Herbs for Diabetes

Diabetes Herbs for Diabetes Since antiquity, diabetes has been treated with plant medicines. Recent scientific investigation has confirmed the efficacy of many of these preparations, some of which are remarkably effective. Only those herbs that appear most effective, are relatively non-toxic and have substantial documentation of efficacy are covered here. Pterocarpus marsupium (Indian Kino, Malabar Kino, Pitasara, Venga) The tree is the source of the Kino of the European pharmacopeas. The gum-resin looks like dried blood (Dragon's blood), much used in Indian medicine. This herb has a long history of use in India as a treatment for diabetes. The flavonoid, (-)-epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant has been shown to prevent alloxan-induced beta cell damage in rats. Both epicatechin and a crude alcohol extract of Pterocarpus marsupium have actually been shown to regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells. No other drug or natural agent has been shown to generate this activity. Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, is a tropical vegetable widely cultivated in Asia, Africa and South America, and has been used extensively in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes. The blood sugar lowering action of the fresh juice or extract of the unripe fruit has been clearly established in both experimental and clinical studies. Bitter melon is composed of several compounds with confirmed anti-diabetic properties. Charantin, extracted by alcohol, is a hypoglycaemic agent composed of mixed steroids that is more potent than the drug tolbutamide which is often used in the treatment of diabetes. Momordica also contains an insulin-like polypeptide, polypeptide-P, which lowers blood sugar levels when injected subcutaneously into type 1 diabetic patients. The oral administration of 50-60 ml of the juice has shown good results in clinical trials. Excessively high doses of bitter melon juice can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Small children or anyone with hypoglycemia should not take bitter melon, since this herb could theoretically trigger or worsen low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Furthermore, diabetics taking hypoglycemic drugs (such as chlorpropamide, glyburide, or phenformin) or insulin should use bitter melon with caution, as it may potentiate the effectiveness of the drugs, leading to severe hypoglycemia. Gymnema Sylvestre (Gurmar, Meshasringi, Cherukurinja) Gymnema assists the pancreas in the production of insulin in Type 2 diabetes. Gymnema also improves the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It decreases cravings for sweet. This herb can be an excellent substitute for oral blood sugar-lowering drugs in Type 2 diabetes. Some people take 500 mg per day of gymnema extract. Onion and Garlic ( Allium cepa and Allium sativum) Onion and garlic have significant blood sugar lowering action. The principal active ingredients are believed to be allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and diallyl disulphide oxide (allicin), although other constitutents such as flavonoids may play a role as well. Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that APDS lowers glucose levels by competing with insulin for insulin-inactivating sites in the liver. This results in an increase of free insulin. APDS administered in doses of 125 mg/ kg to fasting humans was found to cause a marked fall in blood glucose levels and an increase in serum insulin. Allicin doses of 100 mg/kg produced a similar effect. Onion extract was found to reduce blood sugar levels during oral and intravenous glucose tolerance. The effect improved as the dosage was increased; however, beneficial effects were observed even for low levels that used in the diet (eg., 25 to 200 grams). The effects were similar in both raw and boiled onion extracts. Onions affect the hepatic metabolism of glucose and/or increases the release of insulin, and/or prevent insulin's destruction. The additional benefit of the use of garlic and onions are their beneficial cardiovascular effects. They are found to lower lipid levels, inhibit platelet aggregation and are antihypertensive. So, liberal use of onion and garlic are recommended for diabetic patients. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated the antidiabetic properties of fenugreek seeds. The active ingredient responsible for the antidiabetic properties of fenugreek is in the defatted portion of the seed that contains the alkaloid trogonelline, nicotinic acid and coumarin. Blueberry leaves (Vaccinium myrtillus) A decoction of the leaves of the blueberry has a long history of folk use in the treatment of diabetes. The compound myrtillin (an anthocyanoside) is apparently the most active ingredient. Upon injection it is somewhat weaker than insulin, but is less toxic, even at 50 times the 1 g per day therapeutic dose. A single dose can produce beneficial effects lasting several weeks. Blueberry anthocyanosides also increase capillary integrity, inhibit free-radical damage and improve the tone of the vascular system. In Europe, it is used as an anti-haemorrhagic agent in the treatment of eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy. Asian Ginseng Asian ginseng is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It has been shown to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas and to increase the number of insulin receptors. It also has a direct blood sugar-lowering effect. A recent study found that 200 mg of ginseng extract per day improved blood sugar control as well as energy levels in Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM). Bilberry Bilberry may lower the risk of some diabetic complications, such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy. Stevia Stevia has been used traditionally to treat diabetes. Early reports suggested that stevia might have beneficial effects on glucose tolerance (and therefore potentially help with diabetes), although not all reports have confirmed this. Even if stevia did not have direct antidiabetic effects, its use as a sweetener could reduce intake of sugars in such patients. Ginkgo Biloba Ginkgo biloba extract may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic neuropathy. Cinnamon - Triples insulin's efficiency Barberry - One of the mildest and best liver tonics known. Dosage: tincture, 10-30 drops; standard decoction or 3-9 g. Herbal Combinations For all pancreatic problems: 1 part uva ursi 1 part goldenseal 1 part elecampane 2 parts dandelion root 2 parts cedar berries 1 part fennel part ginger Mix the powdered herbs and put them in #00 capsules. Take them after every meal.

Alternative medicine for treatment of diabetes-

Ginseng -Although there are several different types of ginseng, most of the promising studies on ginseng and diabetes have used North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Those studies have shown that North American ginseng may improve blood sugar control and glycosylated hemoglobin (a form of hemoglobin in the blood used to monitor blood glucose levels over time) levels.

Chromium- Chromium is an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism and helps body cells properly respond to insulin.

Magnesium- Magnesium is a mineral found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains and in nutritional supplements.Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and is needed for normal muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, immune function, blood pressure, and for bone health. Some studies suggest that low magnesium levels may worsen blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes. There is also some evidence that magnesium supplementation may help with insulin resistance.

Cinnamon-Cinnamon is a glycosides it improves blood glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes.

Zinc- The mineral zinc plays an important role in the production and storage of insulin. There is some research showing that people with type 2 diabetes have suboptimal zinc status due to decreased absorption and increased excretion of zinc. Food sources of zinc include fresh oysters, ginger root, lamb, pecans, split peas, egg yolk, rye, beef liver, lima beans, almonds, walnuts, sardines, chicken, and buckwheat.

Aloe Vera Gel-Although aloe vera gel is better known as a home remedy for minor burns and other skin conditions, recent animal studies suggest that aloe vera gel may help people with diabetes. A Japanese study evaluated the effect of aloe vera gel on blood sugar. Researchers isolated a number of active phytosterol compounds from the gel that were found to reduce blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels.

Gymnema- Several preliminary studies suggest that the herb gymnema can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Because gymnema may lower blood sugar levels, people taking medications for diabetes or using insulin shouldn't take gymnema unless they are closely monitored by their health care provider

Vanadium-Vanadium is a trace mineral found naturally in soil and many foods. It is also produced during the burning of petroleum. Vanadium has been found to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It appears to mimic many of the actions of insulin in the body. The use of vanadium for diabetes, particularly without the supervision of a qualified health care practitioner, is not recommended, because the dose needed to affect blood glucose levels can be potentially toxic. The typical amount of vanadium found in the average diet (less than 30 micrograms per day) appears to have little toxicity5.

Neem- The leaves of Neem posses’ anti-diabetic properties. The juices of these leaves are helpful in controlling the blood sugar level in diabetics. Neem is in fact an herbal medicine used for the treatment of various other diseases also such as skin problems, warm infections, ulcer etc.

