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How To Manage Gestational Diabetes With Diet

Pregnant woman holding a blood sugar tester

So, you’re expecting — congratulations! 

Whether this is your first rodeo or you’re a seasoned mama, there’s no denying that pregnancy can be a wild ride. 

From the morning sickness and mood swings to those precious little baby kicks that bring nothing but sweet joy, bringing new life into the world is a rollercoaster full of ups and downs and twists and turns. 

Some days are great while others are, well… not so great. And if you didn’t have enough on your plate, toss glucose issues into the mix, and the ride can get a whole lot bumpier.  

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that only occurs in those who are pregnant. In other words, you can’t get it unless you’ve got a bun in the oven. It affects about 10 percent of pregnancies in the United States, and if left untreated, it can cause some scary problems for your small bundle of joy. But don’t worry — we’re here to help. 

In this post, we’re exploring gestational diabetes to teach you everything you need to know to manage the condition with a healthy diet. Yep, you read that right — with the right food, you can help keep your blood sugar in check to reduce the risk of potential pregnancy complications.   

There’s quite a bit to unpack, so let’s get started!


What Exactly Is Gestational Diabetes, Anyway? 

Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in the U.S, affecting more than 30 million Americans. It’s a condition where the body has too much sugar — aka, glucose — in the blood.

While diabetes is often viewed as a chronic (long-lasting) disease, gestational diabetes is not. 

Medically referred to as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that some ladies get during pregnancy. It usually develops when a mom-to-be is around 24 to 32 weeks pregnant and disappears after delivery. However, everyone is different, and some may experience gestational diabetes before or after this time frame. 


What Causes Gestational Diabetes? 

Simply put, the hormones used to help develop the placenta can also produce insulin resistance. This makes it very difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar levels.

You see, when you eat carbohydrates, your body breaks down the sugar and starches into glucose to use for energy. It’s this glucose that nourishes your brain, heart, tissues, as well as muscles and is also an important fuel for your developing baby. 

To ensure the right amount of glucose is in the blood at all times for healthy functioning, your pancreas creates an essential hormone called insulin. When you have diabetes, however, your body doesn’t make sufficient insulin or can’t use it well — so as a result, you end up with way too much sugar in your blood. 

Dubbed the silent killer, those with diabetes may not notice any symptoms at first. However, over time, high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can negatively affect the entire body, including the cardiovascular system, circulation, and kidney function. 

Unlike diabetes (specifically, type 1), gestational diabetes isn’t caused by a lack of insulin but by other hormones produced during pregnancy to develop the placenta that can make insulin less effective. This is why the condition tends to vanish the moment after the baby is born.  

That said, whether you have diabetes prior to getting pregnant or have gestational diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy, the key to managing the health condition remains the same: keeping your blood sugar under control. And what’s the best way to do that, you ask? 

Through diet. 


So, What’s on the Menu? 

Unfortunately, there’s no magic gestational diabetes menu that works for every mom-to-be. Everyone is different. Like any healthy diet, you'll want to ensure you're eating enough vitamins and minerals to fuel your body—and your baby's! 

However, carbs like white rice and potatoes are notorious for causing blood sugar spikes — so they should definitely be limited (Sorry, pasta lovers and pizza aficionados!). 

In general, your diet should include protein, healthy fats, and lots of fiber. Poultry like chicken, beans like chickpeas and lentils, and non-starchy vegetables like tomatoes, green beans, and peppers are all part of the balanced and delicious diet you can enjoy while controlling your blood sugar levels. 

Low-fat dairy products like yogurt or cheese should also be enjoyed in moderation—when in doubt, ask a registered dietitian for their advice.

If you do have a hankering for some carby goodness every here and there, just be sure to stick with the good, complex kind, like legumes, brown rice, and quinoa — and keep your servings small.


Hold Up — What About Bread? 

We don’t mean to be the bearer of bad news or anything, but due to its typical high carb count, bread is not on the menu — unless, of course, it’s bread from Uprising Food

Undeniably delicious and surprisingly nutritious, Uprising Food Bread is truly something to get excited about. Masterfully crafted with clean superfood ingredients such as almonds, psyllium husk, and flax seeds, one hearty serving has nine grams of fiber, six grams of protein, and only two net grams of carbohydrates. 

Perfect for supporting healthy metabolic function, we believe our one-of-a-kind Uprising Bread is the healthiest food in the game but tastes like heaven!


Top Tips To Keep Sugar Spikes at Bay 

In addition to swapping your high-carb bread for our tasty low-carb Uprising Bread, here are a few more tips that may help manage gestational diabetes:


Tip #1: Try The DASH Diet 

Believe it or not, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet has been shown to not only support a healthy ticker but healthy blood sugar levels, too. 

