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

Strong Hair & Nails

Strong hair and nails is a byproduct of a good diet.  So let's take a look at some symptoms and potential causes, along with what foods will help strengthen both.  We aren't going to talk about the most common issues like excessive coloring, but rather the medical and natural cures.

Let's start with standard practices for hair and nails.  Most stylists will recommend that you wash your hair with shampoo no more than three times a week.  Washing your hair more than that strips it of its natural oils that help protect the shaft.  Use as few "products" on your hair as possible and naturally let your hair dry as often as you can.  When it comes to nail care, you should be pushing back your cuticles weekly, and keeping your nails smooth and free from tears so that you do not get ingrown nails and hang nails.  Do not cut your nails to short nor let them grow too long. 

Brittle Hair - Hair that breaks easily can be for a variety of reasons - Deficiency in Biotin, Selenium, Copper, Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Iodine, Manganese, Omegas, and Iron.  Medical issues - Hypothyroidism, Hypoparathyroidism, Anorexia Nervosa, Trichorrhexis Nodosa.

Hair Loss - As above there are many potential reasons for hair loss.  Stress is one of the major contributors to the problem.  During an excessively stressful period in your life (divorce, death in family, major illness, surgery, loss of job, failed relationship) you may experience hair loss for up to 6 - 9 months AFTER you have recovered from the situation.  Heredity is also a major contributor.  Medicines can cause hair loss, including - blood thinners, gout medicine, high blood pressure medicine, birth control pills, antidepressants, and heart medication. 

Recommended Reading: http://www.hairlosshelp.com/hair_loss_research/hairloss_causes.cfm
More recommended reading: http://www.medicinenet.com/hair_loss/article.htm

Dry Hair - The issues with dry hair are the same as for brittle hair.  The most common issue is over washing, over drying, over "product" usage, over heating.  Give your hair a break!

Dandruff - There are a whole host of potential issues related to dandruff.  Some are potentially serious and should be taken care of as soon as possible.  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dandruff/DS00456/DSECTION=causes
Recommended reading: http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip1003.htm
More recommended reading: http://www.fitsugar.com/8-Foods-Strengthen-Your-Hair-2851545

Your nails can tell a LOT about your health.  You are not allowed to wear nail polish when you are going to be put under for surgery because it is the fastest way to see if you are getting enough oxygen - your nails tell a lot more about you than you think... read the recommended reading section below...

Brittle Nails - Brittle nails and brittle hair have the same possible vitamin difficencies.  Menopause also tends to make nails brittle as you are losing some of your hormones.  Also, subjecting your nails over and over to water or harsh chemicals does have consequences.  Use rubber gloves!

RECOMMENDED READING: http://www.essortment.com/fingernails-nutrition-48320.html
More recommended reading: http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/vitamins/vitamin-deficiency/nails.html

Ridges on Nails - iron deficiency, poor absorption of nutrients.

White marks in Nails - zinc deficiency

How to reduce hair loss?  Eat enough protein - this does NOT mean meat.  It means a proper variety of natural protein - fish, nuts, seeds, dark green vegetables, meat.  Drink sufficient amounts of water - water removes toxins from the body that can affect any part of your body.  Brush your hair / massage your scalp daily - your hair follicles need stimulation to produce and spread the natural oils.  I remember my grandmother telling me 100 strokes a night... I guess there was a good reason!  Avocado, avocado, avocado!  The natural oils in avocados are fabulous for both hair and nails.  I recommend one a day. 

Foods to build strong hair and nails - The omegas are necessary for both healthy hair and nails - salmon, tuna, nuts all are high in omegas.  Vitamin C, E, B complex, A - make sure you are eating a very well rounded diet - full of color.  Protein is necessary for strong hair and nails as they consist primarily of excess protein.  Legumes - they have several benefits to your hair and nails beyond protein they also have iron, zinc and biotin. 

Recommended reading: http://www.ehow.com/how_2563_improve-hair-nails.html

Blessings.. E

A Healthy Immune System

Your immune system is a very delicately balanced, fine-tuned process.  If you do not have a strong immune system, you are more likely to be someone that will be prone to chronic disease.  Whether that means things like chronic flu, colds and bronchitis or more serious ailments like cancer depends on how weak and compromised your immune system is.  If you are chronically ill, you need to take a step back and determine what is causing the weakness in your immune system and correct it.

