Controlling Your Blood Sugar - Part Two

In the second of this two-part look at blood sugar regulation and diabetes, we will focus on the natural compounds that have shown to benefit those with known blood sugar problems or who have already been diagnosed with diabetes.

In addition to the six lifestyle/nutritional steps recommended in Controlling Your Blood Sugar - Part 1, there are additional vitamins, herbs and extracts that have been shown to be effective in managing blood sugar levels. So start with those six important steps, and add these specialized compounds for increased impact.

If you already have been diagnosed with diabetes, be sure to discuss your medication options with your physician, and keep him/her informed about your nutritional supplement program. With the dietary, lifestyle and nutritional changes you are making, dependence on any medications may be reduced, and the amounts of medications needed may be less as your body regains control of its blood sugar regulation. The end goal is to avoid or end the need for medications completely, but your progress towards that goal needs to be monitored by your physician.

The importance of Chromium, Vanadium, Magnesium, Zinc, Essential Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Antioxidants were discussed in Controlling Your Blood Sugar - Part 1. Other nutrients involved in glucose regulation are:

Biotin, a B-vitamin, assists in the metabolism of carbohydrates and blood sugar within the cells, and increases insulin sensitivity.

Inositol helps insulin function.

Vitamin K supplements may reduce the development of insulin resistance in older men

L-carnitine supplementation may have a positive role in type 2 diabetes by reducing the oxidation of LDL oxidation.

Along with certain vitamins and minerals, there are a number of herbal extracts that research has shown to be beneficial in lowering blood sugar levels.

Gymnema sylvestre is the herb most commonly cited in medical literature as a treatment for diabetes, and has been used for thousands of years. Numerous studies have shown that it can significantly decrease blood sugar levels.

Bitter melon fruit extract contains a polypeptide that is similar to insulin. Studies show that it increases the glucose uptake by body cells, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.

Bilberry leaf, a cousin of the blueberry, has been shown to decrease blood sugar levels by as much as 26% and also lowers blood fat triglycerides (which is also often high in diabetics). Bilberry also protects against the retina damage or cataracts that are commonly associated with diabetes.

Milk thistle, American ginseng root and Aloe vera extract all have been shown to decrease fasting blood sugar levels.

Fiber, especially water-soluble fiber, is very helpful for diabetics because it absorbs carbohydrates before they are turned into sugar, which prevents, or slows down, the absorption of simple carbohydrates like sugars from the intestinal tract. Slower absorption means that you don't get dangerous blood sugar and insulin spikes.

Glucomannan is a very unique source of water soluble fiber, able to absorb 200 times its weight in water. It is very impressive in its ability to bind, or tie-up, sugars in the GI tract before they can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Absorbalean complex is a concentrated form of ten different fiber extracts (including apple fiber, oat bran, citrus fiber, chicory root and prune fiber) that help regulate blood sugar and lipid levels. 

Inulin is a soluble fiber that is found naturally in many root vegetables.

Diabetes is a serious chronic disease. But God's pathway offers hope to those battling the disease as well as those in danger of contracting it. Following the six steps in Part 1 can help you lower your risk of developing diabetes; combining those steps with the compounds described above may allow you to control blood sugar problems if you already have them.

To make following these recommendations easier, we have created a Blood Sugar Program which contains 14 of the specialized vitamins, minerals, herbs, extracts and fibers referenced above. The first part of the program, Blood Sugar Support, is a supplement combining chromium, vanadium, magnesium, inositol, gymnema leaf extract, bitter melon, milk thistle, American ginseng, bilberry leaf and aloe vera leaf. The second part of the program is Solumet, a carbohydrate blocker made up of absorbalean complex, glucomannan, inulin and garcinia extract.

Taken along with a complete daily nutritional supplement, Blood Sugar Program can put your body in the best position to control your blood sugar and put you on the path to wellness.

www.thepathwaytohealing.com

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Dr. Reginald B. Cherry (drcherry.org) is a member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, Harris County Medical Society, and the American College of Preventive Medicine. Dr. Cherry has authored numerous articles on Preventive Medicine, emphasizing nutrition and exercise. He also speaks extensively on these topics nationwide and conducts numerous seminars for various groups and organizations. Currently, his weekly television program reaches 80 million homes. www.thepathwaytohealing.com