A Family Fitness Guide

Insomnia

Insomnia is defined as the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep during the course of the night. Insomnia effects 30% of the population - people are walking around chronically sleep deprived. Even when you spend enough hours sleeping but keep walking regularly, you suffer because your body and mind don’t have the deep sleep they need to repair.

Anxiety, stress, caffeine, alcohol, certain medications, aging, depression, and hormonal imbalances can all contribute to this condition. Anyone experiencing any type of sleeping problems should discuss them with a healthcare profession for advice and suggestions on relieving the problem.

The causes of insomnia very. Here are some things that interfere with sleep:

• Alcohol can help to make a person sleepy, but can then disrupt serotonin levels in the brain, interrupting sleep.
• Caffeine generally has a stimulant effect on the body.
• Some foods consumed during the early-to-late evening can lower blood sugar, contributing to insomnia.
• Some over-the-counter medications, including pain relievers and allergy medications, contain stimulants that interfere with sleep.
• Unresolved stress can lead to anxiety, which can lead to insomnia.
• Older people can have a difficult time sleeping deeply and well because of the gradual deterioration and decline in body function.
• Hormonal imbalances can cause insomnia in both men and women.

Therefor it’s important that anyone experiencing insomnia on a regular basis see a healthcare professional for a correct and complete diagnosis before taking any over-the-counter medications.

Lifestyle Suggestion:

• See a qualified healthcare professional for a physical examination and a treatment plan for the insomnia.
• Limit the amounts of sugary foods. Too much sugar can cause blood sugar to peak and fall, thereby affecting sleep patterns.
• In the evening, eat whole grains and good sources of protein foods, especially milk and turkey, rather than white-flour foods or junk foods.
• Discuss any over-the-counter medications you are taking with your healthcare professional to see if the medications are contributing to the insomnia.
• If stress is a problem, learn how to deal with it effectively by taking a program taught by a stress-management expert.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise can help reduce stress and can also help with positive changes in the body’s hormones. For many people, insomnia disappears when they begin a program of regular exercise.
• Establish a set bedtime and routine, and try not to vary them. Eventually you’ll train your body to become sleepy at that time.
• Eliminate physical barriers to sleep-make in investment in your health. If you sleep with a snorer, buy earplugs. If you need a new pillow or mattress, buy it. Try soothing tapes or nature sounds to help you drift off.
• Get a hormonal blood test to make sure this important system in the body is working effectively.

Daily Supplementations:

• Calcium synergistic with magnesium: 400-500 mg , take 1/2 hour before bedtime.
• Passionflower or Valerian root or Kava Kava root, take 1/2 hour before bedtime. These herbs have the calming effect. Try them one at a time to see which calm you best.
• Melatonin: Start with 0.5 mg and increase by 0.5 mg up to 3 mg until you find your effective dose. Take 1/2 hour before bedtime (Note: discuss with your doctor prior to use)

Hemorrhoids

Embarrassed indeed. But 6 out of 10 people have it.

Hemorrhoids are distended veins in the lower part of the rectum and around the anus that may extend outside the body. They can cause bleeding, itching, and sometimes pain. They are usually the result of constipation or straining when having a bowel movement. They effect bout 60% of the population; men, women, children alike are prone to hemorrhoids. Some women develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy because of the pressure of the fetus in the womb, and after childbirth due to the physical strain of the birth process.

Many experts believe that a lifestyle lacking fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and high-fiber foods, coupled with high stress and a lack of exercise are major factors leading to hemorrhoids. Anyone experiencing symptoms of hemorrhoids, painful bowel movements, or rectal bleeding also be a sign of other serious health issues.

Lifestyle Suggestions

• See a healthcare professional if you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above. Get a blood test to insure that you have not become anemic due to blood loss.
• Increase you intake of fresh fruits and vegetable, and whole grains.
• Limit high-fat foods and fatty red meats from the diet.
• Take a fiber product to help bowel movement
• It is essential that you drink at least one-half your body weight in ounces of filtered water every day.
• Start a regular exercise program
• Limit caffeine, sugar, and spicy foods that can irritate hemorrhoids.

Daily Supplementation

• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids: 500-1500 mg
• Vitamin E: 400-800 IU
• Selenium: 100-200 mg
• Omega-3 fatty acid- Fish oil 2-3 g; Flaxseed oil 1 tablespoon.
• Fiber: 25-40 grams from all sources. Most persons need 5-15 grams per day from supplementation in addition to dietary intake.

