A Do Not Miss Broken Brain Podcast Episode #154 with Dr. Benjamin Bikman, a renowned metabolic research scientist, and a popular speaker on human metabolism and nutrition. Backed by years of research, Dr. Bikman’s mission is to help the world appreciate the prevalence and relevance of insulin resistance.

Around the world, we struggle with diseases that were once considered rare. Cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes affect millions each year. any people are also struggling with hypertension, weight gain, fatty liver, dementia, low testosterone, menstrual irregularities and infertility, and more. We treat the symptoms, not realizing that all of these diseases and disorders have something in common. Each of them is caused or made worse by a condition known as insulin resistance. Over half of all adults in the United States are insulin resistant, with most other countries either worse or not far behind.

On today’s Broken Brain Podcast, our host Dhru talks to Dr. Benjamin Bikman, a renowned metabolic research scientist, and a popular speaker on human metabolism and nutrition. Backed by years of research, Dr. Bikman’s mission is to help the world appreciate the prevalence and relevance of insulin resistance. He is the author of the newly released book, Why We Get Sick, which offers a thought-provoking yet real solution to insulin resistance and how to reverse pre-diabetes, improve brain function, shed fat, and prevent diabetes.

Dr. Bikman has a Doctor of Philosophy in Bioenergetics from East Carolina University, a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology, and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University. In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Bikman talk about why insulin resistance has become so prevalent and why it matters. They discuss what makes us insulin resistant in the first place, and the evidence linking many major diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease, to it.

They also talk about how to reverse and prevent insulin resistance through specific diet and lifestyle modifications. In this episode, we dive into: – Fat cells and the role they play in the body (3:01​) The recipe for weight loss (12:23​)
The role of insulin in our bodies (18:05​)
How to know if you are insulin resistant (45:22​)
Lab testing for insulin resistance (50:09​)
The role cholesterol plays in insulin resistance (52:40​)
4 steps to improve insulin resistance (1:01:57​)
Why movement is so important when it comes to insulin resistance (1:11:57​)
The power of wearing a continuous glucose monitor (1:13:49​)
Where to learn more about Dr. Bikman (1:18:21​)

For more on Dr. Bikman you can follow him on Instagram @BenBikmanPhD, on Facebook @BenjaminBikmanPhD, on Twitter @BenBikmanPhD, and through his websites http://bikmanlab.byu.edu/

​ and https://www.insuliniq.com/

There are many small changes individuals can make to help reduce the potential for developing diabetes that are part of a healthy lifestyle. People should also be aware that there’s no guarantee that they won’t develop the disease at some point in their life. However, initiating small changes now can aid in minimizing the risk of developing diabetes.

Weight Control

Being overweight increases the risk of developing diabetes. However, it’s important to note that weight gain is one of the symptoms of diabetes and even very thin people can develop the disease.

Healthy Diet

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be unpleasant. Choosing whole grains and healthy fats, eliminating sugary beverages, limiting red meats, and minimizing processed foods of all types are small steps that have big results.

Portion Sizes

Eating the right foods isn’t going to be particularly helpful without portion control. Controlling the size of portions will aid in regulating glucose levels and aid in preventing weight gain.

Get Moving

Exercise helps manage weight and reduces insulin resistance. Even a brisk, 30-minute walk each day is sufficient to reduce the risk of diabetes. It’s also beneficial for building muscle and cardiovascular health.

Limit Alcohol

Many mixed drinks utilize sugary syrups that add calories and increase glucose levels. Experts recommend no more than one alcoholic beverage per day for women and no more than two for men of any kind.

Don’t Smoke

Smoking constricts blood vessels and can result in high blood pressure. People with high blood pressure are more likely to develop diabetes and heart disease.

Depression

People suffering from depression often engage in comfort foods and unhealthy activities that increase the risk of developing diabetes. Addressing depression is essential for reducing the risk of developing the disease and coping with it if they’re diagnosed. Self-care is not selfish.

Regular Check-Ups

While diabetes can occur at any age, people over the age of 45 are at increased risk. Many of the body’s hormones and chemicals change as individuals age that can impact developing the disease.

Don’t Assume

Even if an individual has no history of diabetes in their family and they take all the appropriate precautions, it’s still possible to develop diabetes. Research has demonstrated that some people develop the disease as a result of infection by a viral pathogen.

Doctor Recommendations

An individual’s doctor is their best source of information about more specific steps they can take to ward off diabetes. They know an individual’s health history best and the early warning symptoms.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

Like us on Facebook

Diabetics are advised to limit their intake of common grains due to their high carbohydrate levels, even though they are high in fiber that’s beneficial for the digestive system. If they are consumed, physicians recommend that they not be highly-refined, processed grains. Then there’s the question of ancient grains.

