Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Diabetic Retinopathy Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that is associated with diabetes. Diabetes as you can guess is a huge health concern. In fact in the United States in 2021 diabetes was found to be the 8th leading cause …
Subscribe Today! Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode. DON’T BE FOOLED BY OZEMPIC, TURN TO NATURE FOR WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT, INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 656 Hosted by Amanda Williams, MD, MPH. *Intro Music* InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the …
Written by: Claire Arcidiacono, ND
For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]†
In our modern world we have many alternatives to sugar. These alternatives include artificial sweeteners and those that are considered natural sweeteners. In this blog I will be going over sugar substitute’s not actual sugar. For more information on sugar it please see my prior blog on sugar. Before I get into sugar alternatives I want to point out that while Agave, molasses and honey are considered by some to be healthy sugar alternatives they are actually still sugar. While they may be a better choice for some for those looking to lower their sugar intake they are not an alternative solution since they are still sugar.†
Artificial sweeteners are those that are made by extracting plant compounds or by using chemicals to form a sweet compound. Artificial sweeteners include aspartame, saccharin, sucralose and cyclamate. Typically when we think of artificial sweeteners we tend to think of those that are made in a lab or modified in a lab setting. And while this is not exact it can be helpful to think of them that way. “Over the counter” names for common artificial sweeteners include Equal, Sweet “n” Low and Splenda. (1) Those that are considered “natural” alternative sweeteners are usually extracted directly from plants. The most common of these include Xylitol, Stevia and Monk fruit.† (2)
Now I’m sure we have all heard about the side effects of artificial sweeteners but are there any benefits? Well some studies have shown that there is a potential for benefits when it comes to weight loss and helping improving fasting blood glucose. Side effects while not proven 100% have been found in studies to occur in some individuals that use these items. While as I said the following are not proven without a doubt the fact that the data suggests these do happen is concerning. Some data has found that artificial sweeteners can cross the blood-brain barrier and can in the long run affect appetite leading to an increase in food intake. Data has also found that artificial sweeteners can cause your taste buds to become accustomed to ultra-sweet flavors. In other words your taste buds are so used to super sweet that you can no longer even recognize mild sweet such as found in fruit. Additionally some studies have found that artificial sweeteners can affect bacteria in the gut leading to an increase risk of insulin resistance, diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Studies have also found that artificial sweeteners are linked to many different digestive issues such as IBS. In other words artificial sweeteners both decrease our immune system and increase our risk for chronic inflammatory disorders. Aspartame in particular cannot be consumed by anyone with Phenylketonuria. Unfortunately in this blog I just didn’t have the space to put all the potential side effects of artificial sweeteners. If I had tried we would be here for a very long time. So I just put the most common.† (3)
SIDE EFFECTS OF ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS
Now natural alternative sweeteners have some potential side effects, however in clinical practice I have found that they tend to be pretty rare. However, just like with anything it is possible to overdo it. Sugar alcohols such as Xylitol in high amounts may have a laxative affect. (4)Stevia may cause bloating, nausea, dizziness and numbness. (5) So far Monk fruit only appears to cause allergy type side effects for those that are allergic to it.† (6)
Now unlike with artificial sweeteners where the benefits aren’t very varied natural sweeteners have a variety of benefits. Xylitol and Stevia have both been found to help improve bone health which is why Invite use’s Stevia in our Bone powder and Collagen Hx! Xylitol is very helpful when it comes regulating bacteria especially in the mouth. This is why Invite uses it in our periodontal lozenges and even our Chew-able Coq10! Back to Stevia it is associated with decreasing blood sugar levels. Monk fruit contains an antioxidant which has been found to be anti-inflammatory. And of course natural sugar alternatives are helpful for those who wish to lower their sugar intake either because of family history or personal medical history. (7) I always tell people that prevention is key. It is much better to avoid a problem than to try and correct it later. One way to help stay healthy is to use natural sweeteners which is what Invite does to help us stay healthy.†
INVITE’S SOLUTIONS TO THAT SWEET TOOTH CRAVINGS
Next week well be concluding our series on blood sugar.†
For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]†
REFERENCES
1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/artificial-sweeteners-good-or-bad#types
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/artificial-sweeteners/art-20046936
3.https://www.eatthis.com/artificial-sweeteners-side-effects/
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/artificial-sweeteners/art-20046936
5.https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-682/stevia
6.https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/monk-fruit-health-benefits
7.https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_the_best_alternative_to_sugar/article.htm
Written by: Dr.Claire Arcidiacono, ND What exactly is sugar? Sugar is what we call sweet- tasting water soluble carbohydrates. Sugar comes in two forms, monosaccharides or “simple sugars” which include glucose, fructose and galactose. Disaccharides or “compound sugars” are made of 2 bonded monosaccharides. For …
Written by: Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]† Last blog I wrote about diabetes type 1. Today we will be talking about the interesting topic of prediabetes. From a holistic point of view, prediabetes is very interesting. It …
Diabetes type 1
Written by: Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]†
