Hope For Sugar Addicts
By Maureen H. Rozenn, LAC, DAOM, PhD (c)
Patients seek Chinese medical treatment for a variety of reasons such as: fatigue, asthma, allergies, sinusitis, joint and muscle pain, mood swings, acne, and depression, to name a few. Through an extensive intake process and diagnostics, I often discover that people with these symptoms have a hard time metabolizing sugar. These patients report being “addicted” to sweets and carbohydrates. They often experience extreme fatigue, lightheadedness, and headaches after eating. Other signs that suggest sugar sensitivity are: resistant weight loss, pattern of nighttime eating, increased appetite after high-carbohydrate meals, alcohol cravings, and a family history of diabetes.
If the sugar sensitivity is severe, patients may develop Insulin Resistance Syndrome (also known as Syndrome X and Metabolic Syndrome). As many as 47 million Americans have Insulin Resistance Syndrome (IRS). In normal sugar metabolism, the pancreas secretes insulin, which enables cells to utilize sugar. In IRS, cells stops responding to insulin. In return, the pancreas secretes more and more insulin. This state of hyperinsulinemia can precede type 2 diabetes, and is associated with a host of physical ailments. Research has shown a relationship between IRS and coronary heart disease, hypertension, polycystic ovarian syndrome and breast and colon cancers.
Chinese medical theory explains why people with IRS present can present with various symptoms. According to Chinese medical theory, sugar metabolism is ruled by the earth element, which is composed of the spleen-pancreas and stomach organ systems. This element controls the muscles; people who are sensitive to sugar often have chronic muscle pain, stiffness, and intense cramping. Also, a lack of digestive system energy can lead to pooling of fluids in the body and inflammation. This explains why so many of the symptoms of IRS have to do with inflammation such as joint pain, sinusitis, allergies, etc.
Fortunately, there are steps people can take to improve sugar metabolism and strengthen their digestive system. Diet and lifestyle changes, acupuncture, herbs, and nutritional supplements can enhance blood sugar regulation, lead to a reduction in symptoms, and increase quality of life.
Chinese medicine has a long history of improving blood sugar metabolism and treating diabetes. Over 20 acupuncture points have been shown to lower blood sugar levels. In these studies, participants often experienced reduced cholesterol and triglycerides as a result of treatment. Not only is acupuncture used for blood sugar regulation, it can reduce the symptoms associated with IRS and diabetes such as muscle and joint pain, sugar cravings, neuropathy and retinopathy.
There are many Chinese and Western herbs that have been prescribed for centauries to improve blood sugar regulation. Both Chinese and American ginsengs have a long history of use for diabetes. Fenugreek been shown to lower blood sugar, increase insulin sensitivity, and decrease triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol levels. Even psyllium, which many people take for bowel regulation, can improve fasting blood sugar levels. Psyllium can also reduce overall cholesterol levels, especially LDL.
Eating small, frequent, low Glycemic Index (GI) meals through out the day helps people regulate their blood sugar level. Foods that break down quickly in the body have a high GI, such as: bagels, refined sugar and candy, potatoes, white rice and French bread. Rather than simple carbohydrates, eat whole grains, which are rich in nutrients and have lower GIs. Other foods that tend to have low GIs are those high in protein. Research shows that both soluble and insoluble fiber have a very beneficial impact on blood sugar regulation, as do omega-3 fatty acids which are found in cold water fish.
Other factors that influence blood sugar metabolism are chronic stress, cigarette smoking, and amount of exercise. Studies have shown a relationship between ongoing stress and IRS. This is due to the complex relationship between stress hormones and insulin. Stress reduction and management is a very important step in improving blood sugar regulation. Cigarette smoking can exacerbate IRS and should be reduced if it cannot be entirely avoided. Also, research has shown a relationship between lack of exercise and development of type 2 diabetes. Four hours per week of a cardiovascular and muscle strengthening activity such as walking, jogging, swimming, aerobics, should be incorporated into an IRS treatment plan.
Our culture is facing a crisis. Over 16 million people have diabetes in the United States, and millions more have IRS. Fortunately, natural therapies can make an enormous difference in blood sugar regulation. A holistic practitioner can formulate a treatment plan that includes diet and lifestyle recommendations, acupuncture and the appropriate herbs and supplements for each individual patient.
