Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which blood-sugar (glucose) levels are above
normal -- either the body doesn't produce enough of the hormone insulin, which breaks down
sugar in the blood, or it cannot utilize its own insulin properly. Diabetes can cause
serious health complications including blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and even
limb loss. The good news is that if you are one of the 20.8 million Americans struggling
with diabetes (type 1 and type 2 combined) there are natural approaches to help prevent
these life-threatening conditions.
As in almost all areas of health, exercise and proper diet can help tremendously for diabetes. That does not mean a heavy
exercise regimen nor does it mean a radical weight loss. Moderate exercise and
a weight lose of only 5% or slightly more can make a substantial difference (and that
holds true for those considered significantly overweight as well as those carrying a few
pesky extra pounds). To achieve a 5% or more weight loss may require no more than cutting
out soft drinks and taking regular walks for example. At any rate, losing 5% is easily
achievable with modest exercise and a sensible diet that includes plenty of vegetables and
fruit (though little or no fruit juice because of its high sugar content), fermented whole grains,
and getting rid of dangerous trans fats.
In addition to sensible dieting and physical activities, the following have all shown the
ability to help with diabetes:
* Pycnogenol - Pycnogenol is a powerful antioxidant derived from French maritime pine tree
bark and the subject of more than 180 studies over 35 years which has been shown to reduce
high blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and blood glucose without affecting insulin levels. Of particular note is
its ability to reduce leakage into the retina by repairing capillaries in the eyes. While
still largely unknown to American doctors, Pycnogenol is the leading prescription for diabetic retinopathy in France.
* Bitter Gourd - Make a watery juice of a small Bitter Gourd (remove seeds) and drink every morning. Bitter
Gourd also helps to clear pimples and maintain a good skin, and is good for de-worming the
intestines.
* Fenugreek seed - Soak fenugreek seeds in about one teaspoon in water at night, drink that water in the
morning and chew and eat the soaked seeds. Helps reduce blood sugar.
* Green plantain peels - Wash a green plantain and peel it, then put the peel in a jar and
cover with water. Let sit overnight, and then drink this water three times a day. Lowers
your blood sugar level. Keep drinking as needed and change the peel every other day and
refill the jar with water.
* Mullaca - Mullaca is employed in herbal medicine systems today
in both Peru and Brazil. In Peruvian
herbal medicine the plant is called mullaca or bolsa mullaca. To treat diabetes, the roots
of three mullaca plants are sliced and macerated in 1/4 liter of rum for seven days. Honey
is added, and 1/2 glass of this medicine is taken twice daily for 60 days. In addition, an
infusion of the leaves is recommended as a good diuretic, and an infusion of the roots is
used to treat hepatitis. For asthma and malaria, the dosage is 1 cup of tea made from the
aerial parts of the plant. In Brazilian herbal medicine the plant is employed for chronic
rheumatism, for skin diseases and dermatitis, as a sedative and diuretic, for fever and
vomiting, and for many types of kidney, liver, and gallbladder problems.
* Agaricus Blazei Murrill (ABM) Mushroom – referred to in its native Brazil as
"The Mushroom of the Gods" with good reason due to its amazing immune boosting
and disease fighting properties. Available in health food stores and
online at various sites including (http://www.agaricus.net)
.
* Alpha Lipoic Acid - In Germany, alpha-lipoic acid is an approved medical treatment for
peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes. It speeds the removal of glucose
from the bloodstream, at least partly by enhancing insulin function, and it reduces
insulin resistance, an underpinning of many cases of coronary heart disease and obesity. The
therapeutic dose for lipoic acid is 600 mg/day. In the United States, it is sold as a
dietary supplement, usually as 50 mg tablets. (The richest food source of alpha-lipoic
acid is red meat – but to ensure proper health, use lean cuts of organic beef that
has not been subject to antibiotics or feed lot practices.)
* Bitter Melon – Has a long history of use against diabetes and other conditions in
Brazil, Mexico, Peru and Nicaragua. In
numerous studies, at least three different groups of constituents found in all parts of
bitter melon have clinically demonstrated hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) properties
or other actions of potential benefit against diabetes mellitus. These chemicals that
lower blood sugar include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantins,
insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids. The hypoglycemic effect is more pronounced in the
fruit of bitter melon where these chemicals are found in greater abundance.
* Cat's Claw – Used by indigenous tribes in Peru and South America to treat diabetes. Available at
health food stores.
* "Oleander Soup" - A carefully prepared aqueous extract of the oleander plant
made according to the directions in the book "Cancer's Natural Enemy" by Tony M.
Isaacs. Diabetics who have used this remedy report being able to either reduce or
eliminate medications altogether, often being able to control their diabetes with diet
alone. Note: Oleander is extremely poisonous in raw form, but safe when boiled and
strained according to the directions in the book.
* Other Good Foods and Supplements - Almonds, apples, oranges, and substances high in
omega three oils (olive oil, flaxseed oil, fish oil, borage oil).
About the author
Tony Isaacs, is a natural health advocate and researcher and the author of books and articles about natural health including "Cancer's Natural Enemy" and "Collected Remedies"as well as song lyrics and humorous anecdotal stories. Mr. Isaacs also has The Best Years in Life website for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. He is currently residing in the scenic Texas hill country near Utopia, Texas where he serves as a consultant to the Utopia Silver colloidal silver and supplement company and where he is working on a major book project due for publication later this year. Mr. Isaacs also hosts the CureZone "Ask Tony Isaacs" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "Oleander Soup". (naturalnews, 4.24.2008, Tony Isaacs (see all articles by this author) | Key concepts: diabetes, sugar and natural remedies) http://www.naturalnews.com/023095.html