Natural Remedies for Type 2 Diabetes

 

Type 2 diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is brought on by a confluence of factors, including heredity, emotional stress, an insufficient amount of exercise, an excessive amount of the improper foods, and lack of sleep.  Patients with type 2 diabetes frequently seek relief for their condition from natural medicine in addition to traditional medicine.  The use of food as medication and natural remedies are both excellent ways to supplement your diabetic treatment. However, combining herbs, supplements, and medications without the proper information or direction might result in hypoglycemia, a dip in blood sugar.

A number of clinical studies have been carried out in recent years that show potential links between herbal therapies and improved blood glucose control, which has led to an increase in people with diabetes using these more ‘natural’ ingredients to help manage their condition.

 

Natural Remedies for Type 2 Diabetes

 

Aloe Vera

The laxative properties of aloe vera sap are well established.  Therefore, be sure to obtain the gel's liquid! The mucilaginous substance found inside the leaves, known as the gel, is being used more and more frequently.  To avoid ending up in the bathroom, be sure that any product you buy is free of anthraquinones and aloin.

 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Acetic acid, the main component of ACV, is thought to be the source of many of its health advantages.   There are numerous evidence-based ACV usage strategies.  Two tablespoons taken before bed can lower your fasting sugar levels in the morning.   Even better, taking 1-2 tablespoons of ACV with meals will lower the glycemic index of a meal that is high in carbohydrates.   I typically advise patients to either take ACV alone, just before a meal, or add it to teas or salad dressings. 

 

 Barley and fiber

Consuming fiber lowers insulin and blood sugar levels.   Around 30 grams of fiber per day are suggested amounts.  The average American only consumes 6 to 8 grams, which is far too little.   Although you can take fiber supplements like Metamucil (psylium husk), eating vegetables is the best method to achieve your objective.  A high-fiber, high-protein grain called barley has been linked to reduced levels of insulin, blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammation in general.  Barley can typically be cooked on the stovetop with just a little water and salt in less than 15 minutes without the need for soaking.

 

Chromium

The metabolism of glucose is hampered by chromium insufficiency, which is primarily present in brewer's yeast.  There is proof that chromium lowers A1c and blood sugar levels.  If you use this supplement and have kidney condition, use caution.

 

Berberine

This is one of my all-time favorite botanicals, and it may be found in plants including Coptis, Oregon grape root, goldenseal, and barberry.  Current research supports its usage for lowering hba1c and blood sugar. Be cautious that taking this herb while pregnant can cause standard medications to not work as intended.

 

 Nopal

Have you ever seen nopales at your preferred Mexican eatery?   Now that they are available, you may order them with confidence knowing that you are making a healthy eating choice.  Nopales are the prickly pear cactus' pads, and they taste great when properly prepared.  Personally, I enjoy eating them as a salad or with eggs.

 

Zinc

Diabetes patients are frequently found to be zinc deficient.  According to studies, zinc supplements can lower blood sugar and A1C, have an antioxidant effect, lower blood sugar, and even assist in treating some issues associated with diabetes.   Make sure to ask for advice on the proper dosing because high quantities of zinc can prevent the absorption of other minerals like copper.

 

Cinnamon

A treat that has medical benefits to decrease cholesterol and blood sugar.

 

Fenugreek

The medical benefits of a seed that is frequently used as a food spice have been used in other countries for centuries to lower cholesterol and hba1c.  Do not be alarmed if your urine has a maple syrup-like odor; this is a common and safe side effect.

 

Gymnema

Evidence supporting its medical usage is now catching up to its centuries-old use in India, demonstrating benefits for insulin levels, glucose metabolism, and as a supplement to boost the effectiveness of conventional medications.  Be advised that you must regularly check your blood sugar levels because this botanical interacts with your medications, putting you at risk for hypoglycemia.

Ginseng

The term "ginseng" refers to numerous distinct plant species.

American ginseng has been used in certain trials that have shown reductions in fasting blood glucose. Korean ginseng, Siberian ginseng, American ginseng, and Japanese ginseng are among the varieties.

The plant, in particular the species of panax, is revered as a "cure-all" in specific fields. Further long-term research are required to confirm the effectiveness of ginseng, as is the case with many of the botanicals used globally in the treatment of diabetics.

 

Always consult a Doctor when not well, note  that the use of some of the herbs should not be done without consulting a physician.