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Type II Diabetes - What Can Cause It?

Fast Facts

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that converts the sugars and starches we eat into glucose, aka blood sugar, to use as energy. Diabetes is a long-term metabolic disease where the body produces no insulin or has cells that do not respond to insulin, resulting in excess blood glucose or hyperglycemia.

For those with Type 1 Diabetes, it is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The damage this creates leads to reduced ability or complete inability to create insulin.

Also known as Adult Onset Diabetes, Type 1.5 Diabetes occurs when the body ceases to produce insulin later in life as the result of health conditions such as Leaky Gut Syndrome.

In cases of Type 2 Diabetes, the cells are resistant to insulin. This occurs most often in response to lifestyle choices and other underlying mechanisms and can lead to serious issues in the body.

Gestational Diabetes occurs in women during pregnancy, and can typically be controlled with diet and exercise. If left unmanaged, complications from childbirth may arise. Normal blood glucose levels typically return following childbirth, however mothers who have experienced Gestational Diabetes are at greater risk for Type 2 Diabetes.

Symptoms

Those with hyperglycemia typically but to not necessarily experience:

• Frequent urge to urinate
• Increased hunger and thirst
• Blurred vision
• Abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Hyperventilation
• Neuropathy, resulting in numbness and tingling in hands and feet

Many diabetics were previously diagnosed as Prediabetic. Prediabetes occurs when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a Diabetes diagnosis. This can also result from insulin resistance.

What causes Diabetes?

Genetics can play a role in how your body makes insulin, however Type 2 Diabetes often results from a combination of lifestyle choices and underlying mechanisms, including:

• Being overweight or obese, especially with extra weight around the middle (apple shape)
• High blood glucose
• High cholesterol
• High triglycerides
• High blood pressure
• Inactivity
• High cortisol (adrenal gland dysfunction)
• Gut infections
• Food sensitivities

Insulin resistance can be the cause OR effect of the conditions listed above. It can be hard to know which came first.

Stress can contribute to high blood glucose levels as well.

The adrenal gland responds to stress by releasing cortisol, a hormone that increases blood sugar as part of the body’s fight-or-flight response. Cortisol triggers blood sugar production for increased energy, readying your body for action. If left unmanaged, prolonged stress can not only increase blood glucose, but limit your ability or willingness to manage symptoms.

Several studies have also linked gut infections such as Leaky Gut to Type 1 Diabetes.

Diagnosis

A variety of blood glucose tests must be performed to diagnose Diabetes, however a functional medicine practitioner will also look to resolve underlying causes such as stress, adrenal gland health, gut infections, mercury toxicity, biotoxin exposure and others.

Prognosis

Those with Type 1 Diabetes will need to take insulin injections throughout their lives to balance blood glucose levels. Regular blood tests and diet will help manage the condition. Along with advising on a healthy and active lifestyle, a Functional Medicine practitioner can help with proper management of autoimmunity, gut infections and other issues to lower the amount of insulin required to support your Type 1 Diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes can be reversed in most cases. Understanding the root cause of the disease is key to overcoming its grasp. Staying away from foods like grains, refined sugar, dairy (raw, grass-fed may be acceptable for some people), alcohol and GMO’s are key in reversing this disease. Also getting regular exercise and managing any underlying mechanisms, like high cortisol, can help you achieve a full recovery.

If you are suffering with any health related issues,  I am currently accepting new patients. To start the testing process and discover what is driving your health issues and to get on the road to recovery call our office at +1 (866) 498-1958 to schedule your initial consultation.

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by Peter Saydak

Hashimoto's Disease: Fast Facts

Hashimoto's Disease: Fast Facts

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid, a small gland in the front of your throat.

Triggered by the pituitary gland, your thyroid produces hormones that regulate how your body uses energy. With Hashimoto’s disease, your immune system produces antibodies that interfere with this process, slowing down thyroid hormone production, heart rate, cognitive ability and how quickly your body turns food into energy.

Hashimoto’s Disease is the No.1 cause of hypothyroidism; it is estimated that 90 percent of hypothyroid patients have Hashimoto’s Disease.

