Those taking any diabetes medications, oral pills or insulin, should check with their doctors if they use the herbs glucosomine or gymnema sylvestre. Mixing these two herbs with diabetes meds could alter the dosage requirements resulting in a loss of blood sugar control.

Fiber can help treat diabetes and prevent type 2 diabetes

According to recent studies, a high-fiber diet can reduce high blood sugar and thus reduce levels of insulin, the hormone that takes sugar from the blood and welcomes it into to your cells. It improves the body’s utilization of insulin (insulin sensitivity, thought to be one cause of type 2 diabetes) and reduces stress on the pancreas, the organ that generates insulin. It also causes lower levels of high triglycerides. Arterial damage caused by these blood fats leads to three circulatory complications of diabetes-heart disease, blindness and severe foot problems.

Whole grains are the best types of fiber to help prevent diabetes. Psyllium fiber substitutes are the best types of fiber to help control already present diabetes.

Cutting the Risk of Diabetic Heart Disease

Diabetics should aim to have diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) below the usual target of 90. In a recent eight-year study on 1501 diabetics by Dr. George Carruthers, MD, professor and chair of medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, diabetics whose diastolic pressure was targeted to 80 (and averaged 81) cut their cardiovascular risk in half.

Diabetes and Viagra

Little blue pill may do more than revise a flaccid love life, Viagra could restore natural digestions to millions who suffer from gastrapararesis, an affliction that causes bloating, loss of appetite, vomiting and dehydration. The drug eases a clenched stomach muscle to facilitate passage of food (much as it relaxes a muscle in the penis to allow drug flow) — at least in mice, Study results were so uplifting that researchers plan to start human trials as early as next month.

Male Smokers increase risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

A five-year Japanese study has linked cigarette smoking to a risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that the more and longer their 1,266 middle-aged male subjects smoked the worse the effect. For example, men who smoked more than 31 cigarettes a day were four times likely as non-smokers to develop diabetes.

FDA Approves Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Glucovance for Type 2 Diabetes

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company announced Wednesday it has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market Glucovance as initial drug therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes, in conjunction with diet and exercise. The article this links to incorrectly identified the drug’s makeup. Glucovance is a combination of another diabetes drug made by the company, Glucophage, and the generic diabetes pill glyburide.

The story incorrectly said it was Glucophage and metformin, which is the generic name of Glucophage.

However, since this drug is simply a combination of two already available drugs, it really isn’t anything new. It is nice for those already taking both drugs to reduce the amount of meds, but it doesn’t offer anything else new to the diabetes world.

How It Is Used
Norplant can only be prescribed by a health care professional. It is composed of six small plastic capsules that are about the size of matchsticks and are filled with levonorgestrel (synthetic progesterone). These tiny capsules are inserted under the skin of the upper arm through a tiny cut (about 1/8 inch long) that the physician makes. The arm may feel sore for a few days after the insertion of the capsules, but it usually heals quickly.

Norplant is usually started within seven days of the start of a woman’s menstrual period. The capsules can be removed at any time by making another small cut to pull the capsules out through and the effect is quickly reversible, with most women able to become pregnant within a year of its removal.

How Does It Work?
The hormone progesterone is produced by the ovaries during the second half of the menstrual cycle, and is also released during pregnancy. Progesterone has several effects, including causing thinning of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to make it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant, and causing the mucous in the cervix to thicken (which helps prevent the entrance of sperm). It also suppresses ovulation, or the maturing and releasing of eggs. Without ovulation, pregnancy cannot occur. The small capsules filled with progestin release the hormone slowly, at a steady rate, for up to five years of protection from pregnancy.

Effectiveness
Norplant is 99.9 % effective, making it more effective than the pill, IUD,diaphragm, or condoms. It’s protection begins within 24 hours of insertion, and it can prevent pregnancy for up to five years, or until the tube is removed from under the skin. Norplant 2 provides protection from pregnancy for up to three years. One advantage of this form of contraception is that the woman does not need to remember to take a daily pill, or to use a barrier form of contraception. But it cannot offer any protection from sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia or HIV.

