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Posts Tagged ‘Health’

At times you have heard people say things like “I used to do that when I was younger. But I don’t think my body can take that now”.

This is proof enough that when the body doesn’t get reasonable doses of exercise on regular basis, things begin to go wrong. The body grows stiff, muscles lose their tone, the joints lose their suppleness, and fat starts to accumulate around the waist and along the spine.

When a lack of fitness is allowed to go on, very soon the body begins to suffer as we become less and less capable of dealing with the stress of everyday life, both physical and mental stress. We may even become susceptible to various illnesses. That is why regular exercise is very important for optimum health.

Exercise is the closest  thing yet to the fountain of youth, and truly the only way to change the appearance, shape and strength of your body. EXERCISE IS GOOD FOR YOU! Just to put a little more emphasis on the issue, you will be given a list of 20 reasons why you should find the time for exercise on a regular basis. If you can find even one benefit on this list, you will have enough reason to begin an exercise program and take steps to take care of yourself.

   Regular exercise can … Ø Help you lose weight, especially fat. Ø Improve your physical appearance. Ø Increase your level of muscular strength and endurance. Ø Maintain your resting metabolic rate to prevent weight gain. Ø Increase your stamina and ability to do continuous work. Ø Improve fitness levels, or your body’s ability to use oxygen. Ø Provide protection against injury. Ø Improve your balance and co-ordination. Ø Increase bone density to prevent osteoporosis. Ø Lower resting heart rate and blood pressure. Ø Lower Body Mass index (BMI) – your height-to-fat ratio. Ø Reduce triglycerides, bad cholesterol (LDL), and raise good cholesterol (HDL). Ø Enhance sexual desire and performance. Ø Reduce heart disease and stroke. Ø Reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Ø Increase insulin sensitivity, thereby preventing type 2 diabetes. Ø Reduce your level of anxiety and help you mange stress. Ø Improve function of the immune system. Ø Improve your self – esteem and restore confidence. Ø Help you sleep better, relax, and improve mood.

In addition, the tremendous health benefits associated with a well orchestrated strength, flexibility and cardiovascular training program can add quality years to your life. Everyone exercises for different reasons. But no matter your initial motivation, you’ll still get all the benefits.

At least half an hour of exercise (even brisk walking) three or four days a week can go a long way towards putting you on the path to physical fitness. It is recommended that you check with your doctor before beginning any workout program, particularly if you are out of shape, have cardiovascular problems or simply haven’t worked out in a long time.

After making the decision to start working out, it may be necessary for you to make some lifestyle changes, especially as it regards eating. So, cut down on processed and high-fat foods, reduce your intake of alcohol and quit smoking. Eat more of natural foods like whole grain, lean meat, fruits and vegetables, and above all, be consistent in your workout routine. A combination of proper diet, a good workout program and appropriate relaxation techniques will begin to effect a change in your body beyond belief.

Some of the food sources of fatty acids are fish and shellfish, flaxseed (linseed), soya oil, canola (rapeseed) oil, hemp oil, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, leafy vegetables, and walnuts.

Essential fatty acids play a part in many metabolic processes, and there is evidence to suggest that low levels of essential fatty acids, or the wrong balance of types among the essential fatty acids, may be a precursor in a number of illnesses.

Plant sources of omega-3 do not contain eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. This is thought to be the reason that absoption of essential fatty acids is much greater from animal rather than plant sources.

EFA content of vegetable sources varies with cultivation conditions. Animal sources vary widely, both with the animal’s feed and that the EFA makeup varies markedly with fats from different body parts.

The primary source of omega6 fatty acids in the diet is linoleic acid from the oils of seeds and grains. Sunflower, safflower and corn oil are particularly rich sources of linoleic acid, which is at the root of the omega6 fatty-acid family. Evening primrose oil and borage oil are high not only in linoleic acid, but the omega6 derivative gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Avocado is 15-20% oil (mainly monosaturated), but also high in linoleic acid. (Avocado has the highest fat content and the highest fiber content of any fruit.)

