Guest guest Posted July 24, 2002 Report Share Posted July 24, 2002 Subject:FAQS: Refined Sugar Answers to Frequently Asked Questions pertaining to refined sugar: QUESTION 1...Does diet make a difference or is my risk based entirely on heredity? Answer...Studies show that that it may be a lack of fiber in the typical American diet that exacerbates sugar's long-term harmful effects! QUESTION 2...What about lifestyle? Is this a contributing factor in diabetes, hypoglycemia, yeast syndrome, ADD and autoimmune disease? Answer...A study performed at the University of Buffalo concludes that it is a combination of a lack of exercise, a diet filled with hydrogenated and saturated fat, and consumption of refined sugar combined with only tiny bits of fiber that increases risk of chronic medical problems like diabetes. QUESTION 3...Are there some safe alternatives to refined sugars? Answer...Absolutely! For individuals with a raging sweet tooth, Stevia may represent a reasonable alternative. It satisfies the craving for sugar, without sugar's impact on blood gluose levels, or it's contribution to obesity, tooth decay, and several degenerative diseases. Like aspartame, stevia has virtually NO calories, but unlike aspartame, it is not associated with adverse side effects! steviasmart.com QUESTION 4...How does brown rice syrup affect blood sugar levels? Answer...Made from 100% whole brown rice, and comprised of 60% complex carbohydrates but less than 15% simple sugars, this sweetener is metabolized steadily and offers an even source of energy without those frequent sugar *spikes* associated with consumption of refined sugars. QUESTION 5...What can I do if I'm worried about chronic disease such as diabetes and hypoglycemia? Answer...If you are worried about chronic disease, add FIBER to your diet, and exercise daily. Do this in addition to limiting your refined sugar intake!! QUESTION 4...How does brown rice syrup affect blood sugar levels? Answer...Made from 100% whole brown rice, and comprised of 60% complex carbohydrates but less than 15% simple sugars, this sweetener is metabolized steadily and offers an even source of energy!! QUESTION 6...Are there some supplements available to help me if I already have a sugar problem? Answer...Numerous studies confirm that Chromium Picolinate is essential to maintain Healthy Glucose levels and to store Glycogen. Natural Vitamin E supplements (400+ IU), Alfalfa, Fenugreek, Vanadyl Sulfate and Lipoic Acid are important aids in maintaining normal sugar levels. and as a deterrant to chronic disease! Did you know that.... " over-consumption " of sugar can lead to Diabetes, Hypoglycemia, Arterioscerosis, Yeast Syndrome, ADD and Autoimmune Diseases? And if that's not enough... it weakens the Immune System. QUESTION 7...I am a chocoholic. Are there any supplements that will help with chocolate cravings? Answer...Yes, definitely! Recent studies are linking chocolate cravings with Magnesium deficiencies! QUESTION 8...Are there sufficient quantities of these supplements in my multivitamin or should I take more? Answer...The amounts present in your mulitvitamin are usually not sufficient. Supplement with 400 to 600 mcgs of Chromium Picolinate daily to achieve normal sugar levels and avoid chronic disease! QUESTION 9...Does sugar affect my immune system? Answer...Yes, absolutely! Sugar reduces your body's ability to fight infections and drains it's reserve of B-vitamins! The B-Vitamins are used up metabolizing the sugar!! Food processing and refinement rob the body of much-needed nutrients! To strengthen your immune system cut back on sugar and eat whole natural foods...(no refined or processed) as much as possible!! QUESTION 9...Are there any natural sweeteners I can use? Answer...Certainly! Stevia is an excellent sugar substitute. Stevia is popular in Europe, Japan, Australia, South America and North America as a sweetener in diet pop and other drinks. Refined extracts of Stevia are estimated to be 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar, but have virtually NO CALORIES! Furthermore, Stevia does not raise blood sugar levels and can be used in cooking and baking. It is an excellent substitute for the harmful Nutrasweet/Aspartame and can be safely used as a dietary aid for hypoglycemia and diabetes glucose management. QUESTION 10...Is Stevia/Agave safe for hypoglycemia and diabetics? Answer...Positively Yes! For individuals with a raging sweet tooth, Stevia may represent a reasonable alternative. It satisfies the craving for sugar, without sugar's impact on blood gluose levels, or it's contribution to obesity, tooth decay, and several degenerative diseases. Like aspartame, stevia has virtually NO calories, but unlike aspartame, it is not associated with adverse side effects! steviasmart.com In an effort to offer an alternative for sugar, companies as Clif Bar and BTU Stoker are utilizing brown rice syrup to sweeten their health