Category: Blood Sugar

Ozempic and GLP-1 Drugs – A Holistic Perspective

Scroll down to listen to the audio!

Ozempic-and-GLP-1-drugs

This story begins in the 1980’s, when researchers first studied a natural hormone, made by the body, called GLP-1. It is released into the gut after we eat to help stimulate insulin release, lower blood sugar, slower stomach emptying, and increase feelings of satiety. Hmm, so GLP-1 is actually a part of the body’s built-in apparatus designed to control blood sugar and appetite. Then why do we need a drug to mimic this natural hormone? The problem with our natural GLP-1 is that it breaks down in the body in just a few minutes, not a long enough time to prevent diabetes or help with weight loss on its own, particularly for people who engage in poor eating and lifestyle habits, on a daily basis.

 

Drugs, like Ozempic, taken weekly, by injection, were created to actually mimic the body’s natural GLP-1 on a long-term basis. They were originally developed, by Novo Nordisk, and approved in 2017, for people with Type 2 Diabetes and those diagnosed with Insulin Resistance, Pre-Diabetes, and Metabolic Syndrome. They were designed by the drug company to improve blood sugar levels, reduce the needs for insulin, protect the pancreas, and support cardiovascular health. Weight loss was not included in its original objectives, just a huge bonus, actually a side effect that created an enormous market, and most likely a higher price tag, because this drug suppresses appetite, reduces cravings, and slows gastric emptying so you feel fuller faster during a meal. It sends a strong message to the brain that says “I am not hungry”.

 

These synthetic drugs have been approved, without long-term studies, as safe for long-term use in managing Type 2 Diabetes, reducing cardiovascular risks, and managing and lowering the risk of chronic kidney disease. It is also being used off-label for weight management. Its sister drug, Wegovy, has been approved for weight loss. A small study following Parkinson’s patients, focusing on symptoms, like rigidity, found that Ozempic may slow the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms. Another study found that it reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease for people with Type 2 Diabetes. Yet, we do not really know what will happen when subjects stop taking the shots. Further studies are required to validate the suggested efficacy and benefits and to detail the dangers of long-term use.

 

Monthly costs can vary from $300 to $1000 a month, depending on location and insurance. In Canada, those diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes pay much lower fees, but this depends on their Province.

Side Effects of Ozempic:

  • Loss of lean muscle mass
    • daily exercise is essential while on these drugs
    • if stopped, weight is regained without the lost muscle mass
  • Loss of bone density
  • Loss of metabolic resilience
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Bloating
  • Heartburn
  • Fatigue
  • It may not be ideal for people with a history of eating disorders or certain GI conditions

Unusual or Noted Side Effects:

  • Ozempic Face
  • Hair Loss
  • Changes in taste, dry mouth, bad breath
  • Skin reactions
  • Headache
  • Depression

Potential Serious Risks (still being studied)

  • Gallbladder issues, gallstones
  • Kidney disease
  • Pancreatitis (rare but serious)
  • Vision changes
  • Thyroid tumour risk in rodents
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Allergic reactions

Examining the Root Cause of Metabolic Syndrome

The primary root cause of Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes is said to be “everything you put into your mouth”. Most of us consume a poor diet containing processed and addictive foods that cause inflammation in the body.

 

Sugar is a major cause of inflammation. The liver converts sugar to fat which can result in a fatty liver (NAFLD) causing the pancreas to work full time trying to shoot insulin into the cells. Sugar taxes a system that just can’t keep up.

 

Grains are highly inflammatory, especially modern grains. The seeds are doused with pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and glyphosate, a known poison which has been outlawed through most of Europe. Glyphosate is even used as a desiccant for organic and non-GMO grains to accelerate the drying process. They are then stored, where mold builds up as they wait for distribution.

 

Vegetable oils, i.e., corn, safflower, canola, sunflower, cause major inflammation.

 

Poor nutrition: Many of us are hungry all of the time because our meals lack nutrients. Our brain keeps sending signals of hunger until our body’s nutritional requirements are met.

Natural Ways to Support Metabolic Health

GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic, work by chemically reducing appetite and slowing digestion. While that can lead to weight loss, true metabolic health depends on how efficient the body is at regulating blood sugar, hormones, inflammation and how it uses energy. The following strategies support these systems naturally and help restore metabolic balance over time.

