Hello and welcome to this book on Ultra-Processed Food and Diabetes.

There is increasing evidence of the impact of Ultra-processed foods on multiple metabolic and neurobiological pathways, including those involved in eating behaviors, both in animals and in humans.[1]

For people on the run, ultra processed food may become their go-to diet, sacrificing nutrition for convenience. While it may be convenient, consuming ultraprocessed foods on a regular basis increases a person’s risk of health complications including cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. But it can be hard to tell when these foods are on your plate.[2]

A diet based on packaged products involves the consumption of small and repeated doses of food additives. At the end of the year, an average French adult ingests up to 10 kg. The calculation is worked out by French researchers in a study published in Scientific Reports[3]. [4]

As we replace whole foods with manufactured processed versions, we’re changing ourselves.

· Watch the BBC video on YouTube – “UK doctor switches to 80% ULTRA-processed food diet for 30 days.” - https://youtu.be/T4PFt4czJw0

This short video documents a UK doctor’s 30-day diet switch to highly processed food. The commentary on his eating habits and the foods he consumes is illuminating. In the 30-day period, he gained weight and his body deteriorated significantly. Before and after MRI scans of his brain were compared revealing new connections in his brain, similar to those of people with addiction.

It’s time to dive into the world of Ultra-processed foods and uncover how they can cause inflammation in our bodies, impacting our health in the short and long term.

Mark Ashford - information@markaashford.com

[1] Agnes Ayton M.D. M.Med.Sc. F.R.C.Psych M.Sc Ali Ibrahim M.B.B.S. M.R.C. Psych James Dugan B.M.B.Ch B.Sc Ph.D. Eimear Galvin B.Sc. Oliver Wroe Wright M.B.B.S. B.Sc. (Hons) M.R.C.S., "Ultra-Processed Foods and Binge Eating: A Retrospective Observational Study," (2021).

[2] MS Sara Berg, "What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Ultraprocessed Foods," (2024).

[3] E. Chazelas, Druesne-Pecollo, N., Esseddik, Y. et al. Exposure to food additive mixtures in 106,000 French adults from the NutriNet-Santé cohort. Sci Rep 11, 19680 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-98496-6, "Exposure to Food Additive Mixtures in 106,000 French Adults from the Nutrinet-Santé Cohort," (2021).

[4] Marta Strinati, "Food Additives, We Ingest up to 10 Kg a Year. French Study," (2021).

Hello and welcome to my book How to Prevent and Reverse Type 2 Diabetes.

This book has been a learning journey. I’ve met diabetics who, after diagnosis, treat it as a medication-managed condition. I’ve always abhorred medication. The human body is amazing, and we can achieve so much in our short lives if we help and respect it. I was determined to lean about my condition, and the Life Style changes to help me manage it and make me medication-free. Chronic illnesses, which typically appear later in life, significantly impact life expectancy.

· A 55-year-old Canadian male, with no chronic medical conditions, has a projected life expectancy of an additional 23.3 years.

· A 55-year-old Canadian male, Type 2 Diabetic, who does not manage their condition well and makes no Lifestyle changes, may have as little as 13.2 years left to live.

· A 55-year-old Canadian male, Type 2 Diabetic, who manages their condition well and makes the life changes required, has a life expectancy can be 21.1 years.

This book is the 19th in a series of books I have written on Diabetes and specific aspects of the condition. It brings together information found in my other 18 books on Preventing and Reversing Naturally Type 2 Diabetes.

Combining what I have learned revealed something surprising. My Type 2 Diabetes was self-inflicted and preventable. What can reverse it and the need for medications can also prevent it.

Understanding its cause requires a different perspective on life. A recent study from the University of Cambridge[1] reveals habits learned in the young adult years (16-30 years) set the stage for chronic conditions in later years and contributed to my diagnosis.

Preventing chronic health conditions involves changing our life view from early teens and recognizing behaviors that lead to them. Medical screening should focus on tracking indicators of these behaviors. Reversing Type 2 Diabetes requires changing behaviors and habits that cause the diagnosis. Increasing personal health knowledge and making lifestyle changes to reduce medication dependency are essential.

I hope you enjoy and find this book contributes to your understanding of your body, the way it works and how you can influence your long-term health.

Mark Ashford

information@markaashford.com

[1] Ibid.

This book has been quite a learning journey. From the discovery of Insulin to how the body is designed to maintain homeostasis and what has happened over the past 25 years, I can see how becoming a Type 2 Diabetic was almost inevitable.

Homeostasis depends on active regulation, with dynamic adjustments that keep the environment of your cells and tissues relatively constant. The brain is part of many homeostatic systems, providing signals that coordinate your body’s internal clocks and regulating hormone secretion by the endocrine system. These functions often involve a region of the forebrain called the hypothalamus, a command centre that regulates the activities of internal organs, among many other functions.