There are foods and lifestyles that boost your immune system and those that break down your immune system.  Let's look at the negatives first.

Alcohol - anything in excess is bad for the body.  A cup of wine every now and then is good for the body since it has many good enzymes in it.  However, the high carbs and high sugars (in certain alcohols) are damaging to the body.  They overload the liver and make it difficult for the white blood cells to kill germs in the body.
Sugar - we just had a discussion about good sugars and bad sugars.  White refined sugar taxes the body in general.  8T or the equivalent of 2 sodas suppress the immune system and cause the liver to go into over drive.  In addition, it reduces the ability of the white blood cells to do their job by as much as 40%.  Do you want 40% of the germs in your body to thrive? 
Food Allergens - most of us don't realize that we have food allergies until they slap us in the face.  If you have issues with indigestion, bloating, cramping, constipation, or diarrhea - you have a food allergy.  Food allergies or sensitivities cause problems with your immune system because your white blood cells begin destroying good things.  Your body is thrown into chaos and begins destroying itself.
Fat - again we are back to excess.  Eating excessive amounts of fried foods, fatty foods, and the wrong type of fats reduces the ability of the white blood cells to do their job.  Again, reducing their ability to destroy germs.
Prescription Drugs - again... excess.  If you are chronically ill, you probably have filled your body with antibiotics that actually weaken your natural immune system.  An example - when you get stung by a bee or mosquito, your body immediately sends histamine to the site.  It doesn't send histamine to your entire body - JUST to the part of your body that was stung.  When you take a drug for an illness, it doesn't just go to fight the germs in the part of your body that is ill - it spreads throughout your body and not only kills germs, but kills the white blood cells that are naturally fighting the illness as well.

So, basically our "standard bad foods" are the ones you need to reduce or remove from your diet.  Now, onto the good foods and healthy lifestyles.

Vitamins C, B, & E all help strengthen your immune system.  They each have a separate function but together they build strong cell walls, increase the reproduction of white blood cells, and enhance their germ fighting capabilities. 
Cartenoids are found in orange fruits and vegetables as well as some green vegetables including spinach and kale.  They are very important in the germ fighting capabilities of your white blood cells.  They also promote cell communication necessary for fighting proper germs.
Bioflavenoids protect the cell structure from environmental toxins, hence increasing the strength of the cellular wall. 
Garlic enhances the multiplicity of germ fighting cells and increases the efficiency of the same cells.
Selenium boosts cancer fighting capabilities of the body.
Omegas - The Omegas are the essential oils necessary for your body to function properly.  They enhance the white blood cells capability to destroy germs.

As for the lifestyle, you need to remain active.  Even when you are not feeling well, it is vital for you to get at least 30 minutes of sunshine and at least 30 minutes of activity daily.  Both of these build up your tolerance and a stronger physical body promotes a stronger immune system.

Here's to a healthier stronger you!  Blessings... E

Headaches

The women in my family tend to have migraines... Sinus migraines, Tension migraines, with auras, and without auras... mild, moderate, and the three day in darkness... So I am always interested in ways to manage them without chemicals.  My youngest daughter isn't able to take any chemicals for her migraines and so we are in a testing period for her... I thought I would pass along the results of our testing every now and again.

Lemon Peel.  Take a lemon and peel a one inch wide strip of the peel wide enough to go across the forehead.  Place on forehead for 10-20 minutes.  This was tested for a moderate stress migraine and failed.  She said that it took the bite off the migraine, but did not take it away.

Omegas.  Take 1-2 Omega 3-6-9 capsules daily.  Your brain is made up primarily of water and fat.  The Omegas have been known to help provide the good oils for your brain function.

Water.  Drink plenty of water - the link to the calculator is in "the most important thing" 2.1.11 post.  Your body MUST have adequate amounts of water.  It lubricates bones, muscles and cells; helps create new cells; removes toxins among other things.  If you are dehydrated your body begins to shut down. 

Peppermint Oil.  Use a Q-tip and rub over the base of your neck and on each temple, as needed.  Peppermint oil has a very calming and cooling affect.  She found this to work very well for her.

