Carbohydrate Question?

Question

My friend's doctor has been told that she should cut down on Complex carbs and wants to know why this would be a good thing because complex carbs ( wholegrain foods ) are usually meant to be good for you.

Please if you know why she may have been told to cut down on complex carbs leave an answer..

Answer 1

Simple carbs, eg glucose, are readily absorbed and metabolized in the body as received...require no 'pre-treatment'.

Complex carbs, eg starches, are generally polymers...repeating units...of sugars, which must be broken down (hydrolyzed) for the body to use. Perhaps she is lacking in the enzymes which catalyze this hydrolysis.

Very complex carbs contain indigestible fiber.  Perhaps her digestive system cannot tolerate this.  Perhaps she has a condition like diverticulosis, where this fiber can impact/compact and cause problems, although generally fiber helps to 'flush out' the intestines.

Bottom line, and best answer: tell her to ask the doctor, who should have explained the reason(s) to her.