Alkaline Water in The Battle Against Diabetes
By Paul Fitzgerald
Alkalize water can Flush Toxins and Neutralize Acidity in your body. It has gone through a Special Electrolysis process that changes pH of the water to ALKALINE. For details, http://www.WaterHealstheWorld.com http://www.emfnews.org/qlinks.html
Diabetes is now one of the leading causes of death in America and according to the International Diabetes Institute; it is becoming a global epidemic. The institute predicts that by 2025, some 300 million people will suffer with diabetes. Further, the health professionals who make up the institute say by that time diabetes will be a major killer in the global community.
Findings from a recent conference show that many suffer from diabetes but do not know it. By the time they discover it, there is often skin damage as well as corrosion of tissues and organs. The effects of diabetes on the body can be reversible in many cases. Doctors will often recommend a dramatic change in diet and an increase in water intake in an effort to flush the body.
Research in Japan, Russia and other countries shows that alkaline water is a critical warrior in effectively battling diabetes. Alkaline water is hydrogen rich and therefore promotes healing. The diabetic patient will often suffer from dry skin, lack of energy and ulcers. Water restructured to increase alkaline presence serves as an anti-oxidant. When introduced as a regular part of a nutritional plan, patients remarkably respond to the treatment.
Electro-oxidized water features very unique characteristics. These characteristics:high positive oxidation, high concentration of dissolved chloride and oxygen among other things are known as alkaline water. Alkaline water has proven to be successful in the treatment of diabetes in many eastern nations. In Japan, physicals will require patients drink about 9 to 10 glasses of alkaline ionized water per day. The heavy oxygen ions in the water combat free radicals in the bodies. Once free radicals are eradicated or beat back, the human body begins to respond to the living alkaline water.
The alkaline water in essence decreases the size of molecules in the body while increasing hydration. The water (a seemingly water for life) also aids in blood circulation. Diabetes is caused by the pancreas inability to process insulin properly. Japanese medical journals say part of the breakdown in the pancreas in diabetes patients is the presence of free radicals. Alkaline water, say the journals, is a natural agent in reversing the effects of those free radicals.
Regular intake of alkaline water or alkaline ionized water, according to researchers, can reduce the need for insulin by some 50 percent. For many American patients, the concept of alkaline water in treatment for health concerns is still new and therefore not widely promoted. Yet, alkaline water as additional treatment or alternative treatment may be something you discuss in detail with your doctor.
Source: Paul Fitzgerald
5 Reasons You May be at High Risk For Stroke
By Jed Jones
Almost 900,000 people and their families are affected each year in the United States by strokes. Many do not survive, but for those who do, the results can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. They say knowledge is the best defense. Read on to find out five reasons you might be at high risk for stroke.
Are you overweight? Being overweight or obese significantly increases your risk for having a stroke. Get off the couch and get some exercise. Even 30 minutes per day can lead to a healthier body. Cut those extra calories, control your intake of animal fats, adopt a diet full of whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables and watch the pounds melt off, decreasing your risk. An added benefit will be that your blood pressure and blood cholesterol will go down, and you will feel better and have more energy.
A healthier diet and exercise regimen can also help to control diabetes, another stroke risk. Do you smoke? Because it causes atherosclerosis and makes the blood more likely to clot, smoking doubles your risk for having a stroke. No matter how long you have smoked or how old you are, giving up smoking can cut the risk of suffering a stroke in half.
Sure, quitting is not easy, but the effort is well worth it to improve your health. Try nicotine replacement therapy with gums, sprays, or patches, join a stop-smoking support group or read self-help books to aid you in the process. Stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do to avoid a stroke. Are you over the age of 55? For every decade over the age of 55, your risk for stroke doubles.
While stroke is most commonly seen in the elderly, many younger people also suffer from strokes. Up until the age of 75, more men have strokes than women, but women tend to die more often from them. Use of birth control pills may contribute to this. What is your family history and heredity? If an immediate family member, such as a parent, grandparent, sister, or brother has ever suffered a stroke, you are far more likely to as well.
Due to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure, African Americans are more likely to have a stroke than Caucasians. Have you had a prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)? If you have already had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack, also known as “warning strokes,” you are at a higher risk of having a larger one. TIAs typically produce stroke-like symptoms only lasting a short time. If you have had temporary blurred vision, severe headache, tingling, dizziness, limited use of one side of the body, or disorientation from a TIA, you are 10 times more likely to suffer a stronger one than someone of the same age and sex who has not suffered one. Only cancer and heart disease kill more people in the U.S. each year than do strokes.
Unfortunately, more than half of all people who suffer from a stroke had no symptoms beforehand, which is why preventive screening is so important. Often held in churches, community centers, or local gyms, mobile screenings now make the process quick, easy, and convenient. At the screening, a skilled sonographer will perform an ultrasound of the carotid arteries, a procedure that is the best indicator of stroke and heart disease.
For more information on stroke, stroke risks, and preventive screening visit http://www.HealthYes.com/.
Source: Jed Jones
Daddy’s Pigeon Coop – Comments From FoodSpook
Hello,
I am FoodSpook. From time to time I like to share with you what my life was like in the 1950′s. This post is non-medical. It is for fun.
In 1955 I was 7 years old. We lived in Richmond, CA in our very first home. My father and mother came to the Bay Area in the 1940′s to build warships during WWII. After the war, my father also became a preacher and my mother worked during the summer months at the Del Monte canneries.
One spring morning I awoke to the sound of hammering. It was a Saturday. It was 9:00 AM and I was surprised that my father had not awakened me to go to work with him on our side jobs. We washed cars and cut lawns. I got dressed as fast as I could and ran out of the house to find out what was happening. I asked, “daddy what are you building?”. He answered, “a pigeon coop”. Our neighbor was also there and they were building this coop together.
