by Ela Gold | Feb 16, 2024 | HGA |
You have metabolic syndrome if you have at least three of the following four symptoms ( 2 ) ( 3 ):
- Overweight with a high percentage of belly fat
- Lipid metabolism disorders: Elevated triglyceride levels (more than 150 mg/dl fasting) and elevated LDL cholesterol levels and at the same time very low HDL cholesterol levels (less than 40 mg/dl in men, less than 50 mg/dl in women)
- Glucose metabolism disorders: Elevated fasting blood glucose (more than 100 mg/dl) and incipient insulin resistance
- Elevated blood pressure (130/85 mmHg or higher)
In addition, the following problems are increasingly being counted as metabolic syndrome:
- Increased uric acid levels, which increase the risk of gout (a rheumatic disease) and uric acid stones in the kidneys, as well as permanently promoting cardiovascular disease, diabetes and kidney damage.
- Increased inflammatory markers and a condition prone to thrombosis ( 6 )
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Sleep apnea (heavy snoring and breathing interruptions during sleep)
All of these complaints occur together much more frequently than is expected by chance – in all age groups and in both sexes, which is why they are referred to as a syndrome in their collective appearance.
What does syndrome mean?
The term “syndrome” comes from the Greek. The prefix “syn-” means “together” and “drómos” means “way”. The various ailments are therefore intertwined and together they follow the same path, namely straight towards chronic illness, malaise and premature death.
Symptoms
The symptoms of metabolic syndrome depend on which of the problems mentioned above you have and to what extent.
- Of course, being overweight quickly catches the eye, may make you less mobile and cause joint pain.
- Elevated blood lipid levels, on the other hand, are not noticeable.
- Disturbances in blood sugar levels are also generally not felt – as long as there is no pronounced diabetes.
- Slightly elevated blood pressure also does not cause any symptoms; Only significantly elevated blood pressure is noticeable with dizziness, ringing in the ears, headache, restlessness, feelings of panic, insomnia, etc.
Metabolic syndrome was once referred to as a diabolical quartet. Devilish, because the group of four likes to lead to numerous other diseases, namely:
- Cardiovascular diseases (atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke)
- Type 2 diabetes
- and also increases the risk of cancer and many other diseases – and of course contributes to an enormous burden on health systems.
Obesity alone is associated with an increased risk of almost all diseases. The risk of joint diseases increases, including autoimmune diseases ( 8 ) and infectious diseases ( 9 ).
The causes
Metabolic syndrome is also known as affluent syndrome, which is why it was already widespread in early advanced civilizations – of course, only in the upper classes, where a life of abundance and without physical exertion was possible.
The Much-Too Little-Principle
The causes of metabolic syndrome can therefore be briefly explained by the too-much-too-little principle: You do/eat too much harmful and eat/do too little beneficial:
- Too much fat, sugar, salt, fast food, convenience foods, soft drinks, alcohol, medication, stress
- Too little fruit, vegetables, wholesome food, water, exercise, sleep, relaxation, vital substances
Most of the time, it all starts with being overweight, which over time causes all other complaints. This is because abdominal fat in particular is a hormonally very active tissue. The hormones it produces lead to a constant appetite (and thus to a growing belly), to rising blood sugar, insulin and blood lipid levels, and also inhibit substances that would dissolve blood clots, which can cause thrombosis.
Possible pre-existing conditions
However, certain pre-existing conditions can also lead to obesity and other symptoms in the first place, e.g. hypothyroidism or pre-existing type 2 diabetes.
Some medications can also lead to obesity and the other symptoms of metabolic syndrome, e.g. corticosteroids (cortisone), some antidepressants and neuroleptics, beta-blockers and diuretics (“water tablets” prescribed for edema, heart failure or high blood pressure). Even if you have to take medication, there are often many things you can do to reduce its side effects.
The Diagnosis
Your family doctor is the right person to contact for the diagnosis. Whether you have the symptoms of metabolic syndrome can be easily clarified using the usual blood values. In addition, your blood pressure will be measured and your weight or waist circumference will be checked.
In premenopausal women, the gynecologist clarifies whether PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome, could be present. Here, too, the term “syndrome” is used in the name of the disease and indicates the presence of several symptoms at the same time, although there are some overlaps with the metabolic syndrome, namely obesity and insulin resistance.
In PCOS, there are also massive hormonal imbalances that can lead to cycle irregularities, infertility, acne, hair loss and increased body hair.
If several symptoms are combined with the term syndrome, this also means that one and the same therapy could remedy the syndrome in its entirety. However, this does not apply to conventional medical therapy, but only to holistic and naturopathic therapy, which includes the following measures:
- Change your diet to a healthy, vegetable-rich and wholesome diet and eat according to your personal energy needs
- Make sure you exercise. Yoga is great for metabolic syndrome
- Stress management (e.g. tapping acupressure, muscle relaxation according to Jacobson, meditation, autogenic training, etc.)
- Good sleep hygiene
- If necessary, improve intestinal health (build-up of the intestinal flora) and remove harmful substances (purification/detoxification)
- Reduce excess weight – which usually happens automatically in the course of the previously mentioned points
Should each symptom be treated individually?
Of course, you could do the respective holistic therapy concept for each symptom. However, you’ll notice that each of these say almost the same thing. Because holistic healing means that every measure helps the body in its entirety to get back into its healthy balance (no matter what it lacks).
So if you implement the holistic concept for high blood pressure, then your cholesterol, blood sugar and triglyceride levels will also improve at the same time. If you implement the concept of naturally lowering your cholesterol levels, then your blood sugar and blood pressure levels will level off at the same time, etc.
Of course, you should be helped and accompanied by your doctor in all these steps and measures. A doctor of nutritional medicine can help you change your diet and certainly help you choose the necessary dietary supplements.
A specialist in physical medicine/sports medicine will take over the creation of a training plan that is suitable for you, which you may initially learn to implement with the support of a physiotherapist.
When it comes to stress management, contact your GP or your health insurance company. Appropriate prevention courses are often offered, which you can take advantage of to learn stress management strategies and measures for relaxation.
Conventional medicine/evidence-based medicine, on the other hand, prescribes a separate medication for each of the problems mentioned – a pill for high blood pressure, a second pill for rising blood sugar, and a third for high cholesterol.
If, for example, you take a beta-blocker (against high blood pressure), this can usually lower blood pressure, but may increase the blood sugar level and also promote obesity. Thus, the remedy helps against one part of the syndrome, while it may aggravate another part or even several ( 7 ).
But that’s not a problem, because you also get a remedy for the high blood sugar level, e.g. metformin, the “miracle cure” of conventional medicine, which is even given to obese people purely preventively, because it is even supposed to help them lose weight ( 10 ).
Interactions when taking multiple medications
However, the problem now is that the combination of beta-blockers and metformin can lead to unnoticed hypoglycemia in diabetics, because beta-blockers increase the blood sugar-lowering effect of metformin. Unnoticed hypoglycemia, however, can be dangerous, lead to unconsciousness and death in acute cases, but can also cause dementia, stroke, blood pressure crises, cardiac arrhythmias or even sudden cardiac arrest in the long term.
Side effects of each individual medication
Metformin also alters the intestinal flora, which patients notice very quickly when they take the drug. This is because it often leads to vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence and diarrhea – not in everyone, but in more than one in ten patients.
However, the change in the intestinal flora is partly positive, they say. After all, anyone who has a high blood sugar level (or even type 2 diabetes) generally already has a disturbed intestinal flora anyway. Metformin now increases those bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids for the intestine, which is very good, as these fatty acids are considered to be very healing for the intestinal mucosa and also promote healthy immune cells.
At the same time, however, metformin ensures the proliferation of undesirable E. coli bacteria – the reason for the aforementioned digestive problems. For this reason, it has been considered for years whether metformin should be supplemented with a probiotic that can displace the unwanted E. coli bacteria. However, no verdict has yet been reached in this regard ( 4 ).
