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A closer look at science, diabetes, fat intake and influence on your health By Nancy Ludwig, MS, RD, LD, Siletz Tribal Head Start Nutritionist As part of my role as a consultant nutritionist to Siletz Tribal Head Start, I offer information for families. This segment focuses specifically on diabetes and looks at a variety of sources for information, includ- ing traditional diets and supplements. Dietary fats are the source of much conflicting information and fear lingers around the subject. As a result, many people avoid all fats, even healthy ones. Essential fatty acids (EFA) are required for health; no one disputes this. Research is not in agreement, however, about the intake of saturated fats. As modern diets were introduced, deficiencies of EFAs from loss of tra- ditional foods and the introduction of hydrogenated fats, along with sugar and refined flour, are believed to contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. Drs. Korn and Ryser describe research in their book Preventing and Treating Dia- betes Naturally The Native Way. Phinney, Wortman and Bibus (2008) and Kuhnlein (1996) demonstrated the positive effects of low carbohydrate diets that provide mainly protein and fats on a traditional-style diet with a First Nation community. They found significant weight reduction and metabolic syndrome and diabetes improved. This community-based study was also a feasibility project in which community members and medical staff collaborated. Similar types of diets, such as Atkins, also have been shown to be effective for weight loss and comparable or better in lowering triglycerides, blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose (Gardner et al, 2007) Lipid abnormalities are common in people with type 2 diabetes. Research also has shown that fish oil supplementation significantly lowers serum triglyceride levels in diabetic individuals (Montori, Farmer, Wollan and Dinneen, 2000) These fats also serve to reduce inflammation, which results from diets high in trans-fats, and to decrease neuropathic pain (Jamal, 1990; Jamal and Carmichael, 1990). In a publication by Mary Enig and Sally Fallon (1999), the interplay among Native metabolism, diabetes and the Delta 6 desaturase enzyme is explored. When traditional diets are main- tained, prevention and treatment of dia- betes include essential fatty acids derived from saturated fats such as fish, fish oils, nuts and seeds, and plants such as evening primrose. The enzyme (delta 6 desaturase) is important to the metabolism of fats. Pacific Northwest Natives and others who have been predominantly, cultur- ally and genetically users of more direct sources of DHA and EPA in seal oil, whale or oolichan over many generations may lack this enzyme (as a mutation where the enzyme was no longer needed). The enzyme is required for anti-inflammatory prostaglandins to be produced. Lack of EFAs contribute to the devel- opment of diabetes and once an individual has diabetes, his or her capacity to utilize these EFAs and benefit from them also is further diminished, thus creating a cycle of ill health. Deficiencies of biotin, vitamin E, protein, zinc, B-12 and B-6 also inter- fere with this protective enzyme. These vitamins often are deficient in diabetes and are an essential part of treatment for diabetes patients. The article emphasizes that one of the most important dietary practices a Native The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians Invites you to apply for a Home of Your Own in Siletz, Oregon individual can do while eating EFAs is to also take in sufficient saturated fats, which aid assimilation. Contrary to popular medical beliefs, Dr. Enig states that satu- rated fats are not harmful to health and do not contribute to heart disease. In summary, science is merely attempting to explain why health has declined in association with deviation from traditional diets. It is apparent that there isn’t widespread agreement in sci- ence! Observational evidence, however, suggests the value of traditional foods and practices. Unfortunately, in the process of heal- ing, supplementation may be needed. There are no effective supplement proto- cols for all people, let alone all diabetics. This column is not to be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your health care provider to find your best holistic approach to restore and maintain your state of wellness. Unique Lipid and Dietary Staple of the North Pacific Coast. Urbana, Ill. Ameri- can Oil Chemists Society (AOCS) Kuhnlein, H.V., and Receveur, O. (1996). Dietary change and traditional food systems of indigenous peoples. Annual Review of Nutrition 16:417-442 Gardener, C.D., Kiazand, A., Alhas- sabn, S., Kim, S., Stafford, R.S., Balise, R.R., et al. (2007). Comparison of the Atkins, Zone, Ornish and LEARN diets for change in weight and related risk fac- tors among overweight premenopausal women: The A to Z Weight Loss Study: A randomized trial. JAMA, 297(9): 969-77 Montori, V.M., Farmer, A., Wollan, P.C., and Dinneen, S.F. (2000). Fish oil supplementation in type 2 diabetes: A quantitative systematic review. Diabetes Care, 9(23): 1407-1415 Resources Jamal, G.A. (1990). Pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy: The role of the N-6 essential fatty acids and their eicosanoid derivatives. Diabetic Medicine, 7:574-579 Preventing and Treating Diabetes Nat- urally The Native Way by Leslie E. Korn, Ph.D., MPH and Rudolph C. Ryser, Ph.D., DayKeeper Press, Olympia, Wash., 2009 Jamal, G.A., and Carmichael, H. (1990). The effect of gamma linolenic acid on human diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabetic Medicine May, 7(4): 319-323 References Phinney, S.D., Wortman, J.A., and Bibus, D. (2008) Oolichan Grease: A Enig, M., and Fallon, S. (1999). Tripping lightly down the prostaglandin pathways. Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foun- dation Health Journal, 20(3): 574-7763 Registration: 3rd Annual Weaver’s Teaching Weaver’s Workshop – Oregon Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, Pendleton, Oregon March 20 & 21, 2014; 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. Daily One name per form, please make copies for additional participants. Name Tribal Affiliation (if applicable) Organization/Department Address City, State, Zip Code Phone/Fax/Cell Email Please list any Dietary and/or ADA Special Needs: _____________________________________________ The Siletz Tribal Housing Department will soon begin construction of Phase II of the Tillamook Subdivision in Siletz. We are building 3BR, 4BR, and one 5BR single family homes. If you are interested in applying, please contact: Brett Lane 541-444-8317 or 541-444-8312 Schedule: Registration: NW Native Art Show Vendor Application Packets Available at www.NWNativeArtShow.com Workshops will take place daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Advanced registration by Feb. 28 $75 for Adults (18‐49 yrs.), $40 Seniors (50+) $15 per Youth or $20 for 2 Youth After March 1, registration is $90 Adults, $40 Seniors * Vendors – Pay registration workshop fee plus pay $20.00 to Tamástslikt Museum Store. Meals: Lodging: A breakfast buffet & lunch is included in the registration fee. Wildhorse Resort & Casino, 1‐800‐654‐9453 Group Rate for “Basketry Weavers Workshop” Reservations cut‐off date is February 26, 2014 Additional Options: Red Lion Hotel, Super 8 Motel, 541‐276‐8881 Holiday Inn Express, 1‐877‐859‐5095; Motel 6, 541‐276‐3160; Oxford Suites, 1‐877‐545‐7848 This event is sponsored by the Northwest Indian College ‐ Cooperative Extension “Through education, Northwest Indian College promotes Indigenous self‐determination and knowledge.” 14 • Siletz News • March 2014
