Diabetes Type 2 - Can It Be Reversed?

Diabetes is a growing problem in this country.  With all the sugary treats and drinks available to our youth that disease has spread like wildfire into our young.  Diabetes was a rare thing in my generation - but to see how it has spread with the addition of so much sugar into our culture concerns me greatly. 

This has concerned doctors for quite some time and there are several studies going on that may influence the way this disease is managed.

Let's start with sugar - we have had several conversations now about sugar.  Do NOT listen to the marketing hype on TV that states that all sugars are the same - THEY ARE NOT.  Every sugar is broken down differently and could even overload different organs.  As I have stated before, refined white sugar is the worst.  Stick with darker sugars if you must go with refined, if not raw sugars, and honey are far better.  The best is honey as it has already been broken down by bees - it is by far the gentlest on your system.

Additional Reading: http://finallyhealing.com/sugars-affect

What organs can be affected by sugar?  Obviously, the pancreas, but also the liver, heart, and the kidneys.  Sugar (that includes fake sugar) is one of the biggest causes of excess weight, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and pancreatic failure.  Sugar is an additiction that must be faught daily to be controlled. 

Additional Reading: http://www.sooperarticles.com/health-fitness-articles/sugar-disease-articles/organs-affected-diabetes-646683.html

Obviously, the pancreas is one of the most important organs, initially in this discussion because it is Pancreatic failure / overload that is the trigger for diabetes.  How do we help strengthen and heal our Pancreas once the damage of sugar has been done?  REDUCE your sugar intake.  I know it sounds silly for me to say this - but it is step one and it might take a while for you to get there.  Toss out all the sugar and sugary foods in your pantry and fridge.  I will tell you, this takes time - reducing slowly is typically much easier than going cold turkey.  Step two, is to get rid of most (not all) of your starchy foods (bread / pasta) as these quickly break down into sugar in your body.  And don't forget your alcohol - not saying you need to quit that all together as some wines are quite healthy for your heart when taken in moderation. But alcohol also turns almost immediately into sugar in the body.  Next, you need to start eating more fish (Omega 3), nuts, beans, raw vegetables, and fruit.  Yes, I did say fruit.  As your body adjusts to the lower levels of sugar in your system, your taste buds change too - things that weren't sweet at all - now taste sweet.  For example, when I started removing sugars from my diet I LOVED chocolate (even though I am lactose intollerant) but couldn't stand dark chocolate - it was too bitter.  Now, I can't eat milk chocolate it is WAY too sweet and dark chocolate is PLENTY sweet enough for me.  Another recommendation is to do a detox.  Get rid of tobacco as it also leads to pancreatic overload.  Finally, you will need a good active exercise regimen.  Start slow if you aren't currently working out regularly - you have to walk before you can run! 

LiveStrong has a good list of foods that help promote a healthy pancreas: http://www.livestrong.com/article/36490-foods-heal-pancreas/

Dr Hyman has a great article on how to begin the reversing of diabetes and that if done properly it can be reversed in two weeks.  This means a radical change in your diet.  Now, I will remind you to take every bit of information I provide with a grain of salt - and THINK.  If it doesn't sound right - do your own research and come to your own conclusions. 

Dr Hyman's article: http://drhyman.com/new-research-finds-diabetes-can-be-reversed-6187/?utm_source=Publicaster&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=drhyman%20newsletter%20issue%20#27&utm_content=Get+the+story
Here is the site that is doing the diabetes trials / studies.  It provides some good info.  Just remember is is based on allopathy and naturopathy not just naturopathy: http://www.diabetologia-journal.org/

Blessings... E

Foods You Should be Eating - Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a Mediterranean herb known to relieve menstrual cramps, lower cholesterol levels, reduce the effects of menopause, and help control diabetes... let's take a closer look.

What is Fenugreek?  The word Fenugreek means "Greek hay" and is similar to clover.  Production ranges from Morroco to Nepal to France to China.  The seeds are used in curries, pickles, and other Mediterranean dishes.  The leaves and microgreens are also used but the seeds are the most used part of the plant.  The seeds have been used for a long time in Chinese medicine and are considered a warming herb.  They also are widely used to increase lactation in nursing mothers.

