11Feb

What Causes Foot Pain in the Sufferer From Diabetes?

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Foot pain in diabetics is most commonly caused by a condition called peripheral neuropathy, in which the nerves in the limbs are affected, thereby impeding normal communication between the affected area and the brain.

There are three types of peripheral neuropathy: sensory, motor and autonomic. Out of these three, sensory peripheral neuropathy is responsible for the most number of affected individuals.

Sensory peripheral neuropathy is characterized by loss of sensitivity to temperatures, numbness, and the presence of a burning, tingling sensation. Sensory pain in peripheral neuropathy is also when the pain felt is largely disproportionate to what caused it, for instance extreme pain from the pressure from a blanket, or even the slightest touch. The numbness from this type of peripheral neuropathy can lead to sores and wounds developing without being noticed, which can be infected and lead to more serious complications which in extreme cases require amputation- in fact, more than 50% of all lower limb amputations in the US are of diabetics, many of them preventable with the proper care.

Motor peripheral neuropathy is when the nerves to the muscles are affected by the diabetes, causing them to weaken and ache. The areas that are most commonly affected are the thigh, shin muscles and the small muscles in the feet. Because of this, people affected by motor neuropathy have a hard time walking, and experience loss of coordination and balance. Because of the awkward and abnormal way that a person may be walking after being affected, excessive rubbing with footwear with the skin might be experienced, leading to inflammation, soreness and wounds.

Autonomic peripheral neuropathy is concerned with the involuntary functions such as sweating, or oil secretion through the skin. Because of this, patients may experience dryness which can lead to cracked skin, dry cuticles etc. these conditions can bring about wounds and pain that would otherwise might have been prevented.

Circulation problems also cause extreme foot pain in diabetics. The arteries that are most commonly affected are those located behind the knees and in the calf. Poor circulation will cause tissues and cells to starve for oxygen, which can make it very painful for the patient. Blockages in capillaries can also cause the veins to get swollen, and even sometimes rupture to the point of creating ulcers in the skin.

Joint problems can also bring about pain to the diabetic. The tendons which connect the muscles to the bones in the joins sometimes get stiff due to the posture imbalance that a diabetic experiences. Because of other pain, a diabetic will sometimes be forced to assume a posture or walk in a way that is not normal. This causes the tendons to contract or stiffen, which causes pain. Likewise, excess sugar from the blood can combine with the proteins in the joins and cause a condition called diabetic glycosylation, which can cause further pain.

Because of some chemical changes in the body, diabetics are also susceptible to numerous infections. This is why diabetics are advised to do regular checkups of their own feet to check that there are no skin abnormalities (sores, blisters, inflammation) which can get infected and may lead to more serious problems.

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10Feb

Type 2 Diabetes – Chronic Eye Complications of Uncontrolled Diabetes!

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Type 2 diabetes is a continuously increasing burden to the government and to society. As stated by the National Diabetes Statistics, 1.6 million new cases of Type 2 diabetes were discovered and diagnosed in the United States in 2007 and this prevalence rate is continuously and exponentially growing every year.

Do you ever wonder why your doctor is so keen for you to control your blood sugar? You see, uncontrolled diabetes may result in multiple, yet preventable types of chronic complications. As mentioned in an article published by the Centers for Disease Control, early diagnosis and the application of available measures is a must to reduce the incidence and the severity of these chronic complications.

Diabetes is the most common cause of blindness in the United States. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, diabetics are twenty five times more prone to the development of eye problems compared to the general population.

There three most common eye complications of uncontrolled diabetes are:

1. Diabetic retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy is an eye problem in diabetics that affects the nerve-containing tissue of the eye. It is one of the leading causes of blindness among American adults each year. Believe it or not, the lifetime prevalence of this eye problem in diabetics is seventy percent. As mentioned again by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), diabetic retinopathy is almost always asymptomatic during its treatable stages. And so, if you happen to have Type 2 diabetes, the most reasonable way to prevent this eye problem from occurring is to regularly check with your opthalmologist.