Studies also show a strong link between Hashimoto’s Disease and gluten intolerance. Gliadin, the protein found in gluten, is similar in molecular structure to thyroid tissue. So in cases where a patient with Hashimoto’s Disease consumes gluten, your immune system is unable to distinguish between thyroid tissue and marks both for attack in the blood stream. This is especially true for patients that also have leaky gut.

Symptoms

An underactive thyroid can go undetected for many years. Others may experience:

• Enlarged thyroid or goiter
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Hair Loss
• High cholesterol
• Unexplained weight gain
• Muscle aches, often in shoulders and hips
• Joint pain
• Feeling cold
• Difficulty becoming pregnant
• A pale, puffy face
• Depression
• Prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding
• Dry hair or skin

What Causes Hashimoto’s Disease?

While an exact cause is unclear, those who have or who have family members with other autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or type 1 Diabetes are more likely to develop Hashimoto's disease. Leaky gut is also thought to be a contributing factor.

The most common autoimmune disease in the United States, Hashimoto’s disease affects more women than men, and often follows pregnancy. It usually occurs during middle age.

Diagnosis

If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to an enlarged thyroid or goiter, mental illness, heart problems and other complications. Babies born to mothers with hypothyroidism are at greater risk for birth defects and developmental issues.

Working with a functional medicine doctor, like is a fantastic idea if you have Hashimoto's or another thyroid codition. They can perform hormone and antibody tests to evaluate the health of your thyroid.

How We Can Help

Working together, we first evaluate underlying causes such as stress, gut infections, adrenal gland dysfunction, dysglycemia (high or low blood sugar), individual food sensitivities and other contributing factors. By determining your triggers through a variety of tests, we can determine a natural course of support toward healing that is specific to what your own body needs.

Prognosis

Once we have identified your triggers, you can get the gene to change its expression or shut off (known as epigenetics). When this happens many, if not all, of the symptoms being caused by this can disappear. The key to keeping this at bay is to manage stress and maintain a healthy diet & lifestyle.

What to Do if You Have Hashimoto’s

If you have Hashimoto’s or another thyroid disease, I recommend reading and following the recommendations in my book, The 30-Day Thyroid Reset Plan: Disarming the 7 Hidden Triggers That are Keeping You Sick. You will learn everything you need to know about thyroid disease. I offer a 30-day plan to improve your health and my favorite thyroid-friendly recipes to nourish your body with delicious meals.

If you are dealing with symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease or other thyroid issues, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me. I can help to identify the root cause of your condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan to repair your body and regain your health and well-being. Schedule your consultation here.

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by Peter Saydak

Dr. C’s Top 3: Fermented Foods

Probiotics are all the rage with good reason! The good bacteria or probiotics found in fermented foods can improve digestive health and also give your immunity a boost.

With optimal digestive health, we enable our bodies to better absorb the natural vitamins and minerals in our diets and to flush unwanted substances out. This detoxification can improve overall health and prevent disease! Feeling great is a bonus too.

Here are a few of my favorite fermented foods:

1. Sauerkraut

   You may think of this delicious dish of fermented cabbage and salt as a just condiment for game day hot dogs or bratwurst, but it packs a probiotic punch with added fiber. Try a raw, lacto-fermented version as a salad - minus the sausage of course - and enjoy!

2. Kombucha Tea

   For more than 2,000 years, the ancient Chinese have turned to Kombucha tea to prevent cancer, arthritis and other degenerative diseases. Kombucha tea is made by brewing Kombucha cultures with yeast, black tea and sugar.

   It is important to brew this delicious drink in sterile conditions to avoid contamination. Also, do not brew in glazed ceramic containers to avoid lead poisoning.

3. Bubbies Pickles

   Did you know early explorers packed their ships with pickles and sauerkraut to prevent scurvy among the crew as the searched for the New World? Bubbies all-natural Kosher dill pickles are lacto-fermented and have more than 15 million active bacteria per 1 oz. serving. Bubbies products are available in more than 30 varieties – try their sauerkraut too! - at select Whole Foods, Publix and Publix Greenwise locations.

