Holistic Health pc December 2000 Newsletter
Excerpts from the presentation by Ted Keller, R.Ph,. at the PCCA International Seminar of pharmacists, Houston. TX 10/2000.
Insulin and glucagon are the master hormones of the utilization, storage, and metabolism of every nutrient in the body.
Insulin and glucagon are released by the islet cells of the pancreas in response to high or low levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood stream. In the case of excess glucose insulin removes the glucose and stores it as glycogen for fast energy release. If the glycogen is not utilized it is converted to saturated fat for more permanent storage. This is a very efficient way to store food as 1 kg of fat can replace 66 kg of glycogen.
Insulin resistance is the abnormal response of tissues, to the instructions of insulin and glucagon. Some cells stop listening while others increase their response. Both of these abnormal responses create severe metabolic disturbances in every tissue and organ system in the body.
Insulin resistance has been known since the 1930's but a drug company that produced insulin may have suppressed the research since insulin has the appearance to fix the more salient dysfunctions of insulin resistance.
The metabolic dysfunctions insulin resistance creates or exacerbates, result in medical costs in this country of over one trillion dollars per year and is continuing to rise.
High levels of blood glucose denature essential enzymatic proteins involved in every aspect of homeostasis (the tendency of the body to maintain balance). These denatured proteins are most likely involved in many autoimmune disease states.
Hyperinsulinemia (too much insulin in the blood) may cause or speed the growth of cancerous tumors.
Insulin resistance is implicated in atherosclerosis, weight gain, elevated cortisol levels in the blood which in turn decrease brain function, stroke, heart attack, diabetes and a host of other disorders..
The good news is that it is possible to reverse insulin resistance and its attendant dysfunctions. 30 minutes daily of vigorous exercise is essential to lowering insulin levels as it lowers blood glucose and reduces insulin resistance. A good multivitamin and mineral formula is a good base to begin supplementation. Eat all natural, non-processed foods and leave off sugar. See Herbal Wisdom on page 2 for a great substitute.
The Bach Flower Remedy "Impatiens" is used for the basic treatment of excessively "driven" behavior, restlessness, nervous temperament, sleeplessness, overactive metabolism, itchiness, and fidgetiness.
Harmoniously developed, Impatiens people can think and act more quickly than most. As soon as they conceive an idea, they put it into action and finish when others are just getting started.
Under less than favorable conditions, Impatiens types loose all sense of proportion. The essential problem for these people lies in their need for speed. This haste can cause them to make mistakes that must be corrected and cause unnecessary delays which grate on their nerves.
With certain kinds of pressure (important appointments, deadlines), anyone can experience an Impatiens state.
It is also a well known fact that caffeine and sugar cause jitteriness which can mimic or further aggravate the Impatience state.
We can improve the Impatiens state externally by avoiding life situations that involve speed or deadlines, and, internally, by allowing time to incorporate feelings, perceptions and ideas into the actions.
This is especially true of Impatiens children, who, because of their natural tendency toward jitteriness and hasty behavior, should not be put under pressure but should be given the chance to find their own rhythm.
Stevia is a small shrub native to parts of Paraguay and Brazil. Its leaves have been used by native Indians as a sweetener since pre-Columbian times. The first Westerner to discover it was South American natural scientist Antonio Bertoni in 1887.
The Stevia herb in its natural form is 10 to 15 times sweeter than sugar. Concentrated Stevia extract is 100 to 300 times sweeter than sugar.
Refined sugar is virtually devoid of nutritional benefits and, at best, represents empty calories in the diet. At worst, it has been implicated in numerous degenerative diseases.
Stevia offers a safe, all-natural, alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners. An added benefit is that Stevia extracts are considered to be non-caloric.
Stevia can be a part of a healthy diet for people with blood sugar problems since it does not raise blood sugar levels. According to some research, it may actually lower blood sugar levels, however, this research has yet to be confirmed. Stevia also seems to inhibit the development of dental plaque, and may actually help prevent cavities.
Industrial research in Japan has shown that Stevia extracts are extremely heat stable in a variety of everyday cooking and baking situations.
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