Flax seed and Deterring Diabetes

Heredity is a major predictor in determining whether you may get or have diabetes. Yet, researchers continue to find strong evidence that heredity is not necessarily destiny in terms of illnesses such as diabetes. A major safeguard in protection against chronic disease is a balanced diet and exercise.The body secretes a hormone known as insulin.

More specifically, a portion of the pancreas controls the production of this important hormone. This hormone enables the body to use or burn sugar and starch after they have been converted into glucose by the digestive process. The body needs this glucose (sugar) in order to provide heat, energy and absorb other nutrients. Any sugar the body does not immediately need is stored in the tissues to be drawn on later – like your body's own saving account.

Dear Greg,
I was recently given some of your flax seed by a well meaning friend because I am diabetic and have been fighting with my mouth and high blood sugars. Yes, I love to eat. After looking at the flax seed for several days, decided to grind it and begin using. I am taking 3 tablespoons a day and my blood sugars have been lower than they ever were. It can only be attributed to the flax seed because I have not made a change in my med routine. I mix it with my Crystal Light fake orange juice in the morning and at the end of the day, sprinkle a teaspoon over my dinner. My blood sugar readings are nothing short of amazing. I am so grateful to my friend for giving me 12 pounds of Flax Seed. Have been printing and using some wonderful recipes. Thank you, thank you, thank you for saving my life.

Molly

When there is a disturbance in the insulin mechanism, the body cannot utilize the glucose, no matter how many sugar-content or starch foods are eaten. Then the sugar accumulates in the blood and is also eliminated in the urine. Yet, sugar piles up in the blood faster than what the body can get rid of through the urinary process. This makes an individual less capable of coping with infections of any kind. When large amounts of sugar accumulate in the blood, the body shows symptoms of chronic fatigue, irritability and sometimes nausea. Insatiable thirst is also a primary symptom due to the body's compensating need to eliminate the excess sugar through the urine. This excessive urination even gave the disease its name. The word diabetes came from a Greek word meaning fountain.

Professional medical care is essential in its treatment. Also, a person needs to have a good understanding of the role that diet and exercise play in the management and/or prevention of a diabetic condition.

The incidence of diabetes in the United States has increased markedly. A startling 76% increase of diabetes among people in their 30’s was noted within an 8 year span (1990 to 1998). Doctors attribute much of this problem to unhealthy weight management techniques, obesity and lack of exercise. Of great concern, is the rise of these numbers with youth and young adults, creating a lifelong obstacle course of chronic disease.

The fiber of flaxseed and its omega-3 fatty acid properties provide essential components of a diet that helps with healthy weight management. Researchers predict that diabetes will continue to increase in the population as an increasing portion of society struggles with obesity. Dr. Frank Vinicor, director of the diabetes division at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states the problem will continue to escalate. Exercising too little and disregard for healthy eating habits remains the highest concern relayed by health practitioners in the field.

No matter what hereditary predictor one may have, overweight individuals remain more susceptible to the issues of diabetes. A recent study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention showed that the risk of diabetes increased by 4 percent for every pound of excess weight. One doesn’t need much more data to convince ourselves that much of our quality of life can be within our control. Please link to the weight management section of this website and the nutrition link to gain helpful information on how you can keep your body in its finest, healthiest form.