Diabetes: A 21st Century Scourge - Causes of Diabetes

Where and how does one of the most prolific medical scourges of the 21st century begin? Let's start at the table. Whether that be at home, work or your favorite restaurant what we put on it can sometimes be the beginning of the end. Our sugar laden, artificial and bleached foods combined with an abundance of alcoholic drinks, prescriptions and over the counter medications has helped to establish what is and continues to be a tragic epidemic on a global scale.

Artificial Sweeteners - The Zero Calorie Killer

Along with diabetes artificial sweeteners are linked to other adverse health conditions including weight gain. It is one of the most insidious food additives on the market today. The sweeteners cause spikes in blood insulin levels. How is this possible? The body is wired to prepare for the introduction of carbohydrates since carbs are the chief and most energy efficient forms of fuel. When artificial sweeteners wash over the tongue the brain signals the body to prepare for sugar intake. But this is no normal preparation. Consider the fact that artificial sweeteners are up to 300% sweeter than regular sugar. The body thinks it is getting tons of it which drives insulin production sky high. The cells in the body continuously seeing insulin in the bloodstream for seemingly no reason begin to build a sensitivity towards it thus the term insulin sensitivity. This is not the only way cells become sensitive to insulin but it is one of the main reasons. To add insult to injury what blood sugar is in circulation gets swept up by the excess insulin driving blood sugar levels low. The low blood sugar levels are detected by the body and triggers the production of a hormone called ghrelin. This hormone makes us feel hungry and usually we will eat. The weight gain trap is sprung as most people will alternate between artificially sweetened products (especially soda) and eating highly processed foods mostly unaware of the weight gain connection. Zero calorie foods tend to make people consume more calories of other foods and that is a killer both figuratively and literally.

These diabetes inducing sweeteners can be found in almost anything like: prescription medication, cough syrup, aspirin and other over-the-counter drugs, chewing gum, anything labeled 'sugar free', and drink powders to name a few.

Highly Processed Foods and Our Love Affair with Bleach

Walk down the aisle almost any grocery store and pick up a prepackaged item containing wheat. These would be your breads, cereals, cookies and pastas. Read the list of ingredients on the back. If it is not organic some of the first words you will see are bleached or enriched. This is code for 'we have stripped the goodness out of this product and added what we think you would like to taste'. Why would anyone do this? To make us eat more and eat more often. Bleached and enriched foods undergo chemical processes that converts them from complex carbohydrates (good) to simple carbohydrates (really bad). Once this happens the producer of that food experiences an increase in profit because you will eat more of it and you will eat it more often. As their profits increase so does our waist lines and risk of diabetes. I am sure that there will be some who read this and decide this is a conspiratorial view but consider the chart from the previous article. As food distribution around the world increases (usually simple carbs) so too does the incidence of diabetes.

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): Americans consume an astounding 60 lbs. of HFCS every year. What's so astounding about this? Consider the fact that fructose is metabolized in the liver into fat more readily than glucose. When bombarded with fructose all at once the liver becomes sluggish and fatty itself. Fatty livers usually precedes insulin resistance which can ultimately lead to the development and persistence of Type II diabetes. The reason Americans can consume 60 lbs. of HFCS on average is because it is found in many processed foods and is often one of the first three ingredients in a product. Some of the products include soft drinks, pancake syrup, yogurt, canned fruits, barbecue sauce, pasta sauce and fruit drinks that are not 100% juice just to name a few. HFCS is a metabolic nightmare that many of us are unaware of including diabetics. Are you or do you know someone who is diabetic or pre-diabetic? Have you or they ever been warned to stay away from HFCS? If not, please consider this a warning.

Thoughtfulhealth Product Review: SiselLean Protein/Weight Management Shake

All natural. 74 calories per scoop. Powerful nutrition. $50 bucks for a one month supply. Score!

When it comes to protein shakes it is certain that not all are created equal. In fact most protein/weight management shakes are filled with incredibly toxic and inflammation causing ingredients. It has been my observation that most people consuming these protein products are in one way or another health conscious. Whether you endeavor to lose weight or pack on extra muscle ultimately your health is affected.

Personally I fill that whatever your intentions for consuming protein shakes it should not cause you harm. If you are currently consuming a protein shake let's take a look at a few of the readily available ingredients you would find in most "off-the-shelf" products.

