Archive for October, 2007

Diabetes is a disease that is the result of your body not producing enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by your body that helps to turn sugars into energy. The symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst, increased urination, constant hunger, weight loss, irritability, blurred vision, and fatigue. While each symptom alone is harmless, the combination of symptoms could mean that you have diabetes. And, if left untreated, diabetes can become a serious illness and can put you at a higher risk for other, more serious illnesses, such as heart disease and stroke.

Before you begin treatment for any disease or illness, you should see your physician so that you can be sure you are treating the correct illness. There are a series of tests that your physician can perform in order to make a diagnosis of diabetes.

Types of Diabetes Treatments

There are several types of diabetes treatments including medicines, insulin treatments, surgery, alternative treatments, and lifestyle changes. The most important diabetes treatment will be changes in your lifestyle – eating healthy and exercising. A change in your lifestyle should work hand-in-hand with other diabetes treatments to get the most benefit from the treatments.

If your doctor recommends medications for treatment of your diabetes, you should discuss with him/her the potential side effects of the medications and the potential interactions with other medications you may be taking and potential interactions with foods. Many people choose not to take the risks that are involved with some medications and choose to use alternative treatments. You should discuss your choices with your physician and come up with a diabetes treatment that will work for you.

Treating Diabetes with Medicines

Some of the types of medications used to treat diabetes include the following:

 

  • Medicines that are used to decrease the amount of glucose the liver produces
  • Sulfonylureas – medicines used to increase the output of insulin
  • Symlin and Byetta – medicines that have an effect on glycemic control
  • DPP-IV inhibitors
  • Medicines used to decrease the amount of carbohydrates absorbed by the intestines
  • Meglitinides

 

Some forms of insulin treatment are:

 

  • Injected by needle
  • Pre-filled pens
  • Insulin Pump
  • Inhaled Insulin

 

Treating Diabetes Naturally

Many people choose to avoid the risks associated with medications. There are natural treatments for diabetes. You should discuss with your physician so that you can come up with a natural diabetes treatment that is right for you. Some natural diabetes treatments include:

 

  • Cinnamon
  • Ginseng
  • Magnesium
  • Chromium
  • Aloe Vera Gel
  • Zinc

 

The Most Important Diabetes Treatment

The most important aspect of your diabetes treatment, whether you choose to treat your diabetes with medications or whether you choose to treat your diabetes more naturally is a healthy diet and exercise. Beginning a healthy diet early in life can help you to avoid many illnesses and diseases that are associated with your body’s digestive system, immune system, and your body’s overall performance.

While some diseases are hereditary and a healthy diet may not prevent them, a healthy diet can delay the onset of the disease. You should begin at an early age to eat a diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, fiber, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Eat regular meals as close to the same time each day as possible. Be sure you have plenty of time to eat your meal so that you can chew your food sufficiently.

A daily exercise regimen is also important for your overall health and will help you prevent or delay the onset of many illnesses and diseases. By adhering to a regular exercise regimen, you are keeping your body in good working condition – and should the onset of an illness or disease occur, your body would be better able to fight the illness. So, the best plan of action should you be diagnosed with diabetes is a healthy diet and exercise combined with the diabetes treatment that you and your physician feel is right for you.

Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health. If you are looking for more information, read about <a href="http://www.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes-treatment1.htm"><b>Diabetes Treatment</b></a> at <a href="http://www.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes.htm"><b>http://www.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes.htm</b></a>. <b>AyurvedicCure.com</b> is the World’s Largest Alternative Health Portal. . Also visit the Biggest <a href="http://www.ayurvediccure.com/homeremedies.htm"><b>Home Remedies Guide</b></a> on Web

Tuesday, October 9th, 2007 at 06:00 | 0 comments
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What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your body fails to produce insulin or produces insulin, but does not use it properly. Insulin is a naturally produced hormone that converts sugar and starches into energy. The cause of diabetes is not known – but there are factors that are known to contribute to the onset of diabetes. These factors include genetics, obesity, lack of exercise, and other environmental factors. There is no cure for diabetes, but the disease can be managed with a healthy lifestyle and, in some cases, injection of the insulin that your body does not produce.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Sometimes diabetes may be hard to diagnose because the symptoms themselves are not serious and sometimes are ignored.