Side effect of diabetes medication: vitamin B12 deficiency
Metformin can also lead to vitamin B12 deficiency in the long term, so this vitamin should be taken with metformin therapy. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause the following symptoms, some of which you may recognize:
- Headaches and fatigue
- Tingling in the hands and feet
- Poor memory to the point of confusion (you think dementia is approaching)
- Anemia
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- Irritability, restlessness, anxiety, depression
- Inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth/sore tongue
It is therefore not surprising that an evaluation of 48 studies with a total of 1.6 million diabetics showed that 30 percent of diabetics stop taking metformin due to side effects or do not take it as prescribed. Here we explain which vitamins diabetics should pay particular attention to (apart from vitamin B12).
Dietary Supplements That Help Avoid Side Effects
So you are already taking 2 medications (blood pressure and blood sugar reducers) and – if your doctor is on his toes – two preparations to keep the side effects of these drugs at bay (vitamin B12 and a probiotic). But that’s not all: your cholesterol levels also need to be lowered, which is why you are given a statin (cholesterol-lowering drug).
Statins, however, are not only known not to work at all in many patients, but also to increase blood sugar levels and thus the risk of diabetes. Just like beta-blockers, these drugs may be able to exacerbate metabolic syndrome. Other diseases can also be promoted by statins, such as Parkinson’s disease.
If you can’t avoid statins, talk to your doctor about coenzyme Q10. This dietary supplement significantly reduces the risk of another side effect of statins – muscle complaints (myopathies).
So you can see that conventional medical therapy is not so effective and does not contribute to the healing of the metabolic syndrome, but at best tries to delay the onset of serious secondary diseases such as stroke and heart attack.
However, there are always more tolerable medications, e.g. in the area of antihypertensives, ACE inhibitors could be used instead of beta-blockers, which do not affect blood sugar levels. However, these drugs have other side effects, so that one always comes to the same conclusion:
It is better to proceed – together with your doctor – as described above under “How is metabolic syndrome treated holistically?”.
Of course, if you are already taking medication, do not stop taking it immediately. Over the course of your lifestyle changes, you can often tape them off slowly (in consultation with your doctor). However, depending on how long you have been taking these medications, expect several months or years before the medication can finally be discontinued completely.
by Ela Gold | Feb 2, 2024 | HGA |
Three factors are considered a way to type 2 diabetes mellitus: obesity, lack of exercise and the preference for a carbohydrate-rich diet. Conversely, this means that normal weight, physical activity and a healthy diet cure type 2 diabetes – if action is taken in time. However, there are many other measures that everyone affected can implement and thus increase their chance of recovery.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus – a widespread disease worldwide
Diabetes mellitus is also known as diabetes. The term “mellitus” comes from Latin and means “sweetened with honey or honey-sweet”, which indicates the high-sugar urine of those affected. Diabetes mellitus has now become a real mass disease. It affects almost 10 percent of the population. Of these, 95 percent suffer from type 2 diabetes mellitus and 5 percent from type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Diabetics often take medication for the rest of their lives – and yet they often suffer from the complications of diabetes. These cannot be prevented by medication alone. However, if you react and take action in time as a type 2 diabetic, you have every chance of a complete cure!
The difference between type 2 and type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes mellitus usually begins in childhood and can be congenital. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys the beta cells of the pancreas, which are the cells that make insulin. In this case, there is an insulin deficiency and those affected have to inject insulin for the rest of their lives.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the so-called adult-onset diabetes, because it used to affect mostly older people. In the meantime, however, this form of diabetes is no longer called that because the number of younger type 2 diabetics has risen by 70 percent in recent years. In addition, more and more children have recently been going through life with adult-onset diabetes.
In type 2 diabetics, the pancreas still works very well. On the other hand, insulin resistance is present, which means that the cells in the body of a type 2 diabetic (especially muscle, liver and fat cells) no longer respond to insulin or only with difficulty and therefore (temporarily) no longer allow glucose into the cell interior.
The sugar remains in the blood, even though the cells desperately need it and therefore keep sending out “we-need-glucose” signals. Consequently, the pancreas produces more and more insulin and yet the amount produced never seems to be enough. The blood sugar level remains elevated and the pancreas is eventually exhausted, so insulin-dependent diabetes can also occur eventually.
Conventional medicine prescribes antidiabetic drugs
In type 2, therefore, insulin is not administered for the time being (as long as the pancreas is still working). Type 2 diabetics are instead given so-called antidiabetic drugs, e.g. metformin, by their conventional medical therapist.
These are drugs that, for example, inhibit the release of glucose from the liver or block glucose uptake from the intestine. Other antidiabetic drugs are designed to enhance the effect of the body’s own insulin. In this way, the increase in blood sugar levels is to be stopped.
Symptoms
While the type 1 form becomes noticeable relatively quickly and clearly (great thirst, frequent urge to urinate, fatigue, etc.), the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus is often inconspicuous, as the pancreas can initially respond to growing insulin resistance with increased insulin production.
Although blood sugar levels can still rise, most of those affected do not notice their incipient type 2 diabetes at this early stage. Only when the pancreas tires after years of excessive insulin production and can no longer release enough insulin into the blood, does the blood sugar level rise noticeably for the affected person, which can manifest itself in fatigue and a drop in performance.
The aftermath
A permanently elevated blood sugar level leads to various damages in the body in the long term. The first victims are the small blood vessels (microangiopathy), later also the large blood vessels (macroangiopathy). The vascular walls are thickened by the chronically elevated blood sugar level and lose their elasticity.
It can also lead to tissue growth within the blood vessels, which does not exactly improve their permeability. At the same time, high blood sugar levels affect blood platelets (thrombocytes). The result is an increased tendency to clot, i.e. thicker blood.
Unfortunately, the combination of thickened blood vessel walls and thick blood is far from harmless. In the large blood vessels, therefore, arteriosclerosis occurs much faster in diabetics than in non-diabetics and thus also circulatory disorders more quickly.
Possible consequences of these blood vessel changes and thus possible consequences of diabetes are:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Renal failure
- Eye problems (glaucoma or cataracts, risk of blindness due to damage to the retinal vessels)
- Nerve problems (e.g. diabetic polyneuropathy: damage to the blood vessels that supply the nerves, which can develop into calf cramps, nerve pain and even paralysis)
- Circulatory disorders, which can manifest themselves in the so-called diabetic foot. In diabetic foot, the small vessels in the foot in the area of the toes or heel are so damaged that tissue can die in these areas.
- Diabetes also increases the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Possible causes
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is even officially considered a disease that can develop due to an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Consequently, conventional medical therapists now also recommend their patients to make three fundamental lifestyle changes:
Eat less sugar and carbohydrates, reduce body weight and exercise regularly. In detail, the possible causes of type 2 diabetes are the following:
1. An improper diet
An incorrect diet based on large amounts of carbohydrate-containing foods and sugary drinks, in combination with lack of exercise (see next point), ultimately leads to the described insulin resistance of the cells and ultimately to type 2 diabetes mellitus in many people over several years.
Those affected often like to eat bread, rolls and pasta made from extracted flours (white flour), jam, white rice, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, ice cream, sweet snacks, sweetened dairy products, and drink sugary soft drinks or sweetened coffee or tea with them.
These large amounts of sugar, starch and white flour cause an above-average increase in blood sugar levels several times a day. As a result, the pancreas has to provide huge amounts of insulin again and again to stop the tidal wave of sugar from the blood into the cells. However, cells only need as much sugar as humans need energy.
If you move little and therefore require little energy, then the sugar is not consumed. As a result, the organism suffers from an extreme excess of sugar with an extremely low need for sugar. Since the cells do not need the sugar offered in excess by insulin, they become downright dull at some point. They no longer respond to insulin. They are insulin-resistant.
2. Lack of exercise
Lack of exercise is also a factor that promotes the development of insulin resistance and thus type 2 diabetes mellitus.
3. Obesity
Being overweight is considered a risk factor for the development of insulin resistance. Research has shown that 65 – 70 percent of all severely obese people are more or less insulin resistant and can easily develop diabetes.
4. Chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation has recently been considered a possible trigger for many different diseases, such as arteriosclerosis, but also diabetes. According to some scientists, it is precisely the above-mentioned excess weight that plays a role, especially if a big belly is present.
