Reversing Diabetes: How You Can Protect Yourself

I've finally finished my clinical component on the journey to becoming an ND and am preparing to write a very large, 3 day examination called NPLEX that will allow me to practice as an ND in North America (also known as, the "final step").

As I study, I also listen to informative podcasts and would like to share a recent find: The Reversing Diabetes Summit 2014, which can be accessed by typing the following into your search bar: http://thediabetessummit.com/

Although this conference talks about all interventions that pertain to Diabetes Mellitus, all the experts agree that the best prevention includes dietary and lifestyle changes.  Some simple dietary approaches that NDs use are diets that follow a low glycemic load and maximize foods that are high in fiber and rich in micronutrients (think vegetables, vegetables, vegetables).

Some of my favourite things to do on a daily basis to prevent diabetes and optimize health?

• sprinkle 2 tbsp of ground flaxseed on your salad or in your Magical Morning Smoothie
• eat 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen berries 
• eat 1 square of 70% or above dark chocolate
• eat at least 1 serving of fermented food (organic kefir, organic goats milk yogurt, unpasteurized sauerkraut, miso soup, kimchi, sugar-free kombucha tea) 
• add garlic and fresh ginger to your cooking
• aim for 5 servings of vegetables (a serving is the size of your fist)

In terms of nutraceutical and herbal interventions, there are a number of vitamins and herbs that are extremely helpful to reverse and prevent diabetes and working with a Naturopathic Doctor or an Integrative Medical Doctor to assess your individual nutritional needs is best.  Click here to find a list of practitioners of Integrative MDs and NDs in Canada. 

Best Advice Ever

Have a healthy day!
Jasmine

Resources for Fibromyalgia and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Fibromyalgia effects 6% of the total Canadian population.  Since Heart Disease only effects 3%, you can appreciate how many people that actually is.  It's estimated that people know at least one person that suffers from the disease characterized by chronic pain and, unfortunately, that number is steadily increasing.

As an intern on the Fibromyalgia and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis shift at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic that is supervised by Louise McCrindle, ND, I am fortunate enough to learn effective techniques to deal with this painful and debilitating condition.  Louise McCrindle worked with Dr. Alison Bested, an expert in the field, and they wrote an incredible book that is bringing relief to thousands of suffering individuals across North America.  Not surprisingly, diet seems to have an enormous impact on the presentation of symptoms associated with this illness and they have included recipes that are easy to prepare but still manage to be tasty.

If you know someone with either of these conditions, send them the name of this book so they can start living a better quality of life.

 Have a wonderful, pain-free day!

Invite Gratitude Into Your Life

This is a great video to watch every morning before you start your day because living in gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.

Enjoy

Happy Love Day!

I'm kind of a romantic.  So is F. Scott Fitzgerald.  We both wish you a Happy Valentine.

A day dedicated to reminding your family and friends about how much you love them is kind of awesome, so take full advantage of it!

Valentine's Day

I have this one friend who is hilarious.  A few years ago, she was working as a server for Valentine's Day and she had the following conversation with her boyfriend.

Her: "And all night they were playing that sappy love trumpet."

Him: "You mean the saxophone?" 

Happy (early) Valentine's Day to you all!  Hug a stranger and spread the love.

My Favorite Place In The World

There is a Canadian comedy show called "The Royal Canadian Air Farce" that featured a returning character who was dressed in red plaid (think lumberjack) and who was kind of slow and was named Mike from Canmore.

If you do end up venturing out to Canmore, Alberta you will (sadly?) not run into Mike but you will run into this:

 Main Street

 "Just another day" of wild Elk running through town

The 3 Sisters-a mountain peak that sits right beside the town of Canmore

This is where I was fortunate enough to spend my holiday and ring in the New Year.  The mountain air did me a world of good and I'm already looking forward to my next visit home.

"In art and dream may you proceed with abandon.  In life, may you proceed with balance and stealth"

Have a glorious day!