Diabetes type 1 is a type of diabetes that is commonly found in children. In fact it used to be called juvenile diabetes. But what is diabetes type one? To start with, it is an autoimmune disease of the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin. While there are many hypothesis as to why the immune system starts to attack the pancreas as of now no single reason has been confirmed as the cause. Now the destruction of the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin means that no insulin is produced. While the blood sugar going up would normally signal the body to produce insulin due to the destruction of the insulin producing cells no insulin is made. This is what makes diabetes type one so unique. In general in other cases of high blood sugar there is actually adequate insulin but the body loses its sensitivities to it. Thus treating diabetes type one is more about replacing the missing insulin and protecting the body from damage caused by high blood sugar. (1) †
SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES
What are the symptoms of diabetes? Type one diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood, in my clinical experience it is usually diagnosed quite young. However, I have had clinical experience where diagnosis was delayed or children were actually misdiagnosed at first and later diagnosed as diabetic. Due to the possible complications of diabetes this is a huge concern. If you suspect your child has diabetes please see a doctor as soon as possible? Usually the first sign of diabetes type one is high blood sugar. This is usually accompanied by increased urination as well as increased thirst. Other symptoms include increased appetite with weight loss, blurred vision, bed wetting, and irritability and performance issues at school. Recurrent skin infections can also indicate high blood sugar. (2) If diagnosis is delayed there an also be persistent fatigue, dry or flushed skin, abdominal pain as well as nausea and vomiting. Additionally the child may act confused and have trouble breathing. Interestingly there can even be a fruity smell to the breath. (3) †
RISK FACTORS
As I stated at the beginning of this blog, in type one diabetes the insulin producing cells are destroyed by the immune system. For unknown reasons the body is triggered to make antibodies that then destroy the insulin producing cells. There are certain risk factors that are being studied at this time. These include genetic susceptibility, diabetic triggers and or exposure to an antigen. (4) It also appears that the risk of diabetes type one is higher in children of mothers what are obese or older than 35. It also appears as though a cesarean birth is also a risk factor. There has also been found to be an association with cow’s milk intake as well as high sugar intake. Some studies have found an association of diabetes type 1 with gluten intake. (5) Certain medications are also associated with an increased risk of type 1 diabetes. (6) †
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis is done by testing the blood sugar as well as the A1C. For more information please see my previous blogs on these blood tests.
Complications from diabetes are very severe. According to the National institute of diabetes and digestive and kidney diseases about 130,000 people in the United States with diabetes have amputations each year. (7) Other complications include keto acidosis, hyperosmolar coma, poor healing, heart disease (and all the complications that fall under this category), hypoglycemia (once again all of the complications associated with this) and damage to eyes. There can also be confusion, memory loss, and even seizures. And of course coma. Diabetes can also damage the nerves as well as the blood vessels leading to poor circulation. (8) †
Diabetes type one is treated with insulin. There is no way around this. Diabetics type one DO NOT PRODUCE INSULIN therefore they must take it. Yes there is such a thing as a “brittle diabetic” however that is a unique concern that does not affect the majority of type 1 diabetics. I want to emphasize that the supplements that are fantastic for other types of diabetics do not replace insulin. A type one diabetic cannot just take a supplement to increase sensitivities to insulin because as I’ve said they don’t make it. Insulin can be given via subcutaneous injection with a syringe or an insulin pump. Blood sugar can also be managed with diet and exercise. Because the complications from diabetes type 1 are so severe we want to help keep the body healthy and this is where supplements can be fantastic!
NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT
ALA has been found in studies to help with damaged nerves. It has even been found that it can help in cases of nerve apoxia! This is important because the high blood sugar in diabetes can damage nerves. (9) Please see Invite’s Alcar with ALA or our ALA formula.
Benfotiamine (fat soluble B1) has been found in studies to help with the symptoms of neuropathy (10) Please see Invite’s Nerve Hx!
Methyl-B is a combination of B vitamins that are methylated. Studies show that b vitamins can help with nerve damage and even peripheral neuropathy (11)
Beets have been found to help with circulation which is a concern for long term diabetics! In long term diabetes the inflammation can affect the circulation.
In addition to helping with overall circulation studies show that beets can help to lower the inflammation. (12) Please see Invite’s Beets Hx
Chromium, Zinc and Magnesium have been correlated with better blood sugar control. Studies show that those with low levels of these nutrients have less stable or even poorly controlled blood sugar. (13) Please see Invite health for all of our options containing these fantastic nutrients!
Multivitamins are important to help prevent any deficiencies and for overall health. Additionally studies show that in the long term a good multivitamin can help with energy. (14) Please see Invite’s extensive line of multi vitamins!
THE NUTRITIONAL ASPECT ON CONTROLLING BLOOD SUGAR HEALTH
Next week we will navigate the confusing world of PREDIABETES!
SOURCES
“Diabetes Fact sheet N°312”. WHO. November 2016. Archived from the original on 26 August 2013. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
Wolsdorf & Garvey 2016, “Type 1 Diabetes”.
“DKA (Ketoacidosis) & Ketones”. American Diabetes Association. Retrieved 28 July 2021.
Chiang JL, Kirkman MS, Laffel LM, Peters AL (July 2014). “Type 1 diabetes through the life span: a position statement of the American Diabetes Association”. Diabetes Care. 37 (7): 2034–2054. doi:10.2337/dc14-1140. PMC 5865481. PMID 24935775.
Norris, Johnson & Stene 2020, “Environmental factors”.
Repaske 2016, “Additional medications that decrease insulin release”.
https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/diabetes-amputation
Chiang JL, Kirkman MS, Laffel LM, Peters AL (July 2014). “Type 1 diabetes through the life span: a position statement of the American Diabetes Association”. Diabetes Care. 37 (7): 2034–2054. doi:10.2337/dc14-1140. PMC 5865481. PMID 24935775.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2836194/
https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0029-1211460
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8294980/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31343948/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26406393/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4750202/