Dear overworked doctors, Are you putting your practice before your own health?
It’s time to put yourself first.
I knew that I wasn’t taking care of myself. Sure, I was thin and could still get up from sitting on the floor! But, I hadn’t put myself as a priority since when…high school? In the rush of day-to-day life I was grabbing granola bars, peanut butter crackers, downing excessive amounts of coffee, and after a long day of work I sure as heck was not hitting the gym! It wasn’t until I hit 40 and started putting on some pounds that I started to face the reality that I was living on borrowed time when it came to getting sick.
My family, like many of yours, has a significant history of all the standard American stuff that comes with our standard American diet and lifestyle, and I could see clearly the road I was going down.
Hypertension, Hypercholesterolemia, Type II Diabetes, Cancer, Obesity, Depression, Anxiety
You know…the list goes on and on. This article is a summary of the book The Diabetes Code by Dr. Jason Fung. I encourage you to pick up a copy. Putting yourself first is a mindset shift, but let’s face it…You deserve it.
My journey started with getting a continuous glucose monitor.
Doing so allowed me to see the direct correlation between the types of food I ate and my blood sugar. In addition, it confirmed my suspicion: that even though I was relatively healthy looking, my blood sugar was spiking well beyond healthy levels. I would encourage everyone to start with a CGM, even just for one month. A popular brand is Freestyle Libre, which can be prescribed by your doctor or obtained through many online programs.
As I went to insert it on the back of my arm, my palms were sweating. Being the chicken I am, I made my husband do it and much to my surprise I could not feel a thing. Amazing!
Using the monitor is simple…After you eat food simply hold your phone up to the monitor and it will read your glucose level. I found it very interesting but also impactful in keeping me accountable for my food choices.
Next, I picked up a copy of the book The Diabetes Code by Dr. Jason Fung.
Here are my cliff notes:
Keep in mind this is a massively oversimplified explanation and I would encourage you to pick up the book for more detailed information.
Type II Diabetes is reversible and preventable by:
Putting less sugar into your body by eating less sugar and refined carbohydrates
Burning off the excess sugar by intermittent fasting: either 24-hour fasts, 2-3 times a week, or 16-hour fasts, 5-6 times per week
It is caused by too much sugar
There is excess sugar, which gets stored in our cells
Insulin is released to lower glucose
Because your cells are full of sugar the insulin cannot get glucose in
Insulin resistance occurs
Body continues to make more insulin to try to fix it
The analogy he uses is of an overstuffed suitcase where you are trying to stuff in one more piece of clothing
It affects all of your organs
Microvascular: retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy
Macrovascular; atherosclerosis, heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease
Other: Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, fatty liver, infections, skin, erectile dysfunction, PCOS
Medications are not treating the root of the problem.
Insulin, for example, is already at an increased level in Type II Diabetes
As you start your journey into better health, another amazing resource is Dr. Mindy Pelz.
Check out her Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mindypelz/
Her recent book, Fast Like a Girl, explains how women can utilize fasting for numerous health benefits, and the importance of adjusting fasting according to the female cycle. Each month they post a free week-long fasting protocol filled with guidelines, tips, and encouragement.
Lastly, I’ve found the following Instagram pack super inspirational: https://www.instagram.com/fiftysister/
I’m excited to be embarking on a journey for better physical and mental health, and I’d love for you to come along for the ride! Let’s start putting ourselves first!
