Natural Remedies for Diabetics
Written by: mcandy43
For anyone with diabetes, finding remedies to manage their condition is a key priority. The treatments include lifestyle strategies and sometimes medications, but complementary therapies may also provide help with management. If you are not sure of where to get started, these home cures offer some great options.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used for a variety of health-related promotions. The primary active ingredient in this vinegar is acetic acid which is believed to be responsive for its many health benefits. There are a few options to use the vinegar in managing blood glucose levels. Taking two tablespoons before you go to bed may help to reduce your fasting sugar levels in the morning. Additionally, taking a few tablespoons of the vinegar with meals may decrease its glycemic load.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a popular spice that adds flavor to a variety of dishes. It’s commonly used in pies and other baked goods but actually adds its own sweetness without adding any sugar. It’s popular for people with diabetes for this reason but it may also involve other benefits. It appears that in people with diabetes, cinnamon may improve glucose levels and increase insulin sensitivity. You can use cinnamon in your dishes, but it may also be found as a supplement.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a type of seed that contains fiber and other compounds. The mechanism by which it works is probably by slowing down carbohydrate digestion. There is some evidence that including fenugreek in a healthy diet works to delay or prevent type two diabetes. People who were prediabetic and took fenugreek were less likely to receive a diagnosis of type two diabetes. The best way to take the fenugreek is to include it with meals or to take it as a supplement before meals.
Gymnema
We get many of our medicinal herbs and supplements from India. Gymnema is an herb that is native to India and has been used for its therapeutic properties for hundreds of years. The name of this supplement actually means “sugar destroyer.” People with diabetes can take this supplement and it works in a variety of methods. It both stimulates insulin production and also lowers blood glucose levels. The ground leaf or the leaf extract are the two parts of the plant that are used for diabetes.
Ginger
Ginger is popular for its anti-inflammatory properties. People often use ginger to treat a variety of digestive or inflammatory conditions. It’s probably one of the more versatile home remedies for any number of conditions. However, ginger has also been used to help with diabetes management. The results from studies indicate that including ginger in your diet may help to lower blood sugar levels even without making any other dietary changes. Ginger may reduce insulin resistance for type two diabetes. To include ginger in a general healthful diet, you can add ginger to the foods you prepare. It can also be brewed into a soothing tea or taken as a supplement in capsule form.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a plant that most people consider for sunburns and other skin irritation. However, people have been using it for a variety of other properties as well. Many people will drink aloe-vera-containing juices for digestive disorders. It may have other benefits as well to slow down and treat type two diabetes. One study looked at the use of aloe vera to treat symptoms of diabetes. Some findings suggested that aloe may help to protect or repair beta cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin. This may be due to the high antioxidant effects of the plant. The best way to enjoy aloe is to add the pulp to juices or smoothies. It’s also possible to take aloe capsules as a supplement. Avoid taking any aloe vera skin products as supplements though since they are not designed for this use and may be harmful.
All of these natural remedies offer options for people with diabetes for improved management. If you’re not sure of where to get started, consider which of these options would be easiest to include in your lifestyle. Start with one remedy and take note of whether it proves to be effective for you. Supplements affect people differently so take note of which ones work best for you.
