Kickstart Insulin Function with Plant-Based Foods

vegetablesDiabetes rates are on the rise and Washington is no exception: one in three adults has elevated blood sugar and a third of children are on their way to full-blown diabetes, which, at $85,000 or more over the course of a lifetime, is expensive to treat. Our medical systems aren’t equipped for this influx and our bodies can’t handle it.

The question isn’t “How did we get here?” but “How can we fix it?” And fast.

One solution is to kickstart insulin function with plant-based foods. Regardless of your health insurance plan, this option is already available: Continue reading “Kickstart Insulin Function with Plant-Based Foods”

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Nutrients Can Help Regulate Blood Sugar

healthy-foodBlood sugar imbalances can signify a disorder in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism, and can lead to hypoglycemia and/or diabetes. Chronic blood sugar problems greatly increase the risk of adrenal exhaustion, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and loss of nerve function. Diet and lifestyle factors play a significant role in regulating blood sugar levels. Since nutrients can help regulate blood sugar, incorporating key nutritional supplements and making positive dietary and lifestyle modifications can make a dramatic health difference. It is essential that diabetic individuals consult with their physician and carefully monitor their blood sugar levels because insulin requirements or drug levels may need to be adjusted when changing or adding elements in your diet.

Here are five nutrients that can help balance blood sugar levels. Continue reading “Nutrients Can Help Regulate Blood Sugar”

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Summer Staples to Stabilize Blood Sugar

vegetablesResearch has shown that plant-based diets are powerful in many ways, from trimming away excess pounds to reducing cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. A new study shows that they also help with late-stage diabetes. Researchers tested a vegan diet for people with diabetic neuropathy, often experienced as numbness or as a stabbing, tingling, or burning sensation in the feet or hands. Participants in this 20-week study lost 14 pounds, improved diabetic neuropathy pain, and lowered LDL cholesterol and blood pressure. By improving blood sugar control, they also reduced the risk for other diabetes complications, including stroke and kidney failure.

Perhaps surprisingly, the participants found the diet easy to follow. One of the keys to success is planning ahead, which often means stocking kitchen cupboards, desk drawers, automobiles, and travel bags with healthful options – a winning strategy for summer vacations, day-to-day travel, and unexpected delays.

Here are five diabetes-friendly foods to help stabilize blood sugar that are easy to find, store, and assemble. Continue reading “Summer Staples to Stabilize Blood Sugar”

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8 Power-Packed Snacks for Moms with Gestational Diabetes

3604928038 4e76a107bbGestational diabetes is the onset of diabetes during pregnancy. Blood sugar levels become high when pregnant and often return to normal following birth. Eating a healthy balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and checking blood sugar levels regularly using a glucometer can help manage and often eliminate gestational diabetes, as well as possibly prevent a reoccurrence in future pregnancies and type 2 diabetes later in life.

To help you manage gestational diabetes and protect your health and the health of your baby, take a look at these great snack ideas to keep you fueled and nourished while keeping your blood sugar stabilized throughout the day!

Fruit and Eggs: Pair any fist-sized fruit with a hard-boiled egg (around 80 calories), cheese stick (around 60-80 calories), or Greek style yogurt. Greek yogurt often has more protein (the non-flavored varieties can contain up to 20 grams of protein and have less sugar than other types of yogurts).  Continue reading “8 Power-Packed Snacks for Moms with Gestational Diabetes”

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Which Cinnamon is Safe?

Cinnamon has a long history of use as a spice and medicine and is revered for its many health benefits. Recently, cinnamon has received a lot of positive press for its ability to help with blood sugar control. Cinnamon has been shown to lower blood glucose levels in prediabetics and individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, concerns about cinnamon’s safety have also been raised.

Safety concerns stem from the source of the cinnamon and chemical content. Most cinnamon sold in supermarkets is Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia, Cinnamomum aromaticaum, and Cinnamomum burmannii), which are not true cinnamon. Only Ceylon cinnamon, from the Cinnamomum zylanicum plant is considered true cinnamon, “Cinnamomum verum.”

While there are many similarities between Cassia and true cinnamon, Cassia has a higher coumarin content. Coumarins are naturally occurring plant components that have been shown to be hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver). Even small amounts (like that found in sprinkling over oatmeal or drinking cinnamon-based tea) can exceed the tolerable daily intake for children and adults. Therefore, it is recommended that when buying cinnamon to use as a spice, seek out the Ceylon powder/sticks over Cassia to ensure your safety. Continue reading “Which Cinnamon is Safe?”

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Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
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  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
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May 2024
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