Monthly Archives: June 2019

Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Reversed with Weight Loss?

DiabetesJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

Strong evidence suggests that, yes, type 2 diabetes can be reversed, but a lot depends on the timing of the diagnosis. While every year more than 1.5 million adults learn they have diabetes, an estimated 7 million adults have yet to be diagnosed. Recent studies have shown that the best chance of diabetes reversal often occurs very early in the disease onset. However, some who have been previously diagnosed can potentially put their diabetes into remission with dietary adjustments and substantial weight loss. Analysis of several studies showed that individuals with a history of type 2 diabetes who significantly reduced weight experienced remission along with a decrease in liver and pancreatic fat. As well, researchers surmise that insulin-producing beta cells thought to be dead or obsolete in diabetics, may have essentially been hibernating. It now appears that achieving a healthy weight may be sufficient to reactive them.

Largely the result of excess body weight and physical inactivity, type 2 or adult onset diabetes occurs when the body cannot effectively utilize the insulin it produces. Impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting blood sugar are conditions relating to the transition from normal function to diabetes onset. Those diagnosed with high blood sugar are at high risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes, although this is not inevitable as evidenced by lifestyle interventions. A common consequence of uncontrolled diabetes, high blood sugar leads to serious damage to many of the body’s systems over time. Per the World Health Organization, diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.

Lifestyle approaches for the prevention, management and potential remission of an early type 2 diabetes diagnosis:

  • Reducing weight and healthy weight maintenance are cornerstones of metabolic health. Type 2 diabetes is most commonly associated with excess weight, obesity and insulin resistance. Per the BMJ, weight loss is linked to improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure and lipids, which can delay or prevent complications, particularly cardiovascular events.
  • Energy balance is calculated by the amount of calories consumed compared to calories burned through physical activity, daily routine and bodily processes. Most guidelines recommend promoting weight loss by reducing energy intake and increasing energy expenditure.
  • Perhaps the most contentious issue on the prevention or management of diabetes is disagreement on macronutrient diet composition. While some clinicians tout a low carbohydrate diet for weight and glycemic control, others conclude that a low carb diet combined with low saturated fat intake is better. The best current approach may be a focus on a healthy eating pattern that limits caloric intake and improves macronutrient quality. Evidence supports avoidance of processed foods, refined grains, processed red meats, and sugar sweetened drinks, as well as an emphasis on whole foods, including fiber-rich colorful vegetables and fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, oily fish and dairy.

Recent findings suggest that lifestyle modifications may have a bigger impact on reversing type 2 diabetes than previously believed. For many newly diagnosed individuals the choice seems clear. One can either commit to intensely focused lifestyle changes or take lifelong medication and expect diabetic health complications in the future. Weight loss first, followed by weight maintenance through exercise and proper diet should remain the focus to avoid diabetes onset and a progressive decline in health. The future looks brighter for many of those who do overhaul their diet and prioritize exercise. It now appears that the loftier goal of reversing the condition may actually be attainable for many.

Professional Supplement Center offers these and other high quality products in support of healthy metabolism and overall wellness:

ChromeMate® GTF 600ChromeMate® GTF 600 by Pure Encapsulations®: This hypoallergenic supplement is formulated for nutritional support of healthy glucose and lipid metabolism. Certified gluten free, Non-GMO formulation.

 

Glycemic ManagerGlycemic Manager™ by Integrative Therapeutics®: This vitamin, mineral and botanical formula is designed to lessen the impact of high glycemic foods and encourage healthy blood sugar metabolism. Free of sugar, yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, dairy and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Vegetarian formulation.

Berberine BlendBerberine Blend by Professional Supplement Center®: This product is formulated to support normal homocysteine levels, as well as the maintenance of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels already within the normal range. These factors provide support for overall cardiovascular wellness. Non-GMO formulation.

Metabolic ManagerMetabolic Manager™ by Vitanica®: This holistic formula blends antioxidant-rich nutrients and adaptogenic botanicals in support of the maintenance of a healthy glycemic and metabolic response.  Free of sugars, lactose, salt, wheat, gluten, soybeans, milk derivatives, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, preservatives and artificial colors and flavors. Non-GMO vegan formulation.

