GOQii

Blog

Search Results for: grains

By Leave a Comment

Good Carbohydrates for Managing Diabetes

good carbohydratesDiabetes may be a lifelong condition, but with the right lifestyle changes, it can be managed and in some cases, even reversed. One of the most powerful changes you can make is to your diet.

Many people believe carbohydrates are the enemy and should be avoided completely. But that’s not true. Carbohydrates are an essential part of your diet it’s about choosing the right kind.

Two Types of Carbohydrates You Should Know

Type Description Impact
Simple Carbs Found in white bread, sugary drinks, sweets, and juices Broken down quickly, causing a rapid rise in blood sugar
Complex Carbs Found in whole grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits Digested slowly, causing a steady and gentle rise in blood sugar

The key is not to cut out carbs, but to choose complex, fibre-rich carbohydrates that support stable blood sugar and better health.

Diabetes-Friendly Carbohydrates to Include

You can confidently enjoy the following in moderate portions:

  • Fruits – Prefer whole fruits like apples, guavas, pears, cherries, and berries
  • Vegetables – Especially non-starchy types like spinach, cucumbers, okra, zucchini
  • Whole Grains – Brown rice, oats, whole wheat, barley, Jareesh, and Bulgur
  • Beans & Pulses – Lentils, Chickpeas, Fava Beans
  • Nuts & Seeds – Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds

How to Add Good Carbs to Your Day

Here are some practical swaps and additions that fit right into Saudi meals:

Tip What to Do
Swap Your Bread Replace white khubz with whole wheat or multigrain varieties
Switch Up Your Rice Choose brown rice or mix with quinoa or Jareesh for better fibre
Bulk Up Your Stews Add more vegetables to dishes like salona or edam
Enjoy Traditional Salads Include Tabbouleh or a fresh green salad daily
Boost Your Salads Add boiled chickpeas, lentils, nuts, or mixed seeds for added fibre and protein
Snack Smart A small portion of dates with nuts, or fruit with a spoon of yoghurt, can be balanced snacks

It’s Not Just About Diet

Managing diabetes involves a full lifestyle approach:

  • 🏃 Stay physically active – even 30 minutes of walking helps
  • 🧘 Manage stress – through prayer, reflection, or breathing exercises
  • 🚭 Avoid smoking – it worsens insulin resistance
  • 🛏️ Prioritise good sleep – it’s essential for blood sugar control

If you’ve completely cut out carbs, it’s time to reintroduce the right ones in healthy, controlled portions.

Before making any dietary changes, consult your doctor or a licensed dietitian. Everyone’s body responds differently, and personalised guidance is essential.

If this article helped you, share it with your family and friends. Good health is better when shared.

#BeTheForce

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health. Images shown are for representation purposes only and may not depict the exact recommendations or outcomes.

By Leave a Comment

Your Liver, Your Lifeline: How Food Can Be Your Best Medicine

How often do we acknowledge the silent hero inside us—our liver? On World Liver Day, it’s time to give this powerhouse organ the attention it deserves. Quietly working 24/7, your liver keeps you healthy, energised, and toxin-free—yet we often notice it only when something goes wrong.

A healthy liver is the cornerstone of a healthy life. Every sip and every bite you take impacts this vital organ. It metabolises nutrients, filters toxins, stores essential vitamins, and supports countless bodily functions.

But your liver also reflects your lifestyle. Poor nutrition, stress, pollution, alcohol, and inactivity can slowly take a toll. The good news? Even years of damage can be reversed. Studies show that adopting healthier habits today can reduce your risk of liver disease by up to 50%.

Whether you’re 25 or 55, it’s never too early—or too late—to start. This World Liver Day, the theme “Food as Medicine” reminds us that the path to prevention starts in the kitchen. You can help your liver heal, regenerate, and thrive with the right nutrition. Small changes on your plate can spark powerful transformations, starting with your liver.

