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Search Term: " Sugar Control "
The Many Benefits of Chromium Amino Acid Chelate   
Date:
November 08, 2022 11:58 AM
Though it may not be a household name, chromium is a essential trace mineral with a wide range of benefits. Perhaps most importantly, chromium helps to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Additionally, chromium supports cholesterol levels already in the normal range, and enhances the effectiveness of insulin. In other words, this essential mineral helps your body to burn glucose for fuel. With so many benefits, it's no wonder that chromium supplements are becoming increasingly popular. Read on to learn more about this essential mineral, and how it can improve your health. What is Chromium? As we mentioned above, chromium is a trace element, which means that our bodies require only very small amounts of it in order to function properly. Though we only need small amounts, chromium plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels and supporting healthy cholesterol levels. Chromium is found naturally in many foods, such as broccoli, grape juice, whole grains, potatoes, meat, and poultry. However, due to modern-day farming practices and processing methods, the level of chromium in these foods has decreased significantly over the years. This means that even if you're eating a healthy diet, you may not be getting enough chromium. And that's where supplements come in. Benefits of Chromium Supplements Chromium supplements are an easy and convenient way to make sure you're getting enough of this essential mineral. Chromium supplements have been shown to improve blood Sugar Control in people with diabetes, as well as reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with high cholesterol. Additionally, chromium supplements can help with weight loss by reducing food cravings and increasing feelings of fullness after meals. If you're struggling to lose weight or control your blood sugar levels, adding a chromium supplement to your daily routine may be just what you need. In Summary: Chromium is an essential trace element with many important health benefits. If you're not getting enough chromium from your diet, consider taking a supplement. Chromium supplements can help to regulate blood sugar levels and support healthy cholesterol levels. Additionally, they may also help with weight loss by reducing food cravings and increasing feelings of fullness after meals. Talk to your doctor about whether or not achromium supplement is right for you.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6561) The Many Health Benefits of Chia Seeds 
Date:
September 28, 2022 02:53 PM
You may be familiar with chia seeds as the little black seeds that grow on the chia pet. But did you know that these same seeds offer a host of health benefits? Chia seeds are an excellent source of essential fatty acids and fiber, and they can be easily incorporated into your diet. Let's take a closer look at the many health benefits of chia seeds. Essential Fatty Acids Chia seeds are a good source of essential fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is important for heart health. One study found that people who consume a diet high in ALA have a lower risk of heart disease. ALA is also important for cognitive function and brain health. In fact, one study found that people who consume a diet rich in ALA have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Fiber Chia seeds are also a good source of fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health and can help to prevent constipation. Fiber is also beneficial for blood Sugar Control and can help to prevent type 2 diabetes. One study found that people who consume a diet high in fiber have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In Summary: Chia seeds are an excellent source of essential fatty acids and fiber, two nutrients that are important for overall health. If you're looking for an easy way to improve your diet, consider adding chia seeds to your meals and snacks.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6473) Hintonia Latiflora Combined With Key Nutrients for Blood Sugar Control
Date:
August 31, 2020 12:36 PM
Type 2 diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate. With certain life style changes, exercise, along with Sucontral D, one can reduce blood sugar. Hintonia latiflora combined with key nutrients for blood Sugar Control can:
The CDC reports that 84 million Americans have pre diabetes which is higher than normal blood sugar levels but not yet considered type 2 diabetes. It is said there is an additional 30 million type 2 diabetes and roughly 24% do not know they have high blood sugar levels. Hintonia has been clinically studied in Europe for decades, 60 years to be exact, clinically studied to help bot pre- and type 2 diabetes. By the end of these studies, participants in the studies experienced an average of 10.4% improvement in their A1C, and 23.3% improvement in their fasting glucose levels and 24.9% on their postprandial glucose levels. This is quite significant indeed. In conclusion, the clinical studies proved Hintonia improved blood glucose levels. out of 114 patients 45 were able to reduce their medication and 10 were able to eliminate their medication all together.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6361) 9 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Oat Bran