Recommended reading: http://www.homeremediesweb.com/fenugreek_health_benefits.php
More recommended reading: http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-fenugreek.html

Recipes: http://ramkicooks.blogspot.com/2009/09/fenugreek-seed-recipes-10.html
Fenugreek Tea: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/fenugreek-tea-recipe.html
Indian Butter Chicken: http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1618,129181-251192,00.html
Fenugreek Chicken: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/methi-murgh-fenugreek-chicken/Detail.aspx

It's a short one today.... hope you have a blessed day! E

Foods You Should be Eating - Dark Chocolate

Good Morning!!  I hope you have had a wonderful start to your day!  :)  Most everyone I know (but not all) LOVE chocolate.  It is a girl's best friend after a breakup (endorphins producing byproduct in chocolate is a mental stimulant), and her worst enemy if she has acne.  What other things should one know about dark chocolate?

What is the difference between bitter / dark / milk chocolate / white chocolate?  The darker the chocolate the more antioxidants (boost heart health, cellular health, skin health, and immune system health) and the less sugar / milk.  Milk Chocolate is what most Americans are accustomed to, but in Asia and Europe darker chocolate is the standard.  As I have moved towards a more vegetarian / less processed diet, I find that what I thought was bitter (dark chocolate) is quite sweet to me now.  White chocolate while made from cocoa butter does not contain the darker colored solids that house all the antioxidants - so don't think that you are getting all the benefits of "chocolate" if you are eating WHITE chocolate.  On the flip side - white chocolate has only trace amounts of caffeine. 

We talk a lot about eating lots of foods with Antioxidants without really digging into the WHY of it... so just to ensure we are all on the same page... Antioxidants destroy free radicals, purge our body of toxins, and boost cellular health and overall immune health.  So, in the simplest of terms, eating foods high in Antioxidants reduces your chances for getting cancer, heart disease, and any other potentially deadly disease.  Dark fruits and dark green vegetables are the best sources for Antioxidants.  There are a wide range of different Antioxidants in foods and so getting a good mix of colors is vital.

Dark chocolate has a high amount of the Antioxidant substances called Polyphenols which helps reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.  It is rich in minerals - copper and magnesium.  With two types of flavonoids, dark chocolate is an immune booster.  A strong immune system means that your body will naturally fight illness.  Dark chocolate also helps lower cholesterol levels.  It also has lots of seratonin which will also fight depression.  And finally, dark chocolate helps fight diabetes. 

So, I am here to tell you that eating DARK chocolate is VERY good for your health!! 

Recommended Reading: http://www.allchocolate.com/health/basics/
More recommended reading: http://www.dark-chocolate-antioxidant.com/

There are some wonderful new (at least to me) chocoates out there that are organic and in many different flavors... one of my favorite is with cayenne and cinnamon.... mmm... you get heat and spice together.  Check out these great bars...

Green & Black's organic chocolate: http://www.greenandblacks.com/
Dagoba organic chocolate: http://www.dagobachocolate.com/products.asp
Vivani organic chocolate: http://www.vivani.de/P_Product_range_USA.html
Endangered Species organic chocolate: http://chocolatebar.com/categories.php?category=Chocolate-Bars-%26-Treats/3oz.-All%252dNatural-Bars
Chuao chocolate: http://store.nexternal.com/chuao/chocolate-bars-c5.aspx

Enjoy!!  Blessings... E

Foods You Should be Eating - Grapefruit

Good Morning!  It feels sooo good to be back!  I hope you enjoy the posts - I would love to hear from you... feel free to post comments. We are still working on the list of foods that you should all be eating on a regular basis.  I have tried to stay very well rounded - fruits, vegetables, meat, herbs... there are essential foods from every single group - every color.. we could discuss them for quite some time. :) 

Grapefruit was very popular back in the 80s... and kind of fell off, which is a shame because they have so many health benefits.  One of the most important is that they contain enzymes called "monoterpenes" which clean the body of toxins and carcinogens (cancer causing agents). 