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by Peter Saydak

Dr. C’s Top 3: Uses For Essential Oils

Essential Oils have gained popularity with the launch of recent product lines,

however their use to treat chronic headaches, the common cold and even fatigue predate modern medicine. With concentrated amounts of the most valuable properties of plants such as eucalyptus, peppermint and lemon, Essential Oils offer many health benefits when consumed, inhaled or applied topically. They can also replace skincare products and common cleaning products in your home, reducing your exposure to dangerous chemicals.

If you’re still a skeptic, treat these three common ailments with Essential Oils and share your feedback in the comment field below;

1. CONGESTION

All stuffed up? A drop of thyme, rosemary, lemon and eucalyptus in the shower can help loosen mucus in nasal passages and bronchial tubes while easing sore throats.

2. FATIGUE

While there are many contributors toward fatigue such as adrenal or hormonal imbalance and mineral deficiency, often we simply aren’t giving our bodies what we need to process food and beverages efficiently. Oils like juniper, basil, lemon, lemongrass, thyme, eucalyptus, cypress, peppermint and rosemary can help optimize digestion and lead to a more restful sleep.

3. HEADACHES

Combined with a healthy diet, proper hydration, exercise and rest, Essential Oils can help combat many of our headache triggers. Calm muscle spasms, reduce inflammatory responses and promote circulation with these easy recipes:

• 4 drops wintergreen
• 2 drops Lavender
• 3 drops German Chamomile
• 1 drop Clove
• 3 drops Copaiba

OR

• 6 drops Eucalyptus
• 6 drops Peppermint
• 2 drops Myrrh

Mix in in a carrier oil and apply 1-2 drops topically or to a hot towel or aromatherapy diffuser and inhaled.

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by Peter Saydak

GET THE SKINNY ON: LEAKY GUT

FAST FACTS

Leaky Gut Syndrome occurs when large particles of food or bacteria leak into the bloodstream through cell membranes that have become permeable over time due to stress, dietary or hormonal imbalance, medicinal side effects, or exposure to infection.

Many patients experience a near-allergic response to these irritants, resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, food sensitivity, gas, abnormal bowel movements and systemic inflammation. However, eczema, muscle aches, joint pain, depression, brain fog and fatigue can also be symptomatic of a Leaky Gut when gastrointestinal symptoms are not present.

If left unmanaged, a Leaky Gut can lead to autoimmune diseases like Type 1 Diabetes* and Hashimoto’s Disease.

WHAT CAUSES A LEAKY GUT?

If you think you have a Leaky Gut, evaluate your exposure to the following potential culprits:

• Dietary: Alcohol, gluten, sugar, processed food and casein
• Infections: Bacterial overgrowth, yeast overgrowth, parasites and H. pylori
• Medications: Antibiotics, antacids, corticosteroids
• Stress: Increased cortisol
• Hormonal: Decreased thyroid hormones and sex hormones such as estrodial, progesterone and testosterone
• Autoimmune disease and intestinal inflammation are also known contributors.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis can be difficult and must include testing from an experienced functional medicine practitioner.

TREATMENT

Due to the variety of symptoms that result from lifestyle and physiological factors, this condition, its severity and course of treatment vary from individual to individual. A skilled clinician can evaluate and identify what is going on in your gut and put you on a specific protocol to heal your body.

Regiments may include removing grains, sugar, GMO’s, non grass-fed meat and dairy from your diet. Replace them with foods with healing properties such as bone broths, fermented vegetables and coconut products. Supplements like glutamine, digestive enzymes and probiotics can also aid in the repair of this condition.

PROGNOSIS

For best results, it is important to try to identify all possible irritants for your Leaky Gut individually. Once a course of treatment is in place, many patients see improvement in four to six months. For those with Leaky Gut caused by autoimmune deficiencies, long-term lifestyle changes may be in order.

*Vaarala O, Atkinson MA, Neu J (2008) ‘The “Perfect Storm” for Type 1 Diabetes The Complex Interplay Between Intestinal Microbiota, Gut Permeability, and Mucosal Immunity’, Diabetes Journal, (57)10(2555-2562).

