Tag: diabetes

Summer Staples to Stabilize Blood Sugar

June 2nd, 2015 by Neal Barnard, MD, FACC

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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Metabolic Risk Factors: Five Numbers You Need to Know

April 28th, 2015 by Neal Barnard, MD, FACC

vegetable-basketA new study shows statins may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 46%. That’s especially worrisome, considering this cholesterol-lowering drug nets blockbuster sales and remains a widely popular prescription. The good news is there is an option that not only rivals its pharmaceutical competitors, but tackles symptoms of both heart disease and type 2 diabetes: it’s called a low-fat, vegan diet.

The “side effects” you’ll see with a plant-based prescription – vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes – are all good. Instead of narrowing arteries and insulin resistance, you’ll see improvements in arterial plaque, improved blood flow, and stabilized blood sugar. These three biometric markers, combined with waist circumference and body weight, hold the key to a clean bill of health.

With a dietary intervention, you’ll see results in just a matter of weeks.

Here are five numbers concerning metabolic risk factors that you (or your patients) need to know: Continue reading “Metabolic Risk Factors: Five Numbers You Need to Know”

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Vitamin D Deficiency and Type 2 Diabetes

February 24th, 2015 by Paula Gallagher

sun-baskingHere’s another reason to make sure you are getting enough of the sunshine vitamin. A new study published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has shown that vitamin D deficiency and type 2 diabetes are linked in that people who do not get enough vitamin D are at higher risk of having diabetes, regardless of their weight.

The results show that vitamin D levels were more closely linked to blood sugar levels than BMI, according to the study. Whether or not vitamin D played a role in causing diabetes or other disorders that affect the metabolism of glucose is unknown and further studies will need to be done.

“The major strength of this study is that it compares vitamin D levels in people at a wide range of weights (from lean to morbidly obese subjects) while taking whether they had diabetes into account,” said one of the study’s authors, Mercedes Clemente-Postigo, MSc, of Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA). They also went on to say that, “The study suggests that vitamin D deficiency and obesity interact synergistically to heighten the risk of diabetes and other metabolic disorders. The average person may be able to reduce their risk by maintaining a healthy diet and getting enough outdoor activity.” Continue reading “Vitamin D Deficiency and Type 2 Diabetes”

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Brigit True Organics Foot Cream for Diabetics

June 17th, 2014 by Paula Gallagher

brigitfootcreamPeople with diabetes tend to have have poor circulation in their small blood vessels, causing the skin on the extremities to first become dry and irritated. If not taken care of properly, skin infections can occur and in extreme cases even lead to amputation.

Brigit True Organics (BTO) offers hand and body care for people who have diabetes. The Diabeticae line has been created to offer consumers with special skin care needs the benefits of the highest quality organic ingredients.

Diabeticae Foot Cream is 95% organic and is a circulation booster as well as a moisturizer. The cream is made with organic olive oil, infused with healing calendula and comfrey, and offers multi-tiered relief to diabetics. Combined with shea butter and beeswax, Diabeticae Foot Cream seals in moisture and helps defend against wounds and dryness. Additional essences of three herbs, rosemary, peppermint, and lavender, promote blood flow and support the body’s internal moisturizing ability. Plus it feels and smells great.

Check out other products from Brigit True Organics. They offer a complete line of natural body care crafted freshly, in-house with herbal formulations that reflect both scientific research and traditional healing wisdom. All of BTO’s products are 100% natural and 74% – 99% organic, using the highest quality ingredients: organic virgin olive oil, organic herbs, and organic plant essences.

All Brigit True Organics products are currently on sale during our Big Brands Sale!

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10 Ways to Break Your Sugar Addiction: Just Follow These Steps

January 20th, 2014 by Debi Silber, The Mojo Coach

According the National Institutes of Health (NIH), we’re consuming 3 pounds of sugar each week. That’s 22 teaspoons every day with the average teenager having 34 teaspoons daily, if not more. This drastic jump in consumption from years ago is not only behind the staggering rise in obesity, but is one of the main reasons why so many of us are suffering with illnesses, conditions, depression, and even disease. Is it as simple as saying that a major step toward improving our body and health means removing sugar from our diets? Many people living their best and healthiest lives yet will happily tell you yes.

Ready to see for yourself? Here are 10 steps to break your sugar addiction. Continue reading “10 Ways to Break Your Sugar Addiction: Just Follow These Steps”

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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's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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    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 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 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 is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
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