Currently, a lot of of the world’s population have used or are using some type of herbal supplement.As the popularity of these supplements continues to increase, some people use these supplements in place of traditional medications. It is important that everyone be informed about the safe use of herbal supplements before taking them.
Using herbal supplements to fix health problems and heal injuries seems like a win-win situation. Herbal medicines are those with active ingredients made from plant parts, such as leaves, roots or flowers.Today, herbal remedies can come in a variety of forms such as: pills, powders, teas, extracts, and fresh or dried plants. Such remedies are believed to be safe as they are made from natural plants but arent.
Otherwise known as botanicals, herbs which can be found in both foods and supplements differ from vitamins and minerals in that they can be used for health-supporting purposes, and generally support a particular area of health such as bones or the liver.
The fact that something comes from a plant does not mean it is harmless. There are numerous plants out there sporting poisonous leaves or other plant parts.
Unlike conventional medications, herbal supplements do not undergo rigorous scientific study using randomized, controlled clinical trials that are designed to measure objective “end points.”
In the same way that conventional medications can have unpleasant side effects or dangers if taken together, plant-based therapies can potentially interact in undesirable ways.
A major misconception is that plant-based remedies, like food plants, are safe in any amount and for an unlimited amount of time. The reality is that taking too much or using them for too long is as risky as over using traditional medications.
Only a medical professional or trained herbalist should determine if a particular substance is harmless and effective. (Keep in mind that not all doctors are experts in alternate therapies. It is to a patient’s advantage to do some research and bring the results to the doctor.)
Researching safe dosages, and following the product maker’s guidelines are vital steps. And be sure to know the proper interval between doses and how long it takes for the remedy to produce results.
Always start with low doses and pay close attention to how you are responding to it. Slowly increase the dose until you reach the recommended dosage. Some herbs may act pretty quickly, others take a week, several weeks, or sometimes up to a couple of months to show results.
Of course, many herbs have been tested and work well for their intended purpose. Many are also quite safe, but the word “natural” will not tell you which ones are safe and which ones are not safe.
How to Choose and Use Herbal Remedies Safely
These tips can help guide you through the processes of finding and using herbal remedies safely.
It’s tempting to blindly follow trends and load up your shopping cart with every great-sounding supplement on the market. Research wisely, gaining enough knowledge to understand the supplement’s potential benefits and its potential risks and side effects.
Look closely at the claims made about the product. How is the product described? Is it a “miracle” pill that “melts away” fat? Will it work faster than regular care? Is it a secret your health care provider and drug companies don’t want you to know? Such claims are red flags. If something’s too good to be true, it probably is not.
Remember “real-life stories” are not scientific proof. Many products are promoted with real-life stories. Even if the quote comes from a provider, there’s no proof that other people will get the same results.
Consult with a trained herbalist or naturopathic physician both of whom can steer you in the right direction . This is your health that’s at stake!
Herbal supplements are comprised of powerful components that, when mixed with other medications (as well as certain foods and alcohol), may interfere with the ways in which other chemicals are processed ,intensifying the side effects of some medications while weakening the therapeutic benefits of others.
You must understand your own symptoms first and foremost,the more that you understand about yourself and your health conditions, the easier it will be to choose a herbal remedy.
Before trying a product, talk with a professional herbalist.I made an error here myself I bought some chinese and indian medicine online to help me with my menopausal symptoms but it interfered with my Type 1 diabetes medication that is my insulin so I stopped taking it and it gave me other side effects too such as vagina infections such as thrush.
So be very careful when it comes to taking herbal medicines because they can have dangerous side effects especially for us diabetics.
However this is not true for everyone it is a matter of trial and error and if you contact a trained herbalist with a lot of knowledge in this area herbal medicine can be very beneficial so I wouldnt rule out using it !
Its just a matter of getting the correct advise which I failed to do but I learned my lesson and I have found that a healthy diet full of plant based foods makes the menopause symptoms less severe!
Anyway that’s all I want to say on the matter here.I hope you find this article useful but it’s not intended to turn you off using herbal medicine just to warn you of the potential dangers of using herbal medicine for a long period of time without the right guidance!
Ask for a good herbalists opinion. Is the product safe? What are the chances it will work? Are their risks? Will it interact with other medicines? Will it interfere with your treatment?
The same precautions apply as any other medicine. The more you know about herbal medicine and their impact on the body, the better equipped you’ll be to safeguard your well-being.
Check for a seal of approval
Different brands offer different ingredients and concentrations. Once you know which natural herbs might be right for you, inspect their labels carefully.
What you should be looking for is whether the herb is standardized—a method in which the herb is chemically tested to determine the potency of its active compounds.
Buy only from companies that have certification on the label, such as “USP Verified” or “ConsumerLab.com Approved Quality.” Companies with these certifications agree to test the purity and quality of their products.
Additionally, check the label to ensure that the supplement meets the FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP), which certifies that manufacturing processes are up to present standards and details the product’s strength, quality, purity and identity while also screening for contaminants, deviations, mix-ups and other errors.
Happen upon an ingredient that seems suspicious? Don’t hesitate to consult your doctor or herbalist. After all, when it comes to your health, it’s smarter to err on the side of caution.
Know the source
Recent reports reveal that some herbal medicines from different countries aren’t what they say they are.
It’s imperative to know where your supplement was sourced. Is the manufacturer reputable? Where does the herbal supplement come from ? In what type of environment was it cultivated and processed? How and when?
It is very important to research the companies producing herbal remedies in order to determine whether or not the products they are creating are safe and effective. Some great resources for learning about herbal medicine include: the American Botanical Council, the Herb Research Foundation and HerbMed.
The more information that you have about yourself and the products available, the more you will be able to protect yourself and use herbal remedies safely.
Always talk to your doctor before taking an herbal supplement especially if you have any of the following health problems
If you have allergies, especially allergies to plants, weeds, or pollen, you should consult your primary health care provider before taking herbal medicine.
People taking blood thinners should also always consult their primary health care provider before using any of these supplements.
DO NOT give herbal medications to children or use them if you are older than 65. Talk to your health care provider first.
Since older individuals may have a greater incidence of having multiple medical conditions and are more likely to take multiple medications, it is imperative that they also consult with their primary health care provider before using any herbal medicine to avoid any possible interactions .
DO NOT use them if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting your healthcare provider.
Although herbs are natural, not all herbs are safe to take during pregnancy. The FDA urges pregnant women not to take any herbal products without talking to their health-care provider first. Women are also urged to consult a trained and experienced herbalist (or other professionals trained to work with herbs) if they want to take herbs during their pregnancy. Some herbal products may contain agents that are dangerous during pregnancy.
Herbs may contain substances that can cause miscarriage, premature birth, pregnancy contractions, or injury to the fetus. Few studies have been done to measure the effects of various herbs on pregnant women or fetuses.
Depending on the source, some information will list a herb as safe to consume during pregnancy, whereas another source may list the same herb as unsafe. Therefore, it is best to consult with your health care provider or someone trained in using herbs before taking any natural medicine or herb during pregnancy.
The following herbs have been rated Likely Safe or Possibly Safe for use during pregnancy:
Red Raspberry Leaf – Rich in iron, this herb has helped tone the uterus, increase milk production, decrease nausea, and ease labor pains. Some studies have even reported that using red raspberry leaf during pregnancy can reduce complications .
There is some controversy about whether this should be used throughout pregnancy or just in the second and third trimester, so many health care providers remain cautious and only recommend using it after the first trimester.
PeppermintLeaf – Helpful in relieving nausea/morning sickness and flatulence
Ginger root – Helps relieve nausea and vomiting
Slippery Elm Bark – (when the inner bark is used orally in amounts used in foods) Used to help relieve nausea, heartburn, and vaginal irritations
Oats & Oat Straw – Rich in calcium and magnesium; helps relieve anxiety, restlessness, and irritated skin
Blond Psyllium – when used orally and appropriately
Black Psyllium – when used orally with appropriate fluid intake
Garlic – when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods
Capsicum (Cayenne, hot pepper) – when used topically and appropriately
Depending on what type of health care provider you see, he/she may recommend using herbs to help promote the health of your pregnancy. Remember, never try to self-dose or diagnose with any medications, including herbs. Because each pregnancy is different, the best way to use herbs is under the care of a specialist herbalist, naturopathic or homeopathic doctor.
DO NOT use herbal remedies if you are having surgery
People should stop taking herbal remedies two to three weeks before surgery, because some natural remedies can lead to excessive bleeding, heart instability or a reduction in blood sugar levels.
Yet studies suggest as many as 70% of patients don’t tell their doctors they are taking herbal supplements.
It is important that patients tell their doctors about all the medications they are taking, including herbal supplements, before surgery. And doctors should provide patients with a list of supplements to avoid.
Listed below are common herbal supplements that could be a problem if you need to have surgery:
Echinacea. This herb comes from the purple cornflower and is taken for colds, infections, arthritis, and ulcers.
Ephedra. When combined with some anesthesia medicines, it can cause high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms.
Garlic. Garlic supplements are used to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Garlic can increase the effects of medicines used to control blood sugar, blood thinners, and some OTC pain relievers, and it can increase bleeding during or after surgery.
Ginkgo. Ginkgo biloba is used to improve memory. But it may cause prolonged bleeding during or after surgery and make the sedation effects of anesthesia last longer.
Ginseng. Ginseng is commonly used for an energy boost or to lower blood sugar levels. During surgery, ginseng may cause high blood pressure and a rapid heart rate.
Kava. Kava is used for muscle relaxation and to calm the nerves. It may be dangerous for people having surgery because of its interactions with other medicines. It may also cause liver damage.
St. John’s wort. Also known as goatweed, this herb is taken to relieve depression and anxiety. During a surgical procedure, St. John’s wort may interfere with some anesthesia medicines and make it harder for you recover from the effects of anesthesia.
Valerian. This herb is used to relieve anxiety. It may increase the effects of anesthesia and make it more difficult to wake up after surgery. It may also cause irregular heart rhythms.
Other herbal supplements that may increase bleeding include feverfew, ginger, and saw palmetto. Herbal supplements that could interfere with your blood pressure during surgery include goldenseed, licorice, and milk thistle.
The best advice is to talk with your healthcare provider about all medications and herbal supplements you’re taking. If you have any surgery scheduled in your future, have this discussion as soon as possible. Also, plan to stop these herbal supplements in the weeks before your operation.
This online database can help you to find interactions between drugs and natural medicines.
However, despite the fact that the process to find and safely using herbal remedies may appear difficult, herbal remedies can be a highly beneficial to support or improve your daily lifestyle and overall wellbeing.
Inflammation has a positive and negative affect in your body. Inflammation has a positive side because it helps your body respond to stress. But chronic, low-grade inflammation is thought to be one of the leading causes of disease, premature aging, and illness.
When you get a cold, your body responds with inflammation in the form of a fever that helps you heal. The inflammation does its job, gets rid of the virus, and disappears. But if your immunity is compromised and your body is constantly stressed, you might experience chronic low-grade inflammation that leaves you more susceptible to illness and disease.
Scientists are just beginning to understand how widespread the effects of chronic inflammation may be throughout a person’s body and what kind of damage it might do. Chronic inflammation stresses arterial walls and is associated with the development of atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits in arterial linings.It’s also becoming clearer that inflammation may be behind insulin resistance, the reduced ability of the cells to respond to insulin, which is a cause of high blood glucose in Type 2 diabetes.
Decades ago, researchers identified higher levels of inflammation in the bodies of people with type 2 diabetes. The levels of certain inflammatory chemicals called cytokines are often higher in people with type 2 diabetes compared to people without diabetes.
Markers that indicate inflammation and are predictive of heart disease are higher in people with Type 2 diabetes than in those without, even when matched with other risk factors for inflammation such as body-mass index, smoking, and high alcohol consumption.
Lifestyle habits over time may play a role in chronic inflammation.Obesity and inactivity have long been known to be the most important risk factors that drive the development of type 2 diabetes.Excess body fat, especially in the abdomen, causes continuous (chronic), low levels of abnormal inflammation that alters insulin’s action and contributes to the disease.
Emotional stress can also increase levels of the chemicals of inflammation. It’s unknown whether stress by itself can contribute to the development of diabetes, though.
Physical activity releases a flood of anti-inflammatory chemicals into the body. Exercise also causes the body’s cells, especially muscle cells, to dramatically increase their sensitivity to insulin.
The increased insulin sensitivity from exercise also helps reduce chronic inflammation. The benefits are seen even with moderate exercise, like regular walking.Weight loss and increased physical activity can have strong anti-inflammatory effects and both are important for reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Diet can also contribute to chronic inflammation. And some foods have anti-inflammatory properties.To move toward an anti-inflammatory diet and anti-inflammatory foods, we primarily move away from the abundance of overly processed, unbalanced diets of the West and toward the ancient eating patterns of the Mediterranean.
An anti-inflammatory diet is rich in fish, vegetables, fruit, and nuts.The evidence is clear that such anti-inflammatory foods can regulate the immune system and impact the way inflammation affects our bodies and our lives.
Choose the right foods, and you may be able to reduce your risk of illness. Consistently pick the wrong ones, and you could accelerate the inflammatory disease process.
Anti-Inflammation Foods
Typically, foods known for their anti-inflammatory effects are rich in antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and nutrients, which help the body combat inflammation and supply the body with essential components that support optimal function.
Here are the best anti-inflammatory foods to add to your diet.
Berries
Berries (Health Benefits)
Over the past 10 years, research has revealed the health benefits of berries, including their impact on chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and age-related cognitive regression.
All berries, including raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries are high in antioxidants called flavonoids. Flavonoids contribute to anti-inflammatory effects by reducing free-radical damage to cells.
Cherries provide a delicious treat with many health benefits. Filled with antioxidants, essential vitamins, and additional nutrients, cherries burst with good stuff. Consuming about 45 (280 g) sweet Bing cherries can significantly decrease circulating concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers in the blood.
Anthocyanins, pigments found in both cherries and berries, are powerful antioxidants that work like magic-makers in the body. The darker the fruit, the more anthocyanins it contains, and the better it is for you. Anthocyanins are crammed with anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer properties.
There’s really no reason not to try to up your berry intake. Experts recommend aiming for 1 cup a day.
Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, cayenne and clove are just a few examples of spices that can reduce inflammation and the pain associated with it. These ingredients have been used in Eastern Medicine practices for centuries; incorporating them into our cooking is an easy way to reap their benefits and makes our food taste even better.
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice often used in Asian cooking. Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin, which is an antioxidant that demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties in conditions such as arthritis, muscle sprains and other injuries.
In addition, turmeric may prevent and slow cancer growth, protect against liver disease and help reduce symptoms of digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. Simply adding turmeric to your daily cooking will increase consumption and enhance flavor.
Ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds calledgingerols. These substances are believed to explain why so many people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis experience reductions in their pain levels and improvements in their mobility when they consume ginger regularly.
For that reason, ginger should be considered as an all-natural remedy for treating a wide variety of inflammatory ailments, from migraines and headaches, to sore muscles, arthritic joints, and even menstrual cramps.
Drinking ginger as a ginger tea, ginger water, ginger juice, or ginger extract has shown to be an effective remedy for soothing digestive ailments or nausea. It can even be applied topically, though it may cause some skin irritation. Ginger supplements may also be taken for treating nausea and inflammatory purposes.
Cinnamon is best known as a blood sugar stabilizing superhero, and also contains a host of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial compounds, making it a powerful tool for preventing blood sugar spikes and systemic inflammation.
Apart from the beneficial effects on insulin resistance, cinnamon can lower blood sugar by several other mechanisms.
First, cinnamon has been shown to decrease the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream after a meal.
It does this by interfering with numerous digestive enzymes, which slows the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract .
Second, a compound in cinnamon can act on cells by mimicking insulin.
This greatly improves glucose uptake by cells, although it acts much slower than insulin itself.
Numerous human trials have confirmed the anti-diabetic effects of cinnamon, showing that it can lower fasting blood sugar levels by up to 10-29%.
Also Cinnamon has been linked with reduced risk of heart disease, the world’s most common cause of premature death.
In people with type 2 diabetes, 1 gram of cinnamon per day has beneficial effects on blood markers.
It reduces levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while HDL cholesterol remains stable .
Cinnamaldehyde, the main active component of cinnamon, may help fight various kinds of infection.
Cinnamon oil has been shown to effectively treat respiratory tract infections caused by fungi.
It can also inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including Listeria and Salmonella.
The antimicrobial effects of cinnamon may also help prevent tooth decay and reduce bad breath .
Garlic is packed with antioxidants that prevent and treat colds, and it is also known for its anti-bacterial and antiviral properties. Garlic can benefit you on many different levels: it can boost your immune system, it can help you get rid of acne, it can help you keep your immune system under control .
In addition to its antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties, garlic also contains a sulfuric compound called allicin, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. It’s also a super-easy (and tasty!) addition to almost anything you’re cooking up—veggies, soups, meat, sauces—and the finer you chop it, the more allicin is released. Research shows it may also help you lose weight.
Cayenne is most commonly known as a food spice but it may have a number of health benefits, particularly for inflammation. Cayenne pepper has been shown to have more antioxidant activity than many vegetables. Also known as capsaicin, the active chemical in cayenne has been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, arthritis and pain and may be of use in certain types of cancer.
It’s also used for conditions of the heart and blood vessels – including to improve poor circulation, reverse excessive blood clotting, lower high cholesterol and prevent heart disease.
Cayenne pepper is typically added to food in either its natural or powdered form, and some people use it as a cream or capsule in order to take advantage of its detoxifying properties.
Cloves have extremely high antioxidant values. In fact, one study that evaluated food from around the world found that cloves have the most antioxidants per gram weight of all foods sampled.
Cloves contain one compound that is particularly potent when compared to other components of the herb. This compound is eugenol, and it acts in a very similar manner to cinnamaldehyde.
Eugenol works partially by inhibiting an enzyme that’s responsible for causing an inflammatory response. This is actually the same enzyme that non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs target, making cloves and clove oil one of the most potent natural anti-inflammatories that you can find.
Dosages of clove oil can be effective at reducing inflammation topically with as little as a single drop.
There are many anti-inflammatory spices out there and it’s important to know which ones are effective and what doses you should take for the best benefit.
Refer to another excellent article on the health benefits of Turmeric!
They’ve also found that omega-3s can help fight diabetes in obese mice, pointing the way to potential therapies in humans.
Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fats consist of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha linolenic acid (ALA). The body cannot manufacture them, so it is important we get enough through the diet. This is why they are sometimes referred to as ‘essential’ fatty acids. EPA and DHA are the most potent of the Omega 3’s with the highest anti-inflammatory effect.
Oily fish, like salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation. In a 2009 study, men who consumed the most omega-3s each day from baked or boiled fish (as opposed to fried, dried or salted) cut their risk of death from heart disease by 23 percent, compared with those who ate the least.
Fatty fish is also rich in B vitamins, which are key in helping your body convert food into energy, and also in repairing your DNA. To reap the benefits of omega-3s, aim to eat fish several times a week, cooked in healthy ways.
Not a fan of fish? Fish oil supplements may help lower inflammation. Also, reduce your intake of omega-6 fatty acids (found in processed foods and some vegetable oils); a healthy balance between omega-3s and omega-6s is essential!
Leafy green veggies like kale,celery, Swiss chard, collard greens and spinach are rich in antioxidants that restore cellular health, as well as anti-inflammatory flavonoids. They also provide a concentrated dose of important vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium.
Kale is rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer nutrients, as well as antioxidants. In addition to vitamin E, Kale is rich in vitamin K and Omega 3 fatty acids – both of which are powerful anti-inflammatories.
In addition to containing powerful anti-inflammatory vitamins and nutrients, kale is packed with other nutritionally rich vitamins and minerals. Combine all that nutrition with its low calories – about 33 calories per one cup of chopped Kale – and you’ve got yourself one healthy snack.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, broccoli has the potential to help recover from vitamin D deficiency – a common deficiency worldwide.Broccoli is rich in vitamins K and A, both of which are necessary to help keep vitamin D metabolism in equilibrium.
Cauliflower is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients. In addition to the powerful antioxidants vitamin C and manganese, cauliflower contains phytonutrients, which have a wide variety of antioxidants to fight harmful free radicals that damage and kill cells.
Cauliflowers vitamin K content makes it a powerful anti-inflammatory food. By fighting chronic inflammation and oxidative stress – cauliflower significantly decreases our risk of cancers and chronic diseases.
Like many green vegetables, brussel sprouts are a great source of fiber, which is important for lowering cholesterol. In addition to lowering cholesterol, brussel sprouts contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties such as glucobrassicin and vitamin K. Glucobrassicin, helps inhibit the inflammatory response in its early stages. Vitamin K helps regulate and protect against excessive and chronic inflammation.
Crunchy, crispy celery is well known for being low in calories, but its health benefits go far beyond use as a diet food. Celery contains useful phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals. It’s a convenient on-the-go snack as well as a vegetable that can be incorporated into cooked dishes, stir-fries and salads.
Celery juice contains over 20 anti-inflammatory compounds that not only lower your blood pressure and reduce the secretion of stress hormones, but it also helps strengthen the immune system, keeps cholesterol levels healthy, fights cancer and aids in natural weight loss.
Celery is a nutritional powerhouse. It contains a high concentration of vitamin C, which is important for a strong and healthy immune system. It also helps eradicate free radicals and prevents mutated DNA (which normally leads to cancer).
Spinach contains over a dozen different anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. With two different categories of phytonutrients that fight inflammation – flavonoids and carotenoids – spinach stands out against other leafy vegetables. These natural chemicals give spinach powerful anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties.
Swiss chard, in particular, is packed with antioxidants that can help protect your brain against oxidative stress caused by free-radical damage. As a general rule, the darker the shade, the more nutritious they are, so pile on all the greens!
Dark, leafy green vegetables are a fantastic source of many of the crucial vitamins and nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. If you’re not already incorporating them into your daily diet – you should start today! Not only will it help reduce your risk of cancer or chronic diseases, it will help provide relief from inflammation and pain.
Coconut oil has long been touted for its wide-ranging health and medicinal benefits, and coconut beauty products are garnering lots of attention. But with all of its amazing uses, it’s easy to forget that simply cooking with the stuff is one of the best ways to utilize this versatile oil.
The unique type of fatty acids found in coconuts are more easily metabolized by the body than fats from other oils, making coconut oil a great source of energy and also a potent weight-loss tool.
It also contains lauric acid, which, when digested, helps fight off harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the body.
Lauric acid, found in coconut oil is a particular form of fatty acid. For many years, people have avoided fatty acids such as lauric acid because people believed they were unhealthy. In actual fact, this lipid (another term for fat) is vital for the cells in the body and is essential to stop the body from starving.
The fatty acids, including lauric acid, are vital in protecting our vital organs and cushioning cell membrane to give our bodies further defence. Not only are they protective in nature, but they also provide invaluable energy and help with hormone production.
Unlike other fatty acids, lauric acid stands apart because of its incredible disease-fighting powers. As this lauric acid is digested, enzymes in the body can draw out a powerful substance, monolaurin. Monolaurin can then halt the growth of nasty, infectious pathogens and combat viruses. With coconut oil, the monolaurin production acts as a killer of infections and bacteria helping to treat serious conditions so that you can recover faster.
By taking coconut oil, you can help to treat infections such as the common cold, influenza, herpes and even HIV/AIDS. Not only does it help with these types of viruses, but it can also help with fungal infections. Instead of antibiotics, which are becoming less effective through their resistance, you may be able to treat fungal infections with delicious, healthy and affordable coconut oil.
Coconuts are well known to be the best source of this potent lauric acid (coconut oil is around 50% lauric acid), but you can also find traces of lauric acid in grass-fed cows butter, palm oil and genetically modified rapeseed oil.
Coconut oil is a tried-and-true superfood.Coconut oil is not only anti-inflammatory, it also boosts metabolism, helps balance hormones, is an anti-microbial agent and tastes delicious too.
Adding coconut oil into your daily routine is an excellent way to boost your immune system and protect yourself with its anti-viral properties. Including just one tablespoon of pure organic coconut oil into your diet every day can significantly help your body to fight bacteria and kill off any lurking infections.
Beetroot helps dilate vessels and improve blood circulation. It is one of the best anti-inflammatory foods that help reduce pains.
In the same family as spinach and chard, beets contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. They are also high in vitamins C and B6, folate, manganese, betaine and potassium.
Beets are a powerhouse of nutrients that help you process toxins, repair tissue and feed your mitocondria! Beets can literally push toxins out of your body. Beets contain a group of phytonutrients called betalains that support detoxification through increasing enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase, an important detox step in the liver.
When your liver is able to detoxify chemicals and toxins more effectively, then your body is better able to balance your hormones, keep your cholesterol levels in check, and improve your energy levels.
Betalain, the compound that gives beets its rich colour, is an exceptional rich source of antioxidants and protects cells from oxidative stress, a key factor in the development and progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Beet juice can actually lower the amount of glucose in the blood. This benefit is due to the soluble fibers found in beets.
Also Beetroot juice can lower blood pressure. In fact, when you consume the juice, you will find your blood pressure drop instantly and stay lowered for up to twenty-four hours.
Researchers believe that this impact on blood pressure is due to naturally occurring nitrates found in beets. All vegetables contain nitrates, but an average-sized beet contains 20 times more dietary nitrates than any others. In fact, beets are top-rated for Nitric Oxide production.
Research has indicated that beets are a rich source of a mineral called boron that is directly linked to the production of sex hormones. In addition, the nitric oxide that is produced in the body when you eat beets increases blood flow and give your sex drive a kick start.
Keep in mind naturally occurring nitrates are healthy but the ones found in processed food like hot dogs and lunch meet are not.
Researchers have found that beets can help fight against both cancerous tumors and leukemia. In a recent clinical trial, 22 patients with advanced inoperable cancers were given 10 ozs. of beet juice for 3-4 months and showed dramatic improvements.
Beets contain an antioxidant called beta-carotene which is also present in many other vegetables like carrots and famously aids vision and eye health.This compound can slow down macular degeneration which is often linked to the damaging effects of free radicals.
Beets are an especially good choice for women during pregnancy because they contain many of the B vitamins including folate which can help your fetus to develop properly. A deficiency in folate has been linked with certain neural birth defects.
It is not difficult to add beets to your diet. They are absolutely delicious whether you choose to juice them or add them to your salad dishes.
Many people simply throw away the beet greens but they have plenty of nutritional value that should not be wasted.
Beet greens are a great source of minerals like zinc, potassium, manganese and copper. And as regards iron, beets actually contain more of it than spinach!
Pineapple
The Magic of Pineapples – Knowing More About Pineapples (Health Learning Series Book 1)
Pineapple is a tropical fruit widely available in most grocery stores and produce markets. It is rich in manganese and contains plenty of copper, fiber and vitamins B-1, B-6 and C. While these nutrients are important to health, it is the bromelain present in pineapple juice that gives the fruit its anti-inflammatory properties.
Pineapple juice may reduce inflammation associated with arthritis and other joint disorders, and reduce the swelling of soft-tissue injuries. The bromelain in pineapple juice may also ease inflammation in digestive disorders, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, according to research studies.
When you use pineapple for inflammation, it is obviously best to eat them fresh and raw. Bromelain is present in its highest concentration in the skin of the fruit. Many people assume that it is in the pulp, but this is not true. This is why you should not throw away the skin of pineapples. The recommended daily intake of pineapples is two standard-sized slices.
When you eat pineapples, it is only natural that you do not eat the skin. However, when you are making the juice, leave the skin on. It is the best way to gain all the benefits this delightful fruit has to offer.
You can also take bromelain supplements to treat inflammation and other problems. These supplements can be found in capsule, tablet, and liquid forms. According to experts, you should take 500 to 1,000 milligrams of bromelain supplements on a daily basis.
Although natural treatments are free from side effects, it is best to consult your doctor before using them, especially as supplements.
In some cases, bromelain may cause diarrhea or vomiting, an increase in heart rate or allergic reactions .
People with high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease or bleeding disorders should be careful while using bromelain supplements, and must use them only under a doctors’s supervision.
Most common nuts – including almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans and pistachios – contain more monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), particularly oleic acid, than polyunsaturated fatty acids.
The great thing about most of these nuts is that they’re very versatile, making a great between meals snack or adding flavor to any main dish or side dish.
Most nuts and seeds are loaded with vitamin E, either in the form of alpha-tocopherol or gamma-tocopherol.
Alpha-tocopherol, which is abundant in almonds, hazelnuts, pine nuts and sunflower seeds, has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects through multiple mechanisms, including decreasing levels of CRP and pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting the activity of protein kinase C and other enzymes, such as cyclooxygenase-2.
Also gamma-tocopherol – a type of vitamin E found in high amounts in Brazil nuts, cashews, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, poppy seeds and sesame seeds – has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory activities in some laboratory and animal studies.
Research shows that walnuts have double the antioxidant activity of other nuts. Antioxidants fight free radicals that damage cells and trigger inflammation. Plus, you don’t need to eat a lot of walnuts to get the benefits, only about seven walnuts a day. That’s doable!
You can add chopped walnuts to salads, hot cereal, or grind them up finely and sprinkle them on vegetables. The healthy fats in walnuts boost the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins too. Walnuts also contain the highest content of short-chain omega-3s of all nuts, a type of fat with anti-inflammatory activity.
The protein and fiber in nuts and seeds promote satiety, which in turn may help combat obesity, a common risk factor for chronic inflammation. Just keep in mind that nuts and seeds are also pretty high in calories, so only eat them in moderation to keep your overall calorie intake in check.
Yes, nuts and seeds do fight inflammation and they each have their own special benefits. To get the benefits of all, enjoy mixed nuts and seeds as an alternative to processed unhealthy snacks, like crisps. Your body will thank you!
Studies have shown that if we decrease our water intake our fat deposits will increase. Conversely, an increase in water intake will reduce fat deposits.
Severe dehydration is dangerous. It can bring on seizures, brain damage, and even death. Minor dehydration can aggravate conditions like constipation or urinary tract infections.
Even dental problems can arise from dehydration due to a lack of saliva in the mouth, which can be a problem for aging teeth. In otherwise healthy people, dehydration is most likely to occur after a bout of vomiting or diarrhea.
Our bodies are comprised of 70% water. That water must be continuously replaced. What we replace it with makes a profound difference to our health.
Water maintains moisture in the body; it transports oxygen to the blood, and helps carry nutrients through blood. Water is necessary to maintain an ideal internal body temperature – in fact, nearly every biological function requires the help of water.
Unfortunately, in today’s society, too many people replace their fluids by drinking soft drinks, coffee and other highly acidic fluids.Many researchers believe that acidosis, or an excess of acids in the body is epidemic in society today and may be a direct cause of most unhealthy inflammatory conditions.
This is why health professionals stress water as the best replacement fluid.
We all like to have a “cuppa” throughout the day and in the evening. This can be a great way to manage inflammation. Green tea is known to be high in anti-oxidants, which help reduce inflammation and fight disease. If you drink green tea made with ionized water regularly, it may be the best “medicine” you can take.
Finally, when it comes to how much water you should be drinking each day, let your body be your guide. You have a built-in hydration meter: your urine. If it’s dark yellow or orange in color, or if it has a distinctive or strong odor, you may be dehydrated, though certain medications can turn urine orange.
The usual colour for healthy urine is light yellow, or straw-colored. Remember: your body will use water from any source, including healthy fruits and vegetables !
Developing a healthy eating plan can sometimes seem difficult but like anything that is new, it becomes second nature over time.
And the payoff is well worth it: With a proper diet, you can take a proactive stance against inflammation, aging, and disease by incorporating these superfoods into your life.
One of our readers recommended great information on healthy diet.
Both Crohn’s disease and Diabetes have a profound impact on the lives of patients .
Unfortunately, many people who suffer from Crohn’s disease also have to cope with some form of diabetes.
New research finds that patients who have both diabetes and Crohn’s are six times more likely to require surgery for Crohn’s than patients without diabetes.
Both diseases are chronic, or life-long, and there is no cure for either. But both Crohn’s and diabetes are increasingly diagnosed worldwide for unrelated reasons. Type 2 diabetes is often associated with obesity, while the causes of Crohn’s are still unknown.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic and painful condition attributed to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
People with Crohn’s disease can experience periods of severe symptoms followed by periods of remission that can last for weeks or years. The symptoms of Crohn’s disease depend on where the disease occurs in the bowel and its severity. In general, symptoms can include:
Chronic diarrhea, often bloody and containing mucus or pus
Weight loss
Fever
Abdominal pain and tenderness
Feeling of a mass or fullness in the abdomen
Rectal bleeding
Severe inflammation and obstruction of various parts of the gastrointestinal tract due to swelling and scar formation can cause other problems like bowel perforation, abdominal distension (swelling), severe pain, and fever. This can be life-threatening.
Experts agree that stress can trigger symptom flair-ups, worsen digestive health overall, and increase the chance of experiencing complications.
Of course stress is a part of daily life, and not all stress is going to be within your control, however there’s a lot you can do to reduce your reactions to stressful events. Regular exercise, getting adequate rest, taking time to relax, spending time outdoors, and fostering supportive relationships can make a huge impact.
Your doctor will likely diagnose Crohn’s disease only after ruling out other possible causes for your signs and symptoms. There is no one test to diagnose Crohn’s disease.
Your doctor will likely use a combination of tests to help confirm a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, including:
Blood Tests
1.Tests for anemia or infection
Your doctor may suggest blood tests to check for anemia — a condition in which there aren’t enough red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your tissues — or to check for signs of infection. Expert guidelines do not currently recommend antibody or genetic testing for Crohn’s disease.
2.Fecal occult blood test
You may need to provide a stool sample so that your doctor can test for hidden (occult) blood in your stool.
Procedures
1.Colonoscopy
This test allows your doctor to view your entire colon and the very end of your ileum (terminal ileum) using a thin, flexible, lighted tube with an attached camera. During the procedure, your doctor can also take small samples of tissue (biopsy) for laboratory analysis, which may help confirm a diagnosis. Clusters of inflammatory cells called granulomas, if present, help confirm the diagnosis of Crohn’s.
2.Computerized tomography (CT)
You may have a CT scan — a special X-ray technique that provides more detail than a standard X-ray does. This test looks at the entire bowel as well as at tissues outside the bowel. CT enterography is a special CT scan that provides better images of the small bowel. This test has replaced barium X-rays in many medical centers.
3.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
An MRI scanner uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues. MRI is particularly useful for evaluating a fistula around the anal area (pelvic MRI) or the small intestine (MR enterography).
4.Capsule endoscopy
For this test, you swallow a capsule that has a camera in it. The camera takes pictures of your small intestine, which are transmitted to a recorder you wear on your belt. The images are then downloaded to a computer, displayed on a monitor and checked for signs of Crohn’s disease. The camera exits your body painlessly in your stool. You may still need endoscopy with biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease.
5.Balloon-assisted enteroscopy
For this test, a scope is used in conjunction with a device called an overtube. This enables the doctor to look further into the small bowel where standard endoscopes don’t reach. This technique is useful when capsule endoscopy shows abnormalities, but the diagnosis is still in question.
There is currently no cure for Crohn’s disease, and there is no one treatment that works for everyone. The goal of medical treatment is to reduce the inflammation that triggers your signs and symptoms. It is also to improve long-term prognosis by limiting complications. In the best cases, this may lead not only to symptom relief but also to long-term remission.
Treatment might involve drugs, nutritional supplements, surgery, or a combination of these therapies. Treatment choices depend upon where the disease is located and how severe it is. They also depend on the complications associated with the disease and the way the person has responded in the past to treatment when symptoms recurred.
There are several types of drugs used to treat Crohn’s disease. The first step usually involves reducing inflammation.
Many people are first treated with sulfasalazine (Azulfidine). Mesalamine (Asacol, Canasa, Pentasa) or 5-ASA medication.Oral 5-aminosalicylates have been widely used in the past but now are generally considered of limited benefit.
Corticosteroids such as prednisone are another class of drugs that reduce inflammation. A doctor is likely to prescribe an initial large dose of prednisone when the disease is very active. The dose is then tapered off.
A problem with corticosteroids is the large number of possible side effects — some of them serious — such as a higher susceptibility to infection and stomach ulcers.