Grapefruit is high in vitamin C, fiber, bioflavonoids (fights cancer and strengthens immune system), and calcium. It fights fatigue, fever, the flu, indigestion, insomnia, diabetes, constipation, arthritis, and UTIs.  It also raises metabolism, is an antiseptic, boosts liver function, breaks down gall stones, and promotes healthy clearer skin. 

Recommended Reading: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=25
More Recommended Reading: http://hubpages.com/hub/Health_Benefits_of_Grapefruit

One of my favorite fruits is Mango, but I do love ruby red grapefruit as well... and when you add them both to a salad with avocado... mmm... Try this one: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Mango-Orange-Grapefruit-Avocado-and-Pistachio-Salad/Detail.aspx

Enjoy!  Blessings... E

Foods You Should be Eating - Cinnamon

Hello All!  I apologize for not being able to post for the last couple weeks.  I have been very busy with both work and home. 

I was working on a series of "foods you should be eating" when I left.  And want to finish this segment... so on to Cinnamon.  Cinnamon has so many health benefits, even if you don't like it - you should find some way to incorporate it into your regular foods. 

Cinnamon is a warming herb - this means that it heats up the body and helps "cold conditions" such as skin, heart (and circulatory), and arthritic and rheumatic problems.  Cinnamon is commonly used for digestive problems and diabetes, but it can also be used to help lower cholesterol, reduce the spread of cancer / leukemia, strengthen the memory and cognitive functions of the brain.  When added to foods, it is a natural preservative and inhibits the growth of bacteria (including eColi). 

Cinnamon is also a great source of Manganese, iron, fiber, and calcium.  PLEASE NOTE: A person can overdose with cinnamon.  Persons suffering from diabetes need to read the interactions with cinnamon and ensure that they are taking proper amounts. 

Cinnamon stick is also used instead of moth balls to keep away moths and other insects. 

Recommended Reading: http://www.monumentalmassage.com/articles/benefits_of_cinnamon.html
More Recommended Reading: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=68
More Recommended Reading: http://ezinearticles.com/?25-Health-Benefits-of-Cinnamon---A-Miraculous-Spice&id=1665340

We talked about Quinoa also as a food you should be eating... and any fruit is good for you.. so here is a cinnamon quinoa recipe for you to try: http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/warm-and-nutty-cinnamon-quinoa-recipe.html

Glad to be back!  Hope you enjoy!!  Blessings... E

Foods You Should be Eating - Quinoa

There are many foods out there that you may not be familiar with that are very good for you.  Since they are lesser known foods - there is less chance of chemically altered seeds and high pesticide / herbicide usage...

If you've been hearing more about quinoa lately, it's not a surprise. Considered a "super food," quinoa, ("keen-wah") is a relative of beets, spinach and Swiss chard, but its seeds resemble a whole grain and are prepared and eaten in much the same way. Available in light brown, red and even black varieties, quinoa is light yet filling and has a mellow flavor. So what makes quinoa so nutritious? It:

1. Is high in magnesium - magnesium helps relax blood vessels, which may result in fewer headaches for migraine sufferers and decreased risk of hypertension and stroke.
2. Is a good source of manganese, iron, copper, phosphorous, vitamin B2 and other essential minerals.
3. Has the highest protein content of any grain (it is especially high in lysine, an amino acid that is typically low in other grains). Quinoa's protein is complete, containing all nine essential amino acids - a rarity in the plant kingdom.
4. Is gluten-free and easy to digest.

Additional benefits - it is believed to be beneficial in preventing atherosclerosis, breast cancer, and diabetes.

Once available only in health food stores, quinoa is becoming more mainstream by the day and is easily found in major grocery stores as well.

I cook quinoa similar to rice - 1.5 water to 1 quinoa.  But I add garlic, onion, cayenne, pepper, and some chicken stock to the water when cooking it.... I like mine a little harder than most people and so I don't let it sit as long as you may want to.. you also may want to add a little more water.  It has a mild slightly nutty flavor. 