Being a young boy, I had my pride and I didn’t want to ask what is a pigeon coop? This little square box was about 15′ by 15′, half plywood with an enclosure and covered with chicken wire in the front. My father and neighbor finished this project the next day on Sunday afternoon. On the next day when my father arrived home from work he had a cardboard box cradled under his arm. I ran up to him on the sidewalk and asked “daddy what’s in the box?”. He opened the top flaps on the box and I was looking at 15 beautiful gray pigeons with soft rainbow translucent feathers and I almost stopped breathing!
My father also had a five pound bag of pure mid-west corn to feed the pigeons. He explained to me that one of my after school jobs from now on would be to keep these pigeons fed and supplied with fresh water. I agreed whole heartedly, actually I really had no choice. As months passed by, the pigeons and I learned to accept each other. I was not in love with them but I liked them as fellow captives. As for the pigeons, I seemed to be irrelevant to them.
During the wintery and rainy months when I went into the coop to feed and water the pigeons, I had to wear my school rain gear. That consisted of black knee-high rubber boots, a yellow full lenth rain slicker and yellow rain hat. This dress was necessary. The front of the pigeon coop always had at least 6 to 7 inches of pigeon poo that would turn to a slimey quicksand with the rains. I ALWAYS slipped and fell down. My mother would hose me down before letting me back into the house. My younger sisters thought this was a hoot. They couldn’t stop laughing.
In the 1950′s people ate differently in the United States. This was a time before giant supermarket chains. Fast food outlets had not taken over our appetites with fast, cheap and dangerous foods. People still believed in the past proven benefits of growing their own foods and fowl and cooking them.
My parents were no different. Once a week my dad would cook and he was a good cook. We kids would ask, “daddy this looks like chicken but the legs are too small”. My father would answer ” that’s squab, shutup, you’ll like it”. And we did. My mother would never cook this squab. We kids noticed but didn’t ask questions. We ate what was prepared for us in our own home.
A few months later my father brought home a beautiful snow-white goose. He put it in the coop with the pigeons. We kids did not know if the goose was a girl or a boy, so we arbitrarily named it “Granny”. My father was still bringing home this perfect grain corn as feed and now I was also feeding Granny, the goose. Granny had a dark side. I will refer to him as ‘he’ but I’m not sure. When I entered the coop to feed and water the birds, Granny would find a hiding place. He would wait until I bent over to pour the grain and then run from behind and peck me real hard on my butt with his beak. He would then quack like Hell as if his actions were hilarious. He did this every day.
A couple of years went by. I kept falling into the muck and Granny kept pecking. By the way, a goose can peck very hard. One day I went into the coop to do my job and Granny was sprawled out in dirt, stone dead. We informed my father when he came home from work. He told us ” well that’s too bad, I’ll cook him tomorrow”. We kids were horrified! We said “you can’t cook Granny, we won’t eat him”. My father was “old school”. You didn’t defy him. But we did. My mother said “listen to the kids. They don’t want to eat Granny”. So I buried Granny in the backyard the next day.
They say with age comes wisdom. Well now I was two years older at age 9. When I realized my father was ready and willing to cook Granny, our dear departed goose, I also realized the delicious squab we were eating once a month was none other than the very same pigeons I had been feeding and watering during the past two years. My dad was just replacing them with new pigeons. My mother was in on the jig but refused to cook the birds. That was the end of that. We kids rebelled and daddy caved.
Source: FoodSpook
Pediatric Diabetes – Caring for a Diabetic Child
By Min Zhu
Min Zhu, and author and mother, provides information on diabetic children. For more information, visit http://mominneed.com/health/diabetes/
Despite our best efforts as parents or caregivers, children will become sick. One such illness which is becoming increasingly prevalent is pediatric diabetes. However, keeping a diabetic child healthy is dependent on being informed about the disease, its symptoms, and treatments. Caring for the child with diabetes is the responsibility of all persons who, at some time or other, has to take care of that child. As such, parents need to ensure that all care givers are informed about their diabetic child’s dietary needs.
Most children tend to have type I diabetes, previously known as juvenile diabetes, although children are increasingly being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes as well. Type I diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not work and does not produce any insulin. Insulin is needed to help break down sugars (glucose) in our body to help it work efficiently. When this breakdown of sugars does not happen, as in the case of type I diabetes, the sugar stays in the blood stream.
Because insulin is important in breaking down sugars in the body to use for energy, insulin has to be taken to control the illness. Therefore type I diabetes is also called insulin-dependent diabetes. Exercise and diet are also important helping to control this type of diabetes. Caring for the child with diabetes means that you will need to recognize the signs of the illness, as well as any resulting reactions that can occur. The main signs of pediatric diabetes are:
Breath smelling like fruit
Constant hunger
Pulse beating faster than normal
Headaches
Being weak and dizzy
Difficulty concentrating
Vision becoming foggy
Skin tending to be cold and moist
Experiencing seizures
Next, you should be able to identify when the child is in crisis, suffering either a hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic episode, and you should know what to do help in either case. Hyperglycemia occurs when the sugar levels are too high. Rising sugar levels are generally a result of eating too much, not taking the correct amount of insulin, or not exercising enough. When a child is hyperglycemic, treatment by medical professionals is needed. A child suffering from high blood sugar will complain of the following:
Weakness
Extreme thirst
Needing to urinate frequently
Not seeing clearly
Not being hungry
With hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), the symptoms vary from child to child, but some of the typical signs include:
Clumsiness
Sudden mood changes
Sweating
Hunger
Seeming confused
Trembling
Headache
Tingling feeling around the mouth
The first course of action is to increase the child’s sugar intake by giving them something sweet to drink, such as regular soda, fruit juice or glucose tablets. Once the child is feeling better, you should give them something more solid to eat. If the child is too weak to swallow or is unconscious, administer the recommended dosage of glucagon and call for immediate medical assistance. Glucagon is a medication given by injection to rapidly increase the level of glucose in the blood. It is normally the first course of treatment in severe hypoglycemia.