Crohn’s disease may also be treated with drugs that stop the immune system from causing inflammation. Immunomodulators change the way the immune system behaves. Immunosuppressants decrease the activity of the immune system. Immunostimulators increase the activity. Immunosuppressants prescribed for Crohn’s disease include:
azathioprine ( Azasan, Imuran)
cyclosporine
6-mercaptopurine (6MP, Purinethol)
tacrolimus (Prograf)
Methotrexate (MTX, Rheumatrex, Trexall)
Other substances that may be prescribed to treat Crohn’s include:
1.Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections and overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine; types of antibiotics commonly prescribed include:
ampicillin (Omnipen)
cephalosporins
fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin)
metronidazole (Flagyl)
sulfonamides
tetracycline
2.Antidiarrheal agents to stop diarrhea.A fiber supplement, such as psyllium powder (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel), can help relieve mild to moderate diarrhea by adding bulk to your stool. For more severe diarrhea, loperamide (Imodium A-D) may be effective.
3.Fluid replacements to counteract dehydration.
4.Nutritional supplements to provide the nutrients that may not be absorbing properly.If you have chronic intestinal bleeding, you may develop iron deficiency anemia and need to take iron supplements.
Crohn’s disease can cause vitamin B-12 deficiency. Vitamin B-12 helps prevent anemia, promotes normal growth and development, and is essential for proper nerve function.
Crohn’s disease and steroids used to treat it can increase your risk of osteoporosis, so you may need to take a calcium supplement with added vitamin D.
If diet and lifestyle changes, drug therapy, or other treatments don’t relieve your signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery. Nearly half of those with Crohn’s disease will require at least one surgery. However, surgery does not cure Crohn’s disease.
During surgery, your surgeon removes a damaged portion of your digestive tract and then reconnects the healthy sections. Surgery may also be used to close fistulas and drain abscesses.
The benefits of surgery for Crohn’s disease are usually temporary. The disease often recurs, frequently near the reconnected tissue. The best approach is to follow surgery with medication to minimize the risk of recurrence.
Natural Theraphy For Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease treatment, the natural way, involves making a number of scientifically proven changes to your lifestyle and diet.Natural treatments are sometimes called alternative, complementary, or integrative medicine.
Here are some of the top ways you can start healing your body and improve Crohn’s disease symptoms the natural way.
There is no scientifically proven diet for inflammatory bowel disease. Most experts believe, though, that some patients can identify specific foods that trigger their gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly during disease flares.
By avoiding your “trigger foods,” you may find that your symptoms of gas, bloating, abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea are more manageable. At the same time, you will give your inflamed intestines time to heal.
Many people with Crohn’s disease find that one or more of the foods on the following list aggravate symptoms during disease flares. It’s possible that at least some of these listed foods will trigger your symptoms:
10.nuts and seeds (peanut butter, other nut butters)
11.raw fruits
12.raw vegetables
13.red meat and pork
14.spicy foods
15.whole grains and bran
Keeping track of the foods you eat each day can help you identify the “offenders” — foods that may trigger symptoms. Avoiding these foods, especially when your disease is active, may give you better control of the symptoms.
You can also use a daily food diary to help you and your doctor determine if you’re getting a properly balanced diet. It can show whether you are getting enough protein, carbohydrates, fats, and water. It can also show whether you are getting enough calories to maintain your weight and energy.
To start your diary, record the foods you eat each day and the serving sizes in a small notebook. Enter the date, food, and any symptoms you might feel after eating this food in the notebook.
If you want to avoid a Crohn’s disease flare-up, it’s best to stop overloading your body with over-sized meals. By eating smaller meals you put less stress on the gastrointestinal tract, which can help reduce some Crohn’s symptoms like bloating, gas and cramping.
You can try eating smaller meals more often throughout the day, rather than 2-3 big meals, to help with absorption of nutrients, improving energy and controlling symptoms.
It’s possible to lose a high amount of fluid due to frequent diarrhea. Make sure to drink at least 7 glasses of plain water per day. Caffeine-free herbal tea, bone broth and kombucha are also good choices, since these not only provide water but also electrolytes, amino acids and probiotics.
Artificial sweeteners increase the presence of Proteobacteria — microbe bacteria found in E. coli, Salmonella and Legionaelles — in individuals suffering from Chrohn’s or other inflammatory bowel diseases and is the primary cause of increased white blood cell enzymes in the gut. About 10–15 percent of Chrohn’s patients report that sweeteners worsen their disease.
Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco may also ease symptoms.
Consuming more prebiotics, a special form of dietary fiber that promotes the growth of healthy bacteria (probiotics) which combat bad bacteria, is a smart idea for people with Crohn’s disease.
Prebiotic foods include things like asparagus, bananas, honey and oats, all of which make excellent addition to any Crohn’s disease diet.
However because prebiotics are a type of fiber, it’s important to monitor your systems and pay attention to how you feel. If particular prebiotic foods, or foods high in fiber, are causing worsened symptoms then try replacing with other foods until you find what works.
Ask your doctor or dietitian about vitamin and mineral supplementation. For example, many people with Crohn’s disease have a vitamin D deficiency.
Zinc is needed to repair intestinal cells damaged by Crohn’s disease. Supplementation may offset some of the deficiency caused by Crohn’s-related malabsorption.
Bromelain is a mix of enzymes present in pineapples that helps break down proteins. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Animal studies have found that it can ward off proinflammatory cells which play a part in gut inflammation.
Snacking on pineapples may help ease the inflammation associated with Crohn’s disease. But since they contain both insoluble fiber and fructose, some people may not tolerate pineapples well. If you find that pineapples trigger symptoms, bromelain supplements can be considered instead.
There is evidence that some people with Crohn’s disease may benefit from a high-calorie liquid diet, particularly during a flare. By giving the intestines a much needed rest, the liquid diet can help suppress symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
In addition, the liquid diet or special high-calorie liquid formulas can help people with Crohn’s who need extra nutrition short-term or those whose intestines cannot absorb proper nutrition from whole foods.
Spiced lentil soup This is gorgeous and warming and the bowl is packed full of B vitamins and magnesium. SERVES 1–2 1 large red onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 tbsp olive oil sea salt and freshly ground black pepper ½ tsp ground cumin ½ tsp turmeric 1 tsp ground cinnamon 150g red lentils 100g Puy lentils 800ml vegetable stock (you may not need all of this)
Sauté the onion and garlic in the olive oil with a good pinch of sea salt, until the onion has softened. Stir in the spices. Add the lentils and enough stock to cover. Simmer until the Puy lentils are cooked. These will take longer to cook than the red lentils, which will virtually fall apart. I advise that you keep topping up the stock in order to maintain your desired thickness, as the mix will inevitably thicken as the red lentils cook down. Taste for seasoning and serve.
Probiotics
Your gastrointestinal tract contains “good” bacteria, which help with digestion and offer protection against “bad” bacteria. If you’ve taken antibiotics or have an illness, you may not have a sufficient supply of the good bacteria.
Probiotics are living microorganisms that you can consume. They are found in certain foods or you can take probiotic supplements. They act very much like the good bacteria in your gut. Probiotics may be more or less beneficial depending on the location and stage of your disease. Some strains might work for one person but not others.
Although yogurt is one of the most common sources of probiotics, many people with Crohn’s disease are sensitive to dairy products. Other foods that contain probiotics include sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir and kombucha.
Probiotics have been shown to help people with Crohn’s disease reduce the incidence of diarrhea. A good probiotic also encourages enhanced synthesis of vitamin B12 (studies suggest people with Crohn’s often suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency and/or folate deficiency), and support digestion of difficult substances like gluten and lactose.
If you decide to try probiotics, talk to your doctor first.
There are some herbal and botanical treatments that may help ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. These include:
Slippery elm — Slippery elmis an herbal remedy and demulcent (a substance that protects irritated tissues and promotes their healing). It contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. This mucilage coats and soothes the mouth, throat, stomach and intestines, making it excellent at calming Crohn’s flare-ups.
Curcumin —With anti-inflammatory properties, studies have found that people with inflammatory bowel disease who took curcumin reduced their symptoms and their need for medicines. Various clinical studies have suggested that curcumin might be a potential candidate for the prevention and/or treatment of a variety of colonic diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and colonic cancer.
Glutamine —Glutamine is an amino acid found in the body that that helps the intestine function properly. Since it’s good for overall intestinal health, it can offer help for Crohn’s. It’s best to take glutamine on an empty stomach.
Omega-3 fatty acids — Omega-3s like those found in fish oil can help fight inflammation and reduce the chances of recurrence of Crohn’s. Studies have been mixed, but some sufferers find omega-3s to be helpful.
Green Tea-Green tea has many health-promoting benefits for Crohn’s disease due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties. Plus, green tea has a positive impact on the immune system, and even reduces the risk of colon cancer.
Chamomile and peppermint tea are beneficial for gas, colic, and diarrhea that come with Crohn’s disease. They help to soothe the lining of the stomach and intestines and to reduce spasms in these parts of the body that lead to symptoms. Warm tea infusions of chamomile or lemon balm should be taken frequently.
Spearmint oil is used to treat diarrhea, gas, indigestion, nausea, gastrointestinal tract spasms, bile duct and gallbladder swelling (inflammation) gallstones, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Frankincense essential oil — Frankincense essential oil speeds up the secretion of digestive enzymes, increases urination production, relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract and also helps to improve circulation.
Overall, it improves digestive health and has been shown to be beneficial in reducing symptoms of Crohn’s disease as well as leaky gut syndrome, chronic colitis, ulcerative colitis and IBS.
Add one to two drops of oil to eight ounces of water or to a tablespoon of honey for relief. If you’re going to ingest it orally, make sure it’s 100 percent pure oil, and don’t ingest fragrance or perfume oils.
Lemongrass essential oil — Lemongrass essential oil can help relieve pain from gas irritation in the stomach and bowels. Lemongrass has anti-inflammatory properties that come from the limonene that’s present.
Inflammation is associated with just about every health condition, including Crohn’s disease, and since lemongrass fights inflammation, it makes a great addition to any Crohn’s disease diet.
Adding one to two drops of lemongrass oil or infused lemongrass water to your tea or soup can treat stomach pains, nausea and diarrhea.
Again, talk to you doctor before trying any herbal or botanical treatments. Some can interact dangerously with medications you might be taking. They may also have undesirable side effects.
Balancing Your Hormones
If you have had Crohn’s disease symptoms for longer than a year, or if you have taken any kind of steroid or immune suppressant drug, then it is highly likely your thyroid gland is not functioning properly, and quite likely your adrenal gland isn’t either. Ideally, you should see a doctor who specializes in hormone balancing and have your endocrine system (glands that produce hormones) tested properly.
You should then follow a natural hormone supplement program tailored to your specific needs.
As always, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about any other therapies you’re considering. Some therapies may work well in conjunction with the medical treatments you currently use. Others may interact dangerously with your medical treatments.
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the lining of the small intestine when gluten is consumed. Gluten is a protein found in wheat.
Symptoms of coeliac disease include stomach pain and bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, weight loss, fatigue and delayed growth and puberty.
Another symptom of coeliac disease is a rash known as Dermatitis Herpetiformis. This itchy rash is commonly found on elbows, knees, buttocks, or back, but can be anywhere on the body.
In many cases of undiagnosed celiac disease, however, there are no symptoms at all.
Once diagnosed, the only treatment for celiac disease is a lifelong, complete elimination of gluten-containing foods from the diet. With gluten elimination, symptoms may disappear within a few days, but complete healing of the small intestine may take three to six months or, in some cases, up to two years.
Eating even a small amount of gluten can make a person sick again. In a small percentage of people, a gluten-free diet does not improve symptoms; these people may need to be treated with steroids or immunosuppressive drugs.
Women are about twice as likely to have coeliac disease as men, and the disease is most common in people of European descent (the incidence is particularly high in Scandinavian countries, Italy, and Ireland).
Coeliac disease commonly shows up in children, but it has been diagnosed in people of all ages, mainly because not everyone with coeliac disease experiences symptoms right away.
Since coeliac disease is an inherited disease, all first-degree family members – parents, siblings, and children of people with coeliac disease should be screened. About 10% to 15% of first-degree family members will also have coeliac disease.
Type 1 diabetes is highly linked to coeliac disease on a genetic level, and 5 to 10 percent of people with type 1 diabetes also have coeliac disease. Because celiac disease is usually diagnosed later in life, it is most common to have diabetes first.
It’s quite uncommon for someone to be diagnosed with celiac disease first and then develop type 1 diabetes, unless the person is diagnosed with celiac disease very young.
The link between type 1 diabetes mellitus and celiac disease was first established in the 1960s. The estimated prevalence of celiac disease in patients with type 1 diabetes is approximately 6%, and about 1% in the general population.
Due to the significantly higher prevalence of celiac disease in diabetes patients, many doctors recommend getting screened for celiac disease after a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, as well as celiac disease patients getting screened for type 1 diabetes.
Several blood tests have been developed that can be used to screen people who are at risk for coeliac disease. The tests detect the presence of certain antibodies that occur in higher numbers in the blood of people with coeliac disease.
The gold standard for confirming a diagnosis of coeliac disease if preliminary blood tests are positive is an intestinal biopsy, in which a long, thin tube called an endoscope is threaded through the mouth and stomach to the small intestine to take a small tissue sample.
If the biopsy reveals villous atrophy, a diagnosis of coeliac disease is established.You should not start a gluten-free diet before having the biopsy, as this may falsify the diagnosis.
There is no established link between type 2 diabetes and celiac disease. Type 2 diabetes does have genetic components, but they are not associated with celiac disease genes like type 1 diabetes are.
Managing both diseases is difficult, but it is possible. If the diet is not balanced, it can lead to nutritional deficiencies and a rise in Hba1c.
Coeliac disease affects diabetes by making it more difficult to keep the blood sugar in a good range. When someone with coeliac disease is eating gluten, it can cause the blood sugar to be low because no food is being absorbed. Also, many gluten-free foods have different amounts of carbohydrates than foods with gluten, and that can make it hard to dose insulin.
Find a dietitian and educator that are specialized in both. They can identify foods that are beneficial for both conditions. It is important to note that one disease should not be considered more important than the other, so the diet needs to fit both of their requirements to avoid any complications.
In people with Type 1 diabetes, malabsorption of nutrients from undiagnosed coeliac disease can lead to frequent, unexplained low or high blood glucose readings. Insulin needs are frequently lower during the time before diagnosis. Once treatment of coeliac disease has begun and nutrients are better absorbed, insulin doses may need to be adjusted.
For people with diabetes and coeliac disease, starting a gluten-free diet requires learning the carbohydrate content of new, gluten-free foods, so they can be introduced into a meal plan or so that insulin doses can be adjusted accordingly.
A registered dietitian in both diseases can help you figure this out and make adjustments to your meal plan or insulin regime.
When substituting new, gluten-free ingredients into your favorite recipes, add up the carbohydrate grams in each ingredient and divide by the number of servings the recipe yields. Write this information on your recipe cards so you will only have to do these calculations once.
Foods that contain gluten are any derivative or variation of wheat, rye, or barley, including bulgur, couscous, triticale, spelt, einkorn, farina, graham flour, semolina, and durum wheat.
Obvious foods to avoid on a gluten-free diet are most pizzas, breads, bagels, crackers, cookies, cakes, pies, gravies, and flour-based sauces. But there are many less obvious sources of gluten.
Communion wafers contain gluten; cooking sprays may contain grain alcohol; malt and malt flavoring, found in cereals, syrups, and beer, are usually made from barley (although some malt products are made from corn). Many licorice candies contain gluten.
For this reason, it is very important to read the ingredients list on the label of every food product you purchase and to scrutinize the fine print right down to the seasonings, preservatives, and thickeners, many of which contain gluten.
Gluten is even used in nonfood items, such as some medicines, toothpastes, mouthwashes and makeup. Ask your pharmacist if any of your medicines contain gluten.
Calling the manufacturer of a product to ask if it is totally gluten-free is a good habit to get into.
Fruits, vegetables, and most dairy products are all gluten-free, as long as they have not been breaded or cooked in the same pan with food that has been breaded.
Rice, potatoes, arrowroot, tapioca, beans, nuts, most soy products (except soy sauce), flaxseed, buckwheat (which is not actually a cereal but the seed of a flowering plant), sorghum, amaranth, quinoa, millet, and teff can be included in your meal plan.
Packaged gluten-free cakes, cookies, waffles, pancakes, and pizza crust, as well as a wide variety of gluten-free baking mixes are available from specialty stores, some mainstream grocery stores, or from online or mail-order food companies.
There are also bean, rice, and nut flours, which can be substituted in recipes that call for wheat flour. Mixing two or more types of flours when substituting for wheat flour gives the product a better texture.
A gluten-free cookbook will give you tips for mixing flours and making conversions. These flours should be kept tightly sealed and stored in the refrigerator to prevent rancidity.
It’s important to keep foods strictly segregated in households where those who don’t have coeliac disease consume those grains. If anyone in the household uses wheat flour in cooking or baking, be aware that it can remain in the air for up to 24 hours. It can also remain on hands that are not washed thoroughly. Cooking utensils that have touched foods containing gluten must be cleaned carefully before preparing gluten-free food.
There are numerous worldwide organizations that provide information on celiac disease and foods to eat or avoid. Gluten-free cookbooks can help you find tasty recipes and provide you with tips on how to substitute gluten-free products in your favorite dishes.
Straying from a gluten-free diet even just a little bit can trigger the immune system reaction that damages your intestines, whether or not you experience symptoms.
Many gluten-free foods are low in vitamins, iron, protein, and fiber. It is very important to take a multivitamin to ensure you are getting all of the nutrients that you need.
Just as adjusting to diabetes requires changing eating patterns and lifestyle habits, learning to prepare and enjoy gluten-free foods and avoid gluten can be a challenge at first, but it doesn’t have to mean a lifetime of tasteless meals.
The variety and availability of gluten-free foods is greater now than ever before, and food manufacturers and restaurants are becoming increasingly sensitive to the needs of people with food intolerances.
In the end, better health, higher energy, and improved blood glucose control are worth the effort of adjusting to your new meal plan.
Alternative Natural Treatments For Coeliac Disease
There is no known cure for coeliac disease, which is chronic and autoimmune in nature, so there are only ways to minimize symptoms and help rebuild the immune system. First and foremost, it’s crucial to follow a completely gluten-free diet if you have coeliac disease by avoiding all products containing wheat, barley or rye.
