by admin | Mar 29, 2024 | Main
Diabetes is a common chronic disease that affects 37.3 million people in the US. It is an illness characterized by high levels of sugar (or glucose) in the blood, resulting from the body’s inability to produce enough insulin or use it effectively. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, understanding it is crucial as it can help prevent complications and improve outcomes. In this post, we will explore the various types of diabetes, their causes, symptoms, and available treatment options.
Types of Diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes: This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood and is an autoimmune disorder where the body destroys beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections daily.
- Type 2 Diabetes: The most common type of diabetes, usually seen in adults, is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. In type 2 diabetes, the body is either unable to produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to it, leading to high blood sugar levels.
- Gestational Diabetes: This type of diabetes is observed in some women during pregnancy. The high blood sugar levels can affect both the mother and her child, leading to complications and long-lasting effects on health.
Causes
The exact cause of diabetes is not yet fully understood. Researchers believe type 1 diabetes may be linked to autoimmune conditions, certain genes or environmental factors like viruses. Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable and what we consider a lifestyle disease. Physical inactivity, excess body fat, smoking and a diet high in saturated fat, sugar and ultra processed foods can lead to developing diabetes.
Symptoms
The symptoms of diabetes may include frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, blurred vision, losing weight without trying, irritability, slow wound healing and fatigue. This is your body’s way of warning you that something is wrong. It is attempting to get rid of excess glucose in the blood. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis
If your doctor suspects that you have diabetes, they may order these blood tests. Here are numbers to look for, according to the American Diabetes Association:
- A1C = an average of your blood glucose levels over 3 months. An A1C of greater than 6.5% is considered diabetes. Prediabetes is between 5.7 – 6.4%.
- Fasting Blood Glucose = You must fast for at least 8 hours to have this test done, usually first thing in the morning. If your blood glucose is 126 mg/dl or above, you have diabetes.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) = This test measures how your body processes sugar two hours after drinking a glucose-rich drink. Diabetes is diagnosed when your blood glucose is over 200 mg/dl.
- Random Blood Glucose Test = This test is taken at any time during the day. Again, if your blood glucose is over 200 mg/dl, you have diabetes.
Treatment of Diabetes
The treatment for diabetes may include medication, dietary changes, and regular physical activity. People with type 1 diabetes require regular insulin injections to keep their blood sugar levels under control. Type 2 diabetes can often be controlled through lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating a nutritious diet, and increasing physical activity. In some cases, medication may also be required.
Conclusion
Understanding diabetes can help you manage the condition and prevent complications. Regular check-ups, a healthy diet, and an active lifestyle can all help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes-related complications. If you have any concerns or symptoms related to diabetes, be sure to consult with your doctor as soon as possible.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes but are unclear on how to change your lifestyle to manage it, schedule a free nutrition consultation with us! Many of our clients have successfully reduced their A1C and were told by their doctor that they no longer need medications!
by admin | Mar 29, 2024 | Main
Introduction
Living with diabetes can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Proper nutrition, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors play significant roles in managing diabetes and preventing further health complications. In this blog post, we’ll discuss general recommendations to make it easier to live with diabetes.
Nutrition
One of the most important aspects of living with diabetes is proper nutrition. A well-balanced meal plan can help control blood sugar levels, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent other health complications. When planning your meals, aim for a balanced diet that includes lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. You should also avoid consuming processed and sugary foods as these can spike blood sugar levels – not ideal if you have diabetes. It is also important to work with your healthcare provider and nutrition coach to develop a meal plan that works best for you.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about what nutrition changes to make to manage your diabetes, that’s where The Better Weigh comes in! Schedule your free consultation to learn how we support our clients in reducing their A1C and blood glucose levels!
Joyful Movement
Staying active is another critical factor in maintaining good health when living with diabetes. Physical activity can help lower blood sugar levels, improve cardiovascular health, and promote weight loss. Walking is an easy and effective way to stay active, but other activities like swimming, cycling, or dancing also offer a great way to keep moving. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you enjoy and can sustain long-term – that’s why we call it “joyful movement”! It is crucial to speak with your healthcare provider about what type of exercise is safe and effective for you.
Stress Management
Managing stress is essential in controlling diabetes as stress can affect blood sugar levels and lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices. When feeling stressed, try deep breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, or mindfulness practices to calm down and regain control. If you need further support, consider working with a mental health professional. Other ways to reduce stress are to manage your time effectively and schedule time for relaxation and enjoyable activities. Outsourcing tasks, hiring a babysitter, having something to look forward to, and getting out into nature can work wonders too.
Sleep
Insufficient sleep can make it harder for your body to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Ideally, adults should sleep 7-9 hours every night. Sleep deprivation can increase cravings for refined carbs and sugary foods, which can spike blood sugar. Create a schedule that ensures you get enough sleep. Taking your phone out of the bedroom and other sleep hygiene practices can make it easier to fall asleep.
