Do You Have Type 2 Diabetes?
by Howard Jacobson

If so, you’ve probably been told three “facts”:
1. You have an incurable disease.
2. You need to be treated with medications to keep your blood sugar under control.
3. You need to avoid sugar and starch and eat more protein and fat.

This medical approach to diabetes doesn’t seem to be working very well for our public health. Are we treating diabetics and improving health outcomes? Or is the progression of diabetes an all but inevitable decline into worse symptoms, more medication, and greater impairment?

Many well-designed and peer-reviewed research studies indicate:
-Most diabetics who are treated by Western Medicine get worse, not better, over time.
-Some of the treatments themselves may contribute as much to declining health as the disease itself.
-Reversal of this deadly condition is often possible.

Myth #1: Type 2 diabetes is an incurable disease
This myth is half true. If you live in the Western world and consume a high fat, high protein diet, you may view type 2 diabetes as a “disease.” Read more…

Five Foods to Curb Your Hunger
From WebMD by Katherine Brooking, MS, RD

If you feel like you’re suffering from a permanent case of “the munchies,” you’re not alone. Many people that I’ve counseled have told me that feeling hungry was the number one reason they gave up trying to lose weight. The good news is you don’t have to be a hostage to your hunger. Research identified compounds in specific foods that can help you feel fuller longer and turn down hunger hormones. Here are five natural “hunger stoppers” that can help you win the battle of the bulge without feeling famished.

Tip #14: Raspberries – while many berries offer health benefits, raspberries are a hunger-stopping standout. A one-cup serving of frozen red raspberries has only 80 calories and a whopping 9 grams of fiber. In fact, they’re one of the richest sources of fiber you can find. Because a high fiber diet makes people feel fuller for longer, it helps to reduce food cravings. Raspberries also provide a hearty dose of vitamin C, manganese, and potassium.

Tip #15: Seaweed – is more than a trendy garnish; it’s a real cravings crusher. Seaweed has been enjoyed in Asia for centuries but its now gaining recognition for its appetite control and weight-loss benefits. Seaweed contains plenty of protein and soluble fiber, which help slow digestion and control blood sugar and cravings. What’s more, Japanese chemists have found that the brownish pigment in Wakame (a seaweed often used in salads and soups) called fucoxanthin, promotes weight loss. A study conducted at Hokkaido University in Japan saw obese rats lose five to 10% of their body weight when fucoxanthin was added to their regular food. Fucoxanthin works by stimulating the production of a protein that increases the burning of fat.

Tip #16: Pistachios (…and other nuts) – Nuts may be another surprise on this list. But studies show that contrary to popular myth, pistachios and other nuts may help squash hunger and control weight. Why? Nuts may help keep you fuller longer, and preliminary research suggests their calories aren’t fully absorbed by the body. What’s more, in-shell pistachios provide a unique advantage for waistline-watchers. A preliminary study from Eastern Illinois University suggests that people who snacked on in-shell pistachios consumed 41% fewer calories than those who ate shelled pistachios. The authors say the empty shells might be a helpful visual cue about how much has been eaten, thereby potentially encouraging you to eat less.

Tip #17: Legumes (beans, peas, lentils, soybeans and chickpeas) – Legumes are a triple threat to tame hunger because they’re packed with fiber, resistant starch and slow-to-digest protein. In fact, a recent study in the Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics, found that overweight people who ate a bean-rich diet lost nearly 10 pounds in 16 weeks while also proving their blood cholesterol levels. Another analysis published in the journal Obesity found that people who ate about 1 cup (5.5 ounces) of legumes felt 21% fuller than those who didn’t eat these fiber-filled foods.

Tip #18: Eggs – Eggs are another powerful tool in your hunger-fighting arsenal. One study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that when people ate eggs for breakfast (versus equal-calorie breakfasts of either cereal or croissants), they consumed up to 438 fewer calories over the entire day. Other research indicates that an egg breakfast may help control hunger for a full 24 hours.

This Is What Sugar Does To Your Brain
The Huffington Post by Carolyn Gregoire

We know that too much sugar is bad for our waistlines and our heart health, but now there’s mounting evidence that high levels of sugar consumption can also have a negative effect on brain health – from cognitive function to psychological wellbeing. While sugar is nothing to be too concerned about in small quantities, most of us are simply eating too much of it. The sweet stuff – which also goes by names like glucose, fructose, honey and corn syrup – is found in 74% of packaged foods in our supermarkets. And while the World Health Organization recommends that only 5% of daily caloric intake comes from sugar, the typical American Diet is comprised of 13% calories from sugar. Read more…

Tip #11: Fish Really is Brain Food
A protein source linked to a great brain boost is fish — rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are key for brain health. These healthy fats have amazing brain power: A diet with higher levels of them has been linked to lower dementia and stroke risks and slower mental decline; plus, they may play a vital role in enhancing memory, especially as we get older. For brain and heart health, eat two servings of fish weekly.

Tip #12: Add Avocados and Whole Grains
Every organ in the body depends on blood flow, especially the heart and brain. A diet high in whole grains and fruits like avocados can cut the risk of heart disease and lower bad cholesterol. This reduces your risk of plaque buildup and enhances blood flow, offering a simple, tasty way to fire up brain cells. Whole grains, like popcorn and whole wheat, also contribute dietary fiber and vitamin E. Though avocados have fat, it’s the good-for-you, monounsaturated fat that helps with healthy blood flow.

Tip #13: Get Ready for a Big Day
Want to power up your ability to concentrate? Start with a meal of 100% fruit juice, a whole-grain bagel with salmon, and a cup of coffee. In addition to eating a well-balanced meal, experts also offer this advice:
-Get a good night’s sleep
-Stay hydrated
-Exercise to help sharpen thinking
-Meditate to clear thinking and relax

Tip #8: Eat Breakfast to Fuel Your Brain
Tempted to skip breakfast? Studies have found that eating breakfast may improve short-term memory and attention. Those who eat breakfast tend to perform better than those who don’t. Foods at the top of researchers’ brain-fuel list include: high-fiber whole grains, dairy and fruits. Just don’t overeat; researchers also found high-calorie breakfasts appear to hinder concentration.

Tip #9: Add a Daily Dose of Nuts and Chocolate
Nuts and seeds are good source of the antioxidant vitamin E, which is linked to less cognitive decline as you age. Dark chocolate also has other powerful antioxidant properties, and it contains natural stimulants like caffeine, which can enhance focus. Enjoy up to an ounce a day of nuts and dark chocolate to get all the benefits you need without excess calories, fat, or sugar.

Tip #: 10 Blueberries Are Super Nutritious  Researched in animals shows that blueberries may help protect the brain from the damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Studies also show that diets rich in blueberries improved both the learning and muscle function of aging rats, making them mentally equal to much younger rats.