Natural Remedies for Type 2 Diabetes: Part II – Herbs to Stop Sugar Cravings Naturally
The battle against type 2 Diabetes is long and for many its lifelong as it affects the blood sugar levels and insulin levels in our body. As mentioned in our previous article in Part-I, there are quite a few herbs which may benefit people with type 2 Diabetes. Herbs and supplements may not be the ultimate and complete solution against diabetic treatment but will definitely help reduce the complications and give relief from certain symptoms like sugar cravings, weight loss etc.
Some herbs that can combat sugar craving:
Turmeric
The yellow star of the kitchen shelf. Turmeric has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic (Indian) and Chinese medicine because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin may also help treat aspects of diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2.
Cinnamon
Antioxidants are important to reduce the body’s oxidative stress, damage to the cells and Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants that decrease this oxidative stress. Cinnamon can also lower blood sugar by acting like insulin and increasing insulin’s ability to move blood sugar into cells.
Tulsi
Tulsi is a native Indian herb and has found a firm place in any home remedies as it is enriched with several medicinal and healing properties. The herb may help manage blood sugar levels too.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek or methi seeds have been aged old remedies to manage diabetes. The fibre in these seeds slows down the digestion, reduces the rate at which it absorbs sugar and increases the amount of insulin released in the body. It can be consumed as sprouts or drink fenugreek water the first thing in the morning.
Ginseng
A well-known and widely used herbal medicine in the world since ancient times. Ginseng with its host of antioxidant properties reduces the oxidative stress and inflammation which in turn helps to lower the blood sugar level.
Liquorice
Liquorice has anti-diabetic substances in its roots which can lower blood sugar levels and can be effective in the treatment of type2 diabetes.
Gymnema Sylvestre
(Image Credits: Aryan Herbals)
The Gymnema plant is a herb known for its properties for reversing the sugar craving and hence has given it the name ‘Gymnema Sylvestre’ which means “destroyer of sugar.” According to a study published in “Pharmacia” in 2011, the Gymnema leaf contains a peptide called gurmarin, which binds to the sweet and bitter receptors on the tongue. This blocks the taste of glucose and sucrose sugars.
Garcinia
(Image Credits: Aryan Herbals)
Garcinia also is known for its weight loss properties can help lower down the sugar level along with weight loss. Some research has found that garcinia Cambogia may improve cholesterol levels, lowering triglycerides and LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) and raising HDL (the “good” cholesterol).
Aloe Vera
Research on Aloe Vera suggests that it might help protect and repair the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. The researchers believed this might be due to aloe’s antioxidant effects. Supplements may lower the absorption of sugar into the gastrointestinal tract following a meal, stimulate the breakdown of sugar, and prevent sugar production.
Also read: “Aloe vera – The Miracle Plant with Multiple Uses and Benefits”
Bitter Gourd/Melon
Bitter gourd as the name sounds is bitter , but don’t judge a vegetable by its taste, sometimes bitter is better. Bitter gourd is a vegetable which has almost 3 active substances with anti-diabetic properties that helps to lower down the sugar level. It has been confirmed to have a blood glucose-lowering effect, vicine and an insulin-like compound known as polypeptide-p which can reduce the imbalance in the blood sugar level. Bitter melon can be taken in several forms; it can be eaten as a vegetable, made into juice, the seeds can be added to food in a powdered form. Alternatively, bitter gourd extract can be bought as a herbal supplement well.
Diabetes is not a small ailment, it is an imbalance of sugar level in the system and if not attended can cause serious damage or harm. It is always advised that whether natural or herbal, it works differently on different body types so even if you want to add a simple supplement to your diabetes treatment plan, it’s best to talk to your doctor first. Monitor your blood sugar closely to avoid low blood sugar reactions.
Also read: “Natural Remedies for Type 2 Diabetes: Part I”
The bottom line:
“A positive attitude can decrease your stress hormone level and improve your blood sugar and blood pressure. Stress management while managing diabetes is very important.” says Betul Hatipoglu, MD, an endocrinologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
Diabetes is a journey. Exercise, medication, monitoring blood sugar, regular check-ups, a healthy diet — when it comes to living with diabetes, there are many requirements to manage the condition.
‘Don’t let the sweet kill you. Stay on guard. Don’t let Diabetes ruin your life, let’s beat it together!’
This article is originally published at Aryan Herbals blog.
Image Source: Pixabay
Cover Image Source: Aryan Herbals
Comments
Post a Comment