Recommended Reading: http://bodyecology.com/articles/quinoa_benefits_guide.php

Recommended Reading: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?dbid=142&tname=foodspice

Recipes for cooking with Quinoa: http://www.cookingquinoa.net/quinoa-recipes/

More Recipes: http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/vegetarian-recipes/basic-quinoa.php

Honey & Vinegar

The more I read on both honey and vinegar the more convinced I am that everyone needs to take 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 teaspoons of honey in warm water three times a day before meals... EVERY DAY. 

The combination helps you maintain a healthy weight, cure allergies, cure any bronchial ailments,  absorb proper amounts of calcium for strong bones, maintain normal blood sugar levels, sleep better, prevent colds / flu, have better focus and energy, and a host of other benefits.

Honey is the purest of sugars - it has already been processed in the stomachs of bees so is absorbed easier into the bloodstream - it causes less stress to the pancreas - and helps create new blood cells.   It also helps your body absorb vital minerals from foods.

Apple Cider Vinegar has a wealth of benefits - aiding in digestion, fighting cancers, curing nausea, helps maintain normal blood pressure, maintain normal cholesterol levels, keep you heart healthy, maintain the proper acidic/alkalinity balance, fight diabetes, and improves memory.

What's the Cause - 4?

Installment number four....

Fibromyalgia - from all the research on line, they have no idea what causes it... but that it is becoming one of the most common conditions.  Inflammation, nerves, muscles.  Remember our discussion on what happens to toxins when we are not properly hydrated?  Those toxins get stuck in the muscles and will cause a variety of issues, including the possibility of fibromyalgia. A diet in foods that are anti-inflammatory, and that strengthen the immune system are recommended. 

Recommended Reading - http://www.holisticonline.com/remedies/cfs/fib_alt_med.htm

High Blood Pressure - high salt and fatty food diets are known for their cause of hypertension.  People that are overweight, do not exercise enough, drink excessively, and smoke are all prime candidates for high blood pressure concerns.  So, obviously a change in lifestyle and diet will make a huge difference.  Not everything can be accomplished in one day - so take it a step at a time.  For some people diabetes, adrenal, and / or thyroid problems will also increase blood pressure, as will some medications. 

Foods / Herbs for hypertension include garlic, hawthorne, omegas (3/6/9), calcium, magnesium, potassium, plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains/seeds.  Reduce the amount of fried, fatty, sugary foods in your diet. 

Recommended Reading - http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/herbsvitaminsek/a/Hypertension.htm

High Cholesterol - There have been loads of studies for high cholesterol and there are plenty of websites out there that will help you naturally manage your high cholesterol.  Primarily - be very careful in the foods you eat - and exercise, exercise, exercise! 

Certain foods help keep your body alkaline and help maintain good cholesterol numbers - you might be surprised at several of them... almonds, walnuts, oatmeal, blueberries, salmon / tuna, red wine, soy, extra virgin olive oil, cayenne, green tea, apples, shitake mushrooms, artichoke, garlic, avocado, and dark green leafy vegetables.  And again, if there is a list of what you should eat... there is also a list of what to stay away from: fast food, fried food, processed foods, junk food, dairy, tropical oils, and sweets / baked treats.  You also have herbs that help - fenugreek, cayenne, garlic, hawthorne berries, flax seed, and ginger.

Since LDL is broken down in the liver, good liver health is necessary... which means lowering alcohol and caffeine intake and increasing the intake of foods high in B complex vitamins, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and iron.  Green leafy vegetables, broccoli, organic fruit juices, nuts, seeds, legumes, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and brussles sprouts.

Recommended reading - http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/heart-healthy-diet

Diabetes - There are many contributing factors for diabetes including hypertension, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, obesity, certain medications, smoking, high stress lifestyle and certain illnesses.  Certain illnesses (hypothyroidism / iodine deficiency) can lead to diabetes if not treated in time. 

