0 Magnesium Essential to Heart Health Lowers Blood Sugar

(Article first published as Magnesium Slashes Heart Attack Risk, Helps Prevent Diabetes on Technorati.)

Magnesium is one of the most common elemental minerals in the human body yet experts believe that more than 90% of adults are deficient, placing them at extreme risk of sudden death from a heart attack and developing diabetes. Hundreds of biochemical functions that drive energy metabolism and DNA repair are fueled by magnesium.

We rely on eating vegetables and other natural foods grown in magnesium rich soils as our source of this vital mineral. Most people don’t eat enough fresh vegetables to supply adequate magnesium while poor farming practices have depleted the mineral from most commercially grown crops. You can ensure that you receive magnesium though diet and supplementation to stave off heart disease and metabolic dysfunction.

Magnesium Deficiency Linked with Diabetes

Magnesium is used by hundreds of enzymes in our body to regulate blood sugar metabolism. The mineral is known to dampen the flames of inflammation that interferes with healthy blood sugar and can lead to insulin resistance. The results of a study published in the journal Biologic Trace Elements Research shows that as magnesium levels in the blood increase, the risk of Type II diabetes declines in a corresponding fashion. By boosting levels of fat storage hormones such as adiponectin, magnesium plays a critical role in protecting metabolic function and lowering risk of diabetes.

Magnesium Protects Against Sudden Cardiac Death

Sudden cardiac death is a leading cause of heart-related deaths among those 40 and older. More than 250,000 people die each year for this preventable condition. Research that was part of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study demonstrates that those individuals with the highest magnesium in blood circulation had a 40% lower risk of dying from a heart attack as those with the lowest levels.

Magnesium is necessary to relax blood vessels and arteries while maintaining normal blood pressure. Further research has demonstrated the effect of magnesium on dangerous plaque formation. Low levels of magnesium are associated with the development of foamy plaque on the inner lining of the coronary arteries as well as thickening of the artery walls. High levels of magnesium were shown to decrease arterial wall thickness by 42%.

Magnesium from Diet or Supplements

The typical diet of ined foods does not supply sufficient amounts of magnesium to counteract disease. Manufacturers process out most of the nutrients necessary for health and are a poor choice to optimize health. Good sources of magnesium are nuts, seeds and beans in their natural state as well as organically grown vegetables and leafy greens. Most people will need to supplements to reach the daily intake of 400 mg recommended by experts.

Magnesium levels are grossly deficient due to mineral depletion from soils and a diet of synthetically produced foods. It`s no coincidence that humans have evolved to be reliant on a natural mineral to prevent heart disease and metabolic dysfunction. Magnesium has been plentiful in our food for generations and must be consumed as part of a natural diet or through supplementation to ensure optimal health.

0 Eating lots of carbs sugar may raise risk of cognitive impairment

People 70 and older who eat food high in carbohydrates have nearly four times the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment, and the danger also rises with a diet heavy in sugar, Mayo Clinic researchers have found. Those who consume a lot of protein and fat relative to carbohydrates are less likely to become cognitively impaired, the study found. The findings are published in the Journal of Alzheimers Disease.

The research highlights the importance of a well-rounded diet, says lead author Rosebud Roberts, M.B., Ch.B., a Mayo Clinic epidemiologist.

"We think its important that you eat a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrates and fat, because each of these nutrients has an important role in the body," Dr. Roberts says.

Researchers tracked 1,230 people ages 70 to 89 who provided information on what they ate during the previous year. At that time, their cognitive function was evaluated by an expert panel of physicians, nurses and neuropsychologists. Of those participants, only the roughly 940 who showed no signs of cognitive impairment were asked to return for follow-up evaluations of their cognitive function. About four years into the study, 200 of those 940 were beginning to show mild cognitive impairment, problems with memory, language, thinking and judgment that are greater than normal age-related changes.

Those who reported the highest carbohydrate intake at the beginning of the study were 1.9 times likelier to develop mild cognitive impairment than those with the lowest intake of carbohydrates. Participants with the highest sugar intake were 1.5 times likelier to experience mild cognitive impairment than those with the lowest levels.

But those whose diets were highest in fat -- compared to the lowest -- were 42 percent less likely to face cognitive impairment, and those who had the highest intake of protein had a reduced risk of 21 percent.

When total fat and protein intake were taken into account, people with the highest carbohydrate intake were 3.6 times likelier to develop mild cognitive impairment.

"A high carbohydrate intake could be bad for you because carbohydrates impact your glucose and insulin metabolism," Dr. Roberts says. "Sugar fuels the brain -- so moderate intake is good. However, high levels of sugar may actually prevent the brain from using the sugar -- similar to what we see with type 2 diabetes."

0 Lower your Blood Sugar Step Up Your Exercise A Bit

Lower your Blood Sugar - Step Up Your Exercise, A Bit by John H Markus

People, who have diabetes, hear the same question almost every time they visit the doctors office. How is your diet and are you exercising? Those of you afflicted with this disease know that diet and exercise are essential to controlling blood sugar levels. Applying that knowledge is key in control. Self discipline is needed to stay on track. Lets say, you have this self discipline,and are on track.

What can you do to get better blood sugar readings. Just step it up a bit, not much, just a little bit. The Canadian Public Health system, recently conducted an experiment on overweight diabetics. The people involved were on a walking program. The experiment was officially called "Picking Up The Pace." In it, some subjects were chosen to increase their walking by 10%. The experiment lasted 12 weeks. At the end of 12 weeks, the results were as most would expect. The people walking the extra 10% lost a significantly higher amount of weight and showed healthier levels of blood sugar Ten percent of what you are doing now, is not much. If you are walking 1,000 steps in 3 minutes, step it up to 1,100 steps. If you are bench pressing 10 repetitions step it up to 11 repetitions, or put a few more pound on the bar.