The Liver: Your Body’s Natural Detox Lab

Your liver performs more than 500 functions—from breaking down fats to filtering out toxins. Here’s what it does every single day:

  • Processes nutrients from the food you eat, converting them into energy or storing them for future use.
  • Filters toxins from alcohol, medications, and harmful chemicals.
  • Stores essential vitamins and minerals like A, D, E, K, iron, and copper.
  • Produces bile, which helps digest fats and eliminate waste.
  • Regulates blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and protein metabolism.

In short, a healthy liver is non-negotiable for a healthy you. However, there is also a growing threat of lifestyle-linked liver disease. It’s not rocket science, research has proved that diet is key to a healthy you. But our modern diets—laden with processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats—are placing an increasing burden on our liver. Also, thanks to high-stress lifestyles and sedentary habits, liver diseases are on the rise—even among those who don’t drink alcohol. The consequences are becoming alarmingly visible:

  • Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) now affects over 25% of the global population. It’s linked to diets high in sugar, trans fats, and refined carbs.
  • Alcoholic Liver Disease progresses faster when combined with poor nutrition.
  • Hepatitis, though viral, worsens when the liver is nutritionally compromised.

Research shows that targeted dietary changes can not only reduce liver fat but also reverse early damage. But just like any sophisticated machine, the liver requires the right inputs—nutrients, not toxins—to function optimally.

A poor diet can act as a silent saboteur, slowly impairing liver function long before symptoms arise.

Healing from the Inside: Food as Preventive Medicine

Science is catching up with what many traditional systems of medicine have long believed: nutrition is a powerful tool in preventing and managing liver diseases.

According to the Journal of Hepatology, nutritional interventions, like lowering sugar and fat intake and increasing antioxidants, can help prevent or slow the progression of liver conditions.

Here’s what a liver-loving plate should include:

  • Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and arugula help neutralise heavy metals and support bile production.
  • Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts boost detox enzymes.
  • Turmeric: Curcumin, its active compound, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
  • Garlic: Helps activate liver detox enzymes and reduce fat accumulation.
  • Berries: Packed with antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
  • Healthy fats: Nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil help reduce fatty build-up.
  • Whole grains: Oats, brown rice, and millets help maintain insulin sensitivity, important for liver health.

5 Simple Habits to Protect Your Liver Every Day

  1. Cut down on sugar and refined carbs
  2. Avoid excessive alcohol and processed foods
  3. Eat more fibre and antioxidant-rich foods
  4. Stay physically active
  5. Get regular liver check-ups, especially if you’re at risk

Nourish to Flourish

On this World Liver Day, let’s move beyond reactive healthcare. By embracing the “Food as Medicine” philosophy, we can actively support our liver, not just avoid harming it.

Your liver doesn’t ask for much—just a little love at the dining table. So the next time you plan a meal, ask yourself: Is this helping or hurting my liver? Because every bite counts.

#BeTheForce

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health.

By Leave a Comment

Role of Plant-Based Diets for Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects millions globally and is one of the leading contributors to long-term health complications and premature deaths. CKD is marked by a gradual loss of kidney function, and in advanced stages, it can result in the build-up of fluids, toxins, and electrolytes—putting immense strain on the body.

While medication and medical monitoring are essential, diet plays a pivotal role in preventing and managing the progression of CKD. Emerging research points to the power of a plant-based diet, especially plant-based proteins, in helping slow down kidney damage and supporting overall well-being. Here’s how making some intentional dietary shifts can positively impact kidney health.

What Counts as Plant-Based Protein?

When most people think of protein, their minds go straight to animal sources like meat, fish, or eggs. But there’s a wide variety of plant-based foods rich in protein that offer just as much (if not more) benefit—without the downsides of saturated fat and cholesterol.

Common Plant-Based Protein Sources:

  • Lentils, chickpeas, green peas
  • Quinoa, oats, barley, rice with beans
  • Almonds, walnuts, peanuts
  • Chia seeds, pumpkin seeds
  • Potatoes

These foods are not only nutrient-dense but are also packed with fibre, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Why Consider Plant-Based Proteins for CKD?

Proteins are essential for everything from muscle repair and hormone production to immune function. However, the source of your protein matters a great deal, especially for those with kidney conditions.

