Month: March 2012

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Weight Loss Exercise

Diabetic Breakfast Ideas: Breakfast Choices for Diabetics

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day yet it can also be the most neglected. If you have diabetes, it is a very bad idea to skip breakfast. The first meal of the day provides energy to get you going and helps keep your blood sugar levels within normal limits. Healthy breakfast ideas for diabetics can help you choose the right foods to eat and avoid those that can bring your blood glucose to abnormal levels.

Diabetic breakfast ideas are not too difficult to find because they are often the same as a healthy diet for non-diabetics. Those who have diabetes, however, should limit their carbohydrate consumption and avoid foods with high glycemic values because they can cause the blood sugar level to spike.

Healthy Breakfast Choices for Diabetics

When looking for diabetic breakfast ideas, be sure to avoid highly processed foods that are high in carbohydrates. Instead of white bread, opt for whole grain breads, oats, and whole grain cereals. These foods are high in fiber and have a low glycemic value. Studies have shown that they help reduce blood glucose levels significantly.

Foods such as eggs, meat, dairy products and poultry provide the protein you need. Some amount of fat is also important in your diabetes diet, but be sure to limit your fat consumption to avoid weight problems.

Ideas for a Healthy Diabetic Breakfast

Breakfast for diabetics does not have to be a bland or boring meal. With a little imagination, you can whip up a delicious breakfast that will provide the right balance of nutrients and calories. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you can have a healthy breakfast of whole wheat toast with a teaspoon of margarine spread, egg or cottage cheese, oatmeal, and a small banana.

Another diabetic breakfast idea is whole grain bread with peanut butter, low fat milk, and some fresh fruits.

When planning breakfast, diabetic patients should always remember to keep an eye on their carbohydrate intake. High-carb foods quickly release sugar into the blood and this is not good for diabetics.

Breakfast can be hard to put together especially if you have to go to school or work early in the morning. But if you have diabetes, you cannot afford to skip breakfast. Plan ahead and find some healthy diabetic breakfast ideas that will help keep your blood sugar stable while giving you the energy you need for the day.

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Weight Loss Exercise

Diabetes Testing Machine

Diabetes treatment is made possible by constantly monitoring blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients can do this at home with a diabetes testing machine or blood glucose meter that measures glucose levels in the blood. How often you need to check your blood sugar depends on your particular diabetes treatment and how well the condition is controlled. People with type 1 diabetes who take insulin may need to check their blood glucose level several times during the day, in which case a diabetes testing machine would come in handy.

The diabetes testing machine is also called a glucometer. Modern glucometers are now small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Diabetes testing machines come with test strips, calibration solution and alcohol wipes. They can be stowed in their cases, making it easy to bring them with you when you travel.

Using a Diabetes Testing Machine

To test for your blood sugar level, a very small amount of blood is taken from your finger. Almost all glucometers use a test strip to absorb the blood droplet for the machine to analyze. The machine comes with a lancet device that makes a small incision in the finger to draw blood for testing.

Older models of diabetes testing machines took up to a full minute to analyze the blood sample, but newer models can get a reading in a matter of seconds. Newer models are also more sensitive and require only the tiniest amount of blood sample to get an accurate reading. Thus, it is possible to use a smaller lancet and reduce the discomfort of obtaining a blood sample.

Many modern glucometers these days are capable of recording up to 250 blood sugar readings, including the date and time when the reading was made. This feature allows you to keep track of your blood sugar levels for trending.

Types of Diabetic Testing Machines

There are many different makes and models of blood sugar meters but there are only two basic types. One is a small portable glucometer with test strips stored inside the machine. When the diabetes testing machine is switched on, a test strip is exposed through a small slot. The blood droplet is transferred to the strip for testing.

The second type of glucometer uses external test strips which are inserted into a slot in the machine for testing.

More recently, some manufacturers introduced diabetic testing machines that they claim are able to get a blood sugar reading without a blood sample. The device can be worn like a wristwatch to check your glucose level every twenty minutes. This type of bloodless diabetes testing machine is not approved by the FDA and cannot substitute for a standard glucometer.

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Categories
Weight Loss Exercise

Natural Cures for Migraines

You may find that natural cures for migraines can work as well if not better than pharmaceutical products. Natural cures for migraines involve physical, psychological as well as nutritional aspects. While typical medicine does work, people are starting to give more interest to alternative cures and medicine. These may work in conjunction with the medicine you are currently taking for headaches.

Natural cures also work mostly in the prevention of migraines. They help reduce both the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.

Natural Cures for Migraines, Of Diets, Herbs and Therapies

* Biofeedback

Biofeedback is essentially a procedure where you are made aware of the different processes going on inside your body. Different equipment and sensors are placed on your body. Measurements such as brain activity, temperature, heart rate and blood pressure are all displayed for you to see. The theory is you can control these parameters since you are aware of the different levels they are in. Relaxation techniques along with focusing can bring pain levels down when you suffer from migraines.

* Spa and Physical Therapies

Breathing exercises and spas all aim to relax the body and help in proper circulation of blood. They can relieve you of the pain caused by migraines as well as prevent them from occurring. Acupuncture and acupressure work to apply pressure or stimulus at pressure points in the body. While they are not steeped in medical research, these treatments have been documented to provide symptomatic relief of migraines and headaches.

Overall these natural cures for migraines can greatly reduce stress and tension which can be one of the triggers of migraines.

* Herbal Cures

Feverfew and butterbur are considered as analgesics and natural cures for migraines which are effective in treating headaches. They have shown promise in migraines as well. Food and vegetables which are rich in magnesium and calcium such as kale and spinach have also been found to be effective in migraine prevention.

Aromatherapy using essential oils such as mint, peppermint and eucalyptus also relax the body and can aid in the reduction of migraine intensity.

* Migraine Diet/Log Book

A natural way to prevent migraine is to determine what causes migraines in the first place. Specific foods and stress events can cause migraines. These can differ from person to person. When a migraine attack happens try to think of what you were doing and what you were eating at the time. This can help you link your own migraine triggers. Once you know what causes migraines, you can work to avoid these.

Natural Cures for Migraines: Safety and Efficacy

It is best to consult a medical professional before undertaking any therapy for migraines. Adverse reactions are a concern, especially if you are allergic to a certain substance. There are also side effects associated with some herbs, but sticking to recommended dosages can help you avoid these problems. Ask your doctor as well so you can be cleared to undergo or take these natural cures.

With proper guidance these natural cures for migraines can help you get rid of your headaches for good.

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