🌟 Hiya Gut Foodies! 🌟

Here's some more great info on Diabetes ... and how the gut influences it. Every time I Google "gut health and diabetes" I come up with more compelling stuff to share with you. So let's get started!!!

First, I give you some easy info ... AND a "Cheat Sheet" (gotta love 'em) to post on your fridge ... about Glycemic Index ... a way of identifying foods that raise you blood sugar. Next ... kick-ass research on WHAT microbiome strains and WHAT treatments might be beneficial for Diabetes treatment.

Along with another terrific blood-sugar-lowering supplement from my brand-new Jill's Diabetes Boosts supplement protocol. Also ... a chock-full-of-research BRAND NEW blog on ALL the types of Diabetes and how your gut influences them. No to mention a very special guided imagery "Back to Basics" Micro-Mindful. AND ... last but not least ... a food-for-diabetic-thought funny quote.

All in this information-packed issue geared for you to learn more about how your gut influences your body. Eat it ALLLL up ...

OH ... and don't forget ... I'm now talking insurance. If you'd like more clarity ... and individual assistance with making whatever wellness plans you have a reality ... I'd love to help ... find out more by going HERE.

GUT-TIP OF THE WEEK: GLYCEMIC INDEX MADE EASY

On the other hand, foods with a high GI value should be limited. They’re quickly digested and absorbed, resulting in a rapid rise and then fall of blood sugar levels. 

Which is important when you have diabetes. But just as important if you don't ... because rapid falls in blood sugar that are caused by rapid rises (i.e. high GI eating) can lead to severe cravings, changes in mood, overeating ... and much more ...

It’s important to note that foods are only assigned a GI value if they contain carbs (AKA fruit, starches, milk, and sweets). Hence, foods without carbs won’t be found on GI lists. Examples of these foods include:

• beef
• chicken
• fish
• eggs
• herbs
• spices

And ... guess what ... I've created a Glycemic Index "cheat sheet" JUST FOR YOU!!! So that using the Glycemic Index WILL make sense and WILL be easy. DOWNLOAD IT HERE.

RESEARCH DEETS 

🌟 Did you know your gut and liver are like a dynamic duo in managing diabetes and other metabolic diseases? Recent research shows that the gut microbiota (trillions of microbes in your gut) is key to controlling inflammation, insulin levels, and diabetes. 🦠🧠 Scientists are now looking at how these gut microbes can be used to predict and treat diabetes more effectively.

🍽️ Our gut microbiota is influenced by what we eat, our lifestyle, and even the medicines we take. This means that by changing our diet and using probiotics (good bacteria), we might be able to manage or even prevent diabetes! 🌱🦠 There are ongoing studies to see how effective probiotics are in treating diabetes and its complications.

🔬 The big question: Can our unique gut microbiota profile help identify who will get diabetes and how they will respond to treatments? 🤔 The hope is that by understanding and manipulating our gut microbiota, we can develop better ways to prevent and treat diabetes and related metabolic issues. Exciting discoveries are on the horizon! 🚀🍎

My Gut-Take: 

This review article, "Gut microbiota in the pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches of diabetes" explores the "gut microbiota as a novel prognostic biomarker with a putative therapeutic role in diabetes".

But it does a lot more than that ... it actually delves deeply into what bacteria cause what problems ... specifically diabetes and obesity. It states "A high number of bacterial species in the microbiota has been shown to be a protective factor against metabolic diseases such as obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and type-2 diabetes (T2D). 

Furthermore, in obese individuals, a lower microbial diversity, hence a lower metagenomic makeup, increases the risk of weight gain, adiposity, insulin resistance, and inflammation compared with those who show a higher number of genes."

And goes into the processes involved ... which are too complex and much too numerous to note here. Suffice to say simply ... the higher some specific bacteria the more bodily processes occur that are preventive and the less of these and more others ... the more pathogenic and obesity provoking.

The article also explains yet another gut-(body part) axis ... the gut-liver axis. And goes more-than-one further ... it hints at a way to use microbiome composition to actually PREDICT diabetes progression.

It states "Recent data have also strongly suggested that inter-individual variations in the GM may not only be predictive of disease development but also account for different responses to nutritional strategies. 

Precision nutrition studies are consistently showing that the GM composition of each individual is crucial for tailoring dietary advices for each patient, and that the observed inter-individual variability in postprandial blood glucose from the same meal may be attributed to differences in GM".

FOR EACH PATIENT??? This is definitely the treatment of the future ... so much for have-a-symptom-take-a-pill philosophy. And is what we in the alternative medicine community have been talking about for decades. And the article recommends it!!!

It also discusses drug and probiotic intervention along with diet ... which is where treatment should be ... a marriage of all these tools. Unfortunately ... most doctors have no idea how to do that.

But ... for you people with diabetes ... listen up ... mind your microbiome to manage ... and even do away with ... your diabetes.

SUPPLEMENT TAKES: PROOMEGA BLOOD SUGAR

although no statistical significance was identified (except TG)".

