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Diabetes is a chronic disorder of carbohydrate, fat, and
protein metabolism. Diabetes main symptoms include high blood sugar, sugar in
the urine, arterial plaque, heart disease, kidney disease, nerve degeneration,
and foot ulcers.
Diabetes falls into two main categories:
Type I- Insulin dependent Diabetes
Mellitus, primarily beginning in adolescence, accounts for about 10% of
diabetics. Involves complete destruction of the beta cells in the pancreas that
produce the hormone insulin. There is no known cure, requiring lifelong
dependence on insulin.
Type II-
Non-insulin
dependent diabetes, in 90% of all diabetics. Usually shows up in people over 40.
Progressive insulin sensitivity is the main factor, which means that insulin in
the blood actually increases, but the tissues have lost their ability to respond
to the hormone. Obesity is a serious contributing factor.
A
change in Diet, Lifestyle, and Exercise is the ONLY true cure!
Possible Therapeutic Protocols:
1. Change the DIET! Reduce and eliminate ALL simple
carbohydrates (all sweeteners, white flour, and fats are to be severely
restricted!) A high fiber diet is highly recommended! Include plants high in
gums and fibers on a regular basis. Pectin fibers (from apples, pears, and other
fruits and vegetables) and Guar gum (a common thickener agent from algae and sea
weeds) are shown to have a positive effect on blood sugar control and should be
included daily. Use ONLY Whole Grains, not processed flours, pastries, doughs,
pastas, etc.
The High Carbohydrate, High Fiber Diet is highly recommended:
-
70-75% of calories from Complex carb's (vegetables and whole
grains)
-
15-20% from protein sources
(all legumes are best, some meat is OK)
-
5-10% from fats (cold-pressed vegetable oils preferably)
-
15-20 grams of fiber (pectin fruits and veggies, guar gum,
flax seeds, etc).
Include all seeds, nuts, and beans (such as mung, black beans,
kidney, green and wax beans). They have a hypo-glycemic effect, are digested
slowly, and slows the absorption of glucose from the intestines. Fresh veggies,
especially raw or lightly steamed are encouraged daily. Include onions and
garlic daily! They lower blood glucose levels, raw or cooked. 25 grams, or 1
oz., or 1/4 onion, or several cloves of garlic are needed daily. Include inulin
containing foods such as jerusalem artichokes, burdock, dandelion, elecampane,
or Echinacea roots whenever possible!
2. Weight Loss and Exercise.
If
obese, gradually build up the intensity of an exercise program, then go to the
maximum you can do, on a regular basis. Thinner people should have regular, but
a bit more moderate exercise. Physical activity is an important factor in
blood sugar levels! The more you exercise, the more normal your blood sugar!
Exercise reduces insulin resistance, the fitter you are, the more muscular and
other tissues respond to insulin. Strength trainers can change their insulin
levels with exercise alone.
3. Supplements:
-
Chromium - 400-800 mcg., enhances the
utilization of glucose, activity of insulin.
-
Vitamin E - 200-400 i.u. improves glucose
tolerance, may reduce long-term problems.
-
Magnesium - 400 mg. many diabetics have
low magnesium, controls many processes.
-
Vanadium -15 mg., trace mineral improves
glucose metabolism, insulin-like activity.
-
Vitamin C
-
1,000-2,000 mg. daily, helps fight infections, etc.
-
Essential Fatty Acids -
Flax Seed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, or Borage Oil, 800 mg.
-
CoEnzyme Q10 - 30 mg. daily
-
Vitamin B6 - 100 mg.
-
Zinc - 100 mg.
-
Selenium - 400 mg.
4. Botanicals - Herbal remedies:
-
Devil's Club -
(Oplopanax horridum)
contains active constituents with insulin-like action, helping to substantially
reduce blood sugar without any toxic side effects.
-
Green Tea -
(Camellia sinensis)
contains catechin and epicatechin compounds, powerful anti-oxidants. Studies
show it prevents toxin-induced beta cell damage to the pancreas. May stimulate
insulin secretion from the pancreas. Drink daily. Also available in
decaffeinated.
