subject: 5 Great Alternative Diabetes Treatment Options For Type 2 Diabetes [print this page] The majority of Americans are overweight, and that is a scary thing because with the excess weight comes a slew of life-threatening diseases that can be avoided by proper diet and exercise. Obesity is the major cause for diabetes mellitus type 2, a chronic disorder where the body fails to produce sufficient amounts of insulin or where cells have lost responsiveness to its effects. Insulin is needed for the passage of blood glucose into the body's cells for energy. When the cells cannot obtain the glucose, the body weakens and organs become damaged overtime, possibly leading to death. While most type 2 diabetics are treated with some type of medication, alternative diabetes treatment options can prove just as effective or more for many patients. Here are some of the most common natural remedies for diabetes type 2.
1) Cinnamon
Many researchers believe that cinnamon can help maintain normal levels of blood glucose. Results seen in patients who were administered 3 doses of cinnamon a day for 40 days included lowered blood triglycerides, reduced blood glucose, and decreased cholesterol levels. Cinnamon was also given in other experiments alongside a placebo and patients who received the cinnamon were found to have significantly lower levels of glucose in the blood. While used as a dietary supplement for many type 2 victims, many health professionals remain skeptical about the true effectiveness of this ordinary ingredient.
2) Ginseng
Commonly used to improve energy levels and mood, ginseng is believed by many health professionals to aid with maintenance of normal blood sugar levels as well. Ginseng may be linked to reduced levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, indicating that blood glucose is under control. On the other hand, high levels of the hemoglobin suggest that the sugar levels in the blood are not maintained and can be associated with heart disease, eye problems including blindness, and kidney disorders. Ginseng is an all-around beneficial herb that can be incorporated into nearly all diets.
3) Magnesium
Magnesium aids in the regulation of blood sugar in addition to enhancing immune strength, bone strength, blood flow, heart health, and nerve function. It is essential to survival and is used in hundreds of chemical reactions in the body. Magnesium can be obtained from foods such as spinach, collard greens, almonds, and whole wheat breads and pastas. Additionally, it is found in many dietary supplements on the market.
4) Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is another ingredient known to have various beneficial properties for humans. Aloe drink is great for the GI tract, boosts the immune system, and reduces inflammation. Most people use aloe vera gels for skin conditioning or treating burns and other epidermal conditions. During a study of the effects of aloe vera gels on the skin, some Japanese researchers discovered that it appears to reduce blood glucose levels too. The benefits are attributed to phytosterol compounds that were singled out during the testing.
5) Zinc
Type 2 diabetics have lower than average amounts of zinc in their system because the body fails to absorb the necessary amounts while eliminating it at higher rates. This mineral aids in producing insulin and its storage, so it is a good idea for type 2 sufferers to up their intake of the mineral. Zinc can be had with consumption of the following foods: lamb, pecans, oysters, eggs, peas, beef liver, beans, sardines, buckwheat, almonds, and more.
Conclusion
In the end, diabetes treatment for type 2 sufferers really depends on physical activity fueled by the right nutrition. The natural treatments above can be included into a low glycemic index meal plan alongside daily exercise to help the patient lose weight while gradually repairing the body's defective metabolism.