Animal proteins—particularly processed meats and red meats—are associated with:

  • Increased inflammation
  • Higher acid load
  • Elevated risk of heart disease and CKD progression

Plant-based proteins, on the other hand:

  • Are low in saturated fat
  • Contain natural antioxidants
  • Provide fibre, which supports gut health and blood sugar regulation
  • May improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Contribute to lowering the risk of diabetes—a major contributor to CKD

Pros and Cons of a Plant-Based Diet for CKD

Pros:

  • Reduces inflammation and acid load on kidneys
  • Helps manage blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol
  • Supports gut health and overall digestive function
  • Associated with lower risk of CKD-related mortality
  • High in beneficial nutrients like magnesium, calcium, and vitamin C

Cons:

  • Many plant proteins are incomplete (they may lack one or more essential amino acids)
  • Risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to anaemia or neurological issues
  • Lower absorption rates than animal proteins—so quantity and variety matter
  • Some individuals may need supplementation or careful meal planning to meet protein needs

Kidneys work silently in the background—filtering blood, regulating blood pressure, and supporting vital body functions. With CKD, even small lifestyle shifts like embracing more plant-based proteins can delay progression, reduce complications, and improve quality of life.

If you’re exploring plant-based eating:

  • Diversify your sources (e.g., combine legumes with whole grains to get complete proteins)
  • Be mindful of any deficiencies, especially B12
  • Monitor portion sizes and nutrients—not all plant-based options are equally kidney-friendly

You don’t have to go fully vegan—but a gradual move towards plant-forward meals can make a real difference.

#BeTheForce

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health.

By Leave a Comment

Reversing Type 2 Diabetes Through a Low-Carbohydrate Lifestyle

Type 2 diabetes is often seen as a lifelong condition, but research and real-world experience show that it can be managed—and even reversed—with the right dietary approach. One of the most effective strategies is adopting a low-carbohydrate lifestyle, which not only helps regulate blood sugar levels but also improves insulin sensitivity.

Unlike traditional high-carb diets that lead to frequent glucose spikes, a low-carb approach stabilises energy levels, reduces cravings, and supports long-term health. If you’re looking for a sustainable way to take control of your diabetes, reducing your carbohydrate intake might be the key.

Why Reduce Carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates break down into glucose in the bloodstream. For individuals with type 2 diabetes, the pancreas struggles to produce enough insulin to move glucose into cells for energy. This results in persistently high blood sugar levels, which can eventually lead to complications such as nerve damage, kidney issues, and cardiovascular disease.

By reducing carbohydrate intake to 60–130g per day, you prevent large spikes in blood glucose after meals, easing the pressure on your pancreas. Over time, this can allow your pancreatic beta cells to recover and improve insulin sensitivity, helping your body regulate blood sugar more effectively.

The Ideal Process:

  1. Carb-controlled meals → lower glucose load
  2. Less strain on pancreas → beta cells recover
  3. Improved insulin sensitivity → glucose absorbed into cells
  4. Stable, healthy blood sugar levels

Which Carbohydrates to Avoid?

Starchy foods are typically high in carbohydrates and should be limited:

  • Bread (white, whole grain, multigrain)
  • Pasta
  • Rice (white, brown, basmati)
  • Potatoes (including sweet potatoes)
  • Grains (wheat, oats, barley, corn, quinoa)

The general rule: vegetables that grow underground (e.g., potatoes, carrots) contain more carbs than those that grow above ground.

Best Low-Carb Vegetables (per 100g)

Leafy Greens
Lettuce (2g), Spinach (1g), Arugula (1.6g), Kale (3g), Swiss Chard (1.8g)

Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli (4g), Cauliflower (3g), Brussels Sprouts (5.1g), Cabbage (3g)

Other Non-Starchy Vegetables
Asparagus (2g), Courgette (3g), Aubergine (3g), Tomatoes (3g),
Mushrooms (3.3g), Bell Peppers (4.6g), Onions (8g), Garlic (33.1g),
Radishes (3.4g), Cucumbers (3g), Celery (3g), Green Beans (4g), Artichokes (10.5g)

Focus on nutrient-dense, high-fibre, low-carb vegetables to meet your nutritional needs while keeping carbohydrate intake low.

What Are Net Carbs?

You may come across the term “net carbs,” which refers to the total carbs minus fibre and sugar alcohols—the carbs that actually raise blood sugar.

Net Carbs = Total Carbs – Fibre – Sugar Alcohols

While this can offer a more accurate reflection of how food impacts blood glucose, we recommend focusing on total carbohydrate intake for now, as calculating net carbs can be confusing in the early stages.

Protein: An Essential Nutrient

Protein supports muscle maintenance, satiety, and metabolism. On a low-carb diet, protein should be moderate, not excessive.

Target: 1.5–2.0g per kg of body weight per day

Portion Guide:

  • Women: ~85g cooked meat/tofu, 1 cup Greek yoghurt/cottage cheese, 2 whole eggs
  • Men: ~115g cooked meat/tofu, 1 cup Greek yoghurt/cottage cheese, 2 whole eggs

Low-Carb Dairy Options

Milk (per 240 ml / 1cup):

  • Whole or Semi-Skimmed: 12g carbs
  • Unsweetened Almond Milk: 1g carbs

Cheese (30g / 1oz):

  • Cheddar: 0.4g, Brie: 0.1g, Feta: 0.8g, Cream Cheese: 0.8g

Yoghurt (170g / 6oz):

  • Full-Fat Greek: 5g, Low-Fat Greek: 7g

Cream (30ml/ 1fl oz):

  • Double Cream: 0.6g, Single Cream: 0.7g

Butter (14g / 1 tbsp):

  • Salted/Unsalted: 0.1g

Avoid flavoured yoghurts and sweetened milk which can have hidden sugars.

Alcohol on a Low-Carb Diet

You can enjoy alcohol occasionally by choosing low-carb options:

Wines (per 5oz glass):

  • Dry White (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio): 2–4g carbs
  • Dry Red (e.g., Merlot): 2–4g carbs

Beers (per 12oz):

  • Bud Light: 4.6g, Michelob Ultra: 2.6g, Beck’s Premier Light: 3.9g, Brewdog Pale Ale: 7 g

Spirits (per 1oz):

  • Gin, Vodka, Rum, Tequila, Whisky: 0g (when consumed neat)
  • Add low-carb mixers like soda water, diet tonic, diet ginger ale

Low-Carb Cocktails:

  • Vodka Soda with lime, Gin & Diet Tonic, Whisky Ginger with diet ginger ale, Rum & Diet Coke

❗ Note: Avoid beer and cider unless opting for very light versions. Also, steer clear of sugary mixers, juices, and syrups which can add a substantial carb load to your drink.

Don’t Forget to Keep a Food Diary

Tracking what you eat helps in:

  1. Increasing awareness and mindfulness
  2. Identifying hidden sugars and carbs
  3. Tracking progress over time
  4. Identifying behavioural patterns
  5. Ensuring accountability and better food choices

You can use your phone, an app, or even a journal to keep track. Share it with your nutritionist or coach to get tailored guidance.

A low-carbohydrate lifestyle, when well-planned, can help reverse type 2 diabetes by addressing the root causes—excessive glucose and insulin resistance.

By:
✔ Lowering carbs to 60–130g per day
✔ Prioritising non-starchy vegetables and whole foods
✔ Including moderate protein and healthy fats
✔ Avoiding sugary, starchy, and processed foods
✔ Tracking food intake and blood sugar

…you can achieve stable glucose levels, improved insulin sensitivity, and potentially reduce or eliminate medication.

It’s not about perfection—it’s about consistency and sustainability. And remember: you’re not alone on this journey.

💬 Have you tried a low-carb approach to manage your diabetes or weight? Share your experience in the comments below!

#BeTheForce

From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

As we observe World Cancer Day under the powerful theme ‘United by Unique’ (2025-2027)**, we are reminded that every individual’s journey with cancer is distinct, yet united by shared resilience, hope, and the collective fight against this disease. This theme places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the […]