The ideal diet for treating coeliac disease has no sugar, limited alcohol (particularly beer), no mushrooms, limited yeast and reduced caffeine. Foods should be organic whenever possible.
Eat more garlic and onion– these are helpful for improving the function of the immune system in general.
All processed foods should be avoided, and artificial sweeteners should never be used as sugar substitutes. Natural sweetener substitutes such as stevia are fine.
Avoid microwaved foods, because they are nutritionally depleted. People with coeliac disease are already somewhat malnourished.
One of the greatest things anybody with coeliac disease can do to remedy the disease is to completely chew their food before they swallow. What this does is that it enhances the consumption of nutritional elements so that they can become absorbed more effectively.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is widely used for a number of health conditions, but one of the most effective uses of fish oil is as a coating for your intestinal lining. By consuming fish oil, it can keep your small intestines from becoming inflamed, therefore preventing a painful flare-up of coeliac symptoms if you accidentally consume some gluten.
Consume Yogurt
Many people that have coeliac disease didn’t know for many years, which means that their intestinal villi are badly damaged, and the efficiency of nutrient absorption in their body is poor. Yogurt is known to stimulate beneficial bacteria and promote the healing of the digestive tract, so coeliac patients are often encouraged to increase their intake of yogurt.
Yogurt will stimulate the existing beneficial intestinal flora, and add good bacterial reinforcements. Use only plain yogurt without flavorings or sugars. Organic yogurt is best. Yogurt will also suppress the bad bacteria at the same time. Yogurt is absolutely critical. Use two tablespoons five times a day if possible.
Supplements
Research shows that patients with longstanding coeliac disease, whose absorption of nutrients has been impaired by the disease, have significant and faster improvement in their overall health when their gluten-free treatment is augmented with B-vitamin supplementation.
Vitamins A, E, folate (folic acid), and the mineral zinc participate in beneficial antioxidant functions to reduce oxidative stress in the cellular lining of the gut. In this manner, they assist in the overall repair process. Some of the gut barrier functions, such as IgA secretion, can be enhanced by these vitamins.
If your doctor detects any deficiencies, they will prescribe you supplements including calcium, magnesium ,iron, vitamin D, K, and B12, zinc, etc. These supplements should be gluten-free and should be given through injections, as pills can cause further damage to the intestinal tract.
Some supplements can help the small intestine to produce the enzymes to recognize gluten properly. Afterwards, they minimize the response of the immune system. These supplements are known as papain supplements.
One can buy them from general health food stores. It is rapidly getting popular among people who don’t want to modify their diet overnight. In fact, it helps them to adopt the renovated diet gradually.
However, these supplements don’t work for everyone. There are many cases where even after taking them, coeliac patients still suffer from the symptoms.
Other Nutrients
There are several nutrients that are beneficial in reducing severity and recurrence of coeliac symptoms:
Carnitine – in the form acetyl-l-carnitine, helps to heal the stomach and intestines very effectively and quickly (and this effect is enhanced so that it works even better when used in combination with zinc)
Digestive enzymes – bromelain and other digestive enzymes are excellent at helping the stomach and intestines digest and absorb the nutrients in food properly
Essential fatty acids – help to reduce inflammation in the body and which can reduce severity and duration of symptoms. The most effective essential fatty acids (EFA) are the omega 3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA and also the omega 6 fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) , which have been shown in many studies to reduce inflammation, especially when taken together in a ratio of 1:1 or 2:1 (ratio of the omega 3:omega 6 fatty acids)
Glutamine – the conditionally-essential amino acid glutamine is an excellent nutrient for the stomach and small intestine as it helps the intestines function more effectively. In addition, glutamine also helps the white blood cells of the immune system function more effectively too. Glutamine is also needed to make the non-essential amino acid and neurotransmitter GABA, required for mood regulation and relaxation, so this is another way GABA can help to reduce symptoms
Glutathione – the non-essential amino acid glutathione is an excellent antioxidant for the gastrointestinal tract and especially helps the immune system function more effectively, which helps reduce symptoms
Probiotics – the live cultures in probiotics help to populate the gastrointestinal tract with “friendly” bacteria that will help with digestion and absorption and reduce some of the symptoms associated with this condition by reducing “bad” bacteria and ensuring proper digestion and absorption of nutrients occurs more effectively.
Olive leaf extract is commonly used in the treatment of coeliac disease because it helps to regulate and protect the immune system, thereby reducing the auto-immune effects on the small intestine, lessening the severity of a celiac disease. Furthermore, chamomile is another good herb to reduce the digestive inflammation and upset stomachs that are associated with coeliac disease.
Echinacea and goldenseal can help accelerate this process of healing immensely. These two herbs help to boost the immune system, and they are frequently combined in capsules since they work so well together.
You might also find goldenseal and echinacea mixed together with marshmallow, geranium, slippery elm, and quite a large variety of herbs, really. This particular mixture is created by numerous companies since it is so popular.
The digestive tract is helped immensely by this formula by making a favorable layer of slime that helps to aid digestive tissues in the body. Most online and local shops should carry a combination herb of this nature due to its popularity.
Goldenseal and echinacea are valuable herbs since they have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. One note of caution about these, though: Usually, 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off for a period of time of up to 2 months is recommended for these 2 herbs. You should never take them for overly long periods of time without a break.
Paprika is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can prove beneficial for small intestine inflammation. You can consume it in different ways for gaining benefits. They are by adding it in the drinks, sprinkling on foods, etc. Besides, you can also prepare a special drink of lemon juice, honey, and paprika powder.
Another great herb for healing the small intestine is Turmeric. Most likely, you don’t have to go anywhere for it as it is available right in your kitchen. This anti-inflammatory spice will assist in healing the swelling of the small intestines. Moreover, it also helps in the detoxification process.
Many studies show that peppermint oil is very effective at reducing spasm in the intestines and so are often prescribed by doctors for people who have crampy type gastrointestinal pains.
Peppermint tea is also useful, but not as effective as the concentrated oil. Some people though, are not able to tolerate the peppermint oil and experience side effect symptoms from trying it – your doctor will advise you if this is suitable for you
Teas
You might be aware of the fact that Ginger has strong healing properties in it. Besides, it works excellent for treating gastrointestinal disorders. Nonetheless, it will provide you relief from various symptoms of Coeliac. It will not only assist in restoring the functions of small intestines but also pancreas and liver. Usually, the gastrointestinal disorders are responsible for damaging other vital organs. For getting maximum benefits, you should have ginger tea for at least two times daily.
Horsetail tea is known for eliminating the swelling in the small intestines and digestive tract. Besides, it will also strengthen your digestive system.
It is a well-known fact that acetic acid in vinegar improves digestion. And it is one of the best anti-inflammatory drink. Besides, it maintains a healthy balance of stomach bacteria. It may speed-up the healing process in small intestines.
The juice of cabbage contains “substance U” which has proven ulcer healing properties and it can provide relief for symptoms by healing the mucosa of the intestinal wall, which means it can help reduce (and even prevent) symptoms.
Drink spring water, or water which has been filtered through a Berkey water filter having fluoride removal add-ons. Fluoride should be eliminated as much as possible, so in addition to filtering the water, patients should use fluoride-free toothpastes.
Tips That Can Help Diabetics With Coeliac Disease
1.Eat foods that are as minimally processed as possible (vegetables, fruits, fish, eggs, nuts,goats milk)
2.Avoid fried or breaded foods (restaurant cooking oils are often contaminated with gluten, and breadcrumbs typically contain gluten)
4.Choose whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, amaranth and buckwheat) and legumes (chickpeas, beans, lentils, soybeans, etc.) to optimize your intake of fibre and protein
5.Use your own toaster oven and your own jars of jams and spreads (mayonnaise, mustard, etc.) to avoid cross-contamination
6.Avoid hidden sources of gluten, such as soy sauce, seafood substitutes (pollock), grain-based alcohol (beer), certain soups and soup stocks, all meat products!
7.Read all food labels – it is vital to read all food nutrition labels to see if there is any gluten in the produce; usually most products will state if it is gluten-free, but if they do not, take care not to use any products with thickeners as they will be gluten based.
8.Relaxation – it is really important to help the immune system (and in fact, the whole digestive system too) calm down by engaging in some form of relaxation, such as prayer and meditation.
9.If you have Type 1 Diabetes and you have not been screened for coeliac disease, talk to your doctor about it. 10% of people with Type 1 Diabetes have coeliac disease.
10.Coeliac disease if untreated, can not only cause short term stomach problems, but because none of the food is being digested it causes long term problems like osteoporosis, infertility, anemia, weak teeth, and neuropathy. This doesn’t even count the complications that diabetes can cause!
Always ensure that you notify your medical practitioner of any supplements that you want to take – it may interfere with other medication or conditions you have. Confirm with your doctor it is safe to take BEFORE you try it.
The best approach to cancer is a positive outlook and a healthy lifestyle.So when I heard that people I know have had or did have cancer I decided to accumulate information on cancer and see if I could come up with a natural solution rather than a pharamaceutical one.
As I mentioned in a previous article I was a Research And Development analyst in Teva Pharmaceuticals in Waterford where I spent many happy years working on pharmaceutical products so I learned that pharmaceuticals are not the best way to go to treat an illness or to manage an illness.So I decided to come up with a more natural approach.
When I worked in Teva I was friendly with Deidre a women who was great at cancer fundraising she raised money for cancer by selling mugs I bought one and I still have it today.
I had a cuppa and two hobnob biscuits as my blood sugar levels were dropping.It is a very colourful mug with a pretty flower what do you think?
While more research is needed to better understand the complex relationship between diabetes and cancer, we do know that a dual diagnosis is relatively common. It’s estimated that as many as one in five cancer patients has diabetes as well.
Researchers suggest that the link between the two diseases may be partly due to shared risk factors, including aging, overweight and obesity(mainly type 2 diabetes), unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, alcohol and smoking.
Lifestyle choices can influence risk of both diabetes and cancer. Many strategies that decrease risk of cancer also promote control of diabetes.
Maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and being physically active are lifestyle measures that can reduce the risks of both diseases.
Dietary recommendations to reduce cancer risk focus on predominantly plant-based diets emphasizing a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes.
The three most obvious means by which diabetes could influence the development and spread of cancer are insulin, blood glucose, and inflammation.
People with type 2 diabetes are insulin resistant which increases the body’s production of insulin and also increases blood glucose levels which leads to inflammation.
Experts now theorize that high blood sugar levels increase the growth of cancer cells.The most important thing to remember is that stable blood sugar levels are essential and so is a healthy lifestyle as well as good diabetic management such as monitoring blood glucose levels regularly.
Both diabetes and cancer are thought to have an inflammatory cause. Uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to chronic inflammation, which may cause the types of changes in cells that can increase the risk of cancer.
While cancer alone is difficult to treat, it becomes an even bigger challenge to try to treat cancer with diabetes. This is because many anti-diabetic medications interfere with conventional cancer treatment. Similarly chemotherapy also interferes with blood sugar levels that may lead to poor diabetic control.
Radiation therapy and some types of chemotherapy may impact your blood sugar levels causing high blood sugar that leads to dehydration. Taking extra care to manage your blood sugar levels and keep them stable can help you feel better during treatment.Uncontrolled blood sugar levels also can have a negative impact on all your organs.
It is vital, to take the diabetes into consideration as part of the cancer treatment.That means assembling a multidisciplinary team of caregivers that may include an endocrinologist ,a medical oncologist and a dietitian for nutritional education and counseling.
The good news is that experts can generally predict how certain treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy will affect diabetes management and advise accordingly.
Stress of any sort can affect blood sugar control, Consequently, blood sugar levels need to be closely monitored through surgeries and other forms of treatment.
Some chemotherapy drugs can damage the nerves in your body. This can cause pain and changes in sensation. These effects can be worse if you already have nerve damage caused by diabetes.
Focus on a healthy eating plan that’s rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in fat and calories. You can help keep your blood sugar level in a safe range by ensuring there’s a balance of these foods in your diet throughout the day.
If you’re finding that it’s difficult to eat healthy foods, talk to your doctor or schedule an appointment with a dietitian who is also a diabetes educator to find ways to get these foods into your diet.
Exercise when possible. This can help you maintain a healthy weight, which plays a key part in controlling your diabetes. Studies have also shown that exercising during treatment can ease side effects and improve quality of life for many patients.
Research shows that heavy drinking damages cells and can lead to cancer. Alcohol is also high in calories and sugar.
It is recommended that women have no more than two drinks per week and men have no more than four drinks per week. (A drink serving is defined as 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of liquor.)
Remember, if you have diabetes, the best thing you can do is to make sure your blood sugar levels are under control. That’s true before, during and after cancer treatment.
I picked up several medical information brochures in the Waterford Medical Centre!
See below a number of brochures on differnt kinds of cancer.
The following natural cancer approaches have been shown to naturally relieve cancer symptoms and limit the spread of tumor cells.
Herbal medicine
Herbal medicine is one of the most commonly used alternative therapies by people with cancer. Some studies have shown that as many as 6 out of every 10 people with cancer (60%) use herbal remedies alongside conventional cancer treatments.
People have used herbal medicine for centuries to treat many different health conditions. It is often promoted as a natural way to help you relax and cope with anxiety and depression.
Herbal medicine uses plants, or mixtures of plant extracts, to treat illness and promote health.
Herbal medicine aims to restore your body’s ability to protect, regulate and heal itself. It is a whole body approach that looks at your physical, mental and emotional well being.
Many modern drugs are made from plants. But herbalists don’t extract plant substances in the way the drug industry does. Herbalists believe that the remedy works due to the delicate chemical balance of the whole plant, or mixtures of plants, not one particular active ingredient.
We can use food as medicine in our natural cancer approach.The following foods are very helpful in combating cancer these include fruit and vegetables,herbs and spices,green tea,omega 3 fatty acids such as fish and low glycemic index foods such as salads and vegetarian stir frys.
The ketogenic diet detoxes the body and it helps people to remove processed foods from their diet and to include healthy foods such as those foods listed above.
Pastured beef and dairy products, organic poultry, good fats such as coconut oil and avocados, low carbohydrates fruits and vegetables such as asparagus, cabbage, lemon and limes are all ketogenic approved foods with cancer protective properties.
A ketogenic diet has been shown to significantly delay the progression of cancer tumors and increase survival rate periods by more than 50%!
Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber
Hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy helps to remove two of the major bodily problems which contribute to cancer,lack of oxygen to cells and excessive acidity. This treatment increases the amount of oxygen that circulates around the body and therefore also decreases acidic conditions.
Unlike cancer cells, healthy cells cannot flourish without an adequate oxygen supply. Hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy is an effective strategy to increase the oxygen flow to all cells and organs and also neutralise the pH of your body’s environment to better equip cells to maintain their normal functions.
By keeping your pH above 7, the body then acts as a “cancer treatment” for itself and goes to work to break down and dispose of any cancerous tumors!
The Awesome Power of Selenium!
Selenium has now been recognised by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an anti-cancer nutrient. For this to happen, there has to be some strong evidence to prove selenium’s benefit in cancer prevention and treatment.
It was discovered that selenium alone was able to reduce the overall cancer mortality rate by a stunning 50%.Furthermore, it was able to reduce prostate cancer in men by 63%, and stomach cancers in all participants by 58%. It was also able to reduce lung cancer by 46%.
For selenium take green food (these foods also contain high amounts of vitamins C, E and beta carotene).
Also, eat plenty of Brazil nuts (buy the shelled kind) as they contain high amounts of selenium.
Power of Green Tea!
Researchers discovered that drinking at least 5 cups a day of green tea cut the rate of blood cancers(leukaemia) by an astounding 42%, and lymphatic cancer by 48%.
What’s more, these big reductions were found to be the same in both men and women as well as people with various body mass sizes.
Even more surprising was the fact that by combining green tea with a citrus fruit, the anti-cancer benefits of green tea were increased even more. It’s thought that citrus fruits stabilize the green tea ECGC antioxidants in the gut – enhancing the absorption rate significantly.
The powerful antioxidants contained in green tea are substances known as polyphenols or catechins (ECGc’s). These substances are a 100 times more potent at scavenging and disarming free radicals than vitamin C or vitamin E.
Further studies on green tea and cancer have also shown that green tea can actually reduce the incidence and size of tumors – by a small degree in many cases.
In Japan and China, where women regularly consume green tea, they have the lowest rates of breast cancer in the world. In fact, breast cancer is almost nonexistent in Japanese women! And Japanese men also have one of the lowest incidences of prostate cancer in the world.
Both men and women in Japan and China have the healthiest diet in the world!
Matcha green tea is definitely the most potent and beneficial green tea and tastes the best. Regular green tea will still do the job nicely. Just make sure that whatever type you buy is certified organic.
You can now buy green tea varieties that have been infused with citrus, or instead, simply make your own by adding a slice of orange and lemon (and ginger) to your Matcha green tea. It tastes amazingly good!
Detoxification
Effective healing requires the removal of accumulated toxins and bodily wastes. It is important to stop eating processed foods as they inhibit your recovery from cancer.
It’s also beneficial to begin a healing regimen with a cleanse of the kidneys, liver and colon to remove stored toxins. There are many effective cleansing formulas and procedures that can be found at health food stores, the internet, or through a holistic healer.
The liver is sometimes referred to as the “CEO of detoxification.” It detoxifies the blood, produces bile to digest fat, works to break down hormones, and extracts essential vitamins and minerals the body needs. In addition, your liver also helps to produce some major substances needed to keep your immune system and the rest of you working smoothly, including glutathione − the “mother” of all internally-produced antioxidants.
There are many factors that lead to a sluggish liver such as obesity and viral infections. The most important factor is drinking too much alcohol.
An organ that works hand-in-hand with the liver are the kidneys. If the liver is the great detoxifier, then the kidneys are the “great filters” since they help to remove toxins and waste from the body. Have you known someone (maybe even yourself) who has had the unfortunate experience of passing kidney stones? If so, you probably know that besides being extremely painful, kidney stones may be a huge indication that it is time to give these tiny but important organs some love.
You can help your kidneys daily by staying hydrated and also staying away from processed foods. For a cleanse of the kidneys, consider healing citrus juices that can be incorporated into your daily routine. Cranberries have been known to cleanse the body of excess calcium oxalate, one of the main substances in kidney stones. Be sure to use cranberry juice free of extra sugars and artificial ingredients.
Other fruits and veggies that can be juiced and are also great for the kidneys include beet, lemon, cucumber, spinach, green apples, and pineapple.
