- A diet high in refined sugar and white flour causes a chromium deficiency, which is prevalent in most people's diets. Chromium is a mineral necessary for the metabolism of glucose. Chromium improves insulin's efficiency, which lowers blood sugar levels. Overprocessed foods reduce the amount of chromium in the foods. A daily dose of 400-600 mcg is recommended. Chromium can be found at health food stores and select drug stores.
- Garlic decreases and stabilizes blood sugar levels and aids in the metabolism of fats. Diabetic patients are at risk for weight gain which puts a further strain on the pancreas. A daily garlic supplement is recommended instead of adding garlic to the diet everyday. A supplement does not cause the unwanted garlic breath. Garlic supplements may be purchased at a health food store or drug store.
- Vitamin B12 is used to prevent diabetic neuropathy, or nerve pain, which affects most diabetics in their feet and hands. Injections given by a doctor once a month are the most effective treatment. Vitamin B12 lozenges and a sublingual form are also available through your doctor. Vitamin B12 may also be increased in the diet by eating meats, brewer's yeast, eggs, kidney, liver and milk and dairy products. Vitamin B12 is also present in the herbs alfalfa, bladderwrack and hops.
- CoEnzyme Q10 improves stabilizes blood sugar and improves blood circulation. CoEnzyme Q10 is present in all parts of the body, but declines with age. CoEnzyme Q10 can be prescribed by a physician or purchased at a health food or drug store. The recommended daily dosage for diabetics is 80 mg. CoEnzyme Q10 is also quite beneficial to heart health and thus provides double duty protection for diabetics.
- Holy basil has been found to be one of the best herbal treatments to stabilize blood sugar. Holy basil acts most specifically on blood sugar spikes cause by the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is normally produced in reaction to the stress, or "fight or flight" syndrome needed when the body is put under extreme stress. Unfortunately cortisol can pack on the weight when it is not needed but is produced merely by the body's chemical reaction to certain foods and especially caffeine.
- Of course, a diabetic must not consume sugar in excess. There are also several high-glycemic foods to avoid in the natural management of diabetes. White four products, pasta, starchy vegetables and overprocessed foods quickly convert themselves into glucose in the digestive process. Many doctors state the rule of thumb for diabetics should be "avoid white."
- A diabetic's diet should be based on foods in their natural state, that is, without overcooking and processing. Vegetables with a small amount of fruit a day is the ideal diet for diabetics. Whole grains may be consumed in moderation, but a spike in blood glucose will follow. Many diabetics have eliminated almost all the blood sugar problems by following a raw foods diet with the occasional whole grain or special sweet added once a week.
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