If you are suffering with any health related issues,  I am currently accepting new patients. To start the testing process and discover what is driving your health issues and to get on the road to recovery call our office at +1 (866) 498-1958 to schedule your initial consultation. If it is after our normal hours of operation you can click here to leave us a message. Please only leave a message if you would like a call back to schedule a consultation.
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by Peter Saydak

WIN BACK YOUR LIFE FROM TYPE II DIABETES

To treat their condition, type II diabetes patients typically follow an expensive, time-consuming regimen of drugs and insulin injections. But these treatments do not cure diabetes. Patients can spend the rest of their lives fighting both the disease and the side effects of medication. They’re trapped in a vicious cycle that perpetuates their health problems.

We take a different approach to Type II Diabetes care. We know just how urgent it is to treat the comorbid conditions – such as heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease and poor circulation – but it is also critical to fight the disease at its core.

Did you know?

High levels of insulin can be dangerous for many Type II Diabetes patients. Because Type II Diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, not lack of insulin, further injections can overload the system and cause lasting damage, including:

• Rapid weight gain
• Increased insulin resistance
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Increased cancer risk
• Kidney problems
• Poor circulation

We offer a safe, natural alternative to traditional Type II Diabetes treatments. With an innovative approach based on recent scientific advances, we can help you begin to reverse the effects of your diabetic condition. We use an integrated testing array that examines the body in great detail, yielding a sophisticated understanding of your complex physiology, including the key factors causing your diabetes. With the detailed findings from these tests, we will create a safe, personalized and effective treatment plan to help you regain your health and quality of life.

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM TYPE II DIABETES OR HYPOTHYROIDISM?

Discover alternative, natural treatments for Type II Diabetes and Hypothyroidism. You may be able to overcome your condition and start living the happy, healthy life of your dreams! What if you could reverse Type II diabetes naturally? What if the medical establishment had it all wrong? Expensive and side-effect-laden prescription drugs and insulin injections are not the best treatments for treating Type II Diabetes long term.

In fact many if not all of the diabetic medications carry the risk of serious side effects…some causing weight gain and ultimately perpetuating the disease long term. In the end a drug for every disease or symptom is only masking the problem and not treating root causes. In addition, having high levels of insulin floating around in your body can be very dangerous to your health! You see more than likely it’s not that your body is lacking the hormone insulin. The problem for the majority of Type II Diabetics is that insulin resistance has set in … this basically means that your body has lost the ability to utilize insulin appropriately.

What sense then does it make to continue to bombard your body with something it no longer recognizes and can no longer process? Especially when that substance (insulin) may be harmful to your health and more than likely will cause your disease to progress. Did you know that insulin at high levels can shorten your life expectancy, can cause you to gain weight at an alarming rate, can cause more insulin resistance therefore perpetuating your diabetes, can cause your blood pressure to increase, can cause cardio-vascular disease and can increase your risk of developing cancer? Well, it can do all of the above. Diabetes is a nasty disease that ruins the lives of millions of people. You can lose a leg … you can lose an arm … you can lose your “zeal” for life … and in serious cases you can even lose your life.

But help is available. My unique, natural approach to treating diabetes is totally different – AND MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE – than what most doctors who are trying to reverse diabetes naturally are currently doing. You see, where most physicians test for blood sugar levels and A1C levels and not much else, I’ve designed an integrative testing approach that goes into much more depth. I then use my detailed findings to individually tailor and customize a treatment plan for each patient based on his or her own underlying causative factors.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.

Does your Type II Diabetes stress you out? Do you worry about blood sugar levels morning, noon and night? Are you tied down by insulin injections? Do you take a pile of pills for blood pressure, cholesterol and other health issues?

Is this constant barrage of treatments working for you?

If it isn’t working for you – if you feel tired and frustrated from simply managing the disease without ever getting better – you are not alone. Millions of diabetes sufferers face the same uphill battle.

But there is good news. You may be an ideal candidate for a new and natural therapy that can help you reverse your Type II Diabetes. That means potentially no more expensive drugs with costly side effects. No more insulin injections. We focus on what is causing your condition and restore the body’s normal functions.

Imagine a new life!