Some of the most common symptoms of diabetes are:

 

  • Increased urination – if insulin is not being produced or used properly, this causes the sugars from the food that you intake to build up in your blood. You kidneys (kidneys filter the blood and remove sugars) are forced to work harder than normal and sometimes can’t keep up. This causes you to urinate more often, which can cause dehydration.
  • Increased thirst – dehydration caused by your kidneys not being able to filter the amounts of sugar from you blood properly causes you to feel extremely thirsty.
  • Unexplained weight loss – if your body is not absorbing and using the sugars that you consume and the sugars are leaving your body through more frequent urination, your body is being denied calories that help you to maintain a healthy weight.
  • Hunger – losing calories through urination when your body does not absorb the sugars that you consume can cause you to constantly feel hungry.
  • Fatigue – if your body is not using the sugars that you consume properly, your body is not creating the energy that you need. This can lead to a feeling of extreme tiredness and other symptoms that are often associated with flu – sluggishness, overall feeling of weakness, etc.
  • Blurred vision – high levels of sugar content in your body that is not being turned into energy causes your body to take the necessary fluids from your tissue. Your body will sometimes take fluids from the lenses of your eyes – causing you to be unable to focus clearly and your vision to become blurred.
  • Tender gums – your body’s ability to fight germs is decreased when you have diabetes. This increases the risks of infections in your mouth (one of the main entrances of germs) and can cause your gums to become red, swollen, and tender. The bones in your mouth that hold your teeth are also at a higher risk of infections causing your teeth to become loose. People with diabetes may also experience sores and pus pockets in the gums.
  • Slow to heal – high levels of sugar in the blood slow your body’s natural healing process and you may have sores that take much longer to heal than is normal.
  • Infections – the decrease in your body’s ability to fight germs can cause you to be more prone to infections. Bladder and vaginal infections are a huge concern in women.
  • Tingling extremities – nerve damage can be caused by the excess of sugar in the blood, resulting in tingling sensations in the hands and feet, loss of sensation in the hands and feet, and sometimes a burning pain in the legs, feet, hands, and arms.

 

When to Seek Help?

One of the greatest things about your body is the ability to give signals when things are not quite right. Most illnesses are diagnosed using certain medical tests along with comparing the symptoms that you are experiencing. Before treating yourself for any illness or disease, it is important to consult your physician for a proper diagnosis. Treating an illness that you do not have can lead to other, sometimes worse, conditions.

If you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms above, you should visit your physician so that the two of you can determine if you have diabetes. Diabetes is a manageable disease – and you and your physician can devise a course of action so that you can continue to live a normal lifestyle.

As with many diseases, the earlier you begin treatment the higher the chance that the disease can be managed. Even before you begin showing signs of diabetes, you can develop a plan of care for your body’s overall health that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health. If you are looking for more information, read about <a href="http://www.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes-symptoms.htm"><b>Diabetes Symptoms</b></a> and <a href="http://www.ayurvediccure.com/bittermelon_diabetes.htm"><b>Diabetes Cure</b></a>. <b>AyurvedicCure.com</b> is the World’s Largest Alternative Health Portal. Also participate in <a href="http://www.answers.ayurvediccure.com/"><b>Health Questions Q&A</b></a> where you can <b>Ask, Answer and Earn Money!</b> A great opportunity to get help from other people for free!

Tuesday, October 9th, 2007 at 06:00 | 0 comments
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Diabetes is a metabolic disease that is caused when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to naturally turn sugars ingested into your body into energy. There are three major types of diabetes.

Type-1 Diabetes

This type of diabetes is an autoimmune disease – which is a result of the body’s failure to fight infection. As a result, the body begins to attack its own cells – in this case the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. The body destroys the beta cells and no insulin is produced. People with type-1 diabetes have to take insulin shots daily in order to live.

The causes of type-1 diabetes are not known, however autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors are believed to play a role in the onset of type-1 diabetes. This type of diabetes can affect people of any age, but most often is found in children and young adults. Symptoms of type-1 diabetes include increased thirst and urination, constant hunger, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. An early diagnosis of type-1 diabetes is very important. Without daily injections of insulin, a person with this type of diabetes is at a high risk of lapsing into a diabetic coma, a life-threatening condition.

Type-2 Diabetes

This type of diabetes is the most common type. Type-2 diabetes usually affects adults who are obese, have a family history of diabetes, or have a previous history of gestational diabetes. Type-2 diabetes is not caused by the body’s inability to produce insulin, but rather by the body’s inability to use the insulin it creates effectively. This causes the blood to have higher levels of sugars than normal.

The symptoms of type-2 diabetes include frequent thirst and urination, nausea, unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, wounds and sores heal slowly, and fatigue.

This type of diabetes can often be prevented or controlled with certain lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise. Some patients need to take medications and many use natural treatments to effectively control the symptoms of type-2 diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes

This type of diabetes occurs in pregnant women and is caused by an intolerance to carbohydrates, which causes blood sugar levels to increase. It is very important for a woman who has gestational diabetes to control the disease in order to prevent the baby from being affected at birth. If the blood sugar levels in the pregnant woman are not under control, there is a risk of the baby going into insulin shock at birth.

