Diabetes The following article gives information about
diabetes.
This is a growing condition and research suggests that it can
be controlled by combining medical and natural methods. As part
of our regular newsletter there will be examples of successful alternative
treatments.
Diabetes can be helped !!!
Diabetes occurs either when the pancreas stops producing insulin
or the body is unable to use the insulin it produces. Both result
in glucose, the body's fuel, not being absorbed by the cells. Insulin
is needed to be present and working for this absorption to occur.
There are two types of Diabetes:
Type 1
Type 1 is insulin dependent and diabetics must inject themselves
with insulin daily to control blood sugar levels. Type 1's pancreas
is not producing insulin or producing insufficient insulin, the
result of which is the body is unable to process glucose (sugar).
This causes a high level of glucose in the blood, and low absorption
of the vital energy-producing glucose by the tissues.
Blood sugar levels can swing wildly between Hyperglycaemia and
Hypoglycaemia.
a) Hyperglycaemia - when there is an abnormally large
amount of sugar in the blood
b) Hypoglycaemia - when there is an abnormally small
amount of sugar in the blood.
Type 1 usually first appears under the age of 35, particularly
in adolescents and develops rapidly.
Type 2
In type 2 diabetes, the body produces its own insulin, but the cells
are unable to respond to it properly. This form of diabetes is associated
with obesity and in some cases pregnancy. It usually affects people
aged 40 and over. It is often possible for those with Type 2 to
avoid taking drugs and to regulate the condition with changes to
their diet.
This approach in most cases is more effective and more pleasant.
But always consult with your health practitioner.
Diabetes can cause narrowing of the small blood vessels throughout
the body. The higher the blood sugar levels, the more the small
blood vessels narrow. Resulting in the vessels carrying less blood
and circulation is impaired. Poor circulation can lead to a number
of complications connected to diabetes: eye, foot and kidney problems.
There are number of foods and herbs that can assist in controlling
the blood sugar levels.
Goldenseal
will bring elevated blood sugar levels plunging down and step up
the production of insulin in the pancreas. For type 2 diabetics
this is great news, but for hypoglycaemics it is something to watch
very carefully. Goldenseal should help but not cure diabetes. A
tincture extract can be taken approximately 15 drops, two or three
times daily.
Scientific studies have shown that onions reduce blood sugar levels
for longer periods than insulin, but more slowly. Ensure you have
plenty in your diet. Onions are best eaten raw as cooking partially
destroys its active compounds, which are contained in a highly volatile
oil. Like onions, garlic has a significant ability to control blood
sugar levels. Garlic has a strong odour so take as a tincture or
other supplement. Either way try to ensure your diet is rich in
garlic.
Fenugreek
contains six compounds that help regulate blood sugar levels. Modern
research shows that fenugreek seeds not only lower blood glucose
but reduce insulin levels, total cholesterol and triglycerides,
while increasing HDL (the good cholesterol).
Olive leaf
acts as a hypotensive (lowers the blood sugar levels) and dilates
the walls of blood vessels. Thereby increasing blood flow and circulation
through the body and to vital organs. It has no side effects even
when taken over a long period, so it is good for diabetics.
Cayenne pepper
is a wonderful herb to stimulate circulation. When your blood is
circulating more efficiently you don't need as much of the chemicals
that your body produces. A little will go a long way.
A retired plant scientist and a former Smithsonian botanist, James
A. Duke and Edward S.Ayensu believe that Korean ginseng is a remedy
for a wide variety of disease or ills. In their two-volume reference
work Medicinal Plants of China (1:123) they report that among other
aliments ginseng is good for diabetes.
Copyright © 2002 - 2005 P. Topham:
U.S. Nutritional and Herbal Researcher - All Rights Reserved
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