Almonds, Cinnamon and Chromium Lower Blood Sugar to Prevent Chronic Disease

Many people don’t give a second thought to their blood glucose levels until a physician indicates a problem with sugar regulation or there is a diagnosis of diabetes. At this point, a cascade of metabolically mediated events is taking place that paves the road toward chronic disease and an early demise.

Even slightly elevated blood sugar readings have been shown to be a significant cause for concern that signals the early stages of a host of potentially fatal conditions and debilitating complications. The good news is you can halt and even reverse the damage caused by poor blood sugar control with almonds and including the natural nutrients cinnamon and chromium before meals.

Checking Blood Sugar Levels to Prevent Disease

The importance of checking blood sugar levels cannot be understated. Researchers have demonstrated that fasting levels and post meal (postprandial) readings currently considered normal by standard medical practice lead to many chronic illnesses including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

Fasting readings should be no higher than 80 mg/dl and postprandial levels should not rise more than 40 mg/dl. When blood sugar is allowed to exceed these readings, pancreatic beta cell death ensues leading to insulin dysfunction. Purchase an inexpensive blood sugar meter and check your fasting and post meal readings until you have a good understanding of how different foods affect your glucose levels.

Almonds Shown to Dramatically Lower Blood Sugar

Diet is the most powerful intervention you have to bring blood sugar reading in control. Everybody has a different tolerance level for the number of glucose-inducing carbohydrates that can be consumed at each meal. Highly processed foods are most likely to trigger high blood sugar levels while raw foods such as almonds have been found to have a neutralizing effect on sugar spikes.

Information published in the American Journal of Infectious Diseases found that eating almonds had a profound effect on a wide variety of health biomarkers including blood glucose. Almonds are packed with phytonutrients, antioxidants and biologically active compounds that lower the risk of many chronic diseases. The study authors concluded, “The present study has demonstrated that inclusion of 10 g of almonds in diet led to a significant reduction in fasting and post prandial blood glucose levels.“

Cinnamon Restores Normal Sugar Metabolism

Cinnamon not only tastes great but also is rich in bioactive compounds that have been shown to regulate the impact of rising blood sugars. In an article published in the journal Phytomedicine, cinnamon extract has been shown to trigger cellular signaling of proteins inside the pancreas that assists secretion and regulation of insulin. This action prevents deadly blood sugar surges when taken before eating a carbohydrate controlled meal.

Chromium Aids Glucose Breakdown

Chromium is an essential element that has been shown to be chronically deficient in the diet due to poor farming practices. Chromium is critical to healthy glucose metabolism and works by interacting with cellular receptors that enhance our response to insulin. The online forum Current Diabetes Reports explains that chromium improves insulin sensitivity and aids in the transfer of glucose from the blood into cells by activating special glucose transport molecules. Most people will need to supplement with 200 mcg twice daily before meals.

Maintaining blood sugar in a narrow range is critical to lower disease risk and achieve optimal health. Monitor your own fasting and post meal blood sugar readings to better understand the dietary impact of different foods, and take advantage of almonds, cinnamon and chromium to assist healthy blood sugar regulation.

Milk Thistle and Vitamin E Lower Risk of Fatty Liver Disease

As many as 1in 3 Americans are living with a ticking bomb known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The condition is virtually symptomless until the liver becomes inflamed or scarred from decades of dietary abuse. While a small percentage of cases are attributable to a genetic failure to metabolize fats properly, the vast majority of NAFLD is caused by poor dietary choices that increase dangerous blood fat levels.

As a consequence fat is deposited in the liver cells where it triggers inflammation and the release of chemical messengers known as adipokines as the liver attempts to repair itself. Left unchecked, NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure. Emerging research provides powerful nutritional options including milk thistle and vitamin E that can dramatically lower the risk of developing fatty liver disease.

