During my work with people who have diabetes, I have found that they show remarkable improvement in their health and well-being from consuming a plant-based and almost completely raw-food diet. Dr. Gabriel Cousens promotes a mostly raw food, vegan diet for his Diabetic patients who would like to reduce their medications.

After they complete the program, they understand that the type of food they eat has a direct impact on their health. (2) In 2014, Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy published a study in which researchers performed a meta-analysis of six significant prior research studies. Researchers found that a plant-based diet significantly improved blood sugar control in Type 2 diabetes.

The results were that plant-based diets improved a key indicator of blood sugar control, an indicator called Hemoglobin A1c. The results improved as much as 1.2 points, which is much greater than the effect of typical oral diabetes medications. (3)

The benefits of excluding meat, cheese, and eggs from the diet was as much as 0.7 points in some of the studies, and averaged 0.4 points overall. (4)

Dr. James Anderson studied 25 Type 1 and 25 Type 2 diabetics. This study involved placing the patients on a high-fiber, high-carbohydrate, low- fat diet in a hospital setting. Dr. Anderson initially put the patients on the American Diabetes Association recommended diet plan for one week. Then he switched them over to a vegetarian, plant-based diet for three weeks.

None of these patients were overweight when they started the study, but they were on insulin shots to control their blood sugar levels. All through the study, Dr. Anderson measured their blood sugar levels, their cholesterol levels, their medications, and their weight. Type 1 diabetics cannot produce insulin, and it was thought that dietary changes would not affect this situation. But, the results showed that after three weeks on a vegetarian, whole-food, high-fiber diet, the “Type 1 diabetics were able to lower their insulin medication by an average of 40%”, “their blood sugar profiles improved dramatically”. (5)

These results were more impressive with the Type 2 diabetics who had not incurred as much damage to their pancreas. After three weeks on the high-fiber, vegetarian diet, 24 of the 25 Type 2 diabetics could discontinue their insulin medication completely.

The one Type 2 diabetic who wasn’t able to get off his medication had been a 25-year diabetic taking 35 units per day. After three weeks of vegetarian food, his requirement dropped down to only eight units per day. As he continued the vegetarian eating plan at home, he was able to cut out all insulin shots after another eight weeks. (6)

Studies have shown that eating more plant- based whole food increases your dietary fiber intake. This can be extremely important to “protect from the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, some gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, obesity, and non-insulin-dependent diseases. Furthermore, increasing fiber intake provides therapeutic advantages for the management of high blood lipids, certain gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes”. (7)

Besides adopting a plant-based diet, diabetics can take six important dietary food supplements to regulate their blood sugar and support their health:

1. Chromium
2. Cinnamon
3. Omega-3 Fatty-acids
4. Vitamin D
5. Zinc
6. Unrefined, Mineral-rich Salt

The mineral chromium helps transport glucose from the blood to the muscles. According to the National Institutes of Health, “Chromium is known to enhance the action of insulin, a hormone critical to the metabolism and storage of carbohydrates, fat, and protein in the body.” (8)

People who eat non-organic foods have a greater likelihood of being deficient in this important trace mineral. The chemical fertilizers used in industrial farming destroy chromium that would naturally be in the soil. This is one of many reasons organic food is always the best choice at the grocery store.

Chromium supplements should have GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor) on the label. It should say, “Chromium GTF”. Avoid synthetic supplements that don’t list whole, organic foods as the ingredients.

Cinnamon is emerging as a true wonder food. Cinnamon is a spice, and it’s obtained from the inner bark of a few tree species. Research shows that cinnamon can help lower blood sugar, and triglyceride levels in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Cinnamon contains antioxidants that create healthier arteries and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Cinnamon can also benefit us with increased alertness and energized senses. Even a teaspoon a day helps tame blood sugar levels.

Ceylon cinnamon is the best cinnamon to use. Cassia, Saigon, and Chinese cinnamon contain five percent coumarin, which is problematic for the liver. Ceylon cinnamon has only .0004 percent coumarin. Sprinkle it on your morning toast, oatmeal, or other dishes.

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats our bodies cannot make and must obtain from food.

Studies show that adding omega-3 to your diet promotes healthy blood sugar levels. Try adding cold-pressed, organic flax or hemp seed oil to your smoothies and other foods, like oatmeal chia seed pudding in the morning.

Vitamin D (known as the sunshine vitamin) is a prohormone; that is, a fat-soluble vitamin. It is in a family of compounds that includes Vitamins D-1, D-2, and D-3. These vitamins can affect as many as 2,000 genes in the body.

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine studied the medical information of 124 subjects between the ages of 36 and 89 with Type 2 diabetes. Those with the lowest levels of Vitamin D had the highest levels of blood sugar. Only six percent of the subjects were taking a Vitamin D supplement. You may need to address a possible Vitamin D deficiency. I supplement my Vitamin D intake with a whole-food, organic, raw multi- vitamin.

Zinc is one of the most important minerals used by the body. It helps with the production of approximately 100 enzymes. Zinc contributes to building up the immune system. Zinc is required for protein and DNA synthesis, insulin activity, and liver function.

Zinc is not really stored in our bodies, so we need a regular supply. Men need about one-third more zinc than women, because the prostate gland and semen are highly concentrated with zinc. A zinc deficiency may appear as skin problems, impairment of taste, a poor immune system, hair loss, diarrhea, fatigue, wounds not healing properly, or a poor or slow growth rate for infants.

Even if you eat zinc-rich foods, you may need a supplement, because phytic acid and dietary fiber in certain foods can inhibit the absorption of zinc. If you take a vitamin supplement of any kind (such as a multi-vitamin, Vitamin D, chromium, or zinc), make sure it is in a natural form, not a synthetic one. Synthetic forms of any nutrient can be harmful to the body (9). Instead, buy dietary supplements that show whole, organic foods in their ingredient list.

Unrefined mined salt promotes the proper balance for the endocrine, adrenal, and thyroid glands to function properly. It supports healthy blood pressure, detoxifies the body, and—along with water—is necessary for the optimal functioning of the immune system, hormonal system, and cardiovascular health. (10)

Dr. David Brownstein says low-salt diets “promote toxicity” and have: …adverse effects on numerous metabolic markers, including promoting elevated insulin levels and insulin resistance. Finally, low-salt diets will lead to mineral deficiencies and the development of chronic disease.(11)

In conclusion, you can see that diet is a huge factor in curing or managing diabetes, and also preventing many diseases that diabetes often leads to, including blindness, amputation, stroke, and heart disease.

Additionally, it can prevent having to take insulin injections for the rest of your life.

My award-winning book, “Diabetes and your Diet,” can be an extremely helpful resource for you. The book includes nutrition information and recipes, and is available in large print and audio.

It’s a personal decision that no one can make for you. I always feel it is so powerful when someone finally decides to take control of their health and well-being, and chooses to make the necessary changes. It all starts with making that decision and taking action to execute it.

Contact me if I can help you in any way.

Sources:
1 Yokoyama Y, Barnard ND, Levin SM, Watanabe M. (Oct., 2014). “Vegetarian diets and glycemic control in diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Cardiovasc Diagn Ther, 4(5): 373-382. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PM C4221319/
2 Cousens, Gabriel. (2008). There is a Cure for Diabetes. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
3 Yokoyama et. al. 4 Ibid. 5 Anderson, James W. (Dec., 1990). “Dietary Fiber and Human Health.” HortScience, 25(12): 1488-1495. http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/content/25/ 12/1488.full.pdf
6 Ibid.
7 Ibid.
8 National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. “Chromium: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet.” http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Chromium- HealthProfessional/#h10
9 Hendler, SS, & Rorvik, D. (2008). PDR for Nutritional Supplements. Physicians’ Desk Reference Inc: Montvale, NJ. Includes the following relevant articles: Hendler, SS, & Rorvik, D, eds. (2001). “PDR for Nutritional Supplements.” In Medical Economics. Montvale, NJ; Shils ME, Olson JA, Shike M. (1999). Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 9th ed. Williams & Wilkins: Baltimore, MD; R. Thiel. (2000). “Natural vitamins may be superior to synthetic ones.” Med Hypo, 55(6):461-469.
10 Brownstein, David. (2012). Salt Your Way to Health. 2nd edition. Medical Alternative Press.
11 Ibid.

Copyright@nancyaddison2018

Excerpt from “Diabetes And Your Diet” by Nancy Addison.

Nancy’s 7 books on Amazon are also in Audio and some of them are in large print:
 https://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Addison/e/B00E6K5KGY/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1
Nancy’s website is: https://www.organichealthylife.com
Support Nancy’s work – Donate on venmo – @Nancy-Addison

Medical Disclaimer:
Information provided in this podcast, blog, article, video is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Nancy Addison CHC. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.
Do not use the information provided in this blog, audio podcast, article, video  for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.

Information provided in this video or audio and the use of any products or services related to this video by you DOES NOT create a health counselor-client relationship between you and Nancy Addison, certified health counselor. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The post Diet Can Be A Powerful Treatment For Diabetes appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

The word “electrolyte” is a chemical term for salt. We need electrolytes to be healthy. As Dr. David Brownstein says, “Without salt, life itself would not be possible. (1) The misconception about salt stems from the fact that conventional medical doctor’s, who basically are not taught about nutrition, make no differentiation between white, refined salt and unrefined, mineral-rich salt.

Unrefined, mineral-rich salt is important for life, because our enzymes cannot function with it. Mineral-rich salt promotes the proper balance for the endocrine, adrenal, and thyroid glands, so that they function properly. It also supports healthy blood pressure, detoxifies the body, and along with water, is necessary for the optimal functioning of the immune system, hormonal system, and cardiovascular health. (2)

Dr. David Brownstein (a leading thyroid expert and author of Salt Your Way To Health) recommends at least 1 tsp. of mineral-rich salt in an adult diet daily for optimum health.

When we sweat, our body can lose many minerals, and these minerals need to be replenished. Unrefined whole, mineral-rich salt contains these minerals. Mineral-rich salt can also help balance the body by alkalizing it. Maintaining a slightly alkaline pH is important to our health.

The white refined table salt most of us grew up using lacks numerous minerals that are present in whole, natural, mineral-rich salt. Refined table salt is 98 percent sodium chloride with added bicarbonates, chemicals, sugar, and preservatives. Iodine, the main nutrient that supports our thyroid gland, is added to many refined salts, but in insufficient quantities “to prevent thyroid illnesses or to provide for the body’s iodine needs.” (3) Given that iodine dissipates after being exposed to oxygen, table salt could never be a reliable source of iodine anyway.

Many food sources today lack vital minerals and nutrients. Soils are depleted, and refining and processing take out many or all of the nutrients in foods. Salt cravings are actually a signal you may be depleted in nutrients, minerals, and electrolytes. Salt cravings can also be a signal that your thyroid and adrenal glands need minerals. If you have been craving salt or have been under a good deal of stress, you may want to add a drop of iodine daily to your diet to make certain you are getting enough iodine in your diet to support your thyroid. We don’t have many food sources for iodine, and it is extremely important to our health.

Dr. Brownstein says low-salt diets “promote toxicity” and have:

. . .adverse effects on numerous metabolic markers, including promoting elevated insulin levels and insulin resistance. Finally, low-mineral-rich salt diets will lead to mineral deficiencies and the development of chronic disease. (4)

In 1994, The British Medical Journal published a study conducted in the Netherlands. The study examined 100 men and women between the ages of 55 and 75 who had mild to moderate hypertension. When common, refined table salt was replaced with mineral-rich salt high in magnesium and potassium, the study showed a reduction in blood pressure equivalent to that produced by drugs which lower blood pressure. (5)

There are various types of mineral-rich salts, with different mineral contents. Try a few different ones and see which one you like the best. Celtic sea salt is supposed to be high in minerals, but it is from the polluted present-day oceans, and can contain mercury and plastic. Personally, I like to use Bolivian Rose salt and Real Salt (by Redmond).

Mined mineral-rich salt is cleaner and more nutrient-dense, because it was formed when oceans were less polluted, and during a more nutrient-dense time. Minerals have color, so buy salt with pink color. White salt has probably been bleached and has had the minerals stripped from it.

In conclusion, we need mineral-rich pink salt in our diet to be healthy. I think it makes our food taste better also!

As Dr. Brownstein would say, Salt Your Way To Health!

copyright@nancyaddison2023

Sources:
1. Brownstein, David. (2012). Salt Your Way To Health, p. 17. (2nd edition.) Medical Alternative Press.

2. Ibid., pp. 120,107, 87.

3. Ibid, p. 26.
4. Ibid., p. 53.
5. Geleijnse

Nancy’s 7 books on Amazon are also in Audio and some of them are in large print:
 https://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Addison/e/B00E6K5KGY/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1
Nancy’s website is: https://www.organichealthylife.com
Support Nancy’s work – Donate on venmo – @Nancy-Addison

Medical Disclaimer:

Information provided in this podcast, blog, article, video is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Nancy Addison CHC. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.
Do not use the information provided in this blog, audio podcast, article, video  for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.

Information provided in this video or audio and the use of any products or services related to this video by you DOES NOT create a health counselor-client relationship between you and Nancy Addison, certified health counselor. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The post Is There Good Salt And Bad Salt? appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

Dr. Seneff’s website – https://people.csail.mit.edu/seneff/

The post Diabetes, Cancer, Heart Disease, Autoimmune, and Autism Diseases appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

I have noticed that most people are so busy doing everything for everyone else, that they aren’t making enough time to nurture and take care of themselves. Let’s face it, the better we take care of ourselves, the better we can take care of the ones we love.

We all need to take some time each day to slow down, calm the mind, and rest. If we don’t take a little time for ourselves, stress can get hold of us.

Stress is called the “silent killer” for a reason. Stress will put the body into survival mode, and it will break down the immune system. The last thing we need to be doing to ourselves during this busy time is to break down our own immune system.

A nice hot bath or foot soak at the end of the day is always a wonderful way to relax and release stress. You might add some magnesium to the soak. Magnesium is an excellent mineral that can alleviate sore muscles, tension, and headaches. Magnesium can also help promote a good night’s sleep. Magnesium is a water-soluble mineral, so we need to replenish it daily.

I have found that magnesium chloride is the most absorbable version of magnesium. Most magnesium supplements are synthetic. The one I’m using now is naturally mined and is food grade. You can also use a lotion topically, which is very effective. This magnesium chloride I use can be ordered from Elektra Magnesium. (Call to order Direct at 305-788-7629 and use the code NancyA10).

Along with that, here are additional techniques on how to get a handle on stress, and boost the immune system as well!

First – Breathe! Breathe deeply into the diaphragm. When we are stressed, we tend to hold our breath and/or only breathe into our upper lungs. When we do this, it cuts off much of the oxygen to the brain, which makes it harder to think. This type of shallow breathing also tells the body that we are in a fight or flight mode.

Research that has been done with deep breathing exercises has shown an immediate positive impact affecting blood pressure and the PH of the blood. According to Esther Sternberg, a physician and researcher at the National Institute of Mental Health, and author of several books about stress, “Slow Deep Breathing can actually stimulate the body’s reaction that will calm us down.” She says deep breathing is like putting on the brakes of your car.

Pranayama yoga uses breathwork as a regular part of their practice. Cleveland’s Integrative Medicine Clinic has their chronic disease patients learn and practice breathing, using yoga techniques.

Mladen Golubic, a physician at the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Integrative Medicine, says “You can influence asthma, you can influence chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and you can influence heart failure.” There are studies that show that people with those conditions who practice breathing exercises regularly, benefit greatly.

According to Sternberg, when you’re stressed, the body immune system’s ability to do its job to fight infections is seriously compromised. If you want to handle a stressful situation, boost the immune system, and ultimately feel better, you need to breathe deeply and slowly on a regular basis. It’s free, easy, and you can do it anytime and anywhere!

Second- Eat whole organic foods (that are in their pure form, not from a package or fast food container), and eliminate caffeinated beverages from your diet. Many people rely on and become dependent on beverages that contain various forms of caffeine to help them deal with fatigue, which can be caused by stress. Caffeine will actually raise the level of stress hormones in the body, is a bowel irritant, and it is also dehydrating.

Get off the roller coaster of caffeine and try for a steady, even stride of energy. Hydrate your body with abundant amounts of water first thing in the morning, as soon as you wake up and before eating anything. Then eat a densely nutritious breakfast. When our body is really fed on a deep cellular level, we are giving the body the fuel it needs to run on.

Dehydration is a major cause of disease and illness, so hydrate with water or coconut water between meals. Don’t drink water with meals. Drinking water with meals waters down the digestive juices and can keep the body from fully digesting the food. Drink water between meals for hydration. Add a tiny bit of whole unrefined sea salt (electrolyte is a fancy medical term for salt) to the water for additional minerals. This will help the body absorb the water more effectively.

Third: Get a good night’s sleep. Every night, make the last 30 minutes before bed a time of reflection, gratitude, and positive, peaceful thoughts. Sleeping is where our body rejuvenates itself.

A good night’s sleep can make a world of difference in our health and well-being. What we focus on before bed is what our mind is going to ponder over for hours throughout the night.

Have your sleeping space free of clutter and electronics. Make sure that your bedroom can be completely dark. Light can disrupt the sleeping pattern, even if it is just a little nightlight.

Get off your computer or cell phone at least 30 minutes before going to sleep. Unplug your wifi. Free up the mind by taking about 20 or 30 minutes to focus the mind on something positive, joyful and peaceful.

You can also download f.lux (for free) to your computer to help block the blue light as it gets closer to evening. The blue light from cell phones, ipads, or computers can negatively affect our melatonin hormone, which can cause sleep disorders. The elimination of the blue light and tech from your bedroom will create a more peaceful healing environment for restful deep sleep.

Make a list of the things that are on your mind and also things that need to be done the next day. Put them down and get them out of your head. Release the thoughts about problems, and shift the focus to solutions.

Studies done by the Heartmath Institute show that when we focus on positive thoughts like gratitude, compassion or caring, we can actually activate healing responses in the body to the point of even activating our own stem cells.

Meditate, and if you like, you can do it with some soft uplifting music or sounds of running water. If you do need to do something, then read or watch something that is uplifting, positive and relaxing.

Fourth: Make time for laughter! There have been numerous studies revealing clear evidence that episodes of laughter helped to reduce pain, decreased stress-related hormones, boosted the immune system, and decreased anxiety.

I’m actually a certified laughing yoga instructor because I believe in the power of laughter so much. There are now laughter clubs around the world, because there have been so many documented cases that laughter can cure all kinds of health problems and increase the quality of life.

Cancer Centers of America uses laughter therapy now, and says it can:

• Enhance oxygen intake
• Stimulate the heart and lungs
• Relax muscles throughout the body
• Trigger the release of endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers)
• Ease digestion/soothe stomach aches
• Relieve pain
• Balance blood pressure
• Improve mental functions (i.e., alertness, memory, creativity)

Laughter therapy may also help to:

• Improves overall attitude
• Reduce stress/tension
• Promote relaxation
• Improve sleep
• Enhances the quality of life
• Strengthen social bonds and relationships
• Produce a general sense of well-being

(With the opioid crisis killing over 140 people a day, more people have died from opiods than died in the Vietnam War. Don’t you think laughter may be a healthier solution?)

This last year, my daughter Amanda showed me a wonderful free app called Snap Chat. It is easy to use, and it has a part of it that allows you to create funny faces and scenarios. If you follow me on Instagram (nancy.organichealthylife) or facebook (Nancy – Organic Healthy Life), you have probably seen some of the ones I have done with my daughter or my mother.

My mother, who is 92 and doesn’t get out much, absolutely loves it. Each time we find ourselves laughing so hard, I smile the rest of the day or week! It can be a fun thing to do with anyone. It’s easy, free, and can release tension and lift spirits in moments.

I recommend finding something like that, or a great song or movie that makes you feel joyful. Play it whenever you need to shift your energy or lift your mood.

When we are laughing, we can’t be worrying about the past or the future. It makes us completely present. Try it, you may like it.

In conclusion: I heard that in today’s world, we are confronted with more input in one day than our grandparents were in a whole year. As life is speeding up, it is important to know how to slow down, take some time to stop and smell the roses, and focus on what is important in life. Ultimately it is a choice.

If you are feeling depressed or low, find a place to volunteer, or get involved with a group that is doing something that interests you. When we are helping others, or getting involved, we find ourselves feeling empowered, and it can lift our mood and create happiness in our life.

Breathe deeply, eat and drink whole fresh food, focus on the solution and positive things in life, find something that can make you laugh, and release stress from your life.

I send you wishes and love for a marvelous fall season.

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