In 2017, over 30 million people in the United States are diabetic according to the National Diabetes Statistics Report. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death and has become an epidemic in America.
Type 2 is especially serious and can lead to death, kidney disease, leg and foot amputations, nerve damage, and blindness. Type 2 is preventable and even reversible with the proper lifestyle and diet changes. Here are some ways to reduce or reverse diabetes symptoms naturally and improve your quality of life.
1. Consume Coconut Oil Daily
Coconut oil is one of the healthiest fats to consume especially for diabetics. Coconut oil doesn’t require insulin to get into your cells by metabolizing quickly in the liver. It is used up instantly as energy making it an excellent aid for diabetics who need to lose weight.
2. Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup
You will find high fructose corn syrup in the most common foods, and drinks today and it wreaks havoc on our bodies and appetite control system. High fructose corn syrup stimulates a hormone that is responsible for telling your body you’re hungry. It is not recognized as food. Therefore, your body will never feel full causing you to eat more. This feeling of constant hunger is particularly dangerous for those with diabetes who need to limit their intake of sugar and carbohydrates. Sugary snacks, desserts, soft drinks, and sweetened juices are loaded with high fructose corn syrup.
3. Avoid Artificial Sweeteners
Aspartame is the most common known artificial sweetener found in diet soda, and sugar-free snack foods. Aspartame is a toxic poison that can cause cancer, neurological disorders, brain tumors, and other diseases. It is detrimental to anyone who has high blood sugar. Artificial sweeteners are broken down into ethyl alcohol when they are metabolized.
4. Eat Wholesome Fats
Most nutritionists will tell you to limit your intake of fats, especially saturated fat. However, our bodies need healthy fats to protect vital organs, maintain cell walls, and hormonal balance. These fats should be coming from whole raw milk, grass-fed butter, avocados, and organic yogurt and cheese. Nutritious fats are also found in grass-fed chicken and beef, nuts and seeds, free range eggs, olive oil, and coconut milk. When you incorporate some of these healthy fats, you will notice a difference in your blood sugar, energy levels, and weight.
5. Avoid Refined Sugars And Grains
Much of America’s health crisis is blamed on overconsumption of bleached sugars and grains, processed and refined foods. All of these cause an unhealthy spike in blood sugar immediately after consumption. Whole grains should remain a part of your diet as they contain vital vitamins, minerals, and fiber that lowers high blood sugar.
Sprouted grain slices of bread is an even better choice and are more easily digested than other grains. All diabetics must strictly limit their sugar intake even though it may seem impossible. There are safe sweeteners available if you must have the occasional dessert. Stevia, raw honey, and organic maple syrup are good options in small amounts.
6. Stay Active
Whether you’re diabetic or not, daily activity is essential for anyone who wants to be healthy. Every organ and cell in the body benefits from exercising. It’s ideal for diabetics because it stimulates proper blood flow, burns fat, boosts the metabolism, and removes toxins. The important thing is to find the activity you love and stick with it. The options are endless from walking, indoor cycling, step aerobics, to aqua aerobics.
Type 1 diabetes occurs before one turns 20 years old and is rarely reversed. However, it can be managed through lifestyle changes and diets. If you are over 40 and overweight, you are at a higher risk of having type 2. If you’re determined to reverse diabetes symptoms naturally, avoid alcohol, refined sugar and grains, and conventional cow’s milk.
Focus on eating healthy foods that are high in fiber, magnesium, chromium, clean protein, and good fats. Insulin and other diabetic medications are designed to lower blood sugar levels when exercise and diet aren’t working. If your doctor has prescribed a new drug or you’re considering an over-the-counter medication for high blood pressure, ask them how it will affect your blood sugar levels. Follow a diabetic eating plan as recommended by your doctor and remain active to balance blood sugar.