Regular Check-Ups
Regular check-ups with your healthcare team are critical to managing diabetes. Your healthcare provider will monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as required. Appointments should also include check-ups on blood sugar and cholesterol levels, A1C, blood pressure, and eye, dental, and kidney examinations.
Conclusion
Living with diabetes can be challenging, but it is manageable with lifestyle changes. Proper nutrition, regular physical activity, managing stress levels and sleep, and regular check-ups with your healthcare team can help you control your diabetes and live a healthy life. Remember that making small changes to your lifestyle can make a significant difference, and you should always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes. If you need nutritional support on your journey, schedule your free consultation with The Better Weigh to learn how we can help.
Have prediabetes? Click here to learn more about how to reverse it.
by admin | Mar 29, 2024 | Main
Introduction
Prediabetes is often overlooked as a serious condition, but it is a warning sign that you are on the brink of developing type 2 diabetes. Studies show that those who have prediabetes are 50% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in the next ten years. Thankfully, there are many lifestyle changes you can make to prevent or reduce the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. In this post, we will discuss the symptoms of prediabetes, and lifestyle changes you can make to reverse it.
Symptoms of Prediabetes
- Unusual Thirst – One of the primary symptoms of prediabetes is having an insatiable thirst that isn’t quenched despite drinking enough water. This is your body’s way of trying to dilute high blood sugar.
- Frequent Urination – Frequent urination is another sign of prediabetes, which results from a surplus of glucose in the bloodstream that your body flushes out through urine.
- Fatigue – Fatigue is not only a symptom of prediabetes, but it’s also a side effect of uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Prediabetics often experience fatigue even after getting enough rest at night. This is because your cells are resistant to insulin, the “key” that helps glucose get into the cell to be converted to energy.
- Slow Healing – Diabetics have slow-healing wounds because high glucose levels affect blood circulation and damage blood vessels. This is also the case in prediabetes, where blood circulation may not be optimal, leading to slow healing.
- Blurred Vision – High blood sugar can cause damage to the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to blurred vision.
Lifestyle Treatment to Reverse Prediabetes
- Weight Loss – Losing even a small amount of weight can make a significant difference in reversing prediabetes. A healthy target weight loss is between 5% to 10% of your starting body weight.
- Joyful Movement – Regular physical activity can help lower your blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week. Make sure it’s something you enjoy so it’s sustainable.
- Low Glycemic Carbs – Consuming more fiber-rich food, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while reducing high-carbohydrate and high-fat food can help control blood sugar levels. Also, reduce the intake of sugary drinks. Our nutrition coaching programs offer valuable education and support!
- Healthy Fats – In addition to swapping refined carbs and sugary foods out for fruits, vegetables and whole grains, healthy fats are important. Fats, particularly omega-3 fats, can help reduce inflammation associated with diabetes. Omega-3 foods include: fatty fish, flaxseeds, soy, seaweed, and chia seeds. Your doctor may recommend a high quality omega-3 supplement if you don’t regularly eat these foods.
- Phytonutrients – Phytonutrients are the antioxidants and beneficial compounds naturally present in plants; particularly fruits and vegetables. Eating a variety of colorful produce will provide you with a range of different beneficial phytonutrients, which have been shown to reduce inflammation, aid in detoxification, and reduce cancer risk.
- Quality Sleep – Getting between 7-9 hours of quality sleep helps your body recover, think more clearly, supports heart health, and keeps blood sugar under control. You may notice that with less sleep, you tend to crave sugary, carby foods. This is because sugar produces quick energy for the body when it’s lacking in sleep. Additionally, if you suspect that you have sleep apnea or another sleep disorder, ask your doctor about taking a sleep study. Treating these conditions is incredibly important in overall health.
- Managing Stress – Stress raises cortisol, which raises blood sugar in response. Elevated cortisol over a prolonged period is associated with insulin resistance and diabetes. Finding effective ways to manage your stress, such as nature walks, joyful movement, meditation and therapy, can help control blood sugar spikes.
- Regular Checkups – Regular checkups with your physician can help you monitor your blood sugar levels and make adjustments to your lifestyle as needed.
- Take Medication – In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication, such as Metformin, to help control blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
Prediabetes doesn’t have to lead to developing Type 2 diabetes. In fact, we’ve seen it first hand! We help our clients with prediabetes lose weight by changing their nutrition to support healthy blood sugar levels, while reducing insulin resistance and improving overall energy and wellbeing. By learning how to properly fuel and support their bodies, our clients have experienced drastically improved A1C and blood glucose levels! If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes and are unsure what changes to make to your nutrition, reach out to schedule a free consultation today!
by admin | Mar 29, 2024 | Main
Introduction
By now, you’ve probably heard about gut health and how many health conditions can arise from poor gut health. In this blog, we will explain what “gut health” actually means, signs and symptoms of poor gut health, and why it’s important..
What is Gut Health?
Did you know there are more microorganisms in your body than your human cells? Gut health, or the “gut microbiome”, is a combination of microorganisms living in your intestines. These consist of about 300-500 different species of bacteria, viruses and fungi. Some are harmful to our bodies, but most are beneficial and necessary for health.
Unfortunately, in the world we live in, there are many ways this delicate system can be disrupted. These include:
- Chronic stress
- Lack of sleep
- High intake of sugar and ultra-processed foods (a.k.a. the Standard American Diet)
- Oral antibiotic use
- Chronic inflammation
So, it’s easy to see why many of us would struggle with gut health.
Signs of Poor Gut Health
While some signs of poor gut health are obvious, there are some other vague symptoms you may not realize are tied to the gut. Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Stomach upset, such as gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea or heartburn – gut health issues can lead to inability to process food effectively, leading to GI distress.
- Unexplained weight changes – An unhealthy gut can alter the body’s ability to process and absorb nutrients and maintain blood sugar. This can lead to insulin resistance and body fat storage. Additionally, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can cause weight loss due to malabsorption of the food you eat.
- Fatigue – Feeling tired all the time? This may be a sign of an imbalance in bacteria in the gut. Research suggests that poor gut health may lead to sleep disturbances.
- Skin or Hair Issues – Have you noticed changes in your skin, such as acne or psoriasis? Or maybe you’ve noticed hair loss? While there are many potential causes for skin and hair issues, poor gut health is one of them. Poor gut health can lead to nutrient malabsorption and immune deficiencies, both of which can contribute to changes in skin and hair health.
- Autoimmune Conditions – Many autoimmune conditions are linked to poor gut health.
- Unexplained Food Intolerances – Have you suddenly developed a reaction to a food you used to be able to eat? Poor gut health may be linked to many food intolerances.
- Changes in Mood and Thinking – Feeling down, more anxious than usual, or struggling to concentrate? This may be due to something called the gut-brain connection, or the communication between our gut and brain. Alterations in our microbiome are associated with neurological disorders.
Why Gut Health is Important
It’s easy to see why caring about gut health is important when our microbiome outnumbers the actual cells in our body! Additionally, you may struggle from one or many of the symptoms above. By improving your gut health, you can also improve your symptoms and begin to feel “normal” again.
If that’s not reason enough, poor gut health has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease.
This is thought to be a result of chronic inflammation caused by a leaky gut (intestinal permeability), resulting in toxic byproducts leaking into our bloodstream and causing an immune response.
What’s Next?
If you want to learn more about intestinal permeability, click here.
For more about how we diagnose whether you have poor gut health, click here.
If you would like to schedule a free 15 minute discovery call, click here.
References
- Quigley EMM. Gut bacteria in health and disease. Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2013;9(9):560.
- Balakrishnan B, Taneja V. Microbial modulation of the gut microbiome for treating autoimmune diseases. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2018;12(10):985-996. doi:10.1080/17474124.2018.1517044
- Mayer EA, Nance K, Chen S. The gut–brain axis. Annu Rev Med. 2022;73(1):439-453. doi:10.1146/annurev-med-042320-014032
by admin | Mar 29, 2024 | Main
Introduction
Intestinal permeability, or “leaky gut,” has gained increasing attention in recent years as researchers find out more about the complex interactions between our gut and overall health. This condition involves the loosening of the tight junctions between the cells lining the intestinal wall, allowing unwanted substances to pass through and enter the bloodstream. This blog will explore the causes, symptoms, and diseases related to intestinal permeability or leaky gut.
Causes of Intestinal Permeability
- Diet: As mentioned in our previous blog, a major contributor to intestinal permeability is the Standard American Diet, which often includes high levels of refined sugars, processed foods, and excess alcohol intake.
- Dysbiosis: Imbalances in the gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, can damage the intestinal barrier and cause leaky gut.
- Stress: Chronic stress has been linked to increased intestinal permeability.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can damage the gut.
Symptoms of Intestinal Permeability
While digestive symptoms may be obvious indicators of intestinal permeability, there are other, less obvious symptoms:
- Digestive Issues: Intestinal permeability often shows up as digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and food sensitivities.
- Autoimmune Conditions: There is growing evidence that links leaky gut to autoimmune diseases like celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Allergies and Skin Conditions: Leaky gut can lead to increased immune responses, potentially causing allergies and skin conditions.
- Mood Disorders: A growing body of research suggests that intestinal permeability may influence depression and anxiety.