bars. Visit-- www.clifbar.com In addition, there are natural sweeteners available from local Health Food Stores and various websites. These are: Turbinado Sugar Date Sugar Brown Rice Syrup Agave Stevia JoAnn Guest angelprincessjo Friendsforhealthnaturally The complete " Whole Body " Health line consists of the " AIM GARDEN TRIO " Ask About Health Professional Support Series: AIM Barleygreen " Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future " http://canceranswer.homestead.com/AIM.html Health - Feel better, live better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 24, 2002 Report Share Posted July 24, 2002 - " JoAnn Guest " <angelprincessjo Wednesday, July 24, 2002 11:37 AM FAQS: Refined Sugar > QUESTION 4...How does brown rice syrup affect blood sugar levels? > Answer...Made from 100% whole brown rice, and comprised of 60% > complex carbohydrates but less than 15% simple sugars, this > sweetener is metabolized steadily and offers an even source of > energy without those frequent sugar *spikes* associated with > consumption of refined sugars. I would disagree here. Carbohydrates need insulin to digest, whether they are high or low glycemic index. Adding brown rice syrup to the diet is not (IMO) good if one has a problem with diabetes or is concerned that one may be prone to developing it. > > QUESTION 6...Are there some supplements available to help me if I > already have a sugar problem? > > Answer...Numerous studies confirm that Chromium Picolinate is > essential to maintain Healthy Glucose levels and to store Glycogen. > Natural Vitamin E supplements (400+ IU), > Alfalfa, Fenugreek, Vanadyl Sulfate and Lipoic Acid are important > aids in maintaining normal sugar levels. and as a deterrant to > chronic disease! I would add to this list with the following: Gourdin http://www.herbscancure.com/diabetes.htm List of supplements here: http://www.i-care.net/eyeresearch.html/#diabetes and th list below, for which I do not have a referenceing URL. > In an effort to offer an alternative for sugar, companies as Clif > Bar and BTU Stoker are utilizing brown rice syrup to sweeten their > health bars. > > Visit-- www.clifbar.com I would stay away from Cliff bars completely. They add carbohydrates into the diet for no good reason. The fact that they are sold in Health Food stores makes me very angry. > > > > > In addition, there are natural sweeteners available from local > Health Food Stores and various websites. > > These are: > > Turbinado Sugar > Date Sugar > Brown Rice Syrup I'd sure stay away from all three of these. IMO, best to wean oneself away from sugar instead of changing the glyucemic index of sugars one eats. Alobar +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Herbal Recommendations for Diabetes Before the advent of insulin, diabetes was treated with plant medicines. In 1980 the World Health Organization urged researchers to examine whether traditional medicines possessed any real medicinal effects. In the last 10-20 years scientific investigation has, in fact, confirmed the efficacy of many of these preparations, some of which are remarkably effective. This discussion is, of necessity, limited to a few plants-those that appear most effective are relatively nontoxic, and have substantial documentation of efficacy. The following plants are discussed: onions and garlic, bitter melon, Gymnema Sylvestre, fenugreek, salt bush, and pterocarpus. In addition, three other herbal medicines (bilberry, grape seed, and ginkgo extracts) are discussed because of their important roles in dealing with diabetic complications. Even though the herbs described here possess blood sugar-lowering effects, proper and effective natural treatment of the diabetic patient requires the careful integration of diet, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle, along with herbal medicines. Onions (Allium cepa and garlic (Allium sativum) Onions and garlic have demonstrated blood sugar lowering action. The active principles are believed to be the sulfur-containing compounds allyl propyl disulfide (APDS) and diallyl disulfide oxide (allicin), respectively, although other constituents such as flavonoids may play a role as well. The cardiovascular effects of garlic and onions, that is, cholesterol and blood pressure lowering actions, further substantiate the liberal intake of garlic and onions by the diabetic patient. Bitter Melon Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), also know as balsam pear, is a typical fruit widely cultivated in Asia, Africa, and South America. The unripe fruits are eaten as a vegatable. Bitter melon is a green, cucumber-shaped fruit with gourd like bumps all over it. It looks like an ugly cucumber. In addition to being eaten as a vegetable, unripe bitter melon has been used extensively in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes. The blood-sugar lowering action of the fresh juice or extract of the unripe fruit has