Make You Gain Weight?

People who eat more MSG are more likely to be overweight or obese according to the researchers’ results.

And the risk was not just elevated because people were overindulging in MSG-rich meals. Even after taking into consideration the total quantity of calories people consumed, the association between high MSG consumption and being overweight persisted.

18. How Can You Tell If Food Has MSG In It?

In the ingredient list on the label of the majority of packaged foods, food makers must indicate when MSG is included, either by name or by its addictive code number 621. For instance, MSG might be identified as a Flavor enhancer (MSG).

19. How Much MSG Is Too Much?

While there is conflicting evidence regarding how MSG may affect general health, it is obvious that taking excessive amounts of the flavoring—3 grams or more daily—is likely to have negative side effects, such as headache and raised blood pressure.

20. How Do You Flush Out MSG?

Numerous glasses of water may lessen the severity of your symptoms and assist in flushing the MSG from your body.

Conclusion

The body of research on MSG’s impact on diabetes is unclear and has significant gaps. It’s possible that eating MSG will have negative effects.

The majority of these effects are noticeable at oral doses greater than 2000 mg/kg as well as at lower levels via gavage or injection. Lower oral doses, however, did not offer convincing proof.

Given the diversity of type 2 diabetes, MSG may be one of the many environmental factors that contribute to the condition.

5 Diabetes Dessert Recipes

Having diabetes should not restrict you from enjoying sweet treats. Some recipes are ideal for people with all types of diabetes, including pre-diabetes, diabetes type 1, diabetes type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Ideally, diabetes desserts should have one or more of the following things compared to traditional desserts:

• More fiber
• Less sugars
• Increased proteins
• More plant-based fats

If you have diabetes and you want to lower your sugar level, here are dessert recipes you should try:

5 Diabetes Dessert Recipes

1. Strawberries & Whipped Cream

The dessert is rich in antioxidants making it a good choice for diabetic people looking to boost their immune system. The ingredients include strawberries, powdered stevia, and heavy whipping cream.

Ingredients:

Heavy Whipping Cream (1/2 cup)
Strawberries (1/2 pound)
Powdered Stevia (1 tablespoon)

The process of making strawberries and whipped cream is straightforward. Just slice up the strawberries and sprinkle some stevia to taste.

Add the heavy whipped cream and if you want to add some taste, consider adding milk or coconut milk.

2. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites

Egg-free no-bake cookie dough bites are perfect for you and your family. Have you ever heard of garbanzo beans?

It is a secret ingredient that makes the cookie dough bites delicious and nutritious.

Garbanzo beans are rich in proteins and fiber, which helps in lowering blood sugar levels. Although not everyone likes sugary foods, you can add maple syrup to sweeten the cookies.

Remember, if you want to balance blood sugar, almond flour is the best.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups oats
1 cup almond flour
1 can low sodium garbanzo beans rinsed and drained
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Follow these steps to make no-bake cookie dough bites:

It’s best to mix oats and almond flour in a food processor until a fine powder is visible.

Add the rest of the ingredients except the chocolate chips. Process the ingredients until you form a batter.

If the mixture is too dry, consider adding some water. Adding some water makes the process easier.

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir the chocolate chips by hand. Use a cookie scoop to roll the dough into balls, then refrigerate them for about 4 hours.

Refrigeration is crucial to make the chocolate chip cookie dough bites fluffy and round without baking them.

To make mini chocolate chips:

Start the process by preheating the oven to 350°F.

Add ½ tablespoonful baking powder, flaxseed egg, or an ordinary egg to the original ingredients.

Follow the steps discussed above besides the refrigeration step.

It is advisable to skip the refrigeration step because you will eventually bake the mini chocolate chips. After transferring the mixture into a bowl, stir the chocolate chips by hand. Remember, unlike the no-bake chocolate chip cookies, mini chocolate chips should not be eaten raw because we added an egg.

Therefore, the final step entails baking the cookies for about ten minutes. When ready, the edges will start turning golden brown. Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack.

If you store the cookies in an airtight container, they can last up to a week. However, if you freeze them, they can stay fresh for up to three months.