Diet is a major part of keeping the diabetic child healthy. The caregiver has the responsibility to ensure that the child eats what is recommended. It is also important to talk with the child and let them know that they will get really sick if they eat too many sweets or other foods that can pose a risk. It is also important to let others, such as teachers, know that a diabetic child may need to snack to boost their sugar and energy levels. The child with diabetes must also have regular meals.
Exercise is important as well, and there is no reason why the diabetic child cannot participate in all regular physical activity. Exercise helps to control blood sugar levels. However, suffering from pediatric diabetes should not exert themselves before meal time. Also, they will need to have a snack, such as juice, crackers or a fruit, handy, as they will need to replace sugar lost during physical activity.
Most importantly, children should be taught how to test their blood sugar levels during the course of the day, once they are able to do soon their own. This is important so that they can take insulin or eat something as needed.
Caring for the diabetic child, while calling for more vigilance in terms of their eating habits can be stress free once you and others taking care of the child know what to do and follow the rules. Also, make sure that emergency numbers are close at hand and that the child learns how to recognize symptoms of potential trouble and take corrective actions.
Source: Min Zhu
John Mackey and Michael Pollan’s Future of Food Discussion, Video 1:00:10
John Mackey and Michael Pollan discuss the future of food and the organic food industry at Whole Foods Market. Michael Pollan (left) is the author of “Omnivore’s Dilemma” and “In Defense of Food”. John Mackey is the co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods Markets.
Source: video.google.com
Caffeine Causes Glucose Level Spikes in Type 2 Diabetes
By Brenda Skidmore
Brenda Skidmore has spent the five years actively researching natural health care alternatives. It is her sincere desire to empower others by sharing this important information. To improve your health today visit http://www.mywater4life.com
Did you know that nearly 18 million Americans have been diagnosed as having diabetes, and this figure continues to rise? Of those diagnosed, 95 percent have adult-onset (or Type 2) diabetes, and only about half of them are even aware that they have the disorder. Adult-onset diabetes used to be a rare occurrence, developing in an individual around the mid-forties. Now, however, it is becoming increasingly more common at younger ages, and even among children.
Although there have been some research studies that have shown how caffeine (from coffee consumption) can stabilize insulin levels in Type 2 diabetes, a recent study conducted at Duke University, headed by James D. Lane, PHD. shows quite the opposite effect. This small study focused only on 14 individuals who had Type 2 diabetes, which is a life-long disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. It occurs when the body does not respond correctly to insulin, a hormone released by the pancreas. The results revealed that when caffeine was ingested together with meals it caused their blood glucose levels to spike wildly, and insulin levels swung out of control.
What is interesting about this study is, that the effects of caffeine on blood sugar levels is not new, or breakthrough scientific news. This has been known for decades, and a commonly learned concept by most first year biochemistry medical school students.
When a Type 2 diabetic ingests caffeine from coffee, or any other caffeinated product, it almost always produces an elevation in their glucose levels, throughout the day, by about 8 percent. Researchers think that caffeine interferes with the glucose transporting process in moving glucose out of the bloodstream and into body cells and muscle tissue where it is burned for fuel.
Caffeine consumption also triggers the release of the hormone and brain neurotransmitter, adrenaline, which raises blood sugar levels. When caffeine is consumed in combination with refined sugars such as white sugar and artificial dairy creamers that many people put in their morning coffee, it will intensify the effects on blood sugar levels. Long-term use of the two can lead to hypoglycemia. Caffeine plus refined sugars, or sugar substitutes, can be a deadly combination for anyone with diabetes, no matter which type.
It would seem to go without saying that a diabetic would would be well-advised to avoid this combination for life, or plan to be fighting their daily control of their insulin levels. Consider this as well, daily and heavy caffeine consumption reduces insulin sensitivity-the effects of which can last up to 12 hours after last ingesting a source of caffeine.
Dehydration is a common effect of drinking too much caffeine. Although you may think you are getting plenty of water in these type of drinks, caffeine, however, works against your body in two ways, it dehydrates body cells, by increasing urination. And, dehydration inhibits insulin secretion in the pancreas.
According to Dr. F. Batmanghelidj, M.D., author of “Your Body’s Many Cries For Water”, when adequate water level amounts are denied to the pancreas, by you not drinking enough, the body will adapt by clinging to what water reserves it has left to act upon the most important function it must perform at the time. Digestion of a meal you just ate by breaking it down and neutralizing acid in the intestines comes before proper insulin secretion.
Dr. B explains,in chapter 10, page 125, “As it happens, when insulin secretion is inhibited, except for the brain, the metabolism of the body is severely disrupted. In a dehydrated state, the brain benefits from insulin inhibition. The brain cell itself is not dependent on insulin for its functions. The cells in most other parts of the body are totally dependent on the properties of insulin for their normal function. If we think about it, there is a natural logic to the ultimate production of insulin-independent diabetes in severe chronic dehydration. Why is it called insulin-independent diabetes? Because the Body can still manufacture insulin, although it takes the influence of some chemical agents to promote its secretion.”