Abdominal fat is said to often contain unnoticed inflammation, which can lead to insulin no longer being able to perform its function. Apparently, fat on the thighs or other parts of the body is not supposed to have an effect on this diabetes-promoting kind. Chronic inflammation can also lead directly to damage to the insulin-producing beta cells in the islets of Langerhans.
5. Fatty liver
An existing fatty liver can promote the development of diabetes mellitus. A fatty liver develops with a preference for alcohol abuse and with a general tendency to excess (too much sugar, too much fat, too much fast food, etc.), so that excessive alcohol consumption can also cause an aggravation in diabetes.
6. Antioxidant deficiency
An antioxidant deficiency is often underestimated, but it can promote or worsen almost any disease – and thus also diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2. An antioxidant deficiency manifests itself in the following ways:
Free radicals destroy the insulin receptors* on the cell surface of the body’s cells and could therefore be responsible for the development of insulin resistance. If the insulin receptors on the cell surface are no longer intact, insulin can no longer channel sugar into the cell because the cell no longer recognizes the insulin as such and therefore no longer lets the sugar in.
In type 1 diabetes, free radicals can damage the pancreas and thus impair a possible residual function of the beta cells or, of course, damage the blood vessel walls and thus increase the risk of possible secondary diseases.
Antioxidants eliminate free radicals, thus preventing free radicals from damaging insulin receptors, beta cells or cells in the blood vessel walls, and can thus also delay the development of insulin resistance or slow down the progression of type 1 diabetes.
*Receptors are specific proteins on the cell surface into which suitable hormones (such as insulin) can dock according to the lock-and-key principle. It is a type of code designed to ensure that only “authorized” substances can enter the cells. Substances (e.g. toxins) that do not have a “key” and therefore cannot dock onto the receptors are denied access to the cells.
7. Magnesium deficiency
Magnesium deficiency can contribute enormously to type 2 diabetes mellitus. Only an adequate level of magnesium in the blood allows the pancreas to secrete enough insulin. Without magnesium, the pancreas can only work to a limited extent.
Magnesium also ensures that insulin can remove sugar from the blood and transport it into the cells. If magnesium is missing, the cells close down and do not allow glucose to enter or only rarely (incipient insulin resistance).
Studies have shown not only that diabetics have strikingly low magnesium levels (1) (9) compared to healthy people, but also that the lower the magnesium level, the higher the inflammatory markers in the blood (2). Magnesium can therefore help prevent or reverse diabetes on at least three levels.
Holistic measures for type 2 diabetes
You can overcome your type 2 diabetes with the following measures. In advanced stages, these measures can protect against consequential damage and complications.
Sugar in any industrially processed form should be avoided as much as possible – not only because of diabetes, by the way, but because isolated sugars are harmful to health on many levels at the same time. This includes table sugar, whole cane sugar, cane sugar, beet sugar, fructose and all syrupy sweeteners such as maple syrup, agave syrup, corn syrup, etc.
Ready-made products or even beverages that contain sugar in any form should also be avoided in the future ( 8 ). This is not easy at first, but it is quite doable. It’s not an unfortunate renunciation either! After all, why should you regret or reluctantly do something that is clearly good for your own body?
Some sweeteners can also be used from time to time for type 2 diabetes mellitus or insulin resistance. For example, stevia can be used, xylitol, erythritol or yacon syrup in small quantities.
Tip 2: Don’t eat isolated fructose
For many decades, fructose was recommended to diabetics as a healthy sweetener. It is now known that fructose can promote the storage of fats in adipose tissue and in the liver, and therefore a connection between fructose and the development of fatty liver is suspected.
A fatty liver, on the other hand, is – as mentioned above – one of the factors that can promote the development of diabetes. Fructose can also lead to a pathological increase in blood lipids (cholesterol) and – even in non-diabetics – to an increased insulin level in the blood and kidney damage.
Typical diabetic sweets sweetened with fructose are therefore by no means recommended – neither for diabetics nor for healthy people. Fructose from fresh, ripe fruits, on the other hand, is completely harmless as part of an alkaline diet.
Tip 3: Avoid synthetic sweeteners
Synthetic sweeteners such as saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame, etc. are not part of a natural diet and are therefore not recommended. A natural sweet substance is the stevia plant, which is available in different varieties. Stevia not only tastes sweet, but is also said to have a positive influence on diabetes mellitus by improving the insulin sensitivity of cells ( 3 ).
Change your diet to a diet rich in vital substances and excess alkaline from fresh and high-quality ingredients. Fresh salads and vegetable dishes should become your future staples. Supplement them with nuts, oilseeds, and sprouts or a small amount of millet, quinoa, buckwheat, brown rice, spelt, bulgur, etc. It is best to prepare your own meals from fresh ingredients and avoid ready-made products and dishes.
If you can’t/don’t want to make some ready-made products yourself, then buy them in high quality from health food stores. So, for example, don’t buy white bread in the supermarket, but additive-free organic bread in the health food store.
Tip 5: Reduce your red meat consumption
Scientists found that – contrary to previous assumptions – not only processed, i.e. cured meat and sausage products, but also unprocessed red meat such as steak, schnitzel, etc. can lead to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
In addition, the scientists found that the risk of diabetes is significantly reduced when meat is replaced by other (healthier) protein-rich foods, such as nuts and whole grains.
Even 100 grams of meat per day are risky.
Tip 6: Lose excess weight
With all the measures mentioned, the possibly superfluous kilos will automatically tumble. Especially regarding abdominal fat and its inflammatory potential, a reduction of these “fat reserves” is unavoidable with diabetes therapy.
If you have diabetes, you should take a high-quality probiotic for at least 3 months – preferably longer. Probiotics represent a specific combination of beneficial gut bacteria. You can not only prevent diabetes but also improve an existing one. We even know that – conversely – an unbalanced intestinal flora can promote the development of the disease.
Probiotics harmonize the intestinal flora, alleviate inflammatory processes (which are associated with diabetes), and improve insulin sensitivity, i.e. reduce insulin resistance present in type 2.
Tip 8: Optimize your magnesium balance
The link between diabetes and a deficient magnesium supply has been explained above. A cure for the disease is therefore not possible without magnesium. The organism can be supplied with magnesium through the targeted selection of magnesium-rich foods such as amaranth, quinoa, seaweed, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and almonds.
In case of diabetes, a magnesium-rich dietary supplement such as Sea Coral should also be taken.
Tip 9: Take omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids offer particularly effective protection against diabetes mellitus because they lead to a reduction in chronic inflammation and improve the body’s insulin resistance. If you use these fats regularly, you can assume that your risk of diabetes is reduced by about half. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in flaxseed, linseed oil, hemp seed, hemp oil, krill oil, etc.
Tip 10: Eat almonds daily
One study showed that almonds can greatly reduce insulin resistance in cells ( 4 ). To do this, it is necessary to consume about 60 to 80 grams daily. Many delicious recipes with almonds (e.g. almond milk) make the daily almond supply a pleasure that you won’t want to miss.
Tip 11: Drink enough water
Drinking 2 to 3 liters of water a day regulates the body’s water balance, helps eliminate harmful metabolic waste products, and reduces cravings for sweets.
Tip 12: Supplement your diet with minerals
The minerals lost due to the often strong urge to urinate should also be replenished with a high-quality mineral preparation.
Tip 13: Provide your body with chromium and zinc
Chromium plays an important role not only in sugar metabolism, but also in fat metabolism, which is why it is not only able to promote the insulin effect on the cell and thus the uptake of glucose into the cell, as the study by Anderson et al. ( 5 ) found, but also improves cholesterol levels.
The estimated daily chromium requirement for healthy people is about 100 micrograms, but it depends in particular on the amount of carbohydrates consumed. The more carbohydrates are consumed, the more chromium is needed. Since the usual diet only provides 15 to 50 micrograms per day, there is a clear deficiency in the population.
Diabetics should, according to the Society for Nutritional Medicine and Dietetics consume 200 to 400 micrograms daily. Chromium is completely absent in white flour and sugar, while it is abundant in whole-meal bread. Fresh lentil sprouts are also a very good source of chromium.