Technically, all grains are ancient grains since they’ve been around for centuries. When eaten in their purest forms, they can be helpful in managing diabetes and in reducing the risk of developing the disease. Grain promotes a healthy heart and digestive system. They contain fiber that can aid in reducing the absorption of sugars.

When nutritionists refer to ancient grains, they typically have specific examples in mind. The following are considered ancient grains that are beneficial for people with diabetes. Just remember to eat them in moderation.

Amaranth – Gluten-free, it’s been cultivated for over 8,000 years.

Barley – It contains vitamin B1, trace minerals known as micronutrients, and it contains gluten. The grain can be added to soups, salads, and stuffing or eaten as a side dish.

Bulgur – Full of trace minerals, it’s often used as a substitute for pilaf and in salads. It does contain gluten.

Farro – The grain is gluten-free, contains trace minerals, antioxidants, and is used in soups and salads.

Fonio – Available in white and black varieties, it has micronutrients and is gluten-free.

Freekeh – It contains gluten, along with compounds that may lower the risk of degenerative eye disorders. It’s often used in soups, stews, casseroles and salads.

Khorasan wheat – Also known as Kamut, the grain contains vitamin B3, trace minerals, and gluten.

Millet – It’s a grain typically used in wild bird seed mixes and has several trace minerals essential for health. It’s gluten-free.

Quinoa – Loaded with micronutrients, it’s gluten-free, rich in protein, and contains antioxidants.

Rye – The grain is rich in micronutrients, but it does contain gluten.

Sorghum – It’s rich in antioxidants and trace minerals.

Teff – It’s the world’s smallest grain, high in vitamins and micronutrients, and gluten-free. It’s often used in soups, stews and baked goods.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

Like us on Facebook

There are a number of dietary changes that people with diabetes will need to make and some may be more difficult than others. The type of meat that’s consumed is one of those changes. The good news is that it’s not a radical change and it’s easy to do – just switch to lean meats and meat alternatives to avoid saturated fats and control cholesterol.

Meat is high in protein and low in fat, providing a healthy, longer-last source of energy. One good source of very lean meat is chicken or turkey breast without the skin. Both contain an average of 35 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 7 grams of protein per 1-ounce serving.

People with diabetes can still consume a wide range of meats as long as they’re lean. Some examples of lean meat with 3 grams of fat and 55 calories per 1-ounce serving are the following:

• Beef – chipped beef, sirloin, tenderloin and flank steak
• Pork – Canadian bacon, ham, tenderloin
• Veal – all but veal cutlets
• Poultry – chicken, turkey and Cornish hen, all without the skin
• Wild Game – duck, goose, rabbit, pheasant and venison, all without the skin

Meats should be eaten in moderation and no matter what the choice, be aware that some cuts of meat have a higher sodium content than others. Canadian bacon and chipped beef are two examples.

A 1-ounce portion of a medium fat meat contains approximately 75 calories and has 5 grams of fat. Medium fat meat should be eaten infrequently. It includes:

• Beef – ground beef, T-bone steak and chuck house
• Pork – cutlets, pork chops and loin roast
• Lamb – chops and legs
• Veal – cutlets and veal that’s cubed, breaded or ground
• Poultry – turkey, duck or goose with skin

Bear in mind that even 86 percent fat-free luncheon meat can be eaten on occasion, but it has high sodium levels. Avoid hearts, livers and kidneys. Meats to definitely omit from the diet includes prime cuts of beef, pork and lamb. The same is true of processed meats that includes corned beef, hotdogs, sausage, and salami.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

Like us on Facebook

Holidays and special occasions where drinking is part of the festivities can present special challenges for people with diabetes. Doctors recommend that diabetics not imbibe at all. Alcoholic beverages contain significant amounts of sugars, carbs and calories that elevate blood sugar levels and promote weight gain.

Alcohol also has a dehydrating effect on the body. The kidneys must work harder to filter the extra glucose from the body and results in more frequent urination. Sugars are removed, along with bodily fluids that result in dehydration.

The Worst Drinks

Some drinks are worse than others for individuals that choose to partake of alcohol. Wine tends to contain less carbohydrates than beer. On their own, gin, rum, vodka, and whisky have far fewer calories, carbs, and sugars than beer or wine.

Where many individuals encounter a problem is the mixers such as sodas, sugary syrups, and fruit juices. If alcohol-laced eggnog is a favorite, choose light eggnog and limit it to one drink. Try to stay away from hard lemonade and spiked cider.

