Doctor or nutritionist with a diabetic patient explaining glycemic index

Blood Glucose Levels Above 400

In order to reduce the risk of long-term health problems, a goal of therapy in diabetes is to achieve near-normal blood glucose, or blood sugar levels.

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Fluid Intake While on Diuretics

Diuretics are a commonly prescribed medication, but they come with a perplexing puzzle for you. They are water pills that are supposed to help get rid of excess fluid, but they make you thirstier. It seems counterintuitive to drink more when you are on a pill to get rid of water, but that is what your body wants to do.

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Mortar, pestle and pharmacy bottle.

Herbs to Avoid on Metformin

Metformin is usually prescribed for Type 2 diabetes patients who have trouble maintaining consistent blood sugar levels. As a general rule, it is unsafe to take any herbs, supplements or vitamins while taking metformin unless you have the express approval of your doctor.

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juice

Does Juicing Vegetables Give You the Same Nutrition?

A simple Internet search for juicing turns up thousands of claims by experts touting its magical properties. Vegetables are a blend of vitamins, nutrients and fiber that work together to give your body a nutritious punch.

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Homemade turmeric capsule from freshly grounded turmeric roots.

Turmeric Spice Vs. Supplements

Indian and Asian cooking experts use turmeric in the form of curry powder to add spice and color to their dishes, but this powder is also widely used in folk medicine. Its uses have extended to digestive problems, wound healing, skin diseases and liver conditions.

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Woman's feet on weight scale

Negative Side Effects of Eating Less Than 1,200 Calories a Day

The idea of a low-calorie diet might tempt you because it seems like the quickest, surest way to lose weight. It certainly isn't easy, but it will get results. However, many negative side effects come along with restricting your calorie intake below 1,200.

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flax seeds

What Food or Herb Contains the Most Phytoestrogens?

Phytoestrogens are a food and herbal means of affecting the estrogen levels in your body. These substances have a weaker action than hormone replacement therapy or the estrogen that your body makes, and this can benefit you by blocking hormone receptors or providing a low-level estrogen effect.

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How to Treat Low Alkaline Phosphatase

Low alkaline phosphatase is a rare finding on a blood test. It usually results from some sort of malnutrition and is treated by correcting the underlying nutritive cause. Supplements for protein, B vitamins, vitamin C and thyroid hormones are the usual treatment for a low alkaline phosphatase.

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Researcher holding sweetener E951

The FDA Side Effects of Aspartame

A simple Internet search for aspartame turns up many wild theories about the dangers of this common non-nutritive sweetener. It is everywhere: in soda, gelatins and chewing gum.

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Six Raw Eggs in the Glass Bowl, High Angle View

Bad Effects of Lecithin

There are many supplements and food additives out there. You may have found lecithin added to your food and not known what it was. It is often added to foods as an emulsifier or substance that stabilizes fat. It is added to things such as medications, foods and cosmetics.

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Mature couple holding cups of tea in bed, smiling, close-up

What Should I Drink If I Hate Water?

Many diets suggest you drink plenty of water to help with weight loss. The diets often stress how crucial water is in a diet. It does no good if you drink calorie-laden soda, which is more likely to make you gain weight. Some people just don't like water, though. It is bland and tasteless to them.

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