Flatulence (Abdominal Gas)

Flatulence is the buildup of intestinal gas, and can cause frighteningly intense abdominal pain.  Flatulence may also cause mild to severe distention of the abdomen and can affect some people on a regular basis.  To relieve the pressure, excess gas is eliminated through the mouth or the anus.  For most people, this can make work and play uncomfortable as well as painful (not to mention embarrassing).

May experts believe that flatulence is caused by the incomplete digestion of certain foods (primarily carbohydrates), fermentation of food in the digestive tract, or the swallowing of air when eating in a hurry.  Food allergies and digestive disorders should always be evaluated if gas, constipation, or diarrhea occur regularly.

Lifestyle Suggestions

• Keep a record of foods eaten and personal behavior, such as eating too quickly, if gas develops regularly.
• Do not overeat.  Too much food contributes to digestive fermentation, which causes gas.
• Limit the amounts of refined carbohydrates (white-flour foods) and sugars, both of which can cause excess gas.
• Limit the amounts of artificial sweeteners in the daily diet.
• Limit alcohol.
• Eat yogurt with live L. acidophilus cultures daily.
• Take digestive enzymes at every meal.
• Drink peppermint tea with fresh lemon juice frequently during the day.
• If problems persist, consult with a healthcare professional for an evaluation and diagnosis.  Request testing for food allergies and gastrointestinal problems such as gallbladder and nutrient-absorption disorders.

Headaches

Headaches have been calling problems for human beings since the beginning of recorded history. Today it is a major reason for visit to the doctor. Billions of dollars spent on over-the-counter preparations for headache relief each year. It is important to know that not all headaches are the same. Anyone, including children, who suffers from headache on a frequent basis should consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis, since headaches can be a symptom of a serious problem within the body.
Tension headaches are the most commonly reported type of headache, usually caused by unmanaged stress. The reaction to stress causes the tightening of the muscles in the shoulders and neck area. When this occurs there is a restriction of blood flow to the head resulting in pain that runs from the shoulder, up the neck, and over the top of the head, usually ending up as pain in the forehead or temple. Tension headaches affect men and women equally.
Migraine headache, on the other hand, are a throbbing or aching pain on one side of the head, usually preceded by nausea, vomiting, or a change in vision. Migraines usually affect women more than men and usually have triggers that initiate the migraine. There are a variety of stimuli that at as trigger including smoking cigarette, stress, certain foods, allergens, and hormonal imbalances. Migraine headaches can incapacitate an individual, sometimes resulting in the need for powerful medications to relieve the pain.
Cluster headache used to affect men more frequently than women. This head pain strikes without warning and its sharp, intense and generally located around the eyes. The person who is most susceptible to cluster attack (no named because they occur regularly for weeks or four months) is the Type A personality who doesn’t handle stress well and usually smokes or drinks.

Lifestyle suggestions

• If you have headache consistently, consult with a healthcare professional for evaluations and diagnosis. Discuss testing blood sugar and thyroid function as well as food allergies. Women may need hormonal testing to determine if an imbalance of hormones may be contributing to headache.
• Avoid all foods that contain artificial colors, additives, preservatives, and excess sugar.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Cheese, chocolate, wine and alcohol can trigger or aggravate headaches.
• Do not use any tobacco  products.
• Exercise regularly to improve blood flow and help manage stress. When what you are doing is likely to cause a tension headache, stretch neck and shoulder muscles every hour or so to keep the blood pumping. It looked a little odd, but so what.
• Learn how to control stress and stressful situation. Seek the help of a healthcare professional.
• Sleep well. The body heals and repairs itself during rest.
• Consider therapeutic magnet, acupuncture, acupressure, or chiropractic procedures for pain relief.

Daily supplementation plan

• Vitamin B complex: 25 - 100 mg, take natural and or phosphorylated B complex
• Calcium: 1000 - 1500 mg, should be synergistic with magnesium.
• Magnesium: 400 - 700 mg
• Feverfew: 250 - 750 mg, may relieve migraine headache. Caution: do not use if allergic to plants in the daisy family.
• Kava kava root or passionflower or valerian: 150 - 450 mg, these herbs have a calming effect, particularly with stress headaches. Try them one at a time to see which calm you best.

Depression

For many years, depression was not discussed, accepted as the disease, nor treated correctly. Those people who suffer from chronic depression were often tucked a way in the back room by their families, or given medications that left them in a stupor much of the time. There was a stigma associated with this disorder. But that was then and today is now, and things have changed.