3. Vegan Cherry Chocolate Coconut Milk Chia Pudding

You need the following ingredients:
• Coconut milk (1 1/2 cups) or any other type of milk (to keep the dessert vegan, almond milk chia pudding or coconut milk chia pudding is the best)
• Chia seeds (A little more than 1/4 cup) are antioxidants and rich in calcium, iron, proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Cacao powder (1/4 cup)
• Powdered monk fruit sweetener (2-3 Tablespoons)
• Cherries (1/4 cup, pitted and sliced)
• Heavy whipping cream (1/4 cup)

The process of making makes cherry chocolate coconut milk chia pudding is very simple. Gather, clean, and mix all the ingredients in a bowl or mug. Leave the ingredients for 4 to 5 hours to gel and firm up.

It is advisable to make the chia pudding overnight to allow the chia seeds enough time to gel and firm up.

4. Lemon Mini Cheesecake

Making this no-bake lemon mini cheesecake is easy and fast.

Typically, it would be best to make a crust first, then fill and mold the no-bake cheesecake.

However, you need a high-powered blender or food processor to prepare these delicacies successfully. So, how do you do it?

Start by adding coconut flour and oats to a blender or food processor. Blend the mixture for a few minutes until you form a fine white powder.

Add the remaining ingredients, i.e., vanilla extract, almond extract, lemon zest, cream cheese, and maple syrup. Continue processing until the ingredients become smooth.

Scoop the batter into a container, sprinkle the bites, and add coconut or lemon zest to taste. To harden the cheesecakes, refrigerate them for 2 to 4 hours.

5. Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies

This is another no bake recipe.

Pumpkin is very nutritious, thus making it an important ingredient when making gluten-free pumpkin cookies. The no-bake gluten-free pumpkin cookies need a wet base for a start. Nut butter, maple syrup, or pumpkin puree are ideal choices. You need the following equipment:

• Bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula or rubber spoon
• Microwave
• Fork
• Storage container

Here’s the ingredient list:

1 cup nut butter (Almond butter is slightly healthier than peanut butter)
½ cup maple syrup
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup coconut flour
1 tbsp cinnamon

For a start, mix the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree in a bowl. Whisk the ingredients until they mix thoroughly.

If the almond butter is too thick, consider microwaving it before mixing.

The next step entails adding coconut flour and cinnamon and mixing them using a spatula or spoon.

Ensure the mixture is thick to form balls. Consider adding more flour if the dough is too thin.

Form the balls and use your hand or fork to make the balls round (shaping).

If you freeze the cookies in an airtight container, they can stay fresh for up to 3 months. Remember to thaw them before eating.

Conclusion

Although diabetic people fear desserts, that should not be the case. However, you should steer clear of desserts with high sugar and carbohydrates.

Eating healthy foods is highly recommended, especially if you have a health condition. Therefore, consider seeking professional advice and researching to determine what you should and shouldn’t eat. If you are not sure about anything, do not take risks.

Instead, consult your dietician to know if you are making a mistake.

Finally, since we are all different, knowing how your body reacts when you eat certain foods is essential. If you have a negative reaction, consider seeking a better alternative to avoid serious health problems in the future. Now that you have diabetes dessert recipes, it is your turn to try them.

Will a Low Carb Diet Improve Kidney Function?

Improve Kidney – Having healthy kidneys is important because they help regulate your body’s water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance which is essential for the health of all cells in your body.

Kidney diseases are preventable or manageable and treatment options are available, but you can help keep them at bay with a low carb diet. A low carb diet is one that restricts the amount of carbohydrates consumed.

The general recommendation is to reduce the amount of carbohydrates consumed by 20-50% and replace it with a healthy fat.

Low Carb Diet and Kidney Stones

Carbohydrates are a staple in most people’s diet and a common source of kidney stones.

A low carbohydrate diet has also been linked to improving kidney function. By restricting the amount of carbohydrates your body is ingesting, you are reducing the glucose load on your kidneys. This will, in turn, reduce the need for your kidneys to work harder. This will reduce overall stress on the kidneys and help them to function better and improve kidney function.