Gestational diabetes risk factors include a family history of diabetes, increased maternal age, and obesity. While the symptoms of gestational diabetes usually disappear after the birth, there are significant risks to both the mother and child. The mother is at a higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes at a later time and the child is at a higher risk of being obese or developing diabetes later in life.

Preventing the Onset of Diabetes

Many times, diabetes can be prevented or the onset can be delayed.

All three types of diabetes can be controlled effectively by changes in your lifestyle. A healthy diet is the most important change – eating healthy foods on a normal schedule allows your body to perform the tasks necessary to sustain life. A healthy diet should consist of plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, fiber, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Once a person has been diagnosed with any type of diabetes, the intake of carbohydrates should be monitored and the intake of sugars should be greatly reduced.

Regular exercise is also important for your overall health. Keeping your body in good working order by keeping muscles toned and blood flowing correctly also helps your body to perform its normal tasks.

It is important for early diagnosis and effective treatment of diabetes in order to avoid more serious illness and diseases that can be associated with diabetes such as heart disease and stroke. Diabetics are at a higher risk of developing many other diseases and illnesses, but the most important thing to remember is that if you work with your body, your body will work for you.

Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health. If you are looking for more information, read about <a href="http://www.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes.htm"><b>Types of Diabetes</b></a> at <a href="http://www.diabetesmellitus-information.com/diabetes_type.htm"><b>http://www.diabetesmellitus-information.com/diabetes_type.htm</b></a> . <b>AyurvedicCure.com</b> is the World’s Largest Alternative Health Portal. Also participate in <b>Health Questions Q&A</b>, Message Boards where you can <b>Ask, Answer and Earn Money!</b> Visit Exclusive Guide on <a href="http://www.pets.ayurvediccure.com/"><b>Pets Health Care</b></a>

Tuesday, October 9th, 2007 at 06:00 | 0 comments
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Diabetes Mellitus, or diabetes, is a disease that is caused by the body’s inability to turn sugars into energy. Diabetes causes the sugars that your body does not turn into energy to enter your blood stream and causes your kidneys, which filter the blood, to work harder than is necessary. If your kidneys cannot properly filter the sugars from your blood, the result is more frequent urination, dehydration, and loss of energy.

Diabetes Mellitus is diagnosed when your body’s fasting blood glucose level (amount of sugar in the blood) reaches 126 milligrams/deciliter. You can be diagnosed as having different stages of diabetes mellitus. One diagnosis is pre-diabetes. You are diagnosed with pre-diabetes if your blood glucose levels are higher than is normal when tested, but you are not yet experiencing the symptoms of diabetes. People who are diagnosed with pre-diabetes are at higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes at a later time, and are at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke.

If you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes, your physician will suggest changes in your lifestyle in order to offset the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. This will include eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.

Diabetes Mellitus – Metabolism Disease

Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disease – caused when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Insulin is the natural hormone in your body that helps turn sugars into energy by moving these sugars from the blood stream to the muscle, fat, and liver cells. The muscle, fat, and liver cells then use the sugars as fuel for your body. Your body needs a certain level of energy to enable your internal organs to function properly. Your body also needs energy to perform the daily activities involved in leading a normal life.

If your body does not produce enough energy for your internal organs to function and for you to perform activities, you have a low metabolism – and you can often be tired, irritable, and experience bouts of fatigue. If your body produces more energy than you are using, you have a high metabolism and may be restless, fidgety, and experience bouts of hyperactivity.

Other Risks Involved With Diabetes Mellitus

There are other health risks involved with diabetes mellitus. The risk of heart disease and strokes is increased in patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes and other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, obesity, abnormal cholesterol, and high triglycerides. The more factors involved, the more your chance of dying from heart disease or stroke increases.

The Importance of Preventive Measures in Diabetes Mellitus

Although diabetes mellitus is a controllable disease, the combination of diabetes and other risk factors decreases your chance of living a normal life span. It is very important that you take steps before you are diagnosed with diabetes to prevent its onset or to delay the onset as long as possible.

The single most important step you can take in the prevention of diabetes is to live a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle includes many different aspects of your life. Eating a healthy diet is essential to helping your body to perform its normal tasks as naturally as possible. A regular exercise routine is essential to maintaining a healthy weight and in keeping your muscles toned, which allows your muscles to assist your internal organs in performing their tasks. Avoiding stress, or learning how to deal with stress in a healthy manner, helps your brain and nervous system to work with other parts of your body to perform the tasks needed to sustain life.

It is important that you realize how your body works together – and how the things that you do on a daily basis can prevent your body from performing the tasks necessary. Beginning a healthy lifestyle as early as possible gives you the best chance to avoid the risks associated with diabetes mellitus – and decreases the chances of the other factors that may come into play – thereby decreasing your risks of more serious diseases such as heart disease and stroke. Both your physical condition and your mental condition play an important role in your overall health.

Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health. If you are looking for more information, read about <a href="http://www.diabetesmellitus-information.com/"><b>Diabetes Information</b></a> at <a href="http://www.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes_management.htm"><b>http://www.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes_management.htm</b></a>. <b>AyurvedicCure.com</b> is the World’s Largest Alternative Health Portal. Also read about <a href="http://www.ayurvediccure.com/bittergourd.htm"><b>Bitter melon</b></a> herb beneficial for diabetes

Tuesday, October 9th, 2007 at 06:00 | 0 comments
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Diabetes is a disease caused by your body’s inability to create insulin. This inability hinders the natural process of turning carbohydrates into energy. Since diabetes disrupts the body’s normal functions, there are many diabetes complications that can occur if the disease goes untreated or in the more sever cases of the disease. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you will need to work closely with your physician in order to develop a plan of action that will be best for you.

You may choose medications or you may choose more natural treatments. Either way, a healthy diet and regular exercise will be an important part of your diabetes management. Once you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to manage the disease to minimize the chance of suffering from diabetes complications.

Diseases and Illnesses Caused by Diabetes

Diabetes can cause the onset of other illnesses and diseases. Some of the illnesses and diseases that can be caused by diabetes complications are more serious than the diabetes itself. Let’s look at some of the complications that can arise from diabetes:

 

  • Eye complications – one of the symptoms of diabetes is blurred vision caused when the body takes fluid from other tissues in order to compensate for the loss of insulin. People who have diabetes are at a higher risk of blindness.
  • Heart disease – the complications of diabetes makes the risk of heart disease higher in people with diabetes.
  • Stroke – the complications of diabetes also place the diabetic at a higher risk of stroke.
  • Kidney disease – the symptoms of diabetes causes the kidneys to work harder than normal. This can cause the kidneys not to properly filter out waste products and could lead to kidney failure.
  • Neuropathy and Nerve Damage – one of the most common complications for the diabetic is damage to the nerves connecting the spinal cord to muscles, skin, blood vessels, and other organs.
  • Feet – as a result of the nerve damage and poor circulation caused by diabetes, many people develop problems with their feet.
  • Skin – many people with diabetes suffer from skin disorders. These disorders are often an indication that a person has diabetes. Skin disorders can be prevented and treated.
  • Gastroparesis – this disease happens if the nerves to the stomach are damaged and causes the stomach to take too long to empty its contents. People who suffer from Gastroparesis often experience heartburn, nausea, feeling full at the beginning of a meal, weight loss, vomiting undigested food, bloating, loss of appetite, gastroesophageal reflux, and even spasms within the wall of the stomach.
  • Depression – many illnesses and diseases can cause people to suffer from depression. The feeling of not having control over your body can often times lead people to a false sense of failure and hopelessness.

 

Diagnosis and Management in Diabetes

The diabetes complications above gives you an indication of just how important it is detect diabetes as early as possible. Early detection is the best way to learn early on how to control the symptoms of diabetes and lessen your chances of the diabetes complications leading to more serious illnesses and diseases. As soon as you are given a diagnosis of diabetes, you should begin working with your physician to formulate a plan of management for the disease. There is no cure for diabetes, but in many cases, it can be controlled and the risks of it causing more serious complications can be decreased.

Management of your diabetes is a key factor in whether the disease will lead to more serious illnesses and diseases. The best way that you can remain in control is to formulate a management plan with your physician, which should consist of a treatment plan, a healthy diet, and regular exercise. Even if you have not been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to begin a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise so that diabetes and diabetes complications can be avoided and you can live a normal, healthy life span.

Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health. If you are looking for more information, read about <a href="http://www.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes-complication.htm"><b>Diabetes Complications</b></a> at <a href="http://www.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes-treatment1.htm"><b>http://www.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes-treatment1.htm</b></a>. <b>AyurvedicCure.com</b> is the World’s Largest Alternative Health Portal. If you are worried about your pets health, read about <a href="http://www.pets.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes.htm"><b>Diabetes in Dogs</b></a>

Tuesday, October 9th, 2007 at 06:00 | 0 comments
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A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for your overall health. Many diseases, including diabetes, can be managed successfully with a healthy diet. Since each disease causes different symptoms and your body needs different nutrients to manage the disease, each disease may require a different type of diet. If your body does not properly absorb the sugars you are ingesting, you may need to avoid foods that are starchy and contain a lot of sugar.

Before you begin a diet that is aimed at managing a certain disease, it is important to consult your physician and get a true diagnosis. If your body is actually turning starches and sugars into energy properly, you could risk the chance of denying your body of the necessary foods by decreasing the amount of starch and sugars in your diet. So, be sure to check with your physician, who will go over your symptoms and perform tests to determine the correct diagnosis.

