Diabetes is often considered a life sentence in the world of Health and Wellness. Yet, for decades, researchers have proven that this notion is false. We are on the verge of a new awareness: Type 2 Diabetes is a treatable condition, not a permanent one!
Renowned physicians like Dr. Neal D. Barnard, Dr. Joel Fuhrman, and Dr. Gabriel Cousens have made this shift in knowledge possible through several revolutionary clinical studies. Thanks to the collective efforts of these and other global health professionals, we have the tools today for a diabetes-free life.
The Science of Diabetes Type 2:
For centuries, plant-based diet is a simple but powerful tool at the heart of this revolution. Its power in helping to treat diabetes is based on a complete understanding of the biological mechanisms leading to the disease and the impact of nutrition on these processes.
The most prevalent form of diabetes, type 2 is where the body becomes resistant to insulin. It is a hormone crucial in managing blood sugar levels. The major feature of diabetes type 2 is high blood sugar levels caused by insulin resistance. This prevents the effective entry of glucose into blood cells.
Food choices play a significant role in this intricate biological system. Foods as soda, sweets, and certain types of bread that contain a great deal of added sugars or refined carbohydrates can make blood sugar levels rise and drop rapidly. This worsens insulin resistance.
On the other hand, high-fiber diets, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, can increase insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels.
The Effects of the Modern Diet on Diabetes Type 2:
An increase in diabetes has been associated with the diet that is often made of processed foods. These foods contain refined carbohydrates, cereals, and oils, with trans fats. Such foods facilitate an intra-body environment that favors the onset of diabetes. This happens through inflammation, promotion of insulin resistance, and often lack of critical micronutrients.
For example, a modern diet with processed foods such as hot dogs and sausages, baked goods with high levels of fat and sugary beverages could result in insulin resistance.
The Power of a Plant-Based Diet in Controlling Type 2 Diabetes:
On the other hand, a vegetarian diet operates on a different plane. From their clinical research, world-class doctors such as Barnard and Fuhrman have demonstrated that a vegan diet is three times more effective in controlling blood sugar levels than the conventional diet prescribed for diabetes treatment.
The diet is low in fat, rich in nutrients, and devoid of animal products that could interfere with the function of insulin. Based on one of Dr. Barnard’s studies, 43% of vegans were successful in reducing their diabetes Medication, while only 26% of the control group managed to do so.
Based on Dr. Fuhrman’s study, 90% of patients with type 2 diabetes who followed a diet rich in nutrients managed to discontinue insulin use in the first month.
The Mechanisms of a Plant-Based Diet:
By minimizing three of the most important factors such as decreasing fat that interferes with hormones, alkalizing and decreasing inflammation in the body, and providing an abundance of micronutrients, a low-fat, plant-based diet minimizes the diet-related causes of diabetes.
It allows insulin to bind better to cell receptors, which helps glucose get into cells and decreases blood sugar levels.
Plant-Based Breakfast: A Strong Start to Your Day!
Starting the day with a nutrient-rich, alkalizing green smoothie, for instance, can help reduce overnight acidity buildup and provide a healthy, low-fat, and nutritious start to your day. This smoothie, packed with spinach, cucumbers, ginger, lemon, and chia seeds, is a testament to the power of a plant-based diet in managing diabetes.
Other breakfast foods that are plant-based may be a bowl of oatmeal with fresh fruits and nuts, whole grain toast with avocado, or a tofu scramble with vegetables.
Other Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet:
In addition, a plant-based, low-fat diet significantly improves overall health in addition to the control of diabetes. It benefits individuals with diabetes, who often have difficulty with these comorbid conditions, by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, and promoting weight loss.
Plant-based diets can reduce cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease, as reported in a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Plant-base diets can significantly reduce blood pressure, as reported in another study that was publish in the British Journal of Nutrition. Last but not least, the efficacy of plant-base diets for weight reduction was establish by a review find in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Finally, researchers have analyzed that aerobic exercise, such as cycling, walking, or swimming, and resistance exercise can be particularly beneficial for increasing insulin sensitivity. As for mindful techniques, research has shown yoga and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) to aid in improving the regulation of blood sugar and dealing with stress.
The Final Word:
While diet is important for the control of diabetes, it is just part of the equation. Exercise and meditation are part of a complete solution. Regular exercise makes insulin work better, and stress-reducing practices such as meditation may lower blood sugar levels.
Using a plant-based diet and holistic means, you can begin the way of life that eliminates diabetes. Before initiating any program of health or altering any large amounts of your diet, however, be sure to consult your physician. Turning back the tide of diabetes means embarking on a process towards improved living conditions rather than on an overnight cure.
Welcome to the journey towards a life without Diabetes. Together, let’s recast the narrative of diabetes and recognize that a life free from its hold is not only possible, but attainable.
