Natural Treatments for Diabetes

[Guest guest]

Natural Treatments for Diabetes

by Dr Keith Scott

 

Diabetes (including its precursor, Metabolic Syndrome) is one of the top

five most significant diseases in the developed world and is rapidly

becoming a

burden in the developing world too. However contemporary research has found

that several spices including _cinnamon_

(_http://www.herbalrehttp://www.http://www.hehttp_

(http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com/CINNAMON.html) ) , _garlic_

(_http://www.herbalrehttp://www.http://www.http_

(http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com/GARLIC.html) ) ,

_fenugreek_

(_http://www.herbalrehttp://www.http://www.herhttp://wwwhttp://ww_

(http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com/fenugreek-medicinal-uses.html) ) and

caper have the potential to be effective _natural treatments_

(_http://www.herbalrehttp://www.http://www.hhttp://www.http://www.hehttp:_

(http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com/natural-treatments-for-diabetes.html#) ) for

diabetes.

 

In order to understand the management of diabetes, it is helpful to consider

one of the most important underlying defects in this _disease_

(_http://www.herbalrehttp://www.http://www.hhttp://www.http://www.hehttp:_

(http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com/natural-treatments-for-diabetes.html#) ) ;

that of insulin

resistance. Before a cell will allow glucose through its protective

_membrane_

(_http://www.herbalrehttp://www.http://www.hhttp://www.http://www.hehttp:_

(http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com/natural-treatments-for-diabetes.html#) ) ,

its insulin receptor must be " turned on " by insulin or a chemical mimic.

_Insulin resistance_

(_http://www.herbalrehttp://www.http://www.hhttp://www.http://www.hehttp:_

(http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com/natural-treatments-for-diabetes.html#) )

occurs when the receptor develops a weakened response to

insulin resulting in the cell's failure to absorb sufficient quantities of

glucose

from the blood. This process culminates in energy deprivation in the cells

and raised blood glucose levels.

 

The primary cause of a poor insulin receptor response is the chronic

over-production of insulin. Not only does too much insulin lead to receptor

failure,

but wide fluctuations in insulin levels are also known to be an important

cause of this condition. These oscillating levels are, in turn, closely

associated with a diet high in refined carbohydrate foods.

 

Extreme changes of insulin levels and associated insulin resistance are

abnormalities common to both diabetes and metabolic syndrome and are

typically

the result of a diet dominated by high glycemic index foods. The rapid

absorption of high GI foods results in abnormally high blood glucose levels.

In order

to stimulate the cells to absorb this sudden glucose load, the pancreas

responds by releasing larger than normal quantities of insulin.

 

The excessive amount of insulin produced to achieve this effect results in a

sudden fall in blood glucose, and within a couple of hours this level

becomes very low. The subsequent intake of more high GI foods causes the

blood

glucose to rise dramatically once more, perpetuating the cycle of wildly

fluctuating glucose and insulin levels. If this steady bombardment of the

receptors

by large amounts of insulin continues over a long period, it eventually

leads

to their insensitivity and malfunction and, finally, insulin resistance.

 

One of the best natural treatments for diabetes is a good diet and it is the

most effective ways to prevent insulin resistance. The consumption of

predominantly low GI foods means that insulin is released slowly. As a

result,

glucose is absorbed by cells in a controlled manner and blood glucose levels

do

not rise and fall so rapidly. This prevents the harmful glucose – and thus

insulin – peaks and troughs that are associated with the repeated ingestion

of

large quantities of high GI foods.

 

Reducing the proportion of high GI foods in the diet has another, indirect

benefit in terms of preventing insulin resistance. Such foods are typically

fattening and reducing their intake can lead to weight loss. Obesity, and

particularly " central obesity " , is another other important cause of insulin

resistance and tackling it is an effective way to reduce the risk of

diabetes and

other chronic diseases.

 

Other invaluable dietary tools for preventing and managing insulin

resistance and diabetes are the spices. These foods counter the disease

processes in

several ways and can be tremendously helpful, irrespective of whether

individuals are making dietary or other lifestyle changes.

 

_Cinnamon_ (_http://www.herbalrehttp://www.http://www.hehttp_

(http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com/CINNAMON.html) ) , for example,

is a potent inducer of insulin sensitivity and the addition of as little as

one gram a day to the diet can reduce the blood glucose levels of diabetics

by

a staggering 30 percent. It does this by enhancing the enzymes that increase

insulin receptor sensitivity and inhibiting those enzymes with the opposite

action.

 

_Cinnamon_ (_http://www.herbalrehttp://www.http://www.hehttp_

(http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com/CINNAMON.html) ) has the added

benefit of lowering the abnormal lipid levels commonly found in diabetics

and

reducing oxidative stress caused by lipid oxidation in these patients.

Cinnamon is now available as a powder or an extract as a treatment for

diabetes.

 

_Fenugreek_

(_http://www.herbalrehttp://www.http://www.herhttp://wwwhttp://ww_

(http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com/fenugreek-medicinal-uses.html) )

is also highly effective at modulating glucose metabolism and can lower the

blood glucose levels of diabetics by up to 45 percent. This spice both

increases insulin receptor sensitivity and normalizes the imbalanced blood

lipid

levels of diabetics. The fiber contained in fenugreek also lowers the GI of

a

meal, thus modulating the post-prandial blood glucose levels by slowing the

absorption of high GI foods.

 

_Ginger_ (_http://www.herbalrehttp://www.http://www.http_

(http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com/Ginger.html) ) and caper increase

sensitivity to insulin, and caper mimics the effects of insulin. _Garlic_

(_http://www.herbalrehttp://www.http://www.http_

(http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com/GARLIC.html) ) and coriander are also

insulin

mimics, while coriander enhances insulin secretion.

 

These and most other spices can, with their rich array of antioxidants, help

to prevent the complications of diabetes by reducing the oxidation of fats.

 

Several spices, including chilies, can also help combat associated

conditions such as obesity by increasing the metabolic rate and therefore

helping to

" burn off " excess calories.

 

Spices possess an amazing potency and range of weapons in the fight against

diabetes. By helping to prevent, delay and even treat one of worst and most

widespread chronic diseases afflicting the modern world, they offer useful,

natural treatments for diabetes.

Dr Keith Scott is a medical doctor with a special interest in nutrition and

natural treatments for diabetes. He has written several books including the

ground breaking, " Medicinal Seasonings, The Healing Power of Spices " and

" Natural Home Pharmacy " . Download a free pdf copy of " Medicinal Seasonings "

and

find out more about how useful spices can be in the prevention and natural

treatment for diabetes at: _Natural Treatments for Diabetes_

(_http://www.medspicehttp:_ (http://www.medspice.com/) )

 

 

 

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