Tag: pancreas

Diabetes, what is it?

Scott has written today’s post about Diabetes.

Most of us have heard of diabetes, in recent years it has become endemic in western culture and that is a clue to what it is.

Types of diabetes

There are 4 different types of diabetes:

  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Pre-diabetes
  • Gestational diabetes

First let’s look at the 2 most common types and what they are.

Type 1 diabetes is well known as being largely hereditary. However what many people don’t realise is that it is in fact an autoimmune condition. This is where the pancreas doesn’t produce insulin because the immune system has destroyed the cells in the pancreas that do that.

Type 2 diabetes is far more common and therefore well known for that reason. It also has a strong genetic component to it. However, it is relatively easy to stop and if caught early enough, it can be reversed with diet and lifestyle changes. For this reason, we will concentrate on type 2 for todays post.

So what is it really?

Diabetes mellitus, or diabetes, is a serious chronic health condition, which occurs when there is too much glucose in the blood. Without getting too technical it is basically a case of abdominal fat causing impairment in the uptake of glucose in the blood.

Over time high glucose levels can damage the body’s blood vessels and nerves, leading to long term health complications such as heart, kidney and eye disease, and nerve damage in the feet.

These in turn leads to other conditions like cardiovascular disease, hormone issues and even polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The impairment of glucose uptake means that the pancreas needs to produce more and more insulin to keep up with demand, which eventually wears these cells out.

What are the symptoms?

The signs of diabetes are also well known but people still miss them. They include excessive thirst, more frequent urination, cuts that are slow to heal, headaches and felling dizzy. This is not an exhaustive list and many of these symptoms alone do not necessarily mean you have diabetes but if you have several of them together then you should consider getting tested.

What if you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes can be managed with medication to support blood glucose levels. Though making healthy food choices assists with managing blood glucose levels. By keeping blood glucose levels within a specified range you can significantly reduce your risk of developing other serious health problems associated with diabetes.

Several studies in the UK have found that modified diet could achieve remission of Type 2 diabetes.

According to Diabetes Australia, less than half of patients that participated in intensive dietary modification reached remission, however the sooner the diagnosis the better the chances.

Lastly I thought I would mention something called “Syndrome X” also known as pre diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

This is a condition that happens before a diabetes diagnosis. It is a condition which lasts for years before the pancreas stops producing insulin. Syndrome X is preventable and modifiable with changes to lifestyle. Mainly by reducing refined starches, sugars and saturated fats while increasing exercise.

A person who is suffering from metabolic syndrome may also suffer from some mineral deficiencies due to poor absorption. There are some herbs and minerals that assist with balancing out blood sugar levels and mineral deficiencies. For example magnesium, zinc, omega 3, Gymnemia and Cinnamon. These are readily available at many health food stores.

If you think you may be suffering from syndrome X or are diabetic it is worth a blood sugar test as the earlier you catch it the better the chances of reversing it.

We hope you found this information interesting.

Till the next post,

Live clean n Prosper

Sources – (Diabetes Australia – The Lancet )

About the Gallbladder

Todays post is about the gallbladder.

This little organ is given little thought but its function makes a difference to how we digest our food.

What is the gallbladder?

The gallbladder is a part the body’s biliary system, which is made up of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas and associated ducts. This system is needed for the production, storage, and secretion of bile.

Inside the body, the gallbladder can be found under the liver. It’s approximately the size of a small pear. Its function is to store bile until it’s needed for digestion.

The gallbladder is not considered absolutely necessary for human survival, as bile can reach the small intestine in other ways.

Bile is a thick liquid that’s green, brown, or yellow in color. It’s used to help with the breakdown of dietary fats and is produced by the liver. During a meal, bile moves from the liver directly to the small intestine. However, when we’re not eating, it is stored in the gallbladder until it’s needed

The gallbladder extracts water from its store of bile until the liquid becomes highly concentrated. The presence of fatty foods triggers the gallbladder to squeeze its bile concentrate into the small intestine.

Most people do not pay much attention to their gallbladder until it starts causing trouble.

What is meant by ‘trouble’?

For unclear reasons, substances in the bile can crystallize in the gallbladder. This forms what are known as gallstones. Gallstones are small stones made from cholesterol, bile pigment and calcium salts, usually from a mixture that forms in the gallbladder.  The stones can range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball.

They are a common disorder of the digestive system, and affect around 15 per cent of people aged 50 years and over. Some people develop just one gallstone, while others develop many gallstones at the same time.

Gallstones are actually more common in women than in men. They are also more common in overweight people and people with a family history of gallstones. However, there is no known single cause of gallstones.

In most cases gallstones don’t cause any problems. Though if a gallstone lodges in a duct and causes a blockage, the resulting signs and symptoms may include:

– Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen or in the centre of the abdomen, just below the breastbone

– Back pain between the shoulder blades

– Pain in the right shoulder

– Nausea or vomiting

Gallstone pain may last anywhere from several minutes to a few hours. Blockages can also cause complications such as infections or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

When gallstones cause infection in the gallbladder, this is called Cholecystitis. This condition causes severe pain and fever, and can require surgery when infection continues or recurs.

Medical treatment isn’t considered necessary unless there is a high risk of complications from the gallstones. Treatment options include surgery and shattering the stones with sound waves.

Best way to a healthy gallbladder

You can lower your risk of gallstones by following a healthy diet and getting regular physical activity to help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.

Experts recommend:

– Eating foods that are high in fibre, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and peas.

– Eating whole grains, including brown rice, oats, and whole wheat bread.

– Eat healthy fats, like fish oil and olive oil, to help the gallbladder contract and empty on a regular basis.

– Eat fewer processed and refined carbohydrates and less sugar.

– Avoid fast foods and unhealthy fats, like those often found in fried foods.

As always, if you think your gallbladder is causing you trouble. Seek medical advice from your health professional.

We hope you found this information helpful.

Till the next post,

Live clean n prosper

Sources – Live Science , Healthline , Web MD –