Under pressure: Magnesium may be the dietary magic bullet for hypertension

If you have high blood pressure, what are your options? From a dietary perspective, the headlines would tell you to reduce your sodium intake, but which nutrients, if any, should you try to include more of? According to a new compilation of data from 22 previous studies, taking a magnesium supplement might do you some good. While this is good news for those battling their blood pressure, it is simply the latest finding that suggests bumping up your magnesium intake may do your body an awful lot of good.

MAGNESIUM AND BLOOD PRESSURE

According to the meta-analysis, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, taking a magnesium supplement can reduce systolic (that’s the top number) blood pressure by three to four points, and diastolic (the bottom number) blood pressure by two to three points. While this change is not large enough to bring a hypertensive patient’s blood pressure back to normal (normal blood pressure is under 120/80, while hypertension is 140/90 or higher), the result is still considered clinically significant. Notably, however, the best results were observed in those taking an average dose of 370 mg of magnesium citrate per day, which is actually above Health Canada’s tolerable upper intake level of 350 mg per day via supplements. Having said that, the 350 mg ceiling was established because of the potential for diarrhea, a side effect that can be minimized by gradually increasing supplementation.

These results reinforce previous findings from the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) study, which found that a diet that includes plenty of foods rich in magnesium, potassium, calcium and fibre can help to control blood pressure, even without reducing sodium intake (cutting sodium helped make the drop even more pronounced).  Notably, the DASH study examined the effect of food on blood pressure; the new meta-analysis suggests that taking magnesium in supplemental form could also be of some benefit.

MAGNESIUM AND … EVERYTHING ELSE

Aside from its role in blood pressure management, magnesium also influences our health in a variety of ways, including the health of our hearts and our bones. High doses (up to 600 mg per day, which is usually taken in divided doses, morning and night) may also be helpful in managing constipation, easing muscle pain, and reducing the severity of migraine headaches. Magnesium may also help to support insulin sensitivity, the hormone that helps to control blood sugar, and a recent meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that, for every 100 mg increase in magnesium intake, the risk of stroke dropped by 9%.


Now, here’s the bad news: While the data tell us of magnesium’s importance to our health, the reality is most Canadians do not meet their needs. While adult women need 320 mg per day, and men 420 mg per day, magnesium-rich foods simply aren’t all that popular in the North American diet. For example, several varieties of nuts and seeds, including pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, almonds, and cashews are excellent sources of magnesium, but many people still avoid these foods out of fear of the fat content (if you are reading this, hear me now: Stop hating on nuts! They are fantastically nutritious! I’m not kidding! Try to aim for a handful per day, but don’t overdo it, as they are high in calories). Other magnesium-rich foods include beans and legumes, whole grains, leafy greens, and fish: again, not exactly the stuff you see in the food court or the drive-through.

SUPPLEMENTAL NOTES

While increasing magnesium through your diet is your best bet, if you do decide to take a supplement, start with 50 to 100 mg per day, and increase the dose slowly, usually in 50-100 mg increments every few days to avoid diarrhea. Those who have achy, restless muscles often find that taking magnesium at night helps improve sleep, and the same muscle-relaxing effect also makes magnesium helpful for those struggling with constipation.



–Jennifer Sygo is a registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic Canada, which offers executive physicals, sports medicine and prevention and wellness counselling in Toronto.

Salt Shockers: High-Sodium Surprises

Sodium: A Good Thing...in Moderation

We may malign the salt shaker, but sodium plays an important role in the body. It's essential for fluid balance, muscle strength, and nerve function. But most of us get too much. U.S. guidelines call for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day -- about 1 teaspoon of table salt. And half of Americans should drop to 1,500 milligrams a day. Surprisingly, most of our salt intake is hidden in the foods we buy at the grocery store.

Frozen Dinners

They're quick. They're easy. And they're loaded with sodium. A 5-ounce frozen turkey and gravy dinner can pack 787 milligrams of sodium.
Tip: A "lighter" version may have less salt, but it's no guarantee. Read the labels to be sure. It's possible that "lighter" refers to fat only.

Ready-to-Eat Cereals

They seem safe enough, right? But take a closer look. Some brands of raisin bran have up to 360 milligrams of sodium per cup.
Tip: Puffed rice and puffed wheat are sodium free. Mix half of your favorite cereal with half of a sodium-free choice. Or look for companies that make low-sodium cereals.