Toxic build-up can also be removed through fasting, which helps to heal and rejuvenate the body.
Lifestyle Changes
Deep, restful sleep is an important part of cancer recovery. During sleep our bodies undergo the processes of healing, rebuilding and detoxifying . The value of adequate sleep should not be overlooked because without it our cancer recovery will be compromised.
Other lifestyle changes include sunlight exposure and daily exercise.Regular exercise speeds up the elimination of toxins and is necessary to keep the body oxygenated . These therapeutic benefits can be achieved through moderate exercise at least three times per week .
Developing a positive attitude will reduce stress and profoundly aid the healing process. A cancer survivor can achieve this in part by becoming proactive through researching alternative options.There are innumerable books and websites like this one that outline alternative cancer therapies.
The link between diabetes and cancer remains unclear. What is clear is that physical activity, maintaining a stable weight and consuming a healthy diet will help prevent both Type 2 diabetes and cancer.
Until more is known about the possible link between diabetes and cancer, the best approach we can take is to strive to follow a healthy lifestyle.
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is considered to be one of the most painful afflictions known to medical practice. TN affects the trigeminal nerve, one of the largest nerves in the head that causes extreme, sudden or shock-like facial pain in the areas of the face such as lips, eyes, nose, scalp, forehead, upper jaw and lower jaw. The pain episodes last from a few seconds to as long as two minutes. The trigeminal nerve is one of 12 pairs of nerves that are attached to the brain that are divided into 3 parts, namely Ophthalmic, Maxillary and Mandibular.
Facial pain can be caused by anything from an infection to nerve damage in the face. Common causes for facial pain include:
1.Oral infections
2,Ulcers (open sores)
3.Skin abscess (collection of pus under the skin)
4.Headache
5.Facial injury
6.Toothache
7.Shingles
8.Migraine
9.Sinusitis (sinus infection)
10.Nerve disorder
In some cases, the cause of trigeminal neuralgia is unknown.
The most frequent cause of trigeminal neuralgia is a blood vessel pressing on the nerve near the brain stem. Over time, changes in the blood vessels of the brain can result in blood vessels rubbing against the trigeminal nerve root. The constant rubbing with each heartbeat wears away the insulating membrane of the nerve, resulting in nerve irritation.
The symptoms of TN are found in those people who feel pain on their face or in their mouth and teeth. The pain can come and go suddenly and unpredictably.
Each attack may come on spontaneously (without warning) or be triggered. Common triggers include:
Touching your face
Eating
Drinking
Brushing your teeth
Talking
Putting on makeup
Encountering a breeze
Smiling
Washing your face or shaving
Attacks become more frequent and intense over time if left untreated.
People often use words like stabbing, lacerating, electric shock-like and shooting to describe the pain. Usually, the pain is felt on one side of the jaw or cheek, but some people experience pain at different times on both sides.
Each burst of pain lasts only a few seconds or minutes but some people might experience several bursts in quick successions and this can last for hours. Other people might experience more than 20 shorter attacks a day.
The disorder is more common in women than in men.Although infants, children and young adults may develop this disorder, it is rare in people younger than age 40.
Many people with diabetes have problems with their nerves, including neuralgia. The excess glucose in the bloodstream may damage nerves.
Diabetes is a risk factor to the development of classical trigeminal neuralgia and nerve damage due to hyperglycemia might be the linkage to the two diseases.
Stress is not the primary cause of trigeminal neuralgia. However, it has been identified as playing a role in triggering, and maintaining trigeminal neuralgia, especially where the condition has become chronic.
Some people have reported the onset of trigeminal neuralgia following major stressful life events such as divorce, death of close relatives, and unemployment/change of job.
Clinical studies have shown that psychological stress can make trigeminal neuralgia symptoms worse.
Suffering from trigeminal neuralgia can be stressful in itself. You may find it more difficult to cope with other stressful events in your life, in addition to living with this painful condition. It can become a vicious circle.
The pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia can occur suddenly and unpredictably. Not knowing when or where such the next attack might happen can lead to anxiety and stress. This can have a detrimental effect on your day-to-day life. It may mean having to have time off work or restricting your social activities.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and your medical history, including any history of multiple sclerosis, a condition that may cause similar or even identical symptoms. To help rule out medical and dental conditions that can have similar symptoms, your doctor also will ask whether you have a history of:
1.Recent trauma to your face or teeth
2.A recent tooth infection or root canal treatment
3.A tooth extraction on the same side as your facial pain – Sometimes a tooth extraction can cause pain in the area of the missing tooth.
4.Any areas of painful facial blisters – Painful blisters can be a sign that you have a viral infection involving your facial skin, such as herpes (which is caused by the herpes simplex virus) or shingles (which is caused by varicella zoster, the chickenpox virus). Facial pain can last for weeks after the blisters heal, especially in cases of shingles.
Next, your doctor will thoroughly examine your head and neck, including the area inside your mouth. The doctor also will do a brief neurological examination and concentrate on feeling and muscle movements in your face.
In almost all cases of trigeminal neuralgia, the results of these examinations are normal.
If necessary, your doctor will order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan of your head to check for blood vessel abnormalities, tumors pressing on your trigeminal nerve or other possible causes of your symptoms.
Your doctor will diagnose trigeminal neuralgia based on your symptoms, the examination and test results. There is no specific test to confirm the diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia, so an important part of the diagnosis is excluding other explanations for the symptoms.
Trigeminal neuralgia is unpredictable. For unknown reasons, many people experience periods when the illness suddenly gets worse and causes repeated painful episodes over several days, weeks or months. This period may be followed by a pain-free interval that can last for months or years.
Because the cause of trigeminal neuralgia is unknown, it cannot be prevented.You should seek medical help immediately if you develop facial pain that fits the pattern of trigeminal neuralgia.
Medical Treatments ForTrigeminal Neuralgia
The first medical treatment for trigeminal neuralgia usually is carbamazepine (Tegretol and others). Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant medication that decreases the ability of the trigeminal nerve to fire off the nerve impulses that cause facial pain.
If carbamazepine is not effective, other possible drug choices include phenytoin (Dilantin), gabapentin (Neurontin), lamotrigine (Lamictal), topiramate (Topamax), and valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote).
A muscle relaxant such as baclofen (Lioresal) can be tried alone or in combination with an anticonvulsant. Narcotic pain relievers, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone or morphine (several brand names), may be taken briefly for severe episodes of pain.
Some of these medications carry the risk of unpleasant side effects, including drowsiness, liver problems, blood disorders, nausea and dizziness.
For this reason, people taking any of these medications may be monitored with frequent follow-up visits and periodic blood tests. After a few pain-free months, your doctor may attempt to decrease the dose of the medication gradually or discontinue it.
This is done to limit the risk of side effects and to determine whether your trigeminal neuralgia has gone away on its own.
If medication does not stop your pain or if you cannot tolerate the side effects of medication, then your doctor may suggest one of the following treatment options:
1.Rhizolysis – In this approach, part of the trigeminal nerve is inactivated temporarily by using one of the following methods: a heated probe, an injection of the chemical glycerol or a tiny balloon that is inflated near the nerve to compress it. During the procedure a needle or a tiny hollow tube called a trocar is inserted through the skin of your cheek. These procedures provide immediate relief in up to 99% of patients, but 25% to 50% of people will have the problem return during the next several years.
2.Stereotactic radiosurgery – This form of radiation therapy uses a linear accelerator or a gamma knife to inactivate part of the trigeminal nerve. After your head is positioned carefully in a special head frame, many tiny beams of radiation are aimed precisely at the part of the trigeminal nerve that must be inactivated. Stereotactic radiosurgery is a fairly new treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia, and its long-term success rate is still being evaluated.
3.Microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve – In this delicate surgical procedure, a surgeon carefully repositions the blood vessel that is pressing on your trigeminal nerve near your brain. Because this procedure involves opening your skull, the ideal candidate for this procedure is someone who is generally healthy and younger than 65. Overall, the immediate success rate is approximately 90%, and 70% to 80% of patients have long-term relief. Microvascular decompression may be effective for patients who have not had success with one of the less invasive surgeries.
Natural Treatments ForTrigeminal Neuralgia
Literally hundreds of natural treatments are recommended for trigeminal neuralgia.Many claim they can “cure” trigeminal neuralgia, but like many conditions, there is no true cure for trigeminal neuralgia, only intervention and management.The most popular of the natural treatments that claim to offer relief are covered here.
Healthy Diet
B complex vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for promoting healthy nerve function and reducing inflammation. By ensuring you have an adequate amount of these vitamins and fatty acids in your diet, you can help reduce trigeminal neuralgia pain. Luckily, there are many foods that are rich in these nutrients.
These include eggs, dairy products (i.e. milk, yogurt and cheese), leafy greens and legumes (i.e. beans, peas), whole grain products (e.g. breads, oatmeal), almond milk, soy milk, and flaxseeds.
By improving your diet and adding B complex-rich foods, you can easily give your body the vitamins it needs to prevent trigeminal neuralgia. Omega-3 fatty acids can also be taken in a fish-oil or flaxseed-oil supplement.
Ashwagandha Oil
There are also non-dietary treatments for trigeminal neuralgia. One treatment for facial pain is ashwagandha oil, which is an anti-inflammatory that contains antioxidants. Not only can it help relieve nerve pain, but it can promote faster healing by boosting your immune system. The oil can be directly applied to your skin in a massage.
Cayenne Pepper
Natural Health studys mention the topical use of capsaicin cream or cayenne pepper, also called capsicum, for pain relief for trigeminal neuralgia. Capsaicin cream is available for purchase in pharmacies.
Alternatively, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be mixed with olive oil or other unscented facial cream and applied to the painful area.
Both capsaicin and cayenne pepper may produce hypersensitivity of the skin and the affected nerve. Discontinue use if this occurs. People who bleed easily should avoid using cayenne pepper.
Chinese Herbs
Several Chinese herbs provide pain relief for those suffering from trigeminal neuralgia according to some studies.
Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang, a peony and licorice combination, is useful for calming spasmodic, sudden pains.
Qing Shang Juan Tong Tang helps relieve head pain in general, including facial pains.
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang helps to unblock trapped energy channels, increasing blood flow to the painful area.
Side effects may occur from the use of these herbs, and guidance from a qualified practitioner is recommended before using Chinese herbs for this condition.
Research findings state that trigeminal neuralgia is initiated by a viral infection which may have been laying dormant in the nervous system – similar to what initiates/causes a herpes or shingles outbreak.
So the best way to flush out and kill any and all viruses in the body and give yourself some welcome pain relief is with a combination of colloidal silver and DMSO.
The colloidal silver is first taken orally at 3-5 teaspoons per day (in divided doses) mixed in a full glass of water for a period of 8-12 weeks. This will eradicate all viruses, bacteria, fungicides and unwanted protozoa’s within the body. Colloidal silver is safe to use as well and doesn’t have any harmful side effects.
For external benefit and relief from trigeminal neuralgia, here’s what you need to do with the colloidal silver and DMSO:
Mix together 1 teaspoon (100 drops) of colloidal silver with 20 drops of pharmaceutical grade DMSO. Soak the mixture with a paper towel or cloth then place over the affected/painful area.
Leave on for 20-30 minutes. Repeat this process 3 times daily for 4-6 weeks. The colloidal silver will help to kill the virus, while the DMSO helps the silver to penetrate deep inside, along with providing powerful pain relief.
Magnesium and Boron
Magnesium and boron are both crucial for the health of nerve fibers and myelin sheath. They will not only help to restore the normal function of the trigeminal nerve (by restoring the myelin sheath), they will also help to reduce any swelling and inflammation.
To get your daily supply of absorbable magnesium, a transdermal magnesium oil spray is definitely the best solution. With the oil spray, the magnesium is absorbed straight into the bloodstream through the pores of the skin.
Spray the magnesium oil on your arms, legs, and stomach once to twice daily using 10-15 sprays per application. You’ll find it may tingle on your skin, especially the first few times you use it. This is normal and means it’s working. Leave on for at least an hour before showering. Use a natural skin moisturizer afterwards.
Anti-Viral Herbs and Coconut Oil
Anti viral herbs such as St John’s Wort (the most powerful), turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, cloves, oregano, lemon balm, and rosemary all help tremendously with trigeminal neuralgia by further helping to kill any unwanted viruses, along with boosting the immune system and calming the nerves.
Many sufferers recommend taking 300mg of St. Johns Wort together with a B-Complex once a day and they claim that within a week you will be pain free!!!!
Coconut oil is another potent anti-viral and anti-fungal food that many people claim helps reverse the effects of this condition.
Coconut oil is best consumed by taking 2-3 tablespoons per day (taken anyway you want) and with the other anti-viral herbs, just use them in your cooking and foods as much as you possibly can!
Compress can be prepared using heat packs and ice packs that are helpful in treating trigeminal neuralgia. Both kinds of compresses are helpful in relaxing the muscles. People suffering from trigeminal neuralgia can place ice packs over the cheeks and jaws that would provide instant relief.
Similarly, hot packs can be used as compresses for providing relief from the disease.Another method is to used hot pack and cold pack alternatively that would soothe the aching muscles. Gel packs that are reusable can also be used. These cold and hot gel packs can be stored in the freezer or microwave as the case may be.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is useful for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Adding this salt in bath water and taking bath using this water would provide relief from the pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia.
This remedy is also helpful for relaxing the muscles that are tensed. The affected areas of the body can also be soaked under this water which is another way of using this remedy.
Avoid Beverages & Drink Water
People suffering from trigeminal neuralgia should avoid the consumption of alcohol and caffeine as these beverages can worsen the conditions. One should also not consume coffee, black tea or soda.
It is important to remove these nutritional stressors from one’s diet. Drinking water is beneficial for the patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia. One should prefer the consumption of alkaline water or one can drink spring water.
Avoid Stress
Stress can trigger an attack of trigeminal neuralgia so it is important to try and stay calm and reduce stress. Take a relaxing bath, have a massage, go to bed early and try not to have an over-hectic schedule. If you are feeling stressed due to your neuralgia, talk to your friends and family. Sharing how you feel might help to reduce your stress levels.
Practice Healthy Habits
Get adequate rest, eat a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise. (Ask your doctor which exercises are safe for you.) Relaxation techniques like prayer meditation may also help you feel better.
Trigeminal neuralgia is not dangerous, but it can make your life miserable. It’s important to have the condition treated as soon as possible before it gets worse.
There are a variety of medications and surgeries that can eliminate the pain. There are also natural treatments that can help stop and prevent trigeminal neuralgia.Don’t suffer needlessly – take the right steps to eliminate your pain!
The ketogenic (keto) diet, high in healthy fats and low in carbs, can potentially change the way your body stores and uses energy, easing diabetes symptoms.With the keto diet, your body converts fat, instead of sugar, into energy.
The “keto” in a ketogenic diet comes from the fact that it makes the body produce small fuel molecules called “ketones”.
This is an alternative fuel for the body, used when blood sugar (glucose) is in short supply.
Ketones are produced if you eat very few carbs (that are quickly broken down into blood sugar) and only moderate amounts of protein (excess protein can also be converted to blood sugar).
Ketones are produced in the liver, from fat. They are then used as fuel throughout the body, including the brain. The brain is a hungry organ that consumes lots of energy every day,and it can’t run on fat directly. It can only run on glucose or ketones.
On a ketogenic diet, your entire body switches its fuel supply to run almost entirely on healthy fat. Insulin levels become very low, and fat burning increases dramatically.
It’s based around the premise that your body was designed to run more efficiently as a fat burner than a sugar burner.
The diet was created in 1924 as a treatment for epilepsy, but the effects of this eating pattern are also being studied for type 2 diabetes. The ketogenic diet may improve blood glucose (sugar) levels while also reducing the need for insulin.
However, the diet does come with risks, so make sure to discuss it with your doctor before making drastic dietary changes.
Many people with type 2 diabetes are overweight, so a high-fat diet can seem unhelpful. The goal of the ketogenic diet is to have the body use healthy fats for energy instead of carbohydrates or glucose. A person on the keto diet gets most of their energy from fat, with very little of the diet coming from carbohydrates.
The ketogenic diet has the potential to decrease blood glucose levels. Managing carbohydrate intake is often recommended for people with type 2 diabetes because carbohydrates turn to sugar and, in large quantities, can cause blood sugar spikes. If you already have high blood glucose, then eating too many carbs can be dangerous. By switching the focus to healthy fats, some people experience reduced blood sugar.
The ketogenic diet doesn’t mean you should load up on saturated fats, though. Heart-healthy fats are the key to sustaining overall health.
This means that no meat should be eaten only healthy fats like fish, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts and seeds!
Ketogenic Diet Basics
Low carbohydrate fruits such as strawberries and blueberries with healthy fats such as soya pot sprinkled with sunflower seeds and a few cashew nuts
There are several versions of the ketogenic diet, including:
Standard ketogenic diet (SKD): This is a very low-carb, moderate-protein and high-fat diet. It typically contains 75% fat, 20% protein and only 5% carbs.
Cyclical ketogenic diet (CKD): This diet involves periods of higher-carb refeeds, such as 5 ketogenic days followed by 2 high-carb days.
Targeted ketogenic diet (TKD): This diet allows you to add carbs around workouts.
High-protein ketogenic diet: This is similar to a standard ketogenic diet, but includes more protein. The ratio is often 60% fat, 35% protein and 5% carbs.
However, only the standard and high-protein ketogenic diets have been studied extensively. Cyclical or targeted ketogenic diets are more advanced methods, and primarily used by bodybuilders or athletes.
One study found that people on a ketogenic diet lost 2.2 times more weight than those on a calorie-restricted low-fat diet. Triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels also improved .
One study found that the ketogenic diet improved insulin sensitivity by a whopping 75% .
Another study in patients with type 2 diabetes found that 7 of the 21 participants were able to stop all diabetes medications.
There are several reasons why a ketogenic diet is superior to a low-fat diet. One is the increased protein intake, which provides numerous benefits.
The increased ketones, lowered blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity may also play a key role .
Studies have now shown that the diet can have benefits for a wide variety of different health conditions.
The ketogenic diet can improve risk factors like body fat, HDL levels, blood pressure and blood sugar.The diet is currently being used to treat several types of cancer and slow tumor growth .