“This phenomenon of insulin inhibition with dehydration shows that the primary function of the pancreatic gland is directed at the provision of water for food digestion. The insulin inhibition is an adaption process of the gland to the dehydration of the body.”
Although controlling Type 2 diabetes is, clearly, more complicated than just reducing, or eliminating, one’s caffeine intake, further reading and investigation of this chapter in this book will open some eyes, also, into the important role amino acids play in this disease as well. Diabetes seems, to me at least, to be a disease brought on by the over eating of processed food, the wrong type of fats, and drinking the wrong type of fluids. It’s more than just genetics. A, highly, controllable condition when one maintains the eating of a proper diet.
Source: Brenda Skidmore
Diabetes Treatment With Vitamins
By David Klein
Diabetes is tagged as the silent killer disease. This is due to the fact that almost all of the patients suffering from this disease rarely know that they have it at all. Diabetes rarely exhibits symptoms. More often than not, patients would feel nothing wrong with them. There won’t be notable changes in their bodies and so they never address the disease until after it is too late.
Right now, there are quite a number of medications that were developed to manage the effects of diabetes in a patient. However, the actual cure is yet to be found. Medical doctors around the world claim that the medicine that could totally wipe out this disease is still in the development stages.
Since doctors can’t fully assure their patients that they can treat them for diabetes, people are constantly looking and trying other methods of treatment. Currently there are a number of natural remedies for diabetes out in the market. But still, the most effective of it all are vitamins and minerals. Patients don’t die due to diabetes. It is the complications of the disease that affect them most. And this is exactly where vitamins play a very crucial role.
Adding the right types of vitamins to your diet would provide you with relief from diabetes and its symptoms. Hopefully, you can maintain that healthy condition throughout your lifetime. Vitamins C, E, A, and B are very good for diabetic patients. Each of these vitamins has their own role to play inside the person’s body. These vitamins could help a lot in regulating sugar production and energy exertion. Vitamin C is the vitamin that can save cells from dying.
Diabetes doesn’t really cause death. What brings rise to severe medical conditions are the complications of the disease. The role of Vitamin C for diabetes patients is to prevent cells from converting sugar into sorbitol, which is another type of sugar but in alcohol form. The build-up of sorbitol in the body could lead to kidney and nerve damages. Diabetes Treatment with B Complex Vitamins If there were one disease that could be treated by the B complex Vitamins, it would be diabetes. Almost all B complex vitamins contribute in alleviating its nasty effects in the body. Niacin, folic acid, thiamin, and Vitamin B6 play a role in converting starches and sugar to energy. Deficiency of the B vitamins would only cause increased sugar content in the body. A complete B vitamin supplements should help your body in managing the disease.
As such, it is strongly recommended that foods rich in these vitamins should be taken regularly. Eat good amounts of fruits and vegetables to ensure that your body gets the necessary nutrient you need each day.
However, it is also important that you tell your doctor the type of diet you are following. Doctors need to monitor a diabetic’s food consumption and weight for better disease management. Examples of food items that you should take are green leafy vegetables, fruits, wholegrain, nuts, and dairy products. Ask your doctor how much and how often you can eat these foods. It should depend upon your body mass index and your way of living. Vitamins are the perfect supplements of the commercial medicines that your physician prescribes. Keep in mind that full recovery form diabetes is attained faster if you continue taking your prescription medicines and not abandon them in favor of the natural remedies.
The author is the owner of VitaminBag – www.vitaminbag.com. For more information about vitamin treatments for Diabetes visit www.vitaminbag.com/treatment/diabetes.aspx.
Source: David Klein
Colon Hydrotherapy – A New Option In Diabetes Treatment
By Paul Fitzgerald
Come Visit http://www.CaptainColon.com Hydrotherapy fasting Clinic in Maui, Hawaii. We use a special mineral element sea water formula that creates miraculous results with clients. From clearer skin, to losing a pound a day, to healing emotional traumas.
For years our parents would do everything possible to keep our little bodies operating regularly. Castor oil and other natural home remedies kept our young colons moving smoothly, ridding our bodies of waste. As we grow older, we move away from those regular functions and often times numerous medical conditions arise. Interestingly many ailments can be avoided if we would simply detox our bodies frequently, cleansing the colon of hazardous waste.
One of the ailments that is affected by a colon in need of cleansing is diabetes. Reportedly, the seventh leading cause of deaths in America, more than 15 million people are now diagnosed Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 or Diabetes Mellitus Type 2. The number is believed to be low, because many people suffer from diabetes but have not been diagnosed. The third type of diabetes is Gestational Diabetes. Type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes (also known as juvenile diabetes because it is typically diagnosed in youth or young adults). Diabetics basically do not properly process insulin, the hormone needed to convert glucose or sugar.
Type 2 diabetics are often prescribed one or two medications to control the processing of insulin. In both instances, diet and exercise are paramount. Anyone when taking supplements for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, the first step should be cleaning the colon and smaller intestine. Colon cleansing will help the digestive process and the absorption of the nutrients taken. This is beneficial to the healing process.
Doctors now also encourage colon hydrotherapy, the cleansing of the colon with hot water, in creating good health in diabetics. Cleansing however must be done properly and by a trained professional. Wonderfully many spas and retreats now offer colon hydrotherapy as part of their programs. While some opt for over the counter colon cleansing kits and detoxification programs that promote fasting, diabetics should consult with their physicians.
Scientific research has proven that a little more than half of the body’s immune system is affected by what happens in the colon. A colon in need of hydrotherapy or cleansing will produce chronic headaches, bad breath, frequent stomach ailments and promote poor insulin breakdown or diabetes. When the colon is clean, rather through colon hydrotherapy, enema purging or other cleaning methods, the body functions without the added pressure of stored and toxic waste. For the diabetic, colon hydrotherapy also provides increased energy which can and should be channeled into regular exercise programs.