• Whey protein: Derived from dairy sources that are usually laced with hormones, pesticides and antibiotics. To add insult there are only two to three companies out there that actually removes the lactose for our lactose intolerant friends. Ouch!
• Isolates (soy, whey, etc): Proudly displayed on the packaging but the truth is they most companies use cheap fillers that have chemical toxins associated with them increasing inflammation and acidity in the body.
• Artificial sweeteners (sucralose, splenda, aspartame,acesulfame potassiun etc.): Drives up insulin levels in the body increasing sensitivity which leads to fat storage, slows liver function which can lead to weight gain over the long run, causes inflammation in the body increasing water and sodium retention that can lead to hypertension.
• Maltodextrin: Generally used as a sweetener there is a 95% chance that it is genetically modified and is more than likely one of 4 to 5 sugars on the label!Not all maltodextrin is used as a sweetner, however. Some products use it as a source of fiber. Knowing how the company sources their maltodextrin is important.
• GMO's: More and more evidence is mounting that products containing GMO's cause serious adverse health events. Most manufacturers will use GMO ingredients because they are cheap but while the cost to you in the near term is less the long term cost could be downright devastating!

Why I like SiselLean

I have consumed SisleLean for almost two years now and I am thoroughly convinced that it has helped me maintain a body weight and level of health and vitality I did not previously have. With proper eating habits, moderate exercise and supplementing 1 or 2 meals per day I have not had any trouble losing over 30 lbs and keeping it off. The shake is delicious without being chalky and I can feel the energy provided by the vitamins and minerals. I will discuss a few of the key ingredients to give you an idea of why I have experienced my results.

Three Quality Proteins

Whey Protein: SiselLean contains whey protein but in the right way. The protein is sourced from all natural milk (no hormones or antibiotics). Also, all the lactose is removed for those of us who are lactose intolerant. It is cold processed so the protein is not denatured making it readily available for assimilation by the body without creating inflammation. Pea and chia proteins are also used because they are easily assimilated by the body combining with the whey to ensure extensive bioavailabilty for a wide range of people.

Vitamins and Minerals

Another aspect of this shake I like very much is the vitamins and minerals it packs. Most protein shakes on the market use cheap synthetic vitamins and minerals that are usually not absorbed by the body. In fact, they usually go unrecognized which triggers an immune response. Now you have increased your level of inflammation and given the immune system extra duty! Not so with SiselLean. All of the ingredients including the vitamins and minerals are all natural (no synthetics here). In addition, the amount of protein per scoop is within normal protein consumption range for the average person. What these two things mean is you will not be causing inflammation in the body with this product. Inflammation is a key factor in weight gain and almost all chronic illnesses. In addition, there is no soy and no GMO ingredient whatsover. With over 60 vitamins and minerals to include B vitamin complex I am left energized and ready to tackle the day.  

There is so much more to this shake but I don't want to ramble on. Check out this link for more information and if you decide to order this awesome shake please know that it is not necessary to autoship your purchase. You can order as you please when you please if you opt to do so.

All natural. 74 calories per scoop. Powerful nutrition. $50 bucks for a one month supply. Score!

For additional helpful tips regarding protein follow the link provided: http://thoughtfulhealth.blogspot.com/2010/11/protein-fallacy-and-how-best-to-utilize.html

Liquid Death: Diabetes and (Diet) Soda Consumption

Be assured that the title of this article is not too fine a point. It is also not intended to shock you in a 'reality TV' sort of way either but the reality is shocking. If you are diabetic, pre-diabetic or even if you are not this information is imperative to either reverse, mitigate, or prevent diabetes.

Support pancreatic function and while boosting your immune system...naturally!

Blood sugar levels

Most diabetics know to stay away from sugar laden consumables like soda but many pre-diabetics fail to heed the warning. One of the most dangerous aspects of diabetes is the fact that you cannot feel it creeping into your life. Soda increases insulin sensitivity because it contains anywhere between 10-15 teaspoons of sugar per 12 oz. The average American consumes approximately 21 oz. of soda daily. That much sugar entering the bloodstream in a relatively short period of time spikes insulin production and the real trouble begins. Soon the insulin begins knocking on cellular doors trying to usher in sugars that the cells most likely do not need and the cells reject the insulin. After years of seeing insulin show up with something it doesn't want the cells begin to automatically reject the insulin (thus insulin sensitivity). A combination of poor eating habits, little to no exercise and a lack of mineralization only serves to exacerbate the problem.

