Alternative Health - Herbal Medicine That Helps to Lower Blood Sugar Levels

By Beverleigh H Piepers  

Although it can be difficult, usually type 2 diabetics will do whatever they need to do to have lower blood sugar levels. Diabetics do their best to follow a healthy eating plan, increase their physical activity and perhaps even include herbs in their treatment plan in order to help with insulin resistance. All of these actions have been proven to help with weight loss and lower blood sugar levels. So why chose herbal medicine?

Using herbs as medicine can treat many illnesses of the body without dangerous side effects. It is a tradition that dates back thousands of years. Not only can herbs lower blood sugar levels but it can also reduce the damage type 2 diabetes afflicts on your body. While herbs are not the only way to lower the sugar in your blood, it is ideal for you to include them in your treatment plan. However, before you include herbs as medicine it is a good idea to check with your health care provider as some herbs may be contraindicated with medications you may be taking for other health conditions, such as high blood pressure.
Three Natural Herbs Used To Control and Lower Blood Sugar Levels include:
Bitter Melon: Bitter melon is a green cucumber-shaped fruit with gourd like bumps all over its surface... it really doesn't look pretty. It is often eaten as a vegetable in Asia but unripe bitter melon has been used extensively in folk medicine. Scientific evidence shows bitter melon has the ability to lower blood sugar levels in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Bitter melon is made up of several compounds which have hypoglycemic effects; these compounds have an insulin-like effect so care needs to be taken when including this herb in your treatment plan. Bitter melon improves glucose tolerance and can reduce the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Fresh juices or decoctions are the preferred forms and cinnamon can be added to improve the flavor. Alternatively bitter melon supplements can be purchased at Health Food Stores.
Cinnamon: Modern science has scrutinized cinnamon's benefits and it's been found to be among the best fighters to bring about lower blood sugar levels by boosting the activity of insulin. Fasting glucose levels levels have been decreased by 18 to 29% among people taking cinnamon. As well, cholesterol levels have declined by 7 to 27% and triglyceride levels lowered by 23 to 30%. You can sprinkle cinnamon powder on your fresh fruit or oatmeal. Ground cinnamon spice is less expensive than capsules.
Gymnema Sylvestra: This herb is from India's Ayurvedic medical traditions and has been used for centuries to neutralize excess sugar. Some research in insulin-dependent diabetics has found it can increase insulin secretion by your pancreas. Gymnema sylvestre can also slow down the sugar absorption rate in your gastrointestinal tract... of course, both these reactions will lead to lower blood sugar levels.
This is very bitter tasting herb so supplements are usually recommended. A dose of 75 to 150 mg. of standardized gymnema sylvestra daily is often prescribed.
As you can see, some of the most promising alternative medicines to lower blood sugar levels come from nature.
Would you like more information about alternative ways to handle your type 2 diabetes?
To download your free copy of my E-Book, click here now: Answers to Your Questions... It's based on questions many diabetics have asked me over recent monthsArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4176679