Food Additive Sends Blood Sugar SOARING
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted September 25, 2022
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
That Hippocrates guy was onto something.
He’s often credited with saying, “Let thy food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
And I couldn’t agree more.
In fact, I’m constantly telling my own patients, “Food is medicine.”
Staying strong and healthy starts with what you put on your plate.
And just like some of those drugs your docs keep pushing, certain foods you choose to swallow will ALSO leave you sicker.
In fact, in one study, researchers uncovered something so disturbing you’re going to want to put down that fork and step away from the table before you keep reading.
Because scientists say, this one common food additive could give you diabetes.
The meta-analysis published in the journal Science Translational Medicine combined data from several previous mouse studies and a human study.
Scientists found that feeding mice the naturally-occurring fatty acid propionate dramatically increases blood sugar.
Yes, you read that right. Propionate is technically natural. But the truth is the super-concentrated toxic form that food manufacturers use is FAR from normal.
Propionate is FDA-approved. And it’s been used in food processing as a mold inhibitor for many years. But like most food additives, the health effects of propionate have never been adequately studied until now.
Harvard University researchers divided 14 healthy people into two groups, for the human study.
Group one’s meals contained 1 gram of propionate; the second group had none added. Blood samples were taken from all participants both before and after the meal.
In the end, the researchers found that folks who ate the propionate-laced meals had MAJOR blood sugar spikes.
Propionate does this because it increases your levels of three blood-sugar-producing hormones:
- glucagon
- norepinephrine
- FABP4
All three hormones cause sugar to be dumped into your bloodstream.
When you combine their effects with the gobs of sugar hidden in processed foods, it spells double trouble for your glucose levels. Over time those elevated sugars can send your risk of developing diabetes soaring.
Your best bet is to ditch as many processed foods as possible. Start focusing on a healthy, blood sugar-lowering diet full of fresh produce, healthy fats, and wild-caught seafood.
P.S. We all indulge in junk foods now and then… especially when we’re away from home or out with friends. This “nutrient knight” could SHIELD you from processed food damage.
SOURCE:
“The short-chain fatty acid propionate increases glucagon and FABP4 production, impairing insulin action in mice and humans.” Science Translational Medicine, 2019 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aav5938
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Small Moves for BIG Benefits (An Exercise Surprise!)
A patient asked me the other day, “What’s the least amount of exercise I can get by with that still has benefits?” That’s actually a great question. Because, let’s face it, many of us struggle to find time for exercise. And even more of us go out of our way to AVOID it. So, my...
Widespread “Forever” Chemicals Boost Cancer Risk?!
We’ve known for years that the chemicals lurking in many everyday products aren’t as harmless as we once believed… However, new research reveals an unsettling truth about one specific group of compounds that could be flowing straight from your tap into your waterglass. And according to a new study, they could be raising your cancer...
Mailbag: Ease Peripheral Neuropathy Nerve Pain NATURALLY
“What is your position on peripheral neuropathy?” —On Pins and Needles Hi Pins, Peripheral neuropathy is a challenging condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the hands and feet. Many folks describe neuropathies as feeling like pins and needles, tingling, or burning. When I...
Pancreas Protector Discovered in the VITAMIN Aisle
Most of us are concerned about our heart health. We also take steps to protect our brains. Even our kidneys and livers get some attention. But the pancreas? It’s seldom given a second thought—or at least, not until something goes wrong. And when it does, it can be serious business. The pancreas is vital for...
Study Reveals New Health Risk in Ultra-Processed Food
New research reveals that ultra-processed foods are even WORSE for our health than we imagined. And the problem isn’t just the sugar, salt, and artificial ingredients. There’s another sneaky threat lurking in convenience foods. And it could multiply their health risks… A recent study published in the journal Globalization and Health uncovered an alarming problem...
A Simple Vitamin Solution Combats Parkinson’s
Our understanding of the gut-brain connection has grown rapidly in recent years. So, it’s no surprise that scientists suspect a connection between gut health and the development of Parkinson’s. However, new research is adding more details to the picture. A groundbreaking study revealed two common nutrients are often critically low in folks with Parkinson’s. This...
The “Cellular Wildfire” Fueling Long-COVID Revealed
A significant number of folks continue to feel unwell after supposedly “recovering” from COVID-19. I have some exciting news if you’re one of the millions battling long-COVID. Scientists from the University of Queensland just uncovered a crucial piece of the puzzle—and all signs point to inflammation as the culprit. Let me explain… ***** This groundbreaking...
Top 9 Nutrients Needed to Maintain Good Health
Let’s face it… the supplement aisle at your local grocery store is kind of overwhelming. Standing there staring at rows upon rows of colorful bottles, each promising better health, increased energy, or miraculous benefits can leave you feeling downright dizzy. With so many options, how can you possibly know which nutrients are truly essential for...
The Mini-Movement Revolution Beats Traditional Workouts
I get it… not everyone loves exercise. But you don’t have to become a gym rat to get major health benefits. New research reveals that those quick trips to take the garbage out or go to the bathroom might be even MORE valuable than your scheduled exercise time. In fact, these mini-movement breaks could be...
Mailbag: Natural Fixes for Stubborn Toenail Fungus
“Is there an actual cure for toenail fungus?” —Feeling Frustrated If you are frustrated because you’ve been battling toenail fungus, I’m not surprised. Toenail fungus is incredibly difficult to treat. But don’t give up. With a combination of natural treatments and patience, relief is possible. Here’s what’s worked for my patients in the past… Tea...