You just finished eating that extra piece of fried chicken. Or maybe you couldn’t resist a second slice of dessert. You know that feeling when something you ate makes you feel bad. You may feel tired. Your stomach might be unsettled, or you might feel uncomfortable.You just finished eating that extra piece of fried chicken. Or maybe you couldn’t resist a second slice of dessert. You know that feeling when something you ate makes you feel bad. You may feel tired. Your stomach might be unsettled, or you might feel uncomfortable.
Food can change our bodies from the inside. It is just like taking medicine. Food can make us feel healthier when we eat healthy or feel sick when we don’t choose well. When we add fresh foods such as fruit and vegetables to our meals and avoid processed foods that come in packages or have high amounts of sugar, we can feel more energized, think more clearly and even sleep better at night.
It’s not your imagination. Many studies suggest that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
On the other hand, diets high in processed foods, sugars and unhealthy fats have been linked to greater risk of developing these conditions. The evidence is growing that what we eat is important in determining our health outcomes.
Eating the right kind of food is an important part of standing up to diabetes. What we eat directly affects our blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels. A poor diet can increase the risk of diabetes or cause more health issues if someone has diabetes.
That’s why Diabetes Free SC partners with organizations around the state that are addressing food insecurity, including produce prescription programs. Access to fresh produce is an important way to reduce health risks since people who experience food insecurity are more likely to develop diabetes and its complications.
Following a nutritious diet of moderate intake helps protect people from diabetes and related risks such as:
- Heart attack.
- Stroke.
- Eye diseases and vision problems.
- Kidney disease.
- Nerve damage.
While diabetes can be caused by several factors, making proper food choices can help manage blood sugar and help you feel more energized and mentally alert.
Learn more about the connection between food and diabetes here.