Alpha-linolenic acid, the primary dietary source of omega3 fatty acids in the diet, is frequently found in green leaves. The leaves and seeds of the perilla plant (widely eaten in Japan, Korea and India) are the richest plant source of alpha-linolenic acid, although linseed oil is also a rich source. Fish oil contains very little alpha-linolenic acid, but is rich in the omega3 derivatives EPA and DHA. Fish are at the top of a food chain based on phytoplankton (algae) that manufacture large amounts of EPA and DHA. Nonetheless, fish can be high in toxic mercury.

It has been suggested that thousands of years ago the diet of human hunter-gatherers consisted of approximately equal parts of omega3 and omega6 essential fatty acids. However, Since the beginning of agriculture ten thousand years ago there has been a steady increase in omega6 at the expense of omega3 fat in the human diet. This process accelerated about 50 years ago as cattle began to be fed increasingly on grains rather than grass. Recommendations by nutritionists to eat margarine rather than butter (polyunsaturated rather than saturated fats) increased the trend toward omega6 and trans fat consumption. Currently, the ratio of omega6 to omega3 fatty acids in the American diet is 7to1 or more. There are good reasons to believe that this imbalanced essential fatty acid ratio has led to increased cancer, heart disease, allergies, diabetes and other afflictions.

The low death rate from coronary heart disease among Greenland Eskimos led scientists to suspect that high fish consumption might be protective. A 20-year study of 852 middle-age Dutch men showed that coronary artery disease was more than 50% lower among the men who consumed at least 30 grams of fish per week, when compared with men who did not eat fish. A 30-year study of over 2,100 Chicago men showed a 62% risk of coronary heart disease and 56% risk of sudden myocardial infarction for men who ate at least 35 grams of fish daily, compared to those who ate none.

Fish oil has been shown to lower LDL-cholesterol by about 13%, to lower blood pressure, and to dramatically lower blood triglycerides. The effect on triglycerides, in particular, appears to be due to EPA and DHA, because flaxseed (ie, linseed oil, which is over 50% alpha-linolenic acid) did not lower triglycerides. More careful analysis has established that DHA alone has no effect on blood triglycerides, but that EPA alone is capable of lowering blood triglycerides by about 30%.

Although most fish oils are high in EPA and DHA, there are some fish oils which are not. Flounder, swordfish and sole are particularly low in EPA and DHA. Fish oils having the highest levels of EPA and DHA include mackerel, herring and salmon. Some fish, such as cod and haddock, store most of their fat in the liver, therefore the liver oils of these fish should be taken rather than the fillet.

Optimum dietary benefit from fat for most people would come from a program of reduced total fat, reduced saturated and unessential fat, and increased proportions of omega3 (relative to omega6) essential fats. A high omega3 oil like perilla oil might be a simple remedy for young people, and the best remedy for smokers. But as most people age, they will benefit most from CLA, GLA, and DHA supplementation combined with antioxidants (especially vitamin E) to protect these polyunsaturated essential fats from oxidation.

Fats are an important component of membranes in our hearts, brains, immune cells and most of the other tissues of our bodies. Since we need these fats, it is important to ensure that we have the right kind of fats, that we have enough of them and that we protect them with antioxidants.