Understanding the Cause of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Many chronic conditions are known to initiate and progress due to inflammation within our body and fatty liver disease is no exception. The liver is responsible for metabolizing cholesterol and influences how fat is either burned for energy or stored for future use. An increasing burden is placed on the organ as we eat excess calories from sugar, refined carbohydrates and hydrogenated fats. Fat metabolism is disrupted as high levels of blood fats become stored in the liver. Eventually this leads to a decline in liver function and finally to total organ failure and death.

Study Supports the Antioxidant Power of Vitamin E

Natural nutrients that are known to exert strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have proven more effective than any pharmaceutical in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Researchers from the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center compared the effect of vitamin E and the drug Actos on lowering liver enzymes that are associated with advancement of liver disease. They found that the insulin-sensitizing drug had no effect while vitamin E (800 IU per day) was shown to provide significantly lowered enzyme markers and improved scarring when liver biopsies were performed.

Fish Oil Fatty Acids Improve Blood Lipids, Improve Liver Function

EPA and DHA Omega-3 fats have gained notoriety for their ability to positively regulate cholesterol ratios and lower triglycerides. Research published on the British Medical Journal found that supplementing with 1,000 mg of Omega-3 fats per day markedly decreased serum markers of liver cell damage, triglyceride levels and glucose. Any natural therapy that helps the body eliminate triglycerides and lower blood sugar levels will lower the underlying risk factors for NAFLD.

Milk Thistle Shown to Directly Target the Liver

The active compound in milk thistle, known as silymarin is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that directly impacts liver function. Researchers have discovered that milk thistle inhibits the release of cytokines from the liver that normally increases with fatty liver inflammation. This action allows the liver to begin the natural healing process while reducing fat accumulation and reducing blood markers associated with liver damage.

Vitamin E, Omega-3 fats and milk thistle each help to restore normal liver function for the millions of men, women and children that suffer the silent effects of fatty liver disease. Including all three of these powerful natural nutrients in your daily disease-fighting arsenal will provide a multi-modal defense against NAFLD.

Antioxidant Rich Diet Lowers Risk of Diabetes

Pharmaceuticals are not the answer to cure or treat diabetes. Avandia is the latest drug to be questioned for its efficacy and side effects that increase the risk of heart attack by a whopping 43%. The Commission on Human Medicines in Great Britain has recommended pulling the drug because its risks outweigh the benefits.

The FDA has decided to keep it on the market as it continues to destroy the lives of millions of unsuspecting users. Research demonstrates that the key to the escalating explosion in new diabetes cases is not with a drug but rather a natural diet packed with nutrients and antioxidants.

Diabetes Drugs Don`t Treat the Underlying Problem

It`s no surprise that research continues to validate that diet is more effective in halting the metabolic effects that lead to diabetes compared with dangerous and ineffective drugs. Drugs work to force sugar out of the blood and into cells regardless of whether it`s needed for energy. A natural diet of fresh vegetables and lean protein sources prevents the surge of glucose seen after a high processed carbohydrate meal by preventing the initial release of sugar.

Study Confirms Diet is Critical to Diabetes Prevention

The results of a study performed in Italy and presented to The Endocrine Society confirmed the effectiveness of diet and diabetes prevention. Study participants were placed into four groups and given a 1,500 calorie diet. Half were placed on a diet that was concentrated in antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts) and the other group ate a standard low calorie diet along with the diabetes drug metformin. 

While all participants lost weight due to the reduced calorie diet, only the group eating the antioxidant diet showed a significant decrease in insulin resistance and blood glucose control. No measureable effect was seen in the group taking the drug. The principal author concluded "The beneficial effects of antioxidants are known, but we have revealed for the first time one of their biological bases of action - improving hormonal action in obese subjects with the metabolic syndrome". A diet high in antioxidants is known to help prevent and treat diseases ranging from heart disease to cancer and dementia.

Enlist an Antioxidant Diet in your Disease Prevention Arsenal

Antioxidants from natural foods neutralize the effects of free radicals that damage the small energy generating mitochondria found in all cells. This leads to cellular dysfunction and ultimately to cell death when the damage becomes too much to sustain normal function. Free radicals are the primary vehicle driving the aging process and initiation of most disease processes. Include a variety of colorful berries, grapes, tomatoes, carrots, spinach, broccoli, nuts and seeds to naturally combat the damage caused by normal metabolic activity.