Green Tea.  Drink 3-4 cups of green tea daily.  Green tea has some caffeine so be careful when you drink it and how much you drink of the stronger versions.  Green tea has a lot of antioxidants that help in balancing your body.

Massage.  For those that do get migraines from stress and tension, a daily massage really helps.  Part of the problem is that your muscles tighten and this tightly wound control affects your nerves and restricts blood flow to the brain.  Massaging out some of the knots and releasing some of that stress helps. 

Sleep.  Everyone (no matter who you are) needs at least 8 hours of sleep each night.  I know you can live on less and sometimes it is hard to get more if your body had adjusted to less... but for a HEALTHY body... you need a full 8 hours.  My daughter was getting a lot of disjointed sleep adding to her migraines.

Exercise.  If you sit inside all day and get no sunshine, fresh air... and no exercise, you are at risk for migraines.  Even to just start walking every day is a must. 

Foods.  There are certain foods you should test for sensitivities - these foods are regular triggers for migraines.  Peanuts, wheat, and aged cheeses are the most common.  Make sure you don't have a sensitivity that is causing your migraines.

Until next time... Blessings... E

Spring Angst

It started with an occasional cough, and progressed into post nasal drip and congestion.  The trees are blooming and flowers are out in Texas!  While it is my favorite time of the year... spring kills me for my allergies.  While the Yanks are still covered in snow... we in the South have welcomed spring completely!

Growing up I had allergies almost all year round.  Up until about eight years ago (when I embraced Naturopathy completely) I got Bronchitis every fall and usually was out sick for a full week.  Now, I am rarely sick - and only really have issues with my allergies in the fall (mold and mildew).  So... what changed? 

Actually, there were quite a number of things that changed.  I went from eating red meat, pork, chicken, and fish every day - at least once a day to eating primarily fish only once a week or so.  I worked out more, got more sunshine.  I ate more vegetables both raw and lightly steamed.  I paid more attention to WHAT I was eating - preservatives, artificial colors, artificial flavors.  I began taking Omega 3/6/9 daily.  And I also started drinking more water and green tea.  I also have removed all of the carpet in my home - I know that isn't usually a choice we all have, but it was a huge part of my year round allergy problem. 

My allergies were so bad that my doctor told me that I needed to completely close up my house through out the year.  What I didn't know at the time was that by closing up a house and running the AC / Heat year round you never remove the toxins from your home - and your home becomes more toxic than air in a smog filled city.  This is the reason I have recommended you open your home for several hours at least once a month.  Yes, you will be letting pollen and dust in, but more importantly you will be releasing the toxins from in your home - from your carpet, paint, and furniture, from your cleaning products, and from any other potentially dangerous things in your home.  DON'T EVER keep your home closed up for long periods of time. 

I have heard a lot of positive results with Acupuncture.  If you choose to go this route, make sure that you have found an experienced Acupuncturist. I have also heard of good results with Chiropractic adjustments.  Again, be careful whom you choose.  Both sciences have had a lot of bad press - but with the right professional, you will see a lot benefits. 

There are foods and herbs that also help lessen the sensitivity to the environment.  Garlic, echinecea, nettle, butterbur, and zinc are all herbs known to help fight allergies.  Foods that are high in Omega 3 (tuna, salmon, walnuts) help fight allergies.  Local honey has also been shown to reduce sensitivity with allergies, by ingesting honey made with local flowers you are basically ingesting small amounts to build up your resistance to the pollen.  Spicy foods help clear sinuses but don't really have any other benefit to allergies. 

This is from Mother Earth News - the link to the full post is below: Quercetin. A natural plant-derived compound called a bioflavonoid, quercetin helps stabilize mast cells and prevents them from releasing histamine. Quercetin also is a natural antioxidant that helps mop up molecules called free radicals that cause cell damage, which can lead to cancer. Citrus fruits, onions, apples, parsley, tea, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce and wine are naturally high in quercetin, but allergy sufferers will most likely need to use supplements to build up enough of this compound to prevent attacks. The recommended dosage is about 1,000 milligrams a day, taken between meals. It’s best to start treatment six weeks before allergy season. Those with liver disease shouldn’t use quercetin, so please consult your doctor before using this or any other supplement — especially if you are pregnant or nursing.