Date:
April 29, 2019 04:14 PM
Oat bran can provide benefits such as helping with blood sugar, producing healthy bowels, lowering cholesterol, and lowering blood pressure. Oat bran offers more protein and fiber than regular oatmeal, and has antioxidants that can help in reducing inflammation and chances of diseases such as cancer. It also has a soluble fiber that may help with prevention of heart diseases and control of blood sugars. Oat bran will also help relieve constipation and produce healthy stools, while lowering inflammation, and may aid in weight loss since it makes you feel full. Key Takeaways:
"Oat bran is linked to many health benefits, such as improved blood sugar control, healthy bowel function, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol." Read more: https://www.ecowatch.com/oat-bran-health-benefits-2632264462.html
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6214) Stevia leaves: Health benefits and uses for diabetes
Date:
December 18, 2018 04:04 PM
Stevia, a sweet extract from the plant Stevia Rebaudiana, has been used as a sugar substitute for years. Roughly 40 times sweeter than sugar but low in calories, Stevia can help in weight loss and blood sugar control. Stevia leaves also contain antioxidants, including kaempferol, which can, according to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, lower the risk of pancreatic cancer by 23%. Stevia has also been reported to lower blook pressure, and is used in Brazil to treat diabetes. Stevia plants can be grown at home. The leaves can be stored like other herbs. Key Takeaways:
"Stevia is low-calorie, and much sweeter than sugar. If used as a substitute, it helps in weight-loss and controlling blood sugar levels, which may be beneficial for people with diabetes." Read more: https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/stevia-leaves-health-benefits-and-uses-for-diabetes/331510
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=5908) Does cinnamon help diabetes?
Date:
October 17, 2017 01:14 PM
Cinnamon has many health benefits. This has been part of medicine for millennia. The Chinese used it long ago. Is diabetes one of the things it helpw with? If so this will be good news. Diabetes affects many. It can be very severe for some and can come with side effects such as chronic pain. Cinnamon is easy to find so if it helps that is very good news for those who are suffering from this ailment. Key Takeaways:
"A 2012 review of several recent studies concluded that the use of cinnamon had a potentially beneficial effect on glycemic control." Read more: http://kdhnews.com/harker_heights_herald/opinion/wellness_works/does-cinnamon-help-diabetes/article_d2b8f210-afa1-11e7-a778-3b68da9b9cb8.html
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=5347) Stop throwing away this weed; it could help lower your cholesterol
Date:
May 08, 2017 04:14 PM
Round up the Purslane! Turns out this formally thought of pesky weed is rich in several antioxidants and carotene along with minerals that are great for skin health and the fleshy leaf contain the highest amounts of omega fatty acids of any leafy green plant. But it doesn't stop there. It also helps with the glycemic index in diabetics, which is critical for blood sugar controls and weight lose in people with diabetes type 2. Key Takeaways:
"With its astonishing medicinal profile, it might prove useful to grow your own purslane." Read more: http://www.naturalnews.com/2017-05-01-stop-throwing-away-this-weed-it-could-help-lower-your-cholesterol.html
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=4567) Alleviating Blood Sugar Levels with Chromium Picolinate
Date:
November 27, 2013 08:01 AM
What is Chromium Picolinate Chromium picolinate is among the essential trace minerals that have received a lot of attention as dietary supplements. While it is know to be inhibit blood sugar levels, there are recurring debates that remain unsettled. However, there are recent studies that consistently revealed the augmenting effect of chromium to the actions of the hormone insulin. That then suggests the intake of the said mineral as it seconds the claims of it being an effective solution to control blood sugar or glucose levels of people intolerant to carbohydrates. In the uptake of carbohydrates, they are broken down into sugar, followed by absorption to the blood. The amount of blood sugar and insulin rising vary from one food to another. By slowing rate of sugar release to the bloodstream is the initial step towards controlling glucose levels, which is also