Are Carbohydrates for your Diet Bad?
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By: Ehren Allen, PT/Certified Manual Therapist
Carbohydrates seem to get a bad rap in today’s modern diet. However, carbohydrates are your body’s main source of energy and are an important part of a healthy diet. At least 50% of your total calories for the day should come from carbohydrates. Remember the better sources of carbohydrates for your diet are whole grains such as:
- brown rice
- millets
- oats
Try to avoid refined carbohydrates for your diet such as bread, white rice, and wheat flour as these are not as good for you as whole grains. There are 2 kinds of carbohydrates: simple and complex.
Image of cabbage.
Simple Carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates are composed of easy-to-digest, basic sugars, that can be naturally occurring or processed. The naturally occurring sugars can be found in fruits and milk. Refined, or processed, sugars can be found added to:
- candies
- cookies & cakes
- soda
The fiber in vegetables and fruits alters the way the body processes their sugars and slows their digestion.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates can be found in:
- legumes
- whole grains
- starchy vegetables
They contain longer chains of sugar molecules and take more time for the body to break down and ultimately use. Complex carbs provide you with more energy than simple carbs do and are considered “”good”” because of this. They tend to have a lower glycemic load, meaning you will get lower amounts of sugars released at a more consistent rate. Foods with complex carbohydrates for your diet tend to have more vitamins, fiber and minerals versus simple carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates for your Diet
Overall, it is important to monitor the amount and type of carbohydrates you are allowing into your body. Following a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can help you avoid many physical issues like arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or plantar fasciitis. If you ever find these issues to be getting more severe, you should make an appointment with a medical professional and possibly consider physical therapy.
Services of JOI and JOI Rehab
All JOI Physicians, Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists continue to offer Telemedicine services for virtual visits from the convenience of your home. We are also continue to provide a safe environment for a face to face consultation. JOI & JOI have been voted Jacksonville’s Bold City Best for 2022 and for several years! Give us a call and find out why we are Where The Pro’s Go!
- To schedule a new patient or follow up patient appointment with your MD, please call (904)JOI-2000.
- Finally, to schedule an appointment for physical or occupational therapy, call 904-858-7045 or call any of the 12 area JOI Rehab Centers. JOI Rehab is now offering Direct Access visits to JOI Rehab.
JOI Fracture and Injury Care
JOI Physicians are currently offering ASAP Fracture care call 904-JOI-2000. This is a new option for patients who would like to avoid the emergency room if they have suffered a fracture or soft tissue injury.
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