Vegetable Juices

Veggie drinks are a healthy way to get your 5-a-day, but they're not always a smart choice if you're watching your sodium. One cup of vegetable juice cocktail contains 653 milligrams of sodium.
Tip: Many brands make a low-sodium version of vegetable juice.

Canned Vegetables

While a handy substitute for fresh, canned veggies are typically laden with preservatives or sauces and seasonings that add extra sodium. A cup of canned cream-style corn may contain 720 milligrams of sodium.

Tips: Rinse vegetables thoroughly, or buy canned ones labeled "no salt added" or "low sodium." Or check the freezer section, where you may have more luck finding an unsalted choice.

Packaged Deli Meats

One look at the sodium content in packaged meats should stop you in your tracks. Beef or pork dry salami (2 slices) can pack 362 milligrams of sodium.
Tip: Be a label reader. There's no way around it -- different brands and different meats have differing amounts of sodium. And beware: a "healthier" packaged meat may actually have more sodium than its higher-fat counterpart. Some brands have meats with 50% less sodium.
Tip: Be a label reader. There's no way around it -- different brands and different meats have differing amounts of sodium. And beware: a "healthier" packaged meat may actually have more sodium than its higher-fat counterpart. Some brands have meats with 50% less sodium.

Soups

It's a warm comfort food on a cold day, but look out -- soups are typically loaded with sodium. For instance, a cup of chicken noodle soup (canned) contains as much as 866 milligrams of sodium.
Tips: Look for reduced-sodium versions of your favorites. And always check the label -- you might find that one brand's "Healthy" version actually has less sodium than the "25% Less Sodium" variety.

Marinades and Flavorings

Notoriously high-sodium offenders include Teriyaki sauce (1 tablespoon) which contains 690 milligrams of sodium, and soy sauce (1 tablespoon), which may contain up to 1,024 milligrams of sodium.
Tips: Even "lower-sodium" soy sauce packs a wallop, so use sparingly. Go for vinegar and lemon juice to enhance flavor -- they naturally have less sodium. And try orange or pineapple juice as a base for meat marinades.

Spaghetti Sauce

Half a cup of spaghetti sauce may pack 525 milligrams of sodium -- and that amount barely coats a helping of pasta.
Tip: Look for "no salt added" versions of your favorite pasta sauces.

Spicing It Up

Adding spices to an entrée can be an easy way to forgo the salt shaker. Just make sure there's no hidden sodium in your selection. For example, canned jalapeno peppers (1/4 cup, solids and liquids) contain about 568 milligrams of sodium.
Tips: Go for the pepper in its natural form to ditch the sodium used in processing. Or use herbs and sodium-free spices instead.

Aw Nuts!

Rethink those salty peanuts. An ounce of dry-roasted, salted peanuts contains 230 milligrams of sodium. The same size serving of dry-roasted, salted mixed nuts has 190 milligrams.
Tips: For about the same amount of calories, an ounce of oil-roasted, salted peanuts rings in at only 123 milligrams of sodium. Or better yet, buy the unsalted variety, which are practically sodium-free.

The Obvious Offenders

These snack-time favorites are always a safe bet for high salt content. Here's how a 1-ounce serving compares.

• Potato chips = 149 milligrams
• Cheese puffs = 258 milligrams
• Pretzels = 385 milligrams

Tip: Even "baked" or fat-free snacks can pack the same amount of sodium or more, so read the label.

Pre-Packaged Pitfalls

Foods such as rice, potatoes, and pasta in their natural forms are naturally low in sodium. But alas, once you grab the convenient "all-in-one" box and add the flavor packet, you may end up eating more than half of your daily allowance of sodium in just one serving.
Tips: Skip the packaged rice, and choose a plain, fast-cooking variety; then add your own seasonings. Or microwave potatoes to serve with your choice of fixings.

Condiments Do Count

If you think those little extras you add to your food don't count, think again.

• Ketchup (1 tablespoon) = 167 milligrams
• Sweet relish (1 tablespoon) = 122 milligrams
• Capers (1 tablespoon) = 255 milligrams (drained)

Tip: Go for low-sodium or sodium-free condiments. Or get creative with your substitutions: Try cranberry relish or apple butter for a naturally lower sodium choice.