Certain medications can interfere with the effectiveness of Norplant, including some anti-seizure medications and rifampin.

Side Effects
Side effects can include changes in menstrual periods, such as light or irregular periods or increased bleeding; breast tenderness, hair less, acne, depression, weight changes, headache, dizziness, and decreased libido (sexual interest). Many of these side effects lessen after several months.

The implant may be seen or felt in some women, especially those who are muscular or thin. Some darkening of the skin over the implant site can also occur, and is reversible once the implant is taken out. A woman can feel the implants under her skin, but they usually are not noticeable to others. In rare cases, some scarring or infection at the insertion site can occur, and the capsules may migrate or break up, making extraction difficult.

It is important for a woman to notify her doctor if she experiences heavy or prolonged bleeding, missed periods, severe headaches or blurred vision, abdominal pain, or redness and swelling at the insertion site.

Other Benefits
Progesterone offers some protection against uterine cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease. It can also be taken by a mother who is breastfeeding, since progesterone does not affect the quantity or quality of breast milk. Tiny amounts of the hormone are passed to the nursing infant, but at this point it is believed to not cause any ill effects.

Norplant should not be used by a woman if she has abnormal uterine or vaginal bleeding, blood clots, breast cancer, some forms of high blood pressure or liver disease or growths. If a woman has problems with gallbladder disease, irregular or light periods, heart disease, high blood pressure, or seizure disorders, she should notify her medical care provider for their recommendations.

If a woman suspects she may be pregnant, she should not use it.

Norplant is one of several contraceptive options available to women today. Before making a final decision, a woman should discuss factors such as lifestyle, effectiveness, cost, ease of use, and possible side effects with her physician.

1. Exercise: One half hour of aerobic exercise, at least four days a week, will lower your LDL and raise your HDL.

2. Low fat diet: Your target fat calories per serving is less than 30 percent of total calories per serving. Use a calculator while shopping. Food labels have both total and fat calories per serving listed on the label. Divide the fat calories by the total calories and multiply the result by 100. Try to find brands that have less fat calories than you usually purchase.

Saturated fat (should be less than 10 percent of calories), Polyunsaturated fat (should not exceed 10 percent of calories) and Mono-unsaturated fatty acids (make up the rest of the fat intake — about 10 percent of calories.

3. High soluble fiber: Research shows that diets high in soluble fiber can lower cholesterol as much as prescription medications. You need to consume 30 grams of fiber each day to benefit from the fiber. Try adding more whole grains, vegetables, beans and fruit to your diet.

4. Vitamin C (an antioxidant): Having a glass of orange juice each morning and then another 500 mg. Vitamin C supplement later in the day will help your arteries to be clean and prevent them from hardening.

5. One glass of red wine or eight to 12 ounces of dark grape juice: A serving each day will raise your HDL.

6. One clove of garlic: A clove a day will help lower your cholesterol. Most garlic tablets are odorless and are missing the ingredient that lowers cholesterol.

7. Cholesterol intake should not exceed 300 mg. per day.

Losing your hair after chemotherapy treatment is quite common. The hair folicles weaken, therefore the hair falls out faster than usual. Depending on the exact type of chemotherapy you have, hair loss starts anywhere between one to three weeks once your chemotherapy starts. Once the treatment is complete, you will notice your hair growing back. Sometimes it may not grow back just like it was before, people with curly hair have been known to have it grow back straight. Sometimes dark hair will grow back lighter. These changes are usually just temporary.

Radiation to the head or scalp, however, can cause permanent hair loss.

If you know you are going to have chemotherapy, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or nurse about hair loss. They can answer your questions.

Consider getting a wig. Often it is better to get one before your hair falls out, so that you can match the color. Being prepared takes some of the shock away. However, it is still ok to be upset when you do lose hair. This is a common feeling.

