Diabetes is a long-term condition that requires constant monitoring by medical professionals…however, when it comes to diabetic conditions there are many natural ways of controlling them that may be used alongside medical diabetes treatment. With the right information you can take control of your blood sugar levels…often even without resorting to drugs or invasive procedures (although best results are seen when both treatment practices are used in conjunction). There are hundreds of home remedies available in the market today that help manage diabetes naturally. The following paragraphs briefly cover simple herbal solutions that have been used traditionally around the world as well as modern scientific studies on their effectiveness.
Here’s our list of top three tips for managing diabetes at home:
- A Simple Home Remedy for Diabetic Conditions and Blood Sugar Control
A teaspoonful of fresh lemon juice mixed with water helps keep diabetics healthy by reducing insulin resistance. It also regulates blood glucose level and prevents hypoglycemic attacks (low blood sugar).Vitamin C has an antioxidant property that protects cells and tissues from free radicals. Free radical formation is linked to aging process and other chronic diseases. In addition, vitamin C boosts the immune system and keeps infections away from the skin. Therefore, drinking a glass of warm water with freshly squeezed lemon juice twice daily will contribute significantly towards improving your overall health.
The benefits of this remedy include improved digestion, reduced cholesterol absorption, increased energy, enhanced metabolism, better cardiovascular function, reduction in fat accumulation in liver and kidneys, weight loss, and protection against certain cancers. - Natural Treatments for Blood Sugar Control
Sugar affects us differently depending upon the time of day. When you eat refined sugars they get converted into glucose within minutes and stored in the bloodstream ready for use. This causes spikes in blood sugar levels resulting in high glycemic index foods. Eating carbohydrates directly before sleeping causes rapid rise in blood sugar levels leading to sleep deprivation. To combat this problem drink green tea instead of coffee first thing in the morning. Green tea reduces stress hormones and promotes good moods. Its polyphenols protect brain neurons from damage caused by free radicals.
Drinking two cups of green tea per day may reduce the risk of developing diabetes over a period. However, avoid taking caffeine supplements as they increase the production of cortisol, which increases appetite and contributes to obesity, which increases the risk of high blood sugar..
In order to maintain normal blood sugar levels try eating complex carbs before bedtime. Complex carbs break down slowly releasing glucose gradually into the blood stream thus preventing blood sugar spikes during night rest. Eat more vegetables especially leafy greens, beans, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, fruits, and berries throughout the day. They contain phytochemicals called flavonoids, carotenoid pigments and dietary fiber that enhance insulin sensitivity and lower triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and blood pressure. Fruits rich in potassium like bananas, oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, melons, peaches, papayas, apricots, cherries, plums, pears and dates improve kidney functioning and fight hypertension.
Berries like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberry, red grape, strawberry, raspberry, and cherry contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) responsible for increasing bad cholesterol. Other important nutrients found in most fruit varieties are vitamins B6, E, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese selenium, protein, calcium, sodium, chloride, potassium, phosphorous, sulfur, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, bioflavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acid, and procyanidins. These compounds work together to strengthen teeth enamel, eyesight, bone strength, muscle tone, memory, vision, circulation, fertility, and boost immune systems. They also have been known to play a role at decreasing blood sugar and helps to manage diabetes. - Herbs For Managing Diabetes Type 1 And Type 2
Olive Leaf Extract – Research indicates that olive leaves extract lowers blood sugar levels by inhibiting alpha amylase enzymes produced by pancreas. Alpha amylases break starch molecules into maltose units making them readily absorbable by small intestine lining causing rapid spike of blood sugar levels. Olive leaves extract works best when combined with cinnamon powder and honey.
Ginger Root – Ginger root stimulates the flow of digestive juices containing hydrochloric acid responsible for breaking down food particles into smaller pieces. Hydrochloric acid helps release stomach acids needed for efficient breakdown of starches contained in various types of meals, which directly correlates to high & low blood sugar issues if not balanced properly. - Garlic
Garlic bulb contains compound Allin known to relieve chest congestion. Ingestion of garlic cloves improves lung functions and strengthens respiratory tract linings. Garlic oil reduces the number of white blood cell counts involved in inflammatory reactions while stimulating T-lymphocytes responsible for attacking viral infected cells. Raw garlic applied externally on wounds and sores reduces bacterial growth and speeds healing processes. Internal consumption of raw garlic reduces platelet aggregation (blood clotting), inhibits thrombus formations, maintains low cholesterol levels, decreases susceptibility to infectious diseases, and controls elevated blood pressure (a direct cause of diabetes). Both male and female infertility can be treated effectively using garlic. Studies show that ingesting garlic regularly reduces the rate of occurrence of colon cancer and prostate cancer and event helps to prevent high blood sugar and diabetes.
5. Bilberry
Bilberry shrub grows wild along rocky slopes, coastal cliffs, and riverbanks of North America and Europe. Native Americans discovered early on how bilberries protected their eyes from harmful rays of sunlight and built fortresses out of berry bushes to hide behind. Today scientists link bilberries’ ability to slow progression of macular degeneration to powerful antioxidant pigment named anthocyanoside. Anthocyanoside gives bilberries their characteristic deep purple hue. Consuming bilberries preserves eyesight because anthocyanoside delays deterioration of retinal capillaries and slows down oxidation (unwanted chemical reaction involving oxygen) of lipoproteins (fatty proteins circulating in plasma) inside retina impairing vision. Oxidation of lipoproteins leads to atherosclerosis (clogging of arteries) which eventually results in stroke or heart attack and help prevent diabetes. Evidence suggests that bilberries make lenses yellowish brown rather than transparent because they block UV light reaching lens fibers. Researchers say bilberries could play key role in fighting cataracts later in life.
6. Cinnamon Bark Powder
Cinnamon bark is ground into fine powder and sold commercially. Chemically it is termed coumarin. Coumarin releases hydrogen cyanide when chewed or digested. Hydrogen cyanide interferes with blood sugar regulating mechanism ultimately lowering blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
For most people, the key to keeping their blood sugar under control is simply a matter of adjusting their lifestyle. They may find that using these natural remedies works as well as medicine. If you’re dealing with high blood sugar and feel like conventional medications aren’t working, try one of these alternative remedies. And remember, it’s not about replacing your doctor; it’s about finding the right combination of healthful choices for you.
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