Friday 16 December 2016

Three strategies for controlling, possibly reversing, diabetes

By Amy Osmond Cook

Someone you know may be fighting a losing battle for life. As Type 2 diabetes reaches epidemic proportions, the need for alternative treatment methods is urgent. Over 422 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes. So it’s likely you or someone you care about has this disease. Why is it that diabetes continues to grow to seemingly epidemic proportions? Many healthcare professionals believe it is because medication isn’t solving the problem. Instead, it is merely treating the symptoms.
Today’s functional health experts are introducing new ways to look at this disease and offer simple, effective forms of treatment. Moreover, they are offering hope. Many professionals believe diabetes can be controlled -- even reversed –without the need for medications. And it comes down to three strategies.
Acknowledge the need for a lifestyle change
“Diabetes doesn’t have to be a chronic disease,” said Dr. Sarah Hallberg from Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital. “We can intervene here and resolve the problems just by changing one’s nutrition.” Recognizing what you eat and how much you exercise can also influence blood sugar levels in your bloodstream.
When it comes to making lifestyle changes, the experts at Abbott Nutrition have three tips: First, set realistic goals. “Gradual change is more likely to lead to permanent change,” they said. Second, keep a food journal and plan your meals out ahead of time. Finally, exercise regularly. The American Diabetes Association recommends 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at a moderate to vigorous intensity level five days a week.
Change your view on what healing means
Many patients find themselves trapped in a cycle of symptoms and more medications — often with little signs of success. Experts now recognize the advantages of enabling the body to heal itself.
“Food is our best medicine,” said Dr. JoQueta Handy of Handy Wellness Centre. Handy believes that when dispensed in a way similar to antibiotics, by prescribing certain doses, some foods can create impactful healing effects.
Get to the root of the problem
Diabetes doesn’t have to be a chronic disease, if you can get to the root of the problem. For example, a new study featured in the New York Times found that diet is one root cause that can reverse diabetes—even in people who have had diabetes for many years.
“This is a radical change in our understanding of Type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Roy Taylor, the principal investigator of the study. “If we can get across the message that ‘yes, this is a reversible disease — that you will have no more diabetes medications, no more sitting in doctors’ rooms, no more excess health charges’ — that is enormously motivating.”
The combination of functional and traditional approaches to healing can allow patients to use established therapies while also addressing root causes. This can slow or actually reverse disease progression instead of simply masking symptoms or managing the condition. By adopting a new understanding of medication-free treatment and individualized care, patients are saying goodbye to diabetes and saying hello to a second chance at life.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/diabetes-738553-disease-change.html

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