Blood Sugar


If you are a health conscious individual you probably know that there may be danger lurking in the processed foods at the local supermarket. Processed foods are generally low in fiber and high in sugar. Increasingly, you will find high fructose corn syrup in these refined foods. These packaged refined foods have very little, if any, nutrients. They simply satisfy the sweet tooth most Americans have acquired.

The American Diabetes Association feels sugar has received a bad report. It is suggested that our sugar intake should be ten to twelve percent of our daily food intake. My question is, with so many foods that convert to sugar in the body…… should we eat any sugar at all?

Americans are increasingly getting fatter and fatter. Even little children are becoming obese. If you have watched The Biggest Loser on a major network you will have no doubt that we have a major problem of obesity in this country. Sugar and fast foods are major contributors to this epidemic. The Biggest Loser is a hit program because they teach the contestants how to lose weight by proper eating and exercising the weight off. It is very rewarding to see the change in the contestant’s lives. They not only change their lives but have a big impact on the family at home.

High blood sugar is dangerous. Eyesight, the heart and the kidneys may be affected by a delay of treatment for this condition in the body. Glucose must be kept in a healthy range in the body. The brain, red blood cells and many other functions of the body depend on glucose. (sugar) The balance is critical.

According to the American Diabetes Association there are four types of diabetes. The body’s inability to produce insulin is known as type 1 diabetes. The hormone that unlocks the cells of the body, letting glucose enter and fuel the cells, is known as insulin. We need insulin for energy.

The most common form of diabetes is type 2. This diabetes has a strong connection to obesity. The individual becomes insulin resistant. This condition occurs when the body’s blood sugar level does not respond fast enough to insulin. The blood sugar levels remain high for too long leaving the individual groggy and tired. The body reacts to this condition by craving more sugar. If you eat again, adding more glucose and flooding the system, you may be headed toward type 2 diabetes.

Pregnant women may be affected with gestational diabetes. After the baby is born this diabetes may leave as well, however, five to ten percent of the women with gestational diabetes are found later to have type 2 diabetes.

If a person’s blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes you may be pre-diabetic. This condition may be treated with herbs and supplements you might find at your local health food store.

There are many herbs which may be helpful to the pre-diabetic state. Ayurvedic medicine has used gymnema for over two thousand years for many health issues. Anemia, allergies, obesity, osteoporosis, urinary disorders, hypoglycemia and diabetes mellitus I and II have all been treated with gymnema in Ayurvedic medicine.

The pancreas may be aided in producing insulin by supplementing with gymnema according to a study of twenty seven participants. All of the individuals in the study had type I diabetes; all were on insulin therapy. Fasting blood glucose levels decreased after supplementing with an extract of the gymnema leaves. In turn, the insulin requirements had to be reduced. Blood glucose control was improved as well. Another study with type II diabetics showed similar results. 400mg of gymnema extract was given daily to twenty-two participants. All individuals were on oral pharmaceuticals. After eighteen to twenty weeks, five participants were taken off the oral medication completely by continuing to use gymnema extract alone to maintain glucose control.

The Journal of Ethnopharmacology published a study concerning gymnema. This study revealed gymnema does not affect glucose levels in healthy individuals with normal function of the pancreas. However, it greatly improved pancreatic function in those who may need it.

Another herb that is known for nourishing the pancreas and the liver is nopal. You may know this plant as prickly pear cactus. This cactus grows freely in Mexico, the Southwest, and the Plains and even on the Atlantic coast. It is most noted for its medicinal effect on the pancreas and the liver. Healthy blood sugar levels have been accomplished and maintained by eating this cactus. Nopal has been given to type II diabetics and non-diabetics proving by studies that show blood sugar is lowered for up to six hours. It is high in fiber as well, which seems to add to the beneficial properties of this herb. The National Polytechnic Institute in Michoacan, Mexico has done research with diabetics using this cactus. The insulin requirements were lowered by supplementing insulin dependant diabetics with 60mg of nopal pectin daily. Nopal fruit is also loaded with nutrition. It contains vitamin B1, B2, niacin, and C. Calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and sodium are some of the minerals found in nopal. 17 amino acids are present in nopal cactus.

Of course controlling high blood sugar is more than just taking some herbs. A proper low -glycemic diet must be followed. A low-glycemic diet would avoid white potatoes, white bread and white rice. Sugar foods are eaten very little. Nonstarchy vegetables, nuts and whole grains may be eaten freely. Eat a piece of fruit rather than drinking fruit juice. Beans and legumes are a great source of protein and fiber. Chicken, fish or lean red meat may be eaten in small amounts.

Daily exercise is essential to good health and must be a significant part of a healthy lifestyle. Choose an exercise you enjoy. It may be a daily walk or run for at least thirty to forty-five minutes. Some prefer biking or tennis. Make a choice that you enjoy and stick with it six days out of seven. Your body will thank you.

In health stores you may find the above herbs in combination with chromium and other nutritional supplements which may help prediabetic concerns. Always check with your health care provider concerning any health problems you may have.

This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe or treat anyone. Until next time I am wishing for you, good health.

Eva may be reached at littleherbshoppe@hotmail.com