Patients with diabetes may no longer need to rely on drugs to manage their blood sugar levels, according to a recent article on GreenMedInfo.  By taking the right combination of “foods, herbs and spices”, it’s possible to boost insulin sensitivity.

Insulin makes cells “open up”, taking glucose from the blood. In people with insulin resistance however, the cells are desensitized to insulin. The body is then forced to produce more glucose and the cells refuse to take in. The result is that insulin levels rise above the normal levels.

When insulin levels are consistently high, studies show it can lead to “rapid weight gain, premature aging, high blood pressure, heart disease and high cancer risk.” Type 2 Diabetes is one of the main health problems that can result from chronically high insulin levels.

Cutting down on starchy carbs and other high sugar foods and drinks will help get you healthier but also taking a wide range of natural foods, herbs and spices can restore your cells’ sensitivity to insulin. Here are 8 of the best…

 

1. Cinnamon

Cinnamon and its extracts can help to lower fasting blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetics can benefit from Cinnamon and find that it normalises their blood sugar levels. For best health results, it’s worth using high quality Ceylon Cinnamon.

 

2. Berries

Not only are berries antioxidant rich meaning they can fight free radical damage, protecting cellular health…but when eating berries, the body needs “less insulin for sugar balance after a meal” studies have confirmed. Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, bilberries, lingonberries, cranberries and chokeberries are all good to incorporate into the diet.

 

3. Ginger

In one study, partcipants who received three one-gram capsules of ginger powder were found to have recued their fasting blood sugar by 10.5 per cent. Another study confirmed that taking 1600 milligrams (mg) of ginger each day can boost the markers of diabetes, such as insulin sensitivity.

 

4. Curcumin

Curcumin is the active compound found in the golden spice turmeric. A study from 2009 determined that Curcumin was “500 to 100,000 times more effective than the prescription drug Metformin at activating glucose intake.”

 

5. Olive Leaf Extract 

Olive Leaf extract has been shown to boost the productivity of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas by 28 per cent. This extract has the same effect as “common diabetic therapeutics” like metformin. In one study, a group receiving capsules containing olive leaf extract were found to have lowered their insulin resistance by at least 15 per cent.

 

6. Black Seed

Also known as Nigella sativa, black seed has been shown to “significantly reduce fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance”, in a study of 94 diabetic patients who received two grams of these capsules.

 

7. Berberine

Studies show that Berberine, a bitter compound found in the roots of several plants such as barberry, goldenseal and Oregon grape is almost as effective as prescription diabetes drugs.

Berberine was shown to “significantly decrease fasting blood glucose and their after meal blood glucose” in participants taking berberine. By minimising both fasting and post-meal blood glucose levels, the patients’ insulin resistance went down by 45 per cent.

Berberine has been found to have no serious side effects and a separate study also proved it to be as effective as “metformin, glipizide and rosiglitazone” – three of the top diabetes drugs on the market.

 

8. Spirulina

Spirulina is a rich source of nutrients, many of which aren’t found in the average daily vitamin. Spirulina contains significant amounts of B vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, niacin and potassium.

Along with essential amino acids, Spirulina is a nutrient dense food that may naturally strengthen your immunity and support the body’s repair process. One randomised study of insulin-resistant patients discovered that taking 19g of spirulina daily, increased the insulin sensitivity of participants by 224.7%!

 

 

Recommended Examples

curcumin

Curcuminx4000™ –  Research suggests Curcumin’s antioxidant activity and support of the body’s normal inflammatory response, as well as its potential to support already normal cholesterol levels, has a significant role to play in contributing to cardiovascular health, liver function, and joint health amongst other conditions. Available from Good Health Naturally.
Cinnamon27™ – Supports the production of balanced blood sugar levels, normal utilisation of insulin and may help those with Type 2 Diabetes. Cinnamon27™ contains six proven extracts, plus essential minerals, to support sugar level regulation. Available from Good Health Naturally.
Olive Leaf Extract – Supports the immune system, provides proven antioxidant properties, may help to fight flus and viruses and supports balanced cholesterol levels. Available from Good Health Naturally.
Chlorella & Spirulina – Fresh chlorella and spirulina are available in their natural algae forms, but these powerhouse green foods may be much more beneficial when taken in a tablet at a high dose. Each protective tablet — made without fillers, coatings, or preservatives — is designed to deliver a concentrated dose of highly nutritious algae. Available from Good Health Naturally.