Here's some diabetes info: Diabetes: Drugs Won't Solve the Problem

[Guest guest]

>

>

> The Standard American Diet (SAD)is loaded with foods that combine

> simple carbohydrates with fats. This combination is found in most

> fried foods, candy, cookies, cakes, sweet rolls, etc. When simple

> sugars and heated fats are consumed together, not only will you

> experience dramatic increases in blood fats, but also fat storage,

> weight gain, and a decreased metabolic rate.

>

> Drugs Won't Solve the Problem

>

> Over the last decade or so, the public has been lured into a false

> sense of security when it comes to diabetes. The pharmaceutical

> companies and conventional medicine have promoted the idea that

> diabetes is a

> " controllable " problem.

>

> Most people now think that diabetes is something about as serious as

> high blood pressure. Simply by taking a few pills each day, everyone

> can go on their merry way without any additional consequences. Don't

> you believe it.

>

> Although the general public will never realize it, the

> pharmaceutical companies will conduct one of the biggest marketing

> scams of all time over the next five or ten years.

> Millions of younger and younger individuals in this country will

> begin to develop diabetes. In fact, thanks to things like soft

> drinks, or " liquid candy, " it's already happening.

>

> The average teenage boy now drinks 3.5 twelve-ounce sodas

> a day (one out of ten drinks 7 cans a day).

>

> Each of these sodas has the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar.

>

> Girls in the same age group drink an average of 2.5 cans a day.

> Overall, each American drinks over 54 gallons of soda per year. And

> sodas are just one source of sugar.

>

> Statistics show that average yearly consumption of total (not just

> added) sugar in this country is now over 152 pounds per person.

>

> Over 16 percent of our calories now come from refined sugar and that

> doesn't include the sugar which naturally occur in things like milk,

> fruit juice, fruit, etc.

>

> The handwriting is on the wall. Diabetes is going to be a huge

> problem in the years to come.

> And by downplaying its seriousness and marketing a magic pill

> instead of lifestyle changes, the drug companies are going to make

> billions.

>

> Meanwhile, the average person on the street won't have a clue that

> there was a connection between his morning soda and sweet roll and

> his heart attack until it's way too late.

>

> Uncontrolled blood sugar levels interfere with fat metabolism.

>

> As blood sugar levels rise unabated, the body converts these sugars

> into fatty compounds called triglycerides.

> Triglycerides slow the blood flow in the smaller arteries and

> arterioles by making the blood thicker and stickier.

>

> As the oxygen-carrying blood fails to reach various parts of the

> body in time, the damage begins to mount. The areas supplied by the

> smallest blood vessels begin to suffer first. The vision

> deteriorates. Strokes occur. Kidneys begin to fail. Cardiovascular

> disease becomes evident.

> Numbness, tingling and pain begins to occur in the lower extremities

> followed by the necessary amputation of the toes, feet or lower

> limbs.

>

> Diabetes is a slow, quiet, progressive disease.

>

> It's not something that will go away on its own, and you must

> understand that it can't be cured using conventional medications.

>

> To prevent or treat the disease, you have to make some changes in

> both your diet and lifestyle. The half-dozen or so I've spelled out

> in this issue will do the trick--if you start them soon enough. If

> the nutrition " authorities " adopted these simple guidelines today,

> diabetes could be prevented, reversed, and/or eliminated. Best of

> all, it doesn't require some rare, outrageously expensive magic

> bullet or treatment program to stop diabetes.

>

> Lifestyle and diet changes are a cure we can all afford.

>

> In discussing the necessary herbs and nutrients for dealing with

> diabetes and blood sugar problems, it's difficult to recommend exact

> dosages. Daily dosages will vary from one individual to another,

> depending on the severity of the problem. If you have diabetes or

> blood sugar problems that have necessitated the use of medication,

> don't stop your medication abruptly or on your own.

>

>

> Dietary Fiber: Sulphur-Rich Foods Beneficial for Diabetes!

>

> I am of the opinion that the correct diet can be very beneficial in

> controlling and reversing diabetes.

>

> 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 effects on glucose levels.

>

> One group of Type I diabetics (those who required 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,cauliflower, broccoli,lettuce (Romaine) 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 in magnesium and calcium,

> mushrooms, potassium, magnesium and vitamin A, has been found 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, Organic Soybeans keep insulin levels down and blood

> sugar under control. If one tries this approach however, I would

> recommend using only black soybeans,scrupulously avoiding any

> genetically altered products!

>

> Numerous studies confirm that Chromium Picolinate is

> essential to maintain Healthy Glucose levels and to store Glycogen.

> In addition, the following Minerals/Herbs are also beneficial:

>

> Natural Vitamin E supplements (400 IU 2x daily),Alfalfa(in any

> form),

> Fenugreek Seeds (this can be obtained in supplement form),Gymnemre

> sylvestre,Juniper berry, Vanadyl Sulfate, Alpha-Lipoic Acid and

> Brewers Yeast are all important aids in maintaining normal sugar

> levels and as a deterrant to chronic disease!

>

> I would add to this list the following: Gourdin, Bitter Melon

>

> http://www.herbscancure.com/diabetes.htm

> ---

>

> Dietary Soluble Fiber, Oats, & Oat Bran-

> Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center,

> Chicago, Illinois, USA.

> ---

> Water-soluble fiber appears to have a greater potential to reduce

> postprandial blood glucose, insulin, and serum lipid levels than

> insoluble fiber.

> Viscosity of the dietary fiber is important; the greater the

> viscosity, the greater the effect.

>

> How does soluble fiber help? Soluble fiber along with complex

> carbohydrates (starches) can make the hormone insulin work better.

>

> Persons with diabetes often have sharp rises of blood sugar

> following meals. Increased soluble fiber in meals slows down the

> release of food into the intestine and keeps the blood sugar from

> rising so rapidly.

>

> How do soluble fibers lower cholesterol? Soluble fiber forms a gel

> that binds with certain digestive acids made from cholesterol in the

> liver, and then takes the acids away in the stool.

> In response- your liver draws cholesterol from your blood to make

> more acids, thus lowering your blood cholesterol.

>

> How does soluble fiber regulate blood sugar? .Soluble fiber slows

> the passage of food into the intestine, leading

> to greater control over the amount of glucose entering the blood

> stream.

>

> -Soluble fiber slows absorption of blood sugar from the small

> intestine, making sugar levels easier in control, it slows down the

> digestion of carbohydrates,which results in better glucose

> metabolism.