The popular diet recommends choosing foods that are relatively low in sodium as well as saturated and trans fats while reaching for foods higher in lean protein and fiber — like our Uprising Superfood Freedom Chips

Fiber-packed supplements disguised as savory staples, our fat-burning friendly chips are made with clean superfood ingredients like egg whites, MCT oil, and apple cider vinegar, with absolutely no fillers. What’s not to love? 


Tip #2: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate 

Did you know that dehydration can cause blood glucose levels to rise? Yep, it’s true — so be sure to drink lots of H20 throughout the day to help keep hyperglycemia at bay!


Tip #3: Don’t Skip Meals

Skipping meals may sound like a great way to prevent your blood sugar from spiking. However, it can actually do more harm than good, resulting in poor nutrition during pregnancy and extreme blood sugar fluctuations — both of which are not good for you or your growing baby. 

Keep in mind that you have increased nutritional needs when pregnant, and your small bundle is counting on you to provide balanced nutrition. Aim to eat three healthy meals and two to three snacks each day. 

Tip #4: Avoid The Sugary Stuff

It’s no fun to avoid some of your favorite foods, but there are lots of awesome alternatives — like our Uprising Superfood Bread. You’ll want to steer clear of highly processed foods like white bread and, of course, sugar. 

When sugary foods are consumed, blood sugar levels naturally increase — which is not good for those with gestational diabetes! Even natural sweeteners like honey can lead to a higher risk of high blood sugar levels. Some of the sweet treats to avoid include:

  • Cakes
  • Cookies
  • Candy
  • Soda
  • Ice cream
  • Fruit juice with artificial sweeteners and syrups
  • Sweetened cereals
  • Pastries

If you’re unsure about certain foods, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor — they are there to help you!


A Final Word 

If you’re diagnosed with gestational diabetes, take a deep breath and remember — with the right diet, you can have a healthy pregnancy.

At Uprising Food, we understand the struggle when it comes to finding food that’s not only healthy but tasty, too. That’s why we created our Uprising Superfood Bread. Artisan crafted with only the best superfood ingredients and absolutely nothing artificially, our bread is perfect for those looking for a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional bread.

Whether you’re diabetic, living the ketogenic lifestyle, or simply on the hunt for healthier options, you can count on us to support you on your journey with great-tasting food. Spread some peanut butter, make avocado toast, or enjoy our bread on its own for a tasty keto treat.

From the best sourdough-esque tasting bread on the planet to the crunchiest superfood chips around, when it comes to good healthy food, Uprising Food is second to none. 


Sources:

The effect of the DASH diet on pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes: a randomized controlled clinical trial | European Journal of Clinical Nutrition

National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020 | CDC

Gestational Diabetes - Symptoms, Treatments | ADA

Diabetes symptoms: When diabetes symptoms are a concern | Mayo Clinic

Diabetes: The Silent Killer | Trinitas Regional Medical Center

Whole Grain Bread vs. Uprising Foods

Whole Grain Bread vs. Uprising Foods

If you’re anything like us, you love bread. Think of mouth-watering rye sandwiches stacked sky-high with luscious deli meats, delicious soups in a bread bowl, and creamy avocado spread perfectly over toast and topped with an egg. When it comes to the best food on the planet, it’s hard not to dub bread the king. 

Whether you’re in the mood for a filling meal or just want a quick snack, bread is highly versatile and can be used in many different ways to combat hunger pangs. 

Craving a sweet treat? Make bread pudding

Feeling snackish? Serve up a tasty tray of finger sandwiches. 

Want to add a nice crunch to your salad? Use bread to whip up a batch of homemade croutons. 

Have a hankering for something a bit more decadent? Indulge in an ooey-gooey, ultra-cheesy ham panini. 

Needless to say, bread is pretty wonderful!

That being said, despite being major bread aficionados here at Uprising Food, there is one teensy-weensy thing about our favorite food that we’re not particularly fond of—the ingredients commonly found in bread.  

The Downside of Traditional Bread

If you’ve ever read the nutritional info on the back of a loaf of traditional white bread, the ingredients are quite alarming—we're talking preservatives, sugars, and excess vegetable oils that can turn the bread aisle into a health lovers' nightmare. That’s not even mentioning the shockingly high number of carbohydrates, grams of sugar, and calories typically found in a single slice. It’s easy to see how bread has adopted a pretty bad rap over the years

Thankfully, as society has become a bit more health-conscious, healthier bread options have begun to hit the shelves — such as whole-grain bread and Uprising Food’s Superfood Loaf. But, which one is best? We’ll tell you. 

