The two main kinds of carbohydrates, simple and complex, otherwise known as good and bad, affect blood sugars differently.
Carbohydrates are made up of three components: fiber, starch, and sugar. Fiber and starch are complex carbs, while sugar is a simple carb.
Simple carbohydrates are found in foods like white bread and pasta. The body breaks down these carbohydrates very quickly into sugar, which causes blood sugar levels to spike.
It takes the body longer to break down complex carbohydrates. As a result, sugar is gradually released into the body, so that blood sugar levels do not rise rapidly after eating them. These are considered low on the glycemic index. Fiber is especially important because it promotes digestion and helps control cholesterol. It includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and whole grains. Starch is also found in some of the same foods like fiber, but some foods are considered more starchy than fibrous. These include potatoes, corn, oats, peas, and rice.
So which type should you eat for managing pain? Stick to complex carbs, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and therefore reduce chronic pain. Comment below with your favorite carb.
