The key factors of the process of reversing diabetes are: dropping blood sugar concentration and keeping it low, dropping insulin concentration and keeping it low, and alkalising the blood, fluids, tissues and organs—especially the pancreas, to eliminate accumulated acids and reverse the physiologically debilitating effects of chronic acidosis so common to diabetes.
We have examined both the process of developing and that of reversing diabetes in several previous articles. Now, we present a detailed four-week programme to put things into practice, begin recovering correct metabolic function, and get you on your way to ridding yourself of diabetes, if this happens to be a condition from which you are already suffering, towards which you are moving, or simply want to make sure it never develops.
As you will see, beyond the manipulation of the biochemistry through what is consumed, there are in addition several tweaks that are employed to ensure the best possible response to and outcome of the programme. These have mostly to do with timing: when we do things, when we drink, and when we eat. But also include important supplements (in addition to other ones you are taking like B12, ubiquinol, etc); as well as physical exercise, and specific types of exercise done under specific conditions.
The programme is constructed based on a four-week period because this is the amount of time that is needed, in the majority of cases, for the hormonal system to rebalance itself around the much lowered insulin levels, and for the cells and metabolism to regain insulin sensitivity and switch from using glucose and breaking down muscle tissue to satisfy energy needs, to instead use primarily fat, and naturally, as we would expect, the fat stored in the body’s adipose tissues throughout, which means sub-cutaneous—the fat that sits under the skin, intra-abdominal—the fat that is between the various digestive organs in the abdomen, and even the fat that is stored inside the tissues of organs like the liver and heart, and in the muscles themselves.
It is very important to understand, however, that even though the startup programme lasts four weeks, it is a transition period and a complete re-education that marks the beginning of a different way of doing things in order to first allow the body to heal itself and for you to regain your health, and then to maintain and refine this state of health over the course of the rest of your life.
It is also very important to understand that what leads and has led you to a diabetic or pre-diabetic condition are factors related primarily to diet and lifestyle, which if adopted by most will cause similar metabolic dysfunction, and obviously, if adopted anew following this four week programme will inevitably lead back to diabetes, and all that much faster for those whose system has already been compromised by the years and decades that led to this metabolic dysfunction in the first place.
Therefore, you must absolutely understand that this is a four-week programme intended to correct major imbalances and dysfunction and get you on your way to reversing your diabetes and tuning your metabolism to efficiently run on fats as the primary cellular fuel. But that it is also intended to re-educate and teach you a completely new way of doing things on a daily basis in order to empower you in knowing what to do to be and remain in perfect health, why you do what you do, and why it works on a physiological and biochemical level.
Lastly, because of its strict timing and numerous elements throughout the day on a very regular schedule, you have to make this programme a priority, and, ideally, make it your primary activity during this period. You will probably find it close to impossible to follow if you are trying to maintain other demanding and time consuming activities like a full time job at the same time. So, just take a break from everything else, and concentrate on your health for a month. Afterwards, once many of these new ways of taking care of yourself have become more habitual, you will find it far easier to maintain a similar routine while working and doing other things simply because it will be far more natural for you.
The first five days
Background
For maximal effectiveness, we start with a period of intensive cleansing and alkalisation during which the key nutritional element is fresh juice of green vegetables, and the sources of calories are restricted to coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut flesh and milled chia seeds. Like a traditional juice cleanse, everything that is consumed is raw and therefore living, enzyme rich, and easily absorbed with minimal digestive stress; and nothing is acid-forming and acidifying, for this would defeat one of the fundamental purposes of the healing protocol which is essential to restore correct pancreatic function.
Highly unlike a traditional juice cleanse, however, there are virtually no simple sugars consumed and entering the bloodstream, and there is a significant amount of fat, almost all derived from coconut oil. This serves several purposes: it provides the metabolism a perfect fuel for cellular function that is easily broken down and generally not stocked away in fat cells; it enhances the production of ketone bodies necessary to fuel the brain in the absence of glucose, at the same time helping heal and repair the brain by promoting the evacuation of plaques from cerebral arteries and thus increasing blood flow to these starved brain cells; it maximises the absorption of the rich array of minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients in the green juices; and finally, but also importantly, it very effectively suppresses hunger.