The diet may reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s and slow down the disease’s progression .Research has shown that the ketogenic diet can cause massive reductions in seizures in epileptic children .One study found that the diet helped improve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease .
One study found that the diet can reduce concussions and aid recovery after brain injury .Lower insulin levels and eating less sugar or processed foods will help improve acne .
1.Some foods are ketogenic and some other food are anti-ketogenic.
Carbohydrates are 100% anti-ketogenic, meaning they completely turn into glucose once digested.
Fats are 90% Ketogenic, meaning 10% of the fat will turn into glucose in the bloodstream once digested.
Proteins are 46% Ketogenic and 58% anti-ketogenic,meaning that 58% of the proteins ingested will turn into glucose in the bloodstream.
2.Restrict your carbohydrates. Most people tend to only focus only on net carbs. If you want great results, limit both. Try to stay below 20g net carbs and below 35g total carbs per day.
3.Restrict your protein intake. Too much protein can lead to lower levels of ketosis. Ideally for weight loss, you want to eat between 0.6g and 0.8g protein per pound lean body mass.
INFOGRAPHIC – Calculating Protein Intake for Weight Loss And Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
While the exact cause of Type 2 diabetes is still not fully understood, it is known that being overweight or obese (having a body mass index – BMI – of 30 or greater) has a significant impact.
In fact, recent research suggests that obese people are up to 80 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with a BMI of less than 22.
So losing weight and bringing your BMI below this value is one of the most important, and controllable, ways to reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes. And according to research, simply optimizing your protein intake can help you achieve rapid weight loss results – even with light-to-moderate exercising.
Thanks to Thinner You Centers, the following infographic on protein for weight loss contains science-based information about the effects of protein intake on body composition, and how to calculate your optimal protein intake for maximum weight loss potential!
4.Drink water. Try to drink a gallon of water a day. Make sure that you’re hydrating and staying consistent with the amount of water you drink. It not only helps regulate many vital bodily functions, but it also helps control hunger levels.
5.Stop snacking. Weight loss tends to do better when you have fewer insulin spikes during the day. Unnecessary snacking may lead to stalls or slow in weight loss.
6.Add exercise in. It’s a known fact that exercise is healthy. If you want to get the most out of your ketogenic diet, consider adding in 20-30 minutes of exercise a day. Even just a small walk can help regulate weight loss and blood sugar levels.
7. Fasting On your ketogenic journey, it’s important to know that your success is not only dictated by eating enough fat and protein and restricting carbs. When you eat, how often you eat, and how much you eat have a substantial impact on your health and function as well.
Fasting isn’t required to lose weight on a ketogenic diet. If it doesn’t work for you, then do not force yourself to fast. Restricting yourself unrealistically is pointless – it’s not worth it if it makes you unhappy.
There are 2 basic terms we need to understand feeding and fasting. Your body is in a feeding state when you are eating your food, and you are in a fasting state when you are between your meals.
Ketogenic Diet Food List
A healthy Ketogenic meal
Not sure what to eat on a ketogenic diet? Here’s a quick food list for you to reference.
In general, you can eat from the following food groups:
1.Healthy Fats & Oils
Try to get your healthy fat from natural sources like seeds and nuts. Supplement with saturated and monounsaturated fats like coconut oil and olive oil.
Fats will be the majority of your daily calorie intake when you are on a ketogenic diet, so choices should be made with your likes and dislikes in mind.
Fats are vital to our bodies, but they can also be dangerous if you are consuming too much of the wrong types of fats like that found in all meat!There are a few different types of fat that are involved in a ketogenic diet.
Monounsaturated Fats. Eat these. Some examples of these are olive, avocado, and macadamia nut oils.
Polyunsaturated Fats. Know the difference. Naturally occurring polyunsaturated fats in fatty fish are great for you, and you should eat these. Processed polyunsaturated fats in “heart healthy” margarine spreads are bad for you.
Trans Fats. Completely avoid. These are processed fats that are chemically altered (hydrogenated) to improve shelf life. Avoid all hydrogenated fats, such as margarine, as they’re linked to heart disease.
Saturated and monounsaturated fats such as naturally produced butter,macadamia nuts, avocado, egg yolks, and coconut oil are more chemically stable and less inflammatory to most people, so they are preferred.
Eating fish like wild salmon, tuna and trout can help provide a balanced diet of Omega-3’s. You can also take krill oil for omega 3’s!
Take nut and seed based foods. These include items like almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, cashew nuts, sunflower seeds, sunflower oil and corn oil.
Frequent nut consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, certain cancers, depression and other chronic diseases.
Furthermore, nuts and seeds are high in fiber, which can help you feel full and absorb fewer calories overall.
Although all nuts and seeds are low in net carbs, the amount varies quite a bit among the different types.
Here are the carb counts for 1 ounce (28 grams) of some popular nuts and seeds.
Almonds: 3 grams net carbs (6 grams total carbs)
Brazil nuts: 1 gram net carbs (3 grams total carbs)
Cashews: 8 grams net carbs (9 grams total carbs)
Macadamia nuts: 2 grams net carbs (4 grams total carbs)
Pecans: 1 gram net carbs (4 grams total carbs)
Pistachios: 5 grams net carbs (8 grams total carbs)
Walnuts: 2 grams net carbs (4 grams total carbs)
Chia seeds: 1 gram net carbs (12 grams total carbs)
Flaxseeds: 0 grams net carbs (8 grams total carbs)
Pumpkin seeds: 4 grams net carbs (5 grams total carbs)
Sesame seeds: 3 grams net carbs (7 grams total carbs)
Keep snacking to a minimum, and don’t indulge in dessert items that are made from highly refined white flour!
If you’re using vegetable oils (olive, soybean, flax, or safflower) choose the “cold pressed” options if they are available.
Oleuropein, the main antioxidant found in olives, has anti-inflammatory properties and may protect your cells from damage.
In addition, studies suggest that consuming olives may help prevent bone loss and decrease blood pressure.
Olives vary in carb content due to their size. However, half of their carbs come from fiber, so their digestible carb content is very low.
A one-ounce (28-gram) serving of olives contains 2 grams of total carbs and 1 gram of fiber. This works out to a net carb count of 1 gram for 7–10 olives, depending on their size.
2.Protein
Some examples of how to get your protein in a ketogenic diet are below:
Fish. Preferably eating anything caught wild like catfish, cod, flounder, halibut, mackerel, mahi-mahi, salmon, snapper, trout, and tuna. Fattier fish is better.
Naturally produced eggs I found in Lidl
Whole Eggs. Try to get them free-range from the local market if possible. You can prepare them in many different ways like fried in olive oil or coconut oil, boiled, poached, and scrambled.
Nut Butter. Go for natural, unsweetened nuts and try to stick with fattier versions like almond butter and macadamia nut butter.
Shirataki noodles contain less than 1 gram of carbs per serving. Their viscous fiber helps slow down the movement of food through your digestive tract, which promotes fullness and stable blood sugar levels.
They contain less than 1 gram of carbs and 5 calories per serving because they are mainly water.
In fact, these noodles are made from a viscous fiber called glucomannan, which can absorb up to 50 times its weight in water.
Viscous fiber forms a gel that slows down food’s movement through your digestive tract. This can help decrease hunger and blood sugar spikes, making it beneficial for weight loss and diabetes management.
Shirataki noodles come in a variety of shapes, including rice, fettuccine and linguine. They can be substituted for regular noodles in all types of recipes.
3.Vegetables
Fresh homegrown vegetables are the best! Stick with above ground vegetables, leaning toward leafy/green items.
Vegetables are tricky on a ketogenic diet because we’ve been raised under the idea that vegetables are healthy and they are. However, almost all of the vegetables that we consume today contain carbs.
Some more than others so it’s important to understand the ones that have a better number of Net Carbs for a ketogenic diet.
Vegetable
Amount
Net Carbs
Spinach (Raw)
1/2 Cup
0.1
Bok Choi
1/2 Cup
0.2
Lettuce (Romaine)
1/2 Cup
0.2
Cauliflower (Steamed)
1/2 Cup
0.9
Cabbage (Green Raw)
1/2 Cup
1.1
Cauliflower (Raw)
1/2 Cup
1.4
Broccoli (Florets)
1/2 Cup
2
Collard Greens
1/2 Cup
2
Kale (Steamed)
1/2 Cup
2.1
Green Beans (Steamed)
1/2 Cup
2.9
The best type of vegetables for a ketogenic diet are high in nutrients and low in carbohydrates. These, as most of you can guess, are dark and leafy. Anything that resembles spinach or kale will fall into this category!
Vegetables that grow below ground can still be consumed in moderation – you just have to be careful about the number of carbs that they have. Try to choose your vegetables with carbohydrates in mind and portion them based on their carbohydrate counts.
Higher carb vegetables. This includes onion, parsnip, garlic, mushrooms, and squash which you should try to avoid in the ketogenic diet.
Nightshades. This includes tomato, eggplant, and peppers which you can eat in moderation.
Berries. This includes raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries which you can eat in moderation.
Berries are low in carbs and high in fiber.
In fact, raspberries and blackberries contain as much fiber as digestible carbs.
These tiny fruits are loaded with antioxidants that have been credited with reducing inflammation and protecting against disease.
Here are the carb counts for 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of some berries.
Blackberries: 5 grams net carbs (10 grams total carbs)
Blueberries: 12 grams net carbs (14 grams total carbs)
Raspberries: 6 grams net carbs (12 grams total carbs)
Strawberries: 6 grams net carbs (8 grams total carbs)
Citrus fruits. This includes lemon, lime, and orange juice consume in moderation.
Completely avoid starchy vegetables and large fruits like potatoes and bananas.
4.Dairy
Maureen’s goats cheese salad
Most dairy is fine, but make sure to buy naturally produced full-fat dairy items. Harder cheeses typically have fewer carbs.Try to keep your dairy consumption to a moderate level. Most of your meals should be coming from protein like fatty fish,low carbohydrate vegetables, and added healthy fats/vegetable oils.
Naturally Raw Organic dairy products are essential! Highly processed dairy products are detrimental to everyone’s health! Make sure never to choose fat-free or low-fat dairy products as they will have significantly more carbs and less healthy nutrient content as well as being responsible for a lot of illnesses!
Stick with very hard and long-aged dairy products such as goats cheese as they contain much less lactose. Some examples of dairy you can eat on keto are:
Soft Cheese including mozzarella, brie, blue, colby, monterey Jack.
Hard Cheese including aged cheddar, parmesan, feta, Swiss.
Make your own Mayonnaise that includes natural dairy products!
Dairy is a great way to add extra healthy fats into meals!
However some people experience slower weight loss when over-consuming cheese. If you notice that you have hit a plateau or slowed down in weight loss, you may want to consider reducing the amount of dairy you eat.
5.Nuts and Seeds
In moderation, nuts and seeds can be used to create some fantastic textures. Try to use fattier nuts like macadamias and almonds.
Avoid salted nuts as the added salt is responsible for high blood pressure which may lead to heart disease or a stroke!
Typically raw nuts can be used to add flavorings or texture to meals such as salads and vegetarian stir frys. Some people choose to consume them as healthy snacks but consume only in moderation as snacking, in general, will raise insulin levels and lead to slower weight loss in the long term!
Nuts can be a great source of fats, but you always have to remember that they do have carbohydrate counts that can add up quickly. It’s also particularly important to note that they do contain protein as well. Nut flours especially can add up in protein rather fast – so be wary of the amount you use. It is best to consume nuts high in healthy fat and low in carbohydrate content!
Fatty, low carbohydrate nuts. Macadamia nuts, brazil nuts, and pecans can be consumed with meals to supplement fat.
Fatty, moderate carbohydrate nuts. Walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, and pine nuts can be used in moderation to supplement for texture or flavor.
Higher carbohydrate nuts. Pistachios and cashews should rarely be eaten or avoided as they’re very high in carbohydrates (2 handfuls of cashews is almost a full day’s allowance of carbs).
If you have a nut allergy, a common substitution for almond flour is sunflower seed flour.
6.Beverages
Stay simple and stick to pure water. You can flavor it if needed with fresh fruit or lemon/lime juice.
The ketogenic diet has a natural diuretic effect, so dehydration is common for most people starting out. If you’re prone to urinary tract infections or bladder pain, you have to be especially prepared.
The eight glasses of water we’re recommended to drink? Drink those, and then some more. Considering we’re made up of about two-thirds water, hydration plays a substantial role in our everyday life. We recommend that you try to drink as close to a gallon of water a day as possible.
Many people experience the Keto Flu when transitioning to keto due to dehydration and lack of electrolytes. Make sure that you replenish your electrolytes and drink plenty of fluids.
Some examples of commonly consumed beverages on keto are below:
Water. This will be your staple, go-to source for hydration. You can drink still or sparkling water.
Broth. Loaded with vitamins and nutrients. More importantly, it will kickstart your energy by replenishing your electrolytes.
Tea. Try to stick with green tea.
Coconut/Almond milk. You can use the unsweetened versions in the carton from the store to replace your favorite beverage.
Diet soda. Try to severely reduce or completely stop drinking this. It can lead to sugar cravings and sometimes insulin spikes in the long run.
Flavoring. You can alternatively add a squeeze of lemon, lime, or orange to your water bottle.
Alcohol. Beer and wine will be too high carb to consume. Frequent consumption of alcohol will slow weight loss down.
Herbs and Spices are an important part of a ketogenic diet , people should use them everyday to add flavour and essential vitamins and minerals to their meals! There are many low carb processed condiments and products on the market which use artificial sweeteners which you must avoid as they are very bad for your health!
Spices have carbs in them, so make sure you are adding them to your carbohydrate counts. Most pre-made spice mixes will have sugars added to them, so make sure you read the nutrition label beforehand to make sure you know what’s inside. Never include added sugar into your spice blends or food!
Below you’ll find some common herbs and spices that people must consume!
Cayenne Pepper
Chili Powder
Cinnamon
Cumin
Oregano
Basil
Cilantro
Parsley
Rosemary
Thyme
When trying to shift from a high carb diet to a ketogenic diet, cravings can definitely get strong. It’s always best to try to clean out your fridge and food cupboard before you start so that you don’t have food around you that can lead to cravings. I recommend that you stop using artificial sweeteners completely! It normally leads to breaking sugar addiction and ultimately not having cravings.
If you’re still unsure about any products or food items that might not be keto friendly.
Below, you’ll find a list of foods that you should avoid:
Sugar. It’s typically found in soda, juice, sports drinks, candy, chocolate, and ice cream. Anything that’s processed and sweet you can think of most likely contains sugar. Avoid sugar at all costs.
Grains. Any wheat products (bread or buns), pasta, cereal, cakes, pastries, rice, corn, and beer should be avoided. This includes whole grains like wheat, rye, barley, buckwheat, and quinoa.
Starch. Avoid vegetables (like potatoes and yams) and other things like oats, muesli, etc. Some root vegetables are okay in moderation – be sure to read the section on vegetables.
Trans Fats. Margarine or any other spreadable replacement butter should be avoided as they contain hydrogenated fats (bad for us).
Fruit. Avoid any large fruits (apples, oranges, bananas) as they’re extremely high in sugar. Some berries can be consumed in moderation – be sure to read the section on fruits.
Low-fat foods. These tend to be much higher in carbs and sugar than full-fat versions. Make sure you read the package to make sure a mistake isn’t made.
Ketogenic Diet Side Effects
The ketogenic diet may be a viable treatment option for some people with type 2 diabetes. However, it does have some potential side effects.
As the ketogenic diet entails switching to a different source of energy, it can lead to some side effects. These may include:
loss of salts
keto-flu
noticeable change in bowel habits, such as constipation
uncomfortable leg cramps
noticeable loss of energy
mental fogginess
frequent urination
headaches
In most instances, the above side effects are just temporary and people experience no long-term problems.
Long-term effects can include the development of kidney stones and an increased risk of bone fractures due to acidosis. This can mean weak bones that are highly susceptible to fractures.
If you are pregnant or are nursing, you should not follow a Ketogenic diet.
You will not receive enough of the recommended carbohydrates, vitamins and nutrients necessary for yourself and your growing baby on this diet.
Your obstetrician will recommend how many carbohydrates you should consume per meal and for snacks during each phase of your pregnancy. They will likely refer you to a Certified Diabetes Educator for nutritional counseling as well.
Some studys suggest that people with type 2 diabetes taking oral medication to lower blood sugar levels may be more at risk for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, when following a ketogenic diet.
Consult with your diabetes medical team including your endocrinologist and a registered dietitian who is also a certified diabetes educator before trying this eating plan. You’ll want to start the Ketogenic diet slowly, cutting carbohydrates gradually.
You’ll want to regularly test both your blood sugar and ketone levels to prevent serious side effects. You’ll also want to make sure you’re taking in a balance of nutrients — all of those important vitamins, minerals, fiber as well as the proper amount of calories and healthy fats.
Brendan admiring the Japanese Garden in Powerscourt Gardens in County Wicklow in Ireland
The incidence of diabetes is increasing day by day.The global prevalence of diabetes is estimated to increase to 5.4% by the year 2025. WHO has predicted that the major burden will occur in developing countries.
Treatment of illnessand maintenance of health/well-being using herbal medicines is the oldest and most popular form of healthcare practice known to humanity that has been practiced by all cultures in all ages throughout the history of civilization.
In China, diabetes is not as prevalent as elsewhere.World-wide estimates of diabetes incidence are on the order of 1.0%, placing China among the group of nations with low incidence and the U.S. in the high incidence category.
Although the incidence of diabetes is far lower in China than in the U.S., predictions are that China and the rest of southeast Asia will rapidly become the world’s main site of diabetes cases (by the year 2025) due to the combined high population and change in lifestyle as the countries modernize.
Recent studies have shown that more than 90% of Type 2 diabetes is avoidable through lifestyle changes, not drugs and surgeries!
Chinese food therapy and herbal therapy is a great example of a positive lifestyle change that can help to prevent a person who is diagnosed with pre-diabetes.15 to 30 % of people with pre-diabetes will develop diabetes within 5 years!
Consuming whole foods is vital in the prevention and successful reversal of this condition. Sugars and white flour, rice, or potatoes should be replaced with whole grains; fruit juices should be replaced with whole fruit sparingly; and vegetables should consumed with wild abandon.
Protein consumption is vital in maintaining level blood sugar levels and is best obtained through nuts, eggs, beans or legumes, and fish; keep meat and cheese, and greasy food consumption to a minimum.