Once you have been diagnosed with diabetes, your diabetes diet will play an important role in the management of the disease. Your diabetes diet does not necessarily restrict the food that you are allowed to consume. Rather the diabetes diet will usually consist of consuming a variety of foods in the correct portions that will allow your body to use the nutrients properly. The two most important aspects of a healthy diet are eating regular meals as closely as possible to the same time each day and eating the right amounts of the healthiest foods. If you are already eating a healthy diet, there may not be many changes. But, if you are not eating a healthy diet or do not eat regular meals at around the same time each day, you may have to make more changes. The key is to become conscious of what your body’s needs are and plan accordingly.

Hints for a Successful Diabetes Diet

The following hints will give you some idea of what changes you will need to make in your diet to successfully manage diabetes:

 

  • Eating often – rather than 1-2 large meals per day, it is healthier to consume 3-4 small meals. This allows you to eat in healthy proportions without feeling hungry throughout the day.
  • Whole-grain foods – whole-grain foods such as wheat breads, wheat rice, and wheat pasta help you to control the amount of carbohydrates you take in.
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables – eating fresh fruits and vegetables will help your digestive system to perform correctly. It is easier for your body to turn natural sugar into energy.
  • Fat – eating less fat is essential to an overall healthy diet and this allows your body to be able to digest food better and absorb the necessary nutrients.
  • Sweets – consuming large amounts of sweets can cause your body to retain excess sugar levels in the blood because the kidneys cannot turn the sugars into energy fast enough.
  • Carbohydrates – carbohydrates turn to sugar in your body and are necessary in order to have the energy needed for your body to function properly. The key to carbohydrates is learning when you should consume them and how many you should consume.
  • Alcohol – as with any healthy diet, your consumption of alcohol should be limited. Alcohol has a high content of sugars and, just as too much alcohol can impair your body’s motor skills and judgment ability, too much alcohol can also impair your body’s ability to turn sugars into energy.

 

Living Healthy

As is the case with most any disease, living a healthy life-style is the key to successfully managing the disease. An overall healthy diet not only increases your chance of successfully managing your diabetes, but allows your body’s digestive system to perform correctly, allows your brain to function properly, and allows you to lead a normal lifestyle. Being overweight can increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes to cause other medical problems, so it is very important to maintain a healthy diet. If you are overweight when you are diagnosed with diabetes, your diabetes diet may be somewhat different until you can reach and maintain a healthy weight. Be sure to discuss your diabetes diet with your physician and learn to manage your diabetes and give yourself the chance to live a healthier life.

Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health. If you are looking for more information, read about <a href="http://www.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes-diet.htm"><b>Diabetes Diet</b></a> at <a href="http://www.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes.htm"><b>http://www.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes.htm</b></a>. <b>AyurvedicCure.com</b> is the World’s Largest Alternative Health Portal. Also visit the <a href="http://www.ayurvediccure.com/"><b>Natural Cures</b></a> and Herbal Remedies Guide

Tuesday, October 9th, 2007 at 06:00 | 0 comments
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One of the most important aspects of diabetes treatment and management is a healthy diet. Since diabetes is caused by your body’s inability to produce insulin, which helps your body turn sugars into energy, your diet may have to change. The most important thing will be to eat a variety of foods and limit your intake of sugars and starchy foods, which turn to sugar in your body. Pastas, white bread, and potatoes are starchy foods that will need to be limited in your diet – but there are many recipes for foods, even desserts, that are diabetic friendly and allow you to enjoy the food you eat.

Sweets

Desserts and sweets are one of the things that diabetics miss the most. Here is a recipe for Peanut Butter Squares that is diabetes friendly:

Ingredients:

 

  • Oil and flour aerosol spray
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup “natural” style peanut butter
  • 1 cup ripe mashed banana
  • ¼ cup skim milk
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ cup chopped dry-roasted peanuts

 

Directions:

 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with aerosol spray.
  • In a bowl, beat together the egg, peanut butter and banana until smooth.
  • Beat in the milk and flour, baking soda and powder, and stir in the peanuts.
  • Spread the batter evenly in the pan. Bake for 30 minutes until browned. Cool and cut into 25 squares.

 

For holidays that fall in the winter, here is a recipe for a Winter Fruit Salad:

Ingredients:

 

  • 8 red apples – cored and diced
  • 8 green Bartlett or Anjou pears – cored and diced
  • 4 cups fresh strawberries – sliced with stems removed
  • 2 cups fresh orange juice
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup orange-flavored liqueur (optional)
  • Sugar substitute – optional, add to taste
  • 4 bananas – sliced

 

Directions:

 

  • Place all fruit (except bananas), juices and liqueur (if using) in a large bowl. Add sugar substitute (if using). Gently mix.
  • Cover bowl and refrigerate 4-8 hours – but, no longer.
  • Just before serving, stir in banana slices.

