Just as one health problem frequently leads to another, healthful lifestyle changes can often remedy more than one health problem.
In November 2012 the British Journal of Nutrition reported on a study of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension in Gestational diabetes.
Investigators at Kashan University of Medical Sciences in Iran looked at 34 women diagnosed with Gestational diabetes at 24 to 28 weeks of their pregnancy.
Seventeen women stayed with regular diets consisting of 45 to 55 per cent carbohydrates, 15 to 20 per cent protein, and 25 to 30 per cent total fat, while the other 17 were assigned the DASH diet.
This diet was similar to the regular diet but with more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and less cholesterol, saturated fat, salt, and refined grains.
After 4 weeks the women on the DASH diet showed:
These women also had lower cholesterol levels than those on the regular diet.
From these results, it was concluded the DASH diet had helpful effects on sugar tolerance and blood cholesterol compared to the regular diet of women with Gestational diabetes.
The DASH diet was invented to fight high blood pressure by providing a life-long diet low in sodium chloride, or table salt.
Vegan diets have been shown to be the best kind for diabetes, but diabetics can eat much of what is recommended on the DASH diet.
It is noncommittal on the subject of caffeine, but many experts feel caffeine is not a good idea during pregnancy.
High blood pressure and Gestational diabetes are both problems to be avoided during pregnancy.
Isn't it great that one healthful diet can help to keep both health problems away?
In November 2012 the British Journal of Nutrition reported on a study of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension in Gestational diabetes.
Investigators at Kashan University of Medical Sciences in Iran looked at 34 women diagnosed with Gestational diabetes at 24 to 28 weeks of their pregnancy.
Seventeen women stayed with regular diets consisting of 45 to 55 per cent carbohydrates, 15 to 20 per cent protein, and 25 to 30 per cent total fat, while the other 17 were assigned the DASH diet.
This diet was similar to the regular diet but with more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and less cholesterol, saturated fat, salt, and refined grains.
After 4 weeks the women on the DASH diet showed:
- improved blood sugar levels,
- lowered HbA1c levels,
- lower blood pressure
These women also had lower cholesterol levels than those on the regular diet.
From these results, it was concluded the DASH diet had helpful effects on sugar tolerance and blood cholesterol compared to the regular diet of women with Gestational diabetes.
The DASH diet was invented to fight high blood pressure by providing a life-long diet low in sodium chloride, or table salt.
Vegan diets have been shown to be the best kind for diabetes, but diabetics can eat much of what is recommended on the DASH diet.
- 4 to 5 servings of fruit per day are recommended, either as desserts or between meal snacks.
Leave on the peels whenever possible to provide fiber, vitamins, and texture. - 4 to 5 servings of vegetables are also recommended on this diet.
- 6 to 8 servings of whole grains are also recommended.
- tofu dishes can be substituted for the 6 to 8 servings of meat on the DASH diet.
- 4 to 5 servings per week of nuts and beans are also recommended.
- 2 to 3 servings of oil are on the diet, and the best kinds of oils are the liquid kind, such as olive, soy, or canola.
- 5 or fewer servings of sweets are recommended.
It is noncommittal on the subject of caffeine, but many experts feel caffeine is not a good idea during pregnancy.
High blood pressure and Gestational diabetes are both problems to be avoided during pregnancy.
Isn't it great that one healthful diet can help to keep both health problems away?