Best Drinks and Practices

For diabetics that want to drink, stick with light, dry wines or light beers. They have fewer carbs and sugars. Take liquor neat, on the rocks, and eliminate mixers. Doing so will reduce the calories and sugars. There are also premade sugar-free mixers that can be used. The best solution for mixed drinks is diet tonic, seltzer or club soda, or lime or lemon juice.

Moderation is Key

Limit or eliminate sugar-laden mixers. Even drinks that are low in carbs and calories and can have a detrimental effect if not used in moderation. Never drink on an empty stomach.

Hidden Dangers

A moderate amount of alcohol can elevate blood glucose levels, but it can have the opposite effect when excessive drinking is involved. Hypoglycemia – low blood glucose levels – is a very real danger, especially when individuals don’t eat. It’s always a good idea for diabetics to keep a glucagon kit with them in the event that their glucose levels drop too low.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

Like us on Facebook

Managing blood sugar levels during the holidays is especially difficult for diabetics. Between the assortment sweet treats and alcoholic beverages, many diabetics feel left out. They find little to celebrate and often forego spending time with family and friends. The good news is that there are strategies that can be used effectively to enjoy the holidays while maintaining good control of diabetes.

Fats, Carbs and Sugar

Minimizing the fats, carbohydrates and sugar in the foods made at home enables diabetics to enjoy a wide array of holiday offerings. When attending parties at the home of friends and family, it can be helpful for diabetics to bring along treats they’ve made themselves if arrangements can’t be made for diabetic-friendly foods.

Pay Attention to the Plate

The amount of food consumed is just as important as what’s being eaten. Diabetics can use their plate to monitor intake. Protein and carbs should occupy ¼ of the plate, with the rest being filled by vegetables. Minimize the amount of butter, cheese sauces, and dips used. Keep alcoholic beverages to a minimum as they contain sugar, can be fattening, and have a dehydrating effect.

Keeping Off the Pounds

Physical activity is essential, particularly during the holiday season, to prevent weight gain. Healthcare officials recommend 30 minutes, five days per week. The exercise doesn’t have to be completed all at once. It can be broken up into two 30-minute sessions or even three 10-minute periods. Monitor sugars closely before and after exercise, don’t begin exercise programs unless consulting with the doctor, and know the activities to avoid if neuropathy is a complication.

Manage Stress

The holidays are a major source of stress for many people. There are dozens of details to take care of and festivities to attend. Physical and mental stress can play havoc with blood glucose levels. Exercise can help reduce stress, along with meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises.

Adequate Sleep

Getting enough sleep will help in managing blood sugar levels and stress. Being well-rested enables diabetics to meet the increased demands of time and effort during the holiday season, along with the ability to make informed decisions while celebrating the holidays.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

Like us on Facebook

People with diabetes are constantly reading product labels and monitoring the levels of sugar in the things they eat. There are seven primary alternative sweeteners that food and beverage manufacturers use and each comes with its own benefits, drawbacks, and potential side effects.

Before selecting a sugar substitute, individuals should carefully consider the taste, intended use, cost, and availability. Whenever possible, nutritionists recommend the use of fruit as a sweetener. The following is an overview of sweeteners to help diabetics make informed decisions.

Acesulfame potassium

The sweetener is 200 times sweeter than sugar and known by the brand names of Sweet One and Sunnett. Other sugars are often added to counteract its bitter aftertaste.

Aspartame

Available since the 1980s, it’s 200 times sweeter than sugar and typically used as a tabletop sweetener though it can be found in diet soda. It’s available under the names Equal and Nutrasweet.

Neotame

Low in calories, it can be 7,000-13,000 times sweeter than sugar. Available under the name of Newtame, it’s a general purpose sweetener appropriate for baking and other foods, but not for meat or poultry.

Saccharin

The sweetener has been around since 1878 and used in food since 1879. It’s sold under the brand names of Sweet’N Low, Necta Sweet, and Sweet Twin. It can be 200-700 times sweeter than sugar.

Sucralose

It’s 600 times sweeter than sugar, contains few calories, and is used in everything from chewing gum to baked goods. It’s sold under the brand name Splenda and is one of the most widely available sweeteners.

Stevia

Derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, it’s approximately 300 times sweeter than table sugar. It can be found under a variety of brand names that includes Sun Crystals, Truvia, and Sweetleaf. It won’t raise blood sugar levels, but other sugars are often added to mitigate its bitter aftertaste.

Tagatose

Ninety percent sweeter than sucrose, it’s found naturally in a variety of fruits but its use in foods is rare. It’s difficult to find in stores and generally more expensive than other sweeteners. It can be beneficial for those on a low-GI diet.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

Like us on Facebook

Diabetics are constantly on the hunt for low calorie, low sugar recipes as part of an ongoing strategy for managing their disease. Recipes purporting to be beneficial for diabetics abound, but the biggest challenge is finding dishes that actually taste good. The problems are the same whether an individual likes meat or is following a vegan lifestyle. The difficulty is compounded if the individual is a “picky” eater.