Sweet potato leaves- The leaves of sweet potato are high value in preventing diabetes, by lowering blood sugar level. It is highly nutritious vegetable. Preparation of sweet potato leaves is used in the tea of diabetic patients.

Madhuca- The Indian name for Madhuca is Madhua it is also posses’ excellent anti-diabetic properties and it is highly beneficial in treating raised blood sugar levels.

Mango leaves- The leaves of Mango helps in lowering the blood sugar levels in diabetics. The fresh leaves of mango are socked in water for an overnight. Then they are squeezed well in the water before filtering them in the morning6.

Bad Food for Diabetics - Have You Excluded Them From Your Diet?

There's no one diet for diabetes. General guidelines exist, such as "eat less fat and saturated fat" and "eat more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables." Your diabetes meal plan must be based on your individual needs. When it comes to what to eat and what not to eat for diabetics, advice is abundance. With so much well meaning advice from various sources, it can be difficult to determine what food you should be including as part of your diabetic diet. Instead of what we should eat, why don't we start with the types bad food for diabetics?

Basically, a diet low in saturated fat with well controlled blood glucose levels that incorporates weight control, exercise and fewer refined sugars is recommended. Controlling blood glucose levels with diet, and in some cases medication, is the key. To keep blood sugar levels under control, a diabetic diet strikes a balance among the carbohydrates, fats, and protein you take in. In addition, a 1,500-calorie diabetic diet restricts calories and fat. These fruits helps to control blood sugar, levels. Due to their low glycemic index, they promote a gradual increase in the blood sugar level which is highly beneficial to diabetics.

Carbohydrates encompass a broad range of foods, including table sugar, fruits and vegetables, and grains such as rice and wheat. Carbohydrates (be it potato or table sugar) typically take from five minutes to three hours to digest, whereas protein takes three to six hours and fat can take eight or more hours. That's why different foods have different effects on blood sugar, such as why ice cream (higher in fat) raises blood sugar levels more slowly than potatoes. Carbohydrate choices should come from whole grains breads or cereals, pasta, brown rice, beans, fruits and vegetables. Increasing dietary fiber is a general guideline for the entire population rather than specifically for people with diabetes. Avoid simple, processed, and concentrated carbohydrates. Highly processed carbohydrates in packaged food such as, fast food, white bread, and white flour products, have a high glycemic index that causes spikes in sugar levels. Sugar and refined carbohydrates are undeniably linked to diabetes.

Beware of sugar-free cookies and other products made for diabetics. Even though they're sugar-free, they may contain trans fats or have more fats than their sugary counterparts. Sugary foods are fattening. Many foods that have a lot of table sugar are very high in calories and fat. Sugar-free candy as well as as other products using the term "sugar-free" should be evaluated for total carbohydrate content. Sugar alcohols, though listed by their weight content within the food as listed in the Nutrition Facts panel, are not metabolized (broken down and used for energy) the way true sugars are.

If you have alcoholic drinks on an empty stomach, they can make your blood glucose level go too low. Alcoholic drinks also can raise your blood fats. Many people do not realize that milk can raise the blood sugar, because it doesn't taste sweet?, but it does contain lactose, which will turn to glucose. One container of sugar free, fat free yogurt is also equal to one carb choice.

Eating good quality foods that are high in nutrients and fiber can help normalize blood sugars. Working with a doctor and being vigilant about diet can make a difference in the long-term health of a person living with diabetes. Eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables may satisfy sugar cravings without jeopardizing sugar levels; the fiber in fruits, vegetables, and grains can regulate how quickly sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream.

The ideal diet for people with diabetes aims to maintain a balance between sugars, fiber, fats and salt. No foods are completely forbidden but some foods, especially sugars, fats and salt need to be consumed in restricted quantities. Learning about Diabetes and making the right lifestyle changes, can help you maintain blood glucose and blood fat levels as close to normal as possible, as well as maintaining a reasonable body weight. All of these factors will help you to reduce the risk of developing the serious complications of Diabetes. Fat should be removed before cooking.

Following diabetic restrictions does not mean boring and mundane diet. Knowing what to eat and how much is the key to a healthy diabetic diet. Visit FreeRecipesForDiabetics.com to get free recipes for diabetic diet, meal plans, diabetic food grocery list as well as diabetic diet tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Audrey_Lynn

Herb Used To Treat Diabetes Works Like Modern-day Prescription Drugs, Study Suggests

ScienceDaily — COLUMBUS, Ohio – An herb used in traditional Indian medicine to treat diabetes seems to lower blood sugar and insulin levels in a manner similar to prescription drugs, a new study reports.

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Researchers gave extracts of the herb Salacia oblonga to 39 healthy adults, and the results were promising. The largest dose of the herb extract – 1,000 milligrams – decreased insulin and blood glucose levels by 29 and 23 percent, respectively.

"These kinds of reductions are similar to what we might see with prescription oral medications for people with diabetes," said Steve Hertzler, a study co-author and an assistant professor of nutrition at Ohio State University.

Salacia oblonga, which is native to regions of India and Sri Lanka, binds to intestinal enzymes that break down carbohydrates in the body. These enzymes, called alpha-glucosidases, turn carbohydrates into glucose, the sugar that circulates throughout the body. If the enzyme binds to the herbal extract rather than to a carbohydrate, then less glucose gets into the blood stream, resulting in lowered blood glucose and insulin levels.

"Lowering blood glucose levels lowers the risk of disease-related complications in people with diabetes," Hertzler said. "Also, poor compliance with diabetes medications often hinders the effectiveness of these drugs. It may be easier to get someone to take an herb with food or in a beverage, as opposed to a pill."

The study appears in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

Thirty-nine healthy adults participated in four separate meal tolerance tests. These meals, which were given in beverage form, were spaced three to 14 days apart. Each participant fasted for at least 10 hours before consuming the test beverage.

Participants were asked to drink about two cups' worth of the chilled beverage, which contained zero, 500, 700 or 1,000 milligrams of Salacia oblonga extract. Afterward, the researchers used the finger-prick method to draw blood samples from each person every 15 to 30 minutes for three hours. These blood samples were used to determine insulin and blood glucose concentrations. The biggest changes in blood glucose and insulin levels usually happen within the first two hours after eating.

The beverage that contained the highest concentration of the herbal extract – 1,000 milligrams – provided the most dramatic reduction in insulin and blood glucose levels. Insulin levels were 29 percent lower, while blood glucose levels were 23 percent lower as compared to the control drink, which contained no herbal extract.

As Salacia oblonga can cause intestinal gas, the researchers had the study participants collect breath hydrogen samples hourly for eight hours after drinking the test beverage. The participants collected their breath in small plastic tubes. The researchers then analyzed these breath samples for hydrogen and methane content – the level of either substance in the breath corresponds to the level contained in the colon.

The subjects also rated the frequency and intensity of nausea, abdominal cramping and distention and gas for two days after consuming each test meal.

While the test beverages containing Salacia oblonga caused an increase in breath hydrogen excretion, reports of gastrointestinal discomfort were minimal, Hertzler said.

Right now he and his colleagues are trying to figure out what dose of the herb is most effective, and when it should be taken relative to a meal.

"We want to know how long it takes for the herb to bind to the enzymes that break down carbohydrates," Hertzler said. "The participants in this study took the herb with their meal, but maybe taking it before eating would be even more effective."

The researchers also want to study the effects of Salacia oblonga in people with diabetes.

"A lot of studies show that lowering blood sugar levels reduces the risk for all kinds of diabetes-related complications, such as kidney disease and nerve and eye damage," Hertzler said. "We want to see if this herb has this kind of effect."