Chronic Inflammation

What happens to all that insulin and sugar that's rejected by the body? Well, it cannot be allowed to remain in the blood stream or it would begin to do major damage. Enter inflammation. Inflammation is the body's way of identifying trouble areas in the body and trigger the immune system. Once the immune system is activated triglycerides are released which captures the rogue insulin and stores it away in adipose tissue (aka fat). One of the most negative aspects of chronic inflammation is it fatigues the immune system and distracts it from other extremely important duties. Chronic inflammation can also lead to significant weight gain which is another hallmark of diabetes.

Support pancreatic function and while boosting your immune system...naturally!

Caffeine and Cortisol

Most sodas unless otherwise stated contain caffeine. Caffeine in small amounts (100-200 mg over the course of a day) is not harmful and could actually be of benefit to the body. Any more than 200 mg of caffeine and cortisol levels begin to rise significantly. This isn't much of a problem for those who exercise moderately on a regular basis but if you are sedentary or only exercise sporadically this may become an issue. 200 mg of caffeine can raise cortisol levels by 30% within an hour. Cortisol causes the liver and muscles to release stored glycogen and if it does not get used it gets stored as fat. This increases inflammation, weight gain and can ultimately lead to hormone imbalances. In this highly caffeinated world we live in it is easier than ever to over consume it.

The Diet Soda Deception

Here is an important fact I like to share with people especially those who are pre-diabetic. Diet soda is one of the worst things you can do to yourself. Notwithstanding a myriad of other reasons to not drink the stuff diet soda causes significant spikes in insulin. How? The body is hard wired to respond immediately to any influx of sugar. After all the glucose formed from carbohydrates is the body's chief source of fuel. When that super sweet tasting diet drink touches your tongue the body prepares for what it thinks is an inevitable surge in blood sugar levels by producing insulin preemptively. Considering that the artificial sweeteners most often used is up to 300% sweeter than table sugar the body produces a great bit of insulin. At this point the body is awashed with the hormone and it has nothing to do at all. Unfortunately, the blood cells will still see the insulin and think to themselves "There it goes again...that's why we reject it". The more the cells are chronically exposed to insulin the more it rejects it. Adding insult to injury the insulin must be dealt with as previously mentioned by activating the immune system. In addition these same diet drinks often contain caffeine and large amounts release cortisol and we know what happens next (see above)!

What now?

If you're diabetic or pre-diabetic stop or greatly curtail all soda consumption. These simple carbohydrate laden products are extremely detrimental to your health and can make reversing or managing diabetes near impossible. Remember: Wise choices lead to wise outcomes. Go in good health!

All natural eye health support with vital enzymes and antioxidants!

The Addictive Nature of Artificial Sweeteners

The topic of addiction was lightly touched on in a previous post but this topic deserves a few more words. The very real and destructive nature of aspartame and it's fellow artificial brethren is only exacerbated by its addictive nature. Research conducted by Dr. H.J. Roberts while a practicing physician at St. Mary's Hospital and The Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach, Fl. reveals a disturbing fact: Aspartame consumption can lead to addiction.

Dr. Roberts' research found that approximately 6% of his aspartame study group exhibited signs a clinical addiction. These persons found it near impossible or difficult to discontinue use of aspartame due to severe withdrawals. These withdrawal symptoms would include severe irritability, tension, depression, tremors, nausea, sweating, etc. These symptoms were described as being prolonged and sometimes violent. Some people have described the withdrawals as worse than ones experienced when trying to avoid alcohol. In most every case the symptoms went away almost immediately upon resuming consumption of aspartame.

The main mechanism that facilitates addiction as it relates to aspartame has to do with the methanol found in it. For people with addictive personalities the consumption of methanol is simply devastating but aspartame's addictive nature potentially extends to anyone who consumes it.

There are plenty of articles and research to be had on the topic of addiction to aspartame and other artificial sweeteners that can shed more extensive light on the subject. However, for the time being it would be best to think of aspartame as toxic waste that bloats (fatten) the body, increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease and addicts the brain to keep you coming back for more even if you don't want to. Whats worst is that all of these things have been well known since before final FDA approval of aspartame and saccharin. If you consume aspartame or any other artificial sweetener in any way (and chances are you do unless you read labels) then by all means free yourself from the millstone around your neck lest you perish in the aspartame sea.