>

> .Higher consumption of sugary processed foods can cause drastic

> highs and lows in your insulin levels.

> By controlling blood sugar, soluble fiber takes the edge off your

> cravings. This makes it a lot easier to avoid snacking on high

> calorie foods.

>

> It also *improves* mineral *absorption* by slowing down the passage

> of food into the colon.

>

> Better mineral " absorption " leads to smooth functioning of many

> enzymes and hormones, which play an active role in nutrient

> absorption and effective digestion.

>

> What is the best available soluble fiber?

>

> Soluble fiber is found in oats, oatmeal, oat bran, dried beans,

> legumes, barley,buckwheat, psyllium, guava fruits, figs and the

> pectin found in fresh organic fruits.

>

> Usually, soluble fiber is hard to get from foods. Normal food has a

> very small percentage of soluble fiber. The whole grain with the

> highest level of soluble fiber is oat bran, which has about 14%

> soluble fiber. All other whole grains contain much less soluble

> fiber than oat bran.

>

>

> Diabetes: Fiber- rich Fruit

> ---

>

> Eating carbohydrate-containing foods, whether high in sugar or high

> in starch (foods such as bread, processed breakfast cereals, and

> white rice), temporarily raises blood sugar and insulin levels.

>

> People eating large amounts of foods with high glycemic indices

> (such as those mentioned above), have been reported to be at

> increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

> On the other hand, eating a diet high in carbohydrate-rich foods

> with low glycemic indices is associated with a low risk of type 2

> diabetes.

>

> Unprocessed beans, peas, fruit, and oats, have low glycemic indices,

> despite their high carbohydrate content, due mostly to the health-

> promoting effects of soluble fiber.

>

> Most doctors recommend that people with diabetes cut intake of sugar

> from snacks and processed foods, and replace these foods with high-

> fiber, whole foods.

>

> This tends to lower the glycemic index of the overall diet and has

> the additional benefit of increasing vitamin, mineral, and fiber

> intake.

> The increase in dietary fiber is accomplished exclusively through

> the consumption of foods naturally high in fiber-such as leafy green

> vegetables, whole grains and fruit-to a level beyond that

> recommended by the ADA.

>

> All participants received both the ADA diet (providing 24 grams of

> fiber per day) and the high- fiber diet (providing 50 grams of fiber

> per day), for a period of

> six weeks. After six weeks of following each diet, tests were

> performed to determine blood glucose, insulin, cholesterol,

> triglyceride, and other values.

> When glucose levels were monitored over a 24-hour period,

> participants eating the high-fiber diet had an average glucose level

> that was 10% lower than participants eating the ADA diet.

>

> Insulin

> levels were 12% lower in the group eating the high-fiber diet

> compared to the group eating the ADA diet, indicating a beneficial

> increase in the body's sensitivity to insulin.

>

> Moreover, people eating the high-fiber diet experienced significant

> reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL ( " bad " )

> cholesterol compared to those eating the ADA diet. They also had

> slight decreases in glycosylated hemoglobin, a measure of

> chronically high blood glucose levels.

>

> High-fiber supplements, such as psyllium, guar gum (found in

> beans), pectin (from fruit), and oat bran have improved glucose

> tolerance in several studies.

>

> Positive results have also been reported with the consumption of 1-

> 3 ounces of powdered fenugreek seeds per day.

>

> Focus should be placed on fruits, vegetables, seeds, oats, and whole-

> grain products.

>

> Eating fish also may afford some protection from diabetes.

> Incorporating a fish meal into a weight-loss regimen was more

> effective than either measure alone at improving glucose and insulin

> metabolism and high cholesterol.33

>

> Vegetarians have been reported to have a low risk of type 2

> diabetes

> When people with diabetic nerve damage switch to a vegan

> diet (no meat or dairy), improvements have been reported

> after several days.

>

> In one trial, pain completely disappeared in 17 of 21 people.

> Fats from meat and dairy also contribute to heart disease, the

> leading killer of people with diabetes.

>

> Vegetarians eat less protein than do meat eaters. The reduction

> of protein intake has lowered kidney damage caused by diabetes

> and also improve glucose tolerance.

>

> Diets high in fat, especially saturated fat, worsen glucose

> tolerance and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, an

> effect that is not simply the result of weight gain caused by eating

> high-fat foods.

>

> Saturated fat is found primarily in dairy fat, and dark

> meat and skins of poultry.

>

>

> Glucose intolerance has been much improved by diets high in

> monounsaturated oils (extra virgin olive, macademia nut, avocado

> oils)

> There is often difficulty in changing the overall percentage of

> calories from fat and carbohydrates in the diets of people with type

> 1 diabetes.

>

> However, modifying the `quality " of the dietary fat is

> achievable.

> In adolescents with type 1 diabetes, increasing monounsaturated fats

> relative to other fats in the diet is associated with better control

> over blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

>

> Should children avoid milk to prevent type 1 diabetes?

> Worldwide, children whose dietary energy comes primarily from dairy

> products have a significantly higher chance of developing type 1

> diabetes than do children whose dietary energy comes primarily from

> vegetable sources.

>

> Countries with high milk consumption have a high risk of type 1

> (insulin-dependent) diabetes.

> Animal research also indicates that avoiding milk affords protection

> from type 1 diabetes. Milk contains a protein that is related to

> another protein in the

> pancreas, the organ where insulin is made. Some researchers believe

> that children who are allergic to milk may develop antibodies that

> attack the pancreas, causing type 1 diabetes.

>

> Several studies have linked cows' milk consumption to the occurrence

> of type 1 diabetes in children.Some children who drink

> cows' milk produce antibodies to the milk, and it has been

> hypothesized that these antibodies can cross-react with and damage

> the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas.

>

> A study of Finnish children (including full-term children with

> diabetes) showed that early introduction of cows' milk formula

> feeding before three months of age (vs. after three months of age)

> was associated with increased risk of type 1 diabetes.

>

>

> Exercise helps decrease body fat and improve insulin

> sensitivity. People who exercise are less likely to develop type 2

> diabetes than those who do not.

>

> People with diabetes who smoke are at higher risk for kidney

> damage, heart disease, and other diabetes-linked problems.

> Smokers are also more likely to develop diabetes; therefore, it is

> important to quit smoking.

>

> Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: Medical reports dating

> back to 1853, as well as modern research, indicate that chromium-

> rich brewer's yeast (9 grams per day) can be useful in treating

> diabetes.