Salacia oblonga is still relatively difficult to find in the United States, Hertzler said, although there are manufacturers that sell the herb through the Internet.

This study was supported by the Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories in Columbus.

Hertzler is continuing to conduct Salacia oblonga studies with the Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories. He has no links to the company beyond this affiliation.

Hertzler conducted the work with former Ohio State colleague Patricia Heacock, who is now at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey; Jennifer Williams, a clinical scientist with Ross Products Division, Abbott Laboratories; and Bryan Wolf, a former research scientists with Ross Products Division.

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Adapted from materials provided by Ohio State University.

Natural Food for Diabetics - Natural diabetes Treatment

According to the World Diabetes Federation Some 80% of Type 2 diabetes is preventable by improving the living environment. This includes dietary changes and increased physical activity.

If you are diabetic, it is essential that you understand that any time you make changes to your diet, that you should test your blood sugar in tandem in order to gauge the effects of those changes. It is advisable to your consult your pysician before making drastic dietary changes. Check your blood sugar regularly in order to get a feel as to what works and which foods help you achieve the best possible control of your blood sugar.

If there is some food that your are skeptical about, test your blood sugar and see if it worked. As long as you follow the rules that you have learned about portion sizes, total carb exchanges per meal or snack, and as long as you use whole foods within the guidelines your doctor or diabetic counselor has given you, you can experiment with types of foods to see which ones give you the best overall blood sugar control.

Cinnamon

An intake of half a teaspoon of cinnamon twice a day has the potential to reduce blood sugar by as much as 50 points. The genesis of prescribing cinnamon for diabetes started with a study conducted by Richard Anderson, at the Human Nutrition Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland, a branch of the U.S department of agriculture. They discovered that apple pie was one of the foods that were able to boost the efficiency of insulin in type 2 diabetics. Further analysis revealed that cinnamon, a common ingredient in apple pie was responsible. The most active ingredient in cinnamon is methylhydroxy chalcone polymer which helps convert glucose to energy.

Bitter Gourd or Bitter Melon

Bitter Gourd (referred to as plant insulin) improves the body glucose tolerance. The recommended dose is 2 ounce twice per pay between meals. It can be cooked or taken in powered forms. Bitter Melon is approved by the Dept. of Health in the Philipines as one of the foremost herbal medicines for diabetes blood sugar control.

Chromium

Helps cells to respond better to naturally produce insulin. Rich sources of chromium: seeds, whole grains, mushrooms..

Magnesium

Eating more whole grains and low-fat dairy foods rich in magnesiumalso reduced the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Magnesium-rich foods include whole grains, vegetables, cereals, and milk.

Banaba

Referred to as a botanical insulin, it helps to lower blood sugar and acts as a glucose vehicle in the blood stream.

Milk Thistle, Silybum marianum (silymarin)

The herbal medicine extracted from seeds of the Milk Thistle, Silybum marianum (silymarin) is known to have antioxidant properties and research published this week in Phytotherapy Research shows that this extract can help people significantly lower the amount of sugar bound to haemoglobin in blood, as well as reducing fasting blood sugar levels. Silymarin contains a number of active constituents called flavolignans which are also used to help protect the liver from poisoning.

Gymnema Sylvestre

It reduces insulin resistance by increasing cell permatibility. It is recommended that people with diabetes should take 4 grams per day of this ayurvedic herb. A Harvard study concluded that it did not only reduce blood sugar in type two but type one diabetics as well. Gymnema Sylvestre is made out of a herbal plant known as ‘Masbedda’ in Sri Lanka. It has powerful medical characteristics for the cure of diabetes. The herbal preparation now market is now in dried powered form and could be dissolved in hot water and could be taken instead of tea.

Huckleberry

Improves circulation in the capillaries in the hands and feet and improves digestion and immune systems

Zinc

It is essential for the pancreas to produce insulin and makes insulin work effectively. It also helps in fortifying the insulin receptor cells. When zinc is low, the pancreas does not create sufficient insulin, thus high glucose levels

Ginkgo Biloba

An extremely effective herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and derived from one of the oldest trees on earth. Studies indicate that Ginkgo biloba has a beneficial effect on peripheral and cerebral circulation and can therefore help to prevent the tissue damage and poor circulation associated with diabetes. It is also suggested that Ginkgo biloba can increase blood flow to the optic fibres of the eyes and therefore help to treat diabetes-related eye disease.

Other Diabetes Herbs

Indian blackberry seeds, fenugreek, neem seeds, turmeric, mustard seeds, gooseberry, jeerakam cumin seeds, bacopa monnieri

Vitamin B complex

Vitamins of the B group are valuable in the treatment of diabetes. However, large dosages of Vitamin B should be avoided as it can interfere with the absorption of Insulin by cells. Despite an adequate intake of these vitamins, diabetics often have abnormally small amounts of vitamin B in their blood because of high urinary loss of exhibit symptoms of vitamin B deficiency. Marked clinical improvement has been reported in patients of diabetes with only 16000 units of daily supplements of vitamin B complex. Because these vitamins help reduce blood fat and cholesterol, they should be generously supplied at all times. According to experts, one small risk associated with a vegan diet is a lack of vitamin B12, so diabetics considering a vegetable diet should supplemented their diet with B12 vitamins. Australia--Research on B vitamins and children with diabetes type 1 has revealed supplementation can normalize endothelial function, a precursor of vascular disease, which begins early in juvenile diabetes and is associated with foliate status.

Thiamine or Vitamin B1

Diabetic diet inadequate in vitamin B1, often leads to the development of neuritis, which is relieved as soon as large amounts of this vitamin are given. Vitamin B1 is particularly essential in preventing brain dysfunction during diabetic acidosis. The greater the need for insulin the higher the intake of vitamin B1, pantothenic acid or vitamin B12 and biotin or vitamin B8 should be. The primary natural vegetable sources of thiamine are dark green leafy vegetables, banana and apple wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, the outer layers of rice, wheat and other whole grain cereals, pulses, nuts, peas, lime, legumes, .

Vitamin B12 (Pantothenic acid) is essential for the body to release energy from proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It also plays an important role in developing the central nervous system and cell building. Stay healthy and keep your blood sugar at bay by eating essential foods rich in Vitamin B12 such as sweet potato, mushroom, yogurt, avocado, lobsters, and organ meats

Pyridoxine or Vitamin B6

B6 is essential for the functioning of the immune system and in enabling the body to make use of carbohydrates (sugar) and fats. When diet is low in vitamin B6 or pyridoxine, an essential amino acid tryptophan, is converted into a substance known as xanthurenic acid. It is revealed in laboratory experiments that xanthurenic acid has a negative effect on essential pancreatic functions. In addition, Foliate and vitamin B6 normalized endothelial dysfunction in children with type 1 diabetes.

Diabetics who have been given 50 mg of vitamin B6 daily have shown a rapid and marked decrease in urinary xanthurenic acid. In a particular incident, the quantity dropped almost 97 percent the first day. Total absence of urinary xanthurenic acid amongst those who continued with a daily dosage of 10 to 20 mg of this vitamin indicated that none was being formed in the body. Diabetics are thus greatly helped by a liberal intake of vitamin B6. Keep your body healthy by eating fortified cereals, poultry, some vegetables and fruits, soybeans, wheat germ, and fish - essential foods rich in Vitamin B6.

Biotin

According to techmedia Biotin is needed to process glucose. In addition a study showed that Type 1 diabetics given 16mgs of Biotin for one week cut their fasting glucose by 50%.

