Finally, is aloe vera really a miracle plant, or is it all nonsense?

From creams and gels to juice and pills, aloe vera is everywhere.

It is supposed to purify the body, strengthen the immune system and improve well-being.

6 July 2017

Some people even say it helps prevent cancer.

But is any of this scientifically true?

Not much, in fact. Aloe vera is a succulent, which means it retains a lot of water.

Such plants can be recognised by their thick, fleshy leaves. And it is inside those leaves that we can find the transparent aloe gel.

From the outer part of the leaves comes the bitter, yellow aloe latex, also known as aloe juice.

The gel and juice are used for different purposes.

Aloe juice, for example, is a laxative that helps fight constipation.

However, the German Institute for Medicine and Medical Products notes that it should only be used short-term.

“Given its side effects, the juice has now been driven out of the market by less risky substances,” says Wilhelm Brodschelm, who is in charge of the pharmacy at St Josef Hospital in Braunau, Austria.

Using aloe vera gel is somewhat more harmless.

It can be applied externally on all sorts of wounds and burns, on irritated skin and on psoriasis lesions.

Some people claim that taking aloe vera can help regulate diabetes, and even that it can help prