Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects some 17 million Americans. There are different types of diabetes, depending upon the age of onset and other factors. Diabetes is increasing in the populations of most developed nations. There is a connection between refined carbohydrate consumption, obesity and stress as causes of adult onset diabetes.An Insulin Deficiency?
Diabetes is not simply a deficiency of insulin, if that were so, replacing insulin would be the answer. However, diabetics on insulin still experience numerous effects of their illness such as neuropathy, atherosclerosis, kidney damage, blindness and other complications.
Nutritional research reveals many interesting aspects of diabetes, and offers new ways to prevent and alleviate this condition. The basic approach of nutrition is to restore the pathway by which the body transports and processes glucose.
Causes of Diabetes
Stress and deficient diets lead to many biochemical abnormalities in the energy pathway. The energy pathway is the means by which the body converts sugars from the diet to ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is the fuel molecule used by the body cells. Many nutrients are involved in the energy pathway. It is very complex. Here is a brief summary:
· Cortisol and cortisone secreted by the adrenals glands convert stored fuel to glucose, raising blood sugar levels.
· Manganese, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, and pantothenic acid are all essential for adrenal gland activity.
· Excessive tissue calcium and magnesium interfere with transport of nutrients and hormones into the body cells.
· Zinc is needed to make insulin, to secrete insulin and to extend the action of insulin. Insulin is the substance that transports glucose from the blood into the cells.
· Chromium helps the insulin molecule attach to the cell walls to transport glucose into the cells.
· Manganese, magnesium, iron, copper and a variety of B vitamins are needed to convert glucose to ATP.
· Vitamin E protects delicate enzymes from oxidant damage.
· Thyroid hormone acts as the spark to help utilize glucose within the cells.
· Potassium sensitizes the tissues to thyroid hormone.
· Manganese and iodine are needed for thyroid activity.
Toxic Metals
Sugar and carbohydrate intolerance can occur due to blockages at any step in the energy pathway. Besides nutrient deficiencies, poisons such as fluoride, chlorine, pesticides, and many others can inhibit enzymes needed to convert glucose to ATP.
Toxic metals may also interfere with glucose utilization. For example, cadmium interferes with zinc. Copper toxicity interferes with zinc and manganese. Iron toxicity interferes with chromium utilization.
There is a familial or hereditary pattern to diabetes. However, careful living and eating habits can often overcome the tendency to diabetes. Poor eating habits and excessive stress can create a trend for diabetes even when the hereditary tendency is not present.
Hair Analysis Indicators of Diabetes
Dr. Paul Eck found that certain hair mineral analysis ratios are associated with an increased tendency for diabetes. The main indicators are a sodium/potassium ratio less than 2.5:1, and/or a calcium/magnesium ratio greater than 12:1 or than 3:1. Low zinc, manganese, potassium or chromium also indicates a tendency for carbohydrate intolerance.
These are trends only. It may take years for a trend to develop into illness. Also, in some individuals the trend may be masked by other factors so that it is not revealed on the first hair analysis.
Control of Diabetes
The standard medical approach to diabetes is the use of insulin shots or sugar-lowering drugs. Both these methods have side effects and do not prevent some of the complications of diabetes. While they may be needed in some cases, natural approaches can be helpful and safe addition to any program to control diabetes.
Adult onset diabetes responds the best to nutritional methods. Diet plays an important role in the control and correction of diabetes. While there is individual variation, many individuals improve on a low-carbohydrate diet. This may not be in agreement with the recommendations of many physicians. Fast oxidizers, in particular, do not handle carbohydrate foods very well. Careful attention to diet and its effect upon blood sugar is of critical importance.
Stress plays a larger role in diabetes. Sugar levels often rise under stress due to excess adrenal activity. Controlling stress by any means will help all diabetics. Lifestyle is important. Relaxation, meditation, massage or other natural therapies may all be helpful.
Obesity is a factor in many causes of adult onset diabetes. Diet is the most common cause of obesity, but other factors may be responsible as well.
Supplementation
Nutritional supplements can be of great benefit to both prevent and correct diabetic tendencies on a hair analysis. Random supplementation is not as beneficial as a scientifically designed program that takes into account the oxidation type, toxic metals, and trace element deficiencies.
In addition to the recommended nutrient program, the dosages of chromium, manganese and zinc can usually be doubled for those with diabetes. Pancreas glandular and herbs may also be helpful for some diabetics.
Comments
i have suger in the blood can you help
Carolyn Dean MD, ND, author of numerous books including “The Magnesium Miracle” and Medical Director of the non-profit, Nutritional Magnesium Association at nutrtionalmagnesium.org has this additional information to share that I thought you and your readers may find useful.
1. Magnesium helps the body digest, absorb, and utilize proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
2. Magnesium is necessary for insulin to open cell membranes for glucose.
3. Magnesium helps prevent obesity genes from expressing themselves. Not all forms of magnesium are absorbable by the body. One of the most absorbable forms of magnesium that is safe is magnesium citrate in powder form that can be mixed with hot or cold water.
For more information contact The Nutritional Magnesium Association at nutritionalmagnesium.org
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