Tuesday, April 18, 2017

DIABETES 101

FOREWORD BY DR. JESSE STOFF-

Of the top scourges that affect our life here in the United States is diabetes. As the blood sugar rises, it creates a glycation or a detachment of glucose molecules to protein. This accelerates the aging process. Nowadays, many people are concerned about the aging process and how they age gracefully as they move into the latter years of their life. Well, if you're concerned about that, you shouldn't be counting wrinkles. You should be counting your blood sugar because blood sugar will have a bigger impact on the quality and quantity of your life than any wrinkle count ever will. Be wise. Be aware.

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Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels. Our bodies obtain energy by converting the food that we eat into glucose. This glucose needs to be absorbed by the blood cells, which is facilitated by insulin —a hormone prepared by pancreas. Diabetes is developed when our bodies either do not produce insulin in sufficient amount or is unable to utilize insulin for glucose absorption, causing the sugar surge in the blood stream.

Facts about Diabetes: Symptoms

Only a healthcare provider can diagnose the symptoms of diabetes. The following symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly:

 Inexplicable weight loss

 Nausea and /or vomiting

 Feeling hunger or thirst

 Excessive urination

 Fatigue and tiredness

 Blurry vision

Types of Diabetes

There are primarily two types of diabetes. There is another kind that only develops in pregnant women.

 Type I diabetes is caused when the pancreatic cells that produce insulin are damaged. It is found that the disease is caused by an autoimmune condition where the body attacks the insulin producing cells. The people who are diagnosed with the problem have to take insulin.

 Type II diabetes develops when the body is insulin resistant or there is insufficient production of insulin to combat the resistance.

 Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. Although gestational diabetes is reversible once the delivery takes places, it sometimes does not reverse.

Normal Range

 The normal range of sugar before meals and overnight ought to be between 60 and 100 mg/dl.

 The blood sugar level ought to be less than 140 mg/dl after meals. But, the level should decline back to normal.

Who Is Prone to Diabetes?

Type I Diabetes

The risk factors for this type of diabetes are less defined. However, in majority of the cases, the risk factor of type I diabetes has to be inherited by both the parents. Yet, certain other environmental factors also trigger diabetes. It is common for people living in cold climatic conditions to develop type 1 diabetes. Apart from environmental and genetic factors, there are certain autoimmune factors that develop type I diabetes.

Type II Diabetes

There are several risk factors that make an individual prone to type II diabetes. Other than strong connection with the genetic factors, the lifestyle of an individual also plays a crucial role in the development of type II diabetes. A history of gestational diabetes, obesity, glucose intolerance, old age, and even ethnicity increase the chances of developing this type of diabetes later on in life.

Can Diabetes Be Reversed?

Diabetes cannot be reversed. It is lifelong disease. However, you can control the condition and prevent it from developing. Healthy lifestyle —physical activity, and eating a balanced diet can manage diabetes. Sometimes, diabetes reversal is used in type II diabetic conditions where a person can lead a healthy lifestyle without taking medication. This will require the afflicted individual to control the body weight, exercise regularly and eat limited amount of calories.

References

https://dtc.ucsf.edu/

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetes.html

http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/genetics-of-diabetes.html

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DR. JESSE A. STOFF is an internationally renowned physician with extensive credentials in clinical immunology and holistic medicine. A graduate of New York Medical College, he pursued extensive post-doctoral training including a fellow- ship at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital in London, England. He has authored/co-authored countless articles and 8 books including co-authoring the bestseller "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Hidden Epidemic" and The Prostate Miracle.

This article is produced and written by the writing team at IMMUNOLOGY TODAY- The Official Newsletter of Integrative Medicine of N.Y. of Westbury NY-- Edited and co-published by Dr. Jesse A. Stoff exclusively for the purposes of this blogpost (Immunology Today) and rejuvenatesoliutions.com The publisher(s) hold all rights (c) to all elements, images and content herein. All distribution, sharing or re-posting of this article is only with the express permission from Dr. Stoff and Integrative Medicine of NY (formerly Linchitz Medical Wellness). 265 Post Ave. Suite 380 Westbury, NY 11590 | 516.759.4200 | www.StoffImmunology.com. Rejuvenate! is a registered trademark of Intermedia Communications Ltd. All written content in this newsletter is produced by the Stoff Institute for Medical Research (SIMR) exclusively for private distribution at the Integrative Medicine of NY ©2016- All Rights Reserved.