 

Pasta

Pasta is one of the foods that will need to be limited in the diabetes diet. However, limited does not been completely eliminated – so, for special treats, try this Chicken Pasta Salad:

Ingredients:

 

  • ½ cup fat-free mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sherry
  • 1/8 tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • 1 cup cooked spiral pasta, drained
  • 2 cups cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups fresh snow peas, strings removed and blanched
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • ½ cup water chestnuts, sliced
  • ¼ cup toasted almonds, for garnish

 

Directions:

 

  • In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, soy sauce, sherry, ground ginger, and pepper. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, combine pasta, chicken, snow peas, green onions, and water chestnuts.
  • Add dressing mix (step 1) and toss. Refrigerate overnight. Sprinkle with toasted almonds before serving.

 

Many people with diabetes eliminate spaghetti from their diet because the spaghetti noodles are a starch food and because most prepared spaghetti sauces contain sugar. This Spaghetti sauce allows you to enjoy spaghetti without the guilt – and if you use wheat noodles, you can really enjoy a guilt-free meal.

Ingredients:

 

  • 12 oz tomato juice
  • 1 large can mushrooms, stems and pieces
  • Salt to taste
  • Garlic to taste
  • Oregano to taste
  • Dehydrated onion flakes
  • 1 large green pepper, diced
  • 2 cans bean sprouts

 

Directions:

 

  • Cook all ingredients in a covered saucepan until sauce thickens.
  • Add bean sprouts, and then simmer 10 minutes.
  • Serve over cooked pasta noodles.

A Healthy Diet in Diabetes

 

A healthy diet is the most important part of your diabetes treatment. You can find these and other diabetes recipes in books and on the Internet. Be sure that you eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to help in the management of your diabetes and for your overall health.

Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health. If you are looking for more information, read about <a href="http://www.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes-diet.htm"><b>Diabetes Recipes</b></a> at <a href="http://www.blogs.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes-recipes.html"><b>http://www.blogs.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes-recipes.html </b></a><b>AyurvedicCure.com</b> is the World’s Largest Alternative Health Portal. Visit the complete Natural Cures and <a href="http://www.ayurvediccure.com/"><b>Herbal Remedies</b></a> Portal

Tuesday, October 9th, 2007 at 06:00 | 0 comments
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Diabetes is a disease that affects the body natural ability to change carbohydrates and sugars into energy. There is no known cause for the onset of diabetes. However, there are certain factors that place a person at higher risk of contracting diabetes.

The risk factors of diabetes can include:

  • A family history of diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Poor diet
  • Physical inactivity

Different Types/Different Causes of Diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes -type-1, type-2, and gestational. Type-1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and most often affects children and young adults. An autoimmune disease is one in which the body ability to fight infections is decreased causing the body to attack its own cells. In type-1 diabetes, the body often attacks the beta cells in the pancreas -the cells that produce insulin in the body.

The main diabetes causes of type-1 diabetes are:

  • Infections with specific bacteria or viruses
  • Food-borne chemical toxins
  • Cows milk -an unidentified component in cow milk can trigger an autoimmune reaction in the body. Young infants who are given cow milk have a higher risk of contracting type-1 diabetes.

The main diabetes causes of type-2 diabetes are:

  • Increasing age
  • Obesity
  • Physical inactivity
  • Poor diet
  • The main diabetes causes of gestational diabetes are:
  • Hormones produced during pregnancy blocking actions of insulin
  • Mother body can’t produce enough insulin

Common Causes of Diabetes

There are some common diabetes causes that include genetic causes as well as environmental causes. The risk of diabetes is higher if there is a family history of diabetes. Environmental factors that can lead to the onset of diabetes include poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and stress. Diabetes is a disease that can be prevented -or controlled once a diagnosis has been made.

Prevention and Control in Diabetes

While the symptoms of diabetes are not life threatening, diabetes can lead to other more serious diseases and illnesses. People who have been diagnosed with diabetes are at a higher risk of diseases and illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, neuropathy and nerve damage, foot conditions, and blindness. It is extremely important to control your diabetes in order to avoid the onset of these more serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses.

There are medications that can be used in the control of diabetes, as well as many natural remedies. However, the single most important aspect of a diabetic management plan is a healthy diet and exercise. A healthy diet should consist of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, carbohydrates in healthy portions, Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins in healthy portions, and fiber.

A healthy diet not only helps your overall health, but also can be a major factor in offsetting the symptoms of diabetes. The longer you can prevent the symptoms of diabetes, the longer you can decrease the risks of more serious illnesses associated with diabetes.

A regular exercise routine is also an important factor in the prevention and management of diabetes.

