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Reversing Type 2 Diabetes With Diet

A Type 2 diabetes (T2D) diagnosis is often regarded as a lifelong sentence and typically treated as such, requiring an increasing number of drugs. However, sustained remission of T2D is now well established.

In a recent primary care-based cohort study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, advice on a lower-carbohydrate diet and weight loss protocols was offered routinely to 9,800 patients with T2D between 2013 and 2021. Overall, remission was achieved in 51 percent of the patients that adopted a low-carb lifestyle, with individuals diagnosed with T2D within the previous year more likely to achieve remission (77 percent) than those that had been diagnosed for longer (20 percent for patients with a T2D duration greater than 15 years). Additionally, about 97 percent of the patients experienced improvements in blood glycemic control. Average low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and systolic blood pressure decreased, and there were also significant financial savings on drugs.

A low-carb diet may give hope to those with T2D as a practical, manageable way to achieve remission, as well as substantial health and financial benefits. Even for those with poorly controlled T2D that may not achieve remission, improvements in diabetic control may be within reach.

Benefits of Water Immersion During Birth

Water immersion during labor is an increasingly popular birthing option for healthy women that experience a straightforward pregnancy, labor spontaneously at full term and plan to give birth in a midwifery-led care setting. The process involves immersion in a birth pool to achieve relaxation and pain relief during the first and possibly part of the second stage of labor. The mother exits the pool for the actual birth, allowing the infant to emerge outside of the water. This method is different from a water birth, during which the woman remains in the pool as the infant emerges into the water and is then brought to the surface to initiate breathing.

In a new systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMJ Open, researchers compared the interventions and outcomes of water immersion, water birth and no-water-immersion births. After reviewing 36 studies encompassing the experiences of about 150,000 women, researchers found that water immersion significantly reduced the use of epidurals, injected opioids, episiotomy, maternal pain and postpartum hemorrhage. There was also an increase in maternal satisfaction and improved odds of an intact perineum with water immersion. Water births were associated with increased odds of the tearing of the umbilical cord from the placenta, making delivery of the placenta difficult, although the absolute risk remained low (4.3 versus 1.3 per 1,000). There were no differences in any other identified neonatal outcomes.

What is a Leaky Gut?

A leaky gut is a syndrome in which the protective barrier of the small intestine is compromised and allows undigested foods and anything else that happens to be in the gut to cross into the body. When this occurs the immune system attacks the leaked material that doesn’t belong where it is because it assumes that it may be a virus or bacteria. The result is inflammation at the location where this material is present.

There are certain things that we consume that irritate the lining of the small intestines causing the very tiny absorption “holes” to get bigger. When these “holes” enlarge, substances in the intestines can make their way into the bloodstream where the immune system will try to destroy them. This is an inflammatory process. Wherever these substances travel in the body inflammation will occur.

The key to avoid a leaky gut is to avoid medications and irritating foods whenever possible. Medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve,) and antibiotics are intestine irritants.

Drinks such as coffee, black tea, red wine (all contain tannins) and soft drinks (phosphoric acid) also have an irritating effect and should be avoided. Chocolate, which also contains tannins, can also contribute to leaky gut.

Foods that can be helpful are blueberries, raspberries, artichokes, turmeric and ginger.

Kenneth Haas, DC, CCSP, is the founder of Haas Wellness Center, located at 3315 Springbank Ln., Ste. 102, in Charlotte. For appointments, more information or to set up a no-charge consultation, call 704-837-2420, email Reception@HaasWellnessCenters.com or visit www.HaasWellnessCenters.com.