DISCLAIMER: All information provided in this article is intended as general public information and is not intended to treat or cure any disease or disorder. Dr. Jesse A. Stoff, Integrative medicine of NY, nor any individual or practitioner associated with the publishing of this article is not liable for any damages resulting from the use of the information on this article. As a visitor of this blogsite, you acknowledge and agree that any reliance on or use by you of any information available on this Internet web site shall be entirely at your own risk. In no event shall the owner or operator be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential or exemplary damages arising from the use or the performance of this Internet web site, even if the owner or operator has been advised of the possibility of such damages. While every attempt has been made to verify the information on this website, neither the owners, distributors, agents, publishers or their affiliates assume any responsibility or liability for any error, inaccuracies, omissions in the same, or related to results from use of these materials. No party is liable for any direct, incidental, consequential, indirect, or punitive damages arising out of your access to, or use of this blogsite and the contents herein.

Monday, April 17, 2017

FOODS THAT PROMOTE BRAIN HEALTH- By Dr. Jesse Stoff

FOREWORD BY DR. JESSE STOFF

As we age one of the things that many people are concerned about, is the quality of their focus, concentration, and memory. Having little memory gaps (or senior moments) is a common experience for many people young and old alike. There are a number of things that you can do to help support your brain function, to improve your memory, to help you focus and to help your concentration. A lot of these effects come from the quality of foods that you eat. If you're eating a lot of foods that are high in sugar, that are processed foods or simply don't have real nutrition in them, what's happening is that you're robbing the brain of critical nutrients that it needs for its minute-to-minute function.

Unlike other organs, the brain does not have a fat layer surrounding it with a reserve of nutrients. It has to pull the nutrients it needs, second by second, out of what's circulating through your blood now. So you want to make sure you're putting good quality foods into your body. Some of the things that are most critical for normal and healthy brain function isn't just a stable blood sugar; because glucose is critical for brain function, but also, various fatty acids, the kind of fatty acids that we find in fish oils for example, that wild-caught fish. Things like salmon, that might be Atlantic caught salmon, wild caught salmon, is a very good source of oils that are really good quality brain food. This along with various trace minerals, and different vitamins are important if you want to have quality memory, focus, and concentration. And if you forget what I just mentioned, read the article that follows. Have a great day.

The food we eat has a huge impact on our bodies. But, does the food also have an impact on the functionality of the brain? Well, the edible items that we consume have an impact on the memory functions and also determine the tendency to develop brain diseases later on. We are well-aware that LDL cholesterol is not good for the cardiovascular systems but do you know that research is providing evidence that it isn’t good for the brain as well. Read on to know the types of food that are good for a healthy brain and what are the benefits associated with them.

Why Should You Focus on a Brain Healthy Diet?

Eating well does not just correspond to physical health. Our diet plays an important role in boosting the cognition and healthy aging. Foods that are rich in antioxidants and nutrients like minerals and vitamins augment the functionality of the brain and keep our bodies in shape. A Mediterranean diet that centers on grains, nuts, fish, olive oil, veggies, berries, whole grains, legumes, and beans help in reducing the chances of developing brain problems.

Eating a brain healthy diet boosts memory and reduces the risk of dementia, a condition developed due to deterioration of the brain function. Dementia can cause behavioral and emotional changes, memory loss, and lack of making judgments or speaking abilities. A healthy and properly functioning brain helps in regulating our moods. If you think that you have a poor memory, ward off slow retention by consuming a brain healthy diet.

Top Brain Foods

Grains: Our brain requires energy in the form of glucose, which can be provided by whole grains. These supply necessary levels of glucose to the blood cells slowly and gradually.

Olive Oil: Antioxidants that protect the brain are contained in high amounts in pure olive oil. It is also rich in vitamin E and K that stops our mental capabilities from declining. Monosaturated fats in olive oil contain chemicals like acetylcholine that improve learning and memory functions.

Legumes, Nuts, and Seeds: Nuts prevent cognitive decline with age. Walnuts are brain boosters —they contain minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins, all of which are essential for mental health. Sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, and peanuts are a good resource for obtaining vitamin E. Beans and legumes contain choline, which is a neurotransmitter that is important for maintaining a healthy brain function. These also contain magnesium, iron and folate, which are good for the neurons.

Fruits and Vegetables supplement the brain functions. Fruits like cranberries, strawberries and blue berries contain high levels of antioxidants, which prevent the damage caused by free radicals unlocked by oxidation process within the body. Berries also prevent inflammation that may cause damage to the brain cells. Green leafy and cruciferous vegetables prevent cognitive impairment. These veggies contain vitamin K, folate, carotenoid, and vitamin B-9, which help in keeping the memory sharp. Raw beets, carrots and asparagus also contain folate.

Fish is packed with a healthy amount of omega 3 fatty acids, which is known to improve memory and brain function. These fatty acids improve the vascular health. Increasing the consumption of mackerel, tuna, and salmon is also a healthy way to include proteins in diet without the adverse effects of red meat.

References

http://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/boost-your-memory-by-eating-right

https://psychologybenefits.org/2016/04/01/can-a-healthy-diet-prevent-dementia-what-the-science-says/

http://www.alz.org/research/science/alzheimers_prevention_and_risk.asp#exercise

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