In today’s fast-paced world, managing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes can feel overwhelming. However, adopting a holistic approach to health can empower you to take control of your wellness journey. But what exactly does “holistic health” mean, and why is it important?

What is Holistic Health?

Holistic health is about treating the whole person rather than just addressing specific symptoms. This includes approaches to your mind, body, and spirit. It emphasizes balance, prevention, and overall well-being by integrating various natural and evidence-based therapies to support the body’s innate ability to heal. For individuals managing type 2 diabetes, this means looking beyond blood sugar levels to consider lifestyle, diet, mental health, and even complementary therapies like cannabis and functional mushrooms.

Cannabis and Cannabinoids for Diabetes Management

The cannabis plant has both major and minor cannabinoids as well as terpenes and flavonoids which have shown promise in supporting overall wellness, including metabolic health. Research suggests cannabinoids may help to:

• Reduce inflammation: Chronic inflammation plays a significant role in insulin resistance and diabetes complications. The cannabis plant not only has anti-inflammatory cannabinoids such as THC, THCA, CBD, CBDA, CBC, and CBG (to name a few) but it also contains anti-inflammatory terpenes such as caryophyllene, borneol, nerolidol, linalool, limonene, and pinene among the most popular. In addition, the other, less studied, compounds of the cannabis plant are the flavonoids that share the same mechanisms of some of these terpenes. Cannflavins A, B, and C are among some of the flavonoids with researched anti-inflammatory actions.
• Regulate weight: An intriguing aspect of weight loss research is the role of CBD in promoting the browning of fat cells. This process is essential for generating heat by burning calories, aiding in weight loss. CBD, a major cannabinoid found in cannabis, may contribute to the transformation of white fat into brown fat, which is more metabolically active and burns more calories.
• Support cardiovascular health: CBD may help reduce hypertension and influence the survival and death of white blood cells, white blood cell migration, and platelet aggregation, all of which may help to delay or prevent the development of cardiovascular disorders. 
• Improve adipogenesis (a process essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis): CBG and CBG/CBD combinations provided similar results as rosiglitazone, supporting the exploration of CBG as a potential therapeutic for metabolic syndrome and related conditions. 

If you’re considering cannabinoid therapy, ensure you’re using high-quality products with clear labeling to avoid harmful contaminants (this guide can help).

Functional Mushrooms: Nature’s Allies

Functional mushrooms (also referred to as medicinal mushrooms in research) refer to mushroom-types utilized in functional medicine that are not psychedelic, rather are distinguished by their adaptogenic properties that offer support beyond nutritional value for immune system health, stress response, and brain health. They exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activity and may be consumed in several forms. While the full potential of functional mushrooms has yet to be realized, several are being looked to for their possible health benefits, to include:

• Improved blood sugar (and blood pressure): Reishi mushrooms may lower blood sugar and blood pressure due to the beta-glucans and triterpenoids they contain. Many species, including shiitake mushrooms may help to lower blood glucose levels. 
• Enhanced immunity: Diabetes can weaken the immune system, and mushrooms like reishi, lion’s mane, chaga, and cordyceps can provide vital immune support.
• Stress reduction: Adaptogenic properties in mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, and cordyceps may reduce stress. Historically mushrooms have been utilized to reduce both physical and mental stress, which may assist in the management of diabetes and digestive issues. 

Lifestyle and Supplement Support

A holistic approach to managing diabetes doesn’t stop with cannabinoids or mushrooms. Incorporate these practical steps to further support your journey:

• Nutrition: Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods. A low-glycemic diet with plenty of fiber may help to stabilize blood sugar.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and overall energy.
• Stress Management: Techniques like mindfulness, yoga, and deep breathing can reduce cortisol levels, which impact blood sugar.

Simplifying the Path to Wellness

Holistic health is about integration, not perfection. Start small by incorporating one or two changes into your routine. For example:

• Swap sugary snacks for fiber-rich alternatives.
• Drink tea to wind down after a stressful day.
• Contact a Realm of Caring care specialist for how to incorporate a CBD product into your daily regimen. 

Remember, progress is more important than perfection. Each step you take brings you closer to better health.

A Brighter Future Through Holistic Health

Type 2 diabetes management doesn’t have to be daunting. By embracing a holistic approach, you can nurture your body and mind while exploring natural solutions like cannabis, functional mushrooms, and supportive lifestyle changes. Let this journey inspire you to discover what works best for you and unlock a healthier, more balanced life.