Stacey Wells, MD, who recently joined the Medical Associates of Houston, saw firsthand the effects of a poor diet when her grandfather suffered a significant stroke during her first year in medical school. He was on a fat-based diet and, as a result, developed high blood pressure, had high cholesterol, and was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. This chronic condition affects how your body metabolizes sugar. 

This experience with her grandfather inspired Wells to teach her patients how to eat, move, and make healthier choices. She encourages them to eat more vegetables and decrease meat consumption as much as possible. Vegetables contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, which are beneficial to preventing diabetes, stroke and heart disease.

She also provides these helpful tips to anyone looking to creating more healthy routines:  

• Start your day with one glass of water.  
• Shop only the periphery of the grocery store since most processed foods are found in the center aisles. 
• Experience and be open to tasting new foods. You may be surprised. 

Wells shares this passion for helping her patients develop healthy eating habits with Majaz Khan, MD, who is also new to Medical Associates of Houston. Khan focuses on assisting patients in managing diabetes and keeping blood sugars in check. 

“Lifestyle modification, including changes in diet, is key to managing diabetes and increasing life expectancies,” said Khan.

He also says it is essential to eat more complex carbohydrates, found in foods like whole-grain bread, oatmeal, and quinoa, instead of simple sugars, often found in desserts, fruit juices, and candy. While quickly used for energy, these carbohydrates found in sweets can cause a spike in blood sugar and insulin secretion from the pancreas. 

Both physicians say it’s essential to be active and exercise to properly manage disease or ward it off altogether. 

“You hold the power over your mind and body when you make healthy choices,” said Wells.

For an appointment with physicians in this article, please call 713-650-6556 or visit DoctorFinder.