The standard medical protocol to prevent and treat diabetes is to prescribe from a long list of FDA approved medications and incorporate a low fat diet void of antioxidants. Drugs typically prescribed to diabetics are ineffective and many have been shown to be dangerous. Unprocessed foods are packed with natural antioxidants that can lower the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease and provide a much better choice than the pharmaceutical alternatives promoted by the medical profession.

Natural Diet Lowers Risk for Diabetes, Heart Disease and Dementia in 30 Days

Naturally sourced foods provide considerable protection against many of the leading chronic diseases that take the lives of millions worldwide each year. Researchers are able to demonstrate the influence of food on our genes as a single unhealthy meal can negatively impact hundreds of individual genes. Processed foods packed with sugar, refined carbohydrates and hydrogenated fats lead to a continual state of inflammation throughout our body.

Metabolic syndrome, diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer`s disease are all fueled by the release of dangerous chemical messengers that are the result of inflammation. Small changes in diet over a short period of time have been shown to significantly lower the risk of disease and improve quality of life.

Combination of Natural Foods Shown to Boost Health Biomarkers

The results of a study performed at Lund University in Sweden underscore the importance of healthy food combinations and reduced disease risk. The research focused on forty-four adults aged 50 to 75 who were fed a diet that included high antioxidant, low glycemic sources including oily fish, barley, soy protein, blueberries, almonds, cinnamon, vinegar and a high fiber wholegrain bread for a period of 4 weeks.

Amazing Improvements in Health After 30 Days

Blood samples taken at the end of the test period showed that diet exerted a powerful effect on all key biomarkers associated with inflammation, blood sugar and blood clotting. Oxidized LDL cholesterol was reduced by 33%, blood pressure dropped 8%, total blood lipids improved 14%, and the blood clotting marker fibrinogen dropped 26%. Systemic inflammation was greatly reduced and memory and cognitive function were improved. The study authors found the results to be exceptional, as there have been no other studies to examine the benefits of proper diet on such a broad range of health functions.

Paleo Diet May Hold Be Key to Diabetes and Heart Disease Prevention

Extensive research shows that eating a diet that was consumed during the course of human evolution is the best way to prevent and treat diabetes and heart disease. During our 2.5 million year evolution humans ate natural foods such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, lean meat and fish. These food sources regulate blood sugar and insulin response as they are low in fast-releasing carbohydrates.

The results of research provided by a second Lund University study demonstrate that following a Paleo inspired diet for 12 weeks caused a 26% improvement in blood sugar levels, even when compared to the popular Mediterranean style meal. The absence of any grain-based foods provides the critical health benefits of the Paleo diet.

The importance of proper diet and reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease and dementia cannot be overstated. Researchers consistently show that a diet of unprocessed foods can provide protection from disease and reverse the progression of serious illness. Take advantage of this information to dramatically improve your biomarker profile and extend your natural lifespan.

Compounds in Natural Fruits and Vegetables Lower Cancer Risk

Natural compounds commonly found in many fruits and vegetables are among the most powerful agents we have in our dietary arsenal to combat many forms of cancer. Flavonoids and proanthocyanidins have evolved as a protective mechanism for a variety of different plants and play a critical role in preventing disease in humans.

Our body uses these powerhouse nutrients to lower inflammation, reduce blood pressure and fight the aging effect of free radicals. New research shines a bright light on the cancer fighting capacity of flavonoids you need in your diet to provide optimal disease protection.

Study Finds Significant Risk Reduction for Many Cancer Lines

The results of a study published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer conducted in Italy over the past 20 years found that a high flavonoid diet played a key role in cancer prevention. Study participants with the highest intake of flavonoids and proanthocyanidins demonstrated a 44% lower risk of oral cancer and a 40% reduced occurrence of laryngeal cancer. Incidence of colon cancer was lowered by a third and reductions in breast, ovarian and kidney cancers were noted as well.