Today, we often eat five or six times a day. The quality is just not there. The food is highly processed, refined carbohydrates, and sugar. Both forms convert quickly into glucose in the blood. The combination of stress released glucose and glucose from multiple meals of poor-quality results in the cells being constantly abused by Insulin trying to unlock them to absorb the energy source. They become insulin Resistant, which is a hall mark of PreDiabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.

I can now see how over the past 25 years stress and nutrition have contributed to my becoming a Type 2 Diabetic. It is clear how even small things, which seemed a good idea at the time, have contributed to where I am now.

Obesity is a complex disease involving having too much body fat. Obesity isn't just a cosmetic concern. It's a medical problem that increases the risk of many other diseases and health problems. These can include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea and certain cancers.

Here are some key facts from the World Health Organization’s website on worldwide Obesity and Overweight

• In 2022, 1 in 8 people in the world were living with obesity.

• Worldwide adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990, and adolescent obesity has quadrupled.

Is it possible to reverse obesity? Yes, provided it is not genetic in origin. To achieve this, it is crucial to eliminate carbohydrates that break down into glucose (blood sugar) and calorie-dense snack foods primarily composed of refined sugar.

Obesity is a significant risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes, and the two conditions are closely interconnected. Approximately 80–90% of individuals diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes are overweight or obese. Excess body fat can lead to insulin resistance in muscle and tissue cells. This phenomenon is attributed to various factors, including alterations in adipose tissue biology, cellular function, and multi-organ insulin resistance.

We all get old. It’s a human thing, our bodies start to degrade and depending on our lifestyle and what has happened to us in life, this may be faster or not. And, yes, it also depends on our genes and our lifestyle.

Human longevity is expanding with each passing decade and yet there are conditions that afflict us that prevent us from gaining full appreciation of the extended life span.

Diabetes is one of the conditions that reduces our life spans.

Take for example a 55-year-old Canadian male… I know, females live longer but these are numbers I have to work with.

That 55-year-old Canadian male is projected to have a further 23.3 years to live.

If that 55-year-old Canadian male, with Type 2 Diabetes does not manage their condition well: that is, they do not make any lifestyle changes required and do not monitor their Diabetes properly, they will have a projected life span of an additional 13.2 years.

If that 55-year-old Canadian male, with Type 2 Diabetes, manages their condition well: that is they make the lifestyle changes required, and do not monitor their Diabetes properly, they will have an additional 21.1 years to live. Just 2.2 years less than the 55-year-old male without Type 2 Diabetes.

There is no getting away from the projections, Type 2 Diabetes will shorten your life, poor management of it will shorten it considerably. Diabetes also affects the aging process. How our bodies change as we age is accelerated by Diabetes.

Book - Aging and Diabetes

Available on Amazon

Paperback ISBN: 978-1990876677

eBook ISBN: 978-1990876653

Hard Cover ISBN: 978-1990876660

Photography: Mark A. Ashford

Music - Epidemic Sound - ES_Inspiration - Megan Wolford

Hello and welcome to the October News Update video.

Great News!

I will be releasing my books in an additional format.

Hard Cover

All my books are available now in Paperback and eBook

but there have been requests for a hardback version

suitable for a coffee table.

My next book on CGMs and Omnipod will be out soon.

Omnipod is a tubeless insulin pump.

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetics who must take insulin use syringes or Insulin

pumps with tubes connecting the pump, worn outside of clothing to a

needle in the Diabetic.

Omnipod is the first tubeless Insulin pump that connects to

the skin using medical adhesive like a CGM.

Omnipod contains insulin, a needle, and Bluetooth

connectivity. It is controlled using a Personal Diabetes

Manager (PDM).

The most exciting development is integration

of Omnipod with Dexcom G6 & G7 CGMs. This allows for

Blood Glucose readings by the CGM to automatically

trigger administration of Insulin.

All my books are available in Paperback and eBook. Books with

an Amazon number are available today in Hard Cover!

Prevent and Reverse Naturally Type 2 Diabetes

Hard Cover ISBN #978-1-990876-51-6

Amazon # - https://www.amazon.com/dp/199087651X

Alkaline Water and Diabetes

Hard Cover ISBN #978-1-990876-52-3

Amazon # - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990876528

Celiac Disease and Diabetes

Hard Cover ISBN #978-1-990876-53-0

Amazon # - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990876536

Crohn’s, Celiac, Colitis, Diabetes, Stoicism and Journaling

Hard Cover ISBN #978-1-990876-58-5

Amazon # - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990876587

Diabetes Distress and Diabetes Burnout

Hard Cover ISBN #978-1-990876-59-2

Amazon # - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990876595

The Low Glycemic Index Diet and Diabetes

Hard Cover ISBN #978-1-990876-61-5

Amazon # -

Reiki and Diabetes

Hard Cover ISBN # 978-1-990876-63-9

Amazon # - coming soon

Cortisol and Diabetes

Hard Cover: ISBN 978-1-990876-56-1

Amazon # https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990876560

Photography: Mark A. Ashford

Music - Epidemic Sound - Inspiration - Megan Wolford

Referral Link:

https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/x4pe9m/

If you enjoyed the video and want to support the channel,

you can buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/markashford

Thank you.