All parts of your body are designed to work together in order to sustain life. By keeping your muscles toned and your blood flowing correctly, you can help your body to fight off infections and your body will be able to help in managing the symptoms of many illnesses. Strong muscles in the abdomen are essential for helping your digestive system work normally.

A Long, Healthy Life

It is possible to live a long, healthy life. You can help ensure that your body will work properly for a long time by beginning a healthy diet and routing exercise program early in life. The old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” has real meaning.

By choosing to live a healthy lifestyle, you are choosing to consciously help your body fight of the symptoms of many illnesses and diseases. And, while some diseases are hereditary, such as diabetes, and you may still be at risk, by choosing to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you are helping your body become prepared to delay the onset of symptoms and to control the symptoms once they appear.

Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health. If you are looking for more information, read about <a href="http://www.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes-causes.htm"><b>Diabetes Causes</b></a> at <a href="http://www.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes-prevention.htm">http://www.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes-prevention.htm</a>. AyurvedicCure.com is the World's Largest Alternative Health Portal. If you are worried about your pets health, read about <a href="http://www.pets.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes.htm"><b>Diabetes in Dogs</b></a>

Tuesday, October 9th, 2007 at 06:00 | 0 comments
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People who don’t have diabetes think that their health is ok. But the way so many people eat, they way they live, and the thoughts they think, puts them at risk for this disease. Eating a diet high in processed foods, high sugar, high in salt, high in fat, and simple carbohydrates increases your chances of Type II Diabetes and especially if you are overweight. Other risk factors for Type II Diabetes are elevated triglyceride, low HDL, and high blood pressure. With the right diabetes information you can prevent diabetes.

It is best to practice diabetes prevention. Here is a start. There are two natural remedies that you can use to reduce your chances of becoming diabetic. One is a mineral and the other is a spice.

First always make sure you are getting magnesium in your food or as a supplement. In a study done by Brigham, 11,000 women were tested for the risk factors discussed above showed that those women that took high levels of magnesium show less diabetic risk factors by 27%. Other long-term studies have also shown the same results.

So you might ask why does magnesium lower diabetic risk factors? Researchers have suggested that magnesium reduces blood pressure, relaxes heart muscles, and controls homocysteine, which is associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Since magnesium is a mineral, It also helps to neutralize toxic material found outside cells in the lymph. This helps cells to function better.

To get more magnesium in your diet eat dark green leafy lettuce, avocados, nuts, and wholes grains. As a supplement, use magnesium gluconate and chelated magnesium 500 mg per day. It is always best to take magnesium with calcium and vitamin D.

Second there is the spice cinnamon. Cinnamon and diabetes has been discussed in a lot of health newsletters. Here is the story on Cinnamon diabetes. There is an extract from cinnamon called Cinnulin PF. This extract works on the cellular level by making the insulin cell receptors more sensitive to insulin by 300%. So why is this important? Well, in diabetes, if the pancreas does not produce enough insulin then not enough insulin cell doors are open so plenty of sugar can go into the cells to lower the blood sugar levels.

In some diabetic cases, the cells become resistant to insulin and don’t allow insulin to open cell doors for sugar to enter. This is where Cinnulin PF from cinnamon comes in and makes cells more receptive to insulin.

In one of my other articles, I wrote about a natural product for diabetes called Glucotor 1. Now there is Glucotor 2. Some of the herbs in Glucotor 2 are prickly pear cactus, gymnema sylvestre, fenugreek, cinnulin PF banaba and bitter melon. With the addition of cinnulin PF to Glucotor 2, it is now more powerful than the previous formulation. This product has a good history of lowering blood sugar levels and has many real life testimonials. Using this natural diabetes information you can prevent creating diabetes.

Adding magnesium, cinnulin PF, or Glucotor 2 to your diet will lower your blood sugar levels. It will also provide you with benefits for improving your cardiovascular system. You can supplement with magnesium and with cinnulin PF, which is available as a single extract but if you can find it combines with other herbs, like in Glucotor 2, it will work better in your body.

Rudy Silva, Nutritionist, writes a natural remedies newsletter that gives you information on a variety of natural remedies and nutritional advice. To get this free weekly newsletter and a free report on colon health go to: http://www.natural-remedies-thatwork.com and if you want information on constipation then head over to http://www.remedies-for-constipation.com