These are the healthiest solutions without the dangerous side effects of a chemical drug taken for the rest of your life.

  • Healthy Diet – Stabilize Blood Sugar
    • No processed foods, refined sugar, or high fructose corn syrup
    • Plant based
    • Healthy fats: extra virgin olive oil, avocados, grass fed butter, coconut oil, pasture raised eggs
    • Fibre – fruits and vegetables, eat the rainbow, organic when possible, especially with the “dirty dozen”; root vegetables (turnips, parsnips, sweet potatoes, carrots, radishes)
    • Fermented vegetables: Sauerkraut, Miso, Kim Chee
    • Good quality organic protein – wild fish, pastured chicken, small amts of grass-fed beef – all free of toxins and hormones
    • Heal leaky gut – no gluten, wheat, or dairy (inflammatory)
  • Intermittent Fasting – 12-16 hours between your last meal and your next day’s meal
  • Hydration – 8-10 glasses of clean water per day – preferably RO or distilled
  • Exercise – build muscle – a strong natural “Ozempic” – walking daily, then adding resistance training – 3-5 times per week
  • Sleep – prioritize it! Optimal is 7-9 hours in a dark room with no electronic devices nearby
  • Sunshine – getting into the sun in the early morning; get your Vitamin D which helps balance blood sugar
  • Stress Relief: Meditation, Qicong, Tai Chi, Yoga, EFT Tapping (can help with cravings)
  • Toxicity – clean up the body’s terrain
    • Dental infections – gum infections, root canals, mercury amalgams; see a biological dentist
    • Eliminate alcohol and tobacco
    • Drainage – open the emunctories: liver, kidneys, lungs, keep bowels moving
    • Environmental toxins, personal care products, household cleaning products
  • Restore hormone balance; i.e. adrenals and thyroid

 

These strategies are not meant to replace medical care.

 

Gilda Rovan Blog Byline

*Audio link for those in need or who prefer to listen to our blogs:

Potassium

Scroll down to listen to the audio!

SIGNS OF DEFICIENCYNPP TIP Blog Potassium
Abnormal Heartbeat
Constipation
Fatigue
Headaches
Hypertension
Low Blood Sugar
Muscle Cramps
Muscle Weakness
Palpitations
Stomach Pain & Gut Obstructions

 

 

Many years ago, while on vacation, I noticed that my hands and fingers were swollen. To combat this, my friend offered me one of her water pills, which I gratefully accepted. About 2 or 3 hours later, I felt weak, dizzy, and light-headed. I felt as if I was about to faint. This was my first experience with a potassium deficiency. I learned, the hard way, that if one is taking a drug, like Lasix, it must be coupled with increased water and a consumption of high potassium foods, like a banana or orange juice. I also learned not to take anyone else’s prescription drugs.

 

Potassium is an essential macromineral. It is also an electrolyte, like sodium and magnesium. It partners with sodium to manage the water within the body. Sodium works outside of the cells while potassium works inside of the cells in order to maintain a proper fluid balance, preventing water retention or dehydration. Potassium supports blood pressure and helps to maintain proper pH levels, beating of the heart, muscle mass, and repair of body tissue. It is essential for proper muscle function, cardiovascular health, bone strength, and the transmission of nerve impulses sharing messages between your brain and your body. Potassium loss can be the result of diarrhea, vomiting, or low water intake during a flu or gastric ailment.

 

Optimal daily potassium intake from food for a healthy adult is 3500 to 4700 mg daily. Great sources of potassium are bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, apricots, cooked spinach, kale, beet greens, soy and lima beans, cucumbers, baked potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, yams, wild salmon, and avocado. Most of us can easily get what we need from food. If you are unable to consume enough dietary potassium or if you have been ill, you can top it up with supplements purchased at your local health food store. An average dose may be one or two 250 mg capsules of potassium citrate daily with meals.

 

We are continuously reminded to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily. Some people overdo their water intake thinking that it will help them lose weight more quickly. This can result in a depletion of potassium causing kidney stones or heart malfunction.

Our webinar, The Kidneys, includes:

    • a discussion on how a diet low in potassium and high in sodium is associated with hypertension;
    • that 95% of our potassium is found inside of our cells;
    • that a natural diet rich in fruits and veggies can give us a 100:1 ratio of K: Na;
    • how 2.5 to 5.0 grams of potassium per day can give significant drops in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, and much more.

 

NPP Related Webinars:

Gilda Rovan, BA, RHN, ROHP Certified Biotherapeutic Drainage Practitioner

*Audio for those in need or who prefer to listen to our blogs:

Kicking Sugar

Scroll down to listen to the audio!

 

NPP TIP Blog kick sugar1

Rarely do we experience obsessive cravings for chicken, broccoli, or green juice, so why sugar? It may be due to a habit, a blood sugar or hormone imbalance, poor sleep, stress, depression, anxiety, insufficient protein, nutrient deficiencies, food allergies, dehydration, or fatigue. Sugar can change your physiology. Giving into this craving or addiction can actually raise the dopamine levels in your brain, giving you a temporary feeling of well-being. A particular food may even trigger a pleasant memory, like the day your Dad took you for donuts to celebrate your fifth birthday. Continually giving into every sugar craving can foster an unhealthy relationship with food, leading to binge eating and a feeling of being out of control.

 

So, how do you kick your sugar cravings? Start your day with a high protein breakfast, followed by a protein at every meal. Increase your daily intake of healthy carbs, like vegetables, and decrease or, preferably, eliminate the starchy carbs, like white potatoes, pasta, and bread. Choose high fibre foods, like almonds, chia seeds, avocados, and berries, which will slow down the absorption of carbohydrates, therefore preventing blood sugar spikes. Stay hydrated throughout the day with 8-10 glasses of water. When the craving does rear its ugly head, drink a glass of water and then distract yourself. Try knitting, needlepoint, or a 1000 piece puzzle. Grab your sneakers and go for a walk. Sink into a warm, soothing bath, prepared by dissolving one or two cups of epsom salts and/or 4 or 5 drops of compatible essential oils. EFT tapping can work wonders to stop a craving in its tracks. My favourite instructional videos are by Jessica Ortner on YouTube. Or, if all else fails, take a nap.

 

Thinking about weaning slowly off sugar? This is rarely the solution. Kicking sugar is one issue that requires going cold turkey. Your first few days may see withdrawal symptoms, like headaches, anxiety, or irritability. Each of these symptoms may be accompanied by a strong craving for something sweet that is hard to resist. Take heart and persevere! The results will definitely be worth it. Remember, it takes 21 days to create a new habit although you should begin to feel better after 5 days. The cravings will diminish, the hunger will disappear, and your feelings of well-being will grow.

 

 NPP Related Webinars

Gilda Rovan, BA, RHN, ROHP Certified Biotherapeutic Drainage Practitioner

*Audio for those in need or who prefer to listen to our blogs:

Organic Onions

Scroll down to listen to the audio!

Organic onions new

The onion, like garlic, is a member of the lily family of plants. The homeopathic remedy for the common cold, allium cepa (cepa meaning onion), is prepared from red onions. Boericke’s Materia Medica refers to this remedy as “a picture of coryza with acrid nasal discharge and laryngeal symptoms and eye secretion”.

 

Onions are thought to have originated in Central Asia, from Iran to Pakistan and north into southern Russia. Since the sixth century, the  onion has been respected as a great way to spice up any dish and, also, in India, for its healing properties. Most onions are white, red, or yellow appearing globular in shape although there are many varieties of shapes and colours, including green; each offering its own distinctive taste. Onions have provided cooks with an inexpensive way of enhancing the flavour of almost any dish. Many delicious recipes begin with the browning, sautéing, or carmelizing of yellow onions.

 

Onions are low in calories, fat, and carbs. According to Michael Murray, ND, they are “very good sources of vitamin C, B6, biotin, chromium, and dietary fibre and, in addition, good sources of folic acid and vitamins B1 and K”.  They also contain sulphur, phytochemicals, anthocyanins, flavinoids, and particularly quercetin, which is beneficial for disorders including cataracts, cardiovascular disease, and for reducing body fat. Quercetin is found primarily in the outer layers of the onion so it is recommended that as much as possible of the skin be used. It also has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

 

They have been known to lower blood pressure and blood sugar and also to improve bone health, gut health, and heart health.  Centuries ago, onions were included in remedies used to treat headaches, colds, and heart ailments. They contain inulin and fructooligosaccharides and are rich in prebiotics so helpful to increase the number of friendly bacteria in the gut which will improve immune function.