During this period the body will quickly and efficiently make the metabolic transition from using exclusively glucose as is always the case in diabetics and insulin resistant individuals, to burning fat reserves as the cellular fuel of choice; significantly decrease the level of systemic inflammation and release several kilograms of the water that is retained under conditions of chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, in great part responsible for hypertension, swelling of the joints and extremities, and poor blood circulation; thoroughly alkalise, cleanse and begin to rejuvenate, heal and repair the vital digestive organs: the stomach and intestines, and the kidneys, pancreas and liver; alkalise the blood and eliminate large amounts of accumulated acids stored throughout the body in the joints, soft tissues and muscles.
All of these processes are very physiologically tiring. For this reason it is important to rest in the afternoon, and have long nights of deep sleep every night. Hence, only walking is recommended as a form of exercise during this period, ideally in the morning (between 9:00 and 10:00) and in the evening after the last meal (anywhere between 20:00 and 22:00).
Detailed schedule
Here is what and when to eat and drink during this period (times can be adjusted slightly according to sleep patterns):
8:00-9:00 (or upon getting out of bed) – Water and Mg oil
- Put on Mg oil all over the legs, arms, chest and abdomen, shoulders and back (as best you can). Leave on for at least 30 minutes before showering.
- Large glass of plain water (400-500 ml)
- Supplements:
- Proteolytic enzyme complex (3; Baseline Nutritionals)
- Spirulina (3; Nutrex) / Chlorella (5; Healthforce Nutritionals)
- Tulsi extract
- Lugol’s iodine solution (in water; 5%: 6 drops, 15%: 2 drops)
- ATP Cofactors (Optimox)
- Probiotics (Prescript-Assist)
9:30-10:00 – Green juice and chia seeds
- Glass of water with milled chia seeds (1 flush tablespoon)
- Green juice with coconut oil (1 tablespoon, melted and emulsified with hand-held blender)
- Supplements:
- Niacinimide (2)
- Turmeric (powdered (2) or extract (1))
- Cinnamon (powdered (2) or extract (1))
- Krill Oil (2; Mercola)
- Astaxanthin (Nutrex)
- A/D/K2 (DaVinci Laboratories)
- Zinc (MegaFood)
11:30-12:00 – Lemonade
- Lemonade: 1 medium (or 2 small) pressed lemon, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 mini spoon stevia in 500 ml of water.
- Vitamin C: 1/2 tsp with small amount of water, stir until fizzing stops, fill small glass half way. (Ultimate Ascorbate C Powder by Source Naturals mixed with highest quality, food grade, powdered sodium bicarbonate in ratio 2:1)
12:00-12:30 – Salty veggies
- Cucumber, kohlrabi or celery with salt
- Supplements:
- Enzymes (3)
- Spirulina (3) / Chlorella (5)
- Tulsi
- Lugol’s
- ATP Cofactors
13:00-13:30 – Green juice and coconut milk pudding/ice cream
- Green juice without coconut oil
- Coconut milk pudding (blueberry, raspberry, blackberry or cacao-chia)
- Supplements:
- Niacinimide (2)
- Turmeric (powdered (2) or extract (1))
- Cinnamon (powdered (2) or extract (1))
- Krill Oil (2)
- Astaxanthin
- A/D/K2
- Zinc
14:00-15:30 – Sleep
Sleep (very important for the first 5 days that will be very tiring for the body in terms of cleansing and repair)
16:00-16:30 – Water
- Large glass of water
- Supplements:
- Enzymes (3)
- Spirulina (3) / Chlorella (5)
- Probiotics
16:30-17:00 – Green juice and chia seeds
- Glass of water with milled chia seeds (1 flush tablespoon)
- Green juice with coconut oil (1 tbs melted)
- Supplements:
- Niacinimide (2)
- Turmeric (2)
- Cinnamon (2)
18:00-18:30 – Lemonade
Lemonade and Vitamin C (as above)
19:00-19:30 – Salty veggies
- Glass of water with milled chia seeds (1 flush tablespoon)
- Cucumber, kohlrabi or celery with salt
- Supplements:
- Enzymes (3)
- Spirulina (3) / Chlorella (5)
20:00-20:30 – Green juice and coconut macaroons
- Green juice without coconut oil and coconut macaroons (but not with cacao).
