Balancing Blood Sugars

When the body cannot process and metabolize sugars effectively a condition called diabetes results. Diabetes, known as wasting and thirsting disease, is classified as a Spleen qi deficiency and yin deficiency in Chinese medicine. When the spleen is deficient, digestions is sluggish, there is fatigue, irregular stools, a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen and/or body, bloating, and fluctuation in mood. Early signs and symptoms of diabetes may be poor circulation, specifically in the extremities, changes in vision, increased urination, increased thirst and possibly cravings for sweet foods. Type II diabetes, also known as adult on-set diabetes, occurs when there is ample insulin produced, however the cells are unable to uptake and utilize it.

Type II diabetes can be reduced with exercise and dietary modifications. In regards to diet, one should limit intake of fatty and greasy foods as these will tend to cause stagnation in the liver and digestive organs. They will also increase stagnation of the emotions, most specifically anger and irritability. White flour, sugar, eating late at night and overeating should all be avoided in an effort to reverse the disease. Also, one should be very mindful to chew food thoroughly to assist in the digestion process before food enters the gut. It is also important for one with type II diabetes to eat 3 solid meals per day and avoid snacking as much as possible. When one is continuously eating and snacking throughout the day, the spleen/pancreas is constantly working to balance sugars. By eating 3 meals with minimal snacking, the body's internal network can achieve homeostatic balance much more efficiently.

In terms of exercise, one should seek exercise that is not overly strenuous yet promotes light to moderate sweating. It is important to seek exercise modalities that help to balance both the mind and body simultaneously. Appropriate forms of exercise include mindful hiking and walking, yoga and qi gong; swimming and biking may also be appropriate in moderation or when combined with the above exercises. 

Healthy Foods for Type II Diabetes

• Cashews (1-2 handfuls per day)
• Oat Bran
• Flaxseeds and Flax oil: grind up flaxseeds and sprinkle on oatmeal, smoothies, foods throughout the day
• Cinnamon: a natural blood stabilizer, sprinkle on oats, smoothies or apples
• Millet, rice, oats, oat bran, mung bean, garbanzo bean and other legumes such as lentils, black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, hummus
• Vegetables include: Radish, carrot, artichoke, turnips, asparagus, yam, spinach, cooked green leafy veggies
• Fruits include: Pear, lemon, grapefruit, coconut, coconut oil and coconut milk as well, blueberry
• Chlorophyll rich foods also help to balance blood sugars: wheat or barley grass, spirulina, chlorophyll (you can buy liquid extracts of spirulina or chlorophyll and take as directed on bottle or medical professional).
• Fish oil and Wild Sockeye salmon, wild salmon, clam are also good for balancing blood sugar 

Limit or Avoid

• Greasy, fatty foods such as butter, cream, cow dairy, (goat dairy cheese in moderation), fatty meats and fried foods
• Baked goods such as cookies, pies and sweets
• Cold foods such as ice cold drinks and ice cream
• Fruits should be eaten in moderation, especially those high in sugar such as banana's, dried fruits, candied fruits and canned fruits in syrup
• Decrease intake of wheat and flour products   

*Meals should consist of an abundance of vegetables, beans or lean protein, and a small portion of an appropriate grain (gluten free if possible).

*I am required to state that I am not responsible for your health. The above information are suggestions and information that I've come across from research and nutrition classes. Please consult a medical doctor before beginning a new program or diet.

How to Protect yourself with Nutrition from Nuclear Threat

The devastating event in Japan has lead to an increased threat of radiation exposure for the entire world, particularly the west coast of the United States. Experts and government officials may downplay the risks of exposure, as they are telling individuals in Japan that it is safe to go outside. However, the levels of nuclear chemicals being released from the Fukushima nuclear power plant are significant and shouldn't be taken lightly. This is a truly unfortunate event, however we have measurable tools that offer protection against such exposure.

During the Atomic bombings of 1945, there was significant threat and exposure to radiation in Japan. Since, there have been several medical doctors and survivors who have revealed their survival stories during that time. The secret being miso soup, seaweed, shaoyu (soy sauce or tamari) and brown rice. Radiation exposure damages the blood and can cause bleeding problems, spots under the skin, hair loss, diarrhea and other more severe symptoms such as hemorrhaging and burns. Yet, by incorporating the above foods into the diet, these symptoms are prevented and have been shown to reverse symptoms of exposure.The earlier one incorporates such foods into their diet, the greater the protection against radiation exposure. This is also a great protective mechanism for one undergoing radiation for cancer treatment, being exposed to x-rays, mercury metal in the teeth or other radioactive exposures.

Yet, we wouldn't be in this crisis if we didn't have such toxic substances available as a "defensive mechanism" in the first place. Our world seems to do a tremendous job of setting oneself up for destruction from oil and corrupt farming practices to excessive and unnecessary war and nuclear materials. We can live without all of these things, however because we are bathed in fear, because we live in a egocentric world where greed and personal power dominate, we shield ourselves from the love, beauty and the gifts that each one of us contains within. I encourage you to open your heart to kindness, eat your miso soup with seaweed and brown rice, support organic and local farmers and have compassion and love for yourself and others.

How to add miso/seaweed to the diet:

• Miso--> A fermented soybean paste found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. You may have to look for this at a natural grocer. It is usually sold in a small plastic tub. Buy the tub and immediately transfer the miso from the plastic tub into a recycled glass jar and store in the fridge. Miso has a fairly long shelf life as it is a fermented food. Eat 1 tsp of miso in a small to medium bowl of warm water. Be careful not to add to boiling water as it destroys the healing properties. You can eat this 1x per day. If you have an increased threat or exposure to radiation you can eat 1 tsp 2x per day
• Seaweed--> Look for seaweed from the coast of Maine, avoid from Japan and Asia. There are many different varieties of seaweed. Look for red and brown algaes such as dulse and kelp; wakame is great as well. This is a very powerful food and only requires 1 tsp of dried seaweed or a couple pinches of the powdered (finely ground textured) seaweed. You can add this to the miso soup with parsley and/or cilantro, sprinkle in smoothies, soups, stews, eggs etc
• Unpolished Brown Rice--> I highly recommend soaking your grains for 4-12 hours before cooking them. This will help with absorption and nutrient uptake. You can make stir-fry's with tamari, a pinch of seaweed and vegetables. Sushi is great as well as it has seaweed, brown rice, and tamari. You could even add a small bowl of miso to your meal!
• Shoyu--> This is soy sauce or tamari. I recommend buying a low sodium, organic, gluten free brand (San-J sells a good brand). Add 1-3 tsp to stir-fry's, noodle dishes or soups. Aim for the lower end if you have high blood pressure. Also, do not add salt to the meal if you choose to use tamari as it provides ample sodium. Sodium in small, medicinal doses such as miso and tamari have been shown to shrink masses, tumors and prevent cancer and the effects of radiation.
• Such foods can be added to the diet and eaten 1-7x per week depending on your individual needs 

George Ohsawa, founder of modern macrobiotics in Japan, said that the only people practicing macrobiots would survive future nuclear threat. 


*If you have hyperthyroid, please use seaweed in moderation and consult first with your medical doctor
*I am required to state that I am not responsible for your health. The above information are suggestions and information that I've come across from research and nutrition classes. Please consult a medical doctor before beginning a new program or diet.