>

> Chromium supplements improve glucose tolerance in people with both

> type 2108 and type 1 diabetes, apparently by increasing sensitivity

> to insulin. Chromium improves the processing of glucose in people

> with prediabetic glucose intolerance and in women with diabetes

> associated with pregnancy.

>

> Chromium even helps healthy people, although one such report

> found chromium useful only when accompanied by 100 mg of niacin.

>

> Chromium may also lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and

> triglycerides (risk factors in heart disease).

> The typical amount of chromium used in research trials is

> 200 mcg per day, although as much as 1,000 mcg per day has been

> used.

>

> Chromium is a trace mineral and should be regarded as such.

> Supplementation with chromium or brewer's yeast could potentially

> enhance the effects of drugs for diabetes (e.g., insulin or other

> blood sugar-lowering agents) and possibly lead to hypoglycemia.

>

> Therefore, people with diabetes taking these medications should

> supplement chromium or brewer's yeast only under the supervision of

> a doctor.

>

> People with diabetes tend to have low magnesium levels.

>

> Double-blind research indicates that supplementing with magnesium

> overcomes this problem.

> Magnesium supplementation has improved insulin production in elderly

> people with type 2 diabetes.123 However, one

> double-blind trial found no effect from 500 mg magnesium per day in

> people with type 2 diabetes, although twice that amount led to some

> improvement.

>

> Alpha lipoic acid is a powerful natural antioxidant. Preliminary

> and double-blindtrials have found that

> supplementing 600-1,200 mg of lipoic acid per day improves insulin

> sensitivity and the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

>

>

> Supplementing with 4 grams of evening primrose oil per day for six

> months has been found in double-blind research to improve nerve

> function and to relieve pain symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.139

>

>

> Glycosylation is an important measurement of diabetes; it refers to

> how much sugar attaches abnormally to proteins. Vitamin E

> supplementation reduces this problem in many studies.

>

>

> Vitamin E appears to lower the risk of cerebral infarction, a type

> of stroke, in people with diabetes who smoke. A review of a large

> Finnish study of smokers concluded that smokers with diabetes (or

> hypertension) represent a subset population that can benefit from

> small amounts of vitamin E (50 IU per day) without experiencing an

> increased risk of bleeding.

>

> Whole slices, extracts and juice of bitter melon may improve

> blood-sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes, according to

> preliminary trials.

>

> Preliminary trials and at least one double-blind trial have shown

> that large amounts of onion can lower blood sugar levels in people

> with diabetes.

>

> The mechanism of onion's blood sugar-

> lowering action is not precisely known, though there is evidence

> that constituents in onions block the breakdown of insulin in the

> liver. This would lead to higher levels of insulin in the body.

>

> Bilberry may lower the risk of some diabetic complications, such as

> diabetic cataracts and retinopathy. One preliminary trial found that

> supplementation with a standardized extract of bilberry improved

> signs of retinal damage in some people with diabetic retinopathy.269

>

> Ginkgo biloba extract may prove useful for prevention and treatment

> of early-stage diabetic neuropathy, though research is at best very

> preliminary in this area.

>

> Animal studies and some very preliminary trials in humans suggest

> reishi may have some beneficial action in people with diabetes.

>

> -

> The Importance of Nuts and Seeds in the Diabetic Diet

>

> ---

>

> A nut commonly refers to the shell-encased seeds of a tree, however,

> one of the chief foods that we consider as a nut, the peanut, does

> not fit the strict definition of a nut as it is actually a " legume " .

>

> In the United States, peanuts are by far the leading nut crop as

> they account for greater than 70% of the yearly nut production.

> Peanuts are followed by almonds, walnuts, and pecans.

>

> Moderators note: Peanuts are genetically modified so it is

> especially important to obtain organically grown peanuts and peanut

> butters

> without hydrogenated oils.

>

> Unfortunately, most nuts are being consumed after they have been

> fried in harmful fat and salted or as ingredients in cookies,

> candies, and

> confections. I definitely advocate the use of mostly raw or fresh

> raw nuts and seeds rather than commercially roasted and salted nuts

> and seeds.

>

>

> Health benefits

>

> As more Americans are seeking healthier food choices, nut and seed

> consumption is on the rise.

> Nuts and seeds provide excellent human nutrition, they are

> especially good sources of essential fatty acids, vitamin E, protein,

> and minerals.

>

> They also provide valuable fiber components, important

> phytonutrients in nuts and seeds include 'protease

> inhibitors' (cancer blockers), ellagic acid, and

> other 'polyphenols'.

>

> Because of the high oil content of nuts and seeds, one would suspect

> that the frequent consumption of nuts would increase the rate of

> obesity.

>

> But, in a large population study of 26,473 Americans it was

> found that the people who consumed the most nuts were less obese.

>

> A possible explanation is that the nuts produced satiety, a feeling

> of appetite satisfaction. This same study also demonstrated that higher

> nut consumption was associated with a protective effect against heart

> attacks (both fatal and nonfatal).

>

> Four other large studies, including the Nurses Health Study, the

> Iowa Health Study, and the Physicians Health Study, all found that nut

> consumption is linked to a lower risk for heart disease.

>

> Researchers who studied data from the Nurses Health Study estimated

> that substituting nuts for an equivalent amount of

> carbohydrate in an average diet resulted in a 30% reduction in heart

> disease risk.

>

> Researchers calculated even more impressive risk reduction--45%--

> when fat from nuts was substituted for saturated fats

> (found primarily found in meat and dairy products).

>

>

> Nuts Provide " Arginine "

>

> Nuts are the best dietary source for arginine - an amino acid that

> plays an important role in wound healing, " detoxification " reactions,

> immune functions, and promoting the secretion of several hormones

> including

> insulin and growth hormone. Recently there has been a considerable

> amount of scientific investigation regarding arginine's role in the

> formation of nitric oxide.

>

> This compound plays a central role in determining the tone of blood

> vessels. Specifically, it exerts a relaxing effect on blood vessels

> thereby improving blood flow.

>

> Normally, the body makes enough arginine, even when the diet is

> lacking. However, in some instances the body may not be able to keep

> up with

> increased requirements and higher dietary intakes may prove useful.

>

> Arginine supplementation has been shown to boost 'immune function'

> and be beneficial in a number of cardiovascular diseases including

> angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure,

> and peripheral vascular insufficiency (decreased blood flow to the

> legs or arms).

