Natural approach to Diabetes

Dr. HingHau Tsang's Crusade on Nutrition

Newsletter #17 ------ Maintain healthy blood sugar

In countries where people eat a diet low in fat, low in sugar and high in whole foods such as unrefined grains and fresh fruits and vegetables, diabetes is almost nonexistent. When they move to the US, their diabetes risk skyrockets. As Western processed and fast foods (McDonalds) and soft drinks (Coca-Cola & Pepsi) are introduced to Third World countries, their rates of diabetes are rapidly rising.

The Core Principles for Optimal Health are your cornerstone for a healthy blood sugar level, with an emphasis on weight loss, exercise, reduction of processed foods and sugar and eat your fresh vegetables and fruits.

As you read later on about the natural supplements that will help stabilize your blood sugar, keep in mind that they will affect your blood sugar. Close monitoring of your blood sugar is necessary especially if you are taking diabetic drug. Supervision by your physician is essential.

Principles for maintaining a healthy blood sugar level

Eat a low fat, low glycemic index diet. (Low glycemic index food promotes a slow, moderate rise in blood sugar and insulin after eating them.) This includes coarse whole grain wheat or rye bread, low fat dairy, low fat artificially sweetened desserts, yogurt or frozen yogurt with artificial sweetener, fresh whole fruit, white (low fat) fish, egg substitutes, skinless chicken, turkey or Cornish hen, fresh vegetables, low fat soup, nuts and sugar-free gelatin.

Avoid animal products except for fish, which should be eaten three or more times a week.

Use Stevia - the best non-caloric, non-toxic sweetener available in the market today. Avoid refined sugars (cakes, cookies, candy & ice cream), fruit juices, and refined grains (bread, pasta & processed cereals).

No fried foods. Eat vegetables, especially green vegetables, whole fruits, whole grains (wheat berries, brown rice), beans, nuts and seeds. Starchy foods, such as pasta and potatoes, should be consumed only in small amounts.

Obtain daily aerobic physical activity, such as walking 30-60 minutes, to increase insulin sensitivity and maintain cardiovascular integrity.

Helpful natural supplements for maintaining a healthy blood sugar are:

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a fat- and water-soluble, sulfur-containing coenzyme. It functions in the body much like a B-vitamin, since it is involved in energy production. As part of several multi-enzyme complexes located in the mitochondria, alpha-lipoic acid is essential for metabolizing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and for the conversion of their energy into ATP. A related metabolic function of alpha-lipoic acid is its role in blood glucose disposal. This important coenzyme appears to be necessary for the normal transport of blood glucose into the cell. ALA may be the most important universal antioxidant ever discovered. In Germany ALA has been medically approved in dosages from 300-800mg/day for treating adult onset diabetes and up to 1800mg/day in diabetic complications (neuropathy, retinopathy). ALA lowers/normalizes blood sugar levels and helps diabetics reduce their insulin dosage. It is effective in reducing even reversing neuropathy. It is also used to prevent and treat cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Chromium is an integral component of the glucose tolerance factor (GTF), a naturally occurring compound of chromium, nicotinic acid, and amino acids that is essential for proper glucose metabolism. Adequate chromium nutrition is essential for the formation of GTF and subsequent control of blood glucose levels. Maximum dose of Chromium is 1000mcg/day.

Gyrnnerna sylvestre is an Ayurvedic botanical that assists in the regeneration and repair of pancreatic beta cells. Gyrnnerna sylvestre can improve insulin sensitivity and may reverse damage to certain cells in the pancreas that can be destroyed by diabetes. Gymnema is also suspected of reducing intestinal glucose absorption.

At least three different groups of constituents in bitter melon (Momordica charantia) have been reported to have hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) or other actions of potential benefit in diabetes mellitus. These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids.

Research shows that Garcinia cambogia (Hydroxycitric acid or HCA) helps maintain a healthy balance of hepatic lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis, thus preventing excessive conversion of glucose from carbohydrate into body fat. Garcinia camhogia is a tropical fruit.

Fenugreek seeds contain steroidal saponins (diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogenin) and mucilaginous fiber. The steroidal saponins lower cholesterol by inhibiting cholesterol absorption and synthesis , while the fiber helps lower blood sugar levels.

Vanadyl sulfate may improve glucose control in people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus.

Gluco-Mend

Gluco-Mend maintains proper blood sugar levels by the combined actions of Alpha Lipoic Acid, Chromium GTF, Vanadium, Gymnema sylvestre, Bitter Melon, Fenugreek Seed, Garcinia cambogia (Hydroxycitric acid or HCA). However, the dose of each is low. Therefore you need to add additional doses of Alpha Lipoic Acid (up to 1800mg/day and Chromium (Maximum 1000mcg/day) if necessary to help normalize blood sugar level.

Coenzyme q-10, L-carnitine and Hawthorne Berry help to strengthen the heart in patient with cardiomyopathy or heart failure.

Ginkgo Biloba to improve peripheral circulation which is often impaired in diabetic sufferers.

Essential fatty acids (omega-3 fatty acid) in Opti-DHA for hyperlipedemia often associated with Diabetes.

Take My favorite multiple Vitamin / Mineral to prevent vitamin deficiency often coexisted with Diabetes.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): Deficiency in the sulfur-bearing B vitamin Biotin can cause high blood sugar. Sulfur is also a component of insulin. A diet containig plenty of organic sulfur might enhance the body's ability to produce insulin to the point at which injections of insulin can be reduced. Expert theorize that with diabetes the cells in the body may have become rigid and impermeable to absorb insulin carrying blood sugar. MSM causes cells to become permeable and the pancrease to return to normal as blood sugar is absorbed through cell walls, balancing the sugar levels.

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Disclaimer

Dr. Tsang wishes to share his knowledge & Opinion with the public regarding the importance of " Nutritional Supplements ". This is for your information only. He is not in any way try to replace your physician. Drugs have powerful effects on the body, so please don't abruptly stop taking any prescription medication. Always consult your physician or health care provider before you use any nutritional supplement or switch from drugs to natural health products.

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