Dating back more than 4,000 years, Chinese green tea diet has been long revered as a tasty drink that can ward off diseases and improve one’s well-being. There are only a few herbs that can surpass its impressive history.
Since its first recorded use during the time of Emperor Shen Nung, the link between Chinese green tea diet and good health has never been severed. Today, further studies are made to test the benefits of the remarkable health elixir.
Traditional Health Benefits of the Diet
According to tradition, this diet could cure anything from headaches, body aches, and pains to constipation and depression. Over the centuries, more health claims are made on account of the Chinese green tea diet.
It detoxifies the body. The presence of polyphenols, a naturally occurring antioxidant in this particular tea, is said to combat harmful free radicals and help keep the body free from diseases. In this regard, Chinese green tea helps maintain the overall well-being of the body. It fights against the anti-aging process because the antioxidants can boost immunity, preserve young-looking skin, and brighten the eyes.
Additional health benefits of the green tea is it increases the blood flow throughout the body. Because it contains a little caffeine, ingesting this drink stimulates the heart and allows the blood to flow more freely through the blood vessels. For the same reason that tea stimulates blood flow, it also stimulates mental clarity.
For many years, men of science remained skeptical about the health claims made by Chinese green tea diet enthusiasts because the health benefits are truly vast in number. Their doubt was changed to a more positive reception when subsequent researchers proved its disease-preventing attributes and confirmed most of the health claims.
The Heart
Study after study has shown that drinking green tea and eating polyphenol-rich foods reduces the risk of any heart complications. It helps strengthen the blood vessels that provide oxygen and valuable nutrients to the heart and brain. It has also been researched that men who use the diet have a 75 percent less possibility of having a stroke than those who don’t use the diet.
The green tea diet helps lower total cholesterol levels and improve the ratio between LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Study shows that men who drink nine or more cups of Chinese green tea daily have lower cholesterol levels than those who drink fewer than two cups. While nine cups may seem a lot, break it up through out the day and you’ll realize it’s not that difficult to drink that many cups. You could have one during and after each meal and during your breaks.
You really need to learn more. The Silent Killer Exposed uncovers and gives you the information you need to maintain a healthy blood system. Visit it here now.
Longevity
The role of the ‘Chinese diet’ in promoting longevity has been investigated upon by many researchers. They found the premise of their study on observing Japanese women who are greater-than-average green tea drinkers; have lower mortality rates compared to others. This led the researchers to believe that the diet has “a protective factor against premature death.”
The polyphenols found in the diet may be held accountable. With its high amount of polyphenols, it seems to have a stimulating effect on the immune system. A stronger immune system as a result of drinking the green tea helps reduce risks of obtaining many illnesses.
If these health benefits of doing the Chinese green tea diet don’t motivate you to start drinking this miracle in a cup, chances are you’ll never become motivated to loose weight. So start today and drink up. The health benefits go well beyond weight loss!

Green Tea has had more zealous acceptance than nearly any other food product in the past twenty years. There are claims that substances contained in green tea inhibit cancer cells, improve cholesterol, reduce the appetite and strengthen the immune system. Not since the Vitamin C rage has another food product been treated as a must have. The following summarizes the more important claims; some backed by research, some not.

Research at the University of Purdue, concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. A report published in a 1994 Journal of the National Cancer Institute indicated that drinking green tea lowered the risk of esophageal cancer.

There are also studies that have concluded green tea lowers overall cholesterol levels and improves the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol. Still other studies indicate that green tea is also reputed to be helpful with Cardiovascular disease, infection, impaired immune function, Rheumatoid arthritis.

Green Tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechin polyphenols. This powerful antioxidant has been shown by researchers at the University of Kansas to be twice as powerful as resveratrol, the compound that gives red wine its amazing heart protecting effects. To further support the claim, Japanese men have a low heart attack rate despite the fact that more than 70% smoke cigarettes.

The results of a study published by American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed a green tea extract, when taken with caffeine can lead to an increased rate of calorie burning. Green Tea has bacteria fighting abilities that can helps in prevention of tooth decay and food poisoning.

There does not seem be a real consensus on how much green tea should be consumed. Some recommend as many as 10 (six to eight ounce) cups per day, while others suggest at least three cups.

There are few negatives effects caused by drinking green tea other than those caused by the caffeine that is present. A cup of green tea contains about 60% of the caffeine found in a cup of coffee. For those people who are sensitive to caffeine, green tea may cause insomnia or nervous irritability.

If you are unable to drink green tea during the day, a green tea extract will provide similar benefits. These can be found in most supermarkets.

Clearly, the research suggests there are significant health benefits to adding green tea as a component of your daily diet. If your fighting to lose weight and gain better health, a warm cup of green tea will hit the spot.

Do not use green tea without first talking to your doctor if you have heart problems or high blood pressure, kidney disease, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), an anxiety or nervous disorder, or a bleeding or blood clotting disorder or if you take a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

High cholesterol is a common affliction for those in Western societies. It is estimated that 101 million Americans suffer from high cholesterol which is defined as blood cholesterol greater then 200mg per deciliter. Americans are not the only ones with cholesterol problems, an Australian study found that 51.5% of male Australians have high blood cholesterol.
While some cholesterol is good, it is when the levels get too high that we run into problems. Cholesterol is necessary for hormone production, and is a major component in cell walls. Cholesterol also aids in the production of bile and aids in the metabolism of the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.
High cholesterol is one of the five leading risk factors leading to coronary heart disease. If your cholesterol levels need to drop a bit and you want to work on your good to bad ratio, drugs are not the only option.
As far as diet goes, adding soluble fiber is a good move as it binds to blood serum cholesterol and helps it leave the body. Good dietary sources of soluble fiber can be found in ground flax seeds, oat meal and oat bran, apples and a variety of other foods.
Niacin, known as Vitamin B3, is a water soluble vitamin that has also been proven to be helpful in lowering cholesterol levels and improving cholesterol ratios. The main function of niacin is to metabolize fats.
Niacin has been shown to reduce LDL, or bad cholesterol levels by 10-20%, reduce triglycerides by 20-50%, and raise HDL, or good cholesterol by 15-30%.
When choosing a Niacin product, be sure to start with 100mg dose and gradually ease your way up to avoid the flushing and tingling of skin that can happen with higher doses. This flushing is a result of niacin’s effects on widening blood vessels which usually last beginning at 15 minutes after taking the pill to about an hour after. If you do suffer from the flushing sensation, taking your niacin with food can decrease your risk of these negative symptoms. Also, do not purchase niacinamide as it does not help in lowering cholesterol. It is common to work up to 1.5 to 3 grams per day for therapeutic doses.
Another great benefit of niacin for anyone who has suffered a heart attack or stroke is that the use of niacin has been shown to reduce the risk of having a second heart attack or stroke.
People who take niacin to lower cholesterol typically get their cholesterol levels checked every 6 to 12 months as niacin works gradually over time. Having your blood tested more often then that is not necessary as the cholesterol changes can be slow.
I do want to note that if you have been taking statin drugs or Red Yeast Rice, it is very important to add both Niacin and CoQ10 as statins and Red Yeast Rice both deplete your body of these nutrients. Be sure to consult your physician on this issue too.
It is important to work with your doctor on this to avoid any complications like high blood sugar or liver problems. High doses of niacin can also increase the effectiveness of medication for high blood pressure.

Cardiac Evaluation Package 

Heart surgery is used to correct heart problems in children and adults. This article discusses heart surgeries for adults.

The most common type of heart surgery for adults is coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). During CABG, surgeons use healthy arteries or veins taken from another part of the body to bypass (that is, go around) blocked arteries. CABG relieves chest pain and reduces the risk of heart attack.

Traditional heart surgery, often called “open heart surgery,” is done by opening the chest wall to operate on the heart. Almost always, the chest is opened by cutting through a patient’s breastbone. Once the heart is exposed, the patient is connected to a heart-lung bypass machine. The machine takes over the pumping action of the heart. This allows surgeons to operate on a still heart.

In recent years, new ways of doing heart surgery have been developed. One new way is called off-pump, or beating heart, surgery. It’s like traditional open-heart surgery, but it doesn’t use a heart-lung bypass machine.

Minimally invasive heart surgery uses smaller incisions (cuts) than traditional open-heart surgery. Some types of minimally invasive heart surgery use a heart-lung bypass machine and others don’t.

These new methods may reduce risks and speed up recovery time. Studies are under way to compare these new types of heart surgery to traditional open-heart surgery. The results of these studies will help doctors decide the best procedure to use for each patient. Outlook

The results of heart surgery in adults are often excellent. For very ill people with severe heart problems, heart surgery can reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and increase lifespan.

Cardiac evaluation package

 S.No. Name of the Test : 

                > Serum Triglycerides                > HDL Cholesterol                > LDL Cholesterol                > VLDL Cholesterol 

                >Blood Urea Nitrogen                >Serum Creatinine                >Uric Acid 

                > Total Bilirubin                > Total Protein A/G Ratio                > GGT                > SGOT                > SGPT                > Serum Alkaline Phosphate 

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Is any other food or drink reported to have as many health benefits as green tea? The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. In her book Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, Nadine Taylor states that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for at least 4,000 years.
Today, scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.
To sum up, here are just a few medical conditions in which drinking green tea is reputed to be helpful:
cancer
rheumatoid arthritis
high cholesterol levels
cariovascular disease
infection
impaired immune function
What makes GT so special?
The secret of GT lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.
Links are being made between the effects of drinking GT and the “French Paradox.” For years, researchers were puzzled by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas determined that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low, even though approximately seventy-five percent are smokers.
Why don’t other Chinese teas have similar health-giving properties? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets GT apart is the way it is processed. G.T. leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.
Other Benefits
New evidence is emerging that G.T. can even help dieters. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and G.T. extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.
G.T. can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing g.t. - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market.
Harmful Effects?
To date, the only negative side effect reported from drinking g.t. is insomnia due to the fact that it contains caffeine. However, g.t. contains less caffeine than coffee: there are approximately thirty to sixty mg. of caffeine in six - eight ounces of tea, compared to over one-hundred mg. in eight ounces of coffee.

As we mentioned in previous articles, stroke is caused by uncontrolled diet that is high in saturated and trans fats resulting in cholesterol building up in the blood vessel in the brain that block the circulation of blood to the body, including cells in the brain. If not enough oxygen is delivered to the brain cells, some cells die off and can not reproduce, the you may have a stroke. Other strokes happen when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures causing the cells in your brain to be deprived of oxygen, thus they die and can never come back. Nutritional supplements have played an important role for nutritionally deficient patients in preventing stroke and here are are some of them:1. B-complexThree B-vitamins: folate, B-6, and B-12 can lower homocysteine, an amino acid that is found naturally in the body and study shows that the higher the level of homocysteine in the blood, the higher the risk of stroke.2. Beta-caroteneBeta-carotene is an antioxidant that may reduce oxidative stress to brain cells. Such stress occurs when highly volatile forms of oxygen damage cell structure. Study shows that beta- carotene helps to reduce the risk against cerebral infraction and stroke.3. Vitamin EVitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to reduce arterial clotting.4. SeleniumSelenium is a powerful agent that helps to keep tissues and arteries elastic. It also helps to reduce the stickiness of the blood and decreases the risk of clotting, in turn lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke. Selenium increases the ratio of HDL (good) cholesterol to LDL (bad) cholesterol.5. PycnogenolPycnogenol helps to keep collagen elastic and soften the blood platelets, making blood flow more efficiently.6. Co enzyme Q-10Co enzyme is a strong antioxidant that not only protects low density lipoprotein LDL against oxidants, but also helps for getting oxygen to the cells.7. LecithinLecithin is a fat-like substance called a phospholipid that helps to remove bad cholesterol and other lipids from the body. It also protects the arteries and organs from the build up of fatty tissue that can lead to stroke or heart attack.8. MelatoninMelatonin is a neurohormone produced in our body by the pineal gland. It is a powerful antioxidant that easily penetrates the blood-brain barrier and is used to treat thrombotic stroke.9. Vitamin CVitamin C helps to strengthen the arterial wall, lowering the risk of heart diseases and stroke.I hope this information will help. If you need more information, please visit my home page at:

Kyle J. Nortonhttp://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/http://strokev.blogspot.com/

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Over the years since the Atkins diet has been introduced, the reviews pertaining to the health of the program have been diverse at best. While many doctors believed that a low-carb diet like Dr. Atkins’ can increase the risks of cancer and heart disease, there have been many studies that have actually proven the opposite to be true. One of the factors that has been looked at in these studies it the link between the Atkins diet and cholesterol levels. At first glance, it appears that many of the food choices on this program would serve to actually increase the “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides. In fact, the opposite has found to be the case in many of the studies regarding the Atkins diet and cholesterol.

