Cinnamon for Diabetes, Cholesterol, and Blood Sugar Control - Does It Really Work?

Cinnamon for diabetes is one of the hottest topics in natural products today. The problem is, there are a lot of people who are otherwise experts on diabetes but who don\’t know much about herbs putting out a lot of misinformation about it.

My own claim to expertise on the subject is, other than having been involved in designing a clinical trial to test the efficacy of cinnamon for diabetes and having written a few books on herbal medicine, I\’m also a former formulator of some of the kinds of products you find on store shelves.

The good news about cinnamon for diabetes is, it sometimes actually works. The bad news about cinnamon for diabetes is, it doesn\’t always work for diabetes, and there\’s more than one kind of cinnamon.

The cinnamon that has been documented in published clinical research is Cinnamomum cassia. Despite what some “experts” say, this isn\’t the kind of cinnamon you sprinkle on your oatmeal or you get with cinnamon rolls, at least if you\’re getting the good stuff. That other kind of cinnamon is Cinnamomum zeylanicum. <i?Cinnamomum cassia is dark brown, whereas the milder Cinnamomum zeylanicum is more of a tan.

Cinnamomum cassia is a slightly bitter, not quite as aromatic variety of cinnamon used in South Asian cuisine. It\’s not the kind used in quality baked goods. It\’s the kind used in curry.

Cinnamomum cassia is a centuries-old Ayurvedic and Udani (Pakistani) remedy. And it\’s the herb that was used in the now-famous study conducted in Pakistan and monitored in the US.

This study of the use of 1, 3, or 6 grams (1 gram = 1,000 mg) of cinnamon every day for 40 days found that on average in a group of diabetics who did not have any other treatment:

  • Fasting glucose was lowered 18 to 29 per cent. For most diabetics, this would be something in the range of 30-50 mg/dl, or 1-2.5 mM.

  • LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol was lowered 7 to 27 per cent.

  • Total cholesterol was lowered 12 to 26 per cent without any loss of the protective HDL cholesterol.

  • Fasting triglycerides were lowerd 23 to 30 per cent.

What\’s even better was, the benefits continued even after the clinical trial participants quit taking cinnamon. And more was not necessarily better. The optimum dose was 3,000 mg a day, not 6,000 mg.

So what\’s the catch?

The people who benefited most from taking cinnamon in this study (and in several others) were people who had type 2 diabetes and who didn\’t have access to any other medication. They weren\’t in severe distress from high blood sugars, but they probably did have sugars running 220 mg/dl (10+ mM). Cinnamon got sugars down to 140 mg/dl (7 mM) or so.

Cinnamon–and remember, it has to be the right kind of cinnamon–helps a whole lot of if you\’re just diagnosed and struggling to find some way to get your sugars down. No doctor is going to tell you it\’s enough, but the fact is, it can help.

If your goal is to get your morning blood sugar from 90 mg/dl to 85, cinnamon won\’t help you all that much.

What about the other kind of cinnamon? Well, basically, it\’s tasty. And there\’s nothing wrong with that. Just be sure the product you take for diabetes is labeled Cinnamomum cassia. It doesn\’t have to be an expensive extract. The cheaper capsules of pure cinnamon work just as well.

Robert Rister is the author or co-author of nine books on natural health including the critically acclaimed Complete German Commission E Monographs and Healing without Medication. You can find a growing collection of evidence-based articles on natural self-healing at his website http://www.homeremedycompanion.com

Reversing Diabetes With The Diabetes Herb Fenugreek

In this article, ‘Reversing Diabetes With The Diabetes Herb Fenugreek’, you will discover:

  • What is fenugreek?
  • Why is fenugreek a good reversing diabetes herb?
  • How much fenugreek do you need to take to help with reversing diabetes?

What Is Fenugreek?

Fenugreek can be used an herb and as a spice.

The seeds of fenugreek are used as a spice and the leafs are used as an herb.

The seeds are commonly used in Indian cuisine.

Fenugreek contains:

  • Polysaccharide Galactomannan
  • Saponins
  • Mucilage
  • Volatile Oils
  • Alkaloids

Apart from helping to reduce the symptoms associated with diabetes, fenugreek can also help with the following conditions:

  • Helping the sinuses
  • Relieving lung congestion
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Fights infection
  • Lower cholesterol

Why Is Fenugreek A Good Reversing Diabetes Herb?

Fenugreek a good reversing diabetes herb because of its high soluble fibre content.

This helps to lower blood sugar levels by slowing the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates.