>

> By increasing nitric oxide levels, arginine supplementation improves

> blood flow, reduces blood clot formation, and improves blood

> fluidity (the blood becomes less viscous and, therefore, flows

> through blood

> vessels more easily).

>

> The degree of improvement offered by arginine supplementation in

> angina and other cardiovascular diseases can be quite significant as a

> result of improved nitric oxide levels. These benefits

> may also be attainable by eating foods high in arginine like nuts.

>

>

> Nut Consumption and Diabetes Risk

> Nut consumption has also been shown to lower the risk for diabetes.

>

> This benefit may relate to their ability to improve cell membrane

> structure and function. According to modern pathology, or the study

> of disease processes, an alteration in cell membrane function is the

> central factor in the development of virtually every disease.

>

> As it relates to diabetes, abnormal cell membrane structure due to

> eating the wrong " types " of 'fats' lead to 'impaired' action of

> insulin.

>

> The type of dietary fat profile linked to type 2 diabetes is an

> abundance of 'saturated' fat and 'trans fatty' acids (hydrogenated

> fats in margarines and other foods) along with a relative

> 'insufficiency'

> of " monounsaturated " (present in EV Olive Oil, Avocadoes, and Sesame

> Oil) and omega-3 fatty acids.

>

> One of the key reasons appears to be the fact that since dietary fat

> determines cell membrane " composition " such a dietary pattern leads

> to

> reduced membrane 'fluidity' which in turn causes reduced insulin

> binding

> to receptors on cellular membranes and/or reduced insulin action.

>

>

> Particularly harmful to cell membrane function are margarine and

> other

> foods containing trans fatty acids and partially hydrogenated oils.

>

> In contrast, to the dampening of insulin sensitivity caused by

> margarine

> and saturated fats, clinical studies have shown that

> monounsaturatedfats

> and omega-3 oils improve insulin action.

>

> Adding further support is that fact that population studies have

> also

> indicated that frequent consumption of " monounsaturated " fats such

> as

> extra virgin olive oil,

> nuts, and certain nut oils and omega-3 fatty acids from cold water

> fish

> protect against the development of type 2 diabetes.

>

> For example, one recent study showed that that consumption of nuts

> was

> " inversely " associated with risk of type 2

> diabetes, independent of known risk factors for type 2 diabetes,

> including age, obesity, family history of diabetes, physical

> activity,

> smoking, and other dietary factors.

>

> What the term inversely associated means is that the higher the

> intake

> of nuts, the less likely a woman would develop type 2 diabetes.

> What was really amazing was that this relationship was seen even in

> woman who were " obese " .

>

> In addition to nut consumption, in order to improve cell membrane

> structure and function I recommend using a

> pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement.

>

> The benefits of the omega-3 oils from fish oils well known. Adding a

> fish oil supplement to your daily routine provides extra insurance

> that

> you are getting sufficient levels of these important oils.

>

> We recommend one capsule daily for general health, if greater

> support is needed the dosage increases to two to three capsules

> daily.

>

>

> Cooking with Nut Oils

>

> The best oils to cook with in baking recipes, stir fries, and

> sautés,

> are the 'monounsaturated' oils. While extra virgin olive oil is by

> far

> the most popular monounsaturated fat in use, nut oils may prove

> superior.

>

> In particular, macadamia nut oil is superior to cook with because of

> lower level of polyunsaturated oil (3% for macadamia nut

> oil vs. 8% for olive).

>

> As a result, macadamia nut oil is stable at much higher temperatures

> (over twice that of olive oil and four times more stable than

> canola).

> Macadamia oil, like olive oil is also very high in natural

> anti-oxidants. In fact it contains over 4.5 times the amount of

> vitamin

> E as olive oil. For more information on macadamia nut oil, visit

> www.macnutoil.com.

>

>

> Selecting and Storing Nuts and Seeds

>

> In general, nuts and seeds, due to their high oil content, are best

> purchased and stored in their shells. The shell is a natural

> protector

> against free radical damage caused by light and air.

>

> Make sure the shells are free from splits, cracks, stains, holes, or

> other surface imperfections.

> Do not eat or use moldy nuts or seeds as this may not be

> safe. Also avoid limp, rubbery, dark, or shriveled nut meats. Store

> nuts

>

>

> and seeds with shells in a cool, dry environment. If whole nuts and

> seeds with their shells are not available, make sure they are stored

> in

> air-tight containers in the refrigerator or freezer.

> Crushed, slivered, and nut pieces are most often rancid. Prepare

> your

> own from the whole nut if a recipe calls for these.

>

> In addition to simply eating nuts and seeds as snacks, they can be

> added

> to many foods for the unique flavor. With the aid of a food

> processor,

> nut and seed butters can be prepared.

>

> Most nuts and seeds have enough natural oils, but occasionally you

> may

> need to add some additional oil.

> Keep nut butters in air-tight containers in the refrigerator.

>

>

> Practical Application

>

> Try to have at least one serving of nuts or seeds (one serving

> equals

> 1/4 cup) and 3 tablespoons of the healthy oils daily. Use extra

> virgin

> olive, sesame oil or macademia nut oil to replace the butter,

> margarine,

> and shortening that you use for cooking. Use flaxseed or olive oil

> in

> homemade salad dressings.

>

> " Avoid " using safflower, sunflower, soy peanut and corn oil because

> they

> contain too much omega 6 fatty acid.

>

> My last recommendation is to try to mix it up a bit, by eating a

> variety

> of nuts and seeds such as almonds, brazil nuts, walnuts, pecans,

> flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.

>

>

> Key References:

> Hu FB, Stampfer MJ. Nut consumption and risk of coronary heart

> disease:

> a review of epidemiologic evidence. Curr Atheroscler Rep

> 1999;1(3):204-9, 1999

> Flynn NE, Meininger CJ, Haynes TE, Wu G. The metabolic basis of

> arginine

>

>

> nutrition and pharmacotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2002;56(9):427-

> 38.

> Rivellese AA, De Natale C, Lilli S. Type of dietary fat and insulin

> resistance. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2002;967:329-35.

> Jiang R, Manson JE, Stampfer MJ, et al. Nut and peanut butter

> consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes in women. JAMA

> 2002;288(20):2554-60.

>

> ---

>

> © 2003 www.doctormurray.com

>

> ---

> ---

> Buckwheat 'controls diabetes'

> Jan 14, 2004 13:35 PST

> ------------------------

> A new treatment for diabetes?