Vitamin A

A compound of vitamin A called topical Retin-A also known as tretinoin, mainly used to treat acne problems, enhances the healing of foot ulcers in patients with diabetes, according to a report of the Archives of Dermatology

Possible Herbal Treatments For Diabetes

Many people are turning to herbal remedies for the treatments of diseases. The reason for this is natural herbs have less side effects that traditional prescription medicine. There are vast variety of herbs for every medical condition. Before trying any type of herbal supplement, talk with your doctor. Some herbs may have in interaction with medications that you may be on.

If you start an herbal treatment for your diabetes, monitor you blood sugar levels frequently. There are many types of herbs for the treatment of diabetes. Some work better than others and what works for one person may not work for you. Do your research and talk with a holistic healer or herbalist. This article is going to list a few of the herbs that are used in the treatment of diabetes:

Garlic and onions are best known for their cardiovascular benefits, however a few studies have shown that they can be beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels. Onions can increase the production of insulin in your body, which will lower high glucose levels in your blood.

Bitter melon has long been used for it's glucose lowering properties. It must be taken in small doses however, because larger doses can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Aloe Vera has been called the healing herb. It is known for it's ability to treat burns and cuts.But the dried sap and gel taken from the inner portion of the leaves have been effective in treating diabetes.

Asian ginseng is a traditional Chinese medicine. It has long been used in the treatment of diabetes. Asian ginseng can increase the release of insulin from the pancreas and enhance the function of insulin receptors.

Gymnema is an Ayurvedic herb that has been shown to help the pancreas produce insulin. It has been beneficial in lowering blood sugar levels in both type 1 and type 2 diabetics.

Stevia has long been used to lower blood glucose levels. It has had animal studies but has not undergone any human trials.

Cinnamon bark will make fat cells more accessible to insulin. It blocks the formation of dangerous free radicals and increases the conversation rate of glucose to energy.

These are just a few of the herbs used to treat diabetes. You must remember, that just because you can buy it over the counter does not mean that it is completely safe. People with renal disease or liver disease are at a higher risk for complications. If you are on blood thinning medicines be aware that taking ginkgo, ginseng and garlic will increase your risk for bleeding.

Do not take extra doses of the herbs thinking that more is better. It can actually do more harm than good. Monitor your blood sugar frequently and keep your doctor informed of what you are doing. If you find the right herb that works for you, prescription medication for your diabetes may become a thing of the past!

Sometimes the best offense against diabetes is a good defense. Click here to discover the truth about diabetes.

Number of diabetes patients keeps rising in Malaysia

AT least 11 out of 100 Malaysians suffer from diabetes, the house heard yesterday.

Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said the sufferers were aged between 25 and 64.According to a study by the ministry last year, an estimated 1.33 million Malaysians between the ages of 25 and 64 had diabetes.There were 41,464 cases detected last year, an increase of 27 per cent compared to 30,281 cases recorded in 2001.Lee said the numbers, which increased steadily every year, were based on patients admitted to government hospitals.

"The actual number of patients is obviously much higher. We are collecting information to develop a national database for non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, under the Ninth Malaysia Plan," said Lee in reply to Datuk Baharum Mohamed (BN-Sekijang).Lee added that the ministry had no plans to establish a specialist centre to treat diabetics because the disease was controllable."It is the contributing diseases that we are worried about because diabetes itself is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle." To a supplementary question by Datuk Badruddin Amiruldin (BN-Jerai), Lee said the ministry could not ban products such as soft drinks but would focus on awareness campaigns and educating the public on a healthy lifestyle

The spice of life: cooking with herbs and spices not only livens up your meals, but may also help prevent disease

Powerful chemicals that may help prevent chronic diseases are not just in pharmacies, but they're also in your kitchen spice rack. Recent studies show that curcumin, which gives curry its yellow color, capsaicin in hot peppers, and chemicals in cinnamon, rosemary, garlic, pepper, and ginger may help the body ward off cancer, heart disease, and diabetes

"Spices have been used for thousands of years not only to enhance food but also to improve health. We are just now discovering the scientific proof of what our grandmothers knew: That spices and herbs can heal and help prevent disease," remarks Meena Katdare, PhD, head of the Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Laboratory and assistant professor of cell and developmental biology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Katdare cites curcumin as a prime example: "Curcumin, the active chemical in the spice turmeric, has been shown to be a very strong immunomodulator, and has been used for the prevention of ailments for generations in Asian countries. It also acts as an antioxidant and as an antimicrobial."

"Turmeric is a basic ingredient in everyday cooking in India and other countries. But people also know it can control infection. If a child gets a cut or scrape, before we use an antibiotic we will go to the kitchen, pick up the turmeric and put some on the wound. It will immediately stop bleeding. Healing will be faster and it will reduce scar formation. When people have a sore throat, they take it in warm milk. We are now investigating its effects on cells in the laboratory," says Katdare, whose research was inspired by her maternal grandmother, who used medicinal spices and herbs in India.



Adding flavor and function
Spices and herbs not only add flavor and aroma to foods, but they also contain plant chemicals (phytochemicals) that have many beneficial effects, says Tieraona Low Dog, MD, education director of the Program in Integrative Medicine and clinical assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Culinary herbs can function as digestive aids (for example, fennel acts as a carminative to dispel gas), kill harmful bacteria in the GI tract (as nutmeg can), and even dampen pain (think clove oil for dental pain).
"All spices promote salivation, which is a key to priming of the digestive response," Dr. Low Dog told the Third Annual Conference on Nutrition and Health held in New York City in May, cosponsored by Columbia University's Rosenthal Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. "Spices and herbs were traditionally used as preservatives to keep food from spoiling. Many of these plants have antimicrobial and antifungal activity, and some have chemopreventive effects, mostly in the colon for colorectal cancer."

The spice rack as a medicine cabinet

Dr. Low Dog's list of "medicinal" spices and herbs used in cooking includes: Anise seed, used for licorice flavoring and anisette liquor, which acts as a carminative, has antifungal activity against Candida, works as an antihistamine (dampening mast cells and molecules called leukotrienes) and is used by Native Americans in the Southwest for allergies and asthma. Rosemary prepared as tea is another asthma remedy.

Basil has inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and has been used for wound-healing in topical creams and ointments. You can crush it and put it on a wound, Dr. Low Dog told the conference. Try a one percent solution of essential oil of basil as an antibacterial rinse for produce, she suggests.

Cayenne pepper (which contains capsaicin) makes the nose run and can clear stuffy sinuses. It's a traditional remedy in the Southwest for colds, says Dr. Low Dog. "If you get stopped up, you go have a very hot spicy meal to help clear your sinuses. Capsaicin applied topically and repeatedly over time desensitizes nerves and reduces pain. One out of eight people who do not respond to conventional treatments for neuropathic pain may be helped by capsaicin." A recent animal study showed that capsaicin may also have anticancer activity, promoting cell suicide (apoptosis) and shrinking pancreatic tumors.

Black pepper (called the "king of spices") has antibacterial properties and may reduce DNA damage seen in certain models of cancer. Nutmeg can act against the gastrointestinal bacteria E. coli and H. pylori, and a 2005 study found it had some antidepressant properties, Dr. Low Dog says.

Curry can fight cancer

Recent studies have shown that curcumin also induces cell suicide. It may help stop the spread of lung cancer and inhibit colon, oral, and throat cancers. Cornell's Katdare is among the researchers focusing on curcumin's use against breast cancer.

