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B complex Injections for Adrenal Support

10/2/2019

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The adrenals are small glands located at the top of the kidneys that play a major part in your overall health and well-being. One of their main functions is to produce and secrete a hormone called cortisol in response to stress. This process works really well in times of acute stressors, but in today’s society with all of the small and large demands of daily living including work, finances, children, emails, text messages and so on, the adrenals are constantly trying to keep up with the chronic stress that we are experiencing.  It has been estimated that 75-80% of visits to the doctor can be related to stress. The adrenals can only handle the demand for so long before you start to experience symptoms of either elevated or low cortisol such as fatigue, anxiety, low immune function, irritability, depression or low mood and low libido.
 
One of the treatments that I have found the most beneficial in my patients in order to help support the adrenal glands is B complex injections. It may sound scary, but it is a small needle inserted into the muscles on the hip and is quite painless. The injections contain a mixture of Vitamin B5 (dexpanthenol), B complex and Vitamin B12. The body uses B vitamins as cofactors in many of its biochemical pathways in order to produce hormones, regulate DNA, cellular energy and ensure proper metabolism and immune functions. Vitamin B5 is specific to cortisol production and adrenal support. I have seen the injection work much better and quicker than oral B vitamins as it reduces the need for absorption in the gut and goes directly to the bloodstream where it can be utilized by the body immediately.
 
There are no reliable, cost effective tests for most of the B vitamins, but I imagine the majority of the population would be deficient if tested due to our high stress lifestyles. As B vitamins are water soluble the body does not store them and will eliminate what it does not use, so a therapeutic trial to see if you feel better with the B complex injections is one way to know if you are deficient.  Patients getting B complex injections have most often noticed increased energy, better mood and improved sleep.


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Self-Care Tips

7/14/2016

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Self-Care is often a part of life that gets overlooked and taken for granted. We find more joy in looking after others including our children, spouses, pets and friends. However, by looking after yourself you not only set a positive example for all of your loved ones, but you are also better able to help when needed. With July 24th marking International Self-Care Day I wanted to outline a few simple ideas to help you take care of yourself.
 
 
#1 – Take time for yourself every day
Whether it be 5 minutes or 2 hours get into a routine where you are able to set aside time each day to do things that you love to do. Including but not limited to reading, walking, yoga, meditating or simply just sit and relax.
 
#2 – Exercise
You have probably heard this one many times, but exercising daily has shown to be one of the best ways to reduce stress and has been scientifically proven to lower your chances of chronic illness. Exercise for at least 30 minutes each day can be as simple as going for a walk and outdoors has shown greater benefit.
 
#3 – Cook your meals at home
Cooking your meals from scratch using fresh, whole ingredients can give your body the micronutrients and minerals that it needs. If you are new to the kitchen consider taking cooking classes or pick up a cookbook from the library. We recommend Whole Life Nutrition, Nourishing Meals or the Oh She Glows Cookbooks for simple healthy recipes.
 
#4 – Sleep
Making sure that you are getting to bed at a reasonable time and getting good quality sleep allows the body the time it needs to reset and repair itself. Difficulty sleeping can be related to many factors and if you are unable to fall asleep or waking throughout the night consider talking to your health care provider.
 
#5 – Positive thinking Exercises
Studies have shown that exercises such as journaling, consciously showing gratitiude, physical activity, meditation and random acts of kindness are able to “rewire” the brain and reduce stress. Doing any or a mix of these activities daily can change your attitude to become more positive overall.
 
 
Remember that loving and caring for yourself is as important, if not more important than caring for others. Take time to work on your own well-being and those around will do the same. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us anytime.

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Mental Health Awareness

10/14/2015

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Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week and as Naturopathic Doctors we are well trained to be part of a complete integrative health team. Mental health has many different causes and treatments and we are able to help assess and treat any vitamin, mineral or nutrient deficiencies that may be playing a role in serious mental health conditions. Neurotransmitters for instance, are a major factor in mood and imbalance can lead to symptoms of depression or anxiety. We have the ability to measure the levels of all the different neurotransmitters to treat any excess or deficiency directly as opposed to merely guessing or assuming that it is always low serotonin which is commonly treated using antidepressant medications. Combining this test with hormone levels can give a complete picture of factors that work together to stabilize mood. Common supplements that have been shown to improve mental health include omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin D, iron and vitamin B12. Recent research is starting to look at methylation of DNA and the active form of folic acid playing a significant role in mental health conditions. Mental health is a very difficult topic to discuss and can often be hard to assess and treat. Mental health awareness week has helped improve this dialogue and with the tools mentioned above and the proper health care team to assist in individualizing the treatment plan a profound effect on the outcome of mental health conditions can be obtained. For more information please feel free to contact us anytime.  

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What is Grape Seed Extract?

9/16/2015

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Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) contains compounds known as proanthocyanidins as well as vitamin E, flavonoids and linoleic acid which act in the body as potent anti-oxidants and have many therapeutic benefits. Anti-oxidants are able to scavenge free radicals in the body that damage cells and create inflammation. Grape seed extract is often confused with Grapefruit seed extract as both may be abbreviated as GSE, but grapefruit seed is used mostly as an anti-microbial and should not be used long term. Grape seed extract on the other hand may be used long term as it can help reduce inflammation and LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol known to be associated with atherosclerosis. Grape seed has also been shown to protect normal cells during certain chemotherapies and can be toxic to cancer cells therefore increasing the effect of the cancer treatment while reducing side effects. The anti-oxidant properties of grape seed can also help to reduce the symptoms of both asthma and seasonal allergies.

Grape seed supplements come in many different forms and it is important to get a high quality product that has been standardized to the proanthocyanidins and contains a high enough dose to achieve a therapeutic benefit.

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Why Iron is Important for Your Body

8/4/2015

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Iron is one of the most critical elements needed for your body to function properly. Most commonly known for its’ role in carrying oxygen in the blood and delivering it to the tissues in the body, iron is also necessary for many other biochemical pathways including the production of energy in every cell in the body. The mitochondria are the energy producers of the cells and generate ATP to use as energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation or cellular respiration. Iron is required in order to complete this reaction and produce energy for the cells.

Symptoms of iron deficiency commonly include fatigue, hair loss, anxiety, heart palpitations, restless legs, shortness of breath, tingling or numbness and insomnia.

Lab testing for iron levels can be done in a variety of ways, but the most accurate is by testing Ferritin levels which measures the amount of iron that is stored in the body. Testing iron levels in the blood directly can give a false normal as the body is able to draw the iron from the Ferritin to make the iron levels look normal. Iron deficiency symptoms can occur as the Ferritin levels drop even though the iron levels appear to be normal. Ferritin also can give you an idea of generalized inflammation and chronic disease occurring in the body if the levels are too high.

If your Ferritin levels are low it is important to supplement with a high quality iron as soon as possible as iron levels increase slowly. We prefer to use iron in the bisglycinate form as it has been found to increase iron stores quicker and maintain them for longer than other forms like ferrous sulfate.  We also find that there are little to no side effects when using bisglycinate. Foods can help to maintain iron levels, but do not contain enough iron to raise Ferritin. Foods that are higher in iron content include meat, eggs, dark leafy green vegetables, molasses and beans.

It is possible for iron toxicity to occur if levels are too high or you have a rare genetic condition known as Hemachromatosis. Therefore, it is extremely important to consult a health care practitioner and have your Ferritin checked prior to starting any supplementation with iron.


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Food Sensitivity Questions Answered

2/24/2015

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1. Why is it that some foods cause an allergic reaction and others don't?

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Everyone’s immune system is unique and always changing as we contact antigens in the environment.  Antigens being anything from microbes to dust to the proteins found in dairy that cause a response from the immune system.  When an antigen comes into contact with the immune system different immune responses can occur depending on the type of antigen. 

Hypersensitivity reactions are what commonly occur to foods which there are four types.  The peanut allergy is caused by a type I reaction mediated by IgE.  Peanuts in general are highly allergenic because of their chemical composition, some people’s immune systems will react and others won’t because of the variance in our immune systems.  So using the peanut example what commonly happens is the person is exposed to peanuts 1 or 2 times before the reaction becomes anaphylactic.  The peanut is ingested for the first few times and the body becomes sensitized to the antigen (peanut) and starts to produce an antibody known as IgE against it.  IgE binds to receptors on mast cells which cause them to degranulate releasing histamine causing a variety of reactions ie. Shortness breath.  Lots of IgE is formed against the peanuts after 1-2 times of exposure and the next time you consume it will cause a large anaphylactic reaction since it will bind to many mast cells. 

With other foods like dairy the body reacts to the protein called casein in it causing IgG to form which is a type 3 immune reaction.  IgG is a delayed response so symptoms are more subtle like gas, bloating, skin reactions, mucus formation, etc.  (This is not the same as lactose intolerance which is lack of the enzyme lactase causing the inability to break down dairy.)

Some foods are just more commonly recognized by the body as foreign and really it just depends on the person and their immune system.


2. How is it that we can become allergic to something all of a sudden and, contrarily, how can you just get over an allergy?

So again, the immune system (adaptive immunity) is always changing (ie. You are building up your immunity all the time which is usually why you don’t get the flu twice in one season unless it is a different strain or why you don’t get chicken pox twice since your body has already mounted an immune response to that virus so next time it sees it the body know exactly how to fight it off so you won’t get sick).  We can change our immune system by adding different treatments to help modulate the immune response like probiotics, herbs like astragulus, reishi, ginseng, Echinacea etc.  In the same way everything we come into contact with will change our adaptive immunity.  With IgG food allergies if we avoid the antigen like dairy for a few months the immune system recovers and adapts and when slowly reintroduced it’s possible that there will be no reaction.  With IgE reactions it takes a much longer time to change and typically this is why people are allergic to substance all their lives.
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Simple Solutions to Help Lower Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

1/29/2014

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Lowering Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Naturally

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High blood pressure and high cholesterol can both lead to the development of heart disease if they are not treated appropriately.  These are very common concerns in our society and there are some easy treatments that you can add into your daily life at home.

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The two biggest recommendations are things that we are sure you have heard before, but we cannot stress the importance of them enough and they are eating fruits and vegetables and exercising daily.  Fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants, fiber, minerals, nutrients and so on.  Exercise is needed to maintain a healthy body weight and keep the heart healthy.  It has been shown that those with higher consumption of fruits and vegetables and a moderate exercise level have a significantly lower risk of heart disease.   With this said we recommend trying to eat a minimum of 4 servings of fruit and 4 servings of vegetables daily.  This may sound like a lot, but serving sizes are not as large as you may think.  For example, a serving of fruit would be an apple or half a cup of blueberries and a serving of vegetables would be a half cup of broccoli or half of an avocado.  Exercise does not have to be an intense day at the gym (unless this is something you enjoy) it can start out simply as 30 minutes of walking daily ensuring you get your heart rate up.  The research has shown that you can even split this up into two 15 minute walks daily.  The next treatment to add in is another simple one and that is getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night or what you need for your body to feel rested.  This is important for blood pressure regulation as it allows the body time to relax and repair itself.   

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Diet can have a huge impact on heart health and an important vegetable to add in to help lower blood pressure and potentially cholesterol is celery.  Celery contains chemical compounds (phthalides) which help stabilize blood vessels, therefore, allowing blood to flow more smoothly.  Other dietary interventions that can help lower cholesterol are daily consumption of pomegranate juice which is also a strong antioxidant, unroasted/unsalted almonds which is also a good protein source and healthy fat source, consuming whole rolled oatmeal or oatbran for fiber and including organic soymilk for the isoflavone content.  Daily consumption of raw garlic and dark chocolate, 70% or greater (typically patient’s favourite),  lowers both blood pressure and cholesterol.   Raw olive oil and cinnamon both help to stabilize blood glucose levels and lower cholesterol and are especially good for diabetic patients.  Turmeric is also a spice that can be added in to the daily diet as it is very anti-inflammatory and can help with blood vessel stability.  Consumption of fish like organic wild salmon once per week can help provide omega 3 fatty acids which are highly anti-inflammatory and helps raise good cholesterol (HDL) therefore helping to balance and normalize cholesterol levels. 

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Integrating these interventions into your daily diet is simple, as you can have a salad with celery and homemade dressing with garlic and olive oil and you can even add turmeric to the dressing.  Soymilk can go in cereal or can be put in oatmeal with cinnamon and almonds.  Teas can be made with hibiscus, linden flower, dandelion, gingko, hawthorn and/or globe artichoke that not only help slow our day down by enjoying a cup of tea, but also help with lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. 

These are just a few of the diet and lifestyle interventions that can help in conjunction with Naturopathic treatments and/or with pharmaceutical medications.  These can be tried before prescriptions are used and if you are interested in how much you should be consuming of these exact foods please see a Naturopathic Doctor.  There are also many nutrients, minerals and botanical medicines that can be added to your individualized treatment.

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Natural Cold and Flu Prevention

10/16/2013

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It’s that time of year again when people begin to start coughing or sniffling around you.  Be prepared and take a preventative, natural approach to colds and flus.  There are many things you can do to prevent and treat colds through diet and lifestyle as well as supplements and herbal medicines.  So first let’s start with the basics of hygiene and then we will talk about diet and lifestyle as well as supplements and herbal medicine that can prevent and treat illness.

Hygiene
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water – this is preferred to hand sanitizers.

Diet and Lifestyle
  • Increase consumption of Vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables: organic peppers, lemons, organic berries, broccoli, oranges, organic greens, etc.
  • Eat raw garlic and onions as both have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and immune modulating effects.  Add raw to salad dressing, soups or try to add near the end of cooking to get the most benefit.
  • Try to have 1-2 tbsp raw pumpkin seeds daily as a source of zinc which helps the immune system.
  • Try to have 1-2 raw brazil nuts daily as a source of selenium which helps regulate immune function.
  • Avoid coffee and switch to green tea or other herbal teas like licorice, echinacea or elderberry.
  • Avoid refined carbohydrates – white and brown sugar, white pasta, white bread, white rice and processed foods which all can inhibit immune function.
  • Consume adequate amounts of good quality proteins (local eggs, raw nuts and seeds, legumes, peas, lentils, organic tofu and tempeh, organic grass fed meats – chicken, lamb or wild game, fish – salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, herring) about 0.8 g/kg body weight per day.
  • Limit alcohol consumption and when having use red wine as this has the least effect on the immune system.
  • Ensure you are getting an adequate amount of sleep for your body (7-9 hours per night) so the immune system can stay strengthened.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes daily and do one activity that helps release stress like journaling, yoga, meditation, deep breathing, stretching, etc.  Stress causes an increase in cortisol in the body which in turn shuts the immune system off.
  • Try to finish your showers on cold or try contrast showers (alternating hot and cold) as well as dry skin brushing which both can help with lymphatic circulation and elimination.
  • If you are prone to sinus issues using a neti pot daily can help keep the nasal passages clear and prevent stagnation of fluids.

Supplements/Herbal Medicine
  • Deep Immune is a great preventative treatment to support the immune system and  it contains the following herbs: Astragalus, Codonopsis, Reishi, Ginseng, Ligustrum, Schisandra, White Atractylodes, Licorice.  These herbs not only help modulate the immune system they also are adaptogenic which means they help support your body during times of stress.
  • Vitamin C + Bioflavonoids can help enhance the immune system and replenish the adrenal glands which become depleted with stress and caffeine use.
  • Vitamin D can be used daily during the winter months to keep the immune system balanced.
  • Omega 3 fish oil can be consumed daily for its anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Multi-strain Probiotics taking one bottle once per year (unless you have another condition that is helped by daily supplementation) can help replenish good bacteria in the gut to balance the immune system since 80-90% of immune function is located here.

If you do get a cold remember these tips as well:
  • If you are coughing or sneezing do it in to a bent arm rather than onto your hands  – this prevents transmission.
  • Use vinegar and water as a disinfectant.
  • If you have a lot of congestion it is best to avoid mucous forming foods: all cow and goat dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, yogurt), eggs, bananas, refined sugars and orange juice.
  • Steam inhalation with some eucalyptus oil and fennel seeds can help expel congestion.
  • Allow the body to experience a mild to moderate fever (1-3 degrees above normal 37.3°C) without suppressing it as this is the immune system working to help you feel better.
  • If you aren’t feeling well stay home from work and let your body rest and recover.  This also prevents transmission.
  • Vitamin C can be dosed up to bowel tolerance (until you have loose stools) and then back down one dose to enhance immune activation.
  • Oregano oil can be taken while you have a cold or flu but should not be taken daily as a preventative tactic as it can be liver toxic when taken long term.
  • Increased doses of Vitamin D can be taken during illness – it is important to remember that Vitamin D is fat soluble which means that it is stored in the body so you can take too much.
  • Virafect which is a botanical tincture with the following herbs: Andrographis, Wild Indigo, Echinacea, Holy Basil leaf, Thuja.  These herbs are anti-viral as most colds are caused by a virus which is why antibiotics aren’t necessary. 
  • IV therapy can be helpful to enhance immune function and recover faster using a Myer’s cocktail (high dose B vitamins, Vitamin C, Calcium and magnesium) with added glycyrrhizic acid (licorice extract) for anti-viral effects.
  • Manuka or local unpasteurized honey can help to soothe sore throats as well as adding anti-microbial effects to fight infections.

Living a healthy lifestyle by eating a diet full of whole foods, fruits and veggies, exercising regularly and managing stress are the best ways to keep the immune system functioning properly throughout the year to prevent illness.


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Diabetes Information and Treatments

9/6/2013

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Type 1 vs. Type 2

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is also known as ‘Juvenile Diabetes’ as it is most often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. Type 1 diabetes is a genetic condition that involves the loss of beta-cells from the pancreas whose function is to produce insulin. This in turn leads to a lack of insulin in the body and therefore a dysfunction of blood sugar regulation which may result in several different complications if not monitored and managed properly. For reasons of complexity, the majority of this article will focus on monitoring, treatments and risks of Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes differs from Type 1 as it is not independently related to genetic causes and is caused mainly by poor diet and lifestyle. People with Type 2 diabetes are still able to produce insulin, however the receptors that take up the sugar from the blood have become resistant or less sensitive to the insulin and will therefore lead to higher levels of blood sugars. Type 2 diabetes is generally diagnosed later in life, but there has been a great increase in the number of children and adolescents diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes due to the availability of processed foods and refined sugars. The most effective treatments for Type 2 diabetes include diet and lifestyle changes.

Hormones involved in blood sugar regulation

Insulin

Insulin is made in the pancreas by beta-cells and is secreted in to the body after the consumption of sugars. It functions to remove the sugar from the bloodstream and deliver it to the tissues of the body to be used as energy. Special receptors on the tissues recognize the insulin and this acts as a signal to move sugar out of the blood therefore lowering the amount of sugars in the blood stream. When the body is consistently overloaded with sugar, the receptors become less sensitive to this signal and high blood sugars are seen upon testing and Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed.

Glucagon

Glucagon, which is also made by the pancreas, essentially acts in opposition to insulin and signals the liver to convert stored glycogen to glucose and send it in to the blood stream. This is done in response to low sugar in the blood as it draws from the stored glucose to feed starving tissues in the absence of food sources.

Monitoring and Lab Work

Fasting Blood Glucose

This test is used as a screening test for diabetes and measures the amount of glucose or sugar that remains in the blood after fasting for 8-12 hours. This can be an indicator for how well the insulin signal is working or if the body is lacking insulin. High blood glucose results should be repeated at a later date in order to make a diagnosis.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

The OGTT involves a challenge to the system with a standard glucose solution after a fasting blood glucose test. The blood sugar is then measured two hours after ingesting the glucose solution. This test is used for diagnostic purposes and commonly used during pregnancy for screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes.

Hemoglobin A1C

HbA1c is used to determine the amount of hemoglobin that has been effected by the elevated levels of glucose in the blood. Normally, hemoglobin carries oxygen to and from the tissues in the body through the blood, however when glucose is high it binds to the hemoglobin and disrupts its normal function. This test does not require fasting and is used mainly to monitor the effectiveness of treatments every three to six months.

Risks

Cardiovascular

Individuals diagnosed with diabetes are at greater risk for developing heart disease. This risk can be calculated using the UKPDS Risk Calculator based on equations from the Framingham Heart Study. The risk varies depending on whether or not the blood glucose levels are being monitored and controlled properly. The dangers typically lie with those who go uncontrolled and have chronically elevated blood glucose levels. It is extremely important for those with Type 1 diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels multiple times per day for reasons that are beyond this article such as ketoacidosis however, studies have shown that those with well controlled Type 2 diabetes are able to monitor less frequently and constant monitoring may actually cause unwarranted stress and harm.

Kidney

Approximately 1% of patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes will result in kidney failure requiring dialysis. This is caused by uncontrolled, chronically elevated blood sugar levels. Be sure to monitor kidney function appropriately with help of a medical professional.

Neuropathy

Diabetics are at greater risk of developing neuropathy in peripheral limbs, most commonly the feet as well as in the eyes. It is important to monitor the hands and feet for any ulcerations and lack of sensation and to have eye exams performed on a yearly basis. Again, proper management of blood sugar levels can greatly reduce the risk of these complications.

Diabetes greatly increases the risk of many different comorbidities that we did not go in to detail here and these can be reduced through proper monitoring, treatment and control of blood sugar levels. If you are diagnosed with diabetes it is recommended that you work with a health care professional to assess and monitor your risks.

Treatments

Exercise

This is one of, if not the most effective treatment option for those with Type 2 diabetes. Physical activity leads to the muscle tissue creating more insulin receptors which ultimately increase the effectiveness of the insulin signal and more sugar is moved from the blood in to the muscle tissue. This helps regulate blood sugar levels and a difference may be seen after only a thirty minute walk. It is recommended to measure blood glucose before and after physical activity to see the vast difference that it can make. Caution is urged to those on insulin and/or medication therapy as dosage adjustments may be necessary to avoid hypoglycemia. This can be done with the help of a health care professional. Aside from lowering blood glucose levels, exercise will also lead to other positive changes such as weight loss, elevated mood and increased energy. Start with low intensity physical activity (20-30 minute walk per day) and slowly increase that intensity of the activity based on your own limitations.

Diet

Diets low in carbohydrates as advocated by Dr. Richard K. Bernstein, have been shown to lower blood glucose levels and lead to more well controlled blood sugar levels. Consuming foods that do not contain or are lower in carbohydrates limits the amount of sugars available for absorption and ultimately keeps them out of the blood stream where they can cause harm. As the body does require some form of carbohydrate in order to function optimally, it is best if the foods eaten contain mainly complex carbohydrates. These include fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Complex carbohydrates take longer for the body to digest and are absorbed more slowly than simple or refined sugars which cause an immediate spike in blood glucose levels. We advocate a simple whole food diet made up mostly of plants, healthy fats and proteins.

Drug Therapy

The most common and effective drug for diabetes on the market is called Metformin. This drug helps regulate blood sugars levels without the risk of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. It helps to increase the body’s response to the insulin released after ingesting foods. Relative to the other drugs on the market, Metformin has been shown to safely control blood sugar levels and reduce risk of cardiovascular events in those with diabetes.  The main side effect of Metformin is gastrointestinal upset or abdominal pain, which is rare if prescribed properly.  As mentioned previously, the best treatments for Type 2 diabetes include a healthy diet and consistent exercise, but pharmaceutical therapy may be necessary in conjunction with diet and exercise. Drugs are not a substitute for healthy living.

Insulin is used in Type 1 and advanced Type 2 diabetes. If you are currently being treated with insulin it is important to constantly monitor your blood sugar levels and use the appropriate dose as prescribed by your doctor. If starting a new diet or exercise regime that will lower blood sugars then be aware that your dose of insulin may need to be adjusted with the help of a health care practitioner.

There are several other drugs that are used in the treatment and management of Type 2 diabetes but we will not go in to detail about those in this post. Our goal with this blog is to address the most common and effective treatments for diabetes.

Conclusion

Type 2 diabetes has become more and more common in the last decade and is starting to be diagnosed in younger populations in epidemic proportions. This is entirely unacceptable with the advances being made today in modern medicine and the well documented connection to food, activity and diabetes. We believe that with proper medical care at an early age, Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or treated with the use of healthy foods and exercise.



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Save Money and Nourish Yourself!

8/21/2013

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This idea may sound a little backwards, but I will explain how you can save money by spending more for high quality foods. As with most products the old adage, “you get what you pay for” holds true with food products. Food prices have been able to avoid inflation and remain the same for many decades due to some creative additives such as high fructose corn syrup, government subsidies and factory farming methods. We are paying the actual cost by giving up the nutrients that our body requires and have seen a large increase in rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. One theory actually suggests that the deficiency of nutrients found in the lower priced foods may account for an increase in cravings as the body is not receiving the proper nutrition. This directs the brain to signal to the rest of the body that it needs to take in more food in an attempt to gain these nutrients causing an overall increase in caloric intake ultimately leading to weight gain. We believe that spending more money during your trips to the grocery store on high quality foods like fruits and vegetables, will not only increase your health, but will in the long run lead to lower food costs as you will be consuming and buying less food. By eating foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals, the body will receive the nutrients it needs to function properly and your hunger will be satisfied longer and more often.


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