2. Cataracts: As stated by CDC, diabetics are 1.6 times more prone to develop cataract in one or both eyes compared to those who do not have diabetes, Type 1 or Type 2. Diabetics most commonly acquire snowflake cataracts which usually resolve with good blood sugar control. However, there are those that develop persistent cataracts who need to undergo cataract extraction to restore their vision. In most cases, cataract extraction can restore ninety to ninety-five percent of the normal vision.

3. Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a problem caused by the increased pressure within your eye. There are two types of glaucoma seen in diabetics:

the open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma in the diabetic population, and
the neovascular glaucoma, the more severe kind of glaucoma that usually occurs concomitantly with diabetic retinopathy

Early diagnosis and emergency surgery are the most needed medical interventions to save your eye from the full development of this problem.

Regular eye check-ups and good blood sugar control are the cornerstone for proper eye care in people with diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. The more you control your blood sugar the lesser your chances in developing these eye problems.

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09Feb

What Are Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms?

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Many cases of type 1 diabetes develop in early childhood due to genetic reasons. However, even though it is not common, adults may also develop type 1 diabetes. This really is considered to happen as a result of a virus or an auto-immune response that triggers harm to the insulin producing cells of the pancreas. Regardless of the cause, all sorts of things exactly the same; the body is no longer capable of producing enough insulin. When that occurs, there are several characteristic type 1 diabetes symptoms that prove.

One of the most common type 1 diabetes symptoms is increased thirst. Normally, this is associated with a rise in urinary frequency. This happens because high levels of blood sugar levels cause fluids to be pulled out of your body tissues, leaving you somewhat dehydrated and constantly thirsty. That causes you to definitely drink many you are visiting the bathroom frequently as a result.

Another of the more common diabetes symptoms is increased hunger. You might constantly feel hungry, even after you eat a big meal. That occurs because your low insulin levels keep your cells from taking in blood sugar. Blood sugar is fuel for the cells. When they can’t get enough sugar, they literally starve and will send signals which make you are feeling hungry all the time.

Surprisingly, even though you drink and eat more, weight loss is another of the diabetes symptoms. Sometimes the load loss could be rapid and dramatic. Such things happen since your cells cannot consume blood glucose so the muscles lose mass and your fat stores get depleted.

Along with weight reduction comes extreme fatigue. Glucose is fuel for your bodily functions and it is also what provides you with energy to go about your daily life. In case your body is not able to utilize blood sugar levels because of low levels of insulin, you’ll feel tired and irritable most of the time.

Type 1 diabetes symptoms likewise incorporate blurred eyesight. This happens because fluid is pulled out of the tissues of the eyes. When that happens, the lens is not able to focus properly so you have blurred vision consequently.

Because this medical problem is frequently presents itself during childhood, you should observe that children may display additional symptoms since they are not able to communicate as readily. The type 1 diabetes symptoms experienced by adults apply but kids could also show moody, unusual, or irritable behavior. Yeast infections are also associated with your body in infants and the first symptom might be a severe diaper rash.

Should you experience these diabetes symptoms, it is suggested to have a medical evaluation. The problem can be quickly diagnosed with simple blood tests. You will find effective treatments available that may help you manage your disease. Your body is generally not reversible but it could be controlled through insulin supplements and diet.

Ignoring diabetes type 1 symptoms could have serious consequences. Long-term elevated glucose levels may cause cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney failure, osteoporosis, pregnancy complications, foot problems, gum infections, hearing difficulties, and blindness.

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08Feb

Diabetes – How High Is Your Risk?

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If you are like me you have family members who have lost their limbs to a disease known as diabetes. And, having seen the horrors of this disease, I am constantly aware how at risk I am for this disease. If you are concerned about your history with this disease, or what your risk factor for this disease is please read further as I elaborate on diabetes risk factors and which factors are under your control and which are not.