Depression is a major health issues in America with an estimated 50 million people who suffer from some form of the disease. Depression is normally explained as a mood disorder experienced over and extended period of time that impairs normal life experiences. It can result in many symptoms such as low self-esteem, pessimism, lack of interest in daily life, withdrawal, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, to name a few. Only a qualified healthcare professional can accurately diagnose depression, and anyone experiencing any or all of these symptoms should consult with one immediately.

Depression has many degrees of severity and many causes. Short-term episodes of depression or other new mood changes can occur with hormone change, including those that occurred during premenstrual syndrome (PMS), the phrases of childbearing both during pregnancy and after the birth (postpartum depression), and menopause. Other forms of depression stand from an inability to cope with the stress of life. Events such as the loss of elevenths or friend, conflicts at home or at work, loss of a job and prolonged or chronic illness can cause depression. Prescription drugs such as tranquilizer, high blood pressure medicines, steroids for asthma, allergies, and anti-inflammatory, is well less alcohol and illegal drug use also contribute to depression. Many experts believe that low level of serontonin in the brain, poor dietary habits, and an imbalance between thyroid hormones and blood sugar levels are contributing factors. Recent research on the causes for depression focused on deficiencies of vitamin B6, B12, folic acid, and amino acids.

People in climates farther from the equator a more susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a short-term this order that occurs during the winter and we mean the spring. Symptoms include difficulty in getting out of bed in the morning, low energy, increased appetite, weight gain, and carbohydrate craving. The fewer may be as simple as getting out into the sunlight more often or sitting under special lamps that mimic sunlight.

Current treatments for depression include pharmaceuticals such as Prozac, the most prescribed antidepressant, and counseling. Recently there has been much written concerning the use of food supplements and herbs such as St. John’s wort, SAMe, and 5-HTP for treating depression, and Phosphatidylserine for improving mental function. . Before you seek treatment of any type, you should see a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and plan for treating depression.

Lifestyle suggestions

• Get a complete physical that includes a thyroid, hormonal, and blood sugar test. After evaluations, decide on a plan of action under the guidance of a healthcare professional with regular checkups to follow.
• Limit the amounts of sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and junk food in the daily diet.
• Exercise regularly. If the sun is out, put on your sun block and go for a walk.
• Seek out a mental health professional or a psychologist to help you with your stress reduction, program to change your lifestyle, and other ways to deal effectively with your specific type of depression.
• Sleep well at night. Talk with you healthcare professional regarding any problems with sleeping, nightmares, unusual tiredness, ect.

Daily supplementation plan

Before initiating a supplementation program, discuss it with your healthcare professional.

• Vitamin B complex take as directed on label
• Omega-3 fatty acids: fish oil 1-3 g; or flaxseed oil one tablespoon
• Vitamin B12: 50-300 and mcg
• St. John’s wort: 600-900 mg and/or 5-HTTP: take as directed on label (Caution: Do not take without the specific agreement of a qualified healthcare professional, especially if you are on any prescription medications.

Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD and ADHD)

Attention deficit disorders, including Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have been on the rise over the last 20 years partly because of recognition and acceptance of these disorders. There are other behavioral problems that may mimic ADD or ADHD but are actually different. They include inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and an inability to focus. These behaviors can affect children and adults alike.

The causes of these behaviors are in dispute. However there is a growing agreement by groups of medical practitioners poor dietary intake of essential nutrients, allergies to specific foods while food additives, and chronic early childhood ear infection all contribute to the higher incidence. While drugs have helped those people with attention disabilities, they also produce many unpleasant side effects for some of those people.

You have asked, “What can we do for ADD that may eliminate the use of pharmaceuticals?” The following of some suggestions that may help you cope with your situation. We don’t recommend that you try all the suggestions at once, and certainly, don’t stop any prescribed medication until you discuss it with your healthcare professional. Start with one or two of suggestions and built from that.