Saturday, October 6th, 2007 at 06:00 | 0 comments
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The leading cause of suicide is the overwhelming feeling of having no control over a situation. Adolescence is a natural time of discovery, of finding out who we are in varied settings, of trying on behaviors and relationships and determining what we deem important. It is an important process that all humans go through on the path to adulthood.
With that said, the turbulence of adolescence may be unbearable if not given the tools with which to deal with these rapid life-changing events. If your child is being chided or bullied, is struggling with notions of fitting in, or is otherwise exhibiting signs of detachment, depression, or anger, find out what’s going on. What is important to your child? Find out. Your interest could save their life. Ask, listen, love. And seek professional help immediately if you suspect your child is in danger of either suicide or homicide. The general school of thought is that suicide is homicide turned inward. Think about this until you really understand the implications. If your child is a bully, he or she is at risk for both suicide and for homicidal actions. Alternately, if your child is being bullied, he or she is at risk of both homicidal and suicidal actions. In either case, the risk is real.
~11 RED FLAGS ~IS YOUR CHILD AT RISK?
1. Depression: Does the youth exhibit sadness or despair lasting for more than short intervals or have deep feelings of futility, of overwhelming self-doubt and/or paralyzing insecurities? Does the youth exhibit a sad demeanor for longer than a few hours or perhaps a day or two at a time? Adolescent hormonal mood swings are different from chronic dangerous depression.
LEARN TO RECOGNIZE THE DIFFERENCE.
2. Art: Whether the art is manufactured by the adolescent or is art the adolescent is drawn to matters little. Artistic expression and attraction are clear, and are serious indicators of the youth’s thoughts and feelings. What is the general, overall expression of the art the youth is creating or smitten with?
3. Music/Media: What do the lyrics express? Does the adolescent gravitate to dark, fatalistic lyrics and/or morbid audio and video content? Yes, lyrics and music, and video games and pals all have an impact on an impressionable youth. Who or what is impressing your adolescent?
4. Withdrawing: Adolescents will go through a period of separation from their parents; this is a critical part of growing up. However, if the youth is spending each waking and sleeping hour alone, it is time for an intervention. Is the teen withdrawing because they feel helpless to effect a situation? Is the child being bullied? Find out.
5. Lethargy: Does the youth seem to be listless and want to sleep life away? This is a serious sign of depression and must be addressed immediately. SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP. Ask. Listen. Love. What is the underlying cause of the lethargy? Don’t judge. Be the safe place your child knows he can come to. Know what’s going on in your child’s life.
6. Changes in Appearance: Adolescence is a time of developing self-expression and public persona. How adolescents wish to be seen by their peers and society at large is portrayed in rapidly changing outfits and costumes. Adolescents try on different looks, and watch for a reaction to their new look. These changes are normal. However, appearance is a clear determinant of how a teen is feeling inside. Has the look become slovenly or unkempt? Does the outfit reveal an Edgar Allen Poe attitude? Is the attire suddenly solid black? Are gang colors being flashed? What is the message the adolescent is sending? Are you getting it? Does it need to be addressed? It does if the attire and attitude presented is dark, is of a gang nature, or is one that reflects loss of interest in personal hygiene.
7. Changes in Habits: Have sleep habits, everyday rituals such as teeth brushing and bathing (hygiene), or any behaviors that are considered normal to your child changed? Look for signs in day-to-day activities. Sometimes we are so close that we don’t notice what others notice. Take a step back and see what is going on in the life of your child. What appears to be laziness may be a serious sign of depression.
8. Substance Abuse: Self-medicating is a huge red flag that your youth is in danger. Watch for any signs, including cigarette smoking. It is more than just a struggle to ‘fit in’ with the crowd. Substance abuse can be a serious indication that the youth is seeking pain release and relief. Watch closely for the signs. TREAT IMMEDIATELY.
9. Self-Mutilation: Perhaps the most outwardly visible sign that something is wrong, self-mutilation indicates that the youth is needing to feel a physical pain, perhaps to take the focus off the emotional pain he or she is feeling. Add to this the obvious, that is, the clear message of feeling abused, possibly by others. Self-mutilation is a scream for attention. Hear the scream.
10. Eating Disorders: When a person feels as if they have no control over their life, eating is one thing they know they can control. In addition to reflecting a value of self-image, an eating disorder is a sign of inward turmoil, of being out of control. Eating disorders kill. Eating disorders are another way of committing suicide. Get help.

~Ask, Listen, Love?~

Find out more about bullycide* and emos.** Be an informed, vocal member of society; share what you learn about this crisis with others. Suicide is the number three cause of death for adolescents in America. We must stop the madness. Together, we can, and will save lives.***

*Bullycide: When a child commits suicide as the result of either in-person or on-line bullying. Know whom your child is interacting with at every venue. Know who is on-line, and know what goes on on-line.

**Emos: A definition of youth self-described as morbid, suicidal, dark; exhibit depression in dress and demeanor.

***To make a donation or to learn how you can help go to:
http://www.BlessingsInTheMire.com

A true 'renaissance' woman, Deelstra has worked at an array of positions, all of which have led her to publish the candid and insightful, Blessings in the Mire. Currently she is working on building a light center of energies.

Thursday, October 4th, 2007 at 06:00 | 0 comments
Categories: Depression
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