been clearly established in human clinical trials as well as experimental models. Bitter melon is composed of several compounds with confirmed anti-diabetic properties. Charantin, extracted by alcohol, is a hypoglycemic agent composed of mixed steroids that is more potent than the oral hypoglycemic drug tolbutamide. Momordica charantia also contains an insulin-like polypeptide P, which lowers blood sugar levels when injected subcutaneously into type I diabetics. Since it appears to have fewer side effects than insulin, it has been suggested as a replacement for some patients. The oral administration of bitter melon preparations has shown good results in clinical trials in patients with type II diabetes. In one study, glucose tolerance was improved in 73 percent of type II diabetics given 2 ounces of the juice. The pooled area under the glucose tolerance curves of the patients responding to the bitter melon was 187.0 square centimeters---much lower than the baseline level of 243.6 square centimeters. In another study, 15 grams of the aquaeous extract of bitter melon produced a 54 percent decrease in postprandial blood sugar level and a 17 percent reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin in six patients. Unripe bitter melon is available primarily at Asian grocery stores. Health food stores may have bitter melon extracts, but the fresh juice is probably best, as this was what was used in some of the studies. Bitter melon juice is, in my opinion, very difficult to make palatable. As its name implies, it is quite bitter. If you want the medicinal effects, simply plug your nose and take a 2-ounce shot of the juice. The dosage of other forms should approximate this dose. Gymnema Sylvestre Gymnema sylvestre is a plant native to the tropical forests of India, and has long been used as a treatment for diabetes. Recent scientific investigation has upheld its effectiveness in both type I and type II diabetes. Gymnema is probably the most practical herbal recommendation for improving blood sugar control in diabetics. High-quality gymnema extracts are available in health food stores. Gymnema Sylvestre appeared on the U.S.market a few years ago. Originally it was hyped as a " sugar blocker " . Manufacturers erroneously claimed that gymnema could block the absorption of sugar in the gastrointestinal tract and allow the sugar to pass on through the intestinal tract unabsorbed. Ridiculous advertisement claims were made, such as " how to cut down on sugar calories without cutting down on sugar. " This was, in my opinion, a blatant distortion of the truth. Gymnema components, such as gymnemic acid, block the sensation of sweetness when applied to the tongue. This has shown some clinical significance. Subjects that had gymnema extracts applied to the tongue consumed fewer calories at a meal compared to subjects not treated with gymnema. It must be stressed that the gymnema extract was applied to the tongues-subjects did now swallow it in capsule or tablet form, as this would not produce the same effect. Gymnema extracts enhance glucose control in diabetic dogs and rabbits. Interestingly, in animals that have had their pancreas removed, gymnema possesses no obvious effects. It can therefore be concluded that gymnema enhances the production of endogenous insulin. The results of animal studies suggest that it accomplishes this through regeneration of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Studies in humans seem to support this, both in type I and type II diabetes. An extract of the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre given to twenty-seven patients with type I diabetes on insulin therapy was shown to reduce insulin requirements and fasting blood sugar levels, and to improve blood sugar control. This study confirmed earlier work in animal studies. In type I diabetes, gymnema appears to work by enhancing the action of insulin. Furthermore, there is some evidence that it may possibly regenerate or revitalize the beta cells of the pancreas. Gymnema extract has also shown positive results in type II diabetes. In one study, twenty-two type II diabetics were given gymnema extract along with the oral hypoglycemic drugs. All patients demonstrated improved blood sugar control; twenty-one out of the twenty-two subjects were able to reduce their drug dosage considerably; and five subjects were able to discontinue their medication and maintain blood sugar control with the gymnema extract alone. The dosage for Gymnema sylvestre extract is 400 mgs per day in both type I and type II diabetes. It is interesting to note that gymnema extract is without side effects and exerts it blood sugar-lowering effects only in cases of diabetes. Gymnema extract, when given to healthy volunteers, does not produce any blood sugar lowering or hypoglycemic effects. Fenugreek Fenugreek seeds have demonstrated significant anti-diabetic effects in experimental and clinical