Type 2 diabetes management and prevention without medication!
Type 2 diabetes is affecting over
35% of adults in the United States. Diabetes has been categorized as an
inflammatory disease, sharing many of the characteristics of cardiovascular
disease (1).
Obesity and type 2 diabetes are
strongly associated with increase inflammation in the body and as the
inflammation in the adipose tissue increases this becomes a systematic
inflammation that results in metabolic syndrome, and followed by development of
type 2 diabetes. Research suggested that a reversal of both conditions could be
achieved by reducing the levels of inflammation though the use of
anti-inflammatory diets. Medical
nutrition therapy has been recommended for treatment of diabetes and
inflammation (2).
Components of the Mediterranean diet
offer many advantages, as they are anti-inflammatory foods. As suggested in
this article the Mediterranean diet such as fruits, vegetables, olive oil, oily
fish, tree nuts they all serve as a model for functional foods for their
natural contents of nutraceuticals, such as flavonoids, polyphenols,
terpenoids, alkaloids, sterols, and unsaturated fatty acids (2).
Research suggested that assessing
inflammation with functional foods for patients with T2 diabetes could prevent
and delay high-risk individuals. The regular intake of foods that are
considered functional can directly impact blood pressure regulation, glycemic
control, gut microbial, and activation of antioxidants and suppress over
production of pro-inflammation cytokines during diabetes (2).
Recommendations:
High
vegetables and fruit intake such as onions, beets, tomatoes, cruciferous- such
as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, yellow squash red peppers, spinach and
foods that contain folate or folic acid found in dark lefty greens and beans,
beta-carotene found in yellow, orange and red produce. Vitamin C found in
citrus and berries, magnesium found leafy greens and nuts, and polyphenols
found in fruits and vegetables. Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA from fish and
ALA found in walnuts, chia and flax seeds.
Spices:
Cinnamon,
turmeric, garlic and ginger root; Start with a diet rich on vegetables and
fruits Whole foods, incorporating fish 2-3 times a week. Eliminate all refined
grain and introduce all whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa in to the
diet. Cut on foods with added alternative sugars and add a prebiotic daily from
fermented dairy foods including yogurt, kefir, aged cheeses which contain live
cultures or non-dairy foods which contain beneficial cultures such as kimchi,
sauerkraut, miso, tempeh and soy beverages.
1. Nowlin SY, Hammer MJ, D’Eramo Melkus G. Diet, Inflammation,
and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes: An Integrative Review of the
Literature. Journal of Nutrition and
Metabolism.
2012;2012:542698. doi:10.1155/2012/542698.
2. Alkhatib
A, Tsang C, Tiss A, et al. Functional Foods and Lifestyle Approaches for
Diabetes Prevention and Management. Nutrients. 2017;9(12):1310. doi:10.3390/nu9121310.
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