Full post: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Natural-Health/2006-08-01/Six-Natural-Allergy-Remedies.aspx?page=2#ixzz1GLklfSeo 

There are also specific foods to stay away from when you are congested, primarily dairy and bread.  Both increase the production of mucus in both the head and chest. 

Again, I caution you - if you are going to use herbs, please read all the details about each before using so you understand the pros and cons of each.  Herbs can be dangerous, if you do not understand how to use them properly. 

Hemorrhoids

Diet can play a major part in relieving hemorrhoids.  Countries that eat more roughage - vegetables, seeds, nuts, grains - have far fewer outbreaks than the United States.  People with food allergies that cause diarrhea or constipation are also contributing factors. 

http://www.hemaron.com/hemorrhoids-treatment/hemorrhoids-causes.htm

Prevention: make sure you are eating enough grains, leafy green vegetables, seeds, nuts, and grains.  These foods help move wastes along the intestinal tract rather than allowing it to build up.  With the proper amount in your diet, you should have multiple bowel movements a day with minimal odor.  If you are prone to diarrhea, find out why (lactose intolerance is one possibility) and ensure that you are eating properly.  Drink enough water to aid in moving toxins and wastes out of your body.

Alternative measures to relieve symptoms: Obviously diet and water are key.  In addition there are some additional measures you can take.

Ensure you are comfortable in your clothing and that you are wearing cotton and natural fibers as much as you can - these will allow the body to breathe.  Loose comfortable clothing will be less binding and restrictive.

Sitz baths are recommended.  Add Epsom Salts to your warm bathing water and soak until water cools.  Everyone is affected differently by the amount of Epsom Salts in their bathwater, so you will need to experiment.  Another sitz bath option is to add a teaspoon of ginger into your water. 

Hot / Cold Compresses.  When applying heat and cold always remember to start and end with cold.  The heat brings blood to that area to help heal, and the cold draws out the toxins / acids in the muscles.  Apply each for about 10 minutes each.  Both moist and dry work with hemorrhoids.

Omegas.  Ensure you are getting your proper amounts of Omega 3/6/9 in your diet.  You may want to increase a bit if constipated, until bowel movements are returned to normal. 

Anti-inflammatory foods.  If your hemorrhoids are painful, ensure you are eating foods that are anti-inflammatory. 

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

Got a case of "The Blues?"

One of the reasons I got so involved in Natural Medicine was my youngest daughter. After her father died, we all went into a state of depression - she didn't bounce back like her sister did. When I found I couldn't reach her I took her to a psychologist who promptly said she needed drugs.... yes, on the first visit... and yes, within the first ten minutes. I had done my research and knew the statistics. "The FDA has determined that antidepressant medications increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children wand adolescent with depression and other psychiatric disorders..." http://www.medicinenet.com/teen_depression/page2.htm so why would I make this choice for my daughter?

I refused and the doctor was very adamant that my daughter would not get better without these drugs and that the side effects I was talking about were "rare." I told her to give me three weeks. If she didn't see an improvement between my efforts and hers in that time, I would give her way a shot. She agreed. I spent the next several days researching. I found several places where a change of diet, exercise, and addition of specific herbs helped. http://altmedicine.about.com/od/healthconditionsatod/a/depression1.htm PLEASE NOTE - not all of these are a good solution for teens. You MUST read up on every one to determine the best solution for your family.

I took away all processed foods (frozen dinners / fast food / canned meals / packaged meals), all refined white sugar and white flour, and replaced with as many fresh fruits and vegetables of varying colors as I could. I already cooked meals from scratch, so she was used to that already. No sodas, no sweets, and no junk food. We started her on a multi-vitamin for teens (I am not usually an advocate of multi-vitamins), omega 3-6-9 capsule, and 60mg of ginkgo daily. And then some type of sustained exercise (even if it was just walking) for 30 minutes daily.

Understand that this change took several trials and errors - but once we had it set, there was a noticeable difference right away. Within three days you could tell she was on the right track - and if she missed days, it only took three for me to know it. The psychologist was AMAZED. She couldn't believe the difference and asked what we were doing.

Please remember, that this is what worked best for my daughter. Every person is different. Our experiments took about three weeks to perfect for her. This isn't a short term fix. I am happy to report that my daughter is now 21 and a happy vibrant girl. She still takes her omegas and ginkgo every day and is very careful with her diet.