By Beverleigh H Piepers
The use of herbal supplementation in the American diabetic population is becoming increasingly popular. According to America's top-selling drugstore, Walgreens, in a survey conducted in 1997 to 1998, a team of researchers found that herbal supplementation is being used by one-third of people with Type 2 diabetes. If you are a diabetic, maybe you are wondering if herbal supplements can help you.
Several of the following supplements have been studied for their ability to lower blood sugar and improve the diabetic condition:
Ginseng: Ginseng is a very popular herbal medication in Chinese culture. In fact, Chinese people have been using this herb for thousands of years for the treatment of various illnesses. Walgreens, a provider of continuing pharmacy education, mentions that some studies have proven that ginseng may be useful in health conditions such as:
* heart problems,
* immune system diseases, and
* Type 2 diabetes.
Ginseng appears to have an antioxidant property that lowers the oxidation of LDL, the "bad" cholesterol. Furthermore, some studies suggest ginseng may enhance the action of certain antibiotics. It may also improve the efficacy of the influenza immunization. Diabetics may also benefit from ginseng since it helps lower blood sugar levels before and after meals. However, there are certain side effects that may discourage some diabetics from using ginseng. These may include: headache, dizziness, vomiting and nervousness. In higher doses, it can even elevate your blood pressure, alter your sleeping pattern and cause edema.
Beta-Glucan: Beta-Glucan is a type of soluble fiber produced by bacteria, some fungi and algae. However, it can also be derived from plant foods such as oats and barley. According to Walgreens, beta-glucan is proven to lower the levels of LDL, the "bad" cholesterol. It can also help in controlling the blood sugar level of a Type 2 diabetic. However, more clinical trials and researches are needed to establish this fact.
Gymnema: Gymnema plant is also known as ram's horn, miracle plant and probeta. Some studies show that this herbal may aid in the management of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes by lowering the blood sugar level and HbA1c values according to Walgreens. Gymnema contains gurmarin, a special substance that is able to block the sensation of sweetness. Gurmarin may help curb a diabetic's craving for sweet tasting treats.
Other studies suggest this herb slows absorption of sugars in the gastrointestinal tract, while others point to its revitalizing effects on the pancreas.
Cinnamon: There is an increasing spotlight on cinnamon. Cinnamon can be helpful in regulating blood sugar, cinnamon stimulates the production of glucose-burning enzymes and increases the effectiveness of insulin, according to the USDA Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland. This center found that taking between one quarter and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon every day... the same type you buy at your supermarket... helps control blood sugar levels.
Cinnamon is a common spice usually added to baked goods and treats. Old folks usually use it to treat hyperacidity and loss of appetite. According to Walgreens, some small-scale studies were able to prove the hypoglycemic effect of cinnamon in diabetics with uncontrolled blood sugar. However, larger studies need to be done to establish this fact.
The use of herbal supplementation in the American diabetic population is becoming increasingly popular. According to America's top-selling drugstore, Walgreens, in a survey conducted in 1997 to 1998, a team of researchers found that herbal supplementation is being used by one-third of people with Type 2 diabetes. If you are a diabetic, maybe you are wondering if herbal supplements can help you.
Several of the following supplements have been studied for their ability to lower blood sugar and improve the diabetic condition:
Ginseng: Ginseng is a very popular herbal medication in Chinese culture. In fact, Chinese people have been using this herb for thousands of years for the treatment of various illnesses. Walgreens, a provider of continuing pharmacy education, mentions that some studies have proven that ginseng may be useful in health conditions such as:
* heart problems,
* immune system diseases, and
* Type 2 diabetes.
Ginseng appears to have an antioxidant property that lowers the oxidation of LDL, the "bad" cholesterol. Furthermore, some studies suggest ginseng may enhance the action of certain antibiotics. It may also improve the efficacy of the influenza immunization. Diabetics may also benefit from ginseng since it helps lower blood sugar levels before and after meals. However, there are certain side effects that may discourage some diabetics from using ginseng. These may include: headache, dizziness, vomiting and nervousness. In higher doses, it can even elevate your blood pressure, alter your sleeping pattern and cause edema.
Beta-Glucan: Beta-Glucan is a type of soluble fiber produced by bacteria, some fungi and algae. However, it can also be derived from plant foods such as oats and barley. According to Walgreens, beta-glucan is proven to lower the levels of LDL, the "bad" cholesterol. It can also help in controlling the blood sugar level of a Type 2 diabetic. However, more clinical trials and researches are needed to establish this fact.
Gymnema: Gymnema plant is also known as ram's horn, miracle plant and probeta. Some studies show that this herbal may aid in the management of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes by lowering the blood sugar level and HbA1c values according to Walgreens. Gymnema contains gurmarin, a special substance that is able to block the sensation of sweetness. Gurmarin may help curb a diabetic's craving for sweet tasting treats.
Other studies suggest this herb slows absorption of sugars in the gastrointestinal tract, while others point to its revitalizing effects on the pancreas.
Cinnamon: There is an increasing spotlight on cinnamon. Cinnamon can be helpful in regulating blood sugar, cinnamon stimulates the production of glucose-burning enzymes and increases the effectiveness of insulin, according to the USDA Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland. This center found that taking between one quarter and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon every day... the same type you buy at your supermarket... helps control blood sugar levels.
Cinnamon is a common spice usually added to baked goods and treats. Old folks usually use it to treat hyperacidity and loss of appetite. According to Walgreens, some small-scale studies were able to prove the hypoglycemic effect of cinnamon in diabetics with uncontrolled blood sugar. However, larger studies need to be done to establish this fact.
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