References:
Reversing Diabetes with Weight Loss: Stronger Evidence, Bigger Payoff. https://www.endocrineweb.com/news/diabetes/60067-reversing-diabetes-weight-loss-stronger-evidence-bigger-payoff
Diabetes. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
Dietary and nutritional approaches for prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. https://www.bmj.com/content/361/bmj.k2234
Is Type 2 Diabetes Reversible? https://health.usnews.com/conditions/type-2-diabetes/type-2-diabetes-reversible

All About Astragalus

AstragalusJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

Found principally in the mountains of the Far East, astragalus membranaceus is a medicinal plant related to Fabaceae family of flowering plants, commonly known as the pea, legume and bean family. Considered a foundational herb in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine, its rich history of use dates back to the first century AD. Deemed to be an important tonic herb, astragalus is used to strengthen the body’s defensive energy against disease and is often recommended for those thought to be in a state of poor or weakened health. Cultivated astragalus is traditionally harvested when the plants are four or five years old, and only the roots are dried and utilized.

Classified as an adaptogen, astragalus is thought to increase the body’s endurance and resistance to a wide array of physical, chemical and biological stressors. By affecting hormonal actions, adaptogens help to normalize or balance various bodily functions. Beneficial for use in chronic conditions, adaptogens have been found to enhance immune response, reduce inflammation, stabilize blood sugar and support hormone systems, particularly the adrenal and pituitary glands. It is valued for its ability to strengthen the primary energy of the body, which we know as the immune system, as well as metabolic, respiratory and eliminative functions.

More than 200 compounds have been isolated and identified from astragalus, including 14 polysaccharides, 161 saponins, 63 flavonoids and other constituents. Astragaloside IV (As-IV) is the main active compound of astragalus membranaceus. Research has shown that via numerous signaling pathways in vital organs and systems, As-IV has strong anti-inflammatory, anti-neurodegeneration, anti-cancer, anti-aging and anti-hyperglycemic effects, as well as immunoregulatory, hepato and vascular protective properties. Additionally, its strong antioxidant actions markedly inhibit oxidative stress, improving free radical scavenging abilities.

In the last decade, numerous studies have focused on the pharmacological activities of As-IV. Based on existing studies and clinical practices, astragalus membranaceus has good potential for broad application in aging and aging-related diseases. While further studies are warranted, several have reported that As-IV has a wide range of pharmacological actions, noting that the prospect of clinical application is quite good. Per the Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China, “Astragaloside IV has broad application prospects, especially in cardiovascular and digestive diseases, cancer and other modern high incidence, high-risk diseases, and could be developed as a medicine.”

Due to an increase in average life expectancy, aging and age-associated diseases, including neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease and cancer, are becoming health issues of global concern. As such, research in longevity and healthy aging has progressed rapidly in recent years. Last year, the World Health Organization declared aging to be a treatable condition. One component of the aging process is known as telomere shortening, a process that leads to apoptosis, or cell death. Because cells lose telomeres with each cell division and have a limited lifespan, telomere length is negatively correlated with age and increased risk of disease and compromised health. Pharmacological research indicates that certain components of astragalus membranaceus can increase telomerase activity and may have a significant age-reversal effect in the immune system. While it’s not definitive that the medicinal properties of astragalus can add years to your life, its positive health promoting effects may, in fact, add life to your years.

Although astragalus has been found to be safe, even in higher dosages, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition or are taking diabetic, hypertensive, immunosuppressant or other medications should consult with a healthcare provider before taking dietary supplements.

Professional Supplement Center offers these and other high quality supplements in support of healthy aging and overall health:

Astragalus Max-V 500...Astragalus Max-V 500 mg by Douglas Laboratories®: This herbal extract formula provides astragalus membranaceus root, standardized to contain 105 mg of astragalosides, in support of the cardiovascular, renal and hepatic systems. Free of yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk/dairy, corn, sodium, sugar, starch and artificial coloring and preservatives. Non-GMO formulation.

