5 Natural Supplements For Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a serious issue that has become more and more prevalent over the last century. Diabetes affects the body’s ability to produce insulin and, in turn, metabolize sugar. This can have implications that range from annoying, to serious, to deadly. If not properly cared for, diabetes can lead to a number of more severe issues. These include nephropathy that can lead to kidney failure, nerve damage that can result in loss of limbs, and diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness.
It’s important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you, but some of these natural supplements may help you regulate blood sugar and maintain a healthy metabolism.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a common spice that has been utilized for its medicinal properties for years. It has a bitter flavor and is difficult to consume on its own, but is a nice addition to spice blends or certain milder dishes. Fenugreek is high in fiber, which helps regulate metabolism, and it also contains other compounds that reduce the body’s absorption of glucose, which lowers insulin resistance and helps regulate blood sugar.
Thiamine
Thiamine, or vitamin B1, has been shown to be beneficial to individuals with diabetes because it plays a role in digestion and carbohydrate metabolization. Thiamine has been used in the treatment of several different metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes. Adequate amounts of thiamine have been shown to decrease diabetic complications, and studies have linked thiamine deficiency with both types of diabetes.
Green Tea
Green Tea is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. Because the leaves are unfermented, they contain extremely high amounts of polyphenols. The polyphenols in green tea have been shown to lower blood sugar naturally by regulating insulin activity and improving glucose control. Besides that, green tea can also improve brain, memory, and heart function, as well as prevent a number of diseases, and even help burn fat.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a specific polyphenol compound with extremely high antioxidant properties found in wine and grapes. It has also been shown to have antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer properties, and it is touted to do miracles for the heart and skin. For diabetics, resveratrol can help prevent high blood sugar and lower oxidative stress. However, be careful if you’re using a fermented beverage like wine to obtain this compound. Too much alcohol can undo the antioxidant’s effects and thin out the blood to dangerous levels.
Chromium
Chromium is an essential trace mineral that is abundant in the earth’s crust and seawater. It’s a nutrient that is required for the body’s process of metabolizing carbohydrates. Chromium is also essential in the production of insulin. Because of this, normal to high amounts of chromium can help a diabetic create insulin and lower their blood sugar naturally.
While there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, many individuals have reversed it and its effects, and go on to live normal, healthy lives. A balanced diet with a low glycemic index along with sufficient exercise is one of the best ways to treat type 2 diabetes, but these natural supplements can definitely make a difference.
Other Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19839001
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