The Myth About Natural Diabetes Cure

As millions ponder over what is the best possible natural diabetes cure, experts in alternative medicine are expressly maintaining that this chronic illness cannot be a "one man fight".

No one factor can eliminate all the health hazards that arise due to diabetes. Albeit, there are some minerals, herbs and other nutrients that score above others when it comes to fighting high blood sugar levels, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle incorporating minor (but significant) changes.

A mineral known as chromium has attained widespread popularity as a natural diabetes cure. It has been thoroughly researched, and findings show that while a person not suffering from diabetes requires this nutrient in very low quantities, diabetics can hugely benefit from additional doses. Chromium is a hypoglycemic mineral and helps maintain blood glucose levels in the body. Some sources include whole grain products, meat, dairy products, mushrooms and lentils. It is important to not go overboard with this mineral as too much of it can cause hypoglycemia. 150mg per day for a diabetic is considered to be the optimum requirement.

Another important mineral that can be considered as a highly effective natural diabetes cure is zinc. Zinc enhances glycemic control in both diabetes I and II patients. It also negates the adverse implications of this disorder on the organs to a great extent, improves blood sugar metabolism, and helps in the proper functioning and growth of beta cells. Beta cells are responsible for insulin secretion by the pancreas. This mineral is abundantly supplied by nature in vegetables and fruits and is also available as a supplement.

The most popular herb considered as a natural diabetes cure is green tea. In fact, oolong tea and black tea work wonders too. It is the presence of polyphenols (an active component found in some herbs) that positively affect glucose control and the functioning of insulin. Besides, green tea is known for its anti-oxidant properties. Regular cups of green tea not only reduce the affinity to other (sugary) drinks, but also reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems that are often associated with diabetes. Some other naturally occurring substances that are rich in polyphenols are fruits of the acai palm, blackcurrants, berries, and cocoa beans.

Alpha lipoic acid (or ALA) is being widely used as a natural diabetes cure. It is an antioxidant that not only increases insulin sensitivity, but also helps treat diabetic neuropathy. Broccoli, spinach, liver and potato are good sources. However, patients may prefer supplements as ALA can potentially cause hypoglycemia if taken in large quantities, and dietary pills ensure a steady and controlled intake of this nutrient.

The aforementioned items have been evaluated for diabetes management, and the inferences drawn have all been positive. Any professional dietician will be able to supply a further list of food items that should and should not be taken by a diabetic, including supplementary requirements. However, what many people are overlooking while looking for that one natural diabetes cure is that no natural product or medication can treat diabetes on its own. A healthy and stress-free lifestyle is as important as any drug or natural supplement when it comes to treating this chronic illness.

Alcohol and cigarettes are on par with sugar loaded food items when it comes to harming a diabetes patient. The importance of exercise (yoga, jogging and brisk walking work amazingly well for non-athletes) cannot be overlooked in diabetes treatment.

Alternative Medicine for Diabetes -- Effective Minerals!

Those seeking an alternative medicine for diabetes will be glad to know that certain minerals, vitamins and herbs go a long way in curing and preventing the chronic disease. This article will focus mainly on minerals and vitamins that help fight the disease without leading to any side effects.

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.