- Supplements:
- Niacinimide (2)
- Turmeric (2)
- Cinnamon (2)
22:00-22:30 (just before bed) – Psyllium and charcoal
- Large glass of water with psyllium husks (2 rounded teaspoons, mixed and allowed to swell for a few minutes)
- Supplements:
- Charcoal (Source Naturals)
- Valerian root extract (Bluebonnet Nutrition)
- NightRest (Source Naturals)
Beyond the first five days
Background
At this stage, the body will have undergone a radical transformation biochemically and physiologically from the inside out. Most noticeable will be the loss at least 4-6 kilos of water (about 2 kg) and fat (about 2-4 kg), with the accompanying feeling of being much lighter and thinner at the waste with a deflated abdomen and gut. The digestive system will have experienced a very effective cleansing and bowel movements will be noticeably more regular and quite different in texture, smell and sensation. The smell and volume of both urine and sweat will have evolved markedly during this period. And all the vital digestive organs will have been given a powerful boost and rejuvenation, but this cannot really be felt. You should as mindful as possible of all of these details and everything else you can notice over the course of the first five days. This will give you a much deeper appreciation of the process and of its importance in regards to your moving towards better health.
We can now continue with a regime that includes two green juices per day instead of four, dropping the afternoon green juice, and replacing the evening green juice by a large green leafy salad with small amounts of nuts, seeds or fish (sardines, anchovies or wild smoked salmon, for example). We will also reduce quantity and frequency of supplements.
In addition, we will introduce a component of exercise that is absent in the first five days, which will greatly enhance the body’s response to the new regime and metabolic environment. The exercise will take the form of fast walking with very light weights for strengthening the shoulders and arms, Pilates workouts to develop strength in the core muscles (abs and back) for postural balance, high intensity interval training coupled with resistance as well as cross-fit training with weights to increase cardiovascular and metabolic efficiency, fat and glucose utilisation, muscle mass, done density, and tendon and ligament strength and flexibility.
Detailed schedule
8:00-9:00 (or upon getting out of bed) – Water and Mg oil
- Put on Mg oil all over the legs, arms, chest and abdomen, neck, shoulders and back (as best you can). Leave on for at least 30 minutes before showering.
- Large glass of water (400-500 ml)
- Supplements:
- Proteolytic enzyme complex (3)
- Spirulina (3) / Chlorella (5)
- Tulsi extract
- Lugol’s solution (in water; 5%: 6 drops, 15%: 2 drops)
- ATP Cofactors
- Green tea extract
- Green coffee bean extract
- Probiotics
9:00-9:45 – Walk
Fast walk with 1 kg weights in each hand, using them to do shoulder rotations, biceps curls and triceps extensions while walking.