studies. The active principle is in the defatted portion of the seed and contains the alkaloid trigonelline, nicotinic acid, and coumarin. Administration of the defatted seed (in daily doses of 1.5-2 grams per kilogram) to both normal and diabetic dogs reduces fasting and after meal blood levels of glucose, glucagon, somatostatin,insulin, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. Human studies confirm these effects. Defatted fenugreek seed powder given twice daily in a 50-gram dose to insulin dependent diabetics resulted in significant reduction in fasting blood sugar and improved glucose tolerance test results. There was also a 54 percent reduction in 24-hour urinary glucose excretion and significant reductions in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and triglyceride values. Innoninsulin diabetics the addition of 15 grams of powdered fenugreek seed soaked in water significantly reduced postprandial glucose levels during the meal tolerance test. These results indicate that fenugreek seeds or defatted fenugreek seed powder should be included in the diet of the diabetic. Salt Bush (Atriplex halimus) Salt bush is a branch woody shrub native to the Mediterranean, North Africa, and southern Europe. Salt bush is especially common around the Jordan valley in inundated saline depressions and oases. Salt bush is the feeding source of the sand rat. Researchers began investigating the possible therapeutic benefits of atriplex in humans when it was noticed that sand rats switched from a diet rich in atriplex to standard rat chow typically developed severe diabetes. Replacing the atriplex to the diet brought about a quick reversal of the condition. Human studies conducted in Israel have yielded good results in patients with type II diabetes. Blood glucose levels and glucose tolerance were improved. Atriplex is rich in fiber, protein, and numerous trace minerals including chromium. The dosage used in the human studies was 3 grams per day. Pterocarpus (Pterocarpus marsupium) Pterocarpus has a long history of use in India as a treatment for diabetes. The flavonoid, (-)-epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant, prevents beta cell damage in rats. Further, both epicatechin and a crude alcohol extract of Pterocarpus marsupium actually regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells in diabetic animals. Epicatechin is also found in green tea (Camellia sinensis). As there are no commercial sources of pterocarpus in the United States, green tea may be suitable alternative. At least two cups of green tea should be consumed per day. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), grape seed (Vitis vinifera), and Ginkgo biloba extracts Bilberry, grape seed, and Ginkgo biloba extracts offer significant benefits to diabetics. The active compounds of these extracts are flavonoids. These flavonoids increase vitamin C levels, decrease the leakiness and breakage of small blood vessels, prevent easy bruising, and exert potent antioxidant effects. These effects are greatly needed in dealing with the microvascular abnormalities of diabetes and preventing diabetic retinopathy. Although all three of these extracts are of significant benefit, bilberry and grape seed extract are probably the best to use in the prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, while gingko biloba extract appears most useful in the prevention and treatment of peripheral vascular and nerve disease due to diabetes. Regardless of the source, PCO extracts can be used to support good health. As a preventive measure and as antioxidant support, a daily dose of 50 mgs of the grape seed extract is suitable. When used for therapeutic purposes, the daily dose should be increased to 150 to 300 mgs. For PCO bound to phosphatidylcholine, the dose for general support is 50 mgs; for therapeutic purposes, 150 mgs. PCO extracts exert no side effect. The standard dose for bilberry should be used on its anthocyanoside content, as calculated by its anthocyanidin percentage. Widely used pharmaceutical preparations in Europe are standardized for anthocyanidin content (typically 25 percent). The following doses should be taken three times daily: Anthocyanosides (calculated as anthocyanidin): 20-40 mgs. Bilberry extract (25 percent anthocyanidin content): 80- 160 mgs Much of the clinical research on Gingko biloba has utilized a standardized extract, containing 24 percent ginkgo heterosides (flavone gylcosides) at a dosage of 40 mgs three times a day. However, some studies have used a slightly higher dosage of 80 mgs three times daily. Clinical research clearly shows that GBE should be taken consistently for at least 12 weeks in order to be effective. Although most people report benefits within 2 to 3 weeks, some may take longer to respond. Gingko biloba leaf extract is extremely safe and side effects are uncommon. In 44 double blind studies involving 9,772 patients taking