healingways
RETHINKINGTHE DIABETES DILEMMA
Alternatives Expand Upon Conventional Therapies Diet and Exercise Play Key Roles
by James Rouse A
ccording to the Centers for Disease Control, 23.6 million people in the United States, or 7.8 percent of the total population, have diabetes (5.7 million of these undiagnosed), and it remains the sixth leading cause of death in this country. The good news is that there are natural treatment alternatives.
Background
The lynchpin of diabetes is insulin, a key hormone that allows glucose (sugar) to be converted into energy. The onset of diabetes indicates that the body is experiencing a shortage of insu- lin and/or decreased ability to use it. Type 1 diabetes, which is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin, usually manifests in children and adults under 30. It ac- counts for only five percent of cases. Type 2 diabetes, in which the body fails to respond appropriately to the pres- ence of insulin and to properly absorb glucose from the blood, accounts for 95 percent of incidences, gener- ally occurring after age 40. If left untreated over time, either type can lead to further health com- plications, including diseases of the heart, eyes and kidneys, plus blindness, nerve damage and kidney failure.
Today’s
conventional medical treat- ment of Type
2 diabetes typically starts with lifestyle and dietary changes, including aerobic and resistance exercise and avoidance of excess carbohydrates, sweets and starches. If necessary, a glucose-lower- ing medication may be added. Complementary natural treatment of Type 2 diabetes also begins with a more nutritional diet and exercise plan, managed by a nutrition-savvy medical doctor, naturopath, certified nutrition- ist, holistic nurse practitioner or dieti- cian. Maintaining a healthy weight and controlling blood sugar are essential.
A Natural Prescription
Following a diet based on low glycemic carbohydrates, adequate protein and good fats is key.
Examples of good carbs include: legumes and beans, whole wheat, barley, brown rice, quinoa, apples, apricots, grapefruit, cherries, plums, pears and berries. High glycemic carbs to be avoided include (but are not limited to) donuts, white rice and white flour products, cake, cookies and dried dates.
Healthy proteins include lean chicken and turkey, wild salmon, grass- fed beef and buffalo, tofu, tempeh and eggs. Good sources of healthy fats are olive, flax seed and hemp seed oils. A high-fiber diet is also vital in improving blood sugar and insulin response, because low fiber diets have been associated with increased risk for diabetes. Foods to include are whole grains, nuts, seeds and dark green, leafy vegetables.
Research from the University of Helsinki, Finland, further suggests that limiting cow’s milk may be beneficial, especially for infants and children. A study of children born to a diabetic parent found that they were susceptible to diabetes later in life after exposure to
November is American Diabetes Month 30 Collier/Lee Counties
swfl.naturalawakeningsmag.com
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