10:00 – Green juice
- Glass of water with milled chia seeds (1 flush tablespoon)
- Green juice with coconut oil (1 tbs, melted and emulsified with hand-held blender)
- Supplements:
- Niacinimide (2)
- Turmeric (powdered (2) or extract (1))
- Cinnamon (powdered (2) or extract (1))
11:30-12:00 – Lemonade
- Lemonade and Vitamin C (as above)
12:00-12:30 – Salty veggies
- Cucumber, kohlrabi or celery with salt
- Supplements:
- Enzymes (3)
- Tulsi
- Lugol’s
- ATP Cofactors
- Green tea extract
- Green coffee bean extract
13:00-15:00 – Workout
- Resistance and high intensity interval training on Mondays
- Pilates on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays
- Cross Fit training on Fridays
- Rest on Saturdays and Sundays
15:00-:15:30 – Gren juice and coconut milk pudding (or ice cream)
- Green juice without coconut oil
- Coconut milk pudding or ice cream (blueberry, raspberry, blackberry or raw cacao and chia)
- Supplements:
- Niacinimide (2)
- Turmeric (2)
- Cinnamon (2)
- Krill Oil (2; Mercola)
- Astaxanthin (Nutrex)
- A/D/K2 (DaVinci Laboratories)
- Zinc (MegaFood)
15:30-16:30 – Sleep
Sleep (highly recommended; optional after the first five days)
16:30-17:00 – Water
- Large glass of water
- Supplements:
- Enzymes (3)
- Spirulina (3) / Chlorella (5)
- Probiotics
- Green tea extract
- Green coffee bean extract
17:30-18:00 – Lemonade
Lemonade and Vitamin C (as above)
18:00-18:30 – Salty veggies
Cucumber, kohlrabi or celery with salt
19:00-20:00 – Green juice, salad and coconut macaroons
- Green juice without coconut oil (then wait 30 minutes)
- Green leafy salad with oil and salt (no vinegar), and small amount of either walnuts, anchovies, sardines or salmon (smoked, grilled or pan fried)
- Coconut macaroons for dessert.
- Supplements:
- Niacinimide (2)
- Turmeric (2)
- Cinnamon (2)
22:00-22:30 (just before bed)
- Supplements:
- NightRest
- Valerian root extract
Concluding remarks
This is a programme designed for reversing type II diabetes, and will, without any doubt, do exactly this. What might vary from one person to another is really only the time that will be required to recover ideal insulin sensitivity.
It is important to appreciate, however, that it would be just as effective in treating any kind of degenerative condition like arthritis, but also atherosclerosis of the coronary or cerebral arteries, and arteriosclerosis due to the accumulation of calcium in the tissues; kidney or liver disease but also pancreatic fatigue or dysfunction; stomach and peptic ulcers, but also candida overgrowth and infection, as well as leaky gut syndrome; and of course, probably the most fearsome of them all—cancer.
Why? Because all health problems and disease conditions stem from biochemical and hormonal imbalances, and metabolic and physiological dysfunction. Therefore, in order to either prevent or correct any one problem, all problems must be prevented and corrected. For some of us—very few of us indeed—this is plainly obvious. It is, however, also obvious that this understanding is definitely absent—conspicuously and painfully absent—from modern conventional health care, no matter what it is intended to treat and no matter where we look.
Hence, it is my hope that this programme will not only help diabetics and pre-diabetics permanently reverse their diabetes and all the associated problems related to the underlying metabolic dysfunction, but also help all those who wish to treat whatever health concern they may have, as well as those who wish to prevent any such health problems from developing.
The only way to develop and nurture optimal health is for every cell, organ and system of the body to function optimally. Therefore, this is what we must do, and that’s the bottom line. Good luck with the programme. Naturally and as usual, you are welcome to post you comments, questions and observations, especially those from your experience with the programme. I would be very happy to hear from you.
If you enjoyed reading this article, please click “Like” and share it on your social networks. This is the only way I can know you appreciated it.
healthfully 
hi Guillaume, thank you for yet another interesting article. However, this is the first time I hear the mentioning of ´milling´ chia seeds. I thought it was enough to soak them in water. Does this mean they need to be ´crushted´ for maximum benefit, and ´where does this leave the soaking´? Thanks.
LikeLike
Hi Steffen: milling the chia seeds makes their nutrients much easier to absorb. When you soak then, they do get soft, but it is the water soluble fibre outside of the seed that gets soft and gelatinous. It’s also like flax seeds. Difficulty is that they are really small and it is not really possible to mill them with our regular kitchen appliances. Hence it is easier to buy them milled. This doesn’t mean that whole seeds are not useful; they are, and you should continue to use them in making coconut milk puddings and the like.
LikeLike
I find this far too little food to get by on. For people who require more food, would you advise adding more salads, greens, eggs, etc?
LikeLike
If you try it, you will see that you won’t be hungry, because as sugar and insulin drop, hunger dissipates and then more or less vanishes. But indeed, if you want to eat more, eat more salads with some fat from nuts or avocados.