Fenugreek contains a substance that helps to control blood sugar levels and increased insulin production.

Clinical trials showed that fenugreek can help to reduce blood sugar levels and instant production in people with type 2 diabetes.

How Much Fenugreek Do You Need To Take To Help With Reversing Diabetes?

To help your diabetes symptoms, try taking 2.5 g of fenugreek with your meals, a couple of times a day.

This should help to control your blood sugar levels and increase your insulin production.

So, to sum up…

Fenugreek can be used in cuisine and as a healing herb.

Fenugreek has a high soluble fibre content, which helps to control blood sugar levels and increase insulin production.

Fenugreek is a good diabetes herb to use in your diet or to supplement your diet to help in reversing the symptoms associated with diabetes.

Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh

Download ‘How To Beat Diabetes Naturally’ Free E-book

Website: NewBeingNutrition.com

Diabetes Nutritional Supplement - Magnesium

In this article, ‘Diabetes Nutritional Supplement: Magnesium’, you will discover:

  • What is magnesium?
  • Why is magnesium a good diabetes nutritional supplement?
  • How much magnesium do you need to take to help with your diabetes?

What Is Magnesium?

Magnesium is an essential mineral with many functions, such as:

  • Aids indigestion
  • Helps activate B vitamins
  • Helps in fighting depression
  • Needed for clotting blood
  • Needed for the healthy formation of bone, protein, fatty acid and new cells
  • Needed for the proper functioning of insulin
  • Prevents calcium deposits in gallstones and kidney stones
  • Prevents heart attacks by promoting a healthy cardiovascular system
  • Promotes healthy teeth

Foods which contain magnesium are:

  • Almonds
  • Apples
  • Beans
  • Brewer’s Yeast
  • Buckwheat Flour
  • Crab
  • Dark Green Vegetables
  • Figs
  • Fish
  • Garlic
  • Grains
  • Grapefruit
  • Green Peas
  • Lemons
  • Meat
  • Nuts
  • Potato Skins
  • Raisins
  • Seeds
  • Wheat Germ

Why Is Magnesium A Good Diabetes Nutritional Supplement?

Magnesium is a good diabetes nutritional supplement to take because people with type 2 diabetes tend to have low levels.

Clinical trials have found that elderly people with type 2 diabetes, who supplement their diet with magnesium, improve their insulin production.

Magnesium can also help type 1 diabetes sufferers, by reducing the risk of developing other health conditions associated with diabetes.

How Much Magnesium Do You Need To Take To Help With Your Diabetes?

To help with your diabetes, doctors recommend that you take between 200-600 mg of magnesium per day.

As with all supplements, please consult your doctor before taking magnesium, especially if you suffer from impaired kidney function.

Also, to help with your diabetes, try including foods which are high in magnesium within your diet.
Magnesium is generally safe to take, but in very large amount it can cause diarrhoea.

So, to sum up…

Diabetes sufferers can be deficient in magnesium.

Clinical trials have shown that magnesium is a good diabetes nutritional supplement to take as it can improve insulin production and reduced the risk of developing other health conditions associated with diabetes.

Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh

Download ‘How To Beat Diabetes Naturally’ Free E-book

Website: NewBeingNutrition.com

Diabetes Mellitus - Signs Symptoms and Risks

How soon do you want discover if you have diabetes mellitus? My guess is the sooner the better. Taking diabetes mellitus lightly will not be in your best interest.

Occasionally the signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus have been undiagnosed because there have been no great changes seen by the individual. Many people are amazed at the physician’s diagnosis. While you may not have the symbols that cause pain, diabetes mellitus is a disease that is working in the background. Serious consequences can erupt if left undetected.

Diabetes is not a disease you want to take lightly. If any of the signs or symptoms of diabetes mellitus show up you should see a doctor immediately. Heart and kidney disease may follow if you do not take care of your ailment. Blindness may also occur.

Insulin, a hormone released from the pancreas, controls the amount of sugar in the blood. When a person eats or drinks, food is broken down into materials, including sugar that the body needs to function. Sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream and stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin allows sugar to move from the blood into the cells. Once inside the cells, sugar is converted to energy, which is either used immediately or stored until it is needed.

If the body does not produce enough insulin to move the sugar into the cells, the resulting high levels of sugar in the blood and the inadequate amount of sugar in the cells together produce the symptoms and complications of diabetes.

