Clemson Extension Rural Health and Nutrition Blog

Understanding Low Milk Supply: Causes, Signs, and Evidence-Based Solutions (Part 1)

an image of an infant sitting in a highchair, drinking formula or milk from a bottle

Introduction Early in the journey of parenthood, many breastfeeding parents worry that they are not making enough milk to nourish their baby. While concerns about low milk supply are not uncommon, true low milk supply itself is much less common than perceived low milk supply. Many normal newborn feeding behaviors, such as frequent nursing, cluster […]

Protein: For Diabetes, It Is a Balancing Act

A bowl containing two herb-baked chicken thighs served with roasted potatoes

What You Need to Know Protein is one of the three macronutrients considered the foundation of the foods we consume and is a necessary component of a wholesome, well-balanced diet. Good-quality proteins include: Proteins are made of amino acids, which are often called the building blocks of proteins. Within proteins, there are non-essential amino acids […]

La relación entre la glucosa alta en la sangre y el hambre

Fruit, water, and yoga blocks.

Read this article in English Lo que necesita saber La polifagia (o polyphagia en inglés), o hiperfagia (o hyperphagia en inglés), es un término médico que describe un hambre excesivo o insaciable, incluso después de haber comido. Este fenómeno es común entre la gente trabajando a manejar la diagnosis de diabetes y puede presentar una […]

Maternal Mental Health and Breastfeeding: Common Perinatal Mental Health Disorders (PART 2)

Maternal mental health is a nuanced topic involving many diverse factors which shapes different outcomes from woman to woman. Women with maternal mental health concerns should practice gentle care with themselves to support themselves and their babies. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Introduction Part one of this maternal mental health series introduced the perinatal mental […]

Maternal Mental Health and Breastfeeding: Understanding the Perinatal Mental Health Landscape (PART 1)

Maternal mental health is a nuanced topic involving many diverse factors which shapes different outcomes from woman to woman. Women with maternal mental health concerns should practice gentle care with themselves to support themselves and their babies. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Introduction Maternal mental health during the perinatal period, defined as the time spanning […]

The Glycemic Index: A Helpful Tool for Blood Glucose Management

Carbohydrates and the Human Body All foods provide the human body with at least one of three macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Of the three macronutrients, the human body prefers carbohydrates as its primary source of fuel for supplying the body’s cells, tissues, and organs with energy. Carbohydrates can come from many different foods, including: […]

Eat From the Earth: The Benefits of a Whole Food Diet

What You Need to Know  As the winter season comes to an end, and the season of renewal “springs forth”, days grow longer, the weather warms, gardens begin to wake, and bountiful fresh produce begins to reappear on the dinner table. The month of April is recognized as National Garden Month and Earth Month, making […]

Ask a CLC Blog: Supportive Nutrition for Breastfeeding Moms

Introduction Postpartum maternal nutrition is a cornerstone of breastfeeding success. Breastfeeding and lactation increase a new mother’s energy and nutrient requirements, not only to produce breastmilk, but also to support her body and health during recovery from childbirth. Adequate nutrition influences the quantity of breast milk and ensures that infants receive the essential nutrients required […]

High Blood Sugar and Hunger

Lee en español What You Need to Know Polyphagia, also known as hyperphagia, is a medical term for excessive or insatiable hunger, even after a meal. This phenomenon is commonly experienced among individuals working to manage a diagnosis of diabetes and can present a significant barrier to effective diabetes self-management. Persistent feelings of hunger may […]

Uncovering Nutrition Misinformation

Introduction: With the rapid rise of media and its influence – including television, the internet, and mobile applications – society’s wellness culture has become increasingly oversaturated with information related to fad diets, trends, and presumed quick fixes. Amidst the overwhelming influx of “health-related” noise, it can be difficult to distinguish what is fact from fiction, […]

Getting Restful Sleep with Diabetes: A Guide to Practicing Good Sleep Hygiene

Sleep: An Overview Sleep is an essential component of human health and well-being. On average, individuals spend approximately 1/3 (33%) of their lives asleep, underscoring the critical role sleep plays in maintaining normal physiological and cognitive function.  Without sufficient sleep, the human body cannot sustain its optimal performance or maintain long-term health. This is because […]

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 […]