LikeLike
I’m surprised to see coconut macaroons on this menu. Where would I find your recipe for this?
Also, in one of these posts, you suggest getting various blood markers checked periodically. I live in Ontario and I don’t think my doctor would be open to periodically checking blood counts (as I am not dealing with a disease diagnosed by my doctor.) I have only self-diagnosed myself as having blood glucose in too high a range. (approx 5.8.) How would I go about getting my blood counts checked more frequently than at my yearly physical?
LikeLike
The coconut macaroons are my own carb-less creation. I’ll post something on this, but for now if you want to try it: 2 cups of medium sized shredded dried coconut, 1/2 cup of coconut flour, 1/4 cup of whole raw cacao or cinnamon, 1/4 tsp of stevia powder, mix all these dry ingredients well. In another bowl, put 3 tablespoons of ground flax seeds (or milled chia seeds; they are better but much more expensive) and 1 cup of water, mix, let sit and mix periodically until thick and gelatinous (5-10 min). Finally, mix the dry with the wet and then mix using your hands. When it is throughly mixed, make little balls with your hands and store them in the fridge. That’s it. Also, you can use 15 drops of essential oil of lemon or orange instead of cacao or cinnamon.
About the blood tests, you need to pay for the tests yourself because doctors usually only give a prescription for a limited number of tests, and this, typically only when you’re already sick. I just go a private blood analysis clinic and get the tests done, and then partly reimbursed by the insurance company.
LikeLike
I am at the tail end of a ‘cleanse’ that I made up mostly on my own and based on information gleaned from different sources in the last couple of years. I have been insulin resistant for years and refuse to fall into diabetes. I found the information you provided very telling. I also have high inflammation and the first thing I am going to do is the regime for getting rid of uric acid. I have been trying to research a number of the supplements as well as the Mg oil and have no clue what to look for. I suspect the A/D/K2 is a vitamin combination but the company I found that carries the Da Vinci Lab products can’t help me either. I assume that the bulk of your supplements are in tablet or capsule form and would appreciate clarification. Except for those listed I have found the bulk of the supplements through Amazon.
I understand and appreciate the need for exercise and do the best I can; having a knee situation that is bone on bone and bone chips galore in surrounding tissue I question the wisdom of the exercise you recommend on week 2. I can only hope that the level of exercise you recommend is not essential to a successful outcome with this program. I took NSAIDs until they stopped working altogether a couple of months ago and just in recent weeks found an OTC Cox2 inhibitor that is helping me to continue to walk and function as best I can. I hope anti-inflammatory drink will help relieve the primary stiffness associated to my knees as well as other issues. I use positive thinking, visualization and find things to be grateful for everyday (easy task) to keep me centered on healing my knees. It seems to be working. Ignorance has been my greatest hurdle and your blog has cleared some of the fog in self care and finding a path to a more healthful life. Thank you.
LikeLike
Hi Louise. Thanks for your note. I’m glad to hear you are motivated to get better. As you may suspect, this programme is the best, not so radical approach I could come up with to reverse diabetes. The first five days can be continue for a month (this is what I did with my mom with remarkable results) or even a couple of months in extreme cases. I think that the way it is laid now presently is enough to heal most people, and will definitely be super effective for you if you are insulin resistant but not yet diabetic.
In regards to the supplements: Mg oil you can make yourself by putting the amount of 4 teaspoons of nigari flakes (food grade magnesium chloride) in a 100 ml bottle and filling it with filtered water. The A/D/K2 that I take (and give to my wife and son) is DaVinci’s; the concentrations are optimised for absorption and effectiveness. For rebuilding cartilage, it is important to take organic silicic acid, and quench inflammation. In this regard, you should also read my articles Treating arthritis and At the heart of heart disease. For the exercise, you don’t have to do the high intensity stuff if you can’t, but do the walking with 1 kg weights if you can. This is simple but will be very effective. Acute or extreme circumstance may require some, but all drugs are detrimental, so stay away from them as much as possible.
LikeLike