| Balance Your Blood Sugar |
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By Dr. Phil Billmunn It is estimated that in Canada, at least five percent of the population suffers from diabetes, and this number is rising. Many people do not realize that they have diabetes (particularly Type II) and they don't seek medical advice until the condition has progressed. Early signs of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst and increased appetite. Unfortunately, these symptoms are often ignored. Diabetics and those at risk should pay particular attention to their diets, both what and when they eat, and try to get daily exercise. A diet high in whole unprocessed vegetables, grains, legumes, lean protein and low glycemic index foods is helpful in controlling the rise in blood glucose levels and controlling weight gain. They should also consider taking supplements because they have increased nutritional requirements and yet do not absorb nutrients efficiently. Many diabetics, for example, do not have enough intracellular vitamin C, since its transportation into the cells is dependent on insulin. There are two types of blood sugar imbalances. To regulate them, you must first understand the two types and what causes them: Low blood sugar (also known as hypoglycemia): Hypoglycemia is very common and occurs when you eat too many processed foods, particularly simple carbohydrates and caffeine, and when you allow yourself to skip meals or go long periods without eating. Both cause drastic dips in your blood sugar levels. If these continue for an extended period, the pancreas malfunctions and diabetes may develop. Hypoglycemia exists when your blood is abnormally low in levels of glucose (sugar). This is caused when your pancreas produces too much insulin (which takes glucose from your blood and puts it into your cells for energy). When the pancreas gland senses a drastic dip in blood sugar caused by rollercoaster eating habits, it produces excessive insulin to ensure that cells aren't starved and can function. This results in low amounts of blood sugar and symptoms of fatigue, light-headedness, cravings, nervousness and irritability. Poor adrenal and thyroid function, kidney and pancreas disorders and candida overgrowth are also linked hypoglycemia. High blood sugar (also known as hyperglycemia or diabetes mellitus): This condition occurs when your blood is abnormally high in levels of glucose (sugar). Diabetes is caused in Type I Diabetes by insufficient secretion of insulin by the pancreas (the opposite of the above condition), and in mature-onset Type II Diabetes when the pancreas produces insulin but it is ineffective. Type II, the most common, is usually caused by diet and impaired glucose tolerance. This results in initial symptoms of abnormal thirst, hunger, weakness, fatigue and frequent urination. Complications of diabetes include blindness, heart disease, stroke and kidney failure and are now the third leading cause of death in North America. Balancing your blood sugar is necessary in order to live a long healthy life. Below are some vitamins, minerals, herbs and nutraceuticals that have been shown to effectively maintain optimal blood sugar levels and to protect against diabetic neuropathy. Vitamin B Complex is essential for protein and carbohydrate metabolism and digestion and helps the body tolerate foods that produce low blood sugar reactions. Vitamin C is useful for adrenal insufficiency. Zinc is needed for proper release of insulin. Manganese maintains blood glucose levels. Magnesium and Calcium assist carbohydrate metabolism. Vanadyl sulphate Studies in animals with and without diabetes suggest that vanadium may have an insulin-like effect in reducing blood sugar levels. Based on these findings, preliminary studies involving humans have been conducted, with promising results. Chromium polynicotinate Chromium's most important function in the body is to help regulate the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Insulin plays a starring role in this fundamental biological process by regulating the movement of glucose out of the blood and into the cells. Fenugreek Present interest in fenugreek focuses on its potential benefits for people with diabetes or high cholesterol. Numerous studies and preliminary trials in humans have found that fenugreek can reduce blood sugar and serum cholesterol levels in people with diabetes. Gymnema sylvestre Also called gurmar, it has a coincidental double relationship to sugar. When placed on the tongue, it blocks the sensation of sweetness, and when taken internally, it can help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Bitter melon Bitter melon is used therapeutically in Asia, Africa and India to treat the symptoms of diabetes, especially late onset diabetes mellitus. It contains an insulin-like molecule known as plant insulin, which resembles synthetic insulin in its structure and is used to regulate blood sugar levels. Dragons blood This gum-resin looks like dried blood and has a long history of use in India as a treatment for diabetes. Bhuiamla Bhuiamla has been used to correct and restore liver functions, which are essential for glucose metabolism. It activates the liver for effective glucose utilization, thus helping maintain blood sugar levels. It stimulates the liver for the process of glycogenesis (formation of glycogen from food), thereby helping regulate blood sugar levels. Basil Pharmacological studies demonstrate that basil seeds contain several bioflavonoidal and terpene principals that exert potent anti-stress, immunomodulators. Basil also has liver activating actions. Indian gooseberry In traditional medical systems, this herb is known to strengthen and improve the functioning of the pancreas in diabetics. It reduces the negative effects of free radicals, which are responsible for damage to the insulin producing b-cells of the pancreas. Tinospora Tinospora has an anti-hyperglycaemic and cholesterol regulating action. Treatment with tinospora results in an improvement in glucose tolerance and an increase in plasma insulin levels. It also possesses immunomodulatory and anti-stress effects. Tinospora has been reported to stimulate the liver for the process of glycogenesis (formation of glycogen from food), thereby helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Banaba Banaba possesses the powerful compound corosolic acid, which lends itself to the treatment of diabetes. Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo biloba extract may prove useful for the prevention and treatment of early stage diabetic neuropathy. Ginkgo may also reduce nerve damage resulting from poor circulation to the extremities (common in diabetes sufferers). Dandelion Dandelion and inulin have demonstrated experimental hypoglycemic activity. This may be due to the fact that inulin is composed of fructose chains, which may act to buffer blood glucose levels and prevent sudden and severe fluctuations. Alpha-lipoic acid Alpha-lipoic acid is used to counter nerve damage in people with diabetes. Known as diabetic neuropathy, this painful condition tends to develop in people who have uncontrolled diabetes for a period of time. Dr. Phil Billmunn Dr. Phil Billmunn researches alternative healthcare and medicine, with a focus on wellness through proper nutrition. This article has appeared in, and is supplied courtesy of VISTA Magazine |
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