Clemson Extension Rural Health and Nutrition Blog

Nutrition Recommendations for Diabetes

Introduction Diabetes is a complex chronic disease that, when left untreated, can impact every part of the body. Often, one may hear older generations refer to diabetes as a “touch of sugar” or “sugar diabetes.” While these names for the condition of diabetes are technically inaccurate terms, they do in some ways describe a small […]

Spring Into Health: Simple Habits for a Healthier You

Spring is the perfect time to start or resume a few healthy habits. Healthy living does not need to be complicated or restrictive. In fact, incorporating just three simple habits can lead to positive results. What steps do you need to take to “spring” into health? 1. Eat Real Food Nature is filled with amazing […]

Busy World, Quiet Mind: Prioritizing Mental Well-being in a Fast-Paced World

An important part of a healthy lifestyle that often gets overlooked is mental health. Mental health is our state of mental well-being that enables us to cope with the stressors of life. Mental health is important for making decisions, building relationships, and shaping our world. When life is busy, stress and feeling overwhelmed can lead […]

Kidney Health and Diabetes

The kidneys are vital organs essential for survival, playing massive roles in waste management within the human body to support functions of all organ systems. To carry out their roles, the kidneys remove waste by filtering the blood and using the waste and extra fluids to produce urine. During this process, the kidneys remove acids […]

The Role of the Gut Microbiota in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), one of the most notable risk factors for type 2 diabetes is obesity. Obesity raises the risk for type 2 diabetes by increasing the body’s resistance to insulin, the hormone responsible for removing glucose (sugar) from the blood and delivering it to the body’s cells for energy. Additionally, […]

Winter’s Toll – Why We’re More Susceptible to Illness

One thing is certain: we are in the heart of cold and flu season. But have you ever wondered why we seem more susceptible to getting sick during the winter months? Research shows that spending more time indoors, dry air, and frigid temperatures could all be to blame. Let’s dive deeper into these factors and […]

Overcoming the “Winter Blues”

The trees have lost their leaves, the sun sets early, and the breeze outside is chilling-we are now in the heart of the winter season. While some love the colder months, others may find this time of year puts a damper on their mood. As the weather turns cold and dark, we tend to stay […]

Prickly Pear and Diabetes

Plant-based dietary additives are becoming more popular as they’re affordable and offer less side effects than some traditional medications. One such plant being used is the prickly pear cactus, which is native to Central America and the Southwestern United States. In these regions, prickly pears have been traditionally used as herbal remedies for their potential […]