A number of folks who have participated in the Atkins diet program have actually seen a reduction in triglycerides, a rise in HDL (“good” cholesterol), and a better ratio between the HDL’s and the LDL’s (“bad” cholesterol). These encouraging results suggest that those on the Atkins diet with cholesterol problems may actually be able to regulate cholesterol levels on their own without the need for medications or other types of therapy. This is good news indeed for those who have seen successful weight loss on the Atkins diet program. Of course, weight loss is a key factor for good cholesterol levels, but there are other reasons for this positive link between the Atkins diet and cholesterol as well.

Why does the Atkins Diet Lower Cholesterol?

When you begin adhering to the Atkins diet program, your body makes the switch from a sugar metabolism to a fat metabolism. As long as you stay well below your allowable level of carbohydrate intake, you should see positive effects on your cholesterol from the Atkins diet. Although some people may see a rise in these levels at the very beginning stages of the diet program, the body adjusts itself quickly to the new menu and in most cases the cholesterol levels will begin to fall. This suggests that our intake of carbohydrates plays a large role in our cholesterol levels, which explains why there is a positive link between a low-carb diet like the Atkins diet and cholesterol.

If you are having a problem with your cholesterol levels, there is a good chance that you are not maintaining a healthy weight for you. With the Atkins diet, your cholesterol levels can correct themselves and your weight can come down to a healthy level as well. It’s a win/win for your body and you.

