TUESDAY JANUARY 11, 2011 THE LOCK AND KEY TO UNSTABLE BLOOD SUGAR

" It happens that we live our lives in chains, and we never even know we have the key."

Thanks Karen

I am not sure I like this statement, but I do agree with the concept. We as individuals are far too busy sometimes to see what is right in front of us or rather under our nose. Not all of you, live your lives in chains, but I have seen some individuals do just that. Those individuals that have their work as their addiction ( your energy thief) can possibly relate to the chains. The key to open the lock on those chains is at your grasp. For one, you a have choice whether to be a slave to your work addiction. Work and no play makes 'Jack or Jackie' a dull boy or girl. Financial security is achieved through work, but at what expense. The key to open those chains is to find a hobby, as long as the hobby doesn't become another addiction, or energy thief.
Those who know me might even say I live my life in chains and addicted to my work. I do not think I can do it any other way. In order for me to be an effective, caring and compassionate physician, I must take this Higher Power given profession seriously. I have found my key. My key to my success as a physician is the many hobbies I have integrated into my profession. For example, this blog writing has been one of my keys. I say one of my keys, because this blog writing is in a way linked back to work. I would rather think that my varied interests as needle crafting, card making, knitting and bee keeping are my keys to my chains.
Do you consider your work as an addiction? Do you have other keys to open your chains?

The twin epidemics of obesity and diabetes are killing people. You need to take control of your sugar ( glucose) levels. No one wants to hear that they need to change their dietary lifestyle. But, I can tell you this--if you are eating simple carbohydrates you have a good chance of decreasing your longevity. If you have dreams in life, there is a good probability that you will not live to fulfill your dreams. This is not a threat, but a REALITY. The glycemic index represents the blood glucose response after consumption of a specific carbohydrate meal to a rapidly absorbed reference carbohydrate. I do know that white flour has a glycemic index higher than that of white sugar. This means that your consumption of simple carbohydrates will have a greater impact on your health than you may think. Epidemiological data and clinical studies indicate that a low glycemic index reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes( Type II DM), and coronary artery disease (CAD) . A lower glycemic index dietary lifestyle can reduce total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL), increase the good cholesterol (HDL), decrease body weight and control satiety.

How many times does it have to be said that " Simple carbohydrates are deadly and sugar is white death."

In addition to changing your dietary and exercise lifestyle, there are vita-nutrients and herbs that help with blood sugar management. About 47 % of Americans are deficient in a mineral that has been shown to be beneficial in those patients with unstable blood sugars. This mineral is chromium. It has been shown that the Indian Gooseberry can work with chromium in a beneficial way to decrease blood sugar response. It is commonly known as Amla or Aamla.

Yes it comes back to plants. Why shouldn't it? These plants are available to us. We just need to educate the population. Some of the patient population is educated from various sources. However are the conventional doctors educated on the benefits of plants/herbs? Ask an endocrinologist ( a specialist, who sees diabetic patients) about any herb he knows that will help in the management of diabetes. I would be surprised if the endocrinologist mentions any herb. He/she might know about cinnamon, but not Indian gooseberry or white bean extract.

Both Phyllanthus emblica or Emblica offcinalis are known as gooseberry. Many of the benefits of Indian gooseberry can be attributed to its high content of Vitamin C. Amla or Indian Gooseberry can enhance digestive absorption, nourish the brain and help the liver with detoxification. Upon reading about this herb, it has so many benefits. Why have you not heard about it? -It seems to be good for everything. I do know it will help and assist in supporting better glucose levels. That alone, is enough to help with aging as well as heart disease. Amla also improves the eye. The question is it because of lowering glucose that the eyes get better or does it have a specific property for the eyes. If it contains Vitamin C as well as trace minerals it will beneficial for eye problems as glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Another plant, the White kidney bean, also known as Phaseolus vulgaris, has been shown to lower glycemic index . It does this by inhibiting ( or stopping ) alpha amylase enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of starch into sugar. There are conflicting studies with this dietary have shown a decrease in glycemic index, other studies have not. More research needs to be done on the white bean extract. I feel more participants or subjects need to be studied using white bean extract.

As I research, read and publish on herbs/supplements I am continually changing formulations that I have developed. I developed Glucostable which contained chromium, vanadium,alpha lipoic acid and 3 herbs-fenugreek, rosemary and gynema. Recently I decided to change the formulation to Glucostable Plus which now contains cinnamon . Who knows what my next generation of Glucostable Plus might be ?



Until tomrorow...