John Erb, in his book, “The Slow Poisoning of America,” gives evidence that pancreatic function of 1 out of 10 Americans is either severely compromised or non-existent. Seventeen million Americans are now diagnosed with diabetes, with 1 million people in the U.S. over the age of 20 diagnosed with this disease yearly. It is difficult to ascertain what percentage of the population is actually suffering with diabetes, as lower grade symptoms may often go undiagnosed. However, anyone involved in health care is seeing this complaint more and more commonly.
Diabetes can be insulin-dependent or non insulin-dependent. The Islets of Langerhans, specialized cells of the pancreas, fail to manufacture sufficient amounts of insulin, a hormone that is responsible for proper sugar metabolism. A person with diabetes cannot store sugar reserves and must eliminate the excess through the urinary system. Symptoms include increased hunger, frequent urination, dry mouth, increased thirst, weight loss, fatigue, weakness, vision problems, slow healing of wounds, pain in the fingers and toes, itching, lower back pain, swollen or numb feet, depression, sexual impotence, circulatory problems, and septic complaints, such as boils. The causes of diabetes include both genetic and lifestyle factors.
Diabetes is a diagnosis of the medical profession, and the treatment protocols are in its domain. There are many lifestyle adjustments that a person with diabetes can embrace that will improve the overall vitality and possibly favorably influence the blood sugar metabolism. It is essential that anyone taking insulin or any other prescription for blood sugar disorders be carefully monitored as they make these changes, as the dosages will often need to be adjusted.
Overeating overtaxes the pancreas and eventually can shut it down. In this regard, food additives must strictly be avoided. MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), has been shown to have addictive qualities that increase the desire for foods that contain it. MSG is used to produce obese rats for clinical studies. It stimulates the pancreas to produce excess insulin, which will store excess sugars in the tissues. This over-stimulation of the pancreas eventually leads to pancreatic collapse. There is a wealth of information on this subject in the above-mentioned book by John Erb.
Aspartame, a chemical sweetener which is known by various names, is implicated in the formation and aggravation of blood sugar complaints. (see www.dorway.com) I had a client who had been on injectible insulin for 27 years when she came to me. She was feeble and severely depressed. She was drinking diet sodas daily with her doctor’s approval as part of her fluid intake. The only change she was willing to make was to give up the soft drinks and switch to pure water as her only fluid source. Within two months, her insulin requirement was halved, she was able to start going to the gym, and her outlook on life improved greatly. Stevia is a safe, tasty, beneficial, non-caloric herbal alternative to chemical sweeteners.
It is important to work within any prescribed diabetic food regimen for the best benefit. For example, there is more food value in a whole grain carbohydrate than a refined one, or in a fresh vegetable or fruit than a canned or frozen one. Raw foods stimulate the pancreas to increase insulin production. They contain a full array of enzymes that require a minimum of digestive input from the body. It is important to consider a diet based mostly or wholly on raw foods. The glycemic index, or rate at which a food is converted to glucose in the body, is lower for a raw food than for the same food cooked, and this index also increases with cooking time. Trace minerals are essential for glucose metabolism. Raw, organic foods provide the best trace mineral content, and have less chance of containing toxic residues that challenge blood sugar metabolism.
Vigorous exercise increases the metabolism and diminishes the need for insulin. A lack of insulin prevents glucose from entering the cells. Exercise increases the number of insulin receptors in the target cells and also the insulin attraction of the receptors. Therefore, the insulin has a greater effect. Vigorous exercise is invaluable in both types of diabetes, and has many other health benefits, also.
It is important to work on optimizing the entire endocrine system. The hypothalamus and pituitary glands are regulators for this system. Blue-green algae will feed these glands. Sea vegetables will provide the easily assimilated iodine that the thyroid requires, along with a myriad of other trace elements.
Good fats are essential for blood sugar health and general health support. Hemp seed oil is an excellent source of omega 3, 6, and 9 in natural balance. Other excellent sources of natural, unrefined oils are raw nuts and seeds, raw olives, and avocados
A plant-based digestive enzyme will be beneficial in almost every case. Protein sources should be easily digestible. These would include spirulina, soaked raw nuts and seeds, and avocados. A probiotic composed of soil-based organisms will help balance the colon flora and cleanse the intestinal tract without the fasting or a psyllium cleanse that may not be tolerated well by someone with diabetes, and will improve nutrient assimilation.
Foods that are specific are Jerusalem artichoke and string beans, which both contain natural insulin, and cucumber, which aids in insulin production. Whole grains, especially buckwheat, millet, and oats are good. Oat straw tea and horsetail tea contain silicon, which is required by the pancreas for proper functioning. Fructose, or fruit sugar, does not require insulin for its metabolism. Grapefruit and other citrus fruits are good choices, along with bananas in moderation, as they have a tendency to be a bit hard on the kidneys. Greens should be a main part of the diet. They are high in chlorophyll, trace minerals, and fiber. They support liver function, which is often compromised in diabetes. Fringe tree root and balsam apple fruit (bitter melon) are lesser-known herbs that support both liver and pancreatic function.
Dry skin brushing is a good daily routine that will support peripheral circulation and lymphatic and kidney function. Any stress issues must be addressed. Internal oxygen therapy will support blood oxygenation for overall well being. It will specifically support the efficiency of the red blood cells, possibly offer support to the eyesight, and offer some protection from the septic problems, such as gangrene and boils, to which people with diabetes are often subject.
It is well worth the effort to support the body to work to its highest potential.
