Q: What exactly are Carbs?
Hi Elsie,
First off, do you have diabetes?
Secondly, carbohydrates are one of the main macronutrients in the foods we eat.
There are FATS, PROTEINS and CARBS. Carbs are found in any plant source and dairy. Such as milk, yogurt, all fruits, most vegetables (some have very few carbs), grains like wheat, rye, barley and rice.
Flour is a derivative of wheat, so any bread-like product is a carb. Crackers. Cake. Cookies. Pastas. Breads.
Other sources of carbs: candy, icecream, chips, oatmeal, soda, juice.
When you look on the nutritional panel of a food product, look at the TOTAL CARBOHYDRATE content.
Your doctors are asking you to watch your carbs because carbs need insulin to be process in the body and turned into energy. If you have diabetes and don't have enough insulin, your blood sugar will be very high and this will harm many other parts of your body.
Do you have diabetes?
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
