What Should I Eat When I Have Diabetes
Diabetes is a lifestyle disease caused mainly by dietary choices. Type 1 diabetes (an autoimmune disease) is rarely reversed but with the correct diet changes it can be reduced and the sufferer can reduce dependence on insulin and medicines. Type II diabetes (due to insulin resistance) can be reversed, according to doctors, scientists, nutritionists and the media. Scientists at Newcastle University have discovered that Type 2 diabetes is caused by fat accumulating in the pancreas. Losing weight in general and losing fat from the pancreas in particular, even 1 gram, can reverse the illness. Food is the cause of diabetes, so we must turn to food in order to reduce or reverse diabetes. Foods to Avoid The following foods must be avoided because they cause diabetes: • Refined sugar in baked goods, commercial fruit juices, candy, etc. spikes blood sugar. • Grains generally spike blood sugar levels so reduce intake. • Gluten-containing grains (wheat breads, rye, oats, pasta, couscous, semolina, etc.) because gluten causes leaky gut syndrome which leads to systemic inflammation in the body and eventually autoimmune disease. • Dairy products because they contain the protein casein which, like gluten, causes leaky gut syndrome and leads to autoimmune disease. • Alcohol increases blood sugar and causes liver toxicity. • GMO products like corn, soy and canola are linked to kidney and liver disease and possibly diabetes. • All packaged foods and all hydrogenated oils like margarine and those contained in baked products. Foods to Eat to Treat Diabetes The following foods will reduce the severity of Type 1 diabetes and reverse Type 2 diabetes: • Vegetables, avocados, coconuts, nuts and seeds contain high fiber and they are low glycemic (they will not quickly raise blood sugar). Include berries here. • Foods high in chromium, like broccoli (the highest content), green beans and grass fed beef, help to improve the glucose tolerance factor in the body and naturally balance out blood sugar levels. • Coconut oil and red palm oil contain MCFA which helps to balance out blood sugar levels. The oils also provide fuel for the body. • Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like wild fish, soybean, rapeseed, hemp seed, flax seed, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts, reduce inflammation and offset the negative effects of high blood sugar. • Organic meats and eggs have a low glycemic load (3). Supplements You will benefit very well from the following food supplements: • Chromium Picolinate improves insulin sensitivity. • Cinnamon helps to improve blood sugar control. • Fish oil for more Omega-3 fatty acids. • Alpha-Liponic Acid improves insulin sensitivity and reduces symptoms of neuropathy. • Fenugreek seeds have been found to lower blood sugar and increase insulin sensitivity. In one large study, 60 people who took 25g daily showed significant improvements in blood sugar control and post-meal spikes.
