There have been on & off dialogues on this list about diabetes. While
visiting on of my favorite nutritionists' sites, I found the following
article. See Rebecca's website for more info & recipes: www.rebeccawood.com.
For those of you who are not familiar with her work, Rebecca was a
macrobiotic who studied with the Kushi's, then was diagnosed with cervical
cancer which she beat, thru a variety of healing modalities, most
specifically diet. That was over a dozen years ago and she is still cancer
free. She is also a wonderful teacher if you have occasion to go to one of
her classes in your area.
JS
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Sept-Oct 2002
Q: Are there any natural foods that reduce the impact of diabetes? I have
been warned that I might become insulin-dependent. -- Simon, Southampton,
UK.
A: Attention to diet and lifestyle has a profound effect upon non-insulin
dependent diabetes. Diabetes, or high blood sugar, is a condition in which
the body chronically has difficulty moving sugar from the bloodstream to the
cells. Hypoglycemia, oftentimes a precursor of diabetes, occurs when there's
not enough sugar in the blood. Diet can help stabilize blood sugar and avoid
the unhealthy lows and highs of these two conditions.
Consider what contributes to emotional, mental and physical balance in your
life and make necessary adjustments to support that balance. This includes
eating regular and moderate-sized meals and not skipping meals. Enjoy
adequate sleep and regular, moderate exercise.
Whole, unrefined grains and beans and an abundance of whole vegetables
support stable blood sugar. The key is whole. Here's why; the fiber in a
whole carrot, bean or grain helps stabilize blood sugar because it takes
longer to digest, enabling its nutrients to slowly (rather than quickly)
enter the bloodstream. If the carrot is juiced, its sugars speedily enter
the bloodstream and create a rapid upswing of sugar, which stresses
pancreatic function. It's the same with beans and grains. This is why a
glass of soy milk is less filling than a bean burrito, or, why a bowl of
Cheerios is less substantial than a bowl of oatmeal. For more details see
articles on juicing, stress, and sugar cravings.
Foods to avoid include alcohol, caffeine and all refined sugars. And, favor
whole fruits rather than juice.
The following foods specifically help regulate blood sugar and therefore are
good for people with hypoglycemia and diabetes:
BITTER MELON is available in Asian and Farmer's markets and in a supplement
form. Technically a summer squash rather than a melon, its lumpy, ridged
skin and flesh are the color of pale jade and it's similar in size and shape
to a cucumber. Bitter melon is a traditional diabetic remedy throughout the
Far East. In clinical tests, bitter melon inhibits glucose absorption,
increases insulin flow and has insulin-like effects.
FENUGREEK is a popular spice throughout the Middle East and India. This
legume is smaller than a grain of wheat, mustard yellow in color and oddly
shaped. It helps regulate sugar levels of non-insulin-dependent diabetics.
Enjoy fenugreek as a tea, a spice (it's a common ingredient in curry) or
sprout it and substitute for alfalfa sprouts in salads and sandwiches.
STEVIA is a South American herb that is 30 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia
helps regulate blood sugar and blood pressure. It also suppresses dental
bacteria and reduces mental and physical fatigue. I find stevia easiest to
use as a beverage sweetener. It's available in natural food stores in
numerous forms: as a cut herb, in leaf form, as a liquid extract and blended
with other sweeteners.
SUNFLOWER FAMILY ROOTS include the roots of burdock, chicory, dandelion,
Jerusalem artichoke, salsify and scorzonera. They contain inulin, a natural
fructose that helps diabetics lower their blood sugar. Burdock and Jerusalem
artichokes are available in the produce section of most natural food stores.
Burdock, chicory and dandelion are available as dried herbs. Salsify and
scorzonera are occasionally available with imported produce or may be grown
in your garden. And, in temperate regions you may forage chicory, dandelion,
Jerusalem artichokes and salsify root.
ONION FAMILY members include onions, garlic, scallions and leeks. All onion
family members help regulate blood sugar.
This month's recipe is for Dandelions, Currants and Pine Nuts.