Zinc deficiency is also widespread in diabetics. For example, the study by Anderson et al. (5) found a deficient zinc supply in more than 30 percent of the subjects (type 2 diabetics). At the same time, this study has shown that the administration of zinc (together with chromium) leads to a significant reduction of those harmful substances that are produced during fat oxidation by free radicals. Zinc has a clear antioxidant effect here and therefore protects against the vascular diseases that often occur in diabetes.
The Society for Nutritional Medicine and Dietetics recommends a daily intake of 15 milligrams of zinc histidine for diabetics. Pumpkin seeds are a particularly recommended food rich in zinc. At the same time, almonds and legumes such as lentils are good sources of zinc.
Tip 14: Start exercising
Don’t worry, you don’t have to become an athlete. Even a 30-minute walk has a wonderful effect on preventing diabetes mellitus or getting it under control.
The only important thing is that you go for a walk EVERY day. So it’s not about setting records, it’s about making sure you move EVERY DAY. In the meantime, there are numerous indications that regular exercise significantly increases the insulin sensitivity of the cells.
Tip 15: Go out in the sun, fill up on vitamin D
Vitamin D is produced in our body by sun exposure. Those who do not spend much time outdoors run the risk of suffering from a vitamin D deficiency, which already affects a large part of the population today. Such a deficiency favors the development of many diseases: diabetes mellitus, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, and so on. It is therefore extremely important that you let the sun touch your skin EVERY DAY if possible.
Tip 16: Improve your antioxidant supply
A high blood sugar level or insulin resistance of the cells promotes a vitamin C deficiency in the body’s cells. Vitamin C is introduced into the cell via the same mechanism as insulin.
However, if the cell is insulin resistant, then it is also in some way vitamin C resistant, which means that it not only leaves insulin (and thus glucose) in front of the closed “door”, but also vitamin C.
Vitamin C, however, is an extremely important antioxidant that can greatly reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress leads to a large number of typical consequential damages, especially in diabetics, so an extensive supply of antioxidants should be an essential measure for diabetes.
Antioxidants are particularly found in fresh fruits, salads, vegetables and (in the form of vitamin E, among others) also in high-quality oils, nuts and oilseeds. Green smoothies are also an excellent way to raise the body’s antioxidant levels.
Among the stars of strong antioxidant supplements are astaxanthin, OPC, glutathione, and sulforaphane.
Tip 17: Dietary supplement for diabetes mellitus
In addition to the above-mentioned measures, dietary supplements can also be used, e.g. curcumin, ginseng or dietary supplements with a blood sugar-regulating effect (like bittermelon and cinnamon). Certain dietary fibers also help to regulate blood sugar levels, which are often elevated in diabetes.
Tip 18: Keep an eye on your vitamin B12 level
Diabetics who take metformin or acid blockers for heartburn/stomach problems often develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. Acid blockers are also often administered in conjunction with antibiotics or painkillers or anti-inflammatories.
So if you are taking these medications or any of them, then have your vitamin B12 levels checked regularly. This is because a vitamin B12 deficiency can promote diabetes-related diseases, e.g. polyneuropathy.
Tip 19: Supply cells with NAD+
Measures to increase NAD+ levels could also be helpful. NAD+ is a substance that is important for the energy supply of cells. According to a study, a healthy NAD+ level can help prevent diabetes or contribute to healthy blood sugar regulation. It is often helpful to take the precursor of NAD+: NMN.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is curable
Even if it is repeatedly emphasized that type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic, incurable disease, many scientists and doctors already disagree. Among other things, it showed that in many cases changing your diet already can easily control it.
by Ela Gold | Dec 29, 2023 | HGA |
Endometriosis is a challenging and often misunderstood medical condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide, primarily females. In this blog post, we embark on a journey to unravel the intricate aspects of endometriosis, focusing on its causes, the pivotal role of diet in symptom management, and the potential relief offered by natural remedies.
Whether you are someone dealing with endometriosis firsthand or seeking knowledge to support a loved one, this comprehensive guide aims to provide valuable insights into this condition and empower you with information on natural approaches to enhance well-being and alleviate its impact.
What is Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic medical condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This abnormal tissue growth can affect various pelvic organs, leading to painful symptoms. Common symptoms include severe menstrual cramps, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and infertility.
Endometriosis can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, causing physical discomfort and emotional distress. It often requires a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and management, involving healthcare providers such as gynaecologists, pain specialists, and sometimes surgeons.
Although there is no cure for endometriosis, various treatments, including medications and surgery, aim to alleviate symptoms and improve the overall well-being of individuals living with this condition. Early diagnosis and comprehensive care can make a substantial difference in managing endometriosis effectively.
Causes of Endometriosis
In this section, we will explore the various factors contributing to the development of this condition. From retrograde menstruation to genetic predispositions, we will shed light on the intricate web of causes that play a role in endometriosis.
- Retrograde Menstruation: One potential contributor to endometriosis is retrograde menstruation. This occurs when the endometrial tissue, which typically lines the uterus, flows backward through the fallopian tubes and into the abdominal cavity. Once there, this tissue can implant and grow on various organs in the pelvis.
- Mullerian Anomalies: Endometriosis lesions can also result from Mullerian anomalies, which involve irregularities in the development and migration of fetal tissue. When these anomalies occur, they can create conditions conducive to endometriosis.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal imbalances play a pivotal role in the development and persistence of endometriosis. Fluctuations in hormone levels can contribute to abnormal tissue growth and inflammation.
- Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a known trigger for endometriosis symptoms. Inflammatory responses in the pelvic cavity can exacerbate the condition, leading to pain and discomfort.
- Toxic Environmental Exposures: Exposure to toxic environmental substances is another factor that may increase the risk of endometriosis. Some chemicals present in the environment have been linked to the development of this condition.
- Immunologic Dysfunction: Dysfunctions in the immune system can impact how the body responds to endometrial tissue outside the uterus. An impaired immune response may contribute to the persistence of lesions in the pelvic area.
- Genetic Component: Research suggests a genetic component to endometriosis, as it runs in families. Understanding the genetic factors involved is an ongoing area of study.
The Role of Diet in Managing Endometriosis
Diet plays a crucial role in managing health conditions, and endometriosis is no exception. What you eat can significantly affect endometriosis symptoms, either exacerbating them or providing relief. In this section, we delve into how specific dietary choices can influence the severity of endometriosis symptoms and discuss strategies for tailoring your diet to better manage this condition.
- A higher consumption of fruits and green vegetables helps. Food high in dietary fibre are associated with a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut flora, which plays a significant role in breaking down estrogens and reducing inflammation. Studies show that including soy with its isoflavones can reduce the proliferation of endometrial cells.
- A group of plant-based chemicals called isoflavones may help reduce the symptoms of endometriosis by inhibiting aromatase, an enzyme that converts male hormones (androgens) to estrogens. Good food sources of isoflavones include celery, parsley, soybeans, chickpeas, fava beans, pistachios, and peanuts.
- Similarly, an organic compound called indoles found in broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, and bok-choy have mild anti-estrogen effects that may benefit women with endometriosis.
- Green tea has also shown promising results in the treatment of endometriosis.
- Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies are believed to benefit women with endometriosis as they are converted to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. In particularly EPA
Foods to Avoid for Endometriosis Relief
Consuming the right foods can help reduce inflammation and curb the proliferation of endometrial cells, thus offering relief. However, certain foods and beverages may exacerbate the symptoms and should ideally be avoided by individuals with this condition. Here, we delve into what dietary items fall into this category and why they might aggravate endometriosis symptoms.
- Red Meat: High consumption of red meat can increase the risk of endometriosis. Red meat is pro-inflammatory and may lead to increased estrogen levels, which can stimulate the growth of endometrial cells.
- Gluten: Gluten can cause inflammation in individuals who are intolerant or sensitive to it. A study indicated that a gluten-free diet helped reduce pain in endometriosis patients.
- Alcohol: Alcohol elevates estrogen levels, potentially stimulating the growth of endometrial cells. It might be prudent to limit alcohol intake.
- Caffeine: Particularly found in coffee, caffeine can exacerbate endometriosis symptoms in some women. It may increase estrogen levels, exacerbating pain and discomfort.
- Sugary Foods: Foods high in sugar can lead to inflammation and exacerbate endometriosis symptoms.