 

Studies have shown that the organosulfurs in onions may suppress tumour growth and that there may be a connection between allium and a reduced risk of cancer. A 2019 study found that quercetin had links to lower blood pressure. Another recent study showed that peri-menopausal and menopausal women who ate onions at least once a day had a greater bone density and a reduced risk of hip fractures.

 

Why organic onions?  These are preferred in order to avoid consuming the chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals used during the growth process. Also, conventionally grown onions will most likely have been irradiated to prevent them from sprouting. Onions should be stored at room temperature, away from sunlight, in a well ventilated area. Green onions can be stored in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator, safely for about a week. Leftover cut onions will stay fresh for a day or two in an airtight, sealed container in the refrigerator or may be frozen for later use in soups or casseroles. To avoid tears, refrigerate the onions for an hour or two before chopping. Also, keep them as far away from your eyes as possible, to avoid the sulfur-based gas emitted from the onion.

 

Eggs & Onions (2 servings)

My husband David’s favourite egg breakfast.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or butter
  • 1 organic onion, diced
  • 4 organic eggs, beaten
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • turmeric and/or oregano, to taste (optional)
  1. Heat olive oil or butter on medium heat in a non-stick green pan
  2. Saute the diced onions until translucent, but not browned
  3. Pour the seasoned beaten eggs onto the hot pan
  4. Stir until the eggs are cooked through
  5. Serve hot with a side of organic blueberries and sliced strawberries
  6. Crumble goat cheese over eggs, if desired

Enjoy!

Gilda Rovan, BA, RHN, ROHP Certified Biotherapeutic Drainage Practitioner

*Audio for those in need or who prefer to listen to our blogs:

Organic Brussel Sprouts

Scroll down to listen to the audio!

 

NPP TIP Blog brusells sprouts

Organic Brussel Sprouts were actually named after their prominence in Belgium. They are cousins to cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, collard greens, and kale – all cruciferous vegetables said to help decrease belly fat.

 

High in Folic Acid and iron, they are perfect to support a healthy pregnancy. These miniature cabbages are also excellent sources of vitamins C, A, and K. One cup offers you 4 grams of protein, 4 grams of fibre, and 270 mg of ALA, so an excellent source of Omega 3 at a cost of merely 56 calories. Rich in kaempferol, an antioxidant, studied for its ability to reduce cancer cell growth and chronic inflammation, makes it also valuable in reducing cardiovascular disease. Alpha-lipoic acid, also found in this vegetable, has been studied for its effects on insulin levels.

 

Heart healthy Brussel sprouts help regulate blood sugar, support digestive health, and vision, and help feed the beneficial gut bacteria. They are important for mood, inflammation, and immunity. Their sulphur content helps reduce ulcer risk by limiting H. Pylori overgrowth. One of these sulphur compounds, glucosinolates, has been researched for its anti-cancer properties. Brussel sprouts have been shown to reduce the risk of many types of cancers, including breast, skin, and prostate.

 

Generally, in season during the fall and winter months, roasted, grilled, steamed, or stir fried in extra virgin olive oil with sea salt and garlic, they make a delicious addition to any meal. Avoid boiling or overcooking as this may release the sulphuric “rotten egg” smell. Try sautéing Brussel sprouts in butter. Add 1/2 of a fresh lime squeezed onto the cooked sprouts followed by salt & pepper and enjoy!

 

Roasted Balsamic and Honey Brussel Sprouts & Sweet PotatoOrganic Brussel Sprouts Reciepe

  • 1 lb organic Brussel sprouts, trimmed
  • 2-3 organic sweet potatoes, cut into chunks
  • 5-6 tbsp organic extra virgin olive oil
  • sea salt & pepper to taste

 

Combine: (to taste)

  • 2 tbsp of your favourite organic balsamic vinegar
  • 3-4 tbsp organic honey
  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  2. Combine sweet potatoes, Brussel sprouts, olive oil, salt & pepper; coat evenly
  3. Spread vegetables onto the baking sheet
  4. Roast in the preheated oven until browned, about 30-45 minutes
  5. Remove from oven and drizzle with honey & balsamic vinegar mixture

                   ENJOY!

Gilda Rovan, BA, RHN, ROHP Certified Biotherapeutic Drainage Practitioner

*Audio for those in need or who prefer to listen to our blogs: