HYPERTENSION AND YOUR DIET.

Hypertension is a sustained systolic pressure or above 140mmhg or diastolic blood pressure exceeding 90mmhg as commonly measured. Blood pressure is an indication of antennal pressure in vessels of the upper arm. The measurement is obtained by using the instrument called sphygmanometer. High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most prevalent vascular disease worldwide.

Blood pressure usually increase as a person ages. However, some increase is caused by ARTHROSCLEROSIS, as plaque build-up in arteries, the arteries become less flexible and cannot expand. When vessels remain rigid, blood pressure remains high, eventually the plaque begins to choke off the blood supply to the kidney decreasing their ability to control blood volume and in turn blood pressure.

LIFE STYLE MODIFICATION FOR PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSION

·   Loose weight if overweight.
  Increase aerobic physical activities.
  Reduce sodium (salt) intake.

  Maintain adequate intake of dietary potassium, calcium  magnesium.
  Stop smoking.

  Reduce intake of dietary saturated fat and cholesterol.

NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSION

Recent studies have shown that diet rich in calcium, potassium and magnesium and low in sodium leads to a decrease in blood pressure. Overall, a diet rich in low fat and non- fat diary- products, fruits, vegetable, whole grains and some nuts can substantially reduce blood pressure.

DIABETES MELLITUS AND YOUR DIET

       

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   Diabetes is no doubt a killer disease, one that has decimated a cross section of the Nigerian society.

   As we speak millions of people are being held in its debilitating grip. Diabetes can be stopped rightits tracks by us eating the right foods. To help those who are already ill and to stop  others from falling victim to it, this week we bring you DIABETES MELLITUS AND YOUR DIET. Enjoy this.

     MANAGING DIABETES MELLITUS

If you have never heard of diabetes mellitus before then you must have heard of the general name diabetes. So don’t get yourself confused. Today we will be talking about the nutritional/dietary management of diabetes. According to world health organization, Nigeria has the highest number of people living with diabetes in Africa. Research by the diabetes association of Nigeria shows that about 6 million Nigerians are estimated to be living with diabetes. Hmm!  I know many of us do not know about this but it is the truth and this disease is sniffing out lives out of our people, I remember years back when I lost a very beautiful aunty to this terrible disease and I know many of you have too. Good to know that there is a way to manage this disease and live longer even forever and I hope this would be of great help.  

WHAT IS DIABETES MELLITUS?

Diabetes is a defect in the body’s ability to convert glucose to energy. Diabetes is a lifelong disease. People affected with diabetes cannot adequately use the energy from food they eat. Being able to use energy from food is as important as having air to breath.

Effects of advanced Diabetes

TYPES OF DIABETES

Type 1 diabetes: it is insulin dependent, known as juvenile diabetes and is normally seen in patient less than 25years and children.

Type 2 diabetes: this is the diabetes found in adult from 40years and above. It is associated with one’s eaten habit, hypertension and infection.

Gestational diabetes: this diabetes are commonly found in pregnant women.

CAUSES OF DIABETES

·         Diabetes can be hereditary.

·         Obesity or excess weight can also result to diabetes.

·         Ineffective use of insulin.

SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES MELLITUS

·         Increase thirst (polydipsia).

·         Increase urination (polyuria).

·         Increase hunger (polyphagia).

·         Weight loss.

·         Fatigue.

MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY

Medical nutrition therapy for diabetes  should be individualize, taking unusual eating habit into consideration consistency within an eating pattern will result to better glycemic control than abiding by the habitual eating style.

Dietary measure include three regular meals or more in between meals, having a regulated carbohydrate: protein: fat ratio to minimize insulin action and minimize swing in blood glucose. If one does not eat often enough the injected insulin can cause severe high blood glucose since it act on very little glucose available.

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DIETARY ADVICE
 Oil should be unsaturated ( e.g olive oil).

     Milk should be skimmed.
     Ensure liberal intake of vegetables.

     Lean meat should be used in all cases.

     Eat enough dietary fibre.

     Snacks should be taken in between meals (fruits).

I LIKE FOOD

Hello people, my name is Kassy Loveth, nice name right? Yeah! I like my name too.. I like food, good food, maybe that's why I am this "moderate" and I am not ashamed to eat to my heart's desire. The good thing about this whole ish is that I studied Nutrition and Dietetics, I know that sounds a little exotic. No don't get confused with the big name. it is only about knowing how to eat and what to eat and well, how to eat healthy. I also know that there are a lot of health freaks on the internet telling you the same thing that we are going to be telling you here. Well most of them are Caucasians who do not understand how good a plate of foo foo, pounded yam or banga soup tastes. I do because I be NAIJA BABE. So no pretenses. Here we will be talking about it as it is. So follow your girl let me share my knowledge with you and also join me as we discover the best eating joints, foods, drinks and all the goody goody stuff you can stuff down your throats, fill your belly and still look and stay healthy.  On the intellectual side we will also talk about how to use food to manage health related diseases. So don't go nowhere. We will be right back.
Thank you.