The holistic approach to health is based on the belief that the body can heal itself if given the right tools. The holistic approach to Type 2 Diabetes is to focus on diet and nutrition, exercise, stress reduction and energy healing. The holistic approach to Type 2 Diabetes focuses on reducing blood sugar levels and boosting metabolism.
With respect to Type 2 diabetes, it is important to maintain a healthy weight and to end obesity and smoking. It is important to reduce body fat (measured as BMI) to acceptable levels. The holistic approach to achieve this is through diet, exercise, stress reduction and natural supplements.
For type 2 diabetes, we must look at food as medicine. Generally speaking, we should only consume foods that contain a lot of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. A high nutrient diet is recommended. This diet should consist almost entirely of whole fresh vegetables (especially green vegetables) with some whole fresh fruit (especially apples and pears) and berries. A little bit of whole grains (quinoa, couscous and kasha), berries, nuts and seeds is alright. Dried beans are good. They are filled with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals and are low glycemic foods. Dried mung beans, garbanzo beans, black beans and lentils are particularly good. Pinto beans, kidney beans, green beans, black eyed peas, great northern beans and navy beans are also good. Avoid starchy vegetables such as white potatoes. For protein, legumes, eggs and fish are recommended. But, at Reversirol least 80% of the diet should consist of whole, fresh, non-starchy vegetables. Organic and raw vegetables are best. Whole fresh vegetables provide vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants so needed by the body.
Avoid refined sugar and starches and processed foods, soda and sugary drinks including artificially sweetened drinks. Processed foods are often highly caloric and they raise blood sugar levels. This is because they often contain high fructose corn syrup and other refined sugars and starches along with trans-fats and other fats that spike blood sugar levels. Generally speaking, processed foods contain empty calories and have no nutritional value. The body needs and craves nutrients. Processed foods keep you hungry because they do not satisfy the body’s need for nutrition. When you eat mostly whole fresh vegetables you will not get so hungry because these foods contain the vitamins, minerals and anti -oxidants the body needs.
So, with respect to Type 2 diabetes, avoid or greatly reduce your consumption of refined sugar, refined starches (such as cookies, chips, cake, bread, etc.) and animal based saturated fats from meat, dairy and eggs, refined oils and trans-fats. They increase blood sugar and blood lipid levels. Substitute some whole grains instead such as oatmeal, quinoa, kasha and cous cous. Some recommend a gluten free diet. Substitute a limited amount of plant based fats and oils for animal based fats and trans-fats (including extra virgin coconut oil and olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds).
Weight loss is important of you are obese or overweight. A plant-based, whole food organic diet primarily of whole fresh vegetables, fruit, and a limited amount of whole organic grains, nuts and seeds is important for weight loss along with daily exercise. To curb appetite, drink hot tea or water and water with lemon or a piece of fruit before a meal to curb appetite.
Avoid or greatly reduce your consumption of animal-based saturated fats (fats found in dairy and meat) and trans-fats. They increase blood sugar levels. Good fats include plant-based fats (i.e., those found in fish oil, extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil, flaxseed oil, seeds, nuts and avocados. Organic is best because it does not have as many chemicals/pesticides in it. However, non-organic (non-GMO) whole vegetables, fruit and berries are better than processed foods. Your diet should be primarily whole fresh non starchy organic vegetables. If you wish to eat fruit, limit the amount of fruit and you eat. Berries (especially blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries) are better than other fruit with respect to blood sugar.