Her laboratory studies of breast tissue cell lines have shown that faster-growing tumor cells are more responsive to curcumin. "Within 24 hours curcumin induces cell suicide (apoptosis) in tumor cells. But what happens to the cells that are not killed off? We removed those cells, washed them, and allowed them to grow in regular medium for 15-18 days. To my surprise, the cells remained in a resting state for 15 days. Then they started growing again, but at a slower rate than before. This selective effect of curcumin to the mutant, faster growing cells is very exciting," she says. Katdare has begun new research under a grant from the NIH Clinical Nutrition Research Unit to further study curcumin's effects, this time on mammary tumors in mice. She is also working with the Strang Cancer Prevention Center at Cornell on a human model to prevent or treat ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Coffee Intake Linked To Lower Diabetes Risk

Drinking coffee, especially when it is decaffeinated, will be associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a report in the Sept 26 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. The link between coffee and diabetes risk appears to be very consistent across different ages and body weights; in addition, most research has found that the more coffee an individual drinks, the lower his or her risk for diabetes. However, it remains unclear whether it is the caffeine or any other ingredient in coffee, which may confer a protective effect.

Mark A. Pereira, Ph.D., and colleagues at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, had studied coffee intake and diabetes risk in the 28,812 postmenopausal women in Iowa over a 12-year period. At the beginning of the study, in 1986, the women answered questions about the risk factors for diabetes, including age, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol consumption and other smoking history. They also reported how often they consumed a variety of foods and these beverages over the previous year, including regular and decaffeinated coffee.

Based on this information reported in the initial questionnaire, about half of the women (14,224) drank one to two cups of coffee per day; 2,876 drank more than six cups; 5,553 four to five cups; 3,232 less than one cup; and 2,927 none. Over the following 12 years, 1,417 of the women reported on surveys, which they had been newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. After adjusting the data for some of the other diabetes risk factors, women who drank more than five cups of any type of coffee per day were 21 percent less likely than those who drank no coffee to be diagnosed suffering from diabetes; those who drank more than five cups of decaffeinated coffee per day had a 32 percent reduction in risk compared with those who drank none.

Overall caffeine intake did not appear to be much related to diabetes risk, further suggesting that some other ingredient in coffee was also responsible. "Magnesium, for which coffee is a good source, can explain some of the inverse relation between coffee intake and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus through known helpful effects on the carbohydrate metabolism," the authors write. However, the study found no relation between Magnesium and diabetes risk. Other minerals and nutrients found in the coffee bean including compounds known as polyphenols, which have also been shown to help the body process carbohydrates and antioxidants, which might protect cells in the insulin producing pancreas can contribute to its beneficial effects and needs to be examined in future studies.

About The Author
Adam Akelis is a professional copywriter who has a sound knowledge on coffee, his all time favorite drink. Not only Adam, there are lot of coffee lovers all over the world interested in knowing the benefits on coffee intake. To know more on coffee, its types (such as gourmet coffee, Instant Coffee, Cains Coffee, Costa Coffee, Alterra Coffee, Cappuccino,...) and its benefits please visit http://www.bluehillcoffee.com/. And to contact Adam Akelis mail to adamakelis@gmail.com.

Diabetes Herbs

When there's a natural remedy for most illnesses today, can diabetes be far behind? Here's some good news for diabetic patients who would like to consider a natural alternative. Amazon Botanicals has a 100% natural product, which it calls "Sugar Control" that is helpful in controlling blood sugar levels. "Sugar control" is made from two wonder natural diabetes herbs from Peru – Yacon and Pata de vaca. Yacon is a perennial plant that is grown under warm and humid conditions in Peru under altitudes of 9,300 feet. The tuberous roots of Yacon are crisp and sweet and resemble a bit of both an apple and a watermelon. Yacon is a natural diabetes herb for diabetes and liver problems. Yacon is a low calorie item. The calorie content in a jar of Yacon extract is said to be half that of a similarly sized jar of honey. Yacon tastes sweet without raising blood sugar levels, because it contains a form of sugar that is not absorbed in the body. This happens because carbohydrates in Yacon are in the form of insulin and not starch. The oligofructose, a dietary sugar found in Yacon, also encourages growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon. Yacon is also useful for persons suffering from constipation. According to some, it also purifies the blood.

Pata de vaca, meaning literally "the cow's hoof" is a small plant that grows to a height of 5-9 meters and has leaves that are shaped like a cow's hoofs. Pata de vaca is an important medicinal herb in Brazil. The plant has been used for over sixty years as a natural diabetes herb in controlling blood sugar. Its effects are supposed to be so good that it has earned the sobriquet "vegetable insulin". Its effects have been clinically tested in South America where it is a popular natural diabetes herb.

"Sugar Control" combines the goodness of these two natural diabetes herbs to provide you with a reliable, safe and natural treatment for diabetes. Amazon Botanicals uses fresh recently harvested herbs either organically grown or wildcrafted. Other companies may use stale herbs bought from middlemen that buy from questionable sources with little concern for the Amazon environment.

The tea is prepared from 100% pure Yacon and Pata de vaca leaves and is available in the form of tea bags. The tea bags are to be infused in hot water for ten minutes and taken once a day.

Those under medication for diabetes should take medical advice before starting on these natural diabetes herbs, as they have an effect of lowering blood sugar levels and hence may require adjustments in the existing medication and their dosages, as well as monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Patricia McDougall B.Sc. (Biology) is a Peruvian currently working for Amazon Botanicals LLC of Newark Delaware as a researcher. http://www.amazon-botanicals.com/Natural_diabetes_herbs_s/46.htm

10 Best Home Remedies for Diabetes

Here is a list of some best Home Remedies for Diabetes:-

Home Remedies for Diabetes

1) Most effective Home Remedy for Diabetes is Bitter gourd and proved helpful in controlling diabetes. For better results, the diabetic should take the juice of about four or five Bitter gourds each morning on an empty stomach.

2) Take juice of bilva and parijataka leaves in identical parts for natural remedy of diabetes.

3) Indian gooseberry, with its high vitamin C content, is measured important in diabetes. A tablespoon of its juice, mixed with a cup of bitter gourd juice, taken daily for two months, will rouse the islets of Langerhans, that is, the remote group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin in the pancreas. This mixture diminishes the blood sugar in diabetes. This is another effective Home Remedy for Diabetes.

4) The seeds of parslane are helpful in diabetes. A teaspoon of the seeds should be taken each day with half a cup of water for four to five months. It will boost the body's own insulin and help in curing diabetes.

5) Including grapefruit in the diet is an outstanding natural home remedy for diabetes. 6) Take two teaspoons of powdered Fenugreek seeds with milk. Two teaspoons of the seeds can also be consumed whole, every day.

7) The tender leaves of the mango tree are considered as good Home Remedy for Diabetes. An infusion is made by soaking 15 gm of fresh leaves in 250 ml of water overnight, and squeeze them well in the water. This filtrate should be taken every morning to handle early diabetes. As an option, the leaves should be dried in the shade, powdered and preserved for use when needed. Half a teaspoon of this powder should be taken two times a day.

8) The juice of Margosa is a cooperative natural home remedy for diabetes.

9) String bean pod tea is a superb natural Home Remedy for Diabetes and can be substituted for insulin. 10) Eat 10 fresh fully full-fledged curry leaves each morning for three months. It avoids diabetes due to genetic or heredity factors.

Supplements for Diabetes – What Recent Studies Say?

Diabetes:

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which body does not produce or produce less insulin compared to healthy individual or body develops resistance to insulin (body does not respond to insulin).

Most foods that we consume finally enter into the blood in form of carbohydrate, fat & protein. From blood, these nutrients enter into cells. Insulin is required for this entry of glucose into cells. Body cells utilize carbohydrate & fat for energy & growth.

Because of less insulin or resistance to insulin in diabetes, blood sugar cannot enter into cells & remain in blood resulting in high blood sugar.