-
Fenugreek Seeds
- (Trigonella
foenumgracum) Tasty, cheap, and effective, 28% protein, has significant
anti-diabetic activities, helps to reduce serum glucose, glucagons, insulin,
cholesterol, and triglycerides. Improves glucose tolerance, insulin response,
and general blood sugar control. Use the concentrated extract or soak 100 grams
(about 3 1/2 ounces) in water overnight before eating.
-
Ginger Root -
(Zingiber officinalis)
Consumed as a food or medicine daily acts as an anti-diabetic remedy. Stimulates
pancreas cells and lowers lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood.
-
Bilberry and Blueberry Leaves
- (Vaccinum
myrtillus) A decoction (strong tea) made from these leaves is considered a
valuable diabetes folk remedy. The active ingredient myrtillin, acts like
insulin in the body, but is much less toxic, even at 50 times the therapeutic
dose! Its action in the body is quite prolonged, with a dose active over several
weeks. It especially helps to prevent free radical damage, damage to the
vascular walls, and retinopathy and nephropathy, and enhances circulation.
-
Bitter Melon -
(Momordica charantia)
Also known as balsam pear, it is a folk remedy for diabetes in Asia. Although
very bitter, two ounces shot down every day shows good results. It seems to have
some action on the pancreas, described as "plant insulin".
-
Asana - (Pterocarpus marsupium) This
ayurvedic bark is known to have an effect on Type I diabetes, reporting to
regenerate the insulin producing cells of the pancreas, but only if the disease
is of recent origin.
-
Burdock, Dandelion, Elecampane, and Echinacea are
Inulin-containing botanicals known to be of benefit in lowering hyperglycemia.
It does not require insulin to be absorbed into cells. Inula breaks down into
fructose which is better metabolized by diabetics than glucose.
-
Ginkgo -
(Ginkgo biloba) enhances
peripheral circulation, benefiting peripheral vascular diseases. Promotes blood
flow in both healthy and compromised blood vessels. Reduces symptoms of tissue
hypoxia.
-
Stevia
- (Stevia Rebaudiana) is a
natural sweetener, and has also been investigated as an aid in regulating
blood-sugar metabolism, and as an anti-hypertensive agent. The leaves are 30
times sweeter than sugar and the powdered leaves can be used in cooking, teas,
and baking to replace sugars. The book, Stevia, Nature's Sweet Secret, by
David Richard is worth picking up for some excellent recipes for cooking with
Stevia as well as recent research.
(Diabetics should avoid any extracts made with a vegetable
glycerin base, since this is a very sweet substance! Also avoid artificial
sweeteners as they are very toxic to the liver)
Successful Treatments -Diabetics
must always be willing to substantially alter their lifestyle habits. Type II
Diabetes is the end result of a long period of chronic metabolic insult, and may
require many years of persistent effort to reverse. Normalize body weight,
follow the above diet (NO refined or white carbohydrates will be allowed!), with
an emphasis on high fiber. Include botanical medicines (herbs) to support the
body and make improvements. Good quality food and supplements will nourish and
rebuild the body! Doing a parasite cleanse and detoxifying the body will also
greatly improve the condition. Careful Blood Monitoring is essential! Exercise,
to maximum tolerance, is encouraged. The more of these elements that can be
included, the more likely success will occur. Modern studies can be quite
spectacular, showing that diabetes can be controlled, or for 90% of Type II
sufferers, it can be reversed completely. Type I will probably always need to
take insulin, but their dose can be reduced quite substantially.
All of us can avoid these problems by avoiding too much
stress, poor eating habits, a diet high in sugars and refined carbohydrates,
white flours, red meats, and loads of fat. Also avoiding a sedentary lifestyle
and lack of exercise.
Jane Smolnik is a Certified Intuitive, Iridologist and
Herbalist, and founder of Crystal Garden Herbs in Springfield, Vermont. To
contact her, please call (802) 885-5500.
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