Man hospitalized for abstaining from starch, only eating vegetables

Mr. Tran Vu, 56 years old, living in China, has been diagnosed with diabetes for more than ten years. When diagnosed, the doctor advised him to use prescribed medication and change his lifestyle to control the disease. Mr. Tran adhered to and maintained stable blood sugar levels and good health.

However, half a year ago, after learning online that starchy foods such as noodles and white rice can increase blood sugar, Mr. Tran decided to completely abstain from these foods and only eat vegetables.

After 6 months of abstaining from starch, Mr. Tran began to feel dizzy. Recently, he suddenly fainted at home and was discovered by his son, who took him to the hospital in time.

At the hospital, the examination results showed that Mr. Tran had severe hypoglycemia. Fortunately, he was given emergency care in time and survived the danger. After waking up and hearing the doctor's diagnosis, Mr. Tran was very surprised. He originally thought that abstaining from starch would help control diabetes and improve his health, but as a result, he had to be hospitalized.

Dr. Nguyen Vien, Deputy Head of the Department of Endocrinology at Zhejiang Hospital, China, explained Mr. Tran's case: "Abstaining from starch completely in diabetic patients can lead to hypoglycemia. If this condition persists, the patient may experience serious complications related to the nervous system, brain and cardiovascular system."

According to Dr. Nguyen Vien, diabetic patients need to maintain a nutritious diet. Specifically, patients should reduce the amount of starch, while increasing protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. In each meal, patients should consume 45 - 60g of starch. In addition, choosing foods with a low GI (an index that assesses the ability of food to absorb and increase blood sugar) also helps control blood sugar more effectively.

Abstaining from starch completely can cause many health problems

Doctor Khang Chi Cuong, Head of the Department of Endocrinology at Zhengzhou Central Hospital, China, emphasized that completely eliminating starch from the diet can pose many potential health risks. Specifically as follows:

1. Physical weakness

Starch plays an important role in providing energy for the body. Abstaining from starch completely can lead to nutritional deficiencies, especially B vitamins. This deficiency can negatively affect metabolism, causing fatigue and physical weakness.

Completely abstaining from starch can lead to nutritional deficiencies, especially B vitamins

2. Affects brain function

Not consuming rice (a food containing carbohydrates) for a long time can have a negative impact on brain function. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for brain activity. When carbohydrate intake is insufficient, thinking ability and memory can be impaired.

3. Affects sleep

Abstaining from rice for a long time can lead to carbohydrate deficiency, thereby affecting brain function and causing insomnia at night. In addition, not eating rice also increases hunger at night, making it difficult to fall asleep or sleep deeply.

4. Causes hypoglycemia

Not eating rice causes the body to lack the necessary nutrients to function, leading to hunger and hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is a dangerous condition that can cause symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, lightheadedness, and even fainting.

Not eating rice causes the body to lack the nutrients it needs to function, leading to hunger and hypoglycemia.

How to eat starch healthily?

Starch is still an essential component for the body, so it is very important to supplement the necessary amount of starch. To eat starch healthily, note the following 2 points:

1. Diversify starch sources

In addition to white rice, people should add whole grains and potatoes to increase fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial to the body.

2. Cooking method

The way food is cooked can affect the nutritional content. Nutritionists recommend using steaming and boiling methods to retain maximum nutrients.

In fact, our bodies need to synthesize energy and nutrients from many different types of food. Health experts advise that to maintain health, we should build a healthy and moderate diet instead of abstaining from any particular type of food.