Reading this article about Clay Walker reminds me that I need to write an update here. [By the way, I learned of the article via Active MSers.] Mr. Walker basically says that exercise and stretching has helped him keep moving through multiple sclerosis.
I know I've said it before. I'll say it again. I think exercise and stretching has helped me, too. In fact, in January, we stepped up the exercise level and "went vegan."
The motivation? Well, it was for hubby. He visited the doc for peripheral neuropathy symptoms and got multiple blood tests that found the nerve damage is due to a high blood sugar level. We figure it's been spiking for several years without our knowing it until the neuropathy showed up.
So, reading several books about reversing diabetes (which is possible), we decided to get more exercise as well as change our diet.
One of the most helpful books we read was, "Goodbye Diabetes" by Dr. Wes Youngberg. Here's a presentation he did about diabetes, cancer, auto-immune diseases, etc. and their relationship with blood sugar and insulin, in case you're interested.
DIET
We were already vegetarians, but we've now eliminated dairy, eggs, and sugars (sugar, molasses, maple syrup, brown rice syrup, honey, all artificial sweeteners, maltodextrin, anything in the ingredient list that has "-ose" on the end, etc). We eliminated between-meal snacks and also fast once in a while. We balance our meals so the biggest meal is breakfast, the medium-sized meal is dinner, and the lightest is supper. We've increased our raw fruits and vegetables intake while trying not to consume anything with a glycemic load over 10. * That's a challenge when trying to get grains, but corn and oatmeal are fine. I read that vinegar helps the body stabilize blood sugar levels, so I'm cooking with vinegar far more than I did.
EXERCISE
Before January, we were in the habit of going on a daily walk of 1-2 miles, but we decided that wasn't enough. We were fairly sedentary beyond that. So, we got a gym membership where we do weight training and cardio machines. We take longer, more strenuous hikes. We invested in a hybrid stationary bike/elliptical for use at home. Because it prevents blood sugar spikes, we do some light exercise (household chores with movement do count) and stretching for 20-30 minutes after every meal. We work at home, so this is possible to make happen on our schedules.
HOW IT'S GOING
Honestly, it was a challenge at first. But, we're learning to adapt. It is worth it. We've both lost weight already, and his blood sugar levels are dropping drastically. His blood pressure has gone down, too. The surprise for me is that I have been feeling better in many respects!
I had been getting frequent heartburn and upset stomach. I read that this can be caused, ironically, by too little acid in the stomach. Plus, taking antacids makes the problem worse. The articles suggested drinking vinegar. So, increasing our vinegar intake has helped us both for different reasons.
My energy levels have greatly increased. Yay! That's a huge help in withstanding the increased exercise load.
I've worked up to it gradually, but I'm pretty proud of myself that I accomplished 4 miles on the elliptical yesterday! My legs went numb to the knees, as usual, but they recover faster now than they have in the past. I still have to make sure that I drink cool water and rest a bit when my torso starts heating up too much. Otherwise, here comes the vertigo, blurry and wonky vision, and shakiness. But, I don't quit until I reach my goal. Once I'm cooler, I start up again.
I still get very stiff, so stretching is mandatory. My balance is terrible right now, so I'm going to see if I can work on that a bit with some yoga. Time will tell on that one. Meanwhile, I'm proud of us, and I'm thrilled we're gaining health.
Oh, PS: My favorite machine at the gym is the abs coaster! Because Montel Williams suggested it on Rachael Ray's show, I decided to give it a try. I actually think it is fun. Tough after enough reps, but still more enjoyable than the other devices in the "torture chamber." (grin)(wink)
* [You can learn what the glycemic load is for any particular food by typing the name of it into the search bar at the top of this page. Also, you can learn what foods have the most or least of whatever nutrient or characteristic you choose.]