Preparing for hair loss at advance. It can enhance the quality of your life during and after radiation or chemotherapy. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor, seek emotional support, or think about getting a wig.

You have even started the process of altering your diet and liquid intake. Well there is another key element to this whole process that deserves consideration and that is physical exercise.

Once you begin your detox, especially if you choose to do a colon cleanse, you will notice that in your very first week, you will begin to lose weight. Along with losing weight is the elimination of toxins that have been stored up in your body. It is vital that these toxins are released to ensure maximum detoxification. Regular exercise is a form of elimination through the process of sweating, as well as through an increase in breathing, as toxins are expelled through breaths taken. Therefore, when you exercise, you have to be sure to increase activity so that you are producing sweat to aid in the detoxification. Just as it is equally important to sweat, it is also essential that you increase your intake of fluid to aid in replacing the fluid you loss through sweating. One of the most important things is to keep hydrated while you exercise and detox. You wish to gather all the benefits you can through your detox, and physical movement, as an extra component will help in that effort.

Before selecting what kind of physical activity you decide to do throughout your detox, think about your current physical condition, along with the effects you’re having as a consequence of the detoxing. Also take note of any medication which you are using under a physicians care. Everyone should seek the consultation of a physician before beginning any exercise program, and as quickly as possible, especially if this is not typical of your present lifestyle. If you don’t work out regularly now, with any luck the outcome of your complete detox program will bring about a change of lifestyle, which consists of regular fasting, exercising every day, and eating right.

Walking is a great form of physical activity for people who have never exercised. It is best to walk for a half hour each day. If you’re not able to do this, make your goal for five days per week, and treat yourself for staying with your objective, by giving yourself two days off. You will actually find that your body begins to miss the activity, and you may feel the need to walk every day. Warm up your tendons and muscles with light stretches before you start walking. These measures aid in preventing any possibilities of strains and injuries. Buy a good pair of comfortable walking shoes, and increase your walking speed and distance every day.

Be sure that you have enough fluids. Water intake is a large portion of a detox, especially when physical activity is included as a part of it. If you wish to measure your progress, utilize a pedometer to measure how much you have lengthened your distance since beginning the program. Be aware of your limits and don’t place a strain on your system, as it is already going through a major process with detoxification. The aim of your aerobic exercise program is to raise your pulse rate at an appropiate level based on your age and current level of fitness. Also, exercise generates more energy, which allows one to generally feel good. Know how critical physical activity is throughout your detox program, but also keep in mind the importance of knowing your limits, and knowing that you may need to modify things.

Here are some tooth care tips you can use: Teeth are an integral part of the human body. Without our teeth, eating becomes much harder. It is very important to take proper care of your teeth.

Here are some useful tooth care strategies:

– Don’t forget regular six-month checkups with the dentist. Periodontal disease of the gums is typical in adults and the elderly. Your dentist can clean out plaque from your teeth, which minimizes the possibility of bacteria eating away at your teeth, which in turn prevents gum infection.

– When engaging in sports that could pose a risk of mouth injury, take care to wear proper protective gear.

– Eating sweetened cereal without milk can really do a number on your teeth.

– Avoid chewable vitamin C tablets, since they’re terrible for your teeth, regardless of age. Avoid using lemon juice to whiten your teeth, since the vitamin C in lemons can cause your teeth to decalcify.

– Excessive sugared coffee and tea consumption can accelerate tooth decay.

– Once your baby’s teeth come in, give them something to chew on. Adults should assist young children in cleaning their teeth.

– Don’t eat tough foods, which can pose a risk of tooth chipping or breakage.

– On hot days, you produce less saliva, so on those days, avoid foods with sugar added; such sugars can fuse to the teeth.

– If your gums bleed when you brush, or your bite pattern changes, this is a red flag that should be addressed quickly.

– After eating, use a toothbrush and dental floss to clean your teeth. Floss and brush in the proper manner and use the right toothbrush.

– Consume a good, balanced diet for maximum overall health, choosing from a variety of foods from the five most important food groups (vegetables; poultry, fruits; cheese, bread, cereals and further grain products;   fish and alternatives; meat, milk  and yogurt), and limit snacks.

– Think twice about using tobacco products, since they can cause gum infection, as well as being a carcinogen.

– Tightly-spaced, short breastfeeding episodes can harm a baby’s teeth.

– If you have chipped or discolored teeth, ask your dentist about cosmetic options to remedy this.

The Multivitamin/Mineral Conundrum

To supplement or not to supplement—that is the question! It begs a yes or no answer, yet the response to one of the most frequently asked questions of dietitians remains open to interpretation. It depends, quite frankly, on whom you ask.

While most nutrition professionals agree that food should always be the preferred source of nutrients, they also recognize that supplements have their place. Supplements are an adjunct. They are, by definition, a reinforcement—that which is added to complete or enhance the whole. They are not supposed to replace food.

Experts vary widely on their recommendations for supplements. The American Dietetic Association states that supplements might be warranted for individuals who: often skip meals or snacks; are following a low calorie eating plan; are elderly and often find food unappealing; skip dairy products on a regular basis; follow a strict vegetarian plan; or are women of child-bearing age who fail to consume adequate amounts of fruits ands vegetables.

Medical practitioners state that vitamin and mineral supplements may be warranted when individuals are not eating regularly or if the diet is not rich in fresh foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.

The University of California at Berkeley, in its wellness newsletter asserts–“Many people should take a basic supplement, especially people over 60, anyone not eating a balanced diet,vegans and women of child-bearing age.”

Intelihealth experts recommend that one multivitamin per day might benefit all children and adults. You may use the “added insurance” that a multivitamin provides in meeting the “adequate intake of the daily necessary vitamin and micronutrients” for most individuals.

From a personal perspective, I, too, recommend that (unless contraindicated for any reason) everyone take a basic multivitamin/mineral supplement. My recommendation is based not only on the research I have done regarding supplements, but on personal experience as well.

While I cannot guarantee that a multivitamin/mineral supplement will change your life, I can tell you that it has made a difference in me. I noticed a visible change in the health of my hair, skin, and nails. I can only surmise the effect on my internal organs.

A word of caution for those who believe that “if some is good, more is better” please do not apply that to supplement intake. While some vitamins and minerals may be beneficial in amounts exceeding the current recommendations, there are others in which excesses can be detrimental. In the upcoming weeks we will be examining some of the research (and there is a copious amount) related to beneficial (and in some cases, harmful) levels of individual nutrients in supplements.

Read more: Which Supplement is Best for You?

Even though it is not wise to lose an extreme amount of weight, countless websites still advocate extreme weight loss. It’s not surprising to note that these websites are marketing a product that they claim will help make this weight loss occur.

The weight loss needs to be slow to be sustainable. Look at it this way: if it took years to put on a bunch of weight, to lose it safely you need to lose it at a similar rate. When you eat and workout differently little by little, weight loss becomes your lifestyle rather the feared “D” word.

In the case where rapid weight loss is required for medical reasons, it must be done with a doctor’s supervision. For instance, bariatric surgery will result in extreme weight loss as a result of a surgical procedure and close medical monitoring. Some liquid diets will provide results as well (this was the method that Oprah Winfrey used when she lost weight initially), however it is difficult to keep the weight off.

Not only does extreme weight loss not work, it can cause you to become quite ill. It could even be fatal. Luther Van Dross is probably one of the best known celebrities to succumb recently as a result of extreme weight loss. He engaged in yo-yo dieting and did not control his weight related diseases.

Ultimately, it might be smarter to remain overweight than to participate in extreme diets, repeatedly.

See more on: Diet Pills Planet, Natural Appetite Suppressant