Source: Paul Fitzgerald
How Diabetic Cooking Can Save A Person’s Life
By Sean Tan
Sean is a health freak who also loves to write on topics pertaining to health. He has currently written a flurry of diabetes mellitus self-help articles including articles on Diabetic Cooking. You can read more articles from him at:http://www.diabetic-cooking.org
When people are diagnosed with diabetes, the first thing that comes to their mind is the severe restriction that they will have to face in their food. They may have to give up on most of the things that they like to eat. This becomes a very forbidding proposition. However, this is quite a wrong assumption in reality. Agreed that there will be a lot of restrictions in the diet of diabetic persons, and that they will have to eat certain kinds of food only, but that doesn’t mean it is the end of the food tether for them.
There are two types of diabetes mellitus, type 1 diabetes mellitus (known as Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, IDDM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (known as Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, NIDDM). In the first type, people have a genetic problem that prohibits them from manufacturing insulin naturally in their bodies. It’s not their fault; they haven’t caused any damage to their insulin system. However, the food restrictions remain the same.
In people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the power of insulin to keep blood sugar in control is affected. When this happens in excess, the body insulin can no longer control sugar and needs a supplement from outside for the body to survive. This is when the person will need insulin supplementation. Now, the person needs to monitor what he or she is eating. In many cases, people overload themselves with a lot of inappropriate food, like too many sweets etc. They need to be wary whether the food is contributing to the blood sugar level or increasing the body fat, which can further hamper the proper metabolism of insulin.
That is the cause why food recipes need to be different from normal cooking. Cooking recipes can actually save a patient’s life. This sort of cooking focuses more on fibers and the healthy nutrients and less on the fatty stuff which will accumulate in the body and cause harm. An integral part of this cooking will be to stop oil in the diet as much as possible. In recipe favorite food, healthy and nutritious food definitely scores over palatability.
When starting with a diabetic diet, the first real advice would be to visit your dietician. Depending on your body type, he or she will suggest what the right kind of diabetes food for you will be. There are certain foods like bitter gourd and neem (Azadirachta indica) which can help to bring the blood sugar level down. Though these are not very appealing to eat, you will need to include them in your diet. Your dietician will tell you in what measure you need to take them. You will also have a lot of delicious options in your healthy recipes.
Being with the condition you are, a diabetic diet will give you mental peace. You will have the satisfaction of having started on a healthy way of life. You will be happy you are eating right and actively controlling your health condition. No wonder, doctors handling diabetes believe in the adage ‘control over the palate is the best control over diabetes’.
Source: Sean Tan
What Is World Diabetes Day?
By James Briggs
World Diabetes Day (WDD) was created by both the World Health Organization and the International Diabetes Federation. It was instituted in 1991 and is now a massive campaign. The issues it raises serve as educational campaigns that last for the entire year.
- World Diabetes Day is held every year on November 14th.
- It was instituted in 1991 as an awareness and educational campaign.
- The theme of World Diabetes Day changes from year to year.
The day itself is held every year on November 14th. This signifies the birthday of Frederick Banting, one of two men who led to the discovery of insulin through their research and theories. It became an official United Nations World Health day in 2006.
What is done for WDD?
WDD is honored in over 160 different countries globally.There are also many various organizations and groups that honor the day and the campaign.
Much is done to get the word out about diabetes, as the primary reason for WDD is awareness and education. Advertisements are taken out in a wide variety of spectrums.
Awareness runs and other events and festivals are held. Ceremonies and symbolic gestures are performed, all to get the day in the news and to spread awareness to as many people as possible.
The goals of WDD
Ultimately, the goal of World Diabetes Day is to spread awareness. The more people that are aware of the problem, the more people that can be saved.
Many people do not even realize they have the disease until much damage is already done. WDD also serves as a massive fundraiser, garnering funds for both the research of diabetes and for the treatment of those with diabetes.
WDD preaches ideas and values such as living a healthy lifestyle and getting yourself examined by doctors. Additionally it teaches ways to cope with the problems and ways to prevent the disease.
WDD also teaches about ways to help even if you do not have the disease. By increasing awareness and educating people, diabetes can be prevented much more effectively.
Additionally, it gets more attention globally, raising the importance of investing money and time into research.
Interesting facts about World Diabetes Day
- The theme for WDD changes from year to year. In both 2007 and 2008, the theme was diabetes in children and adolescents. There are many past themes including diabetes and obesity, human rights and diabetes, diabetes in the disadvantaged, diabetes in relation to specific organs and body parts, diabetes in old age and so on.
- Some of the alarming facts for this year’s theme are: that 200 children every day (70,000 annually) develop type 1 diabetes.
- It’s growing at a rate of 3% per year and a higher rate of 5% per year in preschoolers. There are over 440,000 children living with type 1 diabetes around the world.
- Type2 diabetes is becoming increasingly prevalent in children, highlighting unhealthy lifestyles.
- The symbol for WDD is a blue circle outline with white in the middle. The circle has many symbolic meanings, including global unity and health and lifecycles.
Source: James Briggs
Alice Waters – The Mother of Slow Food
Alice Waters is trying to change the way we have been programmed to view food and nutrition.
FoodSpook
Source: CBSNewsOnline on YouTube
Foot Care For The Diabetic
By Ann Knapp
The NET study guide provides nurses the assistance they need with the nursing entrance test. Pass the NET the first time with our guide at http://www.nurseslearningcenter.com. Written by a Professor of Education for nurses, the guide has over 600 pages with details answers to every question.
