Maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels is a constant problem for most diabetics. The long range complications from uncontrolled blood sugar are well known and can include damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves and blood vessels. Certain herbs and spices can help to lower blood sugar levels, and may be combined with conventional treatments, with your physicians approval and monitoring. For type 1 diabetics who take insulin, it is generally not safe to start taking herbs and spices to lower blood sugar levels, as it may lead to an unsafe situation resulting in dangerously low blood sugar. Consult with your physician if you have questions or concerns.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been used for many years in Asian Indian cooking. It is one of the ingredients contained in curry powder. Turmeric has the ability to decrease blood sugar levels. It also can lower cholesterol. Turmeric has properties of being able to block enzymes that change carbohydrates into glucose, thereby lowering blood sugar. One of the active ingredients in turmeric is curcumin, which induces the flow of bile, and in turn breaks down fats. This is the blocking mechanism that can prohibit carbs from turning into glucose. Turmeric is available as a powdered root, in capsules and in liquid extract form.
American Ginseng
American ginseng can help to stabilize blood sugar levels. A recommended dose is 200 mg. in capsule form once a day. Ginseng is known as the feel good herb and can help type II diabetics lower their blood sugar levels. For treating diabetes, American ginseng is useful because it contains something called ginsengosides. This component of ginseng is thought to reduce glucose levels and helps to lower blood sugar.
Cinnamon
According to a study done by the University of Georgia, spices can have a big impact on controlling and eliminating some of the symptoms of high blood sugar, in particular, the use of cinnamon. Cinnamon is a spice that contains a phytochemical that helps diabetics control their blood sugar levels. It is recommended to drink one quart of cinnamon water every day to lower blood sugar levels. To make the tea, mix together 3 tablespoons of cinnamon with one teaspoon of baking soda and add to one quart of boiling water. Simmer, strain and store in the refrigerator. You can easily substitute some of this tea for your daily water consumption. Cassia cinnamon is particularly effective.
Flaxseed
Ground flaxseed has the ability to stabilize blood sugar levels in diabetics. Try to eat two tablespoons on a daily basis. You may add it to cereals, baked goods, blended smoothies, or your oatmeal. Flaxseed works by helping the body to metabolize sugar more effectively. Flax seed is a renowned source of Omega 3, which has a broad range of benefits for diabetics that includes lowering blood sugar levels, regulating metabolic activity, and helping with weight loss, all of which are common concerns relevant to diabetes.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera belongs to the lily family of plants, although it truly resembles a cactus. Aloe vera gel might help to lower blood glucose levels.
Aloe vera is believed to contain phytosterol compounds which are otherwise known as plant sterols, that give aloe vera its anti diabetic properties. These compounds are the same ingredients that are added to certain foods such as butter to lower cholesterol levels.
A standard dose of aloe vera juice for lowering blood sugar is between 15-30 ml or 50 mg. per day.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds help with lowering blood sugar levels, particularly after meals. The active components of fenugreek are trigonelline, and 4-hydroxyisoleucine. These ingredients seem to have the ability to stimulate insulin directly. This reaction is dependent upon high glucose levels, so it may not act in the same manner in lower blood sugar levels. A normal range for blood sugar is 4-7mmol/l before meals, and lower than 10mmol/l one and a half hours after a meal. A standard dose for treating high blood sugar is between 10 and 15 grams per day divided and taken with meals.
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