Higher EPA supplementation HAS been recommended by many other researchers as it ... in another article ... "may have positive impact on coronary heart disease (CAD), high triglyceride fats in the blood, high blood pressure and inflammation".

Now CAD is often a side effect of diabetes ... as are high triglycerides and high blood pressure. And inflammation is the ultimate root-cause culprit. So I never recommend a supplement protocol WITHOUT including some sort of Omega-3s

Especially for people like me who don't eat fish (the result of malodorous smoked whitefish when I was about 4). This supplement also contains chromium ... which HAS been researched to effectively lower blood sugar.  

AND Alpha Lipoic Acid which ... in one research study ... was noted  to be "widely prescribed for the treatment of insulin resistant states, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and for diabetic neuropathy, due to the amount of supporting evidence".

That's why it's a great addition to my newly created Jill's Diabetes Boosts protocol at my Fullscript apothecary. Your blood sugar will LOVE you for it!

GUT BLOG OF THE WEEK: CRACKING THE GUT/DIABETES CODE

Hi Good Gut Warriors! 🌟 Today, let's talk about a game-changer in diabetes management: the gut microbiome. Your gut isn't just for digestion; it's key in managing Type 1, Type 2, and even the lesser-known Type 3 diabetes (Alzheimer's). Tons of research supports this, and while scientists call for more proof, the evidence is compelling and I believe in it 100%!

Research shows that gut bacteria can influence immune responses in Type 1 diabetes and affect insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes. Even for Type 3 diabetes, which links to Alzheimer’s, a healthy gut microbiome is crucial. So, nurturing your gut health with fiber-rich foods and probiotics can help manage these conditions better.

Taking care of your gut isn’t just about what you eat; it’s about fostering a balanced gut microbiome for overall metabolic health. Whether you have T1D, T2D, or T3D, supporting your gut can make a huge difference. Let’s empower each other on this journey to better health! 🌱💪

MICRO-MINDFULS

Can you picture the flickering glory of a candle melting away any tension you have in your body? This is a TERRIFIC MINDFULNESS SCRIPT that you can use whenever and wherever you feel stressed..

Yes … another guided imagery just for you. Remember that guided imagery is simply painting a glorious picture in your head to change a belief system that doesn’t serve you. Or literally rewrite a bad story ending to make it right again. Or just promote a sense of calm and relaxation.

The cool thing about guided imagery is that the mind doesn’t know the difference between what you actually experience through your senses or pictures that a skilled practitioner in guided imagery can place in your head.

And … spoiler alert … if you’re not good at seeing pictures in your mind … that’s OK. Even with all my acting training … I’m not good at it either. But it’s the FEELING from the imagery that will work magic on your mind and stress.

So here’s my next Micro-Mindful … not only perfect for the "Back to Basic of Sight" … but a practice that awakens the senses and promotes calm at the same time.

And … even if you’ve never stared into the light of a candle or reveled in its flickering … you can use your senses to imagine them. And … remember … I’m recording these. And you can now get them on my website (access it by clicking the button below).

Download this one (NUMBER FIVE) on your phone so that you can use it whenever the holidays get you down. I just created a playlist on my phone music app and am downloading these weekly.

And … as more and more free mindfulness (and now guided imagery) snippets become available … you can pick and choose what resonates with you to create you very own playlist. So let’s begin …

You and the Light of the Candle are One ...

🕯️🌌 Picture yourself in a serene, softly lit room, your personal haven of tranquility. If visualizing the room is challenging ... don't worry ... let the soothing tone of my voice guide you into a relaxed state. Feel the comforting darkness envelop you ... creating a sense of safety and peace.

🔥 Now ... beside you ... imagine a candle casting a gentle, flickering glow. Observe the warm light dancing on the walls ... forming mesmerizing patterns. As you focus on this calming sight, allow the day's stress and tension to begin dissolving away.

🧘‍♀️🕊️ Take a moment to really see the candle in your mind's eye. Notice its shape, color, and the steady, soothing dance of its flame. As the candle burns ... visualize the wax softening ... symbolizing the release of tension within your body. With each flicker of the flame ... feel a wave of relaxation washing over you ... starting from the top of your head ... easing down your neck ... and flowing gently through your shoulders.

💆‍♂️🌟 As the wax turns to liquid, imagine it carrying away your worries, drop by drop. Each drip of wax is like a stressor being released from your body. Feel the relaxation spreading down your arms ...into your fingertips ... releasing any held tension. The warmth of the candle's flame mirrors the warmth spreading across your chest and back ... easing any tightness in your muscles.

🕯️💤 Let this peaceful sensation continue to flow through you ... moving down to your hips, thighs, and legs. With every drop of wax that falls, feel a corresponding release in your body, as if each stressor is melting away just like the candle.

🌅🌈 Remain in this peaceful state ... basking in the comfort of the candle's glow ... as long as you like. Then ... when you're ready ... gently return to the present, stretch, open your eyes, and carry this sense of calm and peace with you throughout your day. Feel rejuvenated, relaxed, and ready to embrace whatever comes next. 🌟🍃

DIABETES FUNNY