Diseases Related to Intestinal Permeability
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Patients with IBD, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, often exhibit increased intestinal permeability.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): While not completely understood, there’s a growing body of evidence connecting IBS to intestinal permeability.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Some studies have suggested that children with ASD may have increased intestinal permeability.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia: Research indicates a potential association with leaky gut.
Conclusion
Intestinal permeability is a complex issue with numerous causes, symptoms, and related diseases. Leaky gut may have far-reaching implications for overall health and well-being. While further research is needed to fully comprehend the complexities of intestinal permeability, the available evidence points to the importance of a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, and managing stress to support gut health and reduce the risk of related health problems. Want to learn more about symptoms of poor gut health? Click here.
References
- Snelson M, Tan SM, Clarke RE, et al. Processed foods drive intestinal barrier permeability and microvascular diseases. Sci Adv. 2021;7(14). doi:10.1126/sciadv.abe4841
- Quesada-Vázquez S, Bone C, Saha S, et al. Microbiota dysbiosis and gut barrier dysfunction associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are modulated by a specific metabolic cofactors’ combination. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(22):13675. doi:10.3390/ijms232213675
- Madison A, Kiecolt-Glaser JK. Stress, depression, diet, and the gut microbiota: human–bacteria interactions at the core of psychoneuroimmunology and nutrition. Curr Opin Behav Sci. 2019;28:105-110. doi:10.1016/j.cobeha.2019.01.011
- Bjarnason I, Takeuchi K. Intestinal permeability in the pathogenesis of NSAID-induced enteropathy. J Gastroenterol. 2009;44(S19):23-29. doi:10.1007/s00535-008-2266-6
- Bischoff SC, Barbara G, Buurman W, et al. Intestinal permeability – a new target for disease prevention and therapy. BMC Gastroenterol. 2014;14(1). doi:10.1186/s12876-014-0189-7
- Michielan A, D’Incà R. Intestinal permeability in inflammatory bowel disease: Pathogenesis, clinical evaluation, and therapy of leaky gut. Mediators Inflamm. 2015;2015:1-10. doi:10.1155/2015/628157
- Hanning N, Edwinson AL, Ceuleers H, et al. Intestinal barrier dysfunction in irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2021;14:175628482199358. doi:10.1177/1756284821993586
- D’Eufemia P, Celli M, Finocchiaro R, et al. Abnormal intestinal permeability in children with autism. Acta Paediatr. 1996;85(9):1076-1079. doi:10.1111/j.1651-2227.1996.tb14220.x
- Martín F, Blanco-Suárez M, Zambrano P, et al. Increased gut permeability and bacterial translocation are associated with fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: implications for disease-related biomarker discovery. Front Immunol. 2023;14. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2023.1253121
by admin | Mar 29, 2024 | Main
Introduction
If you’ve read our previous blogs on gut health and intestinal permeability, you may be wondering how to know if poor gut health is to blame for your symptoms. This is where the Gut Zoomer Test by Vibrant Wellness comes in to help us get to the root of the problem. In this blog, we’ll explain who would benefit from the Gut Zoomer test, how the process works, and what the results can tell us about your gut health.
Could you Benefit from the Gut Zoomer Test?
If you have any of these symptoms, you may be experiencing poor gut health:
- Autoimmune Conditions (Celiac, etc.)
- Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis)
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Mood or neurological disorders, like anxiety and depression
- Skin issues
- SIBO
- Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea and GERD
- Fatigue
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Food sensitivities
- Inflammation
- Unexplained changes in weight
If you’ve been struggling with any (or many) of these, we recommend testing.
The Test Process
First, we will order the Gut Zoomer test for you. Once it arrives, you will scan a QR code to activate the kit. You will then need to collect a stool sample at home, using the equipment provided in the kit. Once you have collected the sample, you’ll need to ship it immediately. Results will be available in 2-3 weeks.
What does the Gut Zoomer Measure?
The Gut Zoomer test is a highly accurate, science-backed test. It tests for over 300 microorganisms and markers, including:
- Bacteria
- Yeast
- Viruses
- Fungi, and
- Parasites
- Antibiotic resistant genes
- Inflammatory markers
- Ability to digest and absorb nutrients
From there, you will receive an analysis of these microorganisms and markers compared to ideal levels.
Going Over Your Results
We will go over your results with you. These results include personalized recommendations for supplements that may be beneficial, as well as nutrition and lifestyle changes to make.
Test, Don’t Guess
Our motto is test, don’t guess. In the long run, it’s less expensive and more efficient to test for the root cause, rather than spending lots of money guessing which supplements to take without much of a result. Many of our clients have spent years dealing with symptoms without much relief. This test allows us to look under the hood and pinpoint what’s going on so you can start healing.
Want to learn more? We’re here to help you start feeling better. Reach out today to schedule a free session!