When treating diabetes, Herbal medicine can assist the body to regain its normal healthy functioning. Pre-diabetic conditions can often be fully reversed, while type 2 diabetics have a chance of reversing their condition when caught early on.
Those who have chronic type 2 diabetes or type 1 diabetes can find that herbs help to moderate blood sugar levels and help to provide an improved quality of life.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed 21,000 plants, which are used for medicinal purposes around the world. Among these 2500 species are in India, out of which 150 species are used commercially on a fairly large scale.
India is the largest producer of medicinal herbs and is called as botanical garden of the world.There are many herbal remedies suggested for diabetes and diabetic complications. Medicinal plants form the main ingredients of these formulations.
The use of alternative medicines for the management of diabetes is widespread in the Indian subcontinent, mostly in the form of so-called nutraceuticals (eg, capsules made of fenugreek or bitter melon extract).
Ayurveda disease management entails a prescription of personalised diet,healthy lifestyle and herbal remedies . Each treatment plan is customised to the individual patient and to the type and stage of diabetes.
It is important to keep in mind that classic Ayurvedic medicines are usually polyherbal formulations. The combined effect of the phytochemical constituents of various herbs is responsible for therapeutic efficacy, rather than the actions of a single active ingredient.
The most common and effective antidiabetic medicinal plants of Indian origin are listed below.All these plants are a rich source of phytochemicals.
Chinese Herbs And Diabetes
Herbal remedies come in various delivery systems: you can take the natural plants and herbs according to the way they are prescribed – powdered or cooked or mixed with water; or you can take various herbal remedies that come in capsule form. If you are finicky about taste and smell you may well prefer to take capsules which are easy to swallow and are made from refined extracts.
Science has been investigating many of the herbs used in the Chinese medicine formulas. Studies have recently found that berberine has insulin-sensitizing effects. Many other Chinese herbs have been used successfully for thousands of years to treat and reduce the associated symptoms of diabetes.
A simple tea that can be made at home can help some of the symptoms of diabetes. Simmer 120g of dried Chinese yam (shan yao) in water and drink throughout the day.Nine flavour tea pills are available from Chinese medicine practitioners. This remedy helps the adrenal glands and kidneys, and addresses symptoms like heat, lower backache, and excessive thirst and urination.
Beneficial foods that clear heat and nourish the body’s fluids include spinach, turnips, pears, soybeans, millet, Chinese yam, water chestnuts, mung beans, and sea cucumbers. Avoid hot and spicy foods and alcohol.
Tianqi is widely used in China for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It includes several herbs that have been shown to lower blood glucose levels and improve blood sugar control after meals. The main herb in Tianqi is Acanthopanax notoginseng, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is said to ‘educate the blood’ – broadly meaning it helps maintain healthy cardiovascular function.
Several other Chinese and oriental herbs have been found to control blood sugar levels as well as or better than pharmaceutical drugs.
Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentophyllum) can improve insulin sensitivity and, when taken for 12 weeks by people with type 2 diabetes, has been shown to lower fasting blood sugar levels to within the ‘normal’ range.
Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) has a long history of use for lowering blood sugar levels. In one study, it was found to reduce the rise in blood sugar after a meal by an impressive 27 per cent, compared with placebo.
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) may have even more powerful anti-diabetic effects than red ginseng. In a study that compared both herbs against placebo, Siberian ginseng lowered both fasting blood glucose and after-meal blood glucose levels more strongly than did red ginseng.
Bitter melon (Mormodica charantia) improves insulin sensitivity and outperformed the now-banned drug Avandia (rosiglitazone) in a study of its effectiveness in managing diabetes and its complications.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) has natural active ingredients similar to the drug Metformin and in one clinical trial was shown to reduce fasting blood sugar just as effectively and in the same time scale as the drug.
Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) contains a bitter juice that a recent study has shown to lower blood sugar, damaging kinds of cholesterol and blood fats, while improving liver and kidney function.
Consume garlic and onions in large quantities. These flavorful foods help to lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and raise “good” HDL cholesterol and prevent heart disease.
People with diabetes tend to have a greater risk of heart disease because the lack of insulin prompts fat to float throughout the bloodstream longer and in higher levels than normal. Eat a diet abundant in vegetables and moderate in sweet fruits to get a rich array of antioxidants such as vitamin C, the carotenes, and flavonoids. Antioxidants help prevent fats from oxidizing and causing damage to artery walls, which can lead to plaque buildup and heart disease.
Herbal medicine is an important component to the treatment of diabetes. Different formulas may be effective for different people, so practitioners may try several different approaches.
It is important to note here that there is yet no effective cure for Diabetes and available drugs and insulintherapy used for the management of the disease are associated with several undesirable side effects .
The undesirable side effects and high cost of anti-diabetic drugs led to the search for medicinal plants that exhibit a hypoglycemic property.
To get results you must understand how herbs work. Their use requires time, patience and knowledge about the disease you are attempting to cure. Herbs have different potency and purity, and that is not always easy to determine. They have different effects for different people.
Experimentation is key to obtain results. Most importantly is not to give up on them because results are not seen immediately.
Below is a list of the most commonly known medicinal plants of India with anti diabetic properties.
Acacia arabica has been reported to be effective against a variety of diseases including diabetes, skin disease and cancer. The fresh plants parts of Acacia arabica is considered as astringent, demulcent, aphrodisiac, anthelmintic, antimicrobial, antidiarrhoeal, with good nutritional value in Indian traditional medicine system.
Commonly known as babul, kikar or Indian gum Arabic tree has been recognized worldwide as a multipurpose tree.It is a moderate-sized, almost evergreen tree with a short trunk, and a spreading crown. It is widely distributed throughout arid and semi-arid zones of the world.
The bark skin, leaves, seeds, pods and the gum of Acacia arabica are used for medicinal purpose. The plant is used internally as well as externally.
Oral administration of cold water extract of Acacia arabica bark to diabetic and normal rats at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight resulted in significant reduction of blood glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides. Phytochemical investigations found that phenolic compounds are presents in Acacia arabica extracts. The cold water extract of Acacia arabica was found to reduce blood glucose level to its normal level within seven days.
Acacia arabica is a good antibacterial agent. A clinical trial report implies the presence of substances in Acacia gum which, compared with ordinary gum, primarily inhibit the early deposition of plaque.Gum obtained from Acacia / Babul is used to get rid of the bacteria in the mouth that is known to cause periodontal disease.
Acacia / Babul gum serves as a demulcent – soothing mucus membranes. Due to this effect, it is often applied to the affected skin so as to treat scrapes and minor wounds. It has a very good healing affect and is good for wounds.
It is also good for curing common cold. Acacia is helpful in the treatment of cold symptoms as well as relieving sore throat that is associated with cold and cough.
Acacia / Babul is useful to treat dysentery, diarrhea & other intestinal ailments. Acacia flowers are largely useful in treating nausea, a hangover, and vomiting. It is also know to treat intestinal worms and get rid of them from the system.
Babul is not advisable for people with low heart rate or with stomach ulcers as it might tend to increase such issues.
The plant, popularly known as the bael tree, is native to the Indo-Malayan region and is currently cultivated in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand.In India it is found in gardens and temples because it is considered a sacred tree.
It is a member of the Rutaceae family and is also an edible fruit.Fruits may be cut in half and the pulp dressed with sugar and eaten for breakfast in Indonesia.
A popular drink in India is made by beating the seeded pulp with milk and sugar or simply mixing with water, and sometimes mixed with tamarind. Marmelade is often made from unripe fruits. The young leaves and shoots are eaten as a vegetable in Thailand and used to season food in Indonesia. An infusion of the flowers can make a cooling drink.
Various parts of the tree, including the fruit, possess medicinal properties. The roots are useful for treating diarrhoea, dysentery, and dyspepsia. The leaf is used for opthalmia, diabetes and asthmatic complaints.The aqueous extracts of the stem and root bark are used to treat malaria, fever, jaundice and skin diseases .The fruit, roots and leaves have antibiotic activity. The root, leaves and bark are used in treating snakebite.
The main anti diabetic action of aegle marmelose is its powerful antioxidant properties.Aegle marmelos extract was found to significantly reduce serum glucose in laboratory animals.
Laboratory rats were diabetes induced by administration of alloxan which is a toxic glucose analogue that destroys insulin producing cells by damaging islet cells of the pancreas by liberating oxygen radicals.
Aegle marmelose leaf alcohol extract was used and found to have significantly reduced blood sugar in alloxan diabetic rats. Results could be seen after 6 days of continuous administration. On the 12th day sugar levels were found to be reduced by 54%. Oxidative stress was found to be significantly lowered by the extract.
It can be used as extracts or fresh juice. Alcohol extracts have shown the biggest benefits in previous studies. All the extracts however, reduces blood sugar levels .
A perennial herbaceous flowering plant belonging to the Rosaceae family. Agrimony is native of temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and abundant throughout Europe.
Agrimony is perhaps one of the most famous plants of medieval Europe and even earlier times. People continue to claim that it will cure just about anything. But as with any herbal treatment it requires a certain wisdom to get results. Right dosage, purity, length of treatment all play a role.
Ancient Greeks treated eye conditions with a brew made from agrimony to treat gallbladder, diarrhea, liver, and kidney problems.Agrimony is marvellous to use in a tea form where even just a tsp or two of the dried herb steeped in a cup of freshly boiled water for 5-10 minutes conveys a healing action that is deep, mild and easily received.
Austrian traditional medicine used agrimony internally as a tea to treat conditions related to liver, bile, gastrointestinal, and respiratory tract disorders. Anglo-Saxons used it to treat wounds, preparing a solution made from the leaves and seeds.
Studies using agrimony alcohol extracts indicate its powerful antioxidant, anti diabetic and anti inflammatory activity. This activity is due in part by a high polyphenolic content. The action of compounds found in agrimony also affect pro-inflammatory, weight gain and fat fighting enzymes.
Agrimony extracts mimics insulin action. Studies show that the anti-hyperglycemic action of agrimony is associated with the stimulation of insulin secretion.
Agrimony lowers blood sugar on permanent basis by helping combat the most important enemy: oxidative stress, one of the most serious metabolic damage inflicted to the liver, nerves and cells.
Oxidative stress creates a systemic inflammatory process which is he hallmark of diabetes and many other diseases such as obesity, fatty liver disease, and high blood pressure.
Agrimony is a safe herb however, because it is so high in tannins, it may be expected that taking too much for too long might cause some mild nausea or digestive upset.Also, if taking medications to lower blood glucose, it would be prudent to keep a close check on your blood sugar levels when taking Agrimony.
Patients with a history of excessive bleeding or bleeding disorders should use it at milder doses.Use of the plant during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be avoided because associated risks are yet unknown.
Aloe vera has long been used as an herbal medicine. It is known for its amazing soothing as well as invigorating effects, which make it a good choice when it comes to skin care. But, recent studies have found that this ornamental plant is effective in treating diabetes too.
Aloe vera is one of the most effective foods that can help us regulate our blood sugar levels in a natural way.Regular consumption of fresh aloe vera juice is extremely beneficial for stabilizing the amount of glucose in our bloodstream.
The hypoglycemic ability of aloe vera can turn out to be equally advantageous for patients of both IDDM (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) and NIDDM (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus).
If you take two doses of aloe vera juice (anywhere between 5 ml and 15 ml) every day, your blood sugar level will go down significantly.
It has incredible antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory properties, which keep us protected from various other issues, such as ulcers, wounds, infections, etc. related to diabetes.Being a natural ingredient, it causes no adverse side effect while treating diabetes.
Neem leaves are shrubs originally from the Hindustani region, precisely in Madya Pradesh, India.
Neem leaf extracts and seeds are used as an active ingredient as an effective cure for diabetes. It has been scientifically proven after a number of tests and research by leading medical institutes, that neem parts have high efficacy in treating the disease.
Neem leaf extracts improve the blood circulation by dilating the blood vessels and also helpful in reducing the need for hypoglycaemic drugs. According to scientific research undertaken neem leaf extracts and seed oil help to reduce the insulin requirement.The benefits of neem leaves for diabetes are due to their content such as falvonoid, triterpenoid, anti-viral compounds and glycosides .
Many diabetics also experience problems with their blood circulation and neem helps correct this problem as well.
Neem tablets help to lower the blood glucose levels.Neem tablets can also be taken as a dietary supplement for prevention of the disease.
Not only is it beneficial to use neem for diabetes control, it is also good for fighting bacterial and fungal infections, maintaining oral hygiene and dental health and treating malaria.
Neem is considered to be one of the safest medicinal herbs available; FDA’s database does not include any references to neem having any adverse effects when used in medicines.
Ash gourd is known for its medicinal values and healing power. Being low in calories, it is ideal for diabetic patients, and those seeking weight-control. The cooling purgative herb boosts secretion and disposal of urine. Therefore it acts as a good detoxifying agent too.
Known by many names like white gourd, white pumpkin, winter melon, wax gourd, pooshnikai, safed kaddu, boodina kumbalakai, etc, ash gourd is in fact a fruit but is always referred to as a vegetable since it is cooked and consumed as a vegetable.
Oblong in form, and usually about 1 to 2 metres long, ash-gourds have a smooth rind which is ashy green and has white flesh inside, with flat and oval seeds. Cultivated from ancient times, these gourds contain lots of moisture and little amounts of fat, carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, in addition to calcium, iron, phosphorous, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin and Vitamin C.
Ash gourd is used in making juices, winter melon soup, or even in stir fry veggies of many combinations.In Ayurveda, the fruit is used to treat epilepsy, lung diseases, asthama, coughs, urine retention and internal hemorrhage. The rind is used to treat diabetes and the seeds to expel tapeworms. The juice of the fruit is effective in cases of mercury poisoning and snakebites.
Ivy gourd (Coccinia Cordifolia) is a tropical vine ( a woody climbing plant that bears grapes like fruits), nativity extends from Africa to Asia. Green vegetable Ivy’s gourd can use for cooking as a vegetable, well-ripped fruits are sweet to eat and can be taken raw.
The mechanism of action of the herbal Ivy gourd has appeared to mimic insulin in diabetic patients. It acts like insulin by correcting the elevated enzymes Glucose -6-phospahtase, lactase dehydrogenase and thus control of hyperglycemia in diabetes.
A study titled “Effect of Supplementation of Coccinia Cordifolia extracts on Newly Detected Diabetic Patients” is published in Diabetes Care February 2008 vol. 31.The study shows, there was a significant decrease in the fasting and postprandial blood-glucose-levels of the experimental group significantly decreased, by 16 and 18%, respectively as well as HbA1C.
Ivy Gourd Recipe for diabetes: Take 5 to 10 ivy gourd leaves wash it, add ¾ cup of water, blend well using a blender, filter the juice, add stevia to sweeten (optional), and drink the juice first time in the morning.
Many naturopaths suggest drinking ivy gourd juice is beneficial to high blood pressure and heart patients.
It can protect the nervous system because it is rich in B vitamins essential for the brain and the nervous function. Thus, help in treating anxiety, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s.
Including it in your diet to considerably reduce the kidney stone risk. Its calcium content can strengthen the bones.
It boosts the immune function, the key to maintaining a healthy life. It improves digestive health becomes of its vitamin B complex and dietary fiber content.
It alleviates the mood and treat depression naturally.
It has anti-histamine property, useful as a topical treatment to cure skin irritations and allergies.Leaves are useful for treating skin eruptions, gonorrhea, biliary disorders, anorexia, cough, and diabetic wounds.
Ivy gourd consists of 1.4 mg of Iron, 17.50% of the daily recommended value. Iron deficiency causes fatigue. So, the Ivy gourd keeps you fit, healthy, and energetic.
Traditionally, Ivy gourd is also in use for various conditions; stem juice as eye drops to treat cataract.Ivy gourd is known for its antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-triglyceride property which protects against plague formation and thus to some extent prevents heart diseases and strokes.
The appropriate daily dose depends on various factors such as your age, health, and other health conditions. Consult your medicine practitioner and follow product labels before using it.
Ivy gourds are available as a fresh vegetable, fruit, and leaf; extract capsules, leaf powder tablet or capsules.
It appears to be safe for most of the people when taken by mouth for short and long terms. Pregnancy and breast-feeding women are advice to avoid its use.
Ivy gourd can decrease blood sugar levels, so it can interact with diabetes medication and leads to hypoglycemia. Thus, you need to monitor your blood sugar level closely to avoid hypoglycemia, also you may need to change your diabetes medication dose follow your doctors advice.
Banyan (Ficus benghalensis), the National Tree of India, grows in hot tropical climates prevalent in most parts of India. The name originates from the word ‘Baniya’ or ‘Indian traders’ who sat below the tree shades for meetings and other useful gatherings. The tree is also known by other names such as the Nyagrodhah, Bargad, Peral, Vata, Vatagach, Sriksha, Bahupada and Skandaja.
The bark of Banyan tree has anti-diabetic properties. Studies have confirmed hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effect of extract of bark in alloxan diabetic rabbits, rats and in humans. The bark also reported to have hypocholesterolaemic (cholesterol lowering) and hypolipidaemic (lipid lowering) effects.
The anti-diabetic effect of bark is due to presence of flavonoids, water soluble and insoluble glycoside.
1.Take bark (2 inch) of Banyan tree. Soak this in a glass of water at night. Next morning mash the bark, filter the liquid and drink.
2.Dry and pulverise the bark of Banyan tree. Take 1 tablespoon bark powder and prepare decoction by boiling in 2 glass of water till volume reduces to 1/2 cup. Filter the decoction and drink regularly.
Banyan tree use is recommended in Ayurveda for promoting fertility and curing sexual debility. Leaf- buds are prescribed in Ayurveda for promoting conception. According to Ayurveda, putting a few drops of the banyan tree juice in the right nostril of the pregnant woman protects and gives good health to the unborn baby.
In Ayurvedic medicine, the milky latex from the stems and leaves of the tree is applied to bruises and to parts of the body that are causing pain.Extract of the roots and the leaves are useful for curing various skin related problems.
For healthy hair, crushed prop roots paste is applied to hair. The same formulation is also used as a skin conditioner.
Skin ulcers are treated with a paste made from mixing water with ground plant material from the aerial roots of the tree.The milk juice obtained from tree bark is also used as a natural remedy to get rid of skin moles.
The latex of the plant is applied to the gums to treat toothache and bleeding gums.The bark and seeds are used as a tonic to maintain body temperature.