Lifestyle suggestions

• It is essential to get an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional with an expertise in ADD and ADHD. Only a qualified healthcare professional can give a correct diagnosis and help with a plan of action for you or your child. Not all ADDs and ADHDs are the same. Self-diagnosis is always a mistake and can cause serious problem for your child as well as for you.
• Eat a diet rich in whole grain, fresh food, whole fruits and vegetables, lean meat, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy.
• Limit the amount of sugar, especially in refined sugars, consumed on a daily basis. This includes soft drinks–The average soft drink contains 10 teaspoons of sugar. Diet sodas are not a good substitute and should be used infrequently.
• Omega-3 fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential fatty acids. Found in fish oil and flaxseed oil essentials fatty acids are important to a neurological and brain tissue development. Mothers who do not breast-feed should seek a healthcare professional’s help in adding DHA and other essential fatty acids to their infants diet. Researchers theorize EFA deficiency in infancy may be one of many reasons why the brain does not function properly later in life in individuals with ADD and ADHD.
• Work with a healthcare professional on food allergies. Many foods, especially packaged foods, contain additives, preservatives, artificial colors that can aggravate ADD and ADHD. Start by reducing the quantity of such food items a little bit at a time while introducing alternative choices in the diet, rather than removing everything at once.
• Encourage exercise. Exercise helps to change the hormonal-chemical reactions in the brain.
• In the case of children, work with the school and teacher for assistance with your child including remedial and tutorial classes.
• Talk with your child about the years, concerns, insecurities, etc. Seek the help of a counselor if necessary to assist in dealing with the issues.

Daily supplementation plan

• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids: adults 500-1000 mg, children 60-250 mg, product should contain equal amounts of vitamin C and mixed bioflavonoids.
• Vitamin E: adults 400 IU, children 100-200 IU, a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps prevent fat oxidation.
• Vitamin B complex: take as directed on label. Use natural and/or phosphorylated B-complex containing 100% of the RDI.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: fish oil: adults 1-3 g; children 1-2 g. Flaxseed oil: adult 1-3 tablespoons; children 1-2 tablespoons
• Passionflower: 150-450 mg, for calming when hyperactivity is present.
• Chamomile: 25-150 mg, or so for calming when hyperactivity is present. Caution: people with ragweed allergies could have a negative reaction.

Note: Where there is no recommendation for children, divide the child body weight by 150, then multiply the result by the number of tablet recommended on the label or the amount listed for adults.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), also known simply as heart disease, is a broad term used to describe disease of the vascular (blood vessel) system. CVD includes diseases such as congestive heart failure, mistral valve prolapse, enervated blood lipids (fats) such as cholesterol and triglycerides. CVD is regenerative and is the biggest killer of both men and women in Westernized society. it is caused by many factors including genetic, poor lifestyle habits, and uncontrolled stress. much research has been reported on this major killer, and the experts agreed that heart disease may be avoided by change in lifestyle. This is especially important early in life if there is a genetic tendency toward CVD.

We cannot change our ancestors, but we can change what we do and don’t do every single day to minimize the risk factors we have inherited. Anyone with heart disease in the family, especially if it was diagnosed at an early age, should report this to his or her health care professionals for appropriate medical testing and follow-up examinations on a regular basis.

the biggest contributor to CVD today is antherosclerosis, the narrowing of arteries cost but I didn’t buildup of plaque. The result of the narrowing is that the heart and other organs at deprived of blood, which carries oxygen and nutrients to tissues for normal functioning. If the blood flowed in restricted enough that the heart tissues is deprived of oxygen, the resulting pain is called angina. Angina is a discomfort or pressure felt in the chest or throat and is the symptom of CVD.

Any chest pain should be reported to of the physician immediately. You don’t get a second chance into your heart stops beating

In addition to testing your blood pressure, there are several other tests commonly performed that indicate your risk of CVD. they are Tortal Cholesterol, High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL), Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL), and Triglycerides. What are these things? Cholesterol is a waxy, oily substance made in the body for the maintenance of body cell. The body produces, utilizes, store and discards cholesterol based on many factors. When your body doesn’t eliminate enough cholesterol, it builds up in your bloodstream and contribute to atherosclerosis. LDL is the type of cholesterol that deposits the plaque that can build up in the arterial walls. HDL is the good cholesterol that takes the fatty deposits from the arterial walls and removes them from the bloodstream. Triglycerides refer to the fat transport mechanism found in the body. Triglycerides in the bloodstream are affected by the foods we eat and by exercise. Poor lifestyle choices can result in excess triglycerides, which contribute to the manufacture of cholesterol.

CVD can be controlled through regular checkups and a healthy lifestyle. Of course, checkups aren’t fun and changing your lifestyle is difficult. But when considering the alternative-heart surgery, transplantation, or death-that “ounce of prevention” doesn’t look too bad.

Lifestyle Suggestions

• Get regular medical checkups which include blood cholesterol (Total, HDL and LDL) and triglycerides test and any other tests recommended by your doctor.
• Know your family history and report this history to your healthcare professional.
• Eat cold-water fish such as salmon for healthier arteries.
• Limit the amounts of refined foods, junk foods, high-sugar and high-fat foods, including fried food - they can boost the wrong types of cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Substitute monounsaturated fat subject olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil in place of margarine, butter, or lard.
• Do not smoke! smoking harms circulation.