a vital goal of any type of healthy diet.Benefits of Chromium Picolinate Keeping your blood sugar at a normal level does everything. May it be to gain or lose weight, reduce fat, curbing craving pangs and lowering appetites, as well as warding off numerous chronic diseases such as diaebetes and heart attack, a normal blood sugar level does it all. For that matter, chromium is really of the essence. And here are some of its major health benefits. Blood Sugar Control A study was once conducted where a loaf of bread was prepared with 400 micrograms chromium. After consuming the bread, there was a 23% blood sugar decline in the patient, which points out to chromium picolinate as an effective solution to lower glycemic indexes of meals.Cholesterol Level Control Chromium also has an important role for fat metabolism. After further investigations, chromium's different effects on lipids were finally discerned. Some of the reports included how chromium reduced triglyceride levels, as well as total LDL cholesterol. These basically meant that the chemical compound can lower risks for different heart diseases.Curbs Down Carb Cravings One of the biggest reasons why many people suffer from diabetes is the indulgence to cravings, particularly to carb-rich and starchy foods. This is known to be an addiction with mechanisms in the pleasure/guilt portion of the brain similar to opiates. By taking 600 micrograms of the chromium compound for a span of 8 weeks, the subject can be withdrawn from the said sugar laden addiction.Another thing worth noting is that this particular chromium compound fully remains intact within the gastric juice for several hours and does not cause any digestive drawbacks. Furthermore, a minimum of 200 to 300 micrograms supplementation is suggested for people with less severe cases to set out the stabilization of insulin production.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2907) Control Blood Sugar Naturally
Date:
October 01, 2008 12:10 PM
Your blood glucose level is generally controlled by insulin and glucagons, both of which are biosynthesized in the pancreas. Insulin works by making the glucose bioavailable to the mitochondria to convert into energy, while glucagon, the lesser known of this twosome, stabilizes the level of insulin and mobilizes it to do its job. There are two types of diabetes, known as Type I and Type II or A and B. Type I diabetes, also known as juvenile onset diabetes, is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system destroys Beta cells because they are recognized as being foreign. It is the Beta cells that generate insulin, and so the condition can be fatal. Patients with Type I diabetes must take insulin throughout their lives, and while potential cures are currently under investigation, none are yet available. Although insulin can be effective it does not guarantee survival, and a better form of treatment is required. Type II diabetes is by far the more common of the two, and is a form of resistance to insulin, where the body cells cannot use insulin properly. The pancreas initially reacts to this by producing more insulin in response to the increased blood glucose level, but through time it loses its ability to produce insulin as a reaction to an increase in blood sugar, even though this occurs as a result of digesting a meal. The exact causes of either type of diabetes are not known for sure, although the general mechanism by which they work is known. However, Type II diabetes is believed to be due to some form of interaction between genetics and environment, and it is known that the majority of Type II sufferers are obese and also over 40. The treatment for this type of diabetes is rarely insulin, but a controlled diet, control of your cholesterol level and blood pressure, exercise and specific medicines designed for sufferers of this form of diabetes. However, there are also natural supplements that can be used to control your blood sugar levels. Diabetes was the sixth leading cause of death of the USA in 1999, with 450,000 deaths, and by 2005 had reached about 300 million sufferers world wide. It is therefore a serious and widespread condition, though Type II is less serious than Type I. It is important to do what you can to control your diabetes, since after several years it can lead to problems with your nerves, eyes, kidneys and gums, and can also lead to heart disease. With diabetes you are at least twice as likely to have a stroke or heart problem as those without it, although you can reduce the risk of this by keeping your blood pressure under control, and the levels of fats in your blood to a minimum. Stopping smoking helps, and there are some natural treatments that can also help you control your diabetes. The most important means of control is to reduce your blood sugar levels. While there are natural products that will help you to do that, do not stop taking the medication prescribed by your doctor, but use these in addition to what you are already