By eating excess carbohydrates, your body will produce more glucose which will in turn overwork your kidney. In the kidney, excess glucose gets utrafiltrated at the kidney tubules and then gets reabsorbed before leaving the kidney. This toxic waste along with minerals will form crystals that can eventually form kidney stones. By reducing your intake of carbohydrates, you are limiting the amount of glucose you produce and reducing the risk of stone formation.

Benefits of a Low Carbohydrate Diet

A low carbohydrate diet is designed to produce better metabolic health and weight loss. When your body does not have enough carbohydrates for energy, it will turn to fat for fuel. On the other hand, a low carbohydrate diet also controls blood sugars.

By controlling blood sugar, you are helping to prevent diabetes as well as kidney stones. The improved health and weight loss benefit are also seen in the heart and brain function.

How to Improve Kidney Function

You can improve kidney function by:

1. Drinking more water

Drinking more water will help to flush out the toxins in your body and your kidneys are no different. By encouraging healthy hydration, you are helping to improve the health of your kidneys. When you drink more water, your kidney tubules will get cleaned as you excrete the excess water.

If there were kidney stones or minerals trapped in your kidney tubules, this will be flushed out too. The daily water intake a healthy person need is at least 8 glasses of water per day. A person with kidney stones should drink more water as it helps to flush out the toxins in his or her body.

2. Avoid smoking

Smoking is also a risk factor for kidney stones. When you smoke, nicotine can bind with calcium and other minerals in the urine and increase your risk for kidney stones. If you quit smoking, you will notice an improvement in kidney function.

3. Decrease coffee consumption

Many people consider coffee to be a healthy beverage, but this is not the case if you are drinking too much coffee. The caffeine in coffee can stimulate the kidneys and increase your risk for kidney stones.

This is because your kidneys will have to work harder in order to get rid of the excess caffeine. Avoid drinking too much coffee and drink more water instead.

4. Eat more low-carb vegetables

Eating more low-carb vegetables is beneficial for your kidney function. Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale are low carb vegetables.

Bacteria, yeast, and fungi will all thrive on carbohydrates, so you need to eliminate the toxins in the food that you eat. Vegetables are rich in antioxidants and vitamins which will help your kidneys to flush out the excess toxins.

5. Avoid or limit alcohol intake

Doctors suggest that people with kidney stones should limit or avoid alcohol intake. Alcohol also contributes to developing and worsening kidney issues by depleting the body of vital nutrients and vitamins which are needed to help prevent stone formation.

All the ethanol in alcohol has to pass through the kidney, which may end up reacting with the calcium in your urine to form calcium oxalate crystals. This will eventually lead to the formation of kidney stones.

6. Reduce protein intake

Eating more protein can also increase your risk for kidney stones. Excess proteins are excreted in form of urea, which is a powerful toxin. Urea may react with the calcium in your urine to form calcitriol and urate, a chemical that is linked to kidney stones.

7. Physical exercise

Physical exercise will also help the kidneys to function better. If you have kidney stones, physical exercise can reduce the workload on your kidneys and make them perform better.

For example, when you bicycling, you need to pedal hard with adrenaline for a long time which will make your kidneys work harder. This will help the kidneys to perform better and help the stones get flushed out. Physical exercises will also encourage sweating which will help to remove toxins from your body.

8. Manage diabetes, hypertension, and other heart diseases

Kidney stones can also form in people who have diabetes or other heart diseases, such as hypertension and low blood pressure. If you already have kidney stones, it is important to control any conditions that may cause your kidneys to work harder. Diabetes and kidney stones are closely linked as excess glucose may lead to the formation of kidney stones.

High blood pressure is known to destroy the fine kidney tubules and may affect kidney function. If you have high blood pressure and kidney stones, you should check your blood pressure regularly and keep it under control.

9. Limit salt intake

Limiting salt intake will also help to improve the health of your kidneys. Salt is rich in sodium and intake of extra salt may affect your blood pressure. Excess sodium may also lead to the formation of kidney stones.

Kidney stones are just one of the many side effects that come with an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Eating a healthy diet is crucial for keeping your kidney health in check. Sugary and starchy foods that are rich in carbs should be avoided as they may be linked to the formation of kidney stones. Specialists also suggest that you should not intake excessive protein as it can also contribute to the formation of kidney stones.