Daily Supplementation Plan

• Vitamin B complex: 25-50 mg, use natural and/or phosphorylated B complex.
• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids: 500 - 2000 mg, product should contain equal amounts of vitamin C and mixed bioflavonoids.
• Vitamin E: 400-800 IU
• selenium: 100-1200 mcg
• Calcium: 800-1200 mg,synergistic with magnesium 400-700 mg
• Hawthorn: 5-50 mg, begin with 5 mg per day, raising amount to 10-50 mg over 30 days.
• Co-Q10: 90-300 mg, antioxidant; improve cellular energy.
• L-carnitine: 500-1500 mg, for muscle contraction and energy production
• Omega-3 fatty acids: fish oil 2-3 g; flaxseed oil one tablespoon, one that’s are a good source of alphs-linolenic acid and another good omega-3.

Acne

Acne is a skin condition with reddened, painful lesions that are usually found on the face, neck, upper chest, and back. The lesions may contain inflamed pustules (known as pimples), cysts, or infected whitehead and blackheads. There are three main types of acne know by the medical terms Acne Vulgari, Acne Conglobata, and Acne Rosacea.

Vugaris is the most typical form of acne and is characterized by an increase of blackheads, whiteheads, and red inflammation around the skin’s pores. Conglobata differs from vulgaris is that it is a more sever form of acne characterized by sore, painful cysts. Individuals most frequently affected by these two types of acne include teenagers, young adults, and those individuals experiencing hormonal changes or imbalances. Overactive oil glands stimulated by androgenic hormones, along with a thin layer of fibrous material (keractin) that blocks pore openings, create the conditions of pimples or cysts. The second process in acne involves bacteria in the pore area that breaks down the oily, waxy substance (sebum) in the pore, forming waste products that irritate and inflame the surrounding tissues. In the case of conglobata, blockage occurs deeper in the pore, resulting in cysts.

Acne rosacea, however, is most common with middle-aged and older individuals and is characterized by a red rash with small pimples. Rosacea is typically found on the face, especially the nose and cheeks. This form of acne is most commonly associated with individuals who have one of the following: intestinal disorders, exposure to toxic or harmful chemicals, excess alcohol consumption, vitamin B deficiencies, low stomach-acid production or the early symptoms of menopause.

Other factors that have been observed to increase the prevalence of acne condition include stress, food allergies, and poor dietary choices (especially high intake of saturated fat and hydrogenated fat, along with a diet high in refined carbohydrates).

Lifestyle Suggestions

• Begin a program of good cleansing and exfoliating, using skin care products especially designed for your skin type, to remove excess bacteria and oils and to help keratin from blocking the pore openings. Avoid picking at pimples
• Check with a healthcare practitioner who specializes in skin care to check for food allergies (especially dairy, chocolate, wheat, etc.) that may cause or aggravate acne eruption. Avoiding problematic foods or supplementing with a digestive enzyme product can often reduce breakouts. Also check for hormonal imbalances that can contribute to acne.
• Most fat calories should come from monounsatrurated fats (olive oil, canola oil , high-oleic safflower oil, and almond oil) and omega-3 fats (fish oil, flaxseed oil, soybeans and walnuts).
• Drink plenty of filtered/purified water: one-half of your body’s weight in ounces per day.
• Avoid food high in sugar as well as refined food products.
• If needed, use a good digestive enzyme product. Use at every meal as directed on the product label.

Many helpful over-the-counter (OTC) products for acne are available and can be used along with supplements. Products containing benzoyl peroxide decrease bacteria, keep pores open, and dry up excess oils, but may make skin too dry, with redness and scaling. Cream with vitamin A, aloe, and/or vitamin E support healing and protect skin, but do very little to unclog pores or decrease bacteria. With any OTC product, remember your skin is already stressed, and watch for sensitivity to ingredients.

Other helpful products are available only by prescription. Retin-A works by thinning the out or layer of skin, but can cause excess drying of skin, redness and sensitivity to sun. Antibiotics can significantly reduce bacterial growth, but may cause allergic reactions or disruption of normal intestinal flora, causing additional complication such as colitis, yeast infections or diarrhea.

Corticosteroids reduced severe inflammation in cystic-type acne, but injections are painful, and steroids can cause liver and heart problem. Accutane is very effective for the most severe forms of acne. It shrinks oil glands and inhibit oil blockages, but can cause liver problems, nosebleed, dry eyes, birth defect, arthritis symptoms, and cracking at corners of mouth.