Note:This video is not sponsored.

Celiac Disease is a long-term autoimmune disorder, primarily affecting the small intestine, where individuals develop intolerance to gluten. Gluten is present in foods such as wheat, rye and barley.[1] The impact of this damage is impaired absorption of nutrients from food and drink and can lead to a wide range of collateral symptoms and long-term health complications.

Classic symptoms include gastrointestinal problems such as chronic diarrhea, abdominal distention, malabsorption, loss of appetite, and among children failure to grow normally. Non-classic symptoms are more common, especially in people older than two years. There may be mild or absent gastrointestinal symptoms, a wide number of symptoms involving any part of the body or no obvious symptoms. Celiac disease was first described in childhood; however, it may develop at any age. It is associated with other autoimmune diseases, such as Type 1 diabetes mellitus and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, among others. [2]

As with Diabetes, the lifelong presence of Celiac is an emotional, mental, and physical stress. If you have Celiac disorder, you may suffer Celiac Distress and Burnout with similar symptoms and manifestation as Diabetes Distress and Diabetes Burnout.

Much of the stress comes from the need to continuously monitor what is consumed to avoid Gluten. Bread made with wheat flour clearly contains Gluten. Condiments such as Soy Sauce and Teriyaki Sauce historically are made with wheat and also contain Gluten and will create an allergic reaction. They are referred to as Hidden Gluten. The challenges and stresses are similar to Diabetes Distress and Diabetes Burnout and may have similar effects on caregivers.

Journaling is a conversation with myself through what I write in my journal. I write at the start and end of every day. It is a very therapeutic exercise that started at the beginning of July and has become an integral part of my daily routine. Most recently this dialogue has helped me through the emotional ups and downs of the longest episode of Diabetes Burnout I have encountered so far.

For books, courses, remote Reiki sessions, Alkaline Water

and our Newsletter.... Join my website: Markaashford.com

If you enjoy the videos and want to support the channel,

you can buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/markashford

Photography: Mark A. Ashford

Music - Epidemic Sound - ES_Inspiration - Megan Wolford

[1,2: Wikipedia]

Diabetes Distress and Diabetes Burnout represent ongoing emotional and mental challenges in the face of a condition that requires continuous monitoring of blood sugars, food

and drink, exercise, and other life stye challenges.

Caregivers interact with the Diabetic daily and are impacted by the Diabetic’s needs, mood, and emotions.

In most cases, the caregiver is a family member or partner who almost invariably has no medical or professional caregiver background. Diabetic Distress is unfortunately a

part of the care giver’s experience when they are closely involved with a Diabetic.

A professional caregiver can detach from a patient after

the appointment.

Diabetes Distress is the negative emotional experience of living with and managing diabetes. 1

Diabetes Distress isn’t the same as depression. Diabetes Distress is when a person feels frustrated, defeated or overwhelmed by diabetes. These feelings can come and go.

It doesn’t mean that you have these feelings about other parts of your life.

Diabetes Distress can turn into depression if you have these feelings for a while and they aren’t going away. If you think you might be depressed, we have more

information and support about depression to help you. You’re not alone in this. 2

Diabetes Burnout is the feeling of physical and emotional exhaustion due to the demands of living with, and managing diabetes. Diabetes is a condition requiring a

person to engage in strict self-management, and an extensive medicinal regime.

Please remember, Diabetes Distress and Diabetes Burnout manifest differently for everyone. Once you are diagnosed as a diabetic your life changes and you need to understand

your condition and how you are reacting to it.

Photography: Mark A. Ashford

Music from Epidemic Sound:

ES_Inspiration - Megan Wolford

Referral Link:

https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/x4pe9m/

To learn more about my work, click here:

https://bit.ly/3h3E6I0

For books, courses, and information on my Diabetes

publications and Reiki, join us at: Markaashford.com

If you enjoy the videos and want to support the channel,

why not buy me a coffee:

buymeacoffee.com/markashford

----------

References:

1 Louise Morales-Brown, "What to Know About Diabetes

Burnout," (2022).

2 Diabetes UK, "What Is Diabetes Distress and Burnout?,"

(2024).

Diabetes Distress and Diabetes Burnout books

available on Amazon at the links below

Paperback - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1990876366

eBook - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DGQMMV23