- Dairy Products: Certain dairy products may increase inflammation, contributing to the pain associated with endometriosis. It’s worth noting that this doesn’t apply to all individuals, and the response to dairy can vary widely.
Natural Remedies for Endometriosis Relief
Exploring the realm of natural remedies can be an empowering step toward managing endometriosis symptoms. While these treatments may not replace conventional medical therapies, they often complement them, offering potential relief and improved overall well-being. Let’s delve into some natural approaches that have shown potential in alleviating the impacts of endometriosis.
Natural Remedies and Herbal Solutions for Managing Endometriosis
Botanical medicine has been shown to provide relief for some endometriosis patients, including:
- Vitex (Chaste Tree) has traditionally been used as a treatment for hormone imbalances in women, causing estrogen to be less available to stimulate endometrial tissue growth.
- Motherwort gently soothes cramps and pain during times of extreme discomfort in the uterus and other lower abdominal regions. As a mild sedative, motherwort helps with needed relaxation during menstrual cramps.
- Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) has been researched as a strong anti-inflammatory herb and can be helpful for those with endometriosis pain.
- Curcumin has also been shown to reduce estradiol, which helps reduce endometriosis symptoms.
- Flax seeds are also recommended for their anti-inflammatory impact and capacity to reduce inflammation.
- Pycnogenol derived from Pine Bark has been studied and shows the capacity to reduce many painful symptoms of endometriosis.
- Progesterone cream is believed to inhibit the proliferation of endometrial cells and the development of blood vessels (angiogenesis) that feed the uterine growth. By inhibiting these processes, the endometrial overgrowth may be significantly reduced along with the accompanying pain.
- Resveratrol is a plant-based nutrient mainly found in grapes, peanuts, and mulberries. It is believed to treat endometriosis by inhibiting aromatase (associated with estrogen activity) and COX-2 enzymes (associated with pain).
- Chamomile helps to relax and with pain.
Supplements for Endometriosis Management
Supplements are a vital part of managing endometriosis and can relieve symptoms by targeting the underlying mechanisms of the disorder. Some supplements have been found to contain anti-inflammatory and hormone-balancing properties, which are particularly useful in managing endometriosis.
- DIM, or diindolylmethane, is a natural plant-based chemical found in cruciferous vegetables. DIM helps reduce excessive bleeding, which many people living with endometriosis have.
- Beta-carotene encourages enhanced immunity and decreases inflammation.
- Essential Fatty Acids decrease inflammatory responses through pathways that produce prostaglandins.
- N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) has been examined for its role in helping those with endometriosis; particularly, it helps reduce cyst size. I recommend taking 600 mg thrice daily (not just 3x/week as in the study). Continue for at least three months (the timeframe for seeing a substantial reduction of cysts in the above study). If you experience improvement, this very safe supplement can be taken on an ongoing basis if needed.
- Acupuncture, a modality some licensed naturopathic doctors utilize when studied, showed a clear benefit to those suffering from symptoms of endometriosis.
- Melatonin is also a powerful natural detoxifier, especially of excess or harmful forms of estrogen, and this may explain its powerful role in endometriosis care. In one study of 40 women with chronic pelvic pain, who were between 18 and 45 years old, 10 mg of melatonin per day was able to significantly reduce symptoms
- Pine Bark: Pycnogenol, 30 mg, twice daily for one year, continue as needed.
Benefits of Essential Oils in Endometriosis Care
Essential oils, the highly concentrated extracts from plants, roots, herbs, and flowers, hold therapeutic properties that can be beneficial in managing health conditions like endometriosis. They’re renowned for their potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, offering a natural avenue for pain relief and symptom management. By incorporating them into daily routines, women with endometriosis may find a less invasive method to soothe discomfort and improve overall well-being.
- Clary Sage is very beneficial for helping to balance hormones. It also contains antispasmodic properties that make it helpful for relieving minor pain from cramping.
- Eucalyptus can help provide relief by reducing this inflammation. The analgesic properties in eucalyptus also provide additional relief from pain and inflammation.
- Frankincense can help with several symptoms of endometriosis, including inflammation, balance hormone levels, help with PMS and cramping. 5 drops
- Copaiba oil is one of the strongest anti-inflammatory substances available. This oil also helps reduce scar tissue and helps speed wound healing. Research has shown that copaiba essential oil can decrease endometrial growth over time. 5 drops daily.
How Environmental Chemicals Can Influence Endometriosis
Emerging research highlights the potential influence of environmental chemicals, specifically dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), on the risk and severity of endometriosis. These findings highlight the importance of minimizing exposure to these harmful substances.
- Dioxins and PCBs: Several studies have raised concerns about the role of dioxins and PCBs in endometriosis. These environmental chemicals can accumulate in animal-based fats, posing a risk to human health when consumed through contaminated foods.
- Dietary Exposure: It’s crucial to be mindful of our dietary choices. Animal-based fats, such as those found in meat and dairy products, can be a source of dioxin and PCB exposure. Opting for leaner meat and low-fat dairy product cuts can reduce this risk.
- Plastics Avoidance: Another key precaution is minimizing exposure to plastics. Some plastics contain chemicals that mimic hormones (endocrine disruptors), potentially exacerbating endometriosis symptoms. Opt for glass or stainless steel containers when possible, and avoid heating food in plastic containers.
- Birth Control Considerations: While the use of hormonal birth control can have benefits for some individuals, it’s important to discuss its potential impact on endometriosis with a healthcare provider. Birth control pills can influence hormone levels, and their effects may vary from person to person.
Individuals with endometriosis can proactively manage environmental factors that may contribute to their condition by reducing exposure to dioxins, PCBs, and potential endocrine disruptors. This knowledge empowers individuals to make informed choices for their health and well-being.
Alternative Treatment Options to Manage Endometriosis Symptoms
Combating endometriosis symptoms necessitates a multifaceted approach that addresses physical discomfort and the underlying factors contributing to the condition. While mainstream treatments have their place, exploring alternative avenues of care can provide additional support and relief. These can range from physical therapies to natural supplements and more.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture relieves endometriosis symptoms by reducing pain, inflammation, and stress, promoting hormone balance, and enhancing overall well-being. It complements medical treatments and provides valuable support for those with endometriosis.
- Castor oil: Castor oil has been used for centuries to treat endometriosis. It can be used at the beginning, when cramping is first felt, to help the body eliminate excess tissues. This technique must be only used before the menstrual flow and not during.
- Physical Therapy: This includes pelvic floor therapy, which can help relieve the muscle tension and pain that often accompanies endometriosis.
- Heat Therapy: Simple and non-invasive, heat therapy can help relax the pelvic muscles, reducing cramps and soothing discomfort.
- Massage Therapy: A professional massage therapist can relieve pain by working on areas of tension or inflammation in the body.
- Yoga and Meditation: These practices can help manage stress and promote overall well-being, which can affect endometriosis symptom management.
Medical Treatment Options for Endometriosis
Medical treatments for endometriosis aim to manage symptoms and reduce the progression of the condition. Hormone therapy is often the first line of treatment recommended by doctors.
- Hormone Therapy: This includes the use of oral contraceptives, progestin-only pills, or GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) agonists to help regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate pain. It is best to seek out an endocrinologist specializing in bio-identical hormones.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen can help manage pain associated with endometriosis. Note – it is not recommended to take this long-term.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to remove endometrial tissue. This can often provide significant relief, but discussing this option thoroughly with a healthcare provider is important as it can come with risks and potential side effects.
by Ela Gold | Dec 8, 2023 | HGA |
One of the most common causes of a heart attack is acidity of the body. Hyperacidity lasting over a long period of time can lead to a sudden breakdown in the supply of blood and nutrients to the affected areas of the body.
Acid causes red blood cells to solidify
The fact that the supply can be stopped so abruptly is due to the acidosis rigidity of the erythrocytes (red blood cells). These transport the oxygen that is indispensable for life into the tissue. Although they themselves have a diameter of 7.5 µm, due to their elastic structure they can also flow through capillaries with a diameter of only 3 to 4 µm; even passing through short narrow passages with a diameter of 2 µm is possible. Too much acid pollution robs the red blood cells of their elasticity so that they can suddenly freeze from one moment to the next.