Daily Supplementation Plan

• Vitamin B complex: take as directed on label,use natural and/or phosphorylated B complex containing 100% of the RDI.
• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids: 500 - 1000 mg, product should contain equal amounts of vitamin C and mixed bioflavonoids.
• Vitamin E: 200 — 800 IU, product should include d-alpha tocopherol or natural-E complex, not dl-alpha tocopherol.
• Natural beta-carotene or multi-carotene: 25,000-50,000 IU, especially recommended for those who cannot take more than 5000 IU vitamin A.
• Digestive enzyme: take as directed on label, product should include the enzyme lipase. If no stomach acid is suspected, you should also contain betaine or HCL.

Asthma

Three out of ten customers that come to our cleaner (run by my husband) are sick, even our employee!  Each one will tell you that it is much worse this year.  I seem to hear this phrase every year. Everywhere I turn, I see some one doing this

Diabetes

The pancreas is an organ that produces insulin, a hormone which helps move the glucose from food out of your bloodstream and into your cells.  Diabetes Mellitus is a disease in which blood glucose levels are elevated due to the lack of insulin from a malfunctioning pancreas.  It is a major cause of blindness, nerve damage, and circulatory system damage which can lead to heart disease and limb amputation.  Diabetes is a serious disease, and anyone with diabetes should do everything possible to insure a good quality of life.  Diabetes must be treated by a health care professional.  When diabetes is left untreated or the treatment regimen is followed half-heartedly, the result can be coma and death.
There are three type of diabetes:

1. Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) has been known as Type I Diabetes and Juvenile-Onset Diabetes.  In this form of the disease, the pancreas does not produce insulin.  While there is a genetic component to the occurrence of IDDM, scientists believe that a virus or an autoimmune response of the body causes the destruction of the pancreas.  Some symptoms of Type I Diabetes ware excessive hunger, thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and dehydration.  The typical treatment for IDDM is insulin injections and must be maintain for life.
2. Non-insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) has been known as Type II Diabetes and Adult-Onset Diabetes.  This is the most common form of diabetes in the Western world, affecting about 85% of all diagnosed diabetics.  Therein lies the problem:  While there are an estimated 18,000,000 diabetics in the United States, only half of them know it.  How is this possible?  Because of the slow progression of the disease and its relation to lifestyle.  While there is a genetic component, diabetes is primarily related to poor nutrition, sedentary living, and obesity.  The disease evolves first as insulin resistance and may gestate at this stage for years before the pancreas begins to fails, leading to the typical symptoms associated with diabetes mentioned earlier.  Depending on the progression of the disease, NIDDM may be controlled by a change in lifestyle.  However, without an increase in exercise and modification of eating habits and body weight, first oral agents and then insulin may be necessary to keep blood sugar under control.
3. Gestational Diabetes is a temporary condition that can affect some women during pregnancy.  It should be monitored throughout the pregnancy for the safety of the woman and the baby.  It’s important that any pregnant woman inform her health care professional if she has a family history of diabetes as well as any of the symptoms mentioned earlier.

All diabetes must be monitored by a health care professional on a regular basis and should also report any unusual symptoms to that professional when they occur.

Lifestyle Suggestion:

• Become aware of your personal family history and report this to your health care professional, because diabetes runs in some families.
• Have regular medical checkups that include blood sugar and food-allergy testing.  Food allergies can promote glucose imbalances.
• Eat small, frequent meals, and do not allow yourself to get hungry.  Learn to graze and not gorge.
• Exercise regularly.  Exercise helps to control weight and blood sugar.
• Take a fiber supplement daily can help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Limit the amounts of sugar, alcohol, and caffeine in the diet.

Daily Supplementation Plan:

• Vitamin B complex: 25-50 mg.  Use natural B complex with 25 mg of each of the primary B vitamins: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, and Pantothenic Acid.
• Calcium and Magnesium: 1,000 - 1,500 mg: keep a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium. If loose stools occur, reduce magnesium until problem stabilizes.
• Chromium: 200-400 mcg: helps with glucose metabolism.
• Vanadium: 20-50 mcg: helps with glucose metabolism.
• Omega-3 fatty acids, either fish oil 2-3 gram or Flaxseed oil 1 tablespoon.
• Bilberry: 80-240 mg: protect eyes and blood vessels. Vision Health with Lutein for superior vision protection.