Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious disease and treatment should always be supervised by a qualified healthcare professional. Type II diabetes (also known as adult-onset diabetes), the most common form, is conventionally treated with drugs that stimulate insulin production and control blood-sugar levels. Mild cases of Type II diabetes can almost always be managed with diet and exercise.

Avoid refined carbohydrates
If you eat refined sugars and food products manufactured with white flour, such as breads, pastas, biscuits, and pastries, you will flood your bloodstream with excess sugar.The effect of this is to put stress on the organs and glands that regulate the levels of sugar in your blood. Instead, eat complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, and satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh fruits.

Eat to stabilize blood sugar
Highfibre foods, especially lentils and black beans, which contain soluble fibre, can help to normalize bloodsugar levels. Protein and healthy fats also help to keep blood-sugar levels stable. Eat about 90g (3oz) of lean protein twice a day. Be sure your Bail) diet also includes foods that contain mono-unsaturated fats (for example, extra virgin olive oil, raw nuts and seeds, and avocados) and omega-3 fatty acids (for example, cold-water fish, such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel, and walnuts and flaxseeds).

Control blood sugar with chromium
The element chromium can help to control the levels of sugar and insulin in the bloodstream. Take 200mcg of a chromium supplement three times a day with meals.

Control blood sugar with daily exercise
Regular exercise a 30-minute walk daily is sufficient-is one of the best ways to help your cells use glucose efficiently and to keep your blood sugar from climbing to dangerous levels. Exercise also helps you lose weight so that your body can use insulin more effectively.

Low Blood Sugar

Symptoms of low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycaemia, include fatigue, irritability, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and mental confusion. The symptoms generally appear two to three hours after eating, especially if you've eaten sugar or refined carbohydrates. Dietary changes and herbs can help keep blood sugar and energy levels stable.

Exercise regularly
Regular exercise uses energy by burning glucose and so helps your body to maintain a healthy level of sugar in your bloodstream.Try to get into the habit of taking at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming. or biking every day.

Regulate blood sugar with ginseng
Siberian ginseng increases energy and strengthens the adrenal glands, which play an important role in regulating blood sugar. Buy an extract that has been standardized for eleutherosides and take approximately 250mg twice a day. It is safe to take for up to six
weeks.

Caution: If you have high blood pressure. consult your doctor before using any type of ginseng.

Dietary suggestions
Cut out sugar, refined carbohydrates, and caffeine to keep blood-sugar levels on an even keel. Make sure that each meal contains protein and fat. Choose healthy fats such as those found in raw nuts, avocados, olive oil, and cold-water fish (for example, salmon, sardines, and mackerel). Eat a small meal or a protein-rich snack every three hours for a steady supply of fuel. In addition, take a highpotency multivitamin and mineral formula that contains 200mcg of chromium picolinate, a trace mineral that helps stabilize blood-sugar levels.

Herbal tea for hypoglycaemia
Liquorice and burdock tea can help stabilize blood-sugar levels. Liquorice runt ctrencthenc the adrenal glands:
burdock root improves liver function. Both play a role in regulating blood sugar. Caution: Because liquorice may cause water retention in susceptible individuals, people with high blood pressure or kidney disease should consult a doctor or medical herbalist before using it
750m1 (24fl oz) water
1 tablespoon dried liquorice root
1 tablespoon dried burdock root
Simmer the ingredients in a covered pot for 15 minutes. Strain, and drink up to three cups a day for a month.

Herbal help for diabetes
The herb gymnema has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat diabetes. Gymnema enhances the production of insulin and helps decrease blood-sugar levels. Take 200mg of gymnema twice a day. Caution: If you are taking drugs for diabetes, make sure you consult your doctor before taking gymnema.