Lack of oxygen due to hyperacidity
After the erythrocytes have lost their elasticity and, as a result, fluidity, they are no longer able to absorb oxygen to a sufficient extent, so internal shortness of breath occurs.
At the same time, anaerobic fermentation causes an increase in local acidosis, as hyperacidity of the body is technically called, and the structure of the cells affected by it becomes rigid. As a result, they can no longer carry out their own metabolism and an additional acidification of the cell nuclei occurs. Acidosis is thus a process that continuously reinforces itself after its initiation.
Hyperacidity intensifies
The gradual development of tissue hyperacidity leads to the progressive solidification of erythrocytes. These only transport a smaller amount of oxygen and cannot pass through bottlenecks in the capillaries, causing them to clog. The resulting hyperacidity intensifies the existing hyperacidity and, as a result, the erythrocyte rigidity again.
This vicious circle can be stopped, as long as it is detected in time. However, since it often goes unnoticed, stroke or heart attack is the result when the body’s own functions necessary to sustain life decrease just when they need to increase. After a certain period of time, the undersupply takes on a level that leads to partial tissue death (necrosis).
Supply of bases helpful
The medical term infarction, which can be translated as stuffing, is an accurate description of the processes in the patient’s body. If only a few capillaries are affected and the hyperacidity has only lasted for a short time, the process may be reversible, which requires a supply of bases. Erythrocyte rigidity is lifted and the part of the tissue that has not yet been permanently damaged can recover if sufficient oxygen is transported again.
In this way, the IUD, which is often fatal, can be terminated and the seizure can remain temporary. However, the process is not reversible in the areas where cell death has occurred.
After a heart attack, a healthy lifestyle is important
After suffering a heart attack, it is imperative that the patient takes care to better control the metabolic processes in his body and avoid future hyperacidity.
The reason for a heart attack is often laid in childhood. An unbalanced diet and lack of exercise cause an increase in deposits in the arteries, both in terms of their number and size. Later on, smoking is often added as another cause.
In addition, there is too little attention paid to the connection between body and psyche, as stress hormones can also promote angina pectoris and heart attacks.
Heart attack is preventable
Since both heart attacks and angina pectoris are ultimately not really independent diseases, but are basically just possible consequences of chronic acidification of the body, they are quite avoidable. This is because hyperacidity in turn results from an unfavorable lifestyle and diet – and this can be changed or optimized (more exercise, less stress, high-quality nutrition).
At the same time, deacidification measures can be used to reverse hyperacidity, bring the acid-base balance into balance and thus enormously reduce the risks of chronic diseases of all kinds.
Deacidifying measures include:
- Alkaline diet
- Alkaline minerals, e.g. marine coral or a citrate-based mineral mixture
- Alkaline baths
- Bitter substances
- Alkaline concentrates
- A deacidification program, which usually automatically contains points 2 to 5 and others
by Ela Gold | Nov 10, 2023 | HGA |
Antidepressants are now prescribed quickly, even during pregnancy. However, the active ingredients pass through the placenta into the child’s bloodstream. Nevertheless, it was previously said that antidepressants were by and large harmless to the unborn child. However, this assessment can now be considered outdated. That’s because researchers at the University of Montreal in Canada found that taking antidepressants during pregnancy can lead to autism in the child.
Antidepressants: Cause of Autism?
Antidepressants do not lead to miscarriage or malformation, and IQ also remains normal if the mother takes medication for her depression during pregnancy. It is true that some infants show withdrawal symptoms after birth, such as epileptic seizures, heart problems, movement disorders, obstructions in the flow of urine and feeding difficulties. However, this problem, which is usually temporary, is apparently not considered to be so serious. But what if antidepressants can lead to autism?
Risk Factors for Autism
There are many possible causes of autism. Officially, as is often the case, the focus is mainly on heredity, while little attention is generally paid to those factors that parents can actively influence.
For example, it is known that a gluten-containing diet can increase autistic symptoms – and conversely, a gluten-free diet can lead to improvement. Since autistic children also have a different intestinal flora than healthy children, a therapeutic approach would also be available here. Scientists have already shown that intestinal cleansing can improve autism.
In addition, it is known that painkillers such as paracetamol or antiepileptic drugs – if taken by the mother during pregnancy – can increase the risk of autism in the child.
The same applies to antidepressants, as a recent study by Canadian researchers has now shown. It is already known from previous studies that children whose mothers took antidepressants during pregnancy are more likely to be overweight and also more likely to become diabetics. Likewise, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) preferentially occurs when the child has been exposed to antidepressants in the womb. The connection between antidepressants and autism, on the other hand, was only suspected for a long time, questioned from time to time, but has now been confirmed.
Antidepressants double the risk of autism
The scientists from the University of Montreal analyzed data from over 145,000 pregnant women who had taken antidepressants and concluded that the antidepressants increased the risk of autism by an impressive 87 percent. This study result, which was published in December 2015 in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, is all the more serious when you consider that 6 to 10 percent of all pregnant women are currently prescribed antidepressants by their doctors.
Study leader Professor Anick Bérard, an expert in drug safety during pregnancy, explains: “The cause of autism remains unclear, but we do know that genetic make-up and children’s environment play a role. Our study has now shown that taking antidepressants in the second or third trimester of pregnancy can almost double the risk of receiving an autism diagnosis by the age of seven – especially if the mother was taking antidepressants from the group of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).”
SSRIs are among the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. Other possible causes of autism, such as the familial tendency to autism, the age of the parents or growing up in poverty, were excluded in the study.
Antidepressants interfere with the child’s brain development
“In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, the child is in a critical phase of brain development,” explains Professor Bérard.
“Therefore, we checked the effects of taking the antidepressants during this phase of pregnancy. We then looked at which children had received an autism diagnosis and then discovered an enormous statistical correlation, namely an 87 percent increase in autism risk.”
It is not surprising that antidepressants can lead to autism in the unborn child. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors are known to be taken to affect serotonin levels. Of course, during pregnancy, antidepressants change serotonin levels not only in the woman, but also in her child. Serotonin, however, is involved in numerous prenatal developmental processes of the brain, such as cell division, nerve cell migration, cell differentiation and synapse formation.
If antidepressants are taken exactly when the child’s brain is in the middle of development, then the unusual serotonin level leads to changes in the child’s brain, which can later manifest themselves in the form of autism.
Meanwhile, up to 8 percent of pregnant women take antidepressants
On July 19, 2017, a new study on this topic appeared in the British Medical Journal. No wonder, since up to 10 percent of pregnant women take antidepressants. Researchers from the University of Bristol wrote that children who were exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy had a higher risk of autism than children of women who suffered from mental disorders but did not take antidepressants.
All in all probably 5 percent of pregnant women who take antidepressants would have to expect to have an autistic child.
Autism and antidepressants – both on the rise
The number of autistic children continues to rise. Whereas in 1966 only 4 out of 10,000 children suffered from autism, today it is already 100 out of 10,000. If the widely used antidepressants are involved in this development, it is extremely important to take alternative paths for depression – especially mild to moderate depression.
These are certainly available but are unfortunately not taken seriously by many doctors, despite their sometimes very good effect.
by Ela Gold | Sep 15, 2023 | HGA |
Many chronic diseases arise, among other things, because the intestinal mucosa is not healthy. Nature offers many ways of helping the intestinal mucosa and supporting its regeneration. Because as soon as the intestine is healthy again, healing can often start in other areas as well.
Why your intestinal lining needs help
Almost every chronic illness – including obesity – can be associated with a damaged intestinal mucosa (leaky gut syndrome), a disturbed intestinal flora, inflammatory processes in the intestine, or defective digestion – regardless of whether it is arteriosclerosis, fibromyalgia, rheumatism, asthma, autoimmune diseases, cancer, diabetes, chronic fatigue or whatever.
If the intestinal mucosa heals, diseases that have existed for years and were described as incurable often improve. Practically, those measures that heal the intestinal mucosa can usually regulate the intestinal flora at the same time and counteract the inflammation, so that the procedure described below basically achieves complete intestinal rehabilitation.