>

> A type of herb called buckwheat may be beneficial in the management

> of diabetes, say researchers.

>

> Extracts of the seed lowered blood glucose levels by up to 19% when

> it was fed to diabetic rats.

>

> Scientists at the University of Manitoba in Canada say diabetics

> should consider including the grain in their diet, or taking dietary

> supplements.

> The study, part funded by the food industry, is published in the

> Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

>

> A food that could actively reduce blood glucose levels could be a

> real breakthrough.

>

> Diabetes UK

>

> Lead researcher Dr Carla Taylor said: " With diabetes on the rise,

> incorporation of buckwheat into the diet could help provide a safe,

> easy and inexpensive way to lower glucose levels and reduce the risk

> of

> complications associated with the disease, including heart, nerve

> and kidney problems. " Buckwheat won't cure diabetes, but we'd like

> to

> evaluate its inclusion in food products as a management aid. "

>

> More work needed

>

> However, Dr Taylor said human studies were needed to determine how

> much buckwheat - in flour or extract form - must be eaten to obtain

> a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels.

>

> The researchers focused on rats with Type 1 diabetes caused by a

> lack of the hormone insulin, which is needed to break down sugar in

> the blood.

>

> The rats were given a single dose of buckwheat extract or a dummy

> preparation.

>

> The researchers believe the key component of buckwheat is a compound

> called chiro-inositol.

>

> The compound, which is relatively high in buckwheat and rarely found

> in other foods, has been previously shown in animal and human

> studies to play a significant role in glucose metabolism and cell

> signalling.

>

> Researchers do not know exactly how it works, but preliminary

> evidence suggest that it may make the cells more sensitive to

> insulin or may act as an insulin mimic.

>

> Although the research concentrated on Type 1 diabetes, the

> researchers

> believe that buckwheat will have a similar glucose-lowering effect

> when given to rats with the Type 2 form of the condition.

>

> Type 2 diabetes is more common and is caused by a failure of the

> body's cells to respond properly to insulin.

>

> A spokesman for Diabetes UK said: " A healthy diet is a vital part of

> managing diabetes and a food that could actively reduce blood

> glucose levels could be a real breakthrough.

>

> " However, we need to see if this will work for people and what

> amounts would be necessary to have an effect.

>

> " The required doses could also have side effects. We look forward to

> seeing more research. "

>

> RELATED INTERNET LINKS:

> Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

> Diabetes UK

> University of Manitoba

> ---

> Exercise

>

> Take a walk in the sun

>

> LONDON - Low levels of vitamin D in the body have been linked to

> impaired glucose tolerance. Because researchers have found that

> sunlight helps convert a compound called squalene, which is

> naturally present

> in your skin, into vitamin D3, I recommend you make a point to either

> walk, garden, or just sit in full sunlight for 20 or 30 minutes at

> least 3

> times a week. You don't need to stay in direct sun or lie on the

> beach for hours, but you do need to be outside, since exposure to

> sunlight

> through windows will not activate the formation of vitamin D. Also,

> make sure you're getting at least 400 IU of vitamin D a day. This is

> especially important if you spend most of your time indoors or have

> a history of low sunlight exposure.

>

> Diet

>

> Fig leaf tea helps support proper insulin response

>

> SPAIN -- Researchers here have shown that fig leaf (ficus carica)

> tea can help maintain proper insulin levels.

>

> It can easily be made using 2 teaspoons of dried cut leaves. Pour 1

> cup of boiling water over the leaves, cover, and let the brew sit

> for 10

> to 15 minutes before drinking. Drink 1 cup each morning at breakfast.

> Dried fig leaves can usually be purchased at your local health food

> store.

>

> Guava fruit supports proper blood sugar levels

>

> CUBA -- Guava juice has been shown to lower blood sugar levels

> significantly. As little as 3 ounces of juice lowered the average

> fasting blood sugar from 214 to 165 ml/dl, and the effect lasted for

> up to 3 hours.

>

> Be aware that your insulin intake may have to be monitored more

> carefully, and possibly even reduced, with the intake of guava fruit

> or juice.

>

> --

> Fiber, Diabetes, & Weightloss

> Jan 25, 2004 19:48 PST

> By Sheila Raju

> --

> Excess abdominal weight does not stop insulin formation, but it does

> make the body less " sensitive " to insulin.

> Excess weight can even make healthy people " pre-diabetic " .

>

> Glucose intolerance has been improved by diets high in

> *monounsaturated* oils, which may also be beneficial for those with

> diabetic neuropathy. In adults and adolescents with diabetes,

> increasing

> *monounsaturated*

> fats relative to other fats in the diet is associated with better

> control over blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

>

> The easiest way to incorporate " monounsaturates " into the diet is to

> eat foods containing extra-virgin olive oil, macademia nuts, almonds

> and avocadoes.

>

> In a group of 13 obese males with high blood-insulin levels

> (as is often seen in diabetes), a diet rich in " plant proteins "

> resulted in greater weight loss and control of insulin levels,

> compared with that of a low-carbohydrate diet.

>

> Dietary changes that may be helpful: Eating carbohydrate-rich

> foods, whether high in sugar or high

> in starch (such as white bread, processed breakfast cereals, and

> rice), temporarily raises blood sugar and insulin levels.

> The blood sugar-raising effect of a food, called its " glycemic

> index, "

> depends on how rapidly its carbohydrate is absorbed.

>

> Cooked dried Beans, fresh whole fruit, and oat bran/oatmeal(No

> Instant), have 'low glycemic' indices, despite their carbohydrate

> content, due mostly to the health-promoting effects of 'soluble'

> fiber.

>

> Many nutritionists recommend that we eliminate our intake of refined

> sugar from snacks and refined processed foods, replacing these foods

> with high-fiber, whole foods. This tends to lower the glycemic index

> of the overall diet and has the additional benefit of increasing

> vitamin, mineral, and fiber intake.

>

> A high-fiber diet has been shown to work better in controlling

> diabetes than the diet recommended by the ADA.

>

> In the study, the increase in dietary fiber was accomplished

> exclusively through the consumption of foods naturally high in

> fiber-such as leafy green vegetables, and fresh whole organic fruits-

> to a level beyond that recommended by the ADA.

>

> No fiber supplements were given. All participants received both the

> ADA diet (providing 24 grams of fiber per day) and the high-

> fiber diet (providing 50 grams of fiber per day), for a period of

> six weeks. After six weeks of following each diet, tests were

> performed to determine blood glucose, insulin, cholesterol,

> triglyceride, and other values.

