The podcast is officially 2 years old today! In celebration of the anniversary, I'm bringing back some of the most popular episodes you may have missed.
In this episode, we dive into the critical topic of prediabetes, exploring its signs, causes, and the underlying mechanisms of blood sugar and insulin. Prediabetes, a condition of insulin resistance, often goes unnoticed for years before blood sugar levels start to rise. Shockingly, over 50% of the U.S. adult population is affected by diabetes or prediabetes, including many who are not overweight. We break down the importance of maintaining optimal levels of key metabolic markers and explain the roles of blood sugar and insulin in our bodies.
We also distinguish between the two main types of diabetes: type 1, an autoimmune condition, and type 2, characterized by insulin resistance. Diagnosing diabetes involves several tests, including Hemoglobin A1C, fasting blood sugar, and others. However, these tests often overlook insulin levels, the first marker to increase in diabetes progression. We recommend a comprehensive panel to fully assess metabolic health. Join us as we discuss the true causes of high insulin levels, the impact of diet and stress on blood sugar, and why traditional treatments often miss the mark. Discover how cutting carbohydrates can be a sustainable solution to managing blood sugar and insulin levels.
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This episode of the Holistic Health Bites Podcast explores the multitude of benefits associated with fasting. One of the standout advantages is insulin regulation; fasting significantly reduces blood insulin levels by allowing the body a break from constant digestion. This rest period also aids in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, promoting better overall health and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
Fasting also contributes to improved heart health by normalizing blood pressure and reducing triglycerides, positively impacting heart disease, the leading cause of death globally. Additionally, periods of fasting can facilitate damaged tissue repair, as the digestive organs rest and energy is redirected toward cellular regeneration and repair. Enhanced brain function is another benefit, with people often experiencing clearer minds and improved memory during fasting periods.
Other notable benefits include greater appetite control, potentially lower cancer risks, higher levels of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), and a more robust immune system. Fasting also triggers autophagy, a process where the body regenerates at a molecular level, which plays a crucial role in antiaging. These combined benefits suggest that fasting has a cumulative positive effect on overall health and longevity.
Read more...Fasting also contributes to improved heart health by normalizing blood pressure and reducing triglycerides, positively impacting heart disease, the leading cause of death globally. Additionally, periods of fasting can facilitate damaged tissue repair, as the digestive organs rest and energy is redirected toward cellular regeneration and repair. Enhanced brain function is another benefit, with people often experiencing clearer minds and improved memory during fasting periods.
Other notable benefits include greater appetite control, potentially lower cancer risks, higher levels of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), and a more robust immune system. Fasting also triggers autophagy, a process where the body regenerates at a molecular level, which plays a crucial role in antiaging. These combined benefits suggest that fasting has a cumulative positive effect on overall health and longevity.
Fatty liver is increasingly common due to metabolic changes, now termed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). It involves triglyceride accumulation in liver cells, potentially leading to severe liver diseases if untreated. The liver's lipid production, influenced by insulin and heightened by carbs, leads to excess fat when insulin resistance causes fat cells to release fatty acids back to the liver. Promisingly, fatty liver can be reversed through therapeutic carbohydrate restriction and reduced eating frequency, showing remission within days to a week. For those diagnosed with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, obesity, or fatty liver, targeted dietary changes offer hope for reversal.
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Evaluating overall metabolic health involves examining several key markers through comprehensive blood panels. Prior to testing, ensure the blood draw is done in a fasted state (12-14 hours), stay well-hydrated, avoid strenuous exercise for a day or two before, and consult about any medications or supplements that may need to be skipped. Also, try to avoid getting your blood drawn on particularly stressful days or when you are feeling unwell.
Combining these results with other markers such as kidney function, thyroid status, iron levels, and overall blood cell health, alongside symptom evaluation and current medications, helps create a customized protocol for nutrition, lifestyle, and potential supplements or medications. To get a detailed review of your results, you can order your own comprehensive panel and further inquire about these markers.
Read more...Combining these results with other markers such as kidney function, thyroid status, iron levels, and overall blood cell health, alongside symptom evaluation and current medications, helps create a customized protocol for nutrition, lifestyle, and potential supplements or medications. To get a detailed review of your results, you can order your own comprehensive panel and further inquire about these markers.
Carol shared her experience supporting a friend through breast cancer, launching her focus on integrative support. She outlined the multi-step diagnostic process and initial treatment options involving biopsies, oncology meetings, potential neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery choices and chemotherapy/radiation. Carol detailed the complex diagnostic journey from discovery to pathology reports to oncology meetings to potential neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery, emphasizing patients' rights to second opinions on mastectomy recommendations given research on benefits versus risks. She stressed examining nutrition by reading packaged food labels, shopping at health stores and farmers markets, eliminating processed foods and creating a toxin-free home.
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