Studies have shown that supplements like chromium, alpha lipoic acid & vanadium plays an important role in the management of diabetes. You can get details on diabetes at http://www.truevalue4money.com/...es/diabetes.html

Chromium supplements in diabetes:

Diabetes is associated with low concentrations of chromium in blood, so, an early, long-term addition of chromium to the standard therapy has been recommended in several studies. Some latest clinical reports also support the safety and therapeutic value of chromium supplementation for the management of high cholesterol and sugar in subjects with diabetes.

Chromium increases insulin receptor numbers & insulin binding to cells. Since chromium acts by increasing insulin efficiency, so lower amount of insulin is required in presence of chromium.

A clinical study published in ‘Diabetes Care. (2006, August)’ has shown that chromium supplementation in subjects with type 2 diabetes significantly improves insulin sensitivity and glucose control. Chromium supplementation also reduced body weight gain and fat accumulation

A latest review article published in Diabetes Technol Ther. 2006 December has mentioned that 13 of 15 clinical studies involving a total of 1,690 subjects reported significant improvement in at least one outcome of glycemic control. (Glycemic control is a medical term used for blood sugar levels in a person with diabetes) Beneficial effects of chromium supplementation included reduced blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels and reduced requirements for drugs for diabetes.

Reduction in blood sugar & improvement in insulin sensitivity with chromium results in decrease risk for diabetes complications.

Alpha lipoic acid in Diabetes:

Alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant, which is produced in the body & also present in food. High blood sugar in diabetes increases free radical formation in body, which leads to additional complications of diabetes like atherosclerosis, heart problems, nerve damage & cataract. Antioxidant decreases free radicals in body & decreases risk of complications.

There are number of publications confirming beneficial effect of lipoic acid in therapy of many diseases, including diabetes, atherosclerosis, degenerative processes in neurons, diseases of joints,A recent clinical study on diabetic patients treated with alpha lipoic acid was published in ‘hormones (Athens). 2006 Oct-Dec 5(4)’. The result of the study has proved that short-term oral alpha-lipoic acid treatment increases peripheral insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Improvement in insulin sensitivity could improve both blood sugar control and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.Peripheral insulin sensitivity gives an idea about how body cells respond to insulin.

In diabetes, because of decrease response to insulin by body cells, blood sugar cannot enter into cells causing high blood glucose. Alpha lipoic acid enhances glucose uptake by cells in type 2 diabetes.

Diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage is a complication of diabetes. It is a progressive disease, which can cause pain, loss of sensation and weakness, in the feet and sometimes in the hands. Studies have shown that alpha lipoic acid is effective in management of diabetic nerve damage called neuropathy and it reduces pain associated with neuropathy.

Vanadium supplement in diabetes:

Vanadium is a trace mineral required by the body in small quantities. Numerous studies have shown that vanadium has insulin-like effects in liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue. It may improve glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes.Along with chromium & alpha lipoic acid, some other supplement like evening primrose oil, fenugreek & some herbs also help in management of diabetes.

Fructus Bruceae or Bruceae Amarissina Answer for Diabetes

Brucea Amarissina is a type of herbal plant, which produces fruit. The main substance that is used in the remedy is the fruit itself.

The fruit is very bitter in taste but it has been processed and made into capsule so that it can be taken easily.
This herb is good for the treatment of the following problems:

1. DIABETES and high blood pressure
2. To improve the sexual function.
3. Joints problem (wrist, knee and others)
4. Fever and diarrhea, to prevent the formation of stone in kidney
5. To improve the blood circulation and prevent cancer
6. Bad eyes sight, to increase the body energy
7. Constipation, catarrh and gout.
8. To prevent the diseases carried by mosquito (such as dengue and malaria)

Malay links http://razakmeladapahit.blogspot.com

links
http://www.fzrm.com/plantextracts/Java_Brucea_Fruit_extract.htm http://www.herbasin.com/database/yadanzi.htm

Preventing Diabetes

Preventing Diabetes - The Missing Component of Emotional & Compulsive Eating

Obesity is epidemic & can lead to diabetes & heart disease & other major killers. Why isn't this enough to get people to change obvious unhealthy eating habits? This article uncovers one of the major reasons, that of emotional eating & explores it's complex roots.

Meet Lynn, a high profile television writer, who attended one of my workshops. Her food & beverage intake assessment made it easy to know why she was over-weight & I was surprised that she didn't seem to know this. When I suggested some changes she became incredibly angry & went into a tirade about how stress-filled her days were & if this were the way, she certainly would have done it by now. Lynn is an emotional eater & will need a very different approach in order to be successful at losing weight & staying away from diabetes.

For the emotional eater, the idea of changing one's eating habits can be very frightening & even simple changes can be met with procrastination devices. The level of creativity & emotional states enlisted to protect the self from even beginning to change can be quite something to observe. Food related thoughts play out in the VCR of the mind throughout the day & especially when stress is high or when involved in triggering situations such as shopping, restaurants, social occasions & the workplace. Certain emotions have higher trigger value than others depending on the individual.

Some emotional eaters trigger when home alone or in the middle of the night, even keeping food hidden under the bed to avoid bringing attention to a cupboard raid. Others eat in cars, hiding wrappings under the seat until they can dispose of them safely. Some binge going home from work, a good time to release work stress before entering home-based stress. Compulsions can be intensely draining, attacking the emotional eater with real physical and/or emotional pain.

How does one begin to take control of such a complex situation & stay motivated long enough to build new habits? In my experience, I like to take the emotional eater into a nutritional self-discipline & work forward from there. It helps to know that practicing poor nutrition is not a small thing. It's akin to digging a big dangerous hole while teetering on the edge. For most of us, there is no time to waste. The following steps are etched into the mind & traced over & over again.
The Physical Component

Lynn needs to get to know her self & what her body needs. Each of us was born with genetic tendencies towards all sorts of things, including certain diseases. Genetics are wonderful wake-up tools because they guide us towards knowing what our body & mind needs in order to stay well over the course of our lifetime. Ignoring genetics is asking for trouble. The body & mind have specific needs in relation to food & beverage, as well as timings for having these. The body is a machine that needs to be taken care of in a very specific way. If this is ignored the mind will be headed for trouble as well. Everything is about getting this right.

The Emotional Component

Managing disorderly eating means being willing to look at many aspects of our personality, including the lessons of our early mentors, including parents, family members, siblings, teachers, friends & whoever handed us our belief system. Whether we are addicted or not, part of what ails us can be found in these lessons. Once we are willing to identify these & not shy away, we can learn to release them or at least part of them. Lynn, like many of us, didn't get the self-nurturing she needed as a child, or even later in life. Perhaps she weren't allowed to express her emotions in a healthy manner. Maybe she didn't learn to self-regulate or to set healthy boundaries for her self.

When these tools of self-management are not sufficiently developed or missing entirely, one tends to go to excess to manage the unresolved stress. Going to excess over & over again, etches the habit into the subconscious mind where it is ready answer to any stress chemical production.. It can certainly be frightening to be without one's habit when stress appears.

The Higher Self Component

Each of us has a Higher Self. This part is mature, balanced & knowing. This part does not hide from the truth, no matter how painful. It embraces it, getting to know it intimately. The Higher Self understands that facing reality is the way to freedom from emotional eating. Connecting frequently through the practice of Interactive Self-Hypnosis or specially designed inner work allows one to self-examine & to manage the surrounding emotions. Lynn is learning that managing her emotional eating is a journey in self- discovery & can be the catalyst for change throughout a good portion of her life.

The Debate Between Modern Medicine And Herbal Remedies

Around the world people are continuously relying on the power of medicine. We all want to make sure our loved ones are healthy, and refuse to believe that modern medicine could actually harm them. For years, modern medicine has ruled Western culture. It has become part of our customs as we continuously acquire medicine on a daily basis. From a simple dose of aspirin to more intense treatments like chemotherapy and daily medical visits, we cannot help but feel drawn to such assistance. After all, medicine has the ability to heal, fix, and alleviate problems that afflict billions of people each year. So why not jump on the bandwagon and hand over your life to modern medicine?