>

> When glucose levels were monitored over a 24-hour period,

> participants eating the high-fiber diet had an average glucose level

> that was 10% lower than participants eating the ADA diet.

> Insulin levels were 12% lower in the group eating the high-fiber

> diet compared to the group eating the ADA diet,

> indicating a beneficial increase in the body's sensitivity to

> insulin.

>

> Moreover, people eating the high-fiber diet

> experienced 'significant' reductions in total cholesterol,

> triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol

> compared to those eating the ADA diet.

>

> They also had slight " decreases " in glycosylated hemoglobin, a

> measure of chronically high blood glucose levels.

> *Glycosylation* is an important measurement of diabetes;

> it refers to how much sugar *attaches* abnormally to *proteins*.

>

>

> Nonetheless, most nutritionists advise eating a diet high in fiber.

> Focus should be placed on organic fruit, vegetables, seeds, nuts,

> whole unprocessed oats, and other organic whole-grain products.

>

> Incorporating a cold water fish meal into a weight-loss regimen was

> more effective than either measure alone at improving glucose and

> insulin metabolism. When people with diabetic " nerve damage " switch

> to a vegan diet, improvements have been reported after several days. In

> one trial, pain completely disappeared in 17 of 21 people.

>

> Researchers reported a positive association between the consumption

> of saturated fats and the onset of type 2 diabetes in the July 2003

> issue

> of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

>

> Scientists at the University of Minnesota and the Centers for

> Disease Control and Prevention concluded that

> " ...the dietary fat profile, particularly that of saturated fat, may

> contribute to the etiology of diabetes. "

>

> ! Read Responses

>

> The study evaluated the level of various fatty acids in the blood,

> which indicate the amount of saturated fat present, in 2,909 adults

> aged 45-64. Over 250 of these people developed type 2 diabetes

> during a nine-year follow-up.

>

> The researchers accounted for numerous factors known to

> significantly affect the chances of developing type 2 diabetes,

> including age,

> sex, cigarette smoking, baseline body mass index, and alcohol intake.

>

> The incidence of type 2 diabetes was positively associated with

> proportions of palmitic, palmitoleic, and stearic acids, which are

> different types of saturated fatty acids,

> and inversely associated with the proportion of linoleic acid, which

> is an unsaturated fatty acid.

>

> Palmitic, palmitoleic, and stearic acids are found in chocolate,

> beef

> fat and pork fat, among other foods.

>

> The consumption of linoleic acid, which negatively correlated with

> type 2 diabetes, can be found in organic grains, legumes, and seeds.

>

> Although the link between diabetes and saturated fat has been

> suggested in the past, " until now that link has not been confirmed by

> biological evidence, " according to Jennifer Warner.

>

> Scientists attributed Western nations' elevated diabetes rates to

> the high level of total fat intake in characteristically Western diets.

>

> Recently, biochemists at Colorado State University reported in the

> online edition of the Journal of Biological Chemistry that ceramide,

> a byproduct of saturated fat, is " a potential contributor to the

> development of type 2 diabetes.

>

> Consumers can decrease the amount of such fat in their foods by

> limiting their intake of high-fat meats, dairy products (e.g. milk,

> ice cream), certain processed foods, and some vegetable oils, including

> coconut, palm, and palm kernel oils.

>

> The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition links saturated fat with

> type 2 diabetes.

>

> http://healthfactsandfears.com/high_priorities/newsflash/2003/diabete

> s071703.html

>

>

> ---

>

> Some saturated fats are more atherogenic (artery clogging) than

> others.

> ---

> The specific fatty acids that raise LDL-cholesterol the most are

> myristic (C14:0)

> and lauric (C12:0) found in butterfat and in tropical

> oils (coconut and palm kernel oil).

>

> Palmitic acid (C16:0), the most prevalent fatty acid in the food

> supply, raises LDL-C levels in most studies.

>

> Stearic acid (C18:0) the next most prevalent does not raise or lower

> LDL-C. However, it appears to stimulate blood clotting.

>

>

>

>

> DeBakey M, Gotto AM, Scott LW, Foreyt JP. The New Living Heart Diet.

> New York, NY: Simon and Schuster 1996. An up-to-date heart healthy

> nutrition reference book for consumers and professionals providing

> the latest information on how to minimize your risk factors for

> coronary

> heart disease.

>

> Kris-Etherton P, Burns JH, Eds. Cardiovascular nutrition: strategies

> and tools for disease management. American Dietetic Association, 1998.

>

> ISBN 0-88091-159-X

>

> www.eatright.org

>

> A must have reference book for registered dietitians and other

> health professionals interested in the state-of-the-art research and

> dietary management of patients at risk for cardiovascular disease.

>

> http://www.webdietitian.com/document/CVTopic/topic/pencvsaturatedfatt

> yacids

>

>

> __________________

>

> .

>

> Unfortunately modern lifestyles can have a detrimental effect on the

> maintenance of normal blood sugar levels, and refined foods and

> certain

> stimulants are some of the main culprits.

>

> Refined foods are used extensively in the food industry, and many

> processed foods as well as the myriad of sweets, cookies and soft

> drinks

> on the market contain large amounts of hidden sugars, mostly in the

> form

> of sucrose.

>

> When these foods are consumed, most of the sucrose will rapidly be

> converted to glucose and fructose, thus causing a glucose surge.

>

> Some of the sucrose will even enter the bloodstream unaltered and

> will

> be treated as a foreign substance as there are no enzymes to break

> it

> down outside the intestinal tract.

>

> Caffeine

>

> Caffeine, which is found in tea, coffee and many soft drinks, as

> well as

> theobromine that is found in cocoa and cocoa products such as

> chocolates, also induce hypoglycaemia as they stimulate the

> conversion

> of stored glycogen to glucose which in turn leads to insulin release

> and

> subsequent hypoglycaemia.

>

> Soft Drinks

>

> Table 2.2 The composition of selected sweet foods, drinks and

> sweeteners. The figures are for 100g portions. (Adapted from

> reference

> 3)

>

> The modern trend to drink large amounts of soft drinks can prove

> particularly hazardous, as these contain very high levels of sugars.

>

> Although soft drink firms add only sucrose to their drinks, these

> beverages also contain large amounts of glucose and fructose. This

> anomaly is brought about by the high acidity of these drinks, which

> encourages acid hydrolysis of sucrose.