taking. Among specific substances that can help are: Chromium: chromium helps your body to use insulin properly. When taken in the form of chromium picolinate, it helps to replace chromium that diabetics appear to be short of. Human studies have indicated that chromium can decrease insulin levels and improve the metabolism of blood sugar in those with Type II diabetes. Some claim that chromium is harmful to health, but the general opinion is that it helps, though you should consult your doctor before using it. Cinnamon: If you take cinnamon daily, your blood sugar levels should gradually decrease. It appears to enable your cells to make better use of the insulin your blood, although there still discussion as to the mechanism by which this occurs and of the active ingredient in cinnamon that promotes it. Some claim it to be a flavonoid known as methylhydroxychalcone polymer, or MHCP. However, others claim it not to be MHCP, but polyphenol type-A polymer. Whichever it is, many people are finding cinnamon to be effective in reducing high levels of blood sugar to a more manageable level. Milk Thistle: It is known that antioxidants can help to control blood sugar, and the flavolignins in Silymarin marianum, an herbal extract available from milk thistle seeds, work in this manner. It is also good for protecting the liver from toxins. Although it is not clear how it is done, silymarin appears to help to control Type II diabetes possibly by way of liver digestion of sugars in the blood. The liver processed glucose and improving its function through the consumption of milk thistle could help reduce blood sugar as well. Mulberry: The Chinese make what is known as “Sugar Control herbal tea” from mulberry leaves, green tea and jasmine. Mulberry leaves contain adenine, pectin and choline, and also high levels of Vitamins A and B types. This tea is used by the Chinese to control blood sugar levels, which might occur through the antioxidant effect of the mulberry constituents. Salacia oblonga: This is an herb used in India and Sri Lanka that appears to cause a dramatic drop in the levels of insulin and sugar in the blood. It binds to enzymes in the intestine that break carbohydrates down into sugars, and so reduces the amount of sugar in your blood. That in turn reduces the amount of insulin released by the pancreas. Apple Cider Vinegar: There is evidence that apple cider vinegar can help to control your blood sugar levels if taken before a meal. Just two tablespoons appears sufficient to give a noticeable result. This is one of those home remedies that might be just anecdotal, but might also work, so is worth trying. Zinc: It has been discovered that diabetics suffer a deficiency in zinc. This mineral plays a part in the storage and production of insulin in your body, and a deficiency could cause an increase in your sugar level. Oysters, pecans, almonds, lamb and chicken are all good sources of zinc. Glyconutrient complexes: we know that diabetes is an autoimmune disease for type I individuals. Supporting a properly function immune system requires a good diet as well as a diet rich in Glyconutrients. The polysaccharides found in glyconutrient formulas can help the immune system communicate better with the body and just possibly correct some autoimmune diseases which attach our cells.
These are the natural supplements that people are taking to help control their blood sugar and diabetes. It is important that you take nothing that interferes with the medicines given to you by your physician, so you should let your doctor know of any natural supplement that you are using in addition to your prescription medicines. However, it is possible to control your blood sugar with natural supplements, and those mentioned above are just a few of the natural substances available that can help diabetics control their condition and so avoid the side effects.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1906) Chromium Picolinate
Date:
June 17, 2008 10:47 AM
Chromium picolinate, broken down, is chromium that is bonded to an amino acid. The chromium portion of the compound is not well absorbed by the body. Therefore, the amino acid picolinate is added to aid in absorption. Studies have shown that 90 percent of the adult population in the United States has a chromium deficiency in their diet. The best source of chromium is true brewer’s yeast, but it is found in grains and cereals in smaller amounts. Refined forms of these foods are likely to be lacking in sufficient chromium levels. Strenuous physical activity requires a larger intake of chromium in the diet. Chromium picolinate, a chromium supplement, has profound effects on the body’s overall nutrition and health. It has increased in popularity in recent years because it helps to reduce body fat and increase lean body mass. Research has proven that it can aid in treating:
* High blood sugar In the late 1950s, chromium picolinate was discovered to be essential for proper blood Sugar Control. It is a key part of desensitizing the body to insulin. Without chromium, blood sugar levels are elevated because insulin is blocked from doing its job. Chromium is one of the essential trace minerals. Its most important function is to work with insulin, which is a hormone. Insulin is responsible for the body’s ability to break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats naturally. Your metabolism affects every cell in your body. All bodily functions are dependent on the proper use and breakdown of these chemicals. A deficiency of chromium in your diet will lead to an impairment of insulin activity. This insulin resistance allows more glucose to remain in your body, resulting in weight gain and loss of energy. Insulin is the most important hormone involved in metabolism. Everyone’s body requires proper insulin function to be healthy. Insulin is secreted whenever you eat. It then binds to cells to activate sugar absorption from your bloodstream. The body’s sugar (glucose) is its strongest energy source. The cells use it to fuel the body’s essential functions like metabolism and building muscles. Because of these needs, chromium picolinate can be used as a supplement to promote weight loss and treat high cholesterol and diabetes. It is an essential supplement for healthy metabolism, especially in older people. People who lack enough chromium picolinate in their diets usually have trouble keeping weight off and feel run down regularly. Chromium Picolinate and Weight Loss: Chromium picolinate is not a viable quick fix for permanent weight loss. It is, however, a valuable addition to a healthy and well-designed weight loss program. People who are overweight are generally insulin resistant. For this reason, additional chromium supplementation aids in healthier metabolism and more productive use of insulin. The result is increased weight loss when used in conjunction with proper exercise and a well-balanced diet. Dietary Interactions and Safety: Chromium picolinate has been shown in studies to be safe for use with most medications. However, as with any dietary supplement, it is important to discuss your use of this supplement with your physician before planning any dietary changes. Chromium picolinate was safe in studies in which it was used in amounts exceeding 500 times the recommended daily dosage. The production of this dietary supplement is under the highest quality and safety conditions available. No side effects have been reported since chromium picolinate has been available on the market. Most daily multiple vitamins contain the recommended daily allowance of chromium picolinate. However, since it is so difficult for the body to absorb effectively, most people need more supplementation than is generally recommended.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1818) Super Cortisol Support Fact Sheet
Date:
December 08, 2005 07:04 PM
Super Cortisol Support Fact SheetNeil E. Levin, CCN, DANLA 10/1/05LIKELY USERS: People under a lot of stress; People who suffer from stress-related eating; People who may have metabolic syndrome (Syndrome X); KEY INGREDIENTS: Relora®13, Rhodiola14-20, Reishi 21-24, Green Tea Extract25-32, Holy Basil, Ashwaganda, Banaba, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium Ascorbate, Magnesium, Lecithin, Chromium MAIN PRODUCT FEATURES: NOW® Super Cortisol Support is an herbal and nutritional formula designed to support healthy adrenal function and maintain healthy cortisol levels. The adrenal glands help the body respond and adjust to stress generated from both internal and external forces. Under chronic stress, cortisol can be overproduced, resulting in weight gain and difficulty in managing healthy blood sugar levels. Super Cortisol Support combines adaptogenic herbs with Chromium, Corosolic Acid and Relora® to help the body manage the negative effects of stress such as abdominal obesity, overeating and low energy levels. ADDITIONAL PRODUCT USE INFORMATION & QUALITY ISSUES: Reishi, Rhodiola, Ashwaganda, and Holy Basil support healthy energy levels throughout the day1-6. Reishi, Rhodiola, Ashwaganda, and Holy Basil support healthy immunity1-9. Along with Chromium, and Corosolic Acid, these herbs also help to support healthy serum glucose levels1-12. Relora® has been included in this formula to alleviate symptoms associated with stress such as irritability and nervous tension13. This formula is recommended by Hyla Cass, MD. This is the first Cortisol formula to use Relora®, a natural proprietary blend of a patented (U.S. Patent No. US 6,582,735) extract of Magnolia officinalis and a patent-pending extract from Phellodendron amurense. Relora® was developed as an ingredient for dietary supplements and functional foods that could be used in stress management and for stress-related appetite control. This patented blend of plant extracts is the result of screening more than fifty plant fractions from traditional plant medicines used around the world. Relora® has excellent stress management