How Can I Prevent or Reverse Type II Diabetes?

There’s been a lot of talk lately about diabetes remission. Edward Gregg from the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) summarizes the common thinking of today very well… 

Kind of a long-term assumption really is that once you have diabetes there's no turning back on it, and there's no remission or cure -- Edward Gregg 

However, in a recent study that Edward Gregg and his team at the CDC published in the Journal of The American Medical Association (JAMA), 11.5% of those with Type II Diabetes who participated in a one year program of intensive diet and exercise were found to have blood sugar levels that approached those levels of their “pre-diabetic” state. 

Additionally, those who were more newly diagnosed had a greater chance of falling into the 11.5% group of people who went into remission. The hallmark of the research findings was that weekly accountability and support played just as important a role as diet and exercise. 

This gives hope to those with Type II Diabetes that aggressive lifestyle change & proper accountability can have significant impact on overall health outcomes with Type II Diabetes. It’s no longer a mandatory sentence that has to be accepted. It can be fought, and the battle can be won. 

At Matrix Wellness Solutions, we have had a number of clients who have reduced or stopped their diabetes medications under the close medical supervision that we offer through our weight loss programs. Below is a graph of one such patient.

Upon admission to the clinic, this person had a fasting blood sugar of 260; he was also 320 pounds and taking 60 units of insulin along with two different oral diabetes medications. Over a 6 month period, his blood sugar continued to decline and he lost 70.4 pounds. The end result was that he came off of insulin & one of his oral diabetes medications completely. The other oral medication has been cut in half and we are hopeful that he will be off of this one in the next 3 months. 

During this six-month period, this particular patient was seen on a weekly basis. He was also given dietary education, support & accountability for a customized diet plan with moderate exercise. His lab work and blood sugars were monitored frequently throughout this period and adjustments were made to his medications as needed. 

At Matrix Wellness Solutions we have real people with real results.

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

How Is Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Different Than Conventional Hormone Therapy? 

The meaning of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is two-fold. 

On one hand, it’s meaning is derived from the natural substances from where it derives. For example, BHRT compounds are usually created from plant sources such as soybeans and wild yams; occasionally, these soybean and wild yam extracts will be synthesized, but only to make them more closely mirror the chemical structure as your own hormones. These substances more closely replicate human hormones in the body than Conventional Hormone Therapy (CHT) do. In many cases, CHT such as synthetic estrogen is derived from synthesizing compounds from horse by-products (ie, estrogen is synthesized from pregnant mare’s urine & contains numerous extra estrogens that the human body cannot process). 

Secondly, BHRT refers to the flexibility of dosing for the clinician. Because of the clinician’s ability to specifically compound the hormone exactly to a client’s individual needs, BHRT more closely replicates the biological states in the body. 

SAFETY 

BHRT and CHT differ greatly in their safety profile. In recent years, there have been two large studies – Million Women Study In the UK and US Women’s Health Initiative Trial -- that have shown the link between CHT and breast cancer, endometrial cancer, & ovarian cancer. Other studies have shown lack of benefit for preventing Alzheimer’s and have shown increased risk of heart disease and stroke. 

Allow me to interject a provocative thought: If puberty brings with it very high hormonal surges, then why don’t we see the incidences of female cancer, heart disease, and stroke increase during this time? This leaves us with the conclusion that there’s something significantly wrong with CHT. In the studies mentioned above, Progestin (on the market as Provera) was the culprit for increases the cancer risks and not conferring vascular protection. 

If you were to look at the research completed for BHRT, you would not find the same risks. One study (Hargrove et. al.; An alternative method of hormone replacement therapy using the natural sex steroids. Infert Repro Med Clin N Am. 1995;) demonstrated that BHRT reproduced identical benefits of synthetics with better outcomes and fewer side effects; because of this, BHRT improved patient compliance. Progesterone (do not confuse with Progestin/Provera) was shown to always be cancer and cardiac protective. 

What can I do about this? 

Trust me when I say that this is only the tip of the iceberg. There’s a lot more to treating hormone imbalances than meets the eye, but when done right, can give a person protection against numerous age-related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, Osteoporosis, Heart Disease, Stroke, & Cancer. It will also likely help you feel more youthful and energetic, like you did in your 20’s. Each person’s treatment is customized to his or her own individual needs. The first step is to get a proper consultation and lab work. From there, a plan can be developed to get back in balance.

Living a Life of Expectation

In the first chapter of the Book of Habakkuk the writer cries out to God for Justice. He is perplexed as he looks around at society. He describes what he sees with words like “violence” and “destruction”. In fact he says “conflict and strife are all around me”. If there ever was a culture that it seems that strife and conflict are all around, it would have to be the times we are living in right now. I am sure that you would agree that we are living in difficult days, to say the least.

However, tucked away in the Old Testament is a short oracle written by a Prophet of God that basically describes a man’s heart cry as he looks around at the disparity he sees. But, as always, God has an answer for the cries of each of our hearts-young and old; sinner or saint. I have heard people say “If God were real, he would not allow such injustice to prevail”. I have others say if God were alive, he could not stand to see the suffering children die of hunger, AIDS, and other such tragedies.