>

> As both glucose and fructose are less sweet than sucrose, the

> companies

> compensate for this by adding more sucrose, and an average

> carbonated

> beverage can contain as much as 136 g/l of sugar[ii], which is more

> than

> ten teaspoons of sugar per 340 ml per can.

>

> Avoidance of high sugar drinks, caffeine and theobromine together

> with

> the consumption of whole foods such as unrefined grains, legumes,

> fruits

> and vegetables will prevent hypoglycaemia.

>

> The presence of soluble fibre in these foods ensures a slow release

> of

> simple sugars over a period of time, thus preventing the glucose

> surge

> associated with refined foods.

>

> Surge releases of insulin will also be avoided and in addition the

> whole

> foods come prepacked with the essential vitamins (particularly the

> B-group) and minerals required for their effective metabolism.

>

> People suffering from hypoglycaemia should also include more of the

> high-energy whole foods, such as unrefined grains and legumes in

> their

> diet, because oats and bean products contain high levels of soluble

> fibres which offer protection against hypoglycaemia.

>

> It is not necessary to give up one's sweet tooth,however one should

> encourage the use of naturally sweet foods, such as dates and

> raisins as

> sweeteners, and avoid large amounts of refined sweeteners which

> consist

> largely of empty calories.

>

> ---

>

> Fenugreek Improves Blood Sugar Control

> -------------------

>

>

> Diabetes

> Hypoglycemia

> Atherosclerosis

> High triglycerides

> High Cholesterol

>

> Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a

> substantial health benefit.

>

> A wide range of uses were found for fenugreek in

> ancient times. Medicinally it was used for the treatment of wounds,

> abscesses, arthritis, bronchitis, and digestive problems.

>

> Traditional Chinese herbalists used it for kidney problems and

> conditions affecting the male reproductive tract.

> Fenugreek was, and remains, a food and a spice commonly eaten in

> many

> parts of the world.

>

> Active constituents: Fenugreek seeds contain alkaloids (mainly

> trigonelline) and protein high in lysine and L-tryptophan. Its

> steroidal saponins (diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin, and

> neotigogenin) and mucilaginous fiber are thought to account for many

> of the beneficial effects of fenugreek.

>

> The steroidal saponins are thought to inhibit cholesterol absorption

> and

> synthesis, while the fiber may help lower blood sugar levels.

>

> One human study found that fenugreek can help lower cholesterol and

> blood sugar levels in people

> with moderate atherosclerosis and non-insulin-dependent (type 2)

> diabetes.

>

> Preliminary and double-blind trials have found that fenugreek helps

> improve blood sugar control in patients with insulin-

> dependent (type 1) and non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes.

>

> Double-blind trials have shown that fenugreek lowers elevated

> cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood,

>

> This has also been found in a controlled clinical trial with

> diabetic

> patients with elevated cholesterol. Generally, fenugreek does not

> lower

> HDL ( " good " ) cholesterol levels.

>

> How much is usually taken?

>

> Due to the somewhat bitter taste of fenugreek seeds, de-bitterized

> seeds

> or encapsulated products are

> preferred. The German Commission E monograph recommends a daily

> intake of 6 grams.

>

> The typical range of intake for diabetes or cholesterol-lowering is

> 5-30

> grams with each meal or 15-90 grams all at once with one meal. As a

> tincture, 3-4 ml of fenugreek can be taken up to three times per day

>

>

> References:

>

> 1. Escot N. Fenugreek. ATOMS 1994/5;Summer:7-12.

>

> 2. Sauvaire Y, Ribes G, Baccou JC, Loubatieres-Mariani MM.

> Implication of steroid saponins and sapogenins in the

> hypocholesterolemic effect of fenugreek. Lipids 1991;26:191-7.

>

> 3. Ribes G, Sauvaire Y, Da Costa C, et al. Antidiabetic effects of

> subfractions from fenugreek seeds in diabetic dogs. Proc Soc Exp

> Biol

> Med 1986;182:159-66.

>

> 4. Bordia A, Verma SK, Srivastava KC. Effect of ginger (Zingiber

> officinale Rosc) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L) on blood

> lipids, blood sugar, and platelet aggregation in patients with

> coronary artery disease. Prostagland Leukotrienes Essential Fatty

> Acids 1997;56:379-84.

>

> 5. Sharma RD, Raghuram TC, Rao NS. Effect of fenugreek seeds on

> blood

> glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr

> 1990;44:301-6.

>

> 6. Madar Z, Abel R, Samish S, Arad J. Glucose-lowering effect of

> fenugreek in non-insulin dependent diabetics. Eur J Clin Nutr

> 1988;42:51-4.

>

> 7. Raghuram TC, Sharma RD, Sivakumar B, Sahay BK. Effect of

> fenugreek

> seeds on intravenous glucose disposition in non-insulin dependent

> diabetic patients. Phytother Res 1994;8:83-6.

>

> 8. Sharma RD, Raghuram TC, Dayasagar Rao V. Hypolipidaemic effect of

> fenugreek seeds. A clinical study. Phytother Res 1991;5:145-7.

>

> 9. Prasanna M. Hypolipidemic effect of fenugreek: A clinical study.

> Indian J Phramcol 2000;32:34-6.

>

> 10. Sharma RD, Sarkar DK, Hazra B, et al. Hypolipidaemic effect of

> fenugreek seeds: A chronic study in non-insulin dependent diabetic

> patients. Phytother Res 1996;10:332-4.

>

> 11. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete

> Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines.

> Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 130.

>

> 12. Brinker F. Herb Contradictions and Drug Interactions. Sandy, OR:

> Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998, 70-1.

>

>

>

> Avoid artificial sweeteners. There is concern they are toxic to

> nerves,

> and diabetics are more susceptible to this reaction. Try stevia leaf

> or

> d-xylose, available in most health food stores. These natural

> sweeteners

> will not increase your blood sugar.

>

> Eat more beans. Your body metabolizes beans slowly, which slows down

> the

> absorption of sugars from the intestinal tract, aiding your body's

> regulation of sugar levels. A diet high in fiber is very helpful for

> diabetics due to this beneficial action.

>

> Eat lots of berries, especially blueberries. Blueberries (or

> bilberries)

> contain anthocyanins, plant chemicals that help repair tiny blood

> vessels especially in the eyes. Consume about one quart of fresh or

> one

> bag of frozen blueberries per week. Blueberries, blackberries and

> raspberries are also low in sugar.

