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PORPHYRIA FACTS: NUTRITION - CARBOHYDRATES
Carbohydrates are a large group of sugars, starches, celluloses, and gums that
contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in similar proportions.
SOURCE:
Poune Saberi, M.D., M.P.H.
Family Practice and Community Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA.
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The primary function of carbohydrates is to provide energy for the body,
especially the brain and the nervous system.
The body breaks down starches and sugars into a substance called glucose,
which is used for energy by the body.
SOURCE:
Poune Saberi, M.D., M.P.H.
Family Practice and Community Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA.
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Complex carbohydrates are a good source of minerals, vitamins, and fiber.
Complex carbohydrates can be found in breads, cereals, rice, pastas, starchy
vegetables such as potatoes, and legumes.
SOURCE:
Sheryl Wilson MNS, RD (HCP)
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Simple carbohydrates also contain vitamins and minerals.
Simple carbohydrates naturally occur in in such things as milk and milk products
including cheese, ffruits and vegetables.
SOURCE:
Poune Saberi, M.D., M.P.H.
Family Practice and Community Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA.
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Carbohydrate values is the same in non-fat skim milk as in regular whole milk.
Non-fat skim milk is a good source of carbohydrate to consume when wanting to
relax and before bed.
SOURCE:
Sheryl Wilson MNS, RD (HCP)
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Other sources of simple carbohydrates are found in processed and refined
sugars such as candy, syrups table sugar and regular carborated beverages.
SOURCE:
Poune Saberi, M.D., M.P.H.
Family Practice and Community Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA.
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Porphyria patients need to have fiber because the majority of acute porphyria
patients rxperience constipation and gastroparesis.
Complex carbohydrates provide fiber.
SOURCE:
Sherul Wilson MNS, RD (HCP)
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Refined sugars provide calories, but lack vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
SOURCE:
Poune Saberi, M.D., M.P.H.
Family Practice and Community Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA.
++++++++++++
Excessive carbohydrates can cause an increase in the total caloric intake,
causing obesity.
Deficient carbohydrates can cause a lack of calories known as malnutrition, , or
excessive intake of fats to make up the calories.
It is recommended for porphyria patients that 60% of total calories come from
carbohydrates.
It is preferred that such calories come from complex carbohydrates (starches)
and naturally occurring sugars rather than processed or refined sugars.
Porphyria patients should tend to limit their simple sugars and consume complex
carbohydrates.
SOURCE:
Sheryl WIlson MNS, RD (HCP)
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High-sugar foods are simple carbohydrates that provide calories, but minimal
nutritional benefits.
On the other hand, complex carbohydrates provide calories, vitamins and
minerals as well as fiber.
Therefore, it is wise to limit processed and refined sugars.
SOURCE:
Poune Saberi, M.D., M.P.H.
Family Practice and Community Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA.
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Either type of carbohydrate will help in repression of porphyrin overproduction,
however simple sugars while acting quickly, also tend to be detrimental to those
with diabetes which often is co-existing and associated with the porphyria itself.
SOURCE:
Robert Johnson MD
Internal Medicine
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To increase complex carbohydrates:
Eat more fruits and vegetables.
Eat more whole grains, rice, breads and cereals.
Eat more beans, lentils, and dried peas.
SOURCE:
Poune Saberi, M.D., M.P.H.
Family Practice and Community Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA.
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