It is a known fact that we live in a fast paced world where immediate results are craved. If we are sick, we want to have a prescription within hours and medicine to cure us in a day or so. Due to the fact that the safety of medicine has always been around for us, it becomes a common theme to rely on such safe treatments. Since we know that there are medicines out there, we want the situation to be alleviated as soon as possible.

While there are those who are against modern medicine, it is clear that this type of medical treatment has come a long way. With hundreds of medicines dedicated to incurable illnesses, it is a miracle for some. We now finally have the opportunity to feel better, and know that there are things being done to help the sick. But with opportunity, comes a bitter battle. Due to the fact that the media is one of the largest outlets for the world, advertising has taken over modern medicine and has turned it into a dangerous spectacle.

We all see the commercials for sleeping pills, testimonials for cancer drugs, the suggestions for dieting. We become drawn into these safe treatments, because we are in desperate need for a cure. Unfortunately, this desperation often turns into blindness. We immediately run to our local pharmacy and pick up these pills, without taking a glance at the label or the warnings. The media has allowed us to believe every word they say, and in return, trust the FDA, the doctors who prescribe such medications, and the advertisements. After all, who would actually want to lie to us? Why would any loyal physician and medical companies do such a thing?

Astonishingly, our trust is feeding into the lies and helping such modern medicine suppliers become prosperous. Thousands of people die each year, just because the medicine they were taking was not as safe as people claimed. There are always problems with certain prescriptions on the markets, but many of these companies do not want to say anything. They write it off, pretend to not know the truth, and ship it out, because soon they will have enough money to forget. Due to their selfishness, modern medicine has become quite faulty in some aspects. It has forced us to question what medicines we are taking, and what effects they could actually have on us. Just because they are FDA approved, does not mean that they are 100% safe.

Although modern medicine is one of the largest industries in the world, it is not the only option. Herbal remedies and traditional medicine are also rising steadily, as it is more focused on herbs, safe nutrients and minerals that will not have hazardous effects on the body. With the ability to extract such benefits from plants, it is surprising that the majority of people do not want to stick to such safe routes. Unfortunately while herbal medicine can cure painful ailments, it may not be as effective for serious illnesses. Nevertheless, it is an alternative that people should seek out, if the illness is not life threatening. For many, it is more affordable, nicer to the body, and actually reduces the amount of side effects.

Have you ever been sick from a cold? The majority of people rush to the doctor’s office, in hopes that they will get an anti-biotic or another type of cold medicine. Even if this is safe, it is unnecessary to immediately seek professional guidance. Surprisingly, natural remedies can cure your cold more effectively, if not make you feel better in a shorter amount of time. It also provides greater benefits for your body. One of the most popular natural products on the market today is Noni Juice. Derived from the Pacific Islands, this natural fruit has been causing quite a stir. It not only boosts the immune system, but it also allows you to alleviate joint pain, common cold symptoms, and dozens of other ailments. By taking a safe and natural product like Noni Juice, you will see many more benefits, rather than a plethora of side effects that just are not worth it.

Looking for a diet plan? Natural green tea not only boosts the immune system, but it speeds up metabolism and actually allows you to lose weight. Instead of finding a strong prescription drug that may help shed the pounds, it is recommended that you try something more natural. When consumers rush to their nearest drugstore just to pick up a fat shedding drug, they rarely realize how dangerous and life threatening it could be to their health.
Regardless of how many alternatives there are to modern medicine, the majority of consumers still seem to run towards modern medicine. In many cases, it is due to the fact that this is all they have ever known. When we grow up with modern medicine by our side, it is hard to see anything else that is effective. We want immediate results, and herbal remedies tend to have a negative stigma. It is hard to risk your life on an herbal supplement, when you know that you could just go to the hospital and get a treatment that is more popular. It truly comes down to the severity of the illness, and how much modern medicine has been drilled into your brain.
Unfortunately, advertising and physicians make it known that modern medicine is the only way.

There is no correct answer to this debate. It is normal to want to feel safe, healthy, and informed. On the other hand, it is also important to not be blindsided by the greedy and uninformed side of modern medicine. In order to live a healthy and happy live, one has to pick what is best for them. While modern medicine may be popular, herbal supplements like Noni Juice may work more effectively. Nevertheless, the debate between modern and traditional medicine will continue to enter our households. Perhaps one day there will be a winner.

by: Pascal E. Erdmann

The Charcot Foot Condition - A Little Known Diabetes Complication

Charcot Foot disease is a little known complication that can affect anyone who has diabetes. This condition also occurs in non-diabetic patients too, but diabetics can be more prone to this disease due to a diabetic complication known as neuropathy (nerve damage) Nerve damage can stop someone from feeling pain, so the foot can get injured without the person being aware that something is wrong.

The Charcot Foot condition is a very serious condition. Joints and bones can literally be crushed without being known to the sufferer. Imagine breaking your foot and not knowing that it’s broken due to no pain being felt. As time wears on, those broken bones (and sometimes joints) can suffer irreparable damage, with the person walking on the foot normally instead of the foot being in a cast and trying to heal.

Once this damage happens the foot can become misshapen, become dislocated, warm to the touch, and the arch of the foot can literally collapse. The Charcot condition is often called a “silent” disease since a sufferer might not know there is a problem until massive damage has occurred.

Treatment for this condition, traditionally has been to apply a cast so the fractures and dislocations can heal. The foot would be immobilized for a long period of time (often a year or more). Surgery, although done in some cases is ruled out for many patients due to an increased risk of the foot not healing properly.

Some patients must wear a special brace on their foot/leg in order to be able to walk with the Charcot condition present. It’s extremely important for the foot to stay as stable as possible in order to avoid future additional damage such as ulcers, infection and amputation.

A Charcot Foot (also called a Charcot Fracture) can bring devastating changes to a person’s life. Day-to-day activities can be limited and the person might find themselves immobilized for long periods of time, sometimes having to use a wheelchair to get around. Often people can go back to work after treatment with limitations and/or corrective shoes/braces.

About The Author
Belver Ladson has been a diabetes educator for the past ten years and has strived to help people with diabetes live long, fulfilling lives. Belver's life goal is to help others see the goodness in life and to let them know that hope is always present. Belver can be reached at http://www.dfandiabetes.com.

Brand-new diabetes advice

We've known forever that a lowfat diet can protect against cardiovascular disease--now there's evidence suggesting that it fights diabetes too.

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, found that overdoing it on fatty foods appears to suppress the action of GnT-4a, the single gene that controls the production of the hormone insulin, which keeps blood sugar (glucose) levels in check.

Consistently elevated glucose is the hallmark of diabetes. "The results of the study, which was done on mice, have the potential to explain how diet influences the development of type II diabetes in people," says study author Jamey Marth, Ph.D. Scientists are now trying to find out why the gene fails--and how to correct it.

But you don't have to wait to take action: Trimming the fat out of your diet is an overall healthy move.--S.R.

10 Things You Can Eat That Can Make You Clever

Certain Foods Can Help Keep The Brain Healthy and Active.


Solving crossword puzzles and sudokus may help to keep the brain alive, but they are not the whole answer. So, what will protect the brain from ageing?You have to eat the right foods. We’ve all been told by our parents to eat fish because that is brain food. Our parents were not wrong, but eating certain fish is better for the brain than any old fish.