An Internet search will return thousands of sites that claim to have the best, tastiest, most effective, or easiest to make recipes for diabetics. Individuals should be wary of websites that claim to have dessert recipes that use natural sweeteners such as honey. The body doesn’t distinguish between the sources of sugar. The body treats all sugars the same.

The best sources for diabetic recipes are medical websites such as the Mayo Clinic. The world-renowned medical center has recipes for appetizers, beverages, bread, desserts, dozens of main dishes, sauces and dressings, and soups, salads and sandwiches.

Another good source is the American Diabetes Association. The organization features recipes for those that prefer bland food to those with international zest. Low carb main dishes, sides and salads can be found, along with popular mail delivery meal kits that meet the needs of diabetics. Individuals can also sign up to have more recipes delivered to their inbox. The organization offers tips and a wealth of information for helping people manage their disease.

EatingWell is a website that has recipes for diabetics, along with tips and news about healthy eating as a sustainable model for health. Dozens of recipes are highlighted that include quick to make, smoothies, casseroles, those for slow cookers, regional cuisine, vegans, and recipes for holidays and special occasions. A special section is dedicated to diabetic recipes and some in other categories are also appropriate for those with diabetes.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

Like us on Facebook

Everyone has food cravings. The difference for diabetics is that those cravings make it much more difficult to manage and control their disease. Unfortunately, a lot of those cravings involve bread, pasta, sweets, or junk food – all of which are high in carbs that elevate blood glucose levels.

Fruit is a natural and healthy snack, but it can also contain large amounts of sugar. Arriving at a happy medium can be a precarious balancing act. The good news is that there are some healthy solutions that will satisfy those cravings without raising glucose to dangerous levels.

Add Yogurt

Adding a little fruit to yogurt is a healthy snack that feels substantial. It’s a good idea to use fruits such as mangoes or even grapes that have a slightly higher sugar content than others to beat the cravings. Yogurt also supports a healthy immune system.

Berries

Nutritious and high in fiber, berries taste sweet but are actually low on the sugar scale. They promote gastrointestinal health and contain strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Choose darker colored berries whenever possible for the greatest health benefits.

Chocolate

Dark chocolate is a healthier choice than milk chocolate. It has antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and is effective for satisfying cravings. Just limit chocolate intake to a couple of squares.

Snack Bars

All snack bars are not created equal so choose wisely. Select those that use natural sweeteners such as fruit. Be aware that “healthy” sweeteners such as agave syrup, coconut sugar, and honey are all sources of sugar and the body treats all sugars the same.

Sugar-Free Gum and Mints

Dozens of sugar-free gum and mint options are available, but take time to check labels. Choose those that are low in sweetener content and that they’re low in calories.

Trail Mix

The dried fruit and nuts in trail mix help control cravings. They contain fiber, healthy fats, and proteins. Be aware that trail mix can carry a high-calorie content, so it’s a good idea to limit how much is consumed.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

Like us on Facebook

One of the messages that people in the U.S. hear from medical professionals is the risk of weight gain and developing diabetes. What most people aren’t being told is that there’s a correlation between belly fat and the disease. It’s not just a few extra pounds around the middle, it’s the fat that develops and lodges deep within the abdomen – known as visceral fat – that’s especially dangerous.

In the era of COVID-19, abdominal fat is a particularly important concern. Researchers believe that the virus may elicit a more severe reaction in people with diabetes since visceral fat affects the body’s immune system and the way people manage diabetes. Abdominal fat increases the risk of developing diabetes and elevates insulin resistance. It also affects the heart – a key element in COVID-19 risk factors.

One of the reasons that visceral fat is so dangerous is that it forms in and around internal organs, affects hormone levels, and triggers inflammation due to an enzyme released by the liver. It’s even been linked to cancer. Men and women can develop belly fat, though pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women, as well as those that have given birth, are at increased risk of developing belly fat.

Some researchers believe that instead of cutting calories and food intake, exercise can be more effective at reducing abdominal fat. However, belly fat is harder to lose than ordinary weight gain. Medical professionals suggest a healthy diet combined with aerobic exercise for the effective loss of visceral fat.

It’s important for everyone to maintain a healthy weight. For those with diabetes or that have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, it’s even more imperative. Hormones and heredity are major influences as to how people gain weight and where – there’s nothing anyone can do about that. Keeping abdominal fat to a minimum will improve the body’s response to insulin, reduce inflammation, and improve immune system function.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

Like us on Facebook