Many individuals that I meet with diabetes are looking for ways to not just treat, but possibly improve their risks of complications, I have compiled a list of several key factors to limit diabetic complications:
1. Avoid Excess Alcohol - Alcohol can rapidly increase the progression of nerve damage and associated neuropathy if consumed in excess. Therefore, limiting alcohol consumption will decrease the risk of this nerve damage.
2. Diets Rich In B Vitamins - Foods rich in vitamin B12 (Fish, meat, poultry, eggs), vitamin B6 (meats, whol grains, vegetables, and nuts), vitamin B1(cereal grains, oatmeal, flax seed, brown rice, spinach, asparagus, oranges) and Folic acid (leafy vegetables, dried or fresh beans) can improve the functioning of tissues, especially nerves.
3. Well Balanced Diets - As you eat a well balanced diet (including many of the foods above), you will also consume the essential amino acids necessary to allow repair and proper functioning of nerves and blood vessels. This reduces the risk of complications.
4. No Smoking - Smoking, although not necessarily a nutrition item, can lead to decreased circulation to the feet and hands due to the constrictive effect of nicotine. Smoking therefore increases the risk of diabetic complications.
5. Proper Fluid Intake - A key aspect of any nutrition program should be water rich. Consumption of sufficient water (other fluids are not as beneficial) can improve the functioning of the kidneys, improve blood flow and overall decrease diabetic complications.
If these key nutrition practices are added to regular exercise, diabetic complications will be limited and the diabetes may even be improved. Let's work on improving your diabetes and limiting the complications...for additional information visit our Diabetes Page.
Dr Brandt R Gibson
Mountain West Foot & Ankle Institute
36 North 1100 East, Suite B
American Fork, UT 84003
801-756-0765
http://www.utahfootdoc.com/
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
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