The study authors attributed the findings to the powerful antioxidant, anti-mutagenic and anti-proliferative properties of the dietary compounds commonly consumed by the participants in the study They conclude “The findings from this large network of Italian case-control studies have provided support for an apparent protective role of flavanones on upper aerodigestive tract cancers; flavonols, anthocyanidins, and proanthocyanidins on colorectal cancer; flavonols and flavones on breast cancer; isoflavones on ovarian cancer; and flavonols on renal cancer.”

Including Flavonoids in Your Diet to Prevent Cancer

Health conscious individuals will want to take advantage of these essential nutrients to achieve optimal disease protection. Include some of these flavorful options in your diet every day to lower your risk of many deadly cancer lines.

Black, Green and White Tea: All members of the tea family are packed with a special group of flavonoids known as flavonols (catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate). Research has shown that these powerful flavonoids work directly on replicating DNA sequences to prevent mutations that lead to cancer initiation. Drink 2 to 4 cups of fresh brewed tea daily.

Garlic, Leeks and Onions: Quercetin is the key flavonoid in this family of vegetables. Known for its ability to spark the immune system into action, quercetin is rapidly taking its place at the top of the antioxidant pyramid. Some people have trouble eating garlic and onions due to the sharp taste so supplementing may be a good option.

Blueberries, Acai Berries and Grapes: Humans have been eating berries and grapes since early in our history. The flavonoids in these foods have been shown to help our immune system attack and destroy rogue cancer cells before they have a chance develop and become malignant. Enjoy 1 to 2 servings of these super foods for maximum cancer protection.

Diet is our most powerful agent in the fight against many diseases. Adding natural foods including those packed with flavonoids gives our body the ammunition to fight many dangerous lines of cancer so we can live a life free of disease.

Multi-Vitamins Slash Heart Attack Risk and Boost Immune Function

A continual supply of quality nutrients are required every day to fuel our metabolic machinery. Natural diet and whole food based multi-vitamins are the best source of the vitamins and minerals we need to thrive. Millions of people continue to subside on a diet dominated by processed junk food and fail to eat the minimum servings of fresh vegetables and fruits needed to prevent chronic illness.

Our body has many survival mechanisms that provide for short term nutritional shortfalls. After a period of years and decades the lack of vitamins and minerals cause our body to age and set the stage for heart disease, diabetes, dementia and cancer. Fortunately there are important steps we can take to fight cellular aging and dramatically lower disease risk.

Complete Nutrition is Required to Promote Vibrant Health

The heart requires a constant supply of energy and nutrients to function optimally. Specific nutrients such as vitamin C are critical to build collagen and provide elasticity to the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Magnesium helps maintain electrical activity and reduces blood pressure so the muscle can beat efficiently. When we are deficient in these nutrients over time, heart function declines and risk of a heart attack rises quickly.

Daily Multi Vitamin Use Lowers Heart Attack Risk by 41%

The results of a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition provides evidence that taking a multi vitamin can have a critical impact on heart disease risk. Women who took a high potency multi vitamin over a 5 year period were found to lower their risk of a heart attack by 41% compared to women who didn’t supplement. These results demonstrate the importance of proper nutrition to our health.

Essential Nutrients Provided by Natural Diet

The results of this study highlight the importance of vitamins and minerals to our health. A potent multi vitamin is a good way to ensure you get the minimum requirements for the vitamins and minerals that are commonly available in a single tablet. Nature provides a bounty of additional nutrients in whole foods that simply aren’t available in a pill. Many of the nutrients that exist in natural foods have yet to be discovered and undoubtedly have a major impact on our health when eaten as part of a whole food diet.

Most People are in a `Phytonutrient Gap`

The vast majority people are grossly deficient in nutrients from their diet. This places them at increased risk of immune related disease ranging from the common cold to many forms of cancer and other serious illness. Details from ` America's Phytonutrient Report: Immune Health by Color` demonstrates that 8 out of 10 people fall short in meeting the minimum daily requirements for vegetables and fruits and lack basic support for optimal immune function. Specifically the report finds that people are deficient in vitamins A, C, D, E, zinc and selenium that provide the structure for a healthy immune response.

