Needed some advice please!

Hey y'all,

I could use some of your expertise! So when it comes to genetics, you could say I got the short end of the stick. From my mom's side, I have a fairly high risk of type 2 diabetes and my dad's family has a risk of high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Do y'all by any chance, know any foods that prevent these conditions or what foods to avoid under these circumstances? Any input would be great, thanks! :)

Replies

  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,412 Member
    Best things you can do is maintain a healthy weight and exercise daily. Particular foods are not the culprits, although sugar is definitely something you want to limit as much as you can.
  • minikhan95
    minikhan95 Posts: 52 Member
    Gotcha, thanks!
  • erinsueburns
    erinsueburns Posts: 865 Member
    On the cholesterol side, what kind of high cholesterol? For me, it is predominantly triglycerides and VLDL, and the one thing that has consistently kept those down FOR ME is avoiding grains. And keeping sugars from fruits and what not in check. But even freaking old fashioned rolled oats, let alone breads, cause my triglycerides to go up. Replacing carbohydrates from grains with unassisted fats from nuts keeps them down. Your mileage may vary. My best advice is to try frequent monitoring testing to see how foods over time affect your numbers.
  • danefan
    danefan Posts: 2 Member
    New (and old) research shows that sugars and other carbs exacerbate all the conditions you mentioned.

    Avoiding all forms of sugar and grains and including plenty of natural foods (but not too much fruit, 2 pieces per day) and natural fats would be the way to go according to what I have been reading lately.

    I don't believe exercise is essential but it certainly helps to make me feel better every day.

    :smile:
  • TrishLG
    TrishLG Posts: 173 Member
    Cinnamon regulates blood sugar.
    Niacin is as effective as some drugs in reducing cholesterol without the killer side effects.
    Beets and jicama are suppose to be good for high blood pressure..
    I just started eating beets every day. The crimson urine was a surprise.
    For high blood pressure the doctor put me on meds.
    When my urine turned very dark I became alarmed and read the drug inserts.
    Turns it the meds cause liver failure and the dark urine was the clue.

    Also exercise is essential for diabetes.
    A friend got in an accident and couldn't walk, and her diabetes got out of control,
    caused all kinds of damage, so do keep fit.
    Weight is such an important issue for all of the above, and also for longevity.
    If you take notice of all the really old people, they are all little.
    The bigs ones do not get to be really old people.
    It is the fatties who die young. I'm working on it.

    You really have to take control.
    Nobody can rely on the drug companies because their crap is a bigger killer than the problem for which they are prescribed.

    Essentially all foods turn to sugar, even proteins and fats, not just sugars and starches.
    Sugar is what the body burns for energy.
    Vegetables are the best food because they have fiber, vitamins, and less sugar than fruit.
    People think we need meat and dairy, like from cows, but where do they get it? They are total vegans!
    However, a healthy diet, less refined foods, less wheat, less sugar and starches in general are crucial.
    We can fight Mother Nature. We don't always win, but good luck kicking her *kitten* but good.
  • Docmahi
    Docmahi Posts: 1,603 Member
    Hey y'all,

    I could use some of your expertise! So when it comes to genetics, you could say I got the short end of the stick. From my mom's side, I have a fairly high risk of type 2 diabetes and my dad's family has a risk of high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

    Do y'all by any chance, know any foods that prevent these conditions or what foods to avoid under these circumstances? Any input would be great, thanks! :)

    DASH diet for hypertension - but I dont think its really necessary for you, when I was doing an endocrine rotation my attending said something like a 5% reduction in weight can reduce your chance of developing DM by like 10-15 times, just overall weight reduction is always the best way to prevent DMII and HTN in my opinion
  • happydaze71
    happydaze71 Posts: 339 Member
    particular foods do indeed cause a problem!! I had severe hypoglycemia and was passing out from diabetic fits.
    I had to give up everything refined and also potato and corn.
    Food as unprocessed as possible, whole, healthy, unrefined. Good quality meats and lots of exercise.
    Get to a nutritionist.
    You dont want to be on medication the rest of your life for things you can avoid now. Your parents may have these things, but it doesnt mean you will fall victim to it.
    Be positve and follow a healthy lifestyle.
    Good luck!
  • minikhan95
    minikhan95 Posts: 52 Member
    Thanks y'all!! :)
  • I am type 2. its not too late for you ..get your weight down and watch carbs eat good carbs and exercise.
  • Keeping your sodium around 1,500mg/day is recommended for those who have high BP, so watching your sodium is an excellent idea to protect your heart! :)
  • As a nurse and someone with lots of diabetes in my family, I can tell you the best way to avoid diabetes is keeping your weight down and daily exercise. My mom (who has 15 brothers and sisters) is the only one in her immediate family without diabetes. She is now 78, but walks 10 - 15 minutes after EVERY meal and only has dessert once or twice a week. She has done that since I was a child. I have type I diabetes (from a virus when I was a child), but I have three siblings -- two of whom have type II diabetes. My brother has avoided diabetes by following my mom's example. So, to sum everything up --- low(er) carb diet and exercise should help reduce your risk. I hope you are successful!
  • Tymeshia
    Tymeshia Posts: 194 Member
    Cholestor limited your amount of animal products