In this post, we’re diving into the delicious world of bread to compare the top two kinds to uncover the superior loaf. Does whole-grain or whole wheat bread live up to all the hype? Or does Uprising Food’s Superfood Loaf reign supreme? 

Read on to find out! 


What’s So Terrible About Traditional White Bread, Anyway? 

No matter how you slice it, bread is a staple in the American diet. From buttered toast at breakfast to sandwiches at lunch and warm baskets of bread at dinner, it’s not difficult to nosh on this standby ingredient daily. Over the last decade, however, particularly as keto and gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular, bread has gotten a pretty terrible rap — but why? 

Well, to put it simply, it’s because of the ingredients. 

Compared to other foods like fresh fruits and veggies, white bread is relatively low in essential nutrients such as fiber and protein. It's easy to assume the bread you find in stores is similar to the homemade bread recipes we see online—yeast, flour, water, and whatever extra goodies your heart desires. Instead, it’s loaded with hard-to-pronounce ingredients that provide absolutely no nutritional value, including:

If you ask us, these questionable ingredients don’t exactly sound like things you’d want to put in your body— especially seeing as some of them are commonly used in household cleaning products such as different disinfectants and bleach.  


What’s the Difference Between Refined Grains and Whole Grains? 

Chances are you’ve heard about refined grains and whole grains before, but what’s the difference? 

In a nutshell:

  • Found in traditional white bread, when refined grains ( aka enriched grains) are processed, the germ, endosperm, and bran are removed to give bread a smoother consistency. Although many body-nourishing nutrients are lost in the refining process, manufacturers can add synthetic versions of those nutrients. The lost fiber, however, is often not replaced. 
  • Found in whole grain bread and many other healthy foods, whole grains contain all portions of the grain’s kernel and are packed with fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

So What Exactly Is Whole Grain Bread?

Unlike traditional white bread, which is highly processed and made with refined grains, whole grain bread is made with — you guessed it — whole grains like oats, barley, spelt, or quinoa.

Experts recommend eating five to eight ounces of whole grains daily to support a healthy lifestyle. Although research is still ongoing, some of the potential benefits of a diet that consists of healthy whole grains include:

  • Promotes healthy digestion
  • Supports good cardiovascular health
  • Combats hunger pangs by keeping you full
  • Plays a role in keeping blood glucose levels in check
  • Provides many essential nutrients needed for optimal health 

Bread made with whole grains can provide many health benefits — however, there is a downside: carbohydrates. 

Despite being oh-so-good for us, whole grain bread is a high-carb food that ultimately turns into sugar in the body after consumption. 

Of course, not all whole grain bread is created equal, and some is fiber-packed to help slow down digestion and, in turn, prevent blood sugar levels from spiking. But at the end of the day, all types of grains still convert into sugar, and if it’s not utilized by the body as energy, even whole wheat flour gets stored as fat. 


What’s the Scoop on Uprising Food’s Superfood Loaf?

What if we told you that you could finally have your cake and eat it, too — would you be interested? We thought so. Despite traditional white bread (and even some whole-grain breads) giving bread a bad rap, Uprising Food’s Superfood Loaf is truly something special. 

For starters, it’s not made with any grains. Instead, it’s masterfully crafted with clean superfood ingredients, such as:

  • Psyllium Husk: is a water-loving substance derived from the psyllium plant. When consumed, this coveted superfood expands due to water in the gut and forms a gel-like material that pushes icky toxins and wastes right out of the body.   
  • Almonds: are full of protein and healthy fats, as well as vitamins and minerals. 
  • Flax Seed: are very high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. 
  • Egg Whites: contain many nutrients and are low in fat.  
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: is apple juice that has been fermented twice, which turns the sugars from the fruit into acetic acid. 

In addition to its incredible list of healthy ingredients, Uprising Food’s Superfood Loaf is gluten-free and keto-friendly, containing nine grams of fiber, six grams of protein, and only two net carbs per serving. It’s kind of like a healthy bar disguised as a sourdough.

Oh, and the best part? The taste is undeniably amazing!

Wondering if there’s a catch? We don’t blame you, as this heavenly bread truly seems too good to be true. But the truth is that there isn’t one. Uprising Food’s Superfood Loaf is one-of-a-kind and made with only the best of the best ingredients. Artisan-baked and delivered fresh directly to your door — finally, bread you can feel good about eating. 


So, Which Is Better: Whole Grain Bread or Uprising Food’s Superfood Loaf?