To ensure you benefit from the full matrix of nutrients, eat a diet with plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. Cut the processed foods, sugar and hydrogenated fats that are known to promote disease. Find a multi vitamin that is made from organic food sources for maximum health benefit and stay away from synthetic varieties that are full of chemicals and toxins. Take control of your health with a natural diet of whole foods and supplement daily with a quality multi vitamin.

B Vitamins Dramatically Lower Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease cases are growing at an unprecedented rate with new cases expected to double by the year 2030. A news release from Alzheimer’s Disease International considers this the single most significant health and social crisis of the 21st century. There is much confusion about the factors that lead to Alzheimer’s and what can be done to prevent and reduce the risk of developing this insidious affliction.

Natural health practitioners understand that poor diet is a large contributor to this preventable disease. In addition to diet, new research is beginning to shine a light on a super nutrient that could hold the key to prevention.

High Homocysteine Doubles Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Homocysteine is a naturally occurring amino acid commonly seen in excess due to a diet high in meat and protein sources. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that elevated homocysteine levels double the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and B12 are known to dramatically lower levels of homocysteine in the blood and lower risk of disease.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Linked with Alzheimer’s Disease

Evidence is mounting to suggest that a vitamin B12 deficiency may be connected to increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. The results of a study released in the journal Neurology studied the level of homocysteine and vitamin B12 in elderly subjects. They found that for every single unit increase in the blood level of homocysteine, the risk of Alzheimer’s disease jumped by 16%. Similarly, risk decreased by 2% for each unit increase in blood concentration of Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is known to become dangerously low with age, and represents a significant factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Brain Shrinkage Cut by Half with B Vitamins

The normal shrinking of the brain with age is considered normal by modern medicine, but scientists have been able to show that shrinkage can be halted and reduced with high doses of B vitamins. Researchers at Oxford University supplemented test participants with full spectrum B vitamins for a period of 2 years and found that they were able to reduce brain shrinkage in half as compared to a group receiving a placebo. The study authors conclude, "It is our hope that this simple and safe treatment will delay development of Alzheimer’s in many people who suffer from mild memory problems."

Protect Yourself by Reducing Meat and Supplementing B Vitamins

More than enough evidence is mounting to show that poor diet and lack of B vitamins represent independent risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease. You can lower your risk of developing this disease by eating a diet low in animal protein to restrict production of homocysteine. Cut sugar and processed carbs in favor of a diet packed with fresh vegetables and natural nuts, seeds and Omega-3 fats. Take a high potency organic whole food based B vitamin supplement daily, and be sure to have your homocysteine blood levels checked regularly.

Research is confirming that diet is the single most important risk factor that leads to Alzheimer’s disease. Many studies are beginning to show that B vitamins are critical to brain health and can prevent dementia in the aging population. While the entire family of B vitamins protects the brain, most studies concentrate on B6 and B12 taken in quantities that are 300 to 500% higher than the RDA values. Lower your risks of Alzheimer’s by modifying your diet and supplement accordingly to slash risk factors that can extend your life.

Natural Steps to Protect Yourself from Alzheimer’s Disease

Many people believe occasional lapses in memory are normal and part of getting old, but medical research shows us that `senior moments’ should not be viewed as normal aging and are cause for concern. Cognitive decline and loss of short term memory are caused by the same process that leads to the most feared form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease. Fortunately there are a number of lifestyle altering steps you can take to lower disease risk, prevent progression and improve your memory.

Early Memory Loss Leads to Alzheimer`s Disease

The results of a study published in the journal Neurology shows that occasional forgetfulness as we age should not be regarded as normal and is actually the early stage of dementia. The study followed 350 nuns and priests over a 13 year period and involved annual cognitive testing.