A patient recently came into my office for a consultation. She was in her early 50s, overweight, and was struggling with constant tiredness and a sense of being overwhelmed. She had tried multiple diets, with little to no success, and when she succeeded in dropping a couple of pounds, they came right back on. She was sick and tired of being sick and tired. She, like countless other baby boomers, is dealing with a physical condition that is nearly epidemic in proportion. If untreated, it has the potential to lead to full blown diabetes. This condition is called insulin resistance.As I have treated numerous patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes, over and over again the thought occurs to me that the diagnosis of diabetes does not magically happen overnight. It is a process that the body goes through as it compensates for an unhealthy state.Diabetes and Insulin ResistanceAt the outset, we must differentiate between Diabetes Mellitus Type I and Type II. Diabetes Mellitus Type I occurs when the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas (beta cells) so that an inadequate amount of insulin is secreted and blood sugar rises, with subsequent life-threatening ketoacidosis. Type II Diabetes, on the other hand, is a product of our Western society’s habit of overeating carbohydrates, especially refined carbohydrates (sugar). It is preceded by the condition I described earlier, called insulin resistance. Before moving on to what procedures I use in my practice to treat diabetes and insulin resistance, let’s look at where this whole problem with diabetes began. This requires us to do some elementary biochemistry. All carbohydrates eventually break down in the body into glucose. As the blood glucose, or sugar, rises, insulin is released from the beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin takes the glucose to insulin receptors on each cell in the body, so that glucose can enter the cell. On the average, 50% of this glucose will be burned as energy, 10% will be stored as glycogen, and 40% is stored as triglycerides. [ii] Glycogen is the storage form of glucose which can be immediately released when the body needs more sugar. Most of the glucose stored as glycogen is in muscle, and the rest is stored in the liver. Triglycerides are a specific type of fat (lipid) molecule that can be burned as energy in the body; however, they are not as easily accessible as glycogen. When refined carbohydrates (sugar) are ingested (cookies, candies, cakes, Twinkies, PopTarts), especially when taken without fiber, blood glucose levels rise rapidly. This rapid rise in blood sugar is followed by an overshooting of the amount of insulin released from the pancreas, causing the blood sugar to drop or fall below normal. The body does not like the sugar levels to be low, so it triggers a stress response in the adrenal gland. The adrenal gland will release adrenalin, which stimulates the breakdown of glycogen in the liver, slowly causing the glucose levels to rise in the blood. Another way to relieve the symptoms of hypoglycemia triggered by this overshooting is by the ingestion of another refined carbohydrate. These two corrective mechanisms may cause the blood sugar to overcorrect (that is, the blood sugar’s too high again), with another overcorrection by insulin, and the cycle repeats itself over and over and over … .Effects of Diabetes on the BodyAfter years of these glucose swings, the cell wall thickens (there are approximately 30 trillion cells in our body), insulin receptors become less efficient at glucose delivery into cells, and insulin resistance results. By definition, insulin resistance is seen as high fasting levels of glucose and insulin. Normal healthy fasting level of glucose is between 75-80, although any number in the 80s is acceptable. A healthy level of insulin in the fasting state is 0-5, while 5-10 is borderline. Anything above 10 is cause for concern. A diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus Type II is made when the fasting glucose level is greater than 126 or 140 on two separate occasions.To understand the effects of high glucose levels to the body, we need to understand a principle called glycosylation [iii] . This is a fancy term for the binding of glucose to proteins. Glycosylated LDL (”bad” cholesterol) molecules do not bind to LDL receptors, nor shut off cholesterol synthesis. Glycosylated red blood cells do not carry as much oxygen, are more sticky, and clump together more. Glycosylation of the lens of the eye may lead to cararacts. Glycosylation of the myelin sheath around nerves leads to loss of nerve function, tingling, pain, and numbness called neuropathy. Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the blood vessels) is the single biggest complication of diabetes. It may be due to platelet stickiness, glycosylated LDL, glycosylated red blood cells, or glycosylation of proteins in the blood vessel wall. Atherosclerosis causes a reduction in blood flow, with subsequent organ damage, hypertension, cyanotic feet (with possible gangrene and amputation), retinopathy, and even kidney dysfunction and failure. Poor healing of skin from infection or trauma leads to chronic ulcers or sepsis (bacteria spreading throughout the body through the blood stream). [iv] High insulin levels affect the body differently. They increase fat formation and storage, while inhibiting fat breakdown to be used as energy. This makes it easy to gain weight, and VERY difficult to lose weight. High insulin also enhances sodium (salt) reabsorption from the kidney, thus promoting water retention and hypertension. High insulin levels also stimulate certain ovarian hormones that result in elevations in free testosterone, with subsequent androgen effects. [v] Treatment for Insulin Resistance