properties without causing sedation. Overweight adults may have excessive abdominal fat due to stress-related overeating. Relora® appears to maintain healthy hormone levels in stressed individuals and act as an aid in controlling weight and stress-related eating.33 SERVING SIZE & HOW TO TAKE IT: One capsule, two to three times a day. COMPLEMENTARY PRODUCTS: Holy Basil, Green Tea, L-Theanine, Licorice Root, Vitamin C, Eleuthero Root, Pantothenic acid CAUTIONS: None. SPECIFIC: Some of these ingredients may support the body’s blood Sugar Controls, so people taking blood sugar medications should inform their physician before using Super Cortisol Support, and their glucose should be monitored when taking this formula so their medication strength can be modulated appropriately to avoid an overdose of medication. No side effects have been noted for this dosage of Relora®. GENERAL: Pregnant and lactating women, children and people using prescription drugs should consult their physician before taking any dietary supplement. This information is based on my own knowledge and references, and should not be used as diagnosis, prescription or as a specific product claim. This document has not been reviewed by the FDA or by the company posting it. Information given here may vary from what is shown on the product label because this represents my own professional experience and understanding of the science underlying the formula and ingredients. When taking any new formula, use common sense and cautiously increase to the full dose over time. Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. REFERENCES:
1. Spasov AA, Wikman GK, Mandrikov VB, Mironova IA, Neumoin VV (2000) Phytomedicine 7(2):85-89.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1003) Diabetes 
Date:
June 10, 2005 09:37 PM
Diabetes by , February 5, 2002 Lack of exercise and being overweight boosts your chances of developing diabetes. So, as America's epidemic of obesity grows, the number of people afflicted with the condition called type II diabetes is expected to soar. If you follow the typical US pattern of not getting enough exercise while indulging in a diet of too many calories from cookies, cakes, fast food and saturated fat as your waistline gradually expands, your chances of encountering this health menace grow every day. According to the most recent estimate by health researchers, "more than half of all US adults are considered overweight or obese"(JAMA, 10/27/99). Those same researchers, who examined the health history and weights of more than 16,000 Americans, confirmed a fact well-understood by health practitioners who understand the chemistry of blood sugar: being overweight greatly increases your chances of not only diabetes but also high blood pressure, gall bladder disease, coronary heart disease, high cholesterol and arthritis. (If you suffer or think you suffer from diabetes, or any of these conditions, consult a knowledgeable health practitioner.) Insulin Insurrection While Type I diabetes is a relatively infrequent disease that often strikes kids, Type II diabetes is a much more widespread (and increasing) health problem experienced by 9 out of 10 adults with what is now called adult-onset diabetes. The popular image of someone with diabetes is, ironically, often of someone who is suffering with Type I. In simplistic terms, Type I diabetes occurs when your pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone-like substance that, among its several tasks, helps deliver sugar from the bloodstream into the body's cells. When your body is functioning normally, insulin helps steady blood sugar levels and keeps tissues fed with nutrients. People with Type I diabetes often have to inject themselves with insulin. Otherwise, a lack of insulin causes dangerously increased blood sugar levels, cellular damage to blood vessels and nerves plus a high risk of heart attack, blindness, kidney failure and serious damage to your extremities that may, in the long-term, lead to amputation. Insulin Resistance On the other hand, someone beginning to suffer Type II diabetes usually has plenty of insulin being produced by the pancreas, but may be insulin resistant: for a variety of physiological reasons, the hormone is unable to do its job. That allows blood glucose to reach levels where it can wreak metabolic havoc. When you gain weight, drastically increase the amount of your bodyfat and lead a sedentary, couch potato existence without engaging in very much exercise, you boost your risk of becoming insulin resistant. Consequently you also boost the chances of eventually suffering Type II diabetes. However, a consistent exercise program (and losing weight) can alleviate or moderate some of the blood sugar problems brought on by diabetes or insulin resistance. When you exercise, your working muscles may take in more glucose from the bloodstream and stabilize your blood sugar level. That is one reason physical exercise helps to modify your body's response to blood