Proper foot care is very important for people who are diabetic. People spend a great amount of time on their feet. Knowledge of proper foot care can save the diabetic individual from many future complications that can arise from foot care neglect, such as open wounds, infection, and loss of toe nails, poor circulation, peripheral neuropathy, septicemia and gangrene.
Diabetes causes poor circulation, which in turn causes the diabetic individual a loss of sensation. The feet are the farthest away from the heart and are therefore the most susceptible to complications from injury.
Using common sense and taking some simple precautions will go a long way to promoting healthy feet. Here is a list of some of some healthy tips for diabetics regarding their foot care.
- Water should be tested with the person’s hand, and should be tepid not hot. Due to peripheral neuropathy, it is possible to use water that is too hot and can cause injury to the tissue.
- Use soap that is gentle on the skin, such as Ivory or Dove. Antibacterial soaps can be harsh on the skin, cause allergic reactions in some people.
- Instead of clipping the toe nails, use an emery board. Clipping the toe nails can lead to breaking the skin or ingrown toe nails.
- See a podiatrist on a regular basis, at least monthly. The podiatrist can clip the toe nails and determine if there are any areas of concern.
- Wear foot coverings at all times. Going barefoot can lead to unexpected injury from foreign objects as well as bacterial infection. Sandals that are open toed should be avoided. Always try to cover the entire foot. Use slippers while in the home.
Be sure to have comfortable shoes. Choose shoes that area half size bigger and wide enough to accommodate cotton socks. Leather shoes are better than vinyl man made materials. The type of activity that someone engages in usually dictates the type of shoes to be worn. Comfort should be their priority. A diabetic may choose not to wear socks with their tennis shoes while engaging in an activity. If they are wearing shoes made of vinyl or leather, their feet will sweat profusely. Sweat from feet, especially in a slightly anaerobic environment (without oxygen) can become acidic, rather than alkaline. The acid sweat can irritate the skin and excoriate areas where there are sores beginning to form.
- Always use cotton socks. Cotton absorbs sweat more than any other material. Avoid nylon socks if possible.
- Avoid shoes that have high heels. High heels will push the toes forward and can easily cause ingrown toe nails and loss of feeling.
- Try to elevate the feet during the day. Schedule daily rest periods. When elevating the feet, try to keep the feet higher than the heart. This position allows blood to flow easier and enhances circulation.
- Avoid perfumed lotions on the feet. If dryness is a problem, use alcohol and perfumed free lotions. Be sure to thoroughly massage all of lotion into the foot, or dry off excess lotion.
- Dry feet thoroughly after each washing and air out feet if possible during the day.
- Avoid standing for long periods of time. Blood has a tendency to pool in the foot and ankle area, making it harder to circulate back to the heart.
- Avoid activities that can cause injury to the foot, such as soccer and football. If those games cannot be avoided, then choose good foot protection.
Using proper foot care sense with good hygiene can make living with diabetes easier and prevent unnecessary complications that could affect the quality of ones life.
Source: Ann Knapp
Psoriasis – You Will Not Believe This Simple Treatment
By Joni Bell
Joni Bell has many years of extensive study in the area of natural cancer prevention and treatment. He has numerous success stories of people being diagnosed living cancer free with use of alternative methods. http://apricotpower-info.com/
Once there was an avocado farm in Australia that had a shop and market at the roadside. Along with the usual nick-knacks for tourists, there were these small glass containers with avocado oil. I never heard of avocado oil before, have you?
Of course there were for sale, after all it was a gift shop. In a small rack right beside the product were some brochures that in part claimed that this avocado oil would reduce wrinkles (I could sure use that!) and cure, right, I said cure – psoriasis.
Those of you that have psoriasis know what it is, but for those readers that don’t, here is a brief explanation. By the way, psoriasis is pronounced (suh-RI-uh-sus).
Psoriasis is a non-contagious disorder which affects the skin and joints. It commonly causes red scaly patches to appear on the skin. Skin rapidly accumulates at these sites and takes on a silvery-white appearance. Plaques frequently occur on the skin of the elbows and knees, but can affect any area including the scalp and genitals. In contrast to eczema, psoriasis is more likely to be found on the extension aspect of the joint.
The surface of the skin that has psoriasis looks like it would be extremely contagious, but as I said above, it is not. If you are unfamiliar with the condition you might think it is leprosy, but is not even close although leprosy is not contagious either.
Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints, which over time is known to cause a condition known as psoriatic arthritis. Ten to fifteen percent of people with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis.
The actual cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is believed to have a genetic component. Several factors are thought to aggravate psoriasis. These include stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking.
Psoriasis, like leprosy, although the two conditions are not connected in any way as to what is the cause, is probably one of the longest known illnesses of humans and simultaneously one of the most misunderstood. Some scholars believe psoriasis to have been included among the skin conditions called tzaraat in the Bible.
The cause of psoriasisis not fully understood. There are two main hypotheses about the process that occurs in the development of the disease.
The first considers psoriasis as primarily a disorder of excessive growth and reproduction of skin cells. The problem is simply seen as a fault of the epidermis (outermost layer of the skin) and its keratinocytes. The keratinocyte is the major constituent of the epidermis, constituting 95% of the cells found there.
The second hypothesis sees the disease as being an immune-mediated disorder in which the excessive reproduction of skin cells is secondary to factors produced by the immune system.
Psoriasis vulgaris is a severe condition of psoriasis. It was recently found that a cream containing avocado and 700mg of vitamin B12 per kilogram of cream together with methyl glycoside stearate and distilled water for consistency, if applied to the affected skin area affected with psoriasis twice a day, appeared to clear up the affected areas.
