naturalviewpoint

  Email this article to a friend

People with diabetes cannot properly process glucose, a sugar the body uses for energy.  As a result, glucose stays in the blood, causing blood glucose to rise. At the same time, however, the cells of the body can be starved for glucose.  The build-up of sugar in the blood, characterized by diabetes, can cause the cells of our bodies to be starved for glucose and can, if left unchecked, lead to damage of the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.

 There are two types of diabetes.  Adult-onset diabetes is also called type 2 diabetes and childhood-onset diabetes, also called type 1.  Although both types of diabetes differ, they are similar in that too much sugar is circulating in the blood. 

 When we eat, our bodies break down the proteins, carbohydrates and fats we consume to be used in our bodies. Carbohydrates are first digested and converted into simple sugars.  Glucose, a form of simple sugar is the basic fuel the body uses for energy.  Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, stimulates our body’s cells to absorb sugar, thus removing it from the blood stream.  When our bodies cannot properly utilize glucose, thus causing it to stay in the blood, we are diagnosed as having diabetes.

DIETARY AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Reduce your consumption of starchy foods that are high in carbohydrates such as bread, potatoes, processed cereals, rice or that have a high glycemic index rating. The Glycemic Index ranks foods based on how they affect the body's blood glucose levels. 

The glycemic index separates foods into 3 categories:

(1) High Glycemic Index Foods (GI 70+), that cause a rapid rise in blood-glucose levels.

(2) Intermediate Glycemic Index Foods (GI 55-69) causing a medium rise in blood-glucose.

(3) Low Glycemic Index Foods (GI 54 or less), causing a slower rise in blood-sugar.

Fiber in carbohydrates may help protect against diabetes.  Consume a high fiber, whole foods diet and work to eliminate preprocessed junk foods from your diet.  High-fiber supplements, such as psyllium,  guar gum (found in beans), pectin (from fruit), and oat bran have improved glucose tolerance.

Xylitol is an excellent sugar substitute.  Research has shown that Xylitol contributes to weight loss, hormonal  imbalance restoring, and blood sugar stabilization for diabetic patients, lowering their insulin levels.  Xylitol can be used in cooking as well.

 Start an exercise program.  Exercise helps decrease body fat and improves insulin sensitivity

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS THAT MAY BE HELPFUL:

Vitawave is a complete vitamin and mineral supplement that contains calcium, B-complex (required for proper glucose metabolism), chromium (lowers blood sugar levels), selenium, zinc (essential for normal insulin production) and other elements that is essential proper pancreatic function.

Vitamin B complex is required for proper glucose metabolism

Double blind studies show that vitamin E improves glucose tolerance

Vitamin C may reduce glycosylation. It also lowers sorbitol in diabetics.  Sorbitol is a sugar that can accumulate and damage the eyes, nerves, and kidneys of diabetics

Vitamin D is needed for adequate blood levels of insulin.  Vitamin D receptors have been found in the pancreas where insulin is made.

Chromium  helps improve glucose tolerance and by improving the efficiency of insulin

Zinc is essential for normal insulin production and Zinc supplements have lowered blood sugar levels.

People with diabetes cannot adequately process carbohydrates. Coenzyme Q10 is needed for normal carbohydrate metabolism.

Diabetes patients tend to have low magnesium levels.  Magnesium has led to improved insulin production.

Alpha Lipoic Acid has also been show to improve insulin sensitivity.

HERBS THAT MAY BE HELPFUL:

Now, through modern science, we can see that 73% of the historical herbs used help Type II, as well as Type I.

 Goldenseal has an insulin-like effect in the body, meaning it lowers blood sugar levels. If you are on insulin and start using goldenseal, it is important to monitor your sugar level carefully, because if goldenseal begins to take effect, your need for insulin should diminish.

Licorice Root has the opposite effect from goldenseal. It tends to raise blood sugar levels or at least to help stabilize them because it aids the adrenal glands.

 With blood sugar problems, the adrenals are often called upon to produce adrenaline to cause the liver to release sugar in the case of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). You can take licorice to raise blood sugar and when necessary goldenseal to lower it.

The herb Nopal (prickly pear cactus) can help to strengthen the liver and the pancreas thereby improving our body’s ability to utilize insulin.

 Asian ginseng is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It has been shown to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas and to increase the number of insulin receptors. It also has a direct blood sugar-lowering effect.

Bilberry may lower the risk of some diabetic complications, such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy. One study found that bilberry could improve signs of retinal damage for people with diabetic retinopathy.

Studies have found that aloe vera juice helps lower blood sugar levels.

There are several combinations specifically designed for pancreatic problems.
Pro-Pancreas  contains fourteen herbs which have been used to rebuild the pancreas. Its chief ingredient is goldenseal, but it also contains juniper, uva ursi, cedar berries, dandelion and licorice root.

Target P-14 contains these same herbs combined with zinc and chromium which have been chelated to amino acids which direct them to the pancreas where they aid in the production of insulin.

Another pancreatic formula is PBS. The chief ingredient in this formula is cedar berries, which Dr. John Christopher found would help rebuild pancreatic function. This formula also contains goldenseal, burdock and other herbs which aid liver, pancreatic and adrenal function.

For hypoglycemia, HY-A is very a useful and popular combination. It is usually taken with licorice root.

Artemisia Combination, Black Walnut, Garlic, Pumpkin Seed are herbs used to get rid of parasites in the pancreas which is the primary cause of Type I.

Candida Albicans, can be an important contribution and cause of diabetes. This fungus is natural to all humans and lives in the digestive tract unless disrupted by antibiotics, chemicals, stress, coffee or a junk food diet. This would affect a diabetic's pre-deposition thus:

• The digestion becomes less effective and the body can become obese causing diabetes Type II.
• The Candida will invade the body cells causing lesser diseases such as a yeast infection and allergies. Once Candida invades the pancreas, the production of hormones, ie. Insulin will decrease and we have Type I. Eventually Candida penetrates all body cells causing an inflammation of water retention like Type II, as well as a pancreas dysfunction.

Constipation is a real danger. A fresh diet will tend to keep you moving, but if your colon is lazy, use a herb like Cascara Sagrada to support gastrointestinal health.

email zherbalist@naturalviewpoint.com with questions or comments

Copyright © 2009 naturalviewpoint