Chances are you know someone, probably more than one person, who
is affected by some form of diabetes. Or, perhaps, you are one of the
57 million Americans who are pre-diabetic right now. But did you know
there's an herb for that? Actually, there are several.
The National Diabetes Statistics, 2011estimates
that diabetes affects 25.8 million people of all ages. There are 18.8
million diagnosed and 7 million undiagnosed, or 8.3 percent of the
United States population. But what is more alarming than these
statistics is the growing number of early onset diabetes in younger
populations.
Further, they report that diabetes is the
leading cause of kidney failure, non traumatic lower-limb amputations,
and new cases of blindness among adults in the U.S. It is also a major
cause of heart disease and stroke and it is the seventh leading cause of
death in the U.S.
The medical community follows standard medical
practices and pharmaceutical treatments, including insulin to treat
diabetes in the United States today. But there is a growing movement,
as this disease becomes so much more intimate to us all, that is taking
another look at possible natural alternatives that can help us control,
prevent and possibly reverse the ravaging affects of diabetes.
The
first two and the most obvious additions to a treatment plan are
exercise and diet. A combination of an aerobic and a strength training
program will do wonders to lower stress levels, decrease belly fat and
stimulate your metabolism. And as we all know (we just have trouble
following it) a diet high in fiber and low in fat and bad carbohydrates
is our best prevention against blood sugar issues.
But beyond
that, there are herbal extracts and tinctures that you can easily
incorporate into your daily routine that could greatly enhance your
quality life and heal damaged cells that have been affected by dangerous
sugar levels.
Gurmar, also called Gymnema Sylvestre, Cinnamon and
Blueberry Leaf are three herbs whose properties have shown great
promise as a natural way to control and possibly eliminate blood sugar
issues.
The herb, Gurmar has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for
over 2000 years and is an indigenous plant in the tropical forests of
India. It has been used to treat diabetes, digestion and urinary tract infections, as well as obesity and hypoglycemia. Known as the "Sugar Destroyer" this herb boosts the amount of insulin your body produces, reduces excessively high blood sugar levels, and allows your body to process sugar more efficiently.
Gumar
herbal tincture is unique in that it actually helps block both the
taste of sugar and its absorption in the body. It has been receiving
more attention, recently, because of its ability to reduce and control
blood sugar levels in diabetics. Because it can reduce blood sugar
levels, it can be a very good weight management tool as well.
By stimulating the circulatory system, Gumar may help restore pancreatic function by removing sugar from the organ
and increasing urine secretion. It is believed that it may help lower
blood sugar levels in Type-2, adult onset diabetics by blocking efficacy
of sugar in the system and reducing blood sugar levels after sugar
consumption. There is also some evidence that Gumar may possibly
regenerate or revitalize the insulin-producing beta cells of the
pancreas, as well.
It is interesting to note that Gumar extract is
without side effects, unless you are on pharmaceutical medications that
perform a similar function and exerts its blood sugar-lowering effects
only in cases of diabetes. When given to healthy volunteers, Gumar
extract, does not produce any blood sugar lowering or hypoglycemic
effects.
As with any new substances you may introduce into your
body, anyone with diabetes should use Gumar only under the supervision
of a physician and should never be used in place of insulin. Gumar can
enhance the blood glucose lowering effects of insulin and hypoglycemic
drugs and, consequently, blood glucose levels. Because of this, your
blood glucose levels should always be monitored closely by your health
care provider.
The second herb is Cinnamon. There is a growing
interest in the use of Cinnamon and the potential benefits it may offer
in the treatment of diabetes. Recent U.S.D.A. reports have
demonstrated that extracts of Cinnamon may increase insulin activity,
enhance the breakdown of glucose and improve blood sugar concentrations.
Type- 2 diabetes represents 90 to 95 percent of all
diagnosed cases of diabetes and is the most chronically diagnosed form
of diabetes. Daily Cinnamon consumption may actually lead to a dramatic
reduction in blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides by as much as
twenty percent in Type-2 diabetic patients who are not taking insulin.
When you lower your blood sugar level and improve your insulin
resistance weight loss will often follow. So, much like Gumar, Cinnamon
can become a part of your weight loss program as well.
There are 4
types of diabetes. Two types are fully recognized and two are still
being researched to fully understand the anomalies of each type.
Type
1 diabetes or juvenile-onset diabetes develops when the body's immune
system destroys the pancreatic beta cells. These are the only cells in
the body that make the hormone insulin that regulates blood glucose. If
these cells are destroyed, the body can no longer deliver glucose to
the cells through the bloodstream. The bloodstream fills with sugar and
begins to damage the body.
Type- 2 diabetes, or once called,
adult-onset diabetes, usually begins as insulin resistance when the
cells are not using insulin properly. As the need for insulin rises, the
pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce insulin.
Type 3
diabetes is brain based and has been linked to Alzheimer's. This can
type of diabetes can lead to a disruption brain synapses that make up
memory and cognition. The brain becomes insulin resistance, the brain
becomes inflamed and cognitive and memory blockages can occur.
Type
4 diabetes is hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose. When this type of
diabetes occurs it is recognized by elevated insulin levels that lead to
chronic persistent and often progressive pain, as well as a loss of
sensation. As the symptoms worsen, patients develop digestive,
cardiac, sexual and other severe complications. It can be and often is
progressive.
For type-3 and type-4 diabetes, Blueberry Leaves
extract may be helpful because of their anti-inflammatory properties.
This herb has been shown to lower blood sugar when consumed on a
daily basis. Blueberry Leaf can also stop damage to the blood vessels,
which is sometimes associated with the symptoms of these types of
diabetes. But more importantly, Blueberry Leaves can reduce
inflammation and lower triglyceride levels in the blood.
The
recent discovery that Blueberry Leaf extract reduces blood sugar levels
by 26% and reduces plasma triglyceride by 39% indicates its usefulness
in the treatment of diabetes. The herb contains a compound called
Myrtillin which acts like insulin, though it is not as strong as
insulin. And, it is far less toxic. A single dose of Blueberry Leaf
can show continuous results for several weeks.
Blueberry and
Blueberry Leaves are considered safe and have no documented drug
interactions. However, coumarins in Blueberry may increase blood
thinning activity and inhibit platelet activity. Because Blueberries and
Blueberry Leaves are known to reduce glucose levels, diabetics should
monitor their sugar levels closely. It is recommended that people who
are having surgery stop using Blueberry Leaf at least 2 weeks before the
procedure.
Properly managed blood sugar levels help ensure
diabetics a healthy system and protect against many chronic health
conditions such as, neuropathy and retinopathy. Overwhelmingly,
diabetes is almost always avoidable, or at least controllable. Make
good choices, educate yourself, and explore all of the possible
resources that might improve your quality of life.
Disclaimer: The information presented herein by New Way Herbs
is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not
been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat
or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any
supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care
provider.
