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Correct Eating Can Reverse Diabetes, Says Naturopath

DUBAI — Debunking claims about diabetes being a life-long disease, a naturopath expert has said that genes that cause the illness can be reversed through correct eating and physical exercise.

“It is a false belief that the degenerating disease, diabetes, has to be managed forever,” said Dr Matina Chronopoulou, a naturopath doctor from Hellas Organics in Greece.

“New science shows that diabetes is reversible through an aggressive lifestyle, nutrition and occasional medication,” she said.

She was delivering a lecture on “Reversing type II diabetes and insulin: The naturopathic approach” at a seminar held alongside the Natural and Organics Products Exhibition 2009 currently under way at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“Rye bread and pasta are two ingredients that have proven effects in reversing the genes that cause diabetes,” said the expert who has been practising nutritional and natural medicine for 30 years.

Dr Matina said our bodies are adapted to a nutrient-dense diet, which if altered can turn-on diabetes-causing genes. “A human diet should ideally consist of low sugar, high fibre and Omega-3 fats but when we eat out of harmony with our genes, we turn on other genes that promote diabetes,” she explained.

The health expert said 80 per cent of diabetes, brought on by obesity, was preventable by improving diet and physical activity. “We are overeating. Our genes are not programmed to receive the amount of food we are now eating.

“Our ancestors ate at least 100 grams of fibre each day while the modern diet has up to 5 grams only.”

A diet high in fibre content, rich in colourful fruits and vegetables as well as low in sugar was the key to reversing the disease. But how the food you put on your plate can reduce and balance your blood sugar? “It is important to eat a diet that balances your blood sugar and improve your liver detoxification process and reduce inflammation,” she said.

Eating sources of meat that are organic and having meals 2-3 hours before bedtime are also instrumental in reducing the occurrence of the disease.

If the diet is adapted locally, 19.5 per cent of the affected population can reap immense health benefits, she added.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.ae