There are certain diabetes risk factors that are completely under your control. Factors such as your weight, your diet, your activity level all are things that you have complete control over and these factors are extremely important when it comes to type 2 diabetes.

Statistics have found that people who are overweight or obese are more likely to contract this disease than someone who is within a healthy weight range. Also, a diet that full of starchy foods, which convert to sugar rapidly once consumed, will also increase your risk for this disease. And, since exercise tends to regulate blood sugar levels and increase the output of insulin, a lifestyle that contains regular exercise will help you stay clear of this disease. These are all factors that you have control over.

Unfortunately there are a variety of diabetes risk factors that you have zero control over and even if you maintain your weight, eat a sensible diet, and exercise regularly you can still be diagnosed with this disease. These factors include family history, ethnicity, age, and a history of gestational diabetes. Let’s break them down and understand what each means. If you have a parent who has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, even though they are lean and live a healthy lifestyle, your risk is 3 times that of the general population of being diagnosed with diabetes.

If both parents are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes then you have a 50% chance of contracting this disease. However, if the family member who has the disease has lead an unhealthy lifestyle then chances are that if you take control over the factors listed above your chances of being diagnosed with this disease are slim. Ethnicity is also a factor in this disease.

If you are Alaska Native, American Indian, African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, or Pacific Islander your risk is greater but the medical community doesn’t understand quite why this is. There is some genetic gene that is shared among these groups of people but the gene hasn’t been pinpointed.

If you 45 years of age or older you should be regularly checked for diabetes since age plays a large role in this disease. It could be that as we age we aren’t as active as we were in our younger years which will increase our weight.

Finally, if you have gestational diabetes or give birth to a child that weighs 9 pounds or larger, your risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes increases by 25%. This is a huge number and makes it essential that you live a healthy lifestyle in order to beat these odds.

04Feb

Can You Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?

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Is it possible to reverse type 2 diabetes? This is a question that many people ask, but few people know the answer to. The standard medical design for addressing diabetes is geared towards slowing down the development of the disease, but little effort is put into reversing type 2 diabetes.

If we look back through history we have to remember that we once thought that the earth was flat, and that it was impossible to fly. Individuals with diabetes are generally placed into the traditional model of treatment and many gradually get worse. As time goes on medications typically increase, and each of these medications brings unwanted side effects.

The financial burden of this standard treatment can also be overwhelming. Economists have predicted that diabetes could by itself bankrupt our health care system. Is there no additional way to handle type 2 diabetes? Or is it more profitable to keep doing what we are currently doing to treat this disease?

If it is possible to reverse type 2 diabetes what might that mean? It would mean a significant loss of money to the prescription drug companies, along with a tremendous financial loss to our current medical model. It is very profitable to medicate people who have diabetes indefinitely. It is also profitable to treat the long term effects of this disease when they arrive. Why would the people making money from this disease have any interest in concentrating on treatments other than medication? We have a very good medical care system in the United States that is driven by profit, and occasionally that can mean that the patient get what they need. Profit is king, and in the world of diabetes this can be a real problem.

For decades our medical system has been following an approach that obviously has not had the type of results that most people are looking for. After being diagnosed patients are instructed to lose weight, exercise, eat better and to take medications. This seems like great advice and three to six months later patients are scheduled to come back for another checkup.

The reality is that diabetes is a syndrome of multiple organ systems. In order to begin reversing type 2 diabetes it is critical to test each of these areas to asses function. The clinics doing this type of in-depth testing are achieving results that were thought to be impossible just a few years ago.
Programs like the Chicago Diabetes Program are revolutionizing the way we look at type 2 diabetes today. By finding the cause of the disease instead of the symptoms, doctors are able to begin supporting organ areas that need assistance. As proper function returns to the body, blood sugar levels also begin to normalize.

03Feb

How Gestational Diabetes Symptoms Build Up?

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Gestational diabetes is an endocrine and metabolic disorder of pregnant women. There are changes in the hormone that causes the gestational diabetes symptoms. Every pregnant woman is at risk of this kind of diabetes but not all will suffer. Statistically speaking, four percent of expectant mothers have been diagnose with this type of diabetes and may suffer the different symptoms of this kind of disease.

An abnormal glucose metabolism during pregnancy is the universal definition of gestational diabetes. There have been four known causes of the disorder and it includes obesity during pregnancy, age of more than 35 years, the mother is classified as multiple gestations, and has a family history of gestational diabetes. The latter causes were identified as the primary cause that triggers the human placental lactogen (HPL), a hormone that antagonizes the production of insulin needed by the pregnant mother. Normally, HPL were produced in order to prevent the glucose absorption needed by the mother, instead, the glucose was being provided for the consumption of the baby.

In this type of diabetes, since HPL were being activated, an increase supply of glucose flooded the blood circulation. The flooding of glucose causes the gestational diabetes symptoms that are more likely the same with a patient having diabetes mellitus. If this disorder were left untreated and unmonitored, there will be expected complications to the mother might as well to the fetus. The newborn may have a large body built and heavy weight compared to the normal weight of the newborn, which is called macrosomia. Macrosomia happens for the reason that the large amount of glucose was being consumed by the fetus. And for the pregnant mother the following are the classic indications or the different gestational diabetes symptoms.

• Blurred vision. This manifestation is the most common among the gestational diabetes symptoms. Because of viscosity of the blood, a process called osmosis is activated. As a result, there will be an increase blood volume on the blood circulation. The increase of the blood volume swells the cells of the different body including the lens of the eye causing blurry vision.
• Weariness. Weariness is the lay man’s term for fatigue. Fatigue usually happen because of decrease of energy. Always remember that cells need glucose in order to produce energy. In this type of diabetes, since the HPL prevents the absorption of the glucose to be used up for the body cells of the mother, as a result, no energy will be produce resulting to fatigability.
• Frequent infections, including those of the bladder, vagina, and skin. This disease causes the urine to be less concentrated. Less concentrated urine would mean alkalinity which is a good pH for the bacteria to grow and divide. Consequently, there is an increase risk for bacterial infections to the mother.
• Increase Urination or Polyuria. It was observed that there is an increase of glucose in the blood and the body compensates through increasing the blood volume. The kidneys are the ones that maintain the blood volume balance in the body. And since there is an increase amount of blood volume in the body, the action of the kidney is to get rid of the excessive fluid in the blood causing an increase in urination.
• Increase thirst and hunger. In order to replace the loss fluid, the body compensates by increasing the thirst and to relieve the fatigability, a large amount of food will be the recompense.

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21Jan

Type 2 Diabetes – Long-Term Sugar Control and Diabetic Retinopathy!

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A technique known as “measuring lens fluorescence” is a useful way of assessing life-long blood sugar levels. The lens lasts a lifetime and it’s ageing process is affected by blood sugar. By measuring lens fluorescence, scientists can see how much ageing the blood sugar levels have caused, allowing them to estimate the amount of sugar that has been in the body over time.

Researchers in the Department of Ophthalmology, Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen in Denmark carried out lens fluorescence imaging to discover whether the life-long level of blood sugar could be associated with the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is an important cause of blindness in diabetics, both Type 1 and Type 2. The blood vessels at the back of the eye are then affected and bleed into the eye. Results of the study on lens fluorescence were published in the journal Diabetologia in December 2010.
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Nine hundred volunteers between the ages of 30 and 60 were admitted to the study. One hundred and seventy were found to be diabetic and 35 already had a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Retinopathy was diagnosed in 46 people, or 22 per cent of 205 volunteers with Type 2 diabetes. Those with twice the amount of lens fluorescence as the volunteers with lower amounts of fluorescence, had more than five times the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Smoking, blood pressure, height and weight proportions, and HbA1c were also found to be associated with retinopathy. It was also concluded retinopathy is associated with the amount of sugar in the blood in both Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes, and that life-long control of blood sugar could help to prevent diabetic retinopathy.

How will you keep your blood sugar levels down?

  • one way of satisfying a sweet tooth is to drink hot or iced tea with sucralose or stevia
  • some people like to sweeten seltzer water with non-sugar sweeteners and add some fruit juice for flavor
  • fruits are another good way of getting something sweet with less sugar and more fiber than you would get with high-sugar snacks made with highly refined flour and sugar
  • many people are reportedly including their dogs in their getting-fit resolutions for 2011, taking them for walks and playing with them. Even brushing your dog several times a week for fifteen minutes, changing hands halfway through will work your arms and please your dog

Why not check out the local gyms… many of them are competing with lower fees so shop around for the bargains. Some gyms offer discounts if you bring a friend along, and the added benefit of bringing a friend is that you can encourage each other. A membership to a local fitness center is a great way to get exercise in a safe and social environment.

Keeping your blood sugar levels in the range as discussed with your doctor, will help to prevent all diabetic complications.

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19Jan

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes in Men – Warning Signs to Be Aware Of

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The signs and symptoms of diabetes in men are more general in nature than those seen in women. However, there are several diabetes symptoms that can be considered unique to men and should be regarded as warning signs. This article will briefly list the general symptoms before listing the specific symptoms that men should look for if they suspect that they may be developing diabetes.

The general symptoms of Diabetes are:

  • Constant thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Constant hunger
  • Constant fatigue and feeling tired
  • Weight loss
  • Slow healing sores, cuts, blisters
  • Dry, itchy rashes
  • Numbness or tingling in extremities
  • Blurry vision
  • Frequent infections

If you have several of these symptoms on a regular basis you should consider seeing your doctor and informing her/him of your concerns.

Specific signs and symptoms of diabetes in men:

  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Reduced strength
  • Degradation of vision
  • Muscular pain during exercise

Sexual Symptoms

Erectile dysfunction or impotence are often associated with diabetes in men and can be found even in cases of pre-diabetes. Symptoms such as these can be seen as parallels to the sexual signs and symptoms of diabetes in women as they experience the female equivalent of sexual performance issues as a symptom of diabetes.

Reduced Strength

Since many men have jobs and lifestyles where physical strength is not only an asset but a necessity, diminishing physical strength can often be used as a warning sign of diabetes. As blood sugar levels fluctuate wildly, a man’s ability to remain physically strong is negatively affected because of the disruptions in energy levels. If you find yourself suddenly weaker, more fatigued, or having less physical stamina than you did in the recent past you may have early onset diabetes.

Degradation of Vision

Due to a medical condition known as “retinopathy”, vision may degrade quickly as diabetes progresses. This is considered a warning sign specific to men because it can occur much more quickly in men than in women. This disorder can cause blindness if left undiagnosed so if you find your vision to be degrading over time then consult your physician with your concerns.

Muscular Pain During Exercise

A unique symptom of diabetes in men is muscular pain during exercise or other signs of peripheral vascular disease. This warning sign is also linked to a three-fold increase in the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, or cardiac failure in men with diabetes.

18Jan

Type 2 Diabetes – Do Toning Shoes Really Help Lower Blood Sugar Levels?

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Lower blood sugar levels for Type 2 diabetics because you wear a certain style of shoes, it almost sounds too good to be true. It seems like such an easy way to get your blood sugar levels in control. Just slip on a pair of Reebok EasyTones, and you get so much exercise out of just walking your blood sugars float down to normal and your thighs and butt tighten, too. But do they really work?

Toning shoes are shoes with a curved insole designed to imitate the experience of balance on a wobble board at the gym or walking on a sandy beach. They definitely cause twitching muscles in the ankles, calves, thighs, and buttocks.

