Recently our televisions, radios, newspapers and internet news resources have been overflowing with items about insulin resistant diabetes. Television and radio programs as well as newsprint and web news sources seem to be overflowing with items quoting ever increasing numbers of cases that threaten to overrun our hospitals and surgeries. On a more positive note it is encouraging to read about the success of natural methods to
reverse insulin resistance.
Type two diabetics and borderline cases have been successfully treated through a combination of diet and exercise. Not only have borderline cases been corrected before full onset, but established cases have been reversed to the degree that patients have been able to stop taking medication. Before expanding on this further, first a little theory for those not familiar with this aspect of our body chemistry.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps body cells absorb sugar, in the form of glucose, from the blood to provide energy. Sugars arise from foods that contain carbohydrates are released as glucose into the blood. The function of insulin, released by the pancreas when we eat, is to help the body maintain a healthy level of glucose in circulation by allowing it to pass into the cells. Consequently blood sugar levels are lowered, and the cells receive the energy required for normal body functions.
Basically diabetes is a condition in which the levels of sugar prevailing within the bloodstream get out of control. Resistance results in cellular activity being hampered, due to a lack of energy, in the form of glucose, entering the cell. At the same time sugar levels within the blood stream rise to dangerous levels that can have a damaging effect on the structure and functioning of the body. Obesity and insufficient activity is known to hasten and further aggravate the condition.
In most cases the dietary changes required are relatively simple. Consult with a qualified health care professional for full details, but in brief it goes like this. Starchy carbohydrates are a no no so cut out all refined and processed foods high in sugar and starch. Start with refined sugar itself, white flour, bread, rice, cereal and potatoes.
Good quality protein like oily fish from cooler seas that contain Omega 3 fats are definitely in. Mackerel, salmon, shellfish, sardines, small halibut and herring are good examples because the combination of good oils reduces inflammation and works to normalize cholesterol levels. Both these factors are known to contribute towards diabetic conditions.
Foods with a low glycemic index generally reduce spikes in blood sugars from arising and seeds, nuts, coconuts, avocado are good examples. Meat, lean cuts and consumed moderately, and egg is okay but try and source this organically. Green leaf vegetable like cabbage, spinach and kale are a must, as is fruit that facilitates a gradual rising of sugar levels. Apples, peaches, plums, bananas, and grapes are typical of these type of fruits.
The dietary tips proposed here are really just an outline. A quick internet search will provide many more guidelines as will a health care professional. Vitamin and mineral supplements in the correct dosage will also assist the dietary process. The important thing to remember is that with perseverance, it is usually possible to reverse and control this disease. Oh and remember the regular exercise. Regular means at least three times per week for at least thirty minutes but this is one case where more is better.