Another advantage to eating food that is good for the brain is that it is also good for the heart.
Besides fish, what else should be eaten that will protect the delicate nerve cells and blood-vessels from the damage that often goes hand in hand with ageing?Why not include the foods listed below in your daily diet?Fish – What Fish?· Herring, Sardines and Salmon are all oily fishes. The oil we get from these fishes is full of omega 3 fatty acids. Therefore, the more omega 3 there is in the blood the higher the level of serotonin. Serotonin is a mood enhancer. It can give you that feel-good feeling.

In a test run by the Rush Institute for healthy ageing in Chicago, USA it was found that people who had a fish meal even only once a week are less likely to suffer with Alzheimer’s Disease than those who don’t eat fish.

Eat Your Vegetables· Homocysteines are chemicals that are a normal part of protein metabolism. But too much homocysteine is not good for you. It brings on Dementia and also increases heart disease.

How can you keep homocysteines at a reasonable level? By eating dark-green vegetables for example Broccoli and Curly Kale.

Fruit Can Also Be Good For You and Your Brain· Sweet wild blueberries are full of anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are the good guys that get rid of the free radicals in the body. How do these free radicals get into the body? You don’t have to be a smoker to inhale passive nicotine. If you walk in the street, cars, buses and motorbikes are giving off petrol or diesel fumes. And as you breathe in, you are breathing in pollutants that are not good for your health.
There are some chemicals in blueberries that help keep the arteries in good condition; this in turn can prevent high blood pressure.

If blueberries are difficult to buy at your local greengrocers, most supermarkets stock tinned blueberries.

Popeye Sort of Had The Right Idea· While Popeye took spinach to give him bulging muscles so he could get the better of his enemies, we should take spinach to improve the functioning of our brains. It makes sense, as the brain is also a muscle.

A salad with spinach has more than three times the folate as a salad with lettuce.
Brown Rice Is Better Than White Rice· Switch to brown rice instead of white. This will improve your intake of nutrients. Brown rice is filled with vitamins and magnesium, which seem to play a large part in improving the brain’s function.

Whole grains contain Vitamin B6, which aids in reducing homocysteine levels. People often don’t have enough Vitamin B6, this is because they usually eat processed food.
Red Wine or Grape Juice Which Is Best?· Drinking red wine in moderation is good for you, it increases longevity, yet what’s good about it, seeing as it slows down the functioning of the brain?Grape Juice is the better choice than red wine. It has an abundance of anti-oxidants. In fact, it has more anti-oxidants than any other fruit, vegetable or juice.
Now Popeye’s Girl Friend Olive Oil· Olive Oil the main ingredient of the Mediterranean Diet is good for your heart.

So, go with Popeye and Olive Oil and enjoy a healthy heart.
Hot Cocoa Is More Than Just A Good Night Drink· It has been found that two tablespoons of cocoa powder is almost twice as strong as red wine, two to three times stronger than green tea and four to five times stronger than black tea.
The anti-oxidants in hot cocoa protect the brain cells from oxidative stress that can lead to Alzheimer’s and other disorders.

Garlic Is Good For More Than Scaring Off Vampires· Garlic also has Anti-Oxidant properties. However, it also contains Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Viral compounds that help shake off stress induced colds and infections.
Raw crushed garlic is best, but although cooked garlic is less powerful, it still is good for the heart.

Nuts To You· Almonds and Walnuts are full of Anti-Oxidants. They have been found to lower blood cholesterol levels because of their monounsaturated fat content. This means they don’t make you put on weight. Walnuts are rich in omega 3’s.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eva Moffat has helped many people with their Weight Loss problems over the years. Now it is your turn to be helped. For more of Eva’s practical help, visit Eva’s Weight Loss Sitehttp://www.weight-loss-4-you.com

A Natural Herbal Remedy Could Be Your Answer

Natural herbal remedies are drawing the attention of many traditionalmedical practitioners to rapidly recognize the ability of the hundredsof thousands of known herbs that have the ability to treat and preventvarious human and animal illnesses, as well as properties that canenhance mental attitude, appearance, and performance.

Many centuries of experimentation by many cultures, for example Indianherbal medicine(Ayurvedic), Chinese herbal medicine, and western herbalmedicine have created many uses for plants either singularly or incompounds, and sometimes animal by products to prevent and treatvarious conditions and illnesses.

A natural remedy can be anything from tea, to complex preparations ofherbal compounds used in hospitals and clinics. These formulas come inmany forms such as capsules, pills,ointments, and gels.

You may be using some of the common herbs as a food in your home such as:

Garlic--natural antibiotic and helps reduce cholesterol
Cinnamon--lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides
Ginger--prevents motion sickness and lowers risk of blood clots
Chamomile Tea--calms nerves and help relieve digestive problems
Peppermint--Treats many digestion and gastrointestinal problems

These common herbs may be mixed with other proven natural products to achieve a particular result.

Traditional medicine is very useful for diagnosis, emergencies, traumaand surgery, but often does not cut it for preventing disease fromoccurring.

The time and wait needed to visit a doctor to get a prescription, andthe ever growing cost of medicine is allowing an opportunity for manypeople to try to get help from natural products.

Many traditional medicines are showing many adverse side effects.Natural, is not necessarily safe, and may have unwanted side effectsjust as with conventional medicines, however a large ever growingnumber of the population has been using herbals, vitamins, minerals,and amino acids for many years with very favorable results and noadverse effects.

Natural herbal products are now available for use by adults, children,and pets to remedy countless conditions from Angina and Arthritis, toskin care remedies, thyroid treatment, urinary tract infection and anunlimited number of other disorders. Many new products have been compounded to remedy conditions other then disease, such as smoking cessation, removing unwanted hair, eliminating wrinkles and many other conditions.One of the many natural herbal remedies could be your answer.

For quality information, and natural herbal remedies that are produced under pharmaceutical conditions to ensure the highest degree of potency and consistency. http://www.aa1info.com

Article Source: ArticleWorld.net

Diagnosis of Diabetes

Find Out if You Have Diabetes

There are 3 ways to know if you have diabetes:

If you have symptoms of diabetes and a plasma glucose level equal or greater than 200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l) in a sample taken at any time of day.

If the measurement of your blood glucose levels after an overnight fast (12 hours), which is called Fasting Blood Glucose Test shows a value equal or greater than 126 mg/dl (7.0 mmol/l). Normal fasting glucose levels range between 70-110 mg/dL.

If the measurement of the ability of your body to handle excess sugar properly after drinking a drink with glucose shows a 2-hour plasma glucose value equal or greater than 200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l).

In this test, know as the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test a blood sample is taken and you will be given a beverage containing 75 grams of glucose or 100 grams for pregnant women.

Then, your blood glucose levels will be tested again at 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours and, for pregnant women, 3 hours after drinking the beverage with glucose.

If you have diabetes, your blood glucose levels will be higher than normal after drinking the glucose beverage and they come down to normal levels much slower than in people without diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes

A woman has gestational diabetes when she has any two of the following values after the Glucose Tolerance Test:

A fasting glucose level higher than 105 mg/dl,
A 1-hour glucose level higher than 190 mg/dl,
A 2-hour glucose level higher than 165 mg/dl, or
A 3-hour glucose level higher than 145 mg/dl.

Impaired Fasting Glucose

A fasting glucose value equal to or greater than 110 and less than 126 mg/dl, means that you have impaired fasting glucose. This is considered a risk factor for developing diabetes in the future, but is not a positive diagnosis of diabetes.

Impaired Glucose Tolerance

Impaired glucose tolerance occurs when the 2-hour glucose are greater than or equal to 140 but less than 200 mg/dl.

Pre-diabetes

If you show impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance it is usually considered that you have pre-diabetes and this is a risk factor for developing diabetes in the future.