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.

Widely Used Herbs to Cure Diabetes

Herbs have been used for centuries as natural cures for diabetes. Individuals who have incorporated them in their diet while following a healthy lifestyle (proper diet, rest and plenty of exercise) have found that they are far more effective in treating their condition than prescribed medicines.

The following are some of the most effective natural cures for diabetes:

BITTER MELON: Bitter melon (also known as bitter gourd) contains several compounds that increase insulin-like activity and control Type 2 diabetes by increasing the amount of glucose that enters the cells.

• Bitter melon juice taken on an empty stomach goes a long way in fighting diabetes.
• This herb can be cooked as a vegetable.
• When eaten raw (as a salad), it provides the body with plenty of nutrients, besides ensuring diabetes control.
• Dietary supplements containing bitter melon extracts can also be used.

CINNAMON: This is one of the most effective natural cures for diabetes. Not only does cinnamon help increase insulin receptivity (by affecting the number of insulin receptors in the body), but it also acts like natural insulin and lowers blood sugar. LDL cholesterol (specifically), serum glucose, triglycerides and the total cholesterol count in Type 2 diabetes patients have been known to dip after they have made it a point to take cinnamon in some form daily.

• Cinnamon tea is the best way to enjoy the beautiful aroma and medicinal properties of this herb.
• Cinnamon powder can be added as a flavoring agent in any low fat and low sugar food item
• Supplements containing cinnamon are available in the market.

GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE: This Indian herb has hypoglycemic properties and helps prevent and fight both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It contains a compound which enhances the activity of the pancreas and boosts insulin production naturally. It is also known to reduce glucose uptake by the intestines and lower fasting blood glucose levels.

• Gymnema acts best when used in combination with other natural cures for diabetes like chromium, calcium citrate and other herbs.
• Fresh leaves of this plant can be brewed to prepare tea.
• Herbal supplements containing gymnema sylvestre with other herbal extracts are available readily.

BANABA: Banaba plants mostly grow in the Philippines, Australia and India. This herb is known for stimulating glucose uptake by the cells and for having insulin-like properties. Studies show that banaba is one of the most effective natural cures for diabetes. The active compounds present in this herb help diabetic patients lose weight as well. It is in fact known as “plant-insulin”.

• Banaba leaves can be taken orally.
• The most common way of consuming banaba is in the form of dietary supplements in combination with other minerals and herbs that help fight diabetes.

GARLIC: Garlic is a highly recommended herb for diabetes treatment. It is widely available, has a brilliant flavor, and contains one of the most amazing compounds, allicin. This active compound is known to reduce blood sugar levels, LDL levels, and the risk of health complications associated with diabetes. It also increases insulin serum in the blood.

• Garlic can be consumed raw with other vegetables.
• Using garlic abundantly in soups or other dishes will enhance the taste and also provide medicinal benefits.
• For those who dislike the strong odor or taste of this herb, supplementary pills are a great option.

Using natural cures for diabetes may take a little perseverance on the patient’s part, but it surely eliminates the harmful side effects of allopathy drugs.