Here are some of the signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus.
Your stomach size is over 102 cm (men) and 88 cm (women). That’s 40 inches (man) and 34.5 inches (woman).
You do not exercise more than half an hour daily. Like walking or dancing. The key is cardiovascular workouts.
You are using medicine for high blood pressure - some medicines do not mix well with other medicines.
In the past you have been diagnosed at least once for a high blood sugar level. Possibly during some illness you contacted.
Diabetes type 1 (”juvenile diabetes”) or type 2 (”adult onset diabetes”) occurs or was in your family at one time.
You are over 45 years of age.
You are tired more often than you would like to be.

Most important if you have any questions or any doubt about your own health situation or the health of your loved ones please consult with a doctor. Their expertise when looking at your signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus will help you determine which area of treatment best fits your needs.

If you would like to learn more about diabetes solutions go grab your free e course about diabetes. Go here right now http://www.diabetesnaturalsolutions.com

How The Pancreas Produces Insulin

The pancreas is an organ located below the breastbone, close to the stomach and duodenum. It’s principle responsibility is to create digestive enzymes and hormones, one of which is insulin. This article will describe how insulin is created in the pancreas and the other hormones that help to modify the blood sugar levels of the body.

The pancreas is made up of exocrine and endocrine cells. Exocrine cells create the digestive enzymes that are passed into the stomach to help break down food.

Endocrine cells are responsible for creating and secreting insulin and it’s counterpart glucagon. These hormones are responsible for controlling the level of glucose in the blood at any one time.

Glucose is effectively the energy that keeps the cells in the body functioning. Without glucose the body would starve. Glucose is absorbed from food via the stomach. The bloodstream passes glucose to all the cells in the body.

Endocrine cells are made up of pancreatic islets or Islets of Langerhans (after Paul Langerhans, who discovered them in 1869). Within the pancreatic islets are many smaller cells. Two of these cells produce the hormones insulin and glucagon.

The beta cells create and secrete insulin.

The alpha cells create and secrete glucagon.

These two hormones are responsible for maintaining the glucose level in blood at a constant rate so that all the cells have the required energy to perform their functions. They tend to work in an on/off relationship. When insulin is being secreted, glucagon is absent and vice versa.

The process starts when someone has eaten food. As the food is digested, glucose is passed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. This glucose is used by the body to function normally but if there is any glucose left over or too much glucose in the bloodstream, the pancreas secretes insulin.

Insulin has the effect of acting on many cells in the body to create glycogen. Glycogen is a form of storage for glucose in cells. It is an emergency reserve of glucose in cellular form should the body need it. The principal cells that insulin works on are the liver, fat and muscle cells. Thus glycogen is stored in these cells. This has the effect of keeping the glucose level in the blood to a constant and normal level.

As the food has been absorbed and energy is used by the cells there will come a time when the blood sugar levels get low. This means the cells could be starved of energy and not work effectively. This might occur when somebody is sleeping or dieting.

When the blood sugar level is low, glucagon is created and secreted. It acts on the same cells that insulin works on, notably the liver, fat and muscle cells but instead of creating glycogen it converts glycogen into glucose. The glucose can then by used by the body’s cells to continue functioning via the bloodstream. In this way the blood sugar level can always remain constant whether the body is processing food or not.

The pancreas is responsible for ensuring this delicate process continues seamlessly. It is only when the pancreas starts to malfunction that people become aware of the vital role it plays in providing energy to the body and keeping blood sugar levels normal.

Crucial to controlling your diabetes is exercise and a diet of healthy food. If you are interested in finding new eating ideas for diabetes then visit http://www.diabeticdietsplan.com. Adrian Whittle writes on diabetes related topics such as common diabetic symptoms and what causes diabetic neuropathy and diabetic ketoacidosis.

Diabetes Diet Plan - Fibre

In this article, ‘Diabetes Diet Plan: Fibre’, you will discover:

  • What is fibre?
  • Why is fibre an essential part of the diabetes diet plan?
  • How much fibre do you need to consume as part of your diabetes diet plan?

What Is Fiber?

All the food which you eat, that comes from plants such as fruit and vegetables, contains fibre, typically:

  • Cellulose
  • Gums
  • Hemicellulose
  • Lignin
  • Pectins

Fibre is passed undigested through your digestive system.

The following foods are good sources of fibre:

  • Cereals
  • Fruits
  • Nuts
  • Pulses
  • Seeds
  • Vegetables

Research has shown that a high fibre diet can help to control diabetes.

Why Is Fibre An Essential Part Of The Diabetes Diet Plan?

Fibre is an essential part of the diabetes diet plan because it helps to control blood sugar levels.

Clinical studies have shown that by keeping to a high fibre diet, you can reduce your blood glucose level by up to 10 per cent and lower your insulin levels by up to 12 per cent.

Apart from helping to reduce your glucose and insulin levels, a high fibre diet also help to reduce bad cholesterol.

How Much Fibre Do You Need To Consume As Part Of Your Diabetes Diet Plan?

As part of the diabetes diet plan, you should be eating at least 50 g of fibre per day. Typically:

  • Fruit
  • Green Leafy Vegetables
  • Legumes
  • Muesli
  • Oats
  • Pulses
  • Whole Grains

You may also like to supplement your diabetes diet plan with fibre supplements such as psyllium husks powder.

So, to sum up…

Clinical trials have shown that a high fibre diet is good at reducing your blood glucose levels, insulin levels and bad cholesterol.

For this reason, fibre is an essential part of your diabetes diet plan.

Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh

Download ‘How To Beat Diabetes Naturally’ Free E-book

Website: NewBeingNutrition.com

Diabetes Nutritional Supplement - Psyllium

In this article, ‘Diabetes Nutritional Supplement: Psyllium’, you will discover:

  • What is psyllium?
  • Why is psyllium a good diabetes nutritional supplement?
  • How much psyllium do you need to take as a diabetes nutritional supplement?

What Is Psyllium?

Psyllium is native to India and Iran.

It is the psyllium seeds which are primarily used for the medicinal purposes, psyllium seed husks are traditionally used to treat constipation.

Apart from helping with constipation and diabetes, psyllium can be used to help the following of health conditions:

  • Diverticular Disease
  • High Cholesterol
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Why Is Psyllium A Good Diabetes Nutritional Supplement?

Psyllium is a good diabetes nutritional supplement because of its soluble fibre content.

Clinical trials have shown that by taking psyllium supplements. You can lower your blood glucose levels by up to 19 per cent.

How Much Psyllium Do You Need To Take As A Diabetes Nutritional Supplement?

As a diabetes nutritional supplement, you should take 5 g of psyllium supplements three times per day for eight weeks.

This should not only lower your blood glucose level but also your cholesterol level.

Psyllium supplements are generally safe to take and are a good natural way to control your diabetes.

However, some people are sensitive to psyllium supplements and may have side-effects.

Note: when taking psyllium supplements, make sure you drink plenty of water.

So, to sum up…

Psyllium is a good and safe diabetes nutritional supplement to take because clinical trials have shown that it can lower your blood glucose levels by up to 19 per cent.

You can buy psyllium supplements at your local health store. Most good health stores should have psyllium supplements in stock.

Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh

Download ‘How To Beat Diabetes Naturally’ Free E-book

Website: NewBeingNutrition.com

Diabetes Reversing With Chromium

In this article, ‘Diabetes Reversing With Chromium’, you will discover:

  • What is chromium?
  • Why is chromium good at reversing diabetes?
  • How much chromium do you need to take to help in reversing diabetes?

What Is Chromium?

The essential trace mineral chromium can be found in the following foods:

  • Black Pepper
  • Brewer’s Yeast
  • Cheese
  • Chicken
  • Clams
  • Corn Oil
  • Egg Yolk
  • Fruit and Fruit Juice
  • Honey
  • Meat
  • Shellfish
  • Thyme
  • Vegetables
  • Whole Grains

Apart from helping to deter diabetes, chromium can also help with the following:

  • Aids in the prevention and helps to lower high blood pressure
  • Encourages production of energy
  • Helps to lower total cholesterol levels
  • Helps with growth
  • Lower blood fat levels
  • Suppresses hunger pangs
  • Helps with depression
  • Helps with insulin resistance syndrome (Syndrome X)

Why Is Chromium Good At Reversing Diabetes?

Chromium is good at reversing diabetes because clinical trials have shown that chromium can improve glucose levels in people with diabetes.

Chromium improves glucose levels in people with diabetes by increasing sensitivity to insulin.

How Much Chromium Do You Need To Take To Help In Reversing Diabetes?

Most doctors recommend up to 1000 mcg per day of chromium supplements to help in reversing diabetes.
Warning: as with all supplements, please consult with your doctor before taking them.

In the case of chromium, if you’re taking medication for diabetes, taking chromium supplements can enhance the effects of these drugs so much that it could possibly lead to hypoglycaemia.

If you’re taking diabetes medication, please consult with your doctor before taking chromium supplements.

So, to sum up…

Clinical trials have shown that, supplementing your diet with the essential trace mineral chromium can help in reversing diabetes.

Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh

Download ‘How To Beat Diabetes Naturally’ Free E-book

Website: NewBeingNutrition.com

If You Are Diabetic, What Fats Should You Eat?

What are those good fats in foods? What fats should you and I stay away from. This article is about trimming the fat from the fat confusion about food. After reading this article you will have a clear view about what fats in food to consume and which ones to stay away from. Being diabetic this is only good news.

First let’s look at the bad fats

These bad fats are called saturated fats and trans fats. These bad fats show up in foods like chocolate, (sorry) cream sauces, butter, high fat meats like sausage, bologna, hot dogs, bacon, French fries and stick margarines to name a few foods where these ingredients prevail. For a complete list do a search on the internet and use trans fats or saturated fats to search on.

Why are trans and saturated fats bad for diabetics?

Trans and saturated fats do not mix well with diabetes. It’s about circulation. Because there is more sugar in the blood of diabetics circulation of the blood is slower. These two types of fats do the exact opposite of what you want to have happen in your body. The LDL which we want to be low goes up and HDL which we want to increase goes down.

What are some good fats?

Monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids are the good guys as far as fats are concerned. These fats help our bodies. They make our cell membranes more flexible, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduce mortality from heart disease. Cold water fish like salmon and bluefish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Use canola and/or olive oil to sauté, cook, prepare salad dressing or bake.

Some diabetes diet tips.
Grill instead of fry. Lean meat instead of fatty meats will keep you lean. For meats and seafood eat two to three ounce servings. Forget about a half of a pound to a pound of beef. Skin that chicken before cooking or eating. Keep your saturated fat intake down. You and your diabetes diet plan will be much better off.

Your diabetes diet is essential to being healthy and turning the tide on your diabetes. Grab your free e course to help you gain the edge over your diabetes.

If you would like to learn more about diabetes solutions go grab your free e course about diabetes. Go here right now http://www.diabetesnaturalsolutions.com

Is It Possible to Prevent or Reverse Diabetes Complications?

Can you really prevent the complications of diabetes? Is it even possible to reverse the complications of diabetes? What steps can you take, if any? Well, there are some definite things you can do to make your life healthier with diabetes.

The first thing you must do if you want to prevent complications from diabetes is to keep studying. Learn everything you can about diabetes. It is amazing how little information people, even people with diabetes, have about the disease. If you want to be a healthy diabetic, you need to continue learning all you can.

Continually educating yourself about diabetes is a great way to prevent or reverse the effects of diabetes.
There is a continuous stream of new information and new technology in the study of diabetes. Many of these new advances can help you live a healthier and longer life with diabetes. To improve your health need to keep up on a regular basis with the advances that doctors are making.

Of major importance, in keeping diabetes under control, is your diet. In dealing with diabetes, watching the food you eat and really paying attention to nutrition is one practice that can save your life and even prevent some complications in the future. If you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, very likely your health, obesity level, and normal diet are not very good. Most adults diagnosed with diabetes have a very common history of eating too many harmful foods and having a very poor diet practices.

You need to become watchful of every bit of food that you put in your mouth. You need to ask yourself if that food is going to provide your body the nourishment it needs or deplete your body of its needs. You will need to follow a diet for diabetics. But you diet for diabetics is also great diet for everyone. A good diabetic diet is a diet that is good for anyone who wants to nourish the body and have plenty of energy whether or not they have diabetes.

Exercise is also an important part of avoiding diabetes complications. Exercise is just as important as a good solid diabetes diet in preventing or reversing complications of diabetes. It is also important to consider your food intake, along with your activity and its effect on your insulin.

Exercising daily can be a difficult task for some people. However, research shows that people that are having trouble keeping diabetes control often are lacking in daily exercise. On the other hand, diabetics who exercise regularly have little trouble when it comes to balancing their insulin intake and their food. You do not need to run marathons in order to keep diabetes in check. All it takes is a few brisk walks during the day and you can see results.

For best results, consistent and regular exercise is needed, just like continuously watching your diet. Losing weight can be very difficult for a diabetic. Yet, losing a few pounds can reduce your need for diabetic medications and make regulating it much easier. It’s not always easy, but the results of exercise and a good diet can really make a big difference in your health. Keeping educated on developments in the diabetic sector can help. It is a daily fight to prevent or reverse diabetes complications.

Find out more important information on identifying the signs of diabetes at http://www.signs-symptoms-of-diabetes.info . You can also find additional information on avoiding diabetes complications.