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Finding ways to naturally manage blood sugar and diabetes has become increasingly
important as we become more aware of the adverse effects of prescription medications.
Lifestyle changes are a crucial step in managing blood sugar levels, but at the same time,
it can be difficult to maintain lifestyle habits like eating right and exercising when the
blood sugar roller coaster has you under its thumb.
Natural herbs can offer a solution to fluctuating blood sugar levels that can help you
regain the control you need to make permanent lifestyle changes and enjoy a better quality
of living. Here are seven of the top herbs recommended for blood sugar management:
Cinnamon bark. Studies show that less than half a teaspoon of cinnamon each day can
help lower blood glucose levels in people with type II diabetes. These benefits seem to
only apply to Cassia cinnamon (also known as Chinese cinnamon), which is the form you
commonly find on the spice rack. Just a teaspoon of cinnamon is packed with antioxidants
and phenols, which fight disease and the inflammation associated with high blood sugar
levels. To enjoy this spice's health benefits, you can simply add a dash of cinnamon to
your morning oatmeal, or you can take a cinnamon bark supplement if you prefer.
Glucomannan. Although it's recently received a lot of press as a weight loss
supplement, glucomannan is packed with fiber that can help keep blood sugar levels under
control.
Gymnema sylvestre. The traditional name of this herb means "destroyer of
sugar." Gymnema sylvestre was commonly used in ancient ayurvedic medicine as a
treatment for diabetes. A study published in Ethnopharmacology in 1990 showed a
daily dose of 400 milligrams was effective in lowering blood glucose levels in diabetics
over the long term. Some participants were even able to stop using their prescription
medications after taking gymnema sylvestre.
Fenugreek. This herb is a popular traditional remedy for high blood sugar, and
there have been a number of clinical trials which showed that fenugreek could improve both
blood sugar levels and cholesterol profiles.
Prickly Pear Cactus. Clinical evidence shows prickly pear cactus may lower blood
glucose levels in diabetics by up to 46 percent. Broiled stems of the nopal variety seem
to produce the best results. This variety was also shown to be effective for lowering LDL
(bad) cholesterol levels, while preserving HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
Stevia. Finally sweeping the nation, the herbal sweetener stevia is more than just
a replacement for sugar. Research has shown that stevia can also reduce blood glucose
levels in those with type II diabetes. So replacing sugar with stevia in your morning
coffee or tea can have a doubly positive effect.
Turmeric. A traditional Indian culinary spice, turmeric may have a positive effect
on blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
If you have been medically diagnosed with blood sugar issues or diabetes, then be sure to
discuss any herbal supplements you're taking with your physician. This is especially
important if you are already on insulin or other medications. (Natural News,
Elizabeth Walling, citizen journalist
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this author) http://www.naturalnews.com/026519_blood_sugar_blood_sugar.html
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