Simple Guidelines for Preventing & Managing Diabetes
Interesting fact: The earliest known written record that likely referred to diabetes was in 1500 B.C in the Egyptian Ebers papyrus. It referred to the symptoms of frequent urination.
Basically, diabetes is a disease in which the body experiences elevated levels of blood sugar (glucose) due to an inability to either produce or use insulin. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, which our body needs for energy. In response to the rise in blood glucose, the pancreas makes a hormone called insulin, to help move the glucose into our cells for an ongoing source of energy. When you have diabetes, the body either doesn’t make enough insulin (Type-1 DM) or can’t use its own insulin efficiently (Type-2 DM). This causes glucose to build up in the blood, creating a potentially dangerous situation.
Type-1 DM is a chronic auto-immune health condition in which the immune system ravages the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, causing a loss of the hormone insulin and affecting the way glucose is metabolized. Because of the loss of insulin, the body cannot move glucose from the blood into the cells where it is needed. Instead, glucose levels run high in the blood causing system-wide damage. While Integrative holistic health approaches can support the body, there is no cure once the pancreas are completely damaged and life-long management REQUIRES insulin. As a functional medicine doctor I have see halting of the disease process and even reversal if on early testing of the patient, the anti-bodies specific for type 1 diabetes are picked up and appropriate measures instituted. For more information on this contact my office.
Type-2 DM develops from lifestyle choices. A highly preventable disease, it was once most common in middle-aged and older people. Today, it strikes an alarming number of young adults and children. It’s directly related to poor eating and exercise habits, which typically results in being overweight – a risk factor for Type-2 DM. In this type of diabetes, your body produces insulin but does not recognize and use it properly. If health is not restored through diet, lifestyle changes, and holistic approaches, Type-2 DM can progress to a state in which insulin is required.
insulin resistance & Pre-diabetes are your warning signs, conditions, respectively in which your insulin levels are high but the body cannot utilize it appropriately and the blood glucose level is chronically above normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as Type-2 DM. These stages is your chance to stop the onset of diabetes in its tracks by improving your lifestyle choices.
A few simple guidelines can help you manage diabetes, and even prevent Type-2 DM:
- Eat fresh whole foods, drink plenty of water, increase dietary fiber and the amount of dark fruits and veggies in your daily diet. Avoid processed foods and added sugars. Eat what a plant makes, not what is made in a plant!
- Exercise 30 minutes per day everyday.
- Supplement with a good high quality multivitamin/mineral, pure Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids and B- complex vitamin with activated bioavailable forms of B vitamins.
- Test your vitamin D levels and make sure they are optimal. Take supplementation if necessary to raise levels.
- To get higher support for blood sugars try a supplement formulation specially created for that purpose and a meal replacement shake which has ingredients that support a healthy blood sugar and weight.
- Try a safe and guided detoxification protocol a few times a year especially in the spring and the fall to give a “reboot” service to your body.
- Consult with a registered dietitian with functional medicine training or a Health Coach to learn how to plan and prepare healthy meals.
- Ask your Functional medicine doctor about food allergy and sensitivity testing; nutritional deficiency testing; and comprehensive gut function testing. Also check into your adrenal health as high cortisol levels can lead to or exaggerate your condition.
- Make sure you’re not constipated. If so increase fiber in your diet, and if needed try safe supportive supplements. Daily bowel movement(s) is imperative to good health!
- Take high quality multi-species probiotic supplements in the capsule or powder forms. These come in refrigerated or shelf stable forms. I love to use the latter during my travels!
- Keep your skin healthy (hydration and whole foods). Use non-toxic personal care products
- Use natural remedies such as herbal supplements, vitamins, detoxification, and dietary adjustments under the supervision of a Board certified Integrative Medicine (ABOIM) physician and Functional Medicine trained physician (IFMCP). Try a safe and guided detoxification protocol a few times a year.
- Take medications or supplements as directed by your primary care doctor or endocrinologist.
- Take particular care of your feet. Carefully monitor wounds, because many people with DM experience poor circulation and neuropathy. Vitamin C and zinc can help support would healing
- Don’t forget to take care of your mind and spirit! Emotions, stress, lack of sleep all affect the metabolic functioning of the body. Practice mindfulness of some form daily!
If you’ve been diagnosed with Diabetes mellitus (DM), or even pre-diabetes and Insulin resistance, don’t take it lightly. Follow treatment plans and lifestyle recommendations strictly. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to many complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-extremity amputations. It’s the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.
References
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Murray, M.T., “Diabetes Mellitus” in Pizzorno, Joseph E. (2013). Textbook of Natural Medicine. St. Louis, MO Elsevier. p. 898; 1340; (chapter 161), 1320-1348.
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National Institutes of Health. Diabetes. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/types
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Joslin Diabetes Center. http://www.joslin.org/info/general_diabetes_facts_and_information.html
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Centers for Disease Control. Rates of Diabetes Diagnosed. http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/statistics/prev/national/figbyage.htm
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Weston A Price Foundation: Treating Diabetes. http://www.westonaprice.org/modern-diseases/treating-diabetes-practical-advice-for-combatting-a-modern-epidemic/
Image attribution: AndreyPopov/bigstockphoto.com
The information offered by this blog is presented for educational purposes. Nothing contained within should be construed as nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. This information should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet or fitness program. You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of any information contained within this blog. © Praana Integrative Medicine & Holistic Health Center, LLC. All rights reserved
Dr. Manisha Ghei February 19th, 2017
Posted In: Blog Post, Functional Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Uncategorized
Tags: Diabetes Mellitus, functional medicine, healthy heart, heart disease. heart health, heart health, heart health month, heart healthy foods, holistic medicine, Insulin, Insulin Resistance, metabolic syndrome, supplements, toxins, Type 1 diabetes
Do You Have Chronic Inflammation & What Can You Do About It?