Astragalus Complex...Astragalus Complex/BP by Professional Complementary Health Formulas: This professional liquid herbal tonic is formulated for those with impaired immunity, chronic disease or poor health. Their Botanipure™ processing assures maximum potency without disturbing the natural oils and other constituents. Ingredients include astragalus membranaceus, eleuthero root and echinacea angustifolia.

Astragalus SupremeAstragalus Supreme by Gaia Herbs: This Traditional Chinese herbal tonic is formulated to provide deep level immune support, while assisting the body’s response to daily physical and emotional stress. Ingredients include ecologically harvested astragalus membranaceus, ligustrum berry and schisandra berry.

AstragalusAstragalus by Oregon’s Wild Harvest: Each serving provides 1125 mg of organic astragalus membranaceus formulated for long-term immune support. Free of dairy, wheat, gluten, soy and corn. Non-GMO formulation.

 

References:
“Astragalus.” Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Retrieved June 19, 2019 from Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/astragalus
Pharmacological effects of Astragaloside IV: a literature review. https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S0254627213601892?token=5AB6222F43E59CC262D37EA2A2753D404C8FFADD3F96F5B541812577F78578FE43080F4B3D919DCB4AD8DD04318020A8
Astragaloside IV protects RGC-5 cells against oxidative stress. http://www.nrronline.org/article.asp?issn=1673-5374;year=2018;volume=13;issue=6;spage=1081;epage=1086;aulast=Hao
Anti-Aging Implications of Astragalus Membranaceus (Huangqi): A Well-Known Chinese Tonic. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5758356/
Functional Assessment of Pharmacological Telomerase Activators in Human T Cells. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3972662/

ChildLife Essentials® – Featured Brand

ChildLife EssentialSusan Brown Health and Wellness Editor

Professional Supplement Center offers ChildLife Essentials®, a complete line of award winning supplements formulated for the unique daily nutritional requirements of infants, toddlers and children. After decades of clinical practice, ChildLife Essentials® was founded in 2002 by Dr. Murray C. Clarke, renowned holistic pediatrician, naturopath and Chinese medicine physician. With an emphasis on proper nutrition, homeopathy and nutritional supplements, as well as a lifelong dedication to the promotion and maintenance of children’s health, Dr. Clarke’s steadfast principle remains to treat conditions in the safest and most effective manner to generate consistent results.

Necessary for proper bone, muscle, organ, immune, neuronal and brain development, ChildLife Essentials’ tried and true formulations provide meticulously chosen, pure, high quality vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Imbalances or deficiencies of nutrients are eventually expressed as compromised immune, physical, mental or emotional function. In the course of knowing and treating thousands of children, Dr. Clarke has observed that a healthy diet, careful nurturing, love and nutritional supplements are cornerstones for enhanced development, protection and maintenance of wellness from birth and throughout childhood.

To view more products from ChildLife Essentials®, please visit professionalsupplementcenter.com.

Multi-Vitamin and...Multi Vitamin & Mineral: This liquid full spectrum formula provides 16 essential vitamins along with primary minerals that support proper nutrition, as children develop physically, mentally and emotionally. These nutrients support ongoing maintenance, healthy growth, brain development and strong immune function, as well as the body’s natural cleansing ability. Suitable for infants and children aged 6 months through the teen years. Natural orange/mango flavor. Free of gluten, wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, corn, yeast, alcohol and artificial colorings, flavorings and sweeteners. Non-GMO formulation.

First Defense Immune...First Defense Immune Formula: This well-researched liquid nutritional formulation provides hand-selected herbs and minerals known to help support the body’s natural immune response. This formula may be used daily short or long term after 6 months of age. Free of gluten, wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, corn, yeast, alcohol and artificial colorings, flavorings and sweeteners. Non-GMO formulation.

Vitamin D3 Liquid...Vitamin D3: One serving provides the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended daily requirement of vitamin D3 in support of respiratory and heart health and a healthy functioning immune system. Free of gluten, wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, corn, yeast, alcohol and artificial colorings, flavorings and sweeteners. Non-GMO formulation.