Both types of bread are leaps and bounds better than the highly processed bread found at the grocery store. However, when it comes to the superior loaf, Uprising Food can’t be beat. 

Beautifully made with clean superfood ingredients, our Uprising Food Superfood Loaf is a fiber-packed supplement disguised as a savory staple. In one serving, you’ll find nine grams of fiber, six grams of protein, and only two net carbs per serving — perfect for keto dieters, people with diabetes, and low-carb warriors!

Here at Uprising Food, we believe that healthy food can be just as delicious as it is nutritious, and we’re confident that you’ll be able to see the difference. 

If you’re ready to level up your wellness by swapping your traditional white bread for a loaf of our heavenly Superfood Bread, check us out to begin your journey to better health. And don’t forget to try our low-carb high-crunch chips, too — you’ll thank us later!.   

Sources: 

Are some breads getting a bad rap? – American Heart Association | Eastern States

Azodicarbonamide (ADA) Frequently Asked Questions | FDA

The Effects of Egg and Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Monoglycerides Addition on Storage Stability, Texture, and Sensory Properties of Gluten-Free Sorghum Bread | Online Library

 The Truth About White Bread | UCANR

The Potassium Bromate (Prohibition as a Flour Improver) Regulations 1990 | Legislation

The effect of redox agents on conformation and structure characterization of gluten protein: An extensive review | NCBI

Whole Grain: Refined, Enriched... What's the Difference? | Intermountain Healthcare

Getting Enough Whole Grains? You May Be Surprised | St Luke's Health.

4 KEY HEALTH BENEFITS OF ALMONDS | NASM

Flaxseed: Is ground better than whole? | Mayo Clinic

Egg Whites: Health Benefits & Nutrition Facts

3 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

What Is SIBO? How Your Diet Can Help

What Is SIBO? How Your Diet Can Help

Are you experiencing excessive gas, abdominal pain, non-stop belly bloat, constipation, or diarrhea? If so, the little critters living in your gut could be to blame. Of course, several things could be causing you digestive discomfort, but one of the lesser-known culprits is known as SIBO — aka, Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth. 

Despite not being as infamous as leaky gut, celiac disease, or other GI conditions like acid reflux (yet), SIBO is beginning to pop up with all the new research coming out about gut health, gastroenterology, and the microbiome. 

If you’re new to the party, gut health has been linked to everything from chronic conditions and ailments to poor quality of life and even the diagnosis of life-threatening diseases. In other words, keeping your digestive tract in tip-top shape is of the utmost importance! 

Of course, this is much easier said than done, but don’t worry. Uprising Food is here to help.

In this post, we’re exploring the digestive tract to discover what SIBO is and how your diet might just be the solution to find relief. 


First, Let’s Talk a Bit About Gut Health 

Did you know that the gut is often referred to as the body’s second brain? Yep, it’s true — and when you have an unhealthy gut, it can take a major toll on your entire body in more ways than one. 

For this reason, good gut health has become a pretty buzzy topic over the last couple of years, especially in the realm of social media and in the blogosphere. It’s pretty challenging to scroll through your feed these days and not get bombarded with at least one “magic gut healing” supplement (#EyeRoll).  

That said, what exactly is good gut health, anyway?

Good gut health refers to how effectively the body can carry out digestive functions without complications like symptoms of discomfort and bloating. 

But that’s not all; the concept of good gut health also includes the makeup of the trillions of little microorganisms that live in your gut. 


What Is The Gut Microbiome? 

Chances are you’ve heard the term “gut microbiome” get tossed around. After all, it’s become just about as commonplace as “ashwagandha” in this day and age — but what does it mean?

The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of itty-bitty microscopic living things (both “good” and “bad”) that exist mainly inside your intestines. 

There are around 1,000 species of bacteria in the gut microbiome, and each plays a different role in the body. Most are essential to your health, absorption of nutrients, and digestion, while some may contribute to diseases like diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease.   

“Good” vs. “Bad” Microorganisms

Of the trillions of little critters living in your digestive tract, some are “good,” and some are “bad.” 

When the “good” guys (aka, probiotics) outnumber the “bad” guys (aka, pathogens), your gut can maintain a happy balance to keep your immune system working optimally. On the other hand, when there’s an overgrowth of the bad microbes, digestive troubles are sure to follow suit.     


So, What Exactly Is SIBO? 

SIBO refers to an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. 

For the longest time, it was thought that the small intestine was sterile. But as research continued and technology improved, scientists found that a healthy small intestine does, in fact, have a tiny microbial community — keyword here being “tiny.” 

While a tiny number of these microbes in the small intestine are okay for gut health, most of them belong in the large intestine. 