The brain tissues of the participants were examined after death to assess the physical markers that are linked with dementia. The researchers found that those with the most marked cognitive decline exhibited the highest degree of brain lesions and tangles that are typically found in Alzheimer’s patients. The study authors were able to associate even the mildest cognitive decline with physical brain lesions.

Poor Lifestyle and Diet are Behind the Dementia Explosion

The rapid increase in Alzheimer’s disease cases over the past 50 years is due to the excessive amount of processed foods that are consumed at every meal. These foods have been stripped of the essential nutrients and antioxidants that are found in natural food sources and are required by our brain to function optimally. Our poor diet is combined with a lack of physical activity that promotes cognitive decline. There is solid evidence that exercise promotes the development of new brain cells and can prevent memory decline.

Natural Foods Promote Cognitive Agility

Foods in their natural form are packed with a wide array of nutrients which are vital to brain health. Fresh vegetables, leafy greens, nuts and seeds infuse our body with vitamins and minerals that are able to cross the blood-brain barrier where they are used to fuel the countless chemical and electrical processes we know as thought and memory. A daily diet filled with lifeless refined foods is simply unable to provide the necessary building blocks to sustain cognitive function and eliminate plaque accumulation.

Improving Lifestyle to Prevent Dementia

Dementia is a disease that progresses over the course of a lifetime due to poor diet and lifestyle choices. When we`re young our body has an amazing capacity to protect us to ensure we are able to reproduce. Many of these defenses begin to decline after age 35 and we become much more vulnerable to heart disease, cancer and especially dementia. Fortunately we can improve our diet and limit exposure to environmental and household toxins that we breathe and ingest. Make a conscious effort to eliminate Teflon cookware, aluminum-based antiperspirants, mercury and fluoride from drinking water and toothpaste. Trace amounts of these pollutants enter your body every day and ultimately promote disease.

In addition to adopting a natural diet and engaging in regular exercise, it`s important to challenge your brain daily. Read a new book, surf the web or do a crossword puzzle to stimulate brain activity and neuron growth. You can control the risk factors that prevent cognitive decline and lead to vibrant health.

Vitamin K Protects Against Arterial Calcification, Cancer and Premature Aging

Few people realize the essential role that Vitamin K plays to prevent and reverse coronary artery calcification. This powerful nutrient has been shown to be the missing link in the development of a natural solution to keep calcium from depositing as deadly plaque in arterial walls.

Further evidence exists to confirm the role of Vitamin K in promoting programmed cell death in cancer cells that have multiplied out of control. Most people ingest insufficient quantities of this critical vitamin from their diet to receive any therapeutic benefit. Fortunately Vitamin K intake can be corrected by adding leafy green vegetables to your diet and supplementing as necessary.

Calcium Transforms to Arterial Plaque

Calcium is an essential mineral that is used to fuel hundreds of biochemical processes in our body and it is critical to rebuild our bones and teeth. The problem with calcium arises when the mineral remains in our blood and isn’t properly laid down to form new bone. As a consequence of poor diet and increasing blood pressure, micro cracks develop on the inner lining of our coronary arteries. In an attempt to repair the damage, oxidized LDL cholesterol attracts circulating calcium and other debris that becomes the deadly substance called plaque.

Vitamin K Controls Calcium, Reverses Coronary Plaque

Research has shown that Vitamin K escorts calcium out of the blood so it can be used to build bone and teeth. When insufficient Vitamin K is found to be circulating in the blood, calcium is picked up by soft tissue throughout the body. This is especially evident in the delicate endothelial lining of the arteries surrounding the heart. Tissue calcifies and normal function declines as cells begin to age at an accelerated rate. This eventually results in atherosclerosis and increased risk of a heart attack.

The result of a study published in the journal Atherosclerosis demonstrates that biologically active Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) can reverse the buildup of deadly plaque. The study concludes that K2 `is associated with reduced coronary calcification. Adequate menaquinone intakes could therefore be important to prevent cardiovascular disease.` The K2 form of the vitamin is found in fermented soy products such as natto. Many people will need to supplement to achieve optimal levels of the vitamin.

