So many people today suffer from sugar-related diseases. According to NCBI as published in the US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health “Consumption of added sugars has been implicated in increased risk of a variety of chronic diseases including obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as well as cognitive decline and even some cancers.” Just that alone is scary. Not mentioned, but scientifically documented, is that sugar interferes with the immune system’s ability to attack pathogens, rending them ineffective for 5 hours and taking as long as 3 days to get back on track.
In a time period that we are especially cognizant of our immune system, this is important information. Many have already been doing things such as receiving acupuncture treatments and taking herbs to strengthen their immune system. After all, “the best defense is a good offense”. I would personally much rather do things to strengthen my immune system, rather than try to handle it after succumbing to a disease.
As we enter the holiday season with temptations of every kind, maybe we should be asking ourselves if the few minutes of pleasure on our tongue is worth the risk of contracting some disease that may last for days or weeks? The pleasure is temporary, but the price can be great.
What about sugar diseases that are much more formidable like hypoglycemia, diabetes, obesity, cardiac disease, fatty liver disease brain impairment and cancer? It is best to try to handle them in the early stages. Likely there is some insulin resistance and some cortisol excesses to contend with. Fortunately, we have tools to help the body and lower the risk of progressive diseases as a result of excess sugar intake or sugar instability.
Acupuncture, herbs, reasonable dietary guidelines, exercise, play and other lifestyle changes offer positive approaches to managing sugar-related diseases. If you are someone who has “tried everything” to manage your sugar related disease, you should consider acupuncture.
Acupuncture balances the hormones and glands responsible for blood glucose regulation in the body. In a study cited by Medical News Today, “acupuncture is a valid treatment for insulin resistance…and insulin sensitivity”. They further stated “In 2018, researchers in China published findings that showed how specific acupuncture points help improve symptoms of diabetes in rats with diabetes. They found that within 3 weeks, the rats that received electroacupuncture had: lower glucose levels, increased insulin levels, improved glucose tolerance, improved blood glucose management, helped with weight loss, protected pancreas islet function – which is responsible for insulin production, improved insulin resistance, adjusted the balance of hormones that affect diabetes – for example, melatonin, insulin, glucocorticoids, and epinephrine.” They state “Studies have suggested that acupuncture might help people with diabetes by improving blood sugar levels, relieving the symptoms of neuropathy and more”.
©2020 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
