Diabetes is the third leading cause of death in the USA. What's the solution? Should we put our faith in prescription drugs? Or is old-fashioned diet and exercise the answer?
It seems as if we are now losing the war against diabetes. Currently, it's the third leading cause of death in the USA, affecting approximately 18,200,000 U.S. citizens. A person with diabetes has a problem with insulin. Either the body doesn't produce enough insulin (Type 1) or the body produces plenty of insulin but is unable to use it properly (Type 2). Type 1 diabetes usually manifests itself before the age of 30, while Type 2 diabetes usually manifests itself after the age of 30. Ninety percent of diabetes cases are Type 2, while only ten percent is Type 1.
Insulin is important because it helps the body absorb sugar. If the body cannot absorb sugar, it accumulates in the bloodstream, allowing sugar levels to become dangerously high. Prescription drugs may help alleviate some of the symptoms of diabetes. However, there can be notable side effects, such as allergic reactions, injection site reaction, lipodystrophy, pruritus, rash, hypoglycemia, nausea, vomiting , upper respiratory tract infection, injury, headache, back pain, fatigue, sinusitis, diarrhea, viral infection, arthralgia, and anemia, just to name a few. On the other hand, with proper diet and exercise, diabetes can usually be prevented or reversed. And there are no known adverse side-effects. Bottom line, prescription drugs may help to control diabetes, but drugs only delay its devastating affects! Complications from diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, nerve damage, limb amputations and even death. The Importance of ExerciseFor Type 2 diabetics, proper exercise helps your body respond to insulin while managing your blood-sugar levels. Exercise also improves your circulation, especially in areas where diabetics have problems, such as your legs and arms.
The Importance of a Proper DietThe importance of eating a well-balanced diet cannot be stressed enough. The following foods have been proven to help with Type 2 diabetes:
Whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, legumes, raw flax seeds or oil, fish, broccoli, onions, garlic, nuts, mushrooms, and soybeans.
Essential Nutrients The following nutrients have been proven to help with Type 2 Diabetes:
Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids, Chromium, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Biotin, Magnesium, Vanadium, Zinc, Cyclo (His-Pro), Gymnema, Bitter Melon, and Lipase Enzymes.
The Importance of Supplementing Your DietResearch indicates that Type 2 diabetes could almost be eradicated if everyone ate a perfect diet and got the proper amount of exercise. However, getting all the nutrients you need from your diet alone is no easy task, which is why everyone should seriously consider supplementing their diet with vitamins. But not just any old vitamin will do. Five Things to Look For When Choosing a Great VitaminThere are 5 things to look for when choosing a great vitamin:
1. Choose a multi-vitamin made from the highest grade of Whole-Food sources. Do NOT choose a multi-vitamin that contains a concoction of synthetic ingredients that you can’t even pronounce.
2. Choose minerals that are chelated.
3. Choose a multi-vitamin containing Probiotics.
4. Choose a multi-vitamin containing Enzymes derived from vegetables.
5. Choose a multi-vitamin containing 100% of the Recommended Daily Allowances whenever established.
Keeping the above criteria in mind dramatically narrows the playing field.
It’s also a good idea to select a product that gives you a money-back guarantee. Quality multi-vitamins are not as cheap as synthetics, but they are affordable.
I hope this information has educated you and will help you make smart choices. Remember - you only get one body in this life. Treat it well and stay healthy!
[DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed herein are my own, although they have been compiled over the years from my research through books and articles. My opinions should not be considered as medical advice to treat or cure any diseases or illnesses. For these matters, consult a qualified professional.]
For additional information, visit: http://www.TomsVitamins.com
Feed Your Head - It's A (duh) "No-Brainer"
What is the cause and effect relationship between nutrition and mental health? Do so-called "Brain Food" supplements really work?
Winning The War Against Aging
In the quest for eternal youth, Americans are investing heavily in the anti-aging industry, which is burgeoning with the promise of scientific breakthroughs that could turn back the clock on aging. From topical treatments to surgical interventions, the pursuit of youthfulness is a multi-million-dollar industry. Yet, beyond the cosmetic fixes, nutrition and natural supplements are emerging as powerful allies in this battle. With a focus on understanding the underlying causes of aging, such as oxidative stress from free radicals, and countering them with antioxidants, we may be closer than ever to a strategic plan for longevity.
Enzymes - Don't Dine Without Them
Enzymes not only aid digestion, but a diet deficient in enzymes can result in a wide range of illnesses and disorders. Enzyme deficiency is a serious problem facing America today. Here's what needs to be done.