Vitamin K Destroys Cancer Cells

Researchers are actively reviewing evidence that suggests that Vitamin K2 can be a powerful ally in preventing and even treating certain cancer cell lines. K2 has been shown to cause leukemia cells to self destruct in a process known as apoptosis. This is a natural cellular function that cancer cells can disable so they can grow unimpeded. Additional studies have shown similar inhibitory effects against myeloma and lymphoma cancer lines.

Vitamin K has also proven effective in lowering the risk from liver cancer. In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, individuals at high risk for viral induced liver cancer were supplemented with Vitamin K2 and compared with a group that did not receive the nutrient. Less than 10% of the people receiving K2 developed liver cancer. 47% of those in the control group developed the devastating disease.

Vitamin K deficiency is rampant due to poor diet and insufficient knowledge about its many health benefits. Similar to Vitamin D, humans have evolved to utilize Vitamin K to prevent atherosclerosis and certain types of cancer. Research is beginning to uncover many essential benefits associated with this critical nutrient that we can use to control disease and slow the process of aging.

Natural Diet and Lifestyle Prevents Diabetes and Heart Disease

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the US as new cases continue to be diagnosed at a rate of 4000 per day. This sobering statistic places millions of people at greatly increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, sudden death from a heart attack and contributes to the obesity epidemic.

Diabetes is characterized by metabolic instability as a result of wild blood sugar spikes and insulin resistance which damages the delicate inner lining of the coronary arteries. New research demonstrates that intense lifestyle changes to diet, exercise and the surrounding environment can prevent both heart disease and diabetes initiation and progression.

Intense Lifestyle Changes Required to Prevent Diabetes

The results of a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine show that intense lifestyle changes including diet and exercise demonstrated significant decreases in body weight, lowered blood pressure and A1C blood glucose readings. Cardiovascular health also improved as blood pressure was reduced and HDL cholesterol levels increased.

The study continued over the course of four years and found that compared to a control group, the lifestyle intervention participants experienced a considerably lowered risk of cardiovascular disease as well as biomarkers which predict diabetes. The study also found that the prescribed lifestyle intervention group also lost an average of 7% of their body weight. This is significant as research has shown that losing as little as 5% of total weight can reduce the risk of mortality from all causes.

Diabetes is Caused by Poor Diet and Inactive Lifestyle

The New England Journal of Medicine concludes that `the majority of cases of Type II diabetes could be prevented by the adoption of a healthier lifestyle`. Diet is the single most important factor which leads to metabolic dysfunction, loss of blood sugar and insulin control and excessive levels of triglycerides which become stored as abdominal fat.

Many other factors contribute including lack of physical activity, smoking and environmental pollutants and toxins. Diabetes is a lifestyle disease which can be prevented by following a natural diet, getting regular exercise and limiting exposure to household and environmental toxins.

Improving Blood Sugar and Lowering Cardio Risk Factors

Diabetes and heart disease are closely linked as diabetics run twice the risk of developing coronary artery disease and dying from a heart attack. In large part this is due to the damage caused by rapid swings in blood sugar after meals which are high in refined and processed carbohydrates and immediately released into the bloodstream. This damages the delicate endothelial lining of the coronary arteries leading to plaque buildup and vascular deterioration.

Following a natural diet which excludes all sugar, processed carbohydrates, wheat and hydrogenated fats is the best strategy to prevent diabetes and related cardiovascular disease. Monitor your blood sugar at 1 and 2 hour intervals after eating and be sure that the reading stays below 140 mg/dl. Readings above this level are associated with dramatically increased risk of diabetic complications and promote heart disease.

Modern medical science has been slow to uncover and reveal the real cause of diabetes and heart disease. Alternative health advocates have long known the healing power experienced by switching to a diet void of processed foods and eliminating household and environmental toxins. Those with the true desire to make permanent natural lifestyle changes will be able to prevent diabetes and heart disease while naturally promoting weight loss.