There are many natural approaches assisting the control of diabetes. These approaches can include vitamins, herbals, exercise, meditation, bodywork and any combination of these.
It is important that individuals who wish to implement holistic approaches do so with the support of their health care practitioners. It is also very important that while implementing these healing methods, blood sugar be monitored very closely. One case history from the Ohio Wellness Center, the clinical division of the Ohio Academy of Holistic Health, inc, presented a client who was dealing with Type II diabetes. He was able to discontinue the use of insulin and move to a low dose oral medication after a series of Reflexology treatments. This change in medication was done under a physician’s care. Only with careful monitoring was the client aware of the effect that Reflexology had on his blood sugar level. Not knowing how low his blood sugar was and taking the higher doses of insulin could have lead to a dangerous situation. It is important to note that the balancing effect of reflexology does not lower blood sugar levels in non-diabetic individuals, the effects occur only when there is an imbalance in the body such as in a diabetic condition.
There are several supplements that have been proven helpful for individuals dealing with diabetes. One of the first supplements that are mentioned is Chromium Picolinate. This supplement is a combination of two different substances: chromium a mineral that helps increase the efficiency of insulin and picolinate, an amino acid derivative that allows the body to utilize the chromium more efficiently. Research has shown that most people with diabetes experience a decline in blood sugar levels after taking chromium picolinate. Average dose is 200 mcg – 400 mcg per day.
L-glutamine is an amino acid which can decrease the craving for sugar. Many individuals with diabetes find the strong desire for sweet foods makes following a healthy food plan difficult. Average dose is 500 mg on an empty stomach twice daily.
Gymnema sylvestre is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine that has been shown to lower blood sugar. According to the book Prescription Alternatives, by Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D., there is also some evidence that Gymnema sylvestre actually can reverse damage to certain cells in the pancreas that can be destroyed by diabetes.
As always, there are some precautions individuals with diabetes need to be aware of when using supplements. Avoid taking the amino acid L-cysteine. It has the ability to break down the bonds of the hormone insulin and can interfere with the absorption of insulin by the cells. The herb Goldenseal, a supportive herb for the immune system, should not be used by individuals with diabetes. Goldenseal has been shown to drop blood sugar very quickly in diabetics. It is for this reason that individuals, who wish to start using supplements, seek the support of health care providers/physicians who have a strong knowledge of holistic medicine.
By Patti McCormick, R.N., Ph.D.
About The Author
Patti McCormick, R.N., Ph.D., is Founder and President of the Ohio Academy of Holistic Health, inc., (OAHH); one of the only state approved and federally accredited Holistic Health Schools in the United States. OAHH also houses the Ohio Wellness Center, the clinical division, which offers holistic health care services through physicians and additional health practitioners. Call 937-708-3232 for more information.
The information in this article is not to take the place of the care and knowledge offered by your health care practitioner. Please discuss with your physician / health care practitioner your individual health issues.