and DiabetesDiet is the reason we got into this mess and diet is the key to getting out of it! Since all carbohydrates break down into sugar, we must decrease the total amount of carbohydrates coming into the body. This translates into no more than 60-100 grams of carbohydrates per day — the less, the better. We need to look at those foods that are high and low in carbohydrates. As a start, all sugar must be eliminated. The next highest source of carbohydrates comes from potatoes (look out, Idaho!) and grains such as wheat (bread and pasta) and rice. Fruits are the next highest source of carbohydrates; their mostly fructose sugar is converted in the body into glucose. Certainly, whole fruit, with its fiber, and whole grains (rather than refined flour or wheat) for breads and pasta, and whole brown rice are much better tolerated than the refined, processed white foods and low fiber juices. The legumes, which include beans, peas and soy, have about 1/3 carbohydrates, 1/3 protein, and 1/3 fats. (This is a highly simplified version of these ratios.) Generally nuts and seeds have that same ratio. Vegetables have the least amount of carbohydrates, although corn, tomatoes and carrots (the ones we tend to like the most) are the highest of the vegetables in the carbohydrate category. There are no carbohydrates in meats, cheese, or eggs. So, the recommendation is: eat less of the breads, potatoes, rice, pasta, and fruit categories, and eat more of the legumes, nuts, seeds, vegetables, eggs, cheese and meat (sparingly) categories. Nutritional OptionsThere are nutritional substances that reduce insulin resistance in the body. These include chromium [vi] , vanadium, biotin and alpha-lipoic acid. There is mixed success in reducing carbohydrate cravings with Gymnema or L-Glutamine, but these are certainly worth a try if sugar cravings persist. Vitamin E at 900 IU/day improves insulin action and may prevent many long-term complications. It also plays a significant role in the prevention of diabetes [vii] (the recent vitamin E scare is incorrect). For more information, you may want to visit my blog site, www.drstangardner.com). Magnesium plays an important role in glucose management, through its effect on insulin. Magnesium levels are lowest in those patients with diabetic complications. Vitamin C is needed for collagen formation, which is at the core of all repair in the body. It also improves insulin sensitivity and is a potent antioxidant. It inhibits glycosylation of proteins. [viii] Vitamin B6 protects against diabetic neuropathy, probably because it also inhibits glycosylation. Some studies indicate it may even resolve gestational diabetes. [ix] Omega 6 fatty acids offer protection against diabetic neuropathy, and omega 3 fatty acids protect against atherosclerosis and augment insulin secretion. Niacinamide may prevent development of Type I Diabetes Mellitus. If taken early enough after onset, it may help restore beta cell function, or slow down their destruction in Type I Diabetes Mellitus. [x] Exercise enhances insulin sensitivity, perhaps through increasing levels of chromium. Lowered triglycerides and improved weight loss are other beneficial effects of exercise. The benefits of exercise are addressed in another article. Summary1 Low carbohydrate diet (no more than 60-100 grams per day).2. Chromium (200-400 micrograms/day)3. Vanadium (100-125 milligrams/day long term or 5-10 grams/day, short term)4. General supplements include:a) Vitamin C (2000 mg/day)b) Vitamin B6 (150-200 mg/day)c) Vitamin E (900 IU/day)d) Magnesium ( 600-1000 mg/day)5. If insulin resistance is still present with the above recommendations, add Biotin (9-16 mg/day), Glucophage (500-1700 mg/day). Glucophage needs a prescription.6. For Type I Diabetes Mellitus, Niacinamide (1000-2000 mg/day) and insulinThis approach puts a much heavier emphasis on treating insulin resistance, the underlying cause of diabetes, rather than treating the symptoms of high blood sugar with medications like sulfonylureas that push the beta cells toward increasing insulin release, irrespective of the glucose level in the blood. More insulin is not what is needed. Less insulin resistance is needed. With this approach, we get away from the problems associated with high insulin levels. We also avoid the potential exhaustion of beta cells because of their chronic high production to handle insulin.Diabetes is the end result of problems in the body that can be addressed with nutrition. The positive results I have seen in my practice are incredibly successful! It is critical to begin addressing our health issues at the cause level, rather than the end organ damage level.________________________________________[i] Cecil Textbook of Medicine 19th Edition pp. 1296-1302.[ii] Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, Tortora, Grabowski. 10th Edition pp. 928-9[iii] Textbook of Natural Medicine, Joseph E. Pizzoni Jr, Michael T Murray p. 1200.[iv] Ibid pp. 1200-2.[v] Lukaczer, Dan. “Nutritional Support for Insulin Resistance.” Applied Nutritional Science Reports, 2001.[vi] Anderson R et al. “Beneficial effects of chromium for people with Type II Diabetes.” Diabetes 1996; 45: 124A/454.[vii] Salonen JT, Jyyssonen K, Tuomainen TP. “Increased risk of non-insulin diabetes mellitus at low plasma Vitamin E concentrations. A four-year follow-up study in men.” Br Med J 1995; 311: 1124-27.[viii] White JR, Campbell RK. “Magnesium and Diabetes. A Review.” Ann Pharmacother 1993; 27: 775-80.[ix] Solomon LR, Cohen K. “Erythrocyte O2 transport and metabolism and effects of vitamin B6 therapy in Type II diabetes mellitus.” Diabetes 1989; 38: 881-886.[x] Pocoit F, Reimers JI, Anderson HW. “Nicotinamide-biological actions and therapeutic potential in diabetes prevention.” Diabeto Logia 1993; 36: 574-76.