Super foods for diabetes include asparagus, blueberries, grapefruit, beans, broccoli, carrots, fish, flaxseed, cranberries, apples, melon, nuts, oatmeal, red onions, raspberries, spinach, soy, green tea, tomatoes, and Greek yogurt.

Recommended Reading - http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/#"

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

My family is plagued with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  My aunt has had the surgery, my mother has had the surgery - both on both wrists, I have it, and now my daughter has it.  I can not have surgery because I scar VERY badly and they are afraid that it will cause more problems. But my daughter has it bad enough right now that she must choose what direction she wants to go. 

What is Carpal Tunnel?  Here is a link with pictures and the FORMAL definition for those that need all that... http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2642.  You have tubes running from your arm through your wrist into your hand that "houses" all your nerves.  If you do repetitive things (type on a keyboard, run food over a scanner, etc) those tubes or "tunnels" swell and put pressure on your nerves - in extreme cases cause nerve damage and claw-like hands.  This pain can be felt running up the underside of your arm to your wrist, or across your shoulders... sometimes it appears to be completely unrelated to your wrists. 

In addition to repetitive motion, sleeping patterns (curling your hands under you while you sleep), and some diseases - hypothyroidism, obesity, diabetes, arthritis, pregnancy, and trauma (damage to the wrist or hand) can also be factors.  Dehydration can be a factor as well as not getting enough of your omegas (3-6-9) or B Complex - especially B6 / B12.  They really don't have any definitive answers as to why some people get it and others do not, but it does seem to run in certain families.

Simple changes for mild Carpal Tunnel, an ergonomic keyboard is probably the most important change you can make.  I was shocked at the difference.  I hated using it for the first week, but after I got used to it, I couldn't go back to the old style - within five minutes of typing on the old style, my wrists would throb.   Also, splints work great to stabilize your wrist to help reduce swelling and to stop you from curling your wrist when you sleep.  I must admit I was a wrist curler... and the splint helped a LOT.   Add more vitamin C and B complex foods to your diet.  These two vitamin combinations both affect your skin as well as your immune system and are very important to your physical well being.  I have said it before - and will say it again, I LOVE Emergen-C - hate that it is fizzy, hate that it gags me, but LOVE the affects and the energy I get back.  Emergen-C gives you both the Vitamin C and the B Complex you need.  You can take up to 3 - 4 a day, but once a day is enough unless you are sick.  I don't recommend them after lunch - B Complex helps you mentally and you may be too wired to sleep if you take later in the day.

Anti-Inflammatory foods will help reduce the swelling - kelp, wild salmon, turmeric, shitake mushrooms, green tea, papaya, blueberries, extra virgin olive oil, broccoli, and sweet potatoes are your best sources.  And several of these cover your higher vitamin C and B complex needs.

If there are anti-inflammatory foods, you can be well assured there are inflammatory foods as well.  These foods you should stay away from - eggs, organ meat, processed foods (fast food / frozen dinners), sweets (excluding dark chocolate), sodas, fried foods, caffeine, alcohol, corn and corn products, nightshade foods, and some dairy products.

You ALWAYS want to keep your diet Alkaline - this allows your body to fight cancer, tumors, and illnesses and win.  An Alkaline diet will also reduce the inflammation.

So... what to do.  As I said - keyboard and splint should be your first two investments.  Diet change would be next.  If you still suffer, there are simple exercises you can do along with yoga, acupuncture, acupressure (for those of us wimps that are afraid of needles), hot/cold compresses. 

A doctor can tell you definitively if you have it or not, they will do some "shocking" tests - which tests the nerve activity to see how severe your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is.  Cortisone shots / Motrin / Splints are their first level for mild to moderate Carpal Tunnel.  Surgery is for severe.  Surgery has come a long way, but still requires 6 week recovery between each wrist.  There are endoscopic and laser options.  Everyone I talk to on the natural medicine side says to do as much as you can before you choose surgery.  Even with the best surgeons, you have no idea how your body will react and what the outcome can be.  But not addressing and solving your issue with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be just as debilitating. 

Good Luck!  E