SIBO is diagnosed when there’s an unusual increase in the overall population of bacteria within the small intestine, typically due to low stomach acid. When this happens, it can lead to symptoms of SIBO like poor nutrient absorption, reactions commonly associated with irritable bowel syndrome, and may even lead to damage of the stomach lining. 


What Are Some Signs You May Have SIBO? 

As with many other digestive conditions, it can be pretty tricky to identify SIBO because the symptoms tend to overlap with many other GI issues. People with scleroderma, shortened colon, or small bowel diverticulosis may be more likely to develop SIBO than others.

With that in mind, if you notice any of the symptoms below, make an appointment with a healthcare provider who can run tests to determine if you’re dealing with a bacteria overgrowth in your small intestine or something else. 

  • Excess gas
  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Changes in appetite
  • Cramps
  • Distention
  • Diarrhea
  • Indigestion
  • Nausea
  • Feeling uncomfortably full after eating 

More severe cases may cause weight loss and even vitamin deficiency-related symptoms due to malnutrition, as SIBO can prevent your body from absorbing fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin B12, or iron.


Can SIBO Be Cured?

SIBO is an extremely complex digestive condition that calls for multiple interventions to kick it to the curb. In most cases, it’s chronic, requiring regular intervals of testing and retesting as well as cyclical treatment. 

If you’ve tested positive for SIBO, your doctor will likely start you on antibiotic medications, but unfortunately, this doesn’t always seem to do the trick. 

From there, stress-reduction practices and lifestyle changes are typically recommended. Your doctor also might recommend dietary interventions meant to shrink the bacterial populations in the digestive system. 

In extreme cases, surgery may be needed to help correct the issues causing your SIBO.


What Is the SIBO Diet?

While there are many options for a SIBO diet, keep in mind that the bacterial makeup of your digestive tract is unique. Everyone is different, so find which foods trigger your symptoms specifically and develop a solid dietary approach that works best for you!

Three SIBO diets are commonly used today:

Each of these special diets is an elimination diet designed to remove fermentable foods that may trigger a SIBO flare-up. Of the bunch, the low FODMAPs diet is the least restrictive, with the elemental diet being the most extreme, replacing all normal foods with a liquid meal replacement. 


How To Prevent a Recurrence

As mentioned a little earlier, SIBO can be a chronic issue that recurs often. But don’t worry. There are some things you can do that may help reduce your risk of a recurrence, such as:

  • Avoiding all fermented food
  • Loading up on prebiotic fiber
  • Steering clear of processed, sugary foods and refined carbs
  • Saying no to traditional white bread (which is highly processed) and yes to gluten-free Uprising Superfood Bread
  • Considering intermittent fasting
  • Eating a diet rich in healthy whole foods jam-packed with good-for-your-gut nutrients, like Uprising Food Superfood Freedom Chips
  • Staying away from any kind of sugar alcohol like sorbitol

In addition to following these tips, it’s wise to keep a food journal on hand to write down everything you eat on your journey to healing your gut. A journal will help you get a better sense of the relationship between the foods you consume and the symptoms that you experience. 


Conclusion 

So, can a healthy diet cure SIBO?

Not exactly. The role of making dietary changes is to help manage your unpleasant symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation. 

The goal of a SIBO diet is figuring out which foods are triggering your discomfort to create a dietary approach that works for you and keeps flare-ups at bay.

While diet alone won’t cure SIBO, it can help you restore or maintain gut bacterial balance, so at the end of the day, you’ll feel better. And feeling better is one step closer to kicking SIBO to the curb.

While everyone is unique, most folks with SIBO find highly processed foods like white bread are major culprits behind their flare-ups. 

These poor souls tend to give up bread for good in an attempt to heal their gut. And while we commend them on their dedication, we’re proud to say that with our delicious Uprising Food Superfood Bread, those with SIBO can finally put bread back on the menu. SIBO patients, rejoice!

Gluten-free, paleo-approved, zero-added sugar and only two net carbs per serving — not only will our mouth-watering artisan-baked bread satisfy your craving, but it will help to keep you feeling great, too. 

Sources: 

The Risks and Benefits of Probiotics | Consumer Reports

The Integrative Human Microbiome Project: dynamic analysis of microbiome-host omics profiles during periods of human health and disease | PubMed

The small intestine microbiota, nutritional modulation and relevance for health | PubMed

The low FODMAP diet: recent advances in understanding its mechanisms and efficacy in IBS | PubMed

Nutritional therapy in pediatric Crohn disease: the specific carbohydrate diet | PubMed

A 14-day elemental diet is highly effective in normalizing the lactulose breath test | PubMed