sugar. (Of course, if you have diabetes or have not exercised in a long time, be sure to consult your health practitioner before engaging in strenuous physical activity.) Supplemental Help One of the most useful supplements employed to help control diabetes is chromium, a mineral that plays an integral role in the body's metabolism of sugar. In the Natural Health Bible, Steven Bratman, MD, and David Kroll, PhD, discuss a study in China of 180 people with Type II diabetes. In that study, those who took chromium enjoyed better blood sugar levels than the people who took no supplements (Diabetes 46(11): 1786-1791, 1997). In addition, a double-blind study of chromium found that the supplement could reduce the necessary oral medication by more than half in many cases (Harefuah 125(5-6): 142-145, 1993). In this study, women seemed to benefit from chromium more than men. Relief with Alpha Lipoic Acid Alpha lipoic acid, an antioxidant nutrient, helps defend nerve cells against painful damage-a condition called neuropathy-that can result from diabetes. Consequently, in Germany, doctors have been prescribing lipoic acid to people with diabetes for more than two decades. According to Dr. Bratman and Dr. Kroll, studies show that lipoic acid may be particularly helpful when taken with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid found in evening primrose oil and borage oil. Studies of GLA have found that this fat can soothe numbness and pain and slow nerve injuries (Diabetes Care 16(1):8-15, 1993). Taken together, GLA and lipoic acid may synergistically improve nerve function (Diabetologia 41(4): 390-399, 1998). Blood Sugar Control may also improve. Healthy Mouth Two signs that you may be suffering diabetes are excessive thirst and a dry mouth. This missing liquid, especially in the mouth when the flow of saliva slows, can lead to a lack of lactoferrin, a naturally-occurring protein that fights infection in the mouth by binding iron (Jrnl of Diab Comp 7, 57-62). Lactoferrin's iron-binding ability destroys harmful micro-organisms like bacteria. In addition, lactoferrin stimulates the body's production of a substance called secretory IgA, which keeps disease-causing organisms out of the body and helps stabilize blood sugar (colostrum also produces this effect). Spice Health Fenugreek, a spice, has had long use as a medicine and food ingredient in the Middle East and Asia. And now modern science has begun to accumulate evidence supporting its traditional use: Several studies have shown that this seed can benefit blood sugar levels and keep blood cholesterol down. In laboratory animals, researchers found that fenugreek kept blood sugar levels under control and also increased HDL (good cholesterol) while dropping triglycerides, blood fats that increase the risk of heart disease (Eur Jrnl Clin Nut 44 (1990):301-306). Fortuitously, studies on people have supported fenugreek's benefits. In people with Type I diabetes, studies show that fasting blood sugar levels were reduced and glucose tolerance tests (measures of how well the body handles sugar) were closer to normal (Eur Jrnl Clin Nut 42 (1988):51-54). Bilberry for Eye Health Retinopathy, eye damage resulting from diabetes, is a serious complication of this disease and can cause blindness. Bilberry, a botanical that has been used as a folk treatment for eye health for centuries, may be able to lower the risk of this kind of vision destruction. Bilberry, a dark berry that grows in Europe, has been shown in a collection of laboratory tests to hold down blood sugar levels (Quart Jrnl Cr Drug Res 17(1979):139-196). Bilberry has traditionally been used to protect eyesight. According to the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine (Prima), natural substances called flavonoids, found in bilberry, "have been shown to increase intracellular vitamin C levels, decrease the leakiness and breakage of small blood vessels, prevent easy bruising and exert potent antioxidant effects." Apparently, the body uses these flavonoids to protect the eyes' blood vessels and to keep the retina (central part of the eye crucial to preserving sight) functioning normally (Arch Med Int 37 (1985):29-35). Consequently, bilberry has been used by health practitioners in France to treat diabetic retinopathy ever since the 1940s. Diabetes Research As medical researchers look more closely into how insulin functions throughout the body, much more light will be thrown on how supplemental nutrients and your diet interact to promote the healthiest blood sugar levels. But, today, what we already know about how the body functions can help you: a low-fat, high fiber diet, moderate, consistent exercise and healthy doses of insulin-friendly supplements may help keep your blood sugar under control. And keep those pounds from accumulating around your waist. That way, you can keep from singing that nasty old, down and dirty, blood sugar, syncopated ragtime blues.
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