A natural pathway to health and healing, integrating the use of natural ingredients and the use of supplements alongside traditional medicine for optimal health to empower you to live life abundantly and help you find your pathway to healing.

Topic 1: Diabetes

Diabetes is becoming an epidemic, with 2,000 people being diagnosed with diabetes each day in this country. In fact, the rate of diabetes is increasing so alarmingly, that by the year 2028 it is estimated that one-fourth of the country will have diabetes. 16 million people have diabetes, but millions more don’t even know they have it. And along with diabetes come the potentially devastating side effects such as neuropathy, blindness, infections, as well as heart and kidney disease.

Type II, or insulin-resistant diabetes (which used to be called “adult-onset”) is the most common, and now affects adults, adolescents and even children. Much of the problem is linked to obesity and lack of exercise, so addressing those factors are important. But there are also simple ways to get started on regulating your blood sugar while you work to lose weight and increase your physical activity.

If you have blood sugar problems (over 100 is impaired; over 120 is considered diabetic), there are ways to approach this naturally, including foods and supplements. These can be incorporated into the diet along with prescription medication, if necessary, and then eventually decrease or eliminate the medications as your blood sugar gets under control.

My top food recommendations include:

• High water soluble fiber, such as psyllium, or Metamucil (1-2 tsp/per day, and look for the flavored, sugar-free and smooth, which makes it easier to take; can also mix with vanilla soy milk). This helps stabilize the spikes in your blood sugar, and helps regulate the absorption of some of sugars into your blood.
• Oat bran or oatmeal cereal – also helps regulate blood sugar
• Beans – fiber-rich
• Onions – contain a compound that stimulates insulin production
• Cinnamon – increases insulin’s activity, enabling it to work better at transporting glucose into the blood cells

American Diabetes Association came out with their 10 best ‘Super Foods” for addressing diabetes:

1. Beans (black, navy, pinto, kidney) – high in fiber
2. Dark leafy green vegetables (spinach, collards, mustard greens, kale) - nutrient dense
3. Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit) - rich in vitamin C and high in fiber
4. Sweet potatoes – low in glycemic index (don’t raise sugar levels), high in fiber and vitamin A
5. Berries (whole, unsweetened, fresh or frozen) – high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins
6. Tomatoes – low in calories, high in lycopene, contains all four carotenoids
7. Omega-3 fatty acids – anti-inflammatory, help with blood sugar levels and heart issues
8. Grains (oatmeal, oat bran, barley, whole wheat, flax) – high in fiber, folate and chromium (regulates blood sugar)
9. Nuts (almonds, walnuts) – heart healthy
10. Fat free dairy (yogurt, milk) – high in calcium and vitamin D, and help reduce cravings

There are also herbs that can help control blood sugar. I will discuss these further in another program, but let me first go back to one that was on my earlier list – cinnamon.

Cinnamon can help normalize blood sugar by decreasing insulin resistance, making insulin more sensitive. Cinnamon contains MHCP, which increases the processing of blood sugar by 20 times. A study found that cinnamon also benefits those at risk of diabetes (blood sugar levels over 100). Blood sugar levels decreased 12% vs. 3% with placebo. It can be used in small amounts in foods, or taken as a supplement.