• Imagine how life would be if you no longer had to worry about your blood sugar…
• Imagine how life would be if you no longer needed the drugs…
• Imagine how life would be if you no longer had to inject yourself with insulin…
• Imagine if you had the energy to exercise and lose the diabetic weight…
• Imagine what life would be like without having to get up constantly throughout the night to use the restroom…
• Imagine what life would be like without living in constant fear of the devastating effects of this disease…
• Imagine that once and for all you finally understood why you had diabetes instead of just being told it was genetic and the best you can do is to choke down the drugs and inject yourself with insulin…

If you are suffering with any health related issues,  I am currently accepting new patients. To start the testing process and discover what is driving your health issues and to get on the road to recovery call our office at +1 (866) 498-1958 to schedule your initial consultation. If it is after our normal hours of operation you can click here to leave us a message. Please only leave a message if you would like a call back to schedule a consultation.

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by Peter Saydak

Understanding your "Gut" Feeling

Do you ever get that GUT feeling that something is just not right with your body? One of the first places your doctor should look is inside your gut.

What is the gut?

The mouth is the first part of the gut (gastrointestinal tract). When we eat, food passes down the esophagus, into the stomach, and then into the small intestine. The small intestine is where food is digested and absorbed into the bloodstream. The next stop is the large intestine and then into the ascending, transverse and descending colon. Then feces eventually makes it’s way into the rectum and out of the anus. Water is absorbed in the large intestine and undigested food is stored there as well.

What is going on inside the gut?

There is a little community of microorganisms living inside the gut called the gut microbiome. Trillions of bacteria live in the human gut, they account for ten times more cells than in the human body, and they play vital roles in our metabolism and health. The bacteria perform a variety of duties, including inhibiting growth of harmful microorganisms, breaking down and fermenting dietary fiber and helping to make vitamins B and K. The bacteria feed on dietary fiber, which results in a release of beneficial, short chain fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory and are a very important source of energy for our bodies. The gut microbiome also plays a very important role in the immune system, performing a barrier effect. The key to ensuring proper digestive function is a healthy and balanced gut microbiota.

What can go wrong inside the gut?

Parasites can live and feed off other organisms inside your gut. They are mostly tiny worms, that feed off of your nutrition, including tape worms, hook worms, round worms, pin worms, whip worms and more. Parasites can cause a wide variety of problems including extreme weight loss, anemia (feeding on your red blood cells), itching, irritability and even insomnia. There are a number of ways to get a parasite; contaminated water, unclean or contaminated fruits and veggies, undercooked meat, and sometimes even through the bottom of your feet.

Some other signs you may have a parasite include:

• Unexplained diarrhea, gas/bloating, or constipation
• Having trouble falling or staying asleep
• Skin irritations such as hives, rosacea, eczema, rash
• Pain or aching in your muscles or joints
• Unexplained fatigue or depression
• Diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia

Yeast overgrowth (candida)

Candida is a fungus (yeast) that should only be found in small amounts in the gut. When it is overproduced it can breakdown the wall of your gut and get into the bloodstream causing many health problems. A diet high in carbs and sugar, too much alcohol, birth control pills, and stress are just a few ways to get candida.

Signs and symptoms of candida include:

• Chronic fatigue and/or fibromyalgia
• Bloating, diarrhea and constipation
• Brain fog, lack of focus or poor memory
• Mood swings, anxiety, depression
• Autoimmune disease like Hoshimoto’s Thyroiditis, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis to name a few
• Seasonal allergies or itchy ears
• Strong craving for sugar or carbohydrates

What can I do to make sure my gut is healthy?

Parasites and Candida are only two of the many things that can be causing poor gut health. A doctor that is trained in Functional Medicine can do testing to find out what is going on inside your gut.

To keep a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut it is important to eat fiber-rich plant foods and plenty of good fats. Avoiding bad fats, refined sugar, processed/junk foods, and excess alcohol are key. Good forms of dietary fiber include: All veggies but especially broccoli, brussels sprouts, artichokes, peas, fruits and beans.

In addition to a diet strong in fiber, you can help support a healthy gut environment by using supplemental probiotics. These microorganisms may help with digestion and offer protection from harmful bacteria, just as the existing "good" bacteria in your body already do.

If you are suffering with any health related issues,  I am currently accepting new patients. To start the testing process and discover what is driving your health issues and to get on the road to recovery call our office at +1 (866) 498-1958 to schedule your initial consultation. If it is after our normal hours of operation you can click here to leave us a message. Please only leave a message if you would like a call back to schedule a consultation.

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by Peter Saydak