As stated in both our sugar and healthy fat loss series, when we eat excess carbohydrates, the pancreas produces too much insulin. Elevated blood insulin or hyperinsulinemia is the major cause of all disease, including the epidemic we will address today, Diabetes.
Dr. Mercola says the United States now has 24 million diagnosed diabetics or 8% of the population. Another 57 million Americans are walking around with undiagnosed or pre-diabetes, making the number 1 in 4 of our total population. That number is expected to almost double in the next 25 years.
Most people know that there are 2 types of diabetes:
— Type 1, or juvenile onset, is where the body’s own immune system destroys the insulin producing cells of the pancreas so that insulin injections are needed for life. There is no known cure, but this type only affects 1 in 250 Americans, usually before age 20. However, recent research suggests that Vitamin D may play a protective role during pregnancy.
— Type 2, or adult onset, affects 90 to 95% of all diabetics and is generally brought on by lifestyle in later years. It is completely preventable and nearly 100% curable. Medications are not the answer because diabetes is not a disease of blood sugar. Elevated insulin levels are associated with heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, obesity, and others. Drugs often shorten the lifespan that diabetics experience. Elevated insulin levels and leptin signaling can only be addressed by lifestyle change.
What can we do to change what food processors are doing to us by putting HFC in all of our packaged foods? We can boycott by putting the can back on the shelf after reading ingredients. Someone suggested turning it upside down and backwards. The next person to come along would get the message that something was wrong. We can call the companies and tell them to stop putting HFCS in our products.
Probably the most important thing you can do is change you own diet, read labels, stop the bottles of soft drinks, fruit punch, diet drinks, and replace with water. Cut desserts and grains and go for the whole, unprocessed foods. Your body will thank you!