The fact is God is very much alive and I believe his heart aches and breaks every time one of his little children sheds the smallest of tears. This is same God who knew us all even before we were created in our mother’s womb and this same God has given us a plan and a destiny for our lives (Jer 29:11). So to say that he does not care is to not understand his heart. God cares so much that he sent his son that we might have salvation and then he created you and I that we might reach out to the hurting and the less fortunate of our world. Contrary to our American Values system, God has not blessed us that we might build bigger and more robust barns, but he has blessed us that we might be vehicles and the feet by which his love and Gospel are spread to the world.

As the passage continues we find that God does answer the Prophet with an amazing choice of words. In paraphrasing, he says to him “Watch in expectation and amazement and see if I will not work on your behalf in ways that you would not believe even if I told you” WOW!! That is powerful. The reason it is so powerful is that for every wrong that we see or experience, God has something right and better for us. The problem is sometimes one of faith and perspective. I feel that when we pray, we should not pray with the motivation that we will get something when we pray, but at the same time, we should pray with the expectation that God is who he says he is and that because of that fact alone, he will answer our prayers and will provide everything we need and when we need it.

So with that said, I challenge you to live a life of Expectation and believe God for the unbelievable in your lives.

David

What Your Primary Care May Not Know About Your Thyroid May Hurt You

This past week, I accidentally recorded the Fox News Channel’s show, Sunday Housecall. Just as I was about to delete it from my DVR list, the show’s description caught my eye. One of the lead segments was on thyroid health. Out of curiosity, I decided to watch the recording. 

Dr. David Samadi made the following statement: “Your doctor may say that your thyroid hormones are normal, but they could be a low normal, not optimal enough. So, you may have to have a conversation (with your Primary Care Provider) and boost it toward the higher normal.” 

I see this all the time with our clients at Matrix Wellness Solutions. Sub-clinical hypothyroidism, as Dr. Samadi is referring to, is more common than one might think. It’s also one of the most overlooked disorders of aging. Now, don’t get me wrong. When I speak of “aging” in the last statement, I’m referring to anyone over 30 years of age. Few people realize that from age 30 to 50 years our thyroid hormone declines about 20-30% -- decline measured as decreased production, decreased conversion, decreased sensitivity, or a combination of these. It may still be in the normal range, but it’s definitely NOT optimal. 

Treating thyroid hormone to “optimal” levels is one of the most beneficial things we can do in medicine. It only takes a slightly different approach and mindset, but the benefits are numerous: weight loss, blood sugar regulation, osteoporosis prevention, mental clarity, short-term memory improvement, mood enhancement, and the list goes on. 

I’ve included the link to the Sunday Housecall segment, so you can check it out for yourself. 

Enjoy… 

Watch Video Here:
http://video.foxnews.com/v/2186625153001/

Is The Mediterranean Diet A Cure For Heart Disease?

Is The Mediterranean Diet A Cure For Heart Disease? 

Why a traditional “low-fat diet” may not be good for your heart 

In a recent study conducted over five years in Spain, researchers discovered that patients who ate a Mediterranean Diet high in healthy fruits, vegetables, fish, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and certain nuts were 28-30% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those who ate a standard low-fat diet. These results were published in the “bible” of medicine, The New England Journal of Medicine, just this past week. 

You may be saying to yourself right now, “This isn’t new information. We’ve already heard about this haven’t we?” The answer is “Yes” and “No”. It has been “suspected” for years that those who live in Mediterranean areas have less heart disease and stroke. Up until this point, this information has only been gathered by observation. There has never been a “randomized-controlled” study to prove it (sorry for the technical jargon). This study is the first of its kind to show, with actual hard proof, that this type of diet is beneficial. 

Ten Helpful Tips For Adopting A Mediterranean Diet 

• QUALITY of fat is essential – EVOO is the preferred fat with the Mediterranean Diet; keep in mind, EVOO is a fragile oil, therefore using it in the raw, uncooked form is best when possible 

• Fresh fruits should be the only desserts – when eating fresh fruit, a higher proportion of berries is the most beneficial because they have a very low glycemic index; the acceptable fruits include: 

• Fresh berries, apples, cherries, dates, peaches, grapefruit, and melons 

• Stay away from refined/processed foods – ie, breads, sweets, sodas, canned foods, and processed meats 

• If you do eat red meat, limit it to 1-2 times per week and only eat “free-range” or “non-grain-fed” 

• Eat as much “deep-sea” fish as you can fit into your diet – this provides an excellent source of healthy fats in the diet, which are good for your heart and blood vessels 

• Keep in mind, poultry and eggs are also acceptable proteins 

• One or two days per week, take a break from animal protein and just eat fruit and veggies; the acceptable vegetables are: 

• Artichokes, eggplant, celery, broccoli, onions, chick peas, peppers, sweet potatoes, lettuce, mushrooms, celery and tomatoes 

• One glass of medium to full bodied red wine per day was shown to have heart healthy benefits 

• When you feel the need for a snack, eat a small serving of nuts – cup your hand and whatever you can hold in the palm of your hand, is an acceptable portion once or twice a day; this should be about ¼ cup PER DAY. 

