While including fresh fruits and vegetables rich in some of the essential nutrients in the diet is already popular among patients looking to fight diabetes naturally, supplementary pills containing optimum combinations of various minerals, herbal extracts and vitamins are now increasingly being recognized as an alternative medicine for diabetes.
- Chromium: This mineral can be considered as one of the most popular alternative medicine for diabetes. It is known to be an insulin-potentiator (it initiates the body to produce more insulin). It also reduces insulin resistance.
Chromium is naturally available in lentils, mushroom, beans, whole grain products, eggs, molasses and dairy products.
Although chromium deficiency has been linked to the different types of diabetes, it is important to keep in mind that an overdose of chromium may be harmful to some patients. An optimum daily intake of 150mg is advised.
- Alpha Lipoic Acid: Although the human body is capable of producing alpha lipoic acid, diabetics may require an increased dose of this nutrient. Besides being a very powerful antioxidant, it also enhances the activity of certain vitamins and other anti-oxidants in the body. A toxin free body can absorb and utilize any alternative medicine for diabetes way better. It combats diabetes-induced health problems and works to reduce oxidative stress and increase insulin sensitivity.
Diabetics may require up to 800mg of alpha lipoic acid daily. Dietary supplements are available. Yeast, liver, and meat are a good source. However, diabetics are often advised to avoid consuming too many animal products.
- Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid, as vitamin C is scientifically known, has anti-oxidative properties. It reduces the oxidation of free radicals that affect diabetic patients adversely by enhancing the risk to the organs. This, besides lowering blood sugar levels in the body.
The best way to take vitamin C is to have a variety of fruits and vegetables that contain this nutrient in plenty. Common choices are citrus fruits, peaches, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and parsley.
This alternative medicine for diabetes works best to prevent and reduce the risks related to diabetes. If taken as a supplementary pill, the intake should ideally be constricted to 250mg per day.
- Vanadium: In Type 1 diabetes, vanadium acts like insulin and helps in the conversion of glucose. It minimizes insulin resistance in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Cereals, soybean, snap beans, corn, radish, mushroom and olive are some of the natural sources of vanadium.
Dill and parsley are two herbs that contain this potential alternative medicine for diabetes.
Diabetics may opt for supplements as well.
- Zinc: Zinc is a natural insulin catalyst that can control both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Zinc deficiency in humans can be associated with diabetes mellitus type 2.
Zinc is available in foods that are not so good for diabetics like cheese, meat, potato and dairy products. Whole grains and cereals that contain zinc are a good choice for patients.
Supplements containing zinc are a popular alternative medicine for diabetes.
Every mineral which induces insulin activity and helps lower blood sugar is an alternative medicine for diabetes. It is essential for diabetics to include lots of fruits and vegetables in their diet, and if necessary, use genuine supplementary products rich in such nutrients to beat the illness.