The jury is still out on whether toning shoes really tone muscles. The American Council on Exercise has commissioned a team of scientists at the University of Wisconsin to put Skecher’s ShapeUps, Reebok EasyTones, and Masai Barefoot Technology to the test. The request was made after advertising claims by Reebok seemed to promise more benefits than the shoes can deliver, at least in terms of tightening muscles.

Anytime you get muscles moving, however, especially muscles in the buttocks, glucose will be burned and insulin sensitivity will increase. This doesn’t mean:

using the shoes will burn more calories overall
wearing these shoes will help your cardiovascular fitness

It just means that they will probably help your insulin sensitivity and give you lower blood sugar levels than exercise in ordinary running shoes.

Most Type 2 diabetics, of course, don’t need special running shoes. They need to try running! If your doctor approves, even a few seconds of running, rather than walking, can have noticeable or even dramatic effects on your blood sugar levels, far more than any medication.

Among the most common medical problems experienced by people with diabetes, Type 1 or Type 2, are problems related to feet. The feet, or human feet anyway, were meant to walk on grass and dirt, not on flat hardened surfaces such as concrete. One of the problems with walking or running on concrete over long periods of time, is that joints of the feet may break down!

Here are a few tips to help keep your feet healthy:

1. Look at the condition of your feet and toes each and every day.
2. Get up and move… regular body movement will help your overall circulation and muscle tone.
3. Choose footwear carefully.
4. Check your sock drawer… pitch the nylon ones or any socks that help keep in the perspiration. And the socks with holes cause irritation to the skin.
5. If you need to sit for long periods… wiggle your toes.
6. Wash you feet daily… keep them dry and clean.
7. Your skin is the first and best armor to protect your feet… keep it moisturized daily
8. Make sure your doctor checks your feet at each visit.

Smoking causes poor circulation and puts Type 2 diabetics at a higher risk of complications if and when you injure your feet. Smoking affects your circulation.

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17Jan

The Glycemic Index of Honey

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Those who are suffering from diabetes have a reduced amount of insulin secretion and this is a response to the amount of glucose that is being introduced to their blood. Because of this, they also have restrictions when it comes to the amount and variety of foods they consume. For diabetes patients, these restrictions add up to their suffering. Most people are aware that diabetes patients are not allowed to consume sugar. In order to replace their sugar consumption, they make use of synthetic sweeteners such as Aspartame, a synthetic chemical agent that does not contain any nutritive value. In various countries, diabetes patients are aware of the glycemic index of honey and so they make use of honey to replace sugar.

Aside from the debate about the comparison of the amount of glucose being absorbed by the body after the consumption of sugar or honey in diabetes patients, other issues were discussed as well. These issues about the glycemic index of honey and its benefits for diabetes patients include the following:

Calorie content: although the glycemic index of honey is at medium, it is 3 times sweeter than sugar. So if a diabetes patient needs 30g of sugar, which is equivalent to 10g of honey.

Micro-nutrients: these is divided into 2 different categories:

Vitamins: diabetes patients are required to consume certain vitamins. These include vitamin B6, B1, B12, E, C, and biotin. Aside from the medium glycemic index of honey, it could also be a good source of these vitamins.
Trace Elements:

– Manganese is present in the body of diabetes patients and 1/2 of its amount is present in the body of a normal individual as well.

– Chromium is one of the most critical nutrients in diabetes. It is often presented as supplements for those suffering from pre-diabetic glucose intolerance, diabetes, and those who are suffering from diabetes due to pregnancy.

– Consumption of Vanadium has proven to help decrease the insulin needs of diabetes patients.

– Magnesium should be lowered for a person with diabetes.

– Sufficient amount of potassium can improve insulin sensitivity.

– Zinc deficiency is also known as a role player for the development of diabetes in most individuals. It is also involved in almost all aspects of synthesis, insulin metabolism, utilization, and secretion.

Aside from the medium glycemic index of honey, it also contains almost all elements that come from the soil. You can give your body greater favor if you choose to reduce your carbohydrates.

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