>

> Take your vitamins. Diabetics can benefit greatly from vitamin

> supplements (Kahler et al., 1993), and I recommend taking a

> multivitamin

> twice each day, as well as the following:

> Vitamin C (2000 mg), which makes collagen and keeps capillaries

> strong.

>

> The B vitamins, including niacin, zinc and other minerals, which are

> important for sugar metabolism.

>

> Vitamin E and essential fatty acids (EFAs), which are important for

> cell

> membrane stability.

>

> Alpha-lipoic acid, which protects nerves, decreases insulin

> resistance

> and can reverse neuropathy (Reljanovic et al., 1999).

>

> Quercetin (1,000 mg per day), one of the most powerful bioflavonoids

> that prevents capillary leakage.

>

> Always take a multi-mineral if you have diabetes. Three minerals

> that

> are known to lower blood sugars are:

> GTF chromium (200 mcg per day), manganese (5-15 mg per day) and

> vanadium

> (20 mg per day for two weeks, and then 2 mg per day).

>

> Interestingly, one study showed that herbs traditionally used to

> treat

> diabetes contained higher-than-normal levels of chromium (Castro

> 1998).

>

> Barley also contains high levels of chromium.

>

> Herbal Treatments for Both Diabetic Types

>

> Numerous herbs can affect blood sugar levels and overall diabetic

> status.

>

> For a complete list of the herbs that can affect blood sugar, refer

> to

> Appendix A. However, be aware that there have been reports of other

> herbs in many parts of the world that act on blood sugar levels, so

> this

> is a fertile field for continued research.

>

> Recommendations and research highlights:

>

> Turmeric root, black atractylodes rhizome, fenugreek seeds,

> bitter melon (which contains an insulin-like molecule),

> prickly pear cactus (Opuntia fuliginosa- used by Native Americans),

> ganoderma mushroom,

> gymnema, Malabar kino (Pterocarpus marsupium), green tea, maitake

> mushroom,

> devil's club root bark (Oplopanax horridum), jambul seed (Syzygium

> jambolanum),

> fig leaf (Ficus carica), and bay leaves can help regulate and lower

> elevated blood sugars.

>

> Pterocarpus marsupium may help beta-cells to regenerate (reported in

> Murray and Pizzorno, 2000).

>

> Long-term use of shilajatu and triphala is excellent for improving

> energy in Type I diabetics and reducing long-term complications.

>

> This is the combination Dr. Mana gave me in 1976, and I still take

> these

> herbs frequently. Herbs that promote digestion, such as garlic or

> trikatu are also important, as well as high quality oils to maintain

> membrane moisture and health. If the patient is emaciated,

> ashwaghanda

> root is used. For Type Two diabetes, in addition to trivanga bhasma

> and

> digestive medicine, weight-loss medicines and those that open

> blockage

> are useful, especially shilajatu mixed with agnimantha root & bark

> (Premna integrifolia).

> Some studies indicate that the use of niacinamide (a form of niacin,

> also called nicotinamide) very early in the disease process can

> sometimes prevent the destruction of beta cells. Some patients have

> had

> complete reversal (Cleary, 1990). The reason it works is that it

> inhibits monocyte/macrophage function in the peripheral blood

> preventing

> production of the beta-cell destructive cytokines interleukin-12 and

> tumor necrosis factor-alpha (Kretowski et. al., 2000).

>

> Herbs from the vessel-strengthening group, especially tien chi root,

> act

> directly on capillary vessel weakness, thus preventing diabetic

> complications. Tien chi root is one of my herbal mainstays. I take

> it

> several months each year to prevent vessel and eye damage.

> Diabetics suffering from neuropathy may benefit from acupuncture,

> alpha-lipoic acid supplements, and ginkgo leaf (Reljanovic et al.,

> 1999,

> Chung et al., 1999).

>

> Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) can help with heart problems and blood sugar

> control in diabetics. In one study as many as 59% of patients

> responded

> to supplementation (reported in Murray, 1996).

> Evening primrose oil was shown in a double-blind clinical trial of

> 22

> diabetics with neuropathy to reduce pain and improve motor function

> after six months of supplementation (Jamal, 1987).

>

> Chinese research shows that herbs from the moving blood group help

> prevent diabetic complications (Huang et al., 1997). I use herbs

> from

> this group several months per year for preventive purposes-I

> recommend

> you do the same.

> References

>

> Bajracharya, MB. Diabetes: How, Why and What to Do About It.,

> Kathmandu:

> Piyusavarsi Ausadhalaya publishers, 1988. (Pamphlet).

>

> Bergner P. The Healing Power of Minerals, Rocklin: Prima Publishing,

> 1997.

>

> Castro VR Chromium in a series of Portuguese plants used in the

> herbal

> treatment of diabetes. Biol Trace Elem Res 1998 Apr-May;62(1-2):101-

> 6

> Escola Superior Agraria (IPCB), Castelo Branco, Portugal.

>

>

>

> What nutritional supplements are important in diabetics?

>

> The diabetic has an increase need for many nutrients plus several

> nutrients have been shown to be important in preventing some of the

> long-term complications of diabetes. For example, since vitamin C

> requires insulin for transport into cells most diabetics suffer from

> impaired vitamin C metabolism and diabetics with neuropathy have

> been

> shown to be deficient in vitamin B6 and benefit from

> supplementation.

> Individuals with long-standing diabetes or who are developing signs

> of

> peripheral nerve abnormalities should definitely be supplemented

> with

> vitamin C, B6 and other key nutrients.

>

> At the very least, here are the key nutrients and their levels that

> a

> diabetic requires: Chromium (200-400 mcg/daily) - Low levels may

> lead to insulin insensitivity.

>

> Vitamins C (500-1,500 mg/daily) - Due to

> increased requirements. Vitamin E (800-1,200/daily) - Due to

> increased requirements and beneficial effects. Magnesium (250-750

> mg/daily) - Due to increased requirements. Vitamin B6 (30-90

> mg/daily) - Prevents/improves neuropathy. Vitamin B12 (1,000 mcg) -

> Prevents/improves neuropathy. Zinc (30-45 mg/daily) and vanadyl

> sulfate (10-100 mg/daily) - Improve insulin action.

>

> http://www.doctormurray.com/Qarchive/diabetics.htm

>

>

> JoAnn Guest

> mrsjoguest

> DietaryTipsForHBP

> www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes.html

>