Type 2 Diabetes - Totally Preventable
What is Diabetes
Diabetes is an illness related to elevated blood sugar levels.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The damage to the pancreatic cells leads to reduced ability or complete inability to create insulin. Some of the common causes that trigger this autoimmune response may include a virus, GMO organisms, heavy metals, vaccines, or foods like wheat, cows milk, and soy.
The reason foods like wheat and cows milk have been linked to diabetes is because they contain the proteins gluten and A1 casein. These proteins can cause leaky gut which in turn causes systemic inflammation throughout the body and overtime can lead to autoimmune disease (the body attacking itself).
Type 1 Diabetes is rarely reversed but with the right dietary changes major improvements in blood sugar levels can be seen and a person can often reduce their dependence on insulin and medications.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is caused by insulin resistance. It is a metabolic disorder that is caused by high blood sugar. The body can keep up for a period of time by producing more insulin, but over time the insulin receptors sites get burned out. A lack of exercise combined with poor food choices is the cause of type 2 diabetes, I can help you make the changes required to have you feeling great again.
To get you started try to implement some of the suggestions below to reduce inflammation and start the healing process.
Foods we must Avoid to Reverse Diabetes.
Refined sugar rapidly spikes blood glucose and soft drinks, fruit juice, sugary beverages and sweet treats are the worst culprits. These forms of sugar enter the blood stream rapidly and can cause extreme elevations in blood glucose. Even though natural sweeteners like raw honey and maple syrup are better options, they can still affect blood sugar.
Grains, especially gluten containing grains like wheat, contain large amounts of carbohydrates which are broken down into sugar within a few minutes of consumption. As discussed earlier, gluten can cause intestinal inflammation which affects hormones like cortisol and leptin, and can lead to spikes in blood sugar. I would remove all grains from your diet for your first 90 days on this healing program and after that time you can introduce back in sprouted ancient grains in small amounts.
Conventional cow’s milk, should be eliminated especially for type 1 diabetics. Dairy can be a fantastic food for balancing blood sugar if it comes from goat’s, sheep, or A2 cows. Stay away from all other forms of dairy because the A1 casein produced by conventional cows will harm the body and trigger an immune response similar to gluten. When buying dairy, only purchase raw and organic from pasture raised animals.
Alcohol can dangerously increase blood sugar and lead to liver toxicity. Beer and sweet liquors are high in carbohydrates and should be avoided.
GMO corn, soy, and canola have been linked to kidney and liver disease and may promote diabetes. I suggest removing all GMO foods and all packaged foods from your diet. Also, remove hydrogenated oils from your diet including vegetable oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, and canola oil.
These foods have been shown to cause large amounts of inflammation within the blood vessels of our body, leading to many of the diabetic related health conditions we see today.
Food to Include
Foods with a low glycemic load tend to not spike blood sugar as much as high glycemic foods.
Low glycemic foods include: vegetables, nuts, seeds, avocados, coconut, organic grass feed meat, organic eggs and wild caught fish.
Sprinkling herbs like cinnamon, turmeric, and parsley on your food may also help balance blood sugar levels.
A range of raw vegetables is a great option, not only is raw great for keeping blood sugars stable raw food helps to reduce cholesterol levels and overall inflammation within the body. Green smoothies are a great place to start to increase your consumption of raw vegetables in one easy on the go convenient drink.
Exercising Balances Your Blood Sugar
Exercise is another important part of your recovery from diabetes and improving insulin sensitivity. It naturally supports metabolism by burning fat and building lean muscle. To prevent and reverse diabetes I recommend getting outside and walking at least 20-30 minutes a day. This is especially beneficial 30-60 minutes following meals.
Vitamins specific for Diabetes
B-Complex Vitamins
Vitamins B6 and B12 specifically support nerve health, which is critical for addressing conditions such as diabetic neuropathy. Biotin is another B-complex vitamin that is necessary for both metabolism and growth. Biotin is also involved in the manufacture and utilization of protein, fats and carbohydrates. Take 75 mg of B6, 150 mcg of B12, and 300 mcg of biotin daily.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C lowers levels of sorbitol, the sugar that can collect in and damage cells in the eyes, kidneys and nerves. I recommend at least 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D turns on genes that boost production of antimicrobial peptides called cathelicidins, which destroy viruses, bacteria and other germs. Because people with diabetes are more prone to infections due to diabetic ulcers and periodontal disease, making sure your body has optimal levels of this fat-soluble vitamin is important. I recommend at least 2,000 IU of supplemental vitamin D (as cholecalciferol or D3) daily.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is the body’s premier fat-soluble antioxidant. It improves glucose control and protects blood vessels and nerves from free radical damage, which is accelerated by the diabetes. Studies have shown that high doses of supplemental vitamin E may even reverse damage to nerves caused by diabetes and protect against diabetic cataracts and atherosclerosis.
Be sure to check with your Dr or health practitioner before starting any new diet or exercise regime to ensure you are physically ok to do so. Vitamins are not to replace a balanced diet, please check with your Dr or Naturopath to ensure any vitamins you start to not conflict with other medicines you may be taking.
It is best to book a comprehensive Naturopathic Consultation before starting any new treatments such as this. In the One hour Consultation I will devise a treatment plan specifically tailored to you to give you the best possible out come.