Where other creams tended to peak out at various times, the vitamin B12/avocado cream did not peak, but continued to work effectively for a long-term benefit.
An additional option is the oral consumption of Fumaric Acid. Many studies have found that fumaric acid is a safe, effective and well-tolerated long-term oral therapy for psoriasis.
The recommended dosage in the past has been one 500mg tablet/capsule per day taken in the evening with a glass of water, tea or milk.
The only side effect reported is a flushing of the skin within 20-30 minutes. The flushing normally continues for only 15-20 minutes but has been know to last for a couple of hours. On rare occasions the flushing could last for a couple of hours, but medical authorities normally do not consider it a risk.
If no or only minimal effect is achieved, the dosage may be increased at the discretion of the person. Dosage may be increased in 500mg increments, waiting 1-2 weeks to evaluate the success.
When treatment success is achieved, stay at that dosage level. Consult with a medical professional as to the issue if there are any questions. The maximum dosage is 3,500 mg.daily.
If you would like to receive further information on how you can find the products mentioned in this article, contact the author.
Source: Joni Bell
How Can Flaxseeds Help With Diabetes?
By Kerry Ng
Kerry Ng is a successful Webmaster and publisher of The Coffee Blog. For more great helpful information about Coffee visit The Coffee Blog
http://www.greatcreditcardtips.com
How can Flaxseeds Help with Diabetes?
Diabetes is a very debilitating disease that is caused by many different factors. There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 (juvenile) and type 2 (adult-onset) of this disease. There are also other subforms of it such as gestational diabetes.
What Causes Diabetes?
How this disease is cause depends on the type of the disease. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that generally strikes before the age of 20. This disease is caused when for a reason still not pinpointed by doctors, a person’s immune system starts attacking the cells in the pancreas that produce beta cells. These beta cells are what notify person’s body of when to use glucose and how much to use. A person that has type 1 of this disease therefore has difficulty regulating their body’s glucose levels because of this disease. There is still no cure for type 1 of this disease.
Individuals that are afflicted with type 2 diabetes generally fall prey to this disease when they are adults. This disease is more likely when people have several contributing factors present. Type 2 of this disease’s contributing factors include smoking, drinking excessively, obesity, family history, and being a part of certain ethnic backgrounds. Type 2 of this disease can generally be reducedin severity and even cured if a person adjusts certain bad habits such as eating a better diet and quitting smoking.
Gestational diabetes affects pregnant women that generally have many of the same contribute factors that individuals with type 2 of this disease have. However, women with gestational diabetes generally do not experience this disease after they are no longer pregnant. However, women that have had gestational diabetes in the past are far more likely to have it in any future pregnancies as well.
Diabetes and Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds and flax seed oil can be potentially helpful in treating this disease. This is due to the fact that the oil may actually have the ability to help stabilize blood sugar levels (glucose). While this does not necessarily treat the cause of the disease, it can lessen the severity of it. This property of flax seed oil is still being researched and has yet to be proven by scientists.
Individuals considering purchasing flaxseeds or flax seed oil to help with their diabetes should consult their doctor first. This will help consumers avoid potentially negative side effects they may experience with the oils. Or perhaps it does not react well with many of their current medications. They can also discuss with their doctor whether or not the potential benefits of the oil outweigh the potential risks.
Source Kerry Ng
Herbal Solutions for Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes Conditions
By Jules Hawk
Courtesy Jules Hawk. For more information on Natural Health Solutions for Diabetes, visit: http://www.diabetesnaturalhealth.com
Herbal remedies have been used in diabetes over the ages and can have practical applications for the modern era also.
There are a number of plant species known to have insulin-like acting substances. This article aims to tackle these various natural plant remedies for diabetes.
To understand all the plants and how they interact would of course require many years of study, and this summary is just a very, very brief overview.
Keep in mind that there can be interactions between herbs, medications, and other elements, and that the health, constitution and individual issues of each person is different. It is important, therefore, to seek the guidance of a medical practitioner,particularly one with knowledge of natural alternatives, before undertaking changes and taking medications or herbal substances.
Of the many herbal options, but a few are:
* European blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) Traditional herbal medicine has been emphasizing on the leaves of this plant species as having a natural sugar lowering action. Otherwise known as bilberry, you can take this herbal remedy by steeping 2 to 3 handfuls of leaves in four cups of hot water for one hour. You need to take 3 cups of the concoction every day. Latest research has also shown that the berries or their extract are even more beneficial.
* American ginseng (Panax ginseng) This contains saponins which displayed hypoglycemic effect and promoted insulin production in animal studies conducted in 1985. Another study showed that American ginseng was successful in preventing the elevation of type II diabetics’ blood sugar level.
* Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) The hypoglycemic action of this herb’s active ingredient charantin, is said to be more potent than that of Tolbutamide, a popular hypoglycemic drug. The American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy published a study done in 2003 demonstrating the hypoglycemic effect of this herb. This vegetable which is grown in the Philippines,
India, Malaysia and Australia, can be sauteed, steamed, or served as a salad. Bitter melon’s fresh juice, tea, and dried herb are also effective in controlling blood sugar levels.
* Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) Endemic to India’s tropical forests, this herb is used to reduce glucose in the blood and to help repair pancreatic cell damage. The leaves are known to increase blood insulin levels. An extract preparation contains 300 mg of its active ingredient.
* Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) In both animal and human studies, fenugreek has shown to have anti-diabetic effects. According to some trials, this herb is beneficial to both types of diabetes. Other studies have also confirmed its lipid lowering action. Taking 15 g of powdered fenugreek seed that has been soaked in water caused a remarkable reduction in the levels of after-meal blood glucose. Complementary use of fenugreek seeds further lowers insulin resistance and enhances lowering of blood sugar in type II diabetics.
* Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia speciosa) Traditionally used as diabetes treatment in Asia. Although the results have been promising, more studies are still needed to establish its long term safety and efficacy.
* Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) Usually taken as herbal tea, this herb works to lower the blood levels of sugar, cholesterol and even triglycerides. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Holy Basil demonstrated a 17.6 % decrease in blood glucose. This enabled the researchers to conclude that this herb is a valuable herbal remedy for mild to moderate diabetes.
These are just some of the known herbs with blood sugar lowering effect. There are still several plant species which may effectively reduce blood glucose as well, including aloe vera, psillium, cinnamon, garlic, Asian ginseng and salt bush.
It is worthwhile considering the herbal options, in consultation with your medical advisor, particularly as many pharmaceutical prodcts can have potential adverse side effects. And these can be considered, in conjunction with suitable diet and excercise towards achieving improved sugar levels.
Source: Jules Hawk
4 Top Tests for Diabetes
By Tom Parker
Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. For more detailed information on diabetes tests please visit http://blog.freefitnesstips.co.uk/testing-for-diabetes.html
Diabetes is a disease caused by a lack of insulin (a hormone that your body relies upon to convert blood sugar into energy) in the body. But how can you test for diabetes and see whether you have contracted the disease yourself? The best way is to go and see your doctor and ask them to test you. They will then be able to give you an accurate diagnosis. In this article I will discuss four of the most popular diabetes tests that your doctor is likely to use.
1) FASTING PLASMA GLUCOSE (FPG) TEST:- The FPG test has become one of the most popular diabetes tests. The main drawback with the FPG test is that it is not suitable to test for gestational diabetes (a form of diabetes which develops during pregnancy). However, if you are not pregnant the chances are that your doctor will use this test to make their diagnosis.
To begin you will be scheduled in for a FPG test. Your doctor will require you to eat nothing for at least eight hours prior to the test. During the test they will take a blood sample and measure your blood glucose levels. They will then analyse the blood sample and diagnose you based on the following rules:
- A blood sugar level of 99 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) or less = Normal.
- A blood sugar level of between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL = Impaired Fasting Glucose (a form of pre-diabetes which if left untreated can develop into type 2 diabetes).
- A blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or greater = Type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In this instance you will be given another FPG for accuracy. If both FPGs suggest that you have diabetes your doctor will investigate further and diagnose you with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
2) ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST (OGTT):- This test is similar to the FPG but it can be used to diagnose all types of diabetes. If you are a man or non-pregnant woman your doctor will book you in for an FPG test. Following the FPG test they will then give you a drink containing glucose and take regular blood samples after you have drank it. If you are pregnant you will be given the glucose drink without an FPG test and regular blood samples will be taken following consumption. In both variations the final blood sample will be used to make a diagnosis based on the following rules:
- A blood sugar level of 140 mg/dL or less = Normal.
- A blood sugar level of between 140 mg/dL and 199 mg/dL = Impaired Fasting Glucose (a form of pre-diabetes which if left untreated can develop into type 2 diabetes).
- A blood sugar reading of 200 mg/dL or greater = Type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes. If you are a pregnant woman then you
will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Otherwise your doctor will investigate further and diagnose you with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
3) RANDOM BLOOD GLUCOSE (RBG) TEST:- The RBG does exactly what it says and involves a random blood test being taken. RBG tests can be performed without the assistance of your doctor using a glucose meter (a piece of medical equipment that calculates the approximate level of glucose in your blood). The test involves pricking your finger with a lancing device (a device which draws a small amount of blood from your finger), placing the blood on a test strip and then inserting this test strip into your glucose meter to get a reading. If multiple RBG tests show that you have blood sugar levels higher than 200 mg/dL then you may have diabetes.
Although RBG tests are easy to perform they should NOT be used as the only test when diagnosing diabetes. They are approximately 10% as accurate as laboratory tests and therefore any concerns you may have as the result of multiple RBG tests should be followed up with your doctor. Only your doctor will be able to give you a full and accurate diagnosis.
4) GLYCOSYLATED HAEMOGLOBIN TEST:- Glycosylated haemoglobin is the term used to describe haemoglobin that has bound with glucose. Glycosylated haemoglobin cells usually last for between two to four months. If you have diabetes or you are not managing your diabetes effectively the level of glycosylated haemoglobin in your blood will increase. To begin the gylcosylated haemoglobin test your doctor will take a blood sample and analyse the glycosylated haemoglobin levels based on the following results:
- Glycosylated haemoglobin levels of between 4% and 6% = Normal.
- Glycosylated haemoglobin levels below 7% = Diabetes that is under control.
- Glycosylated haemoglobin levels greater than 7% = Diabetes that is not under control.
I hope this article has shown you that there are multiple tests available to determine whether or not you have diabetes. However, you must remember that these tests are useless unless performed under the supervision of a doctor or other qualified medical professional. Many factors can affect your test results and your doctor will be able to look at all the relevant factors and then make an accurate diagnosis. If you think you may have diabetes and want a solid answer then go see your doctor and get yourself tested today.
Every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative but it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding any form of diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately
Source: Tom Parker
Celia Cruz, Tito Puente and Poncho Sanchez Play ‘Quimbara’
This video showcases three of my all time favorite latin music performers. They are Celia Cruz-vocalist from Cuba, Tito Puente-timbales out of Puerto Rico and Poncho Sanchez-congas from here in the United States. This post is not about health issues, it’s about fun. Hope you enjoy!
FoodSpook
Source: Djlaboa on YouTube
The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid
By Natalie
Source: psychetruth on YouTube
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