GBE, the number of side effects reported was extremely small. The most common side effect, gastrointestinal discomfort, occurred in only twenty-one cases. Taken from- " The Healing Power of Herbs " Revised and expanded 2nd version -- Michael T. Murray, N.D. Co-author of " Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2002 Report Share Posted July 25, 2002 ---Good Evening Alobar, I have no idea which type of diabetes you are presently dealing with. However the article I sent on was primarily an article to help those who are seeking to prevent chronic sugar problems rather than deal with advanced cases of diabetes and/or hypoglycemia. Anyone with diabetes should be constantly monitored and dietary changes including the elimination of sugar and starches should be part of the regimen. It is my understanding that in the most severe cases of diabetes, the body literally starves to death from a lack of nutrients. I have an article to that effect. However I am of the opinion that the right diet can be very beneficial in controlling and reversing the process. As for carbs, there is a vast difference in various carbs and I find that one just cannot put them all into the same category when evaluating their affects on glucose levels. Simple carbs are rapidly assimilated and trigger insulin spikes, whereas complex carbs react quite differently. Beans, for instance, (a complex carb) help control insulin levels. This is important in diabetics because of their ability to regulate insulin output. One group of Type I diabetics (those who require daily insulin injections) cut back on their need for insulin by as much as 38 percent when put on a bean-rich diet. And…. Most of the Type II diabetics were able to stop insulin injections entirely. Cabbage, lettuce and celery all contain sulfur compounds that decrease blood-sugar levels. Cabbage in particular, seems to delay dextrose absorption. Oddly, string bean juice, which is rich calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium and vitamin A, seems to help restore the liver, spleen and pancreas which secrete digestive enzymes and the hormone insulin. Pancreatic enzymes are also helpful in some cases. Apples stabilize blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels. Apples are good news for diabetics, hypoglycemics and others who are extra- sensitive to blood sugar highs and lows. The high fiber and pectin content of an apple helps keep blood sugar levels steady. And, by the way, a well-balanced blood sugar level naturally curbs your appetite. You can boost the pectin power of an apple by finely chopping the pulp . This makes the apple easier to digest so that it can go to work faster washing out cellular fats. Oddly enough, Soybeans keep insulin levels down and blood sugar under control. If one tries this approach however, I would recommend using non-gmo soybeans and avoid those genetically altered varieties! Brown Rice sugar might be a good alternative for refined sugar to those who are dealing with the early stages of hypoglycemia, but I totally agree that anyone with an advanced case of diabetes should avoid it at all costs. (diabetic cookbooks put it at ½ diabetic exchange) It might be used as an alternative to refined sugar in some cases, although I agree that in extreme cases such as yours seems to be, it should be avoided. Those links you provided have some very good suggestions also. I hope you find your answers and soon, I do know they are out there. Sometimes one just has to search for them as I did. God Bless, JoAnn JoAnn Guest angelprincessjo http://canceranswer.homestead.com/AIM.html Friendsforhealthnaturally > +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ > > Herbal Recommendations > for Diabetes > > Before the advent of insulin, diabetes was treated with plant > medicines. In 1980 the World Health Organization urged researchers to > examine whether traditional medicines possessed any real medicinal > effects. In the last 10-20 years scientific investigation has, in > fact, confirmed the efficacy of many of these preparations, some of > which are remarkably effective. This discussion is, of necessity, > limited to a few plants-those that appear most effective are > relatively nontoxic, and have substantial documentation of efficacy. > The following plants are discussed: onions and garlic, bitter melon, > Gymnema Sylvestre, fenugreek, salt bush, and pterocarpus. In > addition, three other herbal medicines (bilberry, grape seed, and > ginkgo extracts) are discussed because of their important roles in > dealing with diabetic complications. Even though the herbs described > here possess blood sugar-lowering effects, proper and effective > natural treatment of the diabetic patient requires the careful > integration of diet, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle, along Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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