Banyan fruit and its juice are used in rheumatism and lumbago. The bark of banyan is useful in controlling cholesterol. It decreases LDL or bad cholesterol while HDL or good cholesterol levels are maintained.
Gymnema sylvestre is a herb native to Asia that has being used medicinally for thousands of years in India. It’s Hindi or Ayurvedic name Gurmar means ‘destroyer of sugar’ and it has some unusually beneficial properties for treating diabetes and elevated blood sugar.
One of the primary active ingredients in gymnema sylvestre is gymnemic acid. This unique compound is very similar structurally to glucose, but does not act like it within your body.
Gymnemic acid can block sugar absorption in the intestine and often results in lower blood sugar levels after a meal. This effect is also likely to assist in losing weight as simple sugars in the diet, not fats, are the primary cause of weight gain.
Even more promising, studies report that gymnemic acid increases the production of insulin, improves glucose utilization and may even help to regenerate islet beta cells within the pancreas which produce insulin.
Another study concluded: ‘Gymnema sylvestre supplementation appears to improve glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Reducing postprandial blood glucose significantly caused a decrease of HbA1c (Average Blood Glucose), therefore reducing the complications of diabetes.’
Aside from its potential as a diabetes treatment and blood sugar regulator, gymnema capsules and tea has been shown to be beneficial for several other health conditions:
Improves cholesterol and reduces triglycerides in your blood.
Treats obesity and an effective aid in a weight loss program. By blocking sugar absorption and decreasing appetite, a daily dose of gymnema sylvestre, in either capsule or as gymnema tea, has been shown to assist in losing weight.
Gymnema sylvestre reduces inflammation. Research found the active ingredients in gymnema elevated beneficial liver enzymes and the body’s natural antioxidants to combat inflammatory free radicals.May also help reduce the symptoms of arthritis and gout.
The herb is a mild diuretic and may help with water retention. This is yet another way gymnema can help with weight loss.
Gymnema tea is the more traditional way to take gymnema sylvestre. It makes sense that by drinking the herb as a tea you’d give it a chance to block the sugar receptors on your tongue directly.
To make up a cup, simply add a heaped teaspoon to a tea strainer and add hot water. Other tea can also be added, like green tea which has its own beneficial properties for weight loss.
It’s best to have a cup of gymnema tea before any meal that has a lot of simple carbohydrates like bread or rice.
While gymnema is considered safe for most people and there are no commonly listed side effects of gymnema sylvestre. People currently taking diabetes medication should consult a doctor before using gymnema sylvestre and avoid taking it right at the same time as prescription drugs or when administering insulin injections.
Gymnema sylvestre capsules or gymnema tea is also not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and those on antidepressant medication.
Additionally it shouldn’t be taken at the same time as aspirin or the herb St. John’s wort as they may increase its blood sugar lowering effects.
Indian Ayurvedic medicine has recognized the medicinal effects of this flower long ago and recommends its use in treating many ailments. Chinese herbology also considers medicinal value of this plant.
Various parts of the plant are rich in phytonutrients which can be attributed for its medicinal properties. It contains polysaccharides, anthocyanins, flavonoids, pectin and organic acids such as malic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid.
Latest research using hibiscus are in benefits of hibiscus in treatment of diabetes. Various parts of this plant have shown potential results in reducing blood sugar and lipid levels.
A study published in Journal of Enthopharmacology suggests that the blood sugar reducing properties of ethanol flower extract of Hibiscus is comparable to the drug glibenclamide.
Hibiscus is an excellent remedy for weight loss. The flower of this plant is found to contain hydroxycitric acid, an ingredient commonly found in most weight loss pills.
Studies reveal that this herb contains enzyme inhibitors that stimulate the release of amylase, an enzyme that helps in breaking down starch and sugars. This leads to the reduced absorption of these substances by your body.
Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants which protect damage of cells from free radicals which often cause cancerous development. Various studies have been undertaken to study protective effect of hibiscus in preventing tumors and cancer.
The high concentration of vitamin C in hibiscus helps in fighting diseases and infections by strengthening the natural defense system of your body.
It has strong anti-microbial properties, which fights off the bacteria and viruses that attack your body. In-vitro studies has found strong antibacterial activity of Hibiscus flower extract over human pathogens and suggests its use in drug development.
Hibiscus tea contains vitamins and minerals like flavonoids which have antidepressant properties. Consumption of hibiscus tea can help calm down the nervous system, and it may reduce anxiety and depression by creating a relaxed sensation in the mind and body.
Many people drink hibiscus tea to improve digestion as it regularizes both urination and bowel movements. Since it has diuretic properties, it is also used to treat constipation, which helps you lose weight, improve the health of your gastrointestinal system, and avoid colorectal cancer.
The health benefits of hibiscus tea include lowering blood pressure (anti-hypertensive property). Therefore, it is not recommended for people who already have low blood pressure, a condition called hypotension. It may cause faintness, dizziness, and can even damage the heart or brain if consumed by anyone with low blood pressure.
Hibiscus tea is not recommended for pregnant women and for those undergoing hormonal treatments or taking birth control pills, it is recommended to consult your health specialist regarding consumption of hibiscus tea.
Some people develop allergic reactions such as itchy red eyes, sinus or hay fever when consuming hibiscus tea. Don’t drive a car or try anything particularly dangerous until you know what its effects are on your system.
It is imperative that in seeking to complement treatment with Chinese or indian herbs, a diabetic does not stop taking any regular medication from their GPs or consultants and that the blood glucose levels are closely monitored whilst on a course of treatment.
This online database can help you to find interactions between drugs and natural medicines.
Just like high blood glucose makes it easier for you to get an infection in other places in your body, high blood glucose levels also make it easier to get a gum infection, or other infection in your mouth.
The high blood sugar level makes it easier for bacteria to thrive and multiply. Plaque is a colorless, sticky collection of bacteria; if it hardens into tartar and isn’t removed in time, then cavities form.
One of the warning signs of diabetes is increased thirst. Diabetes inhibits the salivary glands, making the mouth feel dry. Saliva is needed to wash away plaque, so if you have less saliva, you could have more plaque which leads to tooth decay.
An infection in your gums may be a reason why you are unable to keep your blood glucose in a good range. An infection anywhere in your body could be a reason for unruly blood glucose.
Decaying teeth and poor oral habits contribute to periodontal disease, as does smoking. Periodontal disease is an infection that develops of the gum, and underlying bone, that holds the teeth in place.
When periodontal disease is left unchecked, it can lead to worsening blood glucose control, due to the fact that there is bacteria in the gum or bone that hold the teeth in place. Chewing can also become painful, and loss of teeth may occur.
The most common and well known form of gum disease is gingivitis. The condition involves the inflammation of the gingiva or gums surrounding the necks of the teeth, and is caused by plaque developing along the gumline.
Symptoms include red and swollen gums, as well as gum bleeding, which can be seen on your toothbrush or at a dental exam. Often noticeable through bad breath, gingivitis can also be caused by a number of health conditions or medical changes in an individual.
Fortunately, there is no bone loss around the teeth from the development of gingivitis, and it can be easily treated or prevented. A quality soft toothbrush, especially a battery-powered one, should be used twice a day to decrease the risk of developing gingivitis.
Flossing will further reduce the chances of developing the disease, as will other common oral hygienic practices: mouth rinses, water picks and interproximal cleansing devices.
The second-most common periodontal disease is “periodontitis.” Like gingivitis, it is caused by bacterial plaque, but it can cause loss of bone support within the teeth. It can be treated or prevented, but rarely can the damage be reversed. Periodontitis can occur if gingivitis is left untreated.
Signs of periodontitis, like gingivitis, include red and swollen gums, and bleeding. The formation of gum pockets around the teeth may also occur, which is defined by an opening around the gum tissue of the teeth. This allows bacteria and the formation of tartar to get deeper under the gum line. This deepening of the pocket is associated with bone loss, and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
Uncontrolled diabetes, obesity, genetic susceptibility and poor oral hygiene can all heighten a person’s risk of developing periodontitis. Untreated periodontits can not only yield tooth loss, but create systemic health issues such as an increased risk of cardiovascular (heart) disease.
People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because people with diabetes are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered a complication of diabetes. Those people who don’t have their diabetes under control are especially at risk.
Other lifestyle factors such as obesity, physical activity and diet are also likely to affect the risk of periodontitis.
Research has suggested that the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease goes both ways – periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.
Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts people with diabetes at increased risk for diabetic complications.
Good blood glucose control is key to controlling and preventing mouth problems. People with poor blood glucose control get gum disease more often and more severely than people whose diabetes is well controlled.
Other problems diabetes can cause are dry mouth and a fungal infection called thrush. Dry mouth happens when you do not have enough saliva—the fluid that keeps your mouth wet. Diabetes may also cause the glucose level in your saliva to increase. Together, these problems may lead to thrush, which causes painful white patches in your mouth.
Daily brushing and flossing, regular dental check-ups and good blood glucose control are the best defense against the oral complications of diabetes.
A sensitive toothbrush is always the first step, and proper oral hygiene is a must to help prevent peridontitis. If you’re a smoker, quitting is also highly recommended. Treatment of peridontitis by your dentist and hygienist will include deep cleanings, called scaling and root planing, but more serious areas of bone loss around the teeth may require gum surgery, including gum and bone grafts.
Keep in mind: After the periodontits is controlled, it is never truly cured. Seek frequent annual cleanings to prevent long-term problems.
Infection and delayed healing – Diabetes lowers your resistance to infection, delays healing and can complicate gum and oral surgeries. It may also be difficult to control your blood sugar levels after surgery. Doctors ask for blood glucose levels to be checked before any invasive oral procedure or surgery. In case the diabetes is not well controlled, the procedure is usually deferred.
Increased tooth decay – Bacteria in the mouth interact with starches and sugars in food to form plaque on your teeth. In diabetics, the increased blood sugar level increases your risk of tooth decay.
Thrush
Thrush is a fungus of the oral cavity, or mouth. With diabetes, high glucose causes fungus levels to rise in the mouth. Wearing dentures, or smoking, also increases the risk of thrush. An oral suspension is usually given to the patient to swish and swallow several times per day to cure this infection. To prevent it, keep your diabetes in check, clean dentures regularly, and do not smoke or use tobacco products.
Dry mouth
Dry mouth can cause your mouth to be sore, can cause infections or ulcers in the mouth, or even tooth decay. It is sometimes a sign that a person has diabetes. This is because when your mouth is dry, there is no saliva. Saliva provides protection against bacteria. Saliva coats teeth with needed minerals, and washes away food particles from around teeth. This promotes the growth of microorganisms in the mouth that can cause gum infection or tooth decay.
Be sure to check with your pharmacist that your medications are not causing your mouth to dry. Many over the counter and prescription medications can cause dry mouth, in fact the list is quite extensive.
Artificial saliva may be prescribed, and may help with the symptom of dry mouth, while not only uncomfortable, can contribute to periodontal disease. Again, good control of blood glucose is key to preventing dry mouth.
Oral burning
If blood glucose levels are not controlled well, it can lead to a condition known as oral burning. A bitter taste may accompany the burning sensation, along with dry mouth. Often these symptoms get worse as the day goes on.
Other common symptoms include:
A mouth ulcer or sore in the mouth that won’t heal
Holes in your teeth or dark spots
Mouth, jaw, or face pain
Loose teeth
Problems with chewing, including pain
A bad taste in the mouth, or change in sense of taste, or bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing
The following are some tips that people with diabetes should follow in order to prevent dental problems.
1.Keep your blood glucose in your target range, with an A1C of less than 7 percent (or as specified by your doctor)
2.See your dentist for regular six month check-ups and cleanings, or even more often if your dentist recommends it or when you develop a problem with your teeth or gums in between visits
3.Tell your dentist that you have diabetes, and let him or her know your recent diabetes numbers (A1C, recent blood glucose reading)
4.Brush teeth at using gentle circular motions at least twice daily with a soft bristle tooth brush using fluoride toothpaste, and don’t forget to brush your tongue and get a new toothbrush every three months
5.Floss daily using a long piece of dental floss, working your floss along the gum line and up each tooth, and rinse well following flossing (if your gums bleed, keep flossing! They will toughen up in time)
6.Use an anti-plaque mouth rinse to help prevent plaque build up
7.Use a dental pick or brush, which are tools that can get between the teeth better than a toothbrush
8.Keep dentures clean, and remove them at night and get adjusted if they don’t fit right
9.Gummy or hard candies, sodas, processed fruit snacks or dried fruits, all of these are full of sugar that adheres to the teeth and feeds oral bacteria.
So don’t let that plaque and the oral bacteria with it damage your teeth. Limit your sugar consumption to reasonable amounts, and brush regularly.
10.Including more calcium in your diet isn’t just about building strong bones, it’s also great for your teeth.
11.Fruits and vegetables contain significant quantities of vitamin C and vitamin A, which are important for healthy gums and building enamel.
Here are some good options:
Apples,Bananas,Pineapples,Cucumbers,Strawberries,Carrots,Watermelon,Celery and Garlic.
Try and include as many vegetables and fruit in your diet as you can, assuming they are not just good for your teeth, but for your whole body as well.
12.While you should quit smoking for a numerous other reasons, quitting will also be better for your teeth and gums.
Smoking weakens your immune system, making it harder for your mouth to fight off a gum infection. As a matter of fact, smokers have twice the risk for gum disease compared with a nonsmoker.
And, after the infection damages the gums, continuing smoking makes it more difficult for your gums to heal.
And it’s not just smoking. Consuming tobacco in all its forms – cigarettes, spit tobacco, pipes – can raise your risk for gum disease. So please, quit using tobacco.
13.Mucosal cells in our mouths turn over within three to seven days. So nutrient shortfalls or excesses will show up in mouth tissue before they show up anywhere else.
Periodontal disease is associated with lower blood levels of vitamins and minerals. And getting enough of specific nutrients can be important to successful treatment.
Nutrient
What you need it for
Protein
Tooth structure, mucosal/connective tissue development, and immune function.
Calcium
Tooth structure; may enhance enamel remineralization.
Phosphorus
Tooth structure.
Zinc
Mucosal/connective tissues and immune function.
Antioxidants
Mucosal/connective tissues and immune function.
Folate
Mucosal/connective tissues and immune function; low levels are associated with periodontal disease.
Iron
Mucosal/connective tissues and immune function.
Vitamin A
Mucosal/connective tissues and immune function. But be aware that getting too much from supplements may result in gum problems.
Vitamin C
Collagen maturation and to maintain the integrity of the periodontal ligament; mucosal/connective tissues and immune function.
Omega-3 fats
Mucosal/connective tissues and immune function; modulates the inflammatory response.
Vitamin D
Mucosal/connective tissues, immune function; may enhance enamel remineralization.
B vitamins
Epithelial cell turnover.
Try to get the nutrients mentioned above from whole foods. (Bonus: You give your teeth and gums a workout!) Unless you have a known deficiency, supplements should not be necessary.
14.It is our responsibility to make sure that we take good care of our teeth and gums. Moreover, this does not only mean going to the dentist and brushing our teeth regularly. This also means practicing proper oral care and hygiene.
For people living with diabetes, it really becomes a challenge when they also have co-existing health concerns. This is because diabetics have to make sure that the pills they take will not be detrimental to the management of their condition.
Take breast enhancers, for example. There are already pills out on the market that can do the job of increasing your breasts to the size you prefer, but for women with diabetes, these might not be as readily accessible. Taking them alongside one’s current medication may prove to be a risky drug combination.
Drug Interaction
Here is the major concern. Drugs that treat diabetes are some of the most reactive medications out there. This means that they bear a higher risk of causing adverse drug reactions. While some reactions are mild enough to be managed at home, some have caused hospitalization and in some unfortunate cases, death.
How exactly do these drugs interact?
When you take in a certain pill, it will then be absorbed into the bloodstream and will proceed to do what it needs to do. Interaction happens when the effect of another pill interferes with the effects of other pills taken. This is the main reason why you have to understand the effects of each of the different pills that you take. Even the most mundane of pills, such as herbal breast enhancers or those for a common cold might still pose health concerns.
Possible Effects
As mentioned earlier, some effects really do not have a bad outcome. However, there are several serious effects that might exacerbate certain conditions especially for those living with diabetes. Some of these include the following:
Higher blood pressure levels
Drugs staying in the bloodstream longer than necessary
Drugs blocking metabolism which might cause fatal heart rhythms
Inhibiting the effects of drugs that are used to treat or manage the major health concern
Drugs affecting kidneys
Drugs increasing the risk of bleeding or fluid retention
Drugs causing rhabdomyolysis or incidence of muscle breakdown
Breast Enhancers
Without a doubt, there certainly are quite a number of medically approved breast enhancers available on the market. However, this does not mean to say that anyone can safely take them, especially those with health concerns like diabetes.
In fact, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has issued an advisory regarding this very issue. Some pills might be dangerous when mixed with other medications, so it would be ill-advised to take any sort of medication without proper consultation and research.
To start, it is essential that one first know the most common ingredients found in breast enhancers. Some of the most popular components found in herbal supplements that claim breast enhancing properties are the following:
Blessed thistle
Dong quai
Fennel seed
Fenugreek
Kelp
Licorice
Mexican wild yam
Pueraria mirifica
What You Can Do
For people who self-manage their health concerns such as diabetes, research is not enough. Here are some things that you can do to protect you from dangerous effects of drug combinations.
1.The number one thing is to consult one’s physician. Make sure you have the list of all of the drugs you take. In fact, it would be better if you bring the drugs themselves. If you want to take breast enhancers even those in the form of supplements, you still have to declare them and disclose what pills you intend to take.
2.To know more about possible drug interactions, you can also check the FDA website. It has detailed information regarding drug interactions that will be helpful to you. Several medical-related websites offer the same information but be careful about relying solely on online sources for drug information. The safest thing is to show the pills to your physician or your trusted pharmacist before taking them.
Have a safety-first mindset. Before taking in pills like breast enhancers with your existing medication, make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. See your physician. Do your research. This might spell the difference between life and death.
Author:Melissa Lobo
Melissa is a young and energetic writer, a mom to a sweet little boy, and a fur-mom to two perfect pooches. Before becoming the Associate Content Director for Project Female, she was a journalist specializing in topics related to women in politics and policy affecting women.
Please email momo19@diabetessupportsite.com or leave your comments below.
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