Diabetes affects over 100 million people living in the U.S. That’s a lot of drugs dispersed daily. So, when there’s a drug recall, it affects millions of people. Drug recalls occur when an over-the-counter or prescription medicine is taken off the market because it’s either defective or possibly harmful. Here’s the latest diabetes drug recall.

Diabetes meds containing carcinogens recalled

Recently, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Issued a national voluntary recall for one lot of the Type 2 diabetes medicine Riomet ER, (metformin). The drug was recalled after lab tests found it contained too much N-Nitrosodimethylamine, more commonly known as NDMA. The contaminant NDMA is a yellow liquid, once used to make rocket fuel. It has no distinct odor but is a known carcinogen, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here’s what you need to look for:

– Drug: RIOMET ER™
– Lot number: AB06381
– Expiration date: 10/2021

If you’re taking Riomet ER, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) advises you to continue taking your medication. However, contact your doctor for advice regarding another treatment. It’s dangerous to stop taking your medicine without first talking to your health care professional.

Is there another, more natural way to treat diabetes?

Recalls can be scary, especially when you rely heavily on the recalled drug to treat your condition. Several factors can cause drugs to be recalled by the manufacturer, suggests the FDA: Health hazard, incorrect packaging or labeling, and drug contamination. With this in mind, you may want to take a more natural approach to complement your diabetes treatment. However, herbs, supplements, and medicine can be a bad mix if not done correctly, causing blood sugar to drop. Therefore, any changes to your diet and medicine should always be discussed with your health care practitioner in advance.

Diabetes is a “perfect storm”

According to the CDC, over 34 million people of all ages in the U.S. have Type 2 diabetes. Plus, one in three American adults have prediabetes — that’s 88 million people! What’s more, over seven million adults aged 18 years, who were tested for diabetes via lab testing, did not even know they had diabetes. The truth is, diabetes is typically the result of a “perfect storm,” which encompasses poor diet and lifestyle choices mixed with hereditary genes. The following all play a role in the disease, including:

– Eating the wrong foods
– Not exercising
– Being emotionally stressed
– Not getting proper sleep
– Too many toxins
– Hereditary genes

Below are a number of all-natural, self-care remedies that could help improve your diabetes.

Take apple cider vinegar

Several small studies suggest that taking apple cider vinegar could improve blood sugar levels. One study from the American Diabetes Association found that ingesting two tablespoons of ACV before bed can reduce your morning fasting sugar levels. Another study suggests that taking one to two tablespoons of ACV with meals may decrease the glycemic load of a carbohydrate-rich meal.

Exercise regularly and lose that belly fat

Being overweight is the biggest risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Experts agree, regular exercise not only helps you lose weight but also increases insulin sensitivity. Belly fat is particularly risky since the fat that surrounds the abdominal organs and the liver is linked to insulin resistance. You are high risk if you are a woman whose waist measures 35 inches or more or a man whose waist measures 40 inches or more.

Supplement with chromium

Since the 1950s, it’s been suggested that chromium contains a glucose tolerance factor that helps prevent diabetes. Mostly found in brewer’s yeast, research reports that chromium may lower blood sugar levels. Some trials have found that supplementing with chromium increases muscle gain and accelerates fat loss during exercise. It’s also thought to improve serum lipid profile and glucose metabolism in patients with or without diabetes. However, Stamford Health warns to be careful taking this supplement if you have kidney disease.

Add a little cinnamon to your coffee

Some controlled studies suggest that cinnamon may reduce fasting blood sugar. However, while some studies report significant drops in hemoglobin A1c, others show no effect. Nevertheless, sprinkling a little cinnamon each day on your breakfast cereal or in your coffee is a safe, non-toxic way to help lower your blood sugar potentially.

Lower your carbs

Studies show that a low-carb diet often helps prevent blood sugar spikes while reducing blood sugar levels. However, when replacing carbs with protein, make healthy protein choices. Stay away from saturated fats.

Snack on pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium, which is thought to be the reason why it has positive effects on diabetes. A study that looked at over 127,000 people found that magnesium-rich diets were linked with a 33 percent lower risk of type 2 diabetes in men and a 34 percent lower risk in women.

If you have diabetes, you have nearly double the chance of developing heart disease. You also have a higher chance of developing mental health issues, such as depression. However, type 2 diabetes is preventable in most cases. And in some people, it can even be reversed. Be proactive in your health. Talk to your doctor, change your diet, and start moving.

(The original article source is here)

Speaking of diabetes…If you think that Type 2 Diabetes is irreversible like many misinformed doctors will tell you, then you need to read some of the proof below on how to naturally reverse Type 2 Diabetes…

Although eating “paleo” or even low-carb is a good first step, you’ll also see below other techniques on just how simple it can be to “fix” your diabetes, control your blood sugars, and lose all of that excess fat sitting on your stomach.

> 1 Simple trick to REVERSE your Diabetes, naturally (while getting off drugs ASAP)

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Powerful Antioxidants in Herbs and Spices

Adding spices and herbs to your meals is a great way to amplify the antioxidants and other nutrients in your dishes.

You can transform your meals from ordinary and bland to extraordinary with the addition of a few herbs and spices. What’s more, many herbs and spices contain some of the most powerful antioxidants of all! Plenty of scientific studies show that herbs and spices can actually work as well or better than some medications for certain health issues.

Many herbs and spices have even more antioxidants than many vegetables and fruit, and combining specific herbs and spices with specific foods actually magnifies the nutrient value exponentially!

Here are just some of the ways that herbs and spices can boost the nutrition in your favorite recipes:

Fat Burning

– Herbs and spices are thermogenic, meaning they naturally increase metabolism and fat burning, partly because they are so nutrient-dense. For example, eating hot peppers will actually speed up your metabolism and help your body burn fat. And they can decrease your appetite as well. Research shows that that when someone eats an appetizer with just half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes before each meal, they eat 15% less food at their meal.

Regulate blood sugar and control insulin

– When blood sugar is well controlled, you burn fat better, and store fewer calories as excess weight. For example, cinnamon significantly reduces blood sugar levels. It also improves cholesterol and triglyceride levels. One study of people with type 2 diabetes showed that as little as two teaspoons of cinnamon reduced blood sugar similar to diabetic medication.

Protects the brain

– Researchers found that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is more effective in slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s than some medications for this condition.

Herbs and spices can also increase your feelings of satisfaction and fullness after a meal, so you eat less.

Here are more health benefits of some popular herbs and spices:

• Rosemary and basil–anti-inflammatory.
• Cumin, turmeric and sage–fight dementia.
• Cayenne, coriander and cinnamon–burn fat and help regulate insulin.
• Lemon grass, nutmeg, bay leaves and saffron–have a calming effect.
• Turmeric—fights cancer.
• Oregano—antifungal and antibacterial.
• Garlic, mustard seed and chicory–excellent for the heart.
• Basil and thyme–help skin become soft and smooth.
• Turmeric, basil, cinnamon, thyme, saffron, garlic and ginger–boost the
immune system.
• Coriander, rosemary, cayenne, allspice and black pepper–banish depression.
• Garlic, cumin, fennel, coriander and mint have been used traditionally to help treat digestive disorders.

So you see, healthy food does not have to bland and boring, so spice it up, and boost your health as well! Add your favorite herbs and spices to this delicious vegetable soup!

Amazing Vegetable Soup

Vegetable soup doesn’t have to be that hard. Simply start with a base of onions, garlic, carrots and celery, and then you can add vegetables, ad-lib! Mushrooms are always a delicious addition, as are beans if you’d like to add.

Soup, especially when using fresh vegetables is a great way to capture their garden fresh antioxidants and massive nutrients. And if you are lucky enough to have grown an garden, making vegetable soup is a delicious way to put those vegetables to use.

Add your choice of meat for a hearty, filling, healthy and satisfying meal. And, it’s even better the next day or so!

Ingredients

1 lb or so chopped up boneless chicken thighs
Several cloves of garlic, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
3-4 carrots, sliced
4 stalks celery, chopped
Green beans, chopped
1 medium zucchini, chopped
2-3 tomatoes, chopped
Several leaves dinosaur kale
1 carton chicken bone broth or vegetable broth
1-2 cans garbanzos
1 cup white wine
3-4 bay leaves
Fresh or dried rosemary
1 tsp of basil
1 tsp of smoked paprika
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Juice of one lemon
2-4 cups water
Extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp butter

Directions

In a large pot, add olive oil and butter, turn pan on medium high. Chop up chicken in chunky pieces. Add garlic, mushrooms, and onion, and cook until chicken is done. Add other vegetables, and saute for a few minutes. Add the seasonings. Add broth, wine, lemon juice, garbanzos, and water. Bring to a boil, add lid and cook for an hour or more over low to medium heat with lid on. Serves a crowd, or makes great leftovers!

Enjoy!

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Bitter herbs and bitter vegetables have a long history of being used medicinally, but most of our modern diets lack these highly beneficial elements. It’s easy to figure out—most people detest bitter flavors, but foods that naturally contain bitter flavors contain large amounts of antioxidants and actually offer some of the highest health benefits. Historically, bitter herbs have been used for hundreds or even thousands of years as a detox, energy and health building and digestive support. Bitters are an essential key to good health.

The European Journal of Herbal Medicine says,

“With so many bitter herbs, most with a long history of medicinal use in multiple cultures, it is not surprising to read that ‘the urinary system seems to be the only system that does not derive direct benefit from the administration of bitters.”

And according to the Westin Price Institute,

“It is unfortunate, then, that our modern diet seems to be completely lacking in the wild bitter tasting plants our ancestors considered so fundamental to their health. Many of the diseases riddling our modern culture — from indigestion and gastric reflux to metabolic disorders … seem to all point back to the deficiency of bitterness in our diets, and the lack of the protection and tone it imparts to our digestion and metabolic functions.”

Many cultures from around the world revere bitter herbs and foods as a necessary component of good health. Why is this?

There are a variety of plant compounds classified as ‘bitters’. The compounds include phytochemicals with names like iridoids, serquiterpene, lactones, and alkaloids, all of which occur naturally in many plants.

Many bitters have been shown to have antifungal, antiseptic, antiparasitic, and even antitumor activity that are actually a plant self-defense mechanism. It is thought that these compounds actually protect the bitter plants against insects and animals that may eat or attack the plants.

Most organisms, including humans, have evolved to have a natural aversion to sharply bitter flavors since the natural reaction is that bitter equals poisonous, which in some cases, may be true. However, many bitter plants have some amazing health benefits, and humans have discovered that some of these bitter-flavored plants are very good to eat. As we have adapted to eating and enjoying some bitter flavors, we have also reaped the healthy powers of these bitter flavors. One of the primary powers of plant bitters is their digestive-stimulating effect.

What happens in our bodies when we eat bitter foods?

When we eat or drink something bitter, the receptors on our tongues actually trigger a chain of events, known as the “bitter reflex”. This triggers the hormone release of gastrin. Gastrin ‘wakes up’ the liver, stomach, gallbladder, pancreas and the intestines, all of which contribute to the digestive process. Gastrin starts a chain of events in the digestive system, including stimulating the release of:

• Saliva, which begins to break down carbohydrates in the mouth.
• Hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which further breaks down proteins and fats, enhances the absorption of vitamins and minerals, and destroys harmful microbes, some of which cause food poisoning.
• Pepsin, an enzyme that breaks down protein molecules.
• Intrinsic factor, which is necessary for vitamin B12 absorption.
• Bile, which breaks down fats and helps to clean out the liver.

Consuming bitters in small doses on a regular basis ends up strengthening your entire digestive system, including your stomach, gallbladder, liver and pancreas.

In the stomach, the bitters begin to stimulate the smooth muscle, increasing the rate of gastric emptying. This also helps to contract the esophageal sphincter muscle which helps to prevent acid reflux. Bitters are actually beneficial for those who suffer from GERD because of the healing effect of the bitters combined with their ability to help move stomach contents down into the intestines instead of back up.

This bitter reflex also has the effect of triggering your appetite and actually preparing your body for food by triggering contractions in your intestines moving digested food along.

Further down in the intestines, the bitters help to repair damage in the intestinal wall, enhancing cell division and growth. This is why bitters are thought to help repair leaky gut issues that may result from food allergies, inflammation and celiac disease.

The bitters also stimulate the liver to release bile, a necessary product of fat digestion. Bile helps with the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E. The bile also helps to clear the liver of toxins, excess cholesterol, and potential gallstones. Bitter herbs also help protect and repair the liver from the damage of hepatitis and cirrhosis.

In the pancreas, digestive enzymes are increased to fully break down nutrients so the body can absorb them better. This also helps to prevent gas and bloating from food that has gotten into the digestive tract not completely broken down.

With food allergies, most people tend to have allergic reactions to the incomplete breakdown of the protein molecules in particular foods. These undigested proteins react with the immune cells in the intestines creating an inflammatory response and an allergic reaction. This is particularly true of those with celiac disease and dairy allergies. Bitters helps to complete the nutritional breakdown of proteins in the digestive tract, helping to eliminate allergic, inflammatory reactions.

The pancreas also functions to release insulin in the body to help to regulate blood sugar. Bitters help stimulate proper release of insulin to help stabilize the body’s blood sugar levels.

All of these benefits show that in the long run, bitters should be an essential part of your daily diet, creating more effective digestion, better assimilation of nutrients, decreasing symptoms of gas, bloating, food allergies, irregular bowel movements, and healing inflammatory damage in the gut.

Bitters can be used for other alternative health remedies including chronic candidiasis, thyroid issues, and allergic conditions such as asthma, urticaria and eczema. Because many allergic reactions can also cause depression and anxiety (serotonin, the happy brain chemical is made in the gut), bitters can also help with this as well, helping you feel happier and less anxious.

How to incorporate bitters into your diet?

One of the best ways is the ‘whole food’ way—by eating more bitter greens such as watercress, arugula, mustard greens, chicory, dandelion, radicchio, and endive. Mix them in with your salads and enjoy their pungent taste and serious health benefits. As you get used to their strong flavor, add in greater amounts to salads, stir-fries and soups.

Many people enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail made with bitters, as in an aperitif. Although many bars still make drinks with the traditional Angostura bitters, Campari, or Peychaud’s bitters, there are several other varieties out there made from higher quality organic ingredients.

Tinctures are an easy way to incorporate bitters into your diet in a quick and easy way. Some of the better-quality tinctures include Urban Moonshine, which uses a delightful blend of organic, locally sourced herbs and spices and comes in three flavors—citrus, maple and ACV. Swedish bitters is a particular formula often found at your local health food store and is based on a traditional recipe of herbs created by a physician from the sixteenth century. Other bitters blends include Herb Pharm, Wise Women Herbals, Avena Botanicals, and Gaia Sweetish Bitters.

When to Avoid Bitters

According to Dr. Mercola, while generally safe when taken as directed, bitters should not be taken by:

• Pregnant women
• People with serious erosive or ulcerative conditions of the gastrointestinal tract
• Chronic respiratory congestion
• Poor blood circulation
• Depressed metabolism

Side effects are rare, but you may experience mild symptoms of a detox when starting bitters:

• Headache
• Muscle aches
• A feeling of general malaise, likely due to detoxification of the liver.
• Check with your doctor if you are on medication. Bitters can cause increased absorption of medications.

And be careful—there is such a thing as ‘too much of a good thing’. At high dosages, bitters may have an opposite effect, inhibiting gastric secretions and suppressing appetite rather than improving them. Overdosing can cause nausea and vomiting, and in extreme cases may lead to death.

Digestive Trick to Clean Out Your Bowels…

Do you struggle with stomach cramps… gas… and irregular poops?

New research shows 74% of Americans are living with digestive problems. That’s why many people have turned to fad diets, dangerous laxatives, or other desperate measures to seek relief (often with temporary results, at best).

However, there IS a way to get your freedom back. And it doesn’t have to involve drinking chalky liquids, spending hours on the toilet, or going on an “all salad” diet.

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References

McMullen, et al, (2015). Bitters: Time for a New Paradigm. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4446506/
Bergner P. “Gastrointestinal: Leaky gut, molecular mimicry, microchimerism, and autoimmunity.” Medical Herbalism 9(4):14-17
Mercola, J. (August 2018). The Benefits of Bitters. Retrieved from https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/08/20/benefits-of-bitters.aspx
Charles-Davies, D. (February, 2018). Bitters: The Revival of a Forgotten Flavor. Westin A. Price Foundation. Retrieved from
https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/abcs-of-nutrition/bitters-revival-forgotten-flavor/

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