• When choosing the right nuts, always try consume them in the most natural state; processed nuts are too high in salt, have added vegetable oil, and have usually been baked, which breaks down their healthy fats into unhealthy, oxidized fats. I typically choose Macadamia nuts or Raw Almonds & occasionally Raw Cashews for my snack. I lean toward these because they are some of the lowest in Omega 6. 

As with any diet, there’s always a balance between what’s NOT eaten and what IS eaten. Eating healthier takes effort. The tips mentioned above may take you a little time to adopt. With the exception of substituting some of my protein with isolated whey, I’ve personally adopted most of the Mediterranean Diet style. In the grand scheme of things, this type of diet looks very similar to the Paleo (or Paleolithic) Diet style as well. I’m a huge proponent of both of these styles because they are so anti-inflammatory in their composition. As such, they are the most beneficial for the heart, brain, blood vessels, and overall health. 

To Your Optimal Health & Vitality, 

Brian

Fresh Manna Monday

David, of the Old Testament, has to be one of my favorite Biblical Leaders. That opinion stems from a lot of thoughts that I have about him, but most important was God’s opinion of him. God said of David “He is a man after my own heart” I am not sure about you, but if God were to say that about me, my first question might be “God, why did you say that about me?” 

I ask you, what does it mean to be a man or woman after God’s own heart? What character attributes are present? What kind of life or effort does it take to earn this worthy title? First of all, before I answer, I believe it is possible for you and I to be men and women after God’s own heart. You see, we know from scripture that it wasn’t a perfect life that earned that status. Sad to say, but David was both an adulterer and a murderer of one of his own men. In fact, God did not allow David to build the temple because of the “bloodshed” he had invoked during his time as King. So what was it about this man? I believe the answer is simple: David, although extremely far from perfect, was a true worshipper of God. I believe God fell in love with him and he with God as he lay on the mountainsides as a young boy tending the flock. Second, I believe he was “THE” man because of the fact that when he was wrong, he was quick to repent of those wrongs. When Nathan, the prophet, confronted David about his sin, David could have had Nathan beheaded and no one would have known the difference-except for David. Instead David fell to his knees weeping knowing that he had dishonored God and his family and the families of his men by his terrible actions. Third, but definitely not all inclusive, is the fact that David did not mind being who he was before the people God had called him to rule. I love the fact that David, when he became excited about God’s goodness, let the whole kingdom know that he was not ashamed to be a child of the Living God. Scripture portrays that David danced energetically and unashamed in the city streets of Jerusalem. What people, young and old alike, want from you and I the most is this: they want us to be real. I meet people every day who would greatly benefit from is someone who could be transparent about their lives and walk with Christ. 

In conclusion, Is it not awesome that there was and will always be only one who was perfect, Jesus Christ? One day we will see Perfection in all its Glory, when we see him face to face. At that time, he will say to us “well done good and faithful servant”. But until then, we must strive to be a man or woman after God’s own heart. 

David Hughes, NP 

Co-Owner Matrix Wellness Solutiuons

If Protein Is “King”, How Much Do I Need?

Most people don’t realize that, as we age, our demand for protein grows. Problematically, as we age, we generally consume less protein. As such, our body’s defenses become weaker which makes us more susceptible to diseases and illnesses. Additionally, without the right amount of protein, we also struggle to maintain healthy blood sugar and insulin control, we feel hungry more often, and we struggle to regulate our weight. 

Sadly, most Americans consume a larger proportion of carbohydrates vs. proteins in their daily diet. This imbalance only accelerates the problems mentioned above and sets us up for failure with regard to our health. Another longstanding trend is to reduce fat intake. While there’s nothing wrong with reducing saturated fats in our diet, going to an extreme low fat diet can be detrimental to your health both physically and emotionally. Low fat diets are notorious for causing depression in those who ascribe to this type of diet modification. 

We must strike a healthy balance between carbohydrates, protein, and fat. In my recent review of current medical research, there is a large amount of evidence that proves the health benefits of a high-protein, low-carbohydrate, moderate -fat diet. These benefits include weight loss, blood sugar regulation, insulin reduction, lower blood pressure, less blood vessel inflammation, and preservation of healthy metabolism. 

There is a quick way to calculate your protein need per day. The formula is as follows: 

Your Weight (in pounds) ÷ 2.2 = Your Weight (in kg.) 

Next… 

Protein Need FOR WOMEN: Your weight in kg. × 0.82 = Amount of Protein Grams/day 

Protein Need FOR MEN: Your weight in kg. × 0.89 = Amount of Protein Grams/day 

When increasing your dietary protein, it’s best to be medically supervised when doing this type of diet, so make sure you drink plenty of water and consult a wellness specialist before embarking on this type of diet.