The intestinal mucosa needs cleanliness
Depending on the condition of the digestive system and the extent of the symptoms, first, an intestinal cleanse should be carried out so that the intestinal mucosa is freed from old burdens and then becomes receptive to healing and regenerating agents.
1. Rapid colon cleansing
Colon cleansing can be initiated with an enema in combination with a natural colon cleansing agents.
Since enemas (including colon hydrotherapy ) only empty and cleanse the colon or parts of the colon, but not the small intestine, where the leaky gut syndrome is located, enemas can only support and accompany colon cleansing. However, enemas alone cannot achieve complete colon cleansing.
Laxatives such as Oxy-Powder, empty the entire intestine. Contrary to many rumors and assumptions, Oxy-Powder does NOT destroy the intestinal flora. On the contrary, Oxy-Powder supports the development of healthy intestinal flora.
Oxy-Powder works very quickly and very strongly, which is not for everyone. The gentler laxatives, however, such as linseed oil, dried plums or similar have a much milder effect here. They are therefore particularly suitable for people who are doing a colon cleanse for the very first time or who simply do not dare to Oxy-Power.
Of course, linseed oil and prunes can ALWAYS be integrated into a colon cleansing program if you want to. So you don’t have to choose between one or the other but can combine what is well tolerated and feels good.
**Get your Oxy-Powder here
2. Slow colon cleansing and detoxification
While the remedies mentioned under 1. are more or less aimed at emptying the intestines more or less quickly, the remedies described below can thoroughly cleanse the entire digestive system and, at the same time detoxify and initiate the healing process of the intestinal mucosa.
For this purpose combine:
- Psyllium husk powder (alternatively, for a much milder effect, you could use linseed or chia seeds, but unground) with
- Mineral clay (e.g. zeolite, bentonite, or another adsorbing healing clay).
This is how psyllium husk powder affects the intestinal mucosa
The mucilage in psyllium absorbs toxins but also protects the intestinal mucosa. Especially in chronic illnesses or leaky gut syndrome, the intestinal mucosa is so impaired that its cells can produce much less of the body’s own protective mucus. However, the less mucus there is, the more vulnerable the intestinal mucosa becomes – a vicious circle is created.
Psyllium husks provide a natural mucus substitute, which makes it easier for the intestinal mucosa to regenerate. In addition, the psyllium husk powder has a prebiotic effect, which means that it provides nutrition for healthy intestinal bacteria and thus promotes the development of a balanced intestinal flora.
The solids in psyllium, on the other hand, mechanically clean the intestinal walls and thus ensure that stool residue and other metabolic end products are quickly removed. Psyllium husk powder is therefore not only an intestinal cleanser but also plays a key role in intestinal cleansing.
This is how the mineral clays bentonite and zeolite work
The mineral clays bentonite and zeolite are considered strong detoxifiers. They suck in harmful substances of almost all kinds (fungal toxins, bacterial toxins, environmental toxins, metabolic toxins, etc.) and remove them from the body in the stool. In this way, they massively improve the environment in the intestines, so that useful intestinal bacteria feel better again, can quickly multiply and a healthy intestinal flora can develop, which in turn is the prerequisite for a healthy intestinal mucosa.
So the mineral clays are also important components of every intestinal cleansing!
Both agents – psyllium husk powder and mineral earth – are available in capsule form or in powder form. If you have bought both agents in powder form, mix them into a shake and drink them with plenty of water.
Intestinal cleansing to regenerate the intestinal mucosa
When it comes to intestinal cleansing, you want to specifically take care of the following three aspects:
- Healing of the damaged intestinal mucosa and the impaired intestinal barrier as well as inhibition of the latent and chronic inflammatory processes that are usually present there
- Rebuilding the compromised mucus layer (which normally protects and is also produced by the intestinal lining)
- Symbiosis control, i.e. regulation of the intestinal flora (reduction of harmful intestinal bacteria and fungi as well as colonization or multiplication of beneficial intestinal bacteria).
These goals of intestinal cleansing can be achieved with the following measures, whereby we will first go into the diet and then the individual three points:
The most important point for a healthy intestinal mucosa
The most important measure in any intestinal cleansing is the immediate stoppin of those things and activities that damage your intestinal mucosa directly and immediately and therefore prevent intestinal cleansing, e.g. alcohol, nicotine, unnecessary medication and stress.
Also, do not eat anything that could damage your intestines and thus your intestinal mucosa, taking individual intolerances into account!
How to eat if you already have symptoms
If you already suffer from chronic complaints, also test whether you suffer from undiscovered intolerances. Individually incompatible foods lead to chronic inflammation in the intestines and, as a result, damage to the intestinal flora and intestinal mucosa. It is therefore important to uncover such intolerances in order to get closer and closer to optimal nutrition.
Try the gluten-free diet
Try a gluten-free diet (e.g. for 4 to 6 weeks). If you feel overwhelmed with a gluten-free diet, start with a wheat-free diet or even a wheat- and spelt-free diet ( rye products are sometimes better tolerated than spelt ).
Try the dairy-free diet
Try a dairy-free diet (e.g. for 4 to 6 weeks). If you’re feeling overwhelmed with a completely dairy-free diet, avoid all non-fermented dairy products. So you can e.g. continue to use (to a small extent) natural yoghurt, kefir or buttermilk.
Try the low FODMAP diet
If there are no improvements, try the low FODMAP diet or the low-lectin diet.
Find out intolerances to individual foods
Intolerance to certain foods is also possible. Observe yourself closely or keep a food diary and, if in doubt, discuss it with a nutritionist. In a food diary, you make a note of, for three weeks, at least three things. The times when you eat, what you eat when, and how you are doing. The purpose of the matter is to find out whether and which foods irritate your intestines and could lead to symptoms.
Alleviate inflammation and regenerate the intestinal mucosa
In the case of intestinal rehabilitation, the focus is on healing the intestinal mucosa together with alleviating the chronic inflammatory processes that are often present there.
Enzymes protect the intestinal mucosa
Since inadequate digestion can cause massive damage to the intestinal mucosa, enzyme preparations are helpful in many cases. Because your own now weakened digestive organs (including the pancreas, gallbladder and liver) often produce too few digestive juices, so that too many incompletely digested particles remain in the intestine, which could now get into the bloodstream through the damaged intestinal mucosa – a process that is now considered the cause of numerous immunological diseases (allergies and autoimmune diseases ).
Enzyme preparations that help digest gluten are now commercially available. Although this cannot completely break down the gluten content of a gluten-containing diet, it can be reduced somewhat so that the burden of gluten on the intestine is reduced. At the same time, at least a low-gluten diet is recommended in any case.
(These enzyme preparations are not suitable for those affected by celiac disease as they can only break down part of the gluten, which would be too little for those with celiac disease.)
Zinc, a trace element that protects the intestinal mucosa
Zinc is considered a healing and anti-inflammatory trace element for the intestinal mucosa and is also essential for a functioning immune system. In turn, a zinc deficiency can lead to a weakened and vulnerable intestinal lining.
At least two studies indicate that taking zinc has healing effects on damaged intestinal lining. One study (2001) found that zinc supplementation led to a clear strengthening of the intestinal mucosa in patients with Crohn’s disease (a chronic inflammatory bowel disease) ( 3 ).
The second (from 2015) even showed that zinc is able to reduce the permeability of the intestines in leaky gut syndrome, as it strengthens and improves the closing and waking functions of the so-called tight junctions (4).
The tight junctions are those cell connections in the intestinal mucosa that in healthy people ensure that the intestinal mucosa remains impermeable to harmful substances so that these are excreted with the stool and do not get into the bloodstream. Therefore, the measures to heal the intestines and the intestinal mucosa always include factors that lead to an improved function of the tight junctions.
Polyphenols heal a damaged intestinal barrier
According to extensive scientific work from 2016, polyphenols have a very positive effect on the intestinal mucosa and the intestinal barrier. Polyphenols are bioactive plant substances that – as the name suggests – can be found in plant-based foods. ( 6 )
These include, for example: phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, stilbenes, and lignans. These substances are particularly well-known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but also for their anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-muscle atrophy and anti-aging properties.