Seems like everyone’s talking about inflammation these days! More and more studies are coming out linking chronic inflammation to a vast majority of chronic diseases, even cancer.
But, is all inflammation bad?
Not at all! Some inflammation is absolutely necessary for our survival. It helps us overcome any acute insult or injury to the body. For example, if you cut your finger, cells are recruited to the wounded area, and through a very complex mechanism, the body heals itself quite efficiently. That’s an example of inflammation working to heal you.
Similarly, if you contract a bacterial infection, the body quickly produces inflammatory chemicals known as cytokines, which help kill the foreign invaders. During this fight between the bugs and your immune system, you feel terrible, but only for a short time. Soon, you’re up and on your merry way again with little long-term botheration from the incident.
It’s only when this inflammation becomes chronic or long term—like a low-grade smoldering fire which does not die out—that it leads to major problems.
Normally, during a period of low-grade inflammation, the body tries to warn us that something is wrong. It does this by producing many nagging signs and symptoms, like:
- Aching of joints and muscles
- High blood pressure
- Rising blood sugars
- Headaches
- Sleep issues
- Allergies
- Skin issues
- Frequent abdominal pain and other gut issues
- Mood swings
- Difficulty with sleep
- Low energy levels
If we do not heed these symptoms and allow the inflammation to persist unchecked, after years (yes, years!), the inflammation becomes evident in the form of a heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, or an autoimmune disease like multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis or rheumatoid arthritis, which can no longer be ignored by us.
Some signs of chronic inflammation are:
- Chronic fatigue and low energy.
- Mood issues including anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.
- Memory problems, brain fog, or loss of focus.
- Difficulty falling asleep, waking up in the middle of the night, or unrestful sleep.
- Gut symptoms including acid reflux, IBS, constipation, diarrhea, blood or mucus in stools, intermittent abdominal pain, gas and bloating.
- Chronic muscle and joint pain, swelling, redness.
- Chronic allergies and asthma requiring frequent medications.
- Chronic skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, redness of face and cheeks, or hives.
- Frequent or daily headaches, tremors, easy loss of balance, tingling and pain along nerves in the extremities, dizziness.
- High blood pressure.
- Metabolic syndrome, abdominal obesity, or diabetes mellitus.
- Low bone density or osteoporosis.
- Heart disease, peripheral vascular disease.
- Diagnosis of cancer: Yes, taking action is possible even after being diagnosed with a cancer as you can still try to prevent future development of new cancers at other sites.
What should you do if you have any any signs of chronic inflammation?
1. Find a functional medicine physician who is well versed in evaluating your symptoms.
This person can help you eliminate the root cause of the chronic inflammation, rather than focusing on just suppressing symptoms.
2. Avoid all inflammatory foods.
This includes refined sugars, sugar substitutes, juices and sodas, trans-fats, dairy products, non-organic eggs and meats from grain fed animals. I also suggested you eliminate any foods to which you may be sensitive/ allergic, all GMO foods, and foods with a high glycemic index.
3. Eat real foods.
Incorporate large amounts of antioxidants, phytochemicals, and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, small amounts of grass fed meats and wild small fish, healthy spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and herbs like cilantro, parsley, oregano and rosemary in your diet.
4. Stop eating microwavable lunches or dinners.
Don’t eat dead packaged and processed foods which have no life force!
5. Sip green tea on a regular basis.
It cuts inflammation and calms the mind!
6. Try to avoid toxins as much as possible in your daily life.
You’ll give your liver a much-needed break.
7. Incorporate a daily exercise regimen.
Do yoga, tai chi or some other form of movement exercise. Move the body whenever you get a chance!
8. Meditate daily and breathe deeply.
Who doesn’t love peace of mind? It’s also great for your nervous system.
9. Focus on optimal sleep.
Your body restores and regenerates itself daily when you sleep!
10. Find time for rest and rejuvenation on a regular basis.
Try to make time for mini-vacations and spending time in nature!
11. Get regular massages.
Better yet: learn the technique of self-massage and practice it daily!
12. Get your vitamin D levels checked and maintain optimal levels.
Use supplements if needed. Vitamin D is not just a vitamin, it functions as a hormone messenger molecule in crucial body processes!
13. Maintain a positive mental attitude about life and people!
Remember, just like your gut affects the brain, the brain in turn affects the gut, where the majority of our neurotransmitters are made.
Cutting down your risk of inflammation will most certainly reduce your chances of developing chronic diseases, so I urge you to take corrective action, one baby step at a time.
This blog was first published on MindBodyGreen
The information offered by this blog is presented for educational purposes. Nothing contained within should be construed as nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. This information should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet or fitness program. You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of any information contained within this blog.
websol November 1st, 2015
Posted In: Blog Post
Tags: allergies, asthma, blood pressure, cancer, chronic disease, chronic fatigue, Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, functional medicine, heart health, holistic medicine, Inflammation, integrative medicine, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, toxins