This concept relates to any type of exercise you are performing. Just step it up a little. You will find your blood sugar levels to be better. There are many other areas of your health that will also improve. Your heart will work a little harder. This makes it stronger. Your circulation will be more efficient. Your internal organs will function better because of increased blood flow. This will help increase bone density. All of the bodys functions will profit form this small increase in intensity. You will see evidence in your blood sugar readings. You will start to lose a few pounds. You will look better. You will feel better about yourself. You will feel better.
About the Author

John Has been a pharmacist since 1973. His wife of 32 years has Type I diabetes. Johns mother-in-law and 8 year old granddaughter also have diabetes. There were some challenging times. With knowledge and single-eyedness they were able to get this disease under control. John also has been studying exercise and nutrition, and their effect on the body for more than 30 years.

0 How To Manage Diabetes And Control Blood Sugar Levels

Diabetes or Diabetes Mellitus is the condition of high blood sugar in the body. It could be of two types. Type 1 is when the body fails to produce insulin and the insulin has to be injected into the body to make up for the insulin deficiency. The Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the cells fail to respond to the insulin produced in the body, and this has to be controlled by medication. Gestational diabetes is another type that could occur in pregnant women but is resolved after childbirth.

In all these cases, the food consumed by the person cannot produce energy for the body, as insulin secreted by the pancreas does not absorb the sugar produced by the food. This excess of sugar that is left unabsorbed can then cause harm to the eyes, heart and kidneys.

Diabetes can be detected when one finds ants in the washroom after one has passed urine. This is a symptom of sugar not being accepted by the body and being passed out in the urine.

Diabetes could lead to problems like increased thirst, increased hunger, frequent urination, and sometimes blurred vision. Nausea or vomiting is common in the Type 1 Diabetes. It is therefore very important to control one’s weight and take the right diet and medication. Failure to do this could result in long term problems like cardiovascular diseases and retinal failure, and even premature death.

Obese people and those with a family history of diabetes are more likely to suffer from it. While a few cases of diabetes can be cured easily, most cases have to be managed with a dedicated and persistent change in lifestyle and careful medication.

The key to manage diabetes is eating at regular intervals instead of eating when one is hungry. Again, eating a balanced meal is important and care should be taken not to eat all proteins in one meal and all carbohydrates in another. Diabetic patients are educated to follow a lifestyle of regular exercises and careful diets. Smoking is strictly prohibited.

Starchy foods like breads and rice should be avoided. Junk food is a strict no-no and instead a diet rich in fiber is the right way to manage diabetes. Food with less fat and salt is recommended.

A diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, beans, cheese and skimmed milk is ideal for a diabetic patient. Fish can be baked or grilled to reduce the intake of fat.

Weight control by regular exercises for about 40-50 minutes everyday is the solution to many diabetic cases. A brisk walk is a good exercise.

Since a diabetic body lacks the important nutrients, these should be given by way of supplements like Vitamin B, C and E, which can benefit the heart, nerves and eyes. Vitamin D is a great insulin booster.

Blood glucose should be checked at regular intervals by oneself or by the doctor. Cuts and wounds should be regularly taken care of, as they heal slowly in a diabetic person and can prove disastrous if left unattended for long.

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Article Source : How To Manage Diabetes And Control Blood Sugar Levels

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0 Nuts Lowering Blood Sugar

Nuts Lowering Blood Sugar - Nuts are healthy foods that should be part of the diet. In those with diabetes mellitus, regular chewing foods that have a low glycemic index such as beans, proved to lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure.

Nuts are known to contain nutrient dense, rich in fiber and protein. Because nuts contain low glycemic index or slower to raise blood sugar, peanut snack is the right choice for diabetics.

"Beans and legumes are known good for the heart. However apparently, it good for the heart in a way that was unexpected,"

said Dr.David Jenkins of the Canada Research Chair in Nutrition and Metabolism are doing this research.

For people with diabetes, legumes not only glucose control but also have a significant impact on blood pressure.

Unclear how the scientific mechanism of nuts in controlling glucose and blood sugar, but according to Jenkins it may be due to protein, fiber, and minerals in it.

"Make beans and legumes as part of your diet because its not just keeping blood sugar and blood pressure, these foods can lower cholesterol,"

he advised.

In his research, Jenkins randomly asked 121 patients with type 2 diabetes to consume one cup of nuts every day or Cereal products intact.

After three months, it was the group who consumed nuts had improvement in their blood sugar levels than those who ate Cereal intact. The other bonus is uncontrolled blood pressure levels.

These benefits are not just making diabetes under control but also prevent cardiovascular disease.

Responding to the results of the study, nutritionist Marion Franz Minneapolis, USA, said that nuts are good for diabetics but also need to be considered about number.

"The important thing for patients with diabetes mellitus is not what they eat but how much you eat. Healthier food if too much is also not recommended,"

said Franz.

Samantha Heller, clinical nutrition coordinator also suggest eating nuts for patients with diabetes. But you should also be balanced with weight management.

Because the Canadian study involved few patients, the diet can not be applied in general. Setting diabetes diet should be tailored to the patients lifestyle. Therefore remain necessary in consultation with the treating doctor.