Aspartame: The Devilish Details

The thing we most need to know about aspartame is seldom, if ever, reported. The sum total of how aspartame (and most artificial sweeteners) affects our biology can be devastating. The laundry list of documented side effects are astounding! Aspartame accounts for over 75% of all adverse food reactions reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some of these adverse reactions include seizure and death. With that said lets "detail" the side effects of each major component of aspartame.


Aspartic Acid

It has been pointed out in the media by various doctors, nutritionist and health experts that aspartic acid is a naturally occurring amino acid and is therefore harmless. While it is true that aspartic acid is a naturally occurring amino acid it is not true that it is totally harmless. Aspartic acid can be found in many foods such as certain fish, asparagus, and soybeans to name a few but it is never unbound or free. That is to say aspartic acid found in nature is always bound or combined with other amino acids to balance each other so that they may perform their jobs efficiently with no harm to the host organism (humans in particular). Aspartic acid is considered an excitatory amino acid that is important to our overall neurological health but if consumed in concentration without the proper combinations of other nutrients (like when aspartame is consumed) neurological disorders could occur. These disorders include Alzheimer's, dementia, memory loss, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.

Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine is also an amino acid and again it is pointed out that it is naturally occurring which is true. However, just like aspartic acid if left unbound it has the potential to wreak havoc on the body, especially the brain where it is normally found. When consumed from whole foods phenylalanine is bound with other amino acids which causes a balancing effect where a person isn't exposed to excessive levels which could lead to reduced serotonin levels in the brain. Reduced serotonin levels lead to emotional disorders such as depression, rage (sometimes violent) and wide mood swings (ever had to stay away from someone who hadn't had their diet Coke or diet Pepsi?). By the way, serotonin is what gives us a sense a well being so decreasing your levels of serotonin is not advisable if you like feeling good about yourself and circumstances. For an interesting read please see an article titled "A Aspartame Nightmare" by John Cook.

Methanol aka Wood Alcohol aka POISON!

Ladies and gentlemen, there is not one aspect of aspartame that could be considered non-hazardous but methanol gives phenylalanine and aspartic acid a run for their money combined. Why, you ask? Well, what methanol does to the body has been known and documented for years. Back in the mid-seventies to early eighties unfortunate alcoholics desperate for a drink would consume methanol and go blind (these incidents weren't confined to this time but it seemed to hit epidemic proportions during this period). In aspartame free methanol is the main culprit because it is so readily absorbed by the body. Free methanol is produced when aspartame is heated to more than 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Soft drinks transported in hot trucks or aspartame used in cooking or baked items routinely produce free methanol. Once ingested methanol is broken down into formaldehyde (embalming fluid) and formic acid (multiple industrial uses) with formaldehyde being a very deadly neurotoxin. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that methanol "is considered a cumulative poison due to the low rate of excretion once it is absorbed." The EPA recommends a daily maximum consumption of 7.8 mg of methanol. One liter (34 ounces or about (1) 20 ounce Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi and half of another) contains about 56 mg or 7 times the EPA recommended maximum. Do you know anyone who drinks more than one 20 oz. diet beverage a day? Some of the signs and symptoms of methanol poisoning is dizziness, nausea, headaches, vertigo, chills and memory lapses to name only half.

One final point that is definitely worth making. Copious amounts of research on the effects of aspartame, and methanol in particular, in lab animals has been conducted. A fair amount of the research "demonstrates" (I put the quotes around demonstrates because some of the research is suspect) no harm or little harm to the animals. While some of the research may be questionable what is beyond question is that methanol is more easily processed and passed from the bodies of the test animals (usually rodents). That is because these animals have enzymes conducive to breaking down methanol while humans lack these enzymes which is why the EPA considers it a cumulative poison. I make this point because it is usually overlooked when aspartame defenders tout such research without considering some very important biological differences between man and beast. Just food for thought!


Addiction will be covered in the very near future. Until then keep an open mind and gird your loins for the thief is most definitely upon us.

Peace!

