Diabetes Type II - Natural Helpers

Type 2 diabetes, refers to the non-insulin dependant variation of diabetes. Before we explore natural methods of dealing with this disease let's get a few things straight. One, although this is considered the less severe type of diabetes, this is still a serious illness and should not be taken lightly. Two, the following recommendations should be used in conjunction with your medical professionals advice, that being said, lets get into it!

Type II also called Adult Onset Diabetes is a widespread problem especially in the western world with our taste for sugary goodness. When you throw large amounts of sugar (candy, soft-drinks, cakes etc) into your digestive system your pancreas starts secreting large quantities of the hormone insulin. Insulin takes the sugar out of your bloodstream and into your cells for use or storage (often as fat).

This is fine, the problems start because some of us cannot cope with the continued avalanche of sugar, eventually (often in your later years, 40's - 50's and sometimes earlier) some of the insulin receptors in your cells go on strike and don't tolerate sugar anymore. This leaves the sugar in your bloodstream, where you don't want it. And, the amount of insulin produced is lessened.

So, big deal you say! WRONG! Excess sugar in your blood can lead to;

1. Damaged arteries 2. Fatal heart disease 3. Stroke 4. Kidney disease 5. Nerve damage - leading to amputation (yes it has to come off) 6. Dental Disease

How do you know if you have it? (Actually, a huge amount of people have it and go undiagnosed) Get thee to a Dr. In the meantime here are some of the symptoms;

? Increased Urination & Thirst ? Dry Mouth & Vomiting ? Diarrhoea ? Blurred Vision ? Rapid or Irregular Heartbeats ? Dizziness ? Unplanned Weight Loss ? Recurring Yeast or Urinary Infections

O.K. That was the bad news, the good news is this illness is treatable in most cases with proper diet and exercise - and a few herbal helpers. Let's have a look at what you can do to control, and even reverse some of the symptoms;

Chromium - We looked at this little fellow before in the weight loss section. Chromium Picolinate can help normalize blood sugar levels - studies used around 200 mcg per day. (Check with your Dr. before getting stuck into the Chromium).

Cut back on the sugar and processed foods (including white bread, white rice, potatoes etc).

Eat more pure foods like fruits, vegies (even frozen or canned is OK) and lean meats. Fibre rich foods help stabilize blood sugar as well as supplying vitamins, minerals & antioxidants.

Fish Oil, Omega 3's. Once again our little fishy capsules come to the rescue. A moderately high intake of essential fatty acids according to some researchers may improve many of the adverse metabolic effects of insulin resistance by lowering blood pressure and triacylglycerol concentrations. Additional research indicates that consuming Omega 3's may also decrease the likelihood of getting Type II Diabetes.

I would put a healthy diet as number one on the health list, number two would definitely be - EXERCISE, yes you have to get of your behind and do some moving. Healthy muscles require less insulin to get their sugar fix. Even a 30 minute walk a day can make a difference, but&. If you really want to make an impact resistance exercise is king. That's weight lifting. You don't need to be a bodybuilder, just challenge your muscles a bit.

Cinnamon, this warm spice may also significantly help people with type 2 diabetes improve their ability to respond to insulin, thus normalizing their blood sugar levels. Both test tube and animal studies have shown that compounds in cinnamon not only stimulate insulin receptors, but also inhibit an enzyme that inactivates them, thus significantly increasing cells' ability to use glucose. The US Agricultural Research Service have shown that less than half a teaspoon per day of cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels in persons with type 2 diabetes. Add it to your shakes, or put a cinnamon stick into your tea or coffee.

Here's a surprising one, vinegar may help clamp down on blood sugar spikes from eating starchy carbs like potatoes and pasta. To get the blood sugar benefit of vinegar, try putting starchy foods with vinegar-based sauces or dressings. Or start a meal with a salad dressed in oil and vinegar.

There are many other herbs and plants that can have a positive effect on blood sugar - you can do a little research on the internet. The methods and compounds mentioned above will do a marvellous job of reversing or controlling Type II Diabetes, give all of them a try, and don't forget to check in with the Pro's (That's your Doctor!!!)

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Written by Dimitri - www.whoisdimitri.com This marvellous article is taken from the Healthbites Weekly Infozine. If you're interested in health & fitness, diet & exercise, supplements & the mind, sign-up for free at http://www.healthbites.net Have fun learning now!