Watch the Serving Size

Don't fool yourself by thinking that the sodium content listed on a nutritional label is for the entire package. Before you blow your entire day's worth of sodium, determine exactly what one serving equals.

Food Label Claims

Can't keep up with the jargon? Here's a cheat sheet:

• Sodium-free: Less than 5 milligrams of sodium per serving
• Very low-sodium: 35 milligrams or less per serving
• Low-sodium: Less than 140 milligrams per serving
• Reduced sodium: Sodium level reduced by 25% 
• Unsalted, no salt added, or without added salt: Made without the salt that's normally used, but still contains the sodium that's a natural part of the food itself.

What's in a Name?

When you're scanning a food label, don't just look for the word "salt." Watch out for various forms of sodium or other names for the same thing:

• sodium alginate
• sodium ascorbate
• sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
• sodium benzoate
• sodium caseinate
• sodium chloride
• sodium citrate
• sodium hydroxide
• sodium saccharin
• sodium stearoyl lactylate
• sodium sulfite
• disodium phosphate
• monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• trisodium phosphate
• Na

Check Your Medicine Cabinet Too

Surprise! Some headache or heartburn medicines can contain sodium carbonate or bicarbonate. Read the ingredient list and warning statement to be sure.

Pitfalls When Eating Out

Restaurant soups are generally very high in sodium, as are appetizers with cheeses or meats. Casserole entrées and Rice Pilaf are also common pitfalls. The word "sauce" at a restaurant is sometimes synonymous with sodium, so you may want to steer clear of entrées slathered in sauce. If you ask, most restaurants are willing to prepare your food without added salt, but that won't necessarily make it low in sodium.

Better Menu Choices

Fish can be a lower-sodium choice at a restaurant, as long as you watch how it's seasoned. Steamed vegetables (prepared without salt) are another smart choice. Also, try a salad with dressing on the side. Low-sodium dessert options include fruit, ice cream, sherbet, or angel food cake.

'Dos' When Dining Out

• Ask how food is prepared.
• Choose a restaurant where food is made to order, and keep your order simple.
• Ask that your meal be prepared without any forms of sodium, and then add a dash of low-sodium seasoning you brought from home, or a squeeze of lemon or lime.

Avoid a Fast-Food Fiasco

It's every sodium watcher for himself once you enter the fast food arena. Try these helpful tips:

• Undress your food, but keep the veggies like lettuce and tomatoes: Skip the cheese, go easy on condiments, and don't add salt.
• Don't supersize; order off the children's menu for smaller portions.
• Eat a very low-sodium diet for the rest of the day.
• Ask for a nutrition fact sheet at the restaurant (or find it online before you go) to help you make the best possible low-sodium choices.

Who Should Go Low-Sodium?

U.S. guidelines call for about half of Americans to limit sodium to 1,500 milligrams or less per day, including:

• People ages 51 and older
• African Americans
• People with high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease.

The American Heart Association recommends less than 1,500 milligrams per day. Eating less sodium can help lower blood pressure in some individuals. It can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage in those with hypertension.

Track Your Sodium Intake

Unsure of how much sodium you're getting every day? Keep a daily tally of the foods you eat and drink. Then calculate how much sodium is in each. Any surprises? The average American takes in 3,400 milligrams of sodium each day, well above the limits recommended for good health.

This tool does not provide medical advice.
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

Manage your blood pressure with ‘Dash’

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is considered a major public health problem in Oman. Increasing the awareness of both healthcare providers and the community is crucial. The latest data from World Health Organization (WHO) puts the prevalence of hypertension in Oman at around 33 per cent well above the global average of between 25 and 30 per cent.

WHO experts have warned that this number is likely to double to 50-60 per cent by the year 2025. The high prevalence of hypertension in Oman is significantly linked to unhealthy lifestyles, including poor diet and lack of exercise. It is a symptomless disease and many people are unaware that they are having high blood pressure and remain undiagnosed. It is very important to do a quarterly blood pressure check-up and a medication review and that may help to keep the blood pressure at the recommended target level of 140/90mmHg.