Artificial Sweetners and Cravings

K. D. Lang wrote and performed a song titled "Constant Cravings" that burst onto the music charts in 1992. If you have ever had the privilege of hearing this song you would have heard the perfect hook for artificial sweeteners. A seldom publicized fact is that artificial sweeteners devastate blood sugar levels by causing wild fluctuations. When ingested, artificial sweeteners elevate blood glucose to high levels. Once the body deals with the excess glucose, which is primarily stored as fat, a "crash" ensues causing glucose levels to plummet and once this happens the appetite and sugar cravings increase. This causes a person to either consume more artificial sweeteners, usually through a beverage, or carbohydrates, usually highly refined, both of which inevitably lead to weight gain. That's why it is not uncommon to see or hear of people consuming "diet" beverages or other food products containing artificial sweeteners and then binging on junk food or highly processed carbohydrate foods whether they be diet foods or otherwise.

Artificial sweeteners also trick the body into thinking, through taste, that it is about to receive more glucose than will actually be consumed because it is so much sweeter than regular sugar. This makes the body prepare for more sugar than it is receiving through increased insulin production. The amount of insulin produced will be disproportionately higher to the amount artificial sweetener consumed. The increased insulin causes blood glucose to further decrease causing even more cravings. These cycles described between the two paragraphs can be extremely vicious for some causing further weight gain and setting the body up for diabetes if diabetes is not already an issue. If a person is already diabetic further resistance to insulin is all but certain increasing the likelihood of further diabetic complications.

In future post we will cover the addictive nature of artificial sweeteners and documented side effects of the toxins produced from aspartame metabolism.

Much peace to all!

Source:
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/June05/anti-cancer.htm

Artificial Sweeteners and Weight Gain

Our grocery and retail shelves are flooded with diet foods, diet aids, and even some "health" foods that contain artificial sweeteners added to them like aspartame and sucralose. Even items like toothpaste and cough syrup have artificial sweeteners in them. They are touted as the zero calorie/low calorie saviors for those who wish to either control their weight or lose weight. What actually happens in the end is something that has the potential to not only increase weight but also lead to other ailments and/or adverse health conditions.

Over the next few post a number of issues revolving around artificial sweeteners, in particular aspartame, will be reviewed. Issues covered will be how aspartame is broken down (metabolized) in the body, how they affect blood sugar and cravings, and the potential to become addicted to artificial sweeteners.
The liver is the body's primary organ for fat burning and metabolism. When aspartame is consumed it passes directly to the liver from the small intestines. The liver has to work overtime to break down aspartame into its key components: phenylalanine, aspartic acid, formaldehyde and methanol. Each one of these components disrupts the body's ability to perform key functions but I will digress for the sake of brevity. Back to metabolism. The liver has to utilize a great amount of energy to metabolize aspartame. From the moment it enters the liver it is given priority over most every other metabolic function. While the liver is working furiously to breakdown aspartame into several different poisons it is unable to fully metabolize fats (beneficial fats or otherwise) found in our foods or fats already stored in the body. The problem is now obvious. Whenever fat from food is not fully metabolized it is stored away and fat already in the body is not processed for fuel (which leads to its removal). This is how consuming products with artificial sweeteners like aspartame can actually help pack on the pounds instead of decreasing them. Contrary to popular belief losing weight is not all about calorie restriction because even low calorie artificially sweetened foods can cause weight gain by retarding the livers ability to metabolize what we eat and cause strong cravings (more on cravings later).

Foods sweetened with aspartame can slow the livers ability to metabolize so much that the liver itself can become fatty. Once this happens total liver functionality, such as blood cleansing, enzyme production and hormone production, becomes impaired causing systemic problems throughout the entire body. Also, a fatty liver makes losing weight a frustrating endeavor. As previously mentioned a fatty liver can not breakdown and utilize fat for fuel efficiently. All the time spent working out at home or in a gym has the potential of being negated from a fat burning perspective when low fat/non fat foods spiked with artificial sweeteners are consumed coupled with a fatty, over-worked liver. By no means is this a condemnation of working out as we all should strive to be more active. Care about what we consume is the emphasis here. I am providing some resources below for perusal. The next post will cover how artificial sweeteners affect blood sugar and cravings. Bon appetit!

Sources:
http://www.savvypatients.com/sweeteners.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvFRLIjOLOU&feature=player_embedded#!