Trick or treat?
Sugar related diseases continue to rise. Obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, stroke, arthritis, infertility, gallbladder and liver diseases, respiratory disorders, sleep apnea, insomnia, hyperactivity, fatigue, gout, hypoglycemia, depression, digestive difficulties and other diseases are known to be caused by, or contributed to by sugar. Immune disruption and auto-immune diseases are deepening issues complicated or caused by sugar consumption.
The American Diabetes Association states that approximately 30 million children and adults have diabetes, and that 95 percent is Type II diabetes. Formerly called “Adult onset” or “acquired” diabetes, Type II diabetes is mostly within our control. Our food choices, over time, can directly impact the onset of diabetes. Some seem to live a life time of excess sugar consumption and never acquire diabetes, while others, who eat comparatively little, fall prey. Some can get their diabetes or other sugar-related illnesses under control with dietary and lifestyle changes, while others are stuck with needle options.
Reducing the impact of sugar and carbohydrates on our body requires a multi-faceted regime. Increasing physical activity, reducing stress levels, improving emotional balance, creating good sleep habits and some positive dietary constraints are important to achieving success. Controlling blood sugar levels is a daily, in fact an hourly in many cases, commitment. Too often people just don’t want to let go of the sweets they consume, so they switch to artificial sweeteners instead. Bad choice! It appears that although artificial sweeteners are low on the glycemic index, that they change the gut flora (the good microbiota in the intestines) which then causes an increase in blood sugar levels. Some studies also claim that artificial sweeteners make diabetics more “brittle.”
There are several natural therapies that can be used to help battle diabetes, hypoglycemia and other sugar-related health issues. Good dietary advice based on eating whole foods and eliminating foods that are damaging to the body in any way, including blood sugar is the first real step. Several nutrients, including herbs, can help control sugar cravings, but need to be recommended by qualified nutritional specialists so that they don’t conflict with any diabetic medications.
Acupuncture is a good remedy for helping with stress control, improving sleep and balancing the endocrine system — all of which are vital in striving to improve blood sugar issues. Most acupuncturists also teach lifestyle adjustments and many other helpful recommendations. But above all, acupuncture is incredibly effective in the management of addictions — sugar being a big one!
Tonight, Vital Health will be teaching a class on how to fight the sugar battle — both from a health standpoint, and from a cravings standpoint. Sign up to attend Conquering Sugar Cravings, Holiday Eating and Sugar Diseases, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Vital Health in Coeur d’Alene. Fee: $10. RSVP: (208) 765-1994.
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Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with nearly four decades of experience. She is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d’Alene clinic. Visit www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about her, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.