Naringenin from citrus fruits
The work mentioned lists numerous studies from recent years that showed that polyphenols can also promote and protect intestinal mucosa functions. Naringenin, for example, a polyphenol from citrus fruits, promotes – according to a laboratory experiment – the formation of tight junctions and thus the optimal functioning of the intestinal barrier.
Oranges and tangerines also contain certain amounts of naringenin (10 – 15 mg per 100 g). However, grapefruits and kumquats are significantly better sources (53 and 57 mg). Even grapefruit juice still contains around 18 mg of naringenin. However, it should be a natural juice, i.e. freshly pressed or, if possible, with pulp.
Quercetin and Kaempferol
Quercetin, a plant substance from apples, onions and green leafy vegetables, as well as kaempferol, a substance from cabbage tea, beans, endive, leeks, tomatoes, strawberries and grapes also ensure well-functioning tight junctions.
Curcumin
Curcumin from turmeric has also been shown to be helpful. It can alleviate intestinal barrier disorders caused by inflammatory mediators. Similar benefits were found with EGCG, a polyphenol from green tea. In animal studies, this was able to improve intestinal mucosal damage caused by bacterial toxins.
OPC and resveratrol
Grape seed extract (OPC) and resveratrol (a plant substance from the skin of red grapes) are said to be just as helpful. Grape seed extract improved numerous values in rats that are associated with intestinal inflammation and reduced the inflammation that occurs.
Anthocyanin
Also, anthocyanins or anthocyanin-rich extracts from e.g. Berries have been shown to have a healing effect on damaged intestinal mucosa and to relieve inflammation in the intestines.
Vitamin D strengthens the intestinal barrier
Of course, vitamin D should not be missing when healing a sick intestinal mucosa. The vital substance, known as the sun and bone vitamin, strengthens the tight junctions and must therefore be urgently taken into account in the therapy of leaky gut syndrome.
A vitamin D deficiency loosens the tight junctions, leads to damage in the intestinal mucosa, and, as a result, to an increased risk of chronic inflammatory bowel disease – according to researchers in 2008 ( 7 ).
Therefore, make sure you get a good supply of vitamin D.
Vegetable collagen for the intestinal mucosa
It is increasingly recommended to consume bone broth because it is said to be able to repair damaged intestinal mucosa. The healing effect comes from the high collagen content of this broth.
You’ve probably long been familiar with collagen as a component of products that are touted to firm and rejuvenate the skin. For this purpose, it is often recommended to consume gelatin, which consists almost entirely of collagen and is also made from bones. But how is collagen supposed to heal the intestines?
Collagen is not uncommon in the human body. It makes up between 25 and 30 percent of our total protein content and is found particularly in connective tissue and therefore in the skin, ligaments, tendons, articular cartilage, blood vessel walls, in the organs and also in the bones and teeth.
Collagen is formed by connective tissue cells, and fibroblasts. However, the body’s own collagen production is said to slowly but surely decrease from the age of 25, which then leads to the dreaded but unfortunately continuous formation of wrinkles over the years.
In the intestine, collagen is said to help build a healthy intestinal mucosa as it supplies the amino acids required for this, such as proline, lysine, and glycine. In addition, collagen has a tendency to bind a lot of water (60 percent of its own weight), so that it takes on the familiar slimy consistency in the digestive system and in this way offers a protective effect for the damaged mucous membranes.
The individual amino acids are also said to have anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties. According to studies ( 1 ), they also appear to specifically protect the intestinal mucosa cells by averting the negative effects of harmful substances and promoting blood circulation in the gastric and intestinal mucosa.
But we don’t have to consume collagen so our body is well supplied with amino acids and other substances contained in collagen. We can also consume the necessary amino acids without bone broth.
Glycine, for example, is not an essential amino acid because the body can produce it independently from the amino acid serine. Serine is found in very high quantities in e.g. peanuts, lentils, soy products, and millet, with all four of these foods containing more serine than most meat, fish, and dairy products.
In addition, it usually makes much more sense to supply the organism with those nutrients and vital substances that stimulate the body’s own collagen production. Collagen often decreases because it simply lacks the right raw materials and in particular the cofactors. These cofactors include vitamin C. Without vitamin C – and thus without fruit and vegetables – the body’s own collagen synthesis is blocked.
An interesting study from 2017 also showed that taking a carotenoid-rich extract from kale has an excellent anti-aging effect on the body’s own collagen and elastin formation ( 2 ), so the administration of an animal collagen preparation is not necessary.
Medicinal plant myrrh activates the tight junctions
In 2017, the Berlin Charité published a study, according to which the medicinal plant myrrh can help to stabilize the intestinal barrier and thus help the healing and regeneration of the intestinal mucosa in leaky gut syndrome.
Myrrh appears to be able to protect the intestinal mucosa from the harmful effects of inflammatory messengers (cytokine TNFalpha) and to stimulate the tight junctions to function better and more safely.
“The results confirm the long-known anti-inflammatory effect of myrrh and speak for its use in the treatment of chronic inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD ) and irritable bowel syndrome, which are associated with defects in the intestinal barrier and inflammation,” explains Professor Jörg-Dieter Schulzke, Charité Berlin. ( 8 )
Myrrh preparations have also long been used successfully for irritable bowel symptoms such as flatulence and diarrhea.
2. This is how you promote the build-up of the natural mucus layer
It is very important to protect the intestinal mucosa with natural mucus when your own mucus production decreases. Because the intestinal mucosa can only recover under such a protective layer.
For this purpose, you can use mucus-forming agents or foods, e.g. linseed mucilage or tea made from marshmallow root.
Slippery Elm, which is available commercially in powder form, can also be transformed into a slimy gel in just a few minutes, which not only protects the intestinal mucosa but also has anti-inflammatory and prebiotic (i.e. intestinal flora-friendly) effects. The gel is traditionally used for both diarrhea and constipation because of its intestinal-regulating properties.
A tea made from licorice, on the other hand, stimulates the body’s own mucus production in the intestinal mucosa.
Some vegetables also produce mucilage, e.g. Okra, a vegetable that is interestingly also called vegetable marshmallow. Just like the marshmallow root mentioned above, okra also produces mucilage that is extremely beneficial for the intestinal mucosa.
3. How to regulate your intestinal flora with probiotics (symbiosis control)
Probiotics (active strains of bacteria) are now widely known for their therapeutic benefits for a variety of ailments, particularly digestive problems. The healthier and more balanced the intestinal flora is, the better the intestinal mucosa is protected from fungi, harmful bacteria, toxins, and allergens and the less likely leaky gut syndrome can occur.
In a 14-week trial from 2012, for example, athletes were given a probiotic or a placebo preparation every day and it was then found that the probiotic group had reduced zonulin levels (an indication of a healthier intestinal mucosa) and that the levels of inflammation also decreased. ( 11 )
A year later, a review article in which it was written in the introduction that one of the most important tasks of probiotic bacteria is to protect the intestinal mucosa cells, was published. Probiotics strengthened the tight junction, it was said and protected it from harmful influences. ( 12 )
Taking probiotics is therefore an important component when it comes to healing and regenerating a damaged intestinal lining. The colon cleansing mentioned above with psyllium husk powder and a mineral clay (bentonite or zeolite) always includes a probiotic.
If you don’t want to do a colon cleanse, but just want to regulate your intestinal flora, that’s also possible.
Regenerate, heal and protect the intestinal mucosa
The intestinal mucosa and the corresponding healing processes can therefore be positively influenced by many different means. Since the cells of the intestinal mucosa divide very quickly, after just a few days the intestinal mucosa is renewed, the intestine often reacts very quickly to the efforts of its owner.
To summarize: of course, you don’t have to implement or take all suggestions together. Choose a measure from each area and observe how the selected procedure works for you.
All measures for healing the intestinal mucosa at a glance
- Practice a gut-friendly diet and pay attention to individual intolerances
- Cleanse the intestines – either quickly with enemas or Oxy-Powder or gentle natural laxatives such as linseed oil, prunes or similar. Or slowly with bentonite or zeolite and psyllium husk powder.
- Use measures that directly heal the intestinal mucosa, strengthen the tight junctions and have an anti-inflammatory effect
- Use agents that form a natural mucous layer or promote the intestinal mucosa cells’ own production of mucus
- Probiotics to build up the intestinal flora
