HEART HEALTH & DIABETES

raspberries-heart-healthAs mentioned in the journal of diabetes care,  nutrition therapy is effective in improving blood sugar control and various markers of cardiovascular and hypertension risk. Medical nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietitian to individuals with abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels has been shown to reduce daily fat, saturated fat (bad fat), and energy intake. Moreover, it is also effective in lowering triglycerides, LDL or bad cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels, and finally in improving blood sugar control in patients with diabetes.

Even if you started taking medication to control diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol problems, nutrition therapy continues to be an important component of the overall treatment plan.

Here is how nutritional counseling will help you if you have abnormalities in your lipid profile:

  • Selecting your fat sources wisely
  • Knowing the different types of fat ( good fat and bad fat) and their impact on health
  • Knowing how to decrease your triglyceride levels

Here is how nutritional counseling will guide you if you have high blood pressure :

  • Identifying all food that are high in salt
  • Knowing what food will help control your blood pressure
  • Understanding food labels and comparing products to pick foods that are low or moderate in salt.
  • Knowing what to eat in restaurants

Here is how nutritional counseling will help you If you have high diabetes:

  • Understanding the physiopathology of diabetes
  • Knowing the food sources of glucose
  • Understanding portion size and the impact on glycemic control
  • Knowing what to eat and when to eat it to maintain a constant blood sugar level
  • Understanding the impact of alcohol consumption on blood sugar levels
  • Knowing how to prevent and manage hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • Knowing to control hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)