Healthy eating is empowering, appetising, interesting and time-saving. ‘DASH’ (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) encourages a person to eat a wide variety of wholesome food with delicious flavours every day. The DASH diet is an example of a healthy eating plan.
A diet that emphasises intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy products appears effective in managing blood pressure. In particular, cutting down on sodium, boosting potassium intake and limiting alcohol are all proven ways to help to control blood pressure. You can lower your blood pressure by incorporating DASH into your lifestyle. The recommendations are:
- Eat more fruits and vegetables and low fat diary foods.
- Cut back on food high in saturated fat, cholesterol and low fat.
- Eat more whole grain, fish, poultry and unsalted nuts.
- Limit salt and sodium intake (1 teaspoon/day).
- Eat less red meat and sweets.
- Eating food rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium. These nutrients can lower your blood pressure.

Benefits of DASH diet plan

The popular DASH diet established by the National Institute of Health lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, apart from health benefits well beyond its stated purpose of lowering people’s risk of heart disease. DASH diet can provide “an abundance” of food compounds such as lycopene, betacarotene and isoflavones which are increasingly associated with disease reduction.
• One of the main characteristics of the DASH diet is consumption of low sodium and this feature resolves so many associated ailments other than lowering the blood pressure alone. It improves the markers of bone mineral loss and boosts up the calcium build-up in the bone.
• The DASH diet can offer protection against osteoporosis, cancer, stroke and diabetes. The diet is actually replete with nutrients (calcium, magnesium and potassium) that are associated with improved insulin sensitivity, so the risk of diabetes is reduced in those who follow the DASH lifestyle.
• DASH is not a weight loss programme but a low-fat, low-sodium, low-cholesterol and low-calorie oriented diet, so it is not surprising that it results in effective weight reductions and thus can be a great weight loss diet regimen.
• The other feature of the DASH diet is the low intake of fat and more of fibres, which actually helps in keeping the digestive system toxin free.
• Drinking too much alcohol can increase the blood pressure. The DASH diet recommends that men limit their alcohol intake to two or less drinks a day and women one or less.
• Saturated fat and trans fat are the main dietary culprits in raising blood cholesterol and increasing the risk of coronary artery disease. DASH diet helps to keep your daily saturated fat to less than 10 per cent of your total calories by limiting use of meat, butter, cheese, whole milk, cream and eggs in your diet along with food made from saturated fats. Avoid trans fat commonly found in processed food like crackers, baked and fried items.
• There are several studies that state high blood pressure indirectly leads a person to dementia and Alzheimer’s. Through the DASH diet regimen these disorders can be kept at bay.

Tips to cut back on sodium

The food items at the core of the DASH diet are naturally low in sodium. So just by following the DASH diet you are likely to reduce your sodium intake.
Standard DASH diet: you can consume up to 2300 milligrams (mg) of sodium a day.
Lower sodium DASH diet: you can consume up to 1500 mg of sodium a day.
Both versions of the DASH diet are naturally low in sodium. So just by following the DASH diet you are likely to reduce your sodium in your diet compared with what you might get in a more traditional diet which can amount to a whooping 3500 mg of sodium a day or more.
You can also cut back on sodium in your diet by:
Using sodium-free spices or flavourings with your food instead of salt.
Not adding salt when cooking rice, pasta or hot cereal.
Rinse canned food items to remove some of the sodium and the buying of items labelled “no salt added” “sodium free” “low sodium” or “very low sodium”.

HEALTHY FOODS — By Mini Padikka
The writer is a dietician at the Atlas Star Medical Centre,
Al Khuwair, Muscat.

Diabetic Nephropathy - Topic Overview

What is diabetic nephropathy?

Nephropathy means kidney disease or damage. Diabetic nephropathy is damage to your kidneys caused by diabetes. In severe cases it can lead to kidney failure. But not everyone with diabetes has kidney damage.

What causes diabetic nephropathy?

The kidneys have many tiny blood vessels that filter waste from your blood. High blood sugar from diabetes can destroy these blood vessels. Over time, the kidney isn't able to do its job as well. Later it may stop working completely. This is called kidney failure.
For reasons doctors don't yet understand, only some people who have diabetes get kidney damage. Out of 100 people with diabetes, as many as 40 will get kidney damage.¹
Certain things make you more likely to get diabetic nephropathy. If you also have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or if you smoke, your risk is higher. Also, Native Americans, African Americans, and Hispanics (especially Mexican Americans) have a higher risk.²

What are the symptoms?

There are no symptoms in the early stages. So it’s important to have regular urine tests to find kidney damage early. Sometimes early kidney damage can be reversed.
The first sign of kidney damage is a small amount of protein in the urine, which is found by a simple urine test.
As damage to the kidneys gets worse, your blood pressure rises. Your cholesterol and triglyceride levels rise too. As your kidneys are less able to do their job, you may notice swelling in your body, at first in your feet and legs.

How is diabetic nephropathy diagnosed?

The problem is diagnosed using simple tests that check for a protein called albumin in the urine. Urine does not usually contain protein. But in the early stages of kidney damage-before you have any symptoms-some protein may be found in your urine, because your kidneys aren't able to filter it out the way they should.
Finding kidney damage early can keep it from getting worse. So it’s important for people with diabetes to have regular testing.

• If you have type 1 diabetes, get a urine test every year after you have had diabetes for 5 years.
• If your child has diabetes, yearly testing should begin when your child is 10 years old and has had diabetes for 5 years.
• If you have type 2 diabetes, start yearly testing at the time you are diagnosed with diabetes.

How is it treated?

The main treatment is medicine to lower your blood pressure and prevent or slow the damage to your kidneys. These medicines include:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, also called ACE inhibitors.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers, also called ARBs.

You may need to take more than one medicine, especially if you also have high blood pressure.
And there are other steps you can take. For example:

• Work with your doctor to keep your blood pressure down, usually below 130/80.
• Work with your doctor to keep your cholesterol level as close to a healthy level as you can. You may need to take medicines for this.
• Keep your heart healthy by eating a low-fat diet and exercising regularly. Preventing heart disease is important, because people with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to die of heart and blood vessel diseases. And people with kidney disease are at an even higher risk for heart disease.
• Watch how much protein you eat. Eating too much is hard on your kidneys. If diabetes has affected your kidneys, limiting how much protein you eat may help you preserve kidney function. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about how much protein is best for you.
• Watch how much salt you eat. Eating less salt helps keep high blood pressure from getting worse.
• Don't smoke or use other tobacco products.

How can diabetic nephropathy be prevented?

The best way to prevent kidney damage is to keep your blood sugar in your target range and your blood pressure at a target of less than 130/80 mm Hg. You do this by staying at a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and taking your medicines as directed.
At the first sign of protein in your urine, you can take high blood pressure medicines to keep kidney damage from getting worse.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

10 Diabetes Diet Myths

"Diabetes diet." Simply hearing these words may be enough to make you feel overwhelmed or frustrated.
Perhaps you have said, or heard someone else express, one of these thoughts:

• Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.
• There are too many rules about choosing foods that are OK in a diabetes diet.
• You have to give up all your favorite foods when you're on a diabetes diet.

These three statements are all myths about diabetes diets. Take a closer look at these and other myths to find out the facts about diabetes and diet.

Myth 1: Eating Too Much Sugar Causes Diabetes.

How does diabetes happen? The causes are not totally understood. What is known is that simply eating too much sugar is unlikely to cause diabetes. Instead, diabetes begins when something disrupts your body's ability to turn the food you eat into energy.

To understand what happens when you have diabetes, keep these things in mind: Your body breaks down much of the food you eat into glucose, a type of sugar needed to power your cells. A hormone called insulin is made in the pancreas. Insulin helps the cells in the body use glucose for fuel.

Here are the most common types of diabetes and what researchers know about their causes:

• Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas cannot make insulin. Without insulin, sugar piles up in your blood vessels. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin to help get the sugar into the cells. Type 1 diabetes often starts in younger people or in children. Researchers believe that it may occur when something goes wrong with the immune system.
• Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin, the insulin does not work properly, or both. Being overweight makes type 2 diabetes more likely to occur. It can happen in a person of any age.
• Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy in some women. Hormone changes during pregnancy prevent insulin from working properly. Women with gestational diabetes usually need to take insulin. The condition may resolve after birth of the child.

Myth 2: There Are Too Many Rules in a Diabetes Diet.

If you have diabetes, you will need to plan your meals. But the general principal is simple: Following a "diabetes diet" means choosing food that will work along with your activities and any medications to keep your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible.
Will you need to make changes to what you now eat? Probably. But perhaps not as many as you anticipate.

Myth 3: Carbohydrates Are Bad for Diabetes

In fact, carbohydrates -- or "carbs" as most of us refer to them -- are good for diabetes. They form the foundation of a healthy diabetes diet -- or of any healthy diet.

Carbohydrates have the greatest effect on blood sugar levels, which is why you are asked to monitor how many carbohydrates you eat when following a diabetes diet.

However, carbohydrate foods contain many essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber. So one diabetes diet tip is to choose those with the most nutrients, like whole-grain breads and baked goods, and high-fiber fruits and vegetables. You may find it easier to select the best carbs if you meet with a dietitian.

Myth 4: Protein is Better than Carbohydrates for Diabetes.

Because carbs affect blood sugar levels so quickly, if you have diabetes, you may be tempted to eat less of them and substitute more protein. But too much protein may lead to problems for people with diabetes.
The main problem is that many foods rich in protein, such as meat, may also be filled with saturated fat. Eating too much of these fats increases your risk of heart disease. In a diabetes diet, protein should account for about 15% to 20% of the total calories you eat each day.

Myth 5: You Can Adjust Your Diabetes Drugs to "Cover" Whatever You Eat.

If you use insulin for your diabetes, you may learn how to adjust the amount and type you take to match the amount of food you eat. But this doesn't mean you can eat as much as you want, then just use more drugs to stabilize your blood sugar level.
If you use other types of diabetes drugs, don't try to adjust your dose to match varying levels of carbohydrates in your meals unless instructed by your doctor. Most diabetes medications work best when they are taken consistently as directed by your doctor.

Myth 6: You'll Need to Give Up Your Favorite Foods.

There is no reason to give up your favorite foods on a diabetes diet. Instead, try:

• Changing the way your favorite foods are prepared.
• Changing the other foods you usually eat along with your favorite foods.
• Reducing the serving sizes of your favorite foods.
• Using your favorite foods as a reward for following your meal plans.

A dietitian can help you find ways to include your favorites in your diabetes meal plans.

Myth 7: You Have to Give Up Desserts if You Have Diabetes.

Not true! You can develop many strategies for including desserts in a diabetes diet. Here are some examples:

• Use artificial sweeteners in desserts.
• Cut back on the amount of dessert. For example, instead of two scoops of ice cream, have one. Or share a dessert with a friend.
• Use desserts as an occasional reward for following your diabetes diet plan.
• Make desserts more nutritious. For example, use whole grains, fresh fruit, and vegetable oil when preparing desserts. Many times, you can use less sugar than a recipe calls for without sacrificing taste or consistency.
• Expand your dessert horizons. Instead of ice cream, pie, or cake, try fruit, a whole-wheat oatmeal-raisin cookie, or yogurt.

Myth 8: Artificial Sweeteners Are Dangerous for People with Diabetes.

Artificial sweeteners are much sweeter than the equivalent amount of sugar, so it takes less of them to get the same sweetness found in sugar. This can result in eating fewer calories than when you do use sugar.
The American Diabetes Association approves the use of several artificial sweeteners in diabetes diets, including:

• Saccharin (Sweet'N Low)
• Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal)
• Acesulfame potassium (Sunett)
• Sucralose (Splenda)

A dietitian can help you determine which sweeteners are best for which uses, whether in coffee, baking, cooking, or other uses.

Myth 9: You Need to Eat Special Diabetic Meals.

The truth is that there really is no such as thing as a "diabetic diet." The foods that are healthy for people with diabetes are also good choices for the rest of your family. Usually, there is no need to prepare special diabetic meals.
The difference between a diabetes diet and your family's "normal" diet is this: If you have diabetes, you need to monitor what you eat a little more closely. This includes the total amount of calories you consume and the amounts and types of carbohydrates, fats, and protein you eat. A diabetes educator or dietitian can help you learn how to do this.

Myth 10: Diet Foods Are the Best Choices for Diabetes.

Just because a food is labeled as a "diet" food does not mean it is a better choice for people with diabetes. In fact, "diet" foods can be expensive and no more healthy than foods found in the "regular" sections of the grocery store, or foods you prepare yourself.
As with any food you choose, read the labels carefully to find out if the ingredients and amount of calories are good choices for you. If you have doubts, ask your diabetes educator or a dietitian for advice.

Moving Beyond Diabetes Diet Myths

Now that you know the facts about diabetes diets, you can take steps to learn even more about making wise food choices. Together with exercise and medication, you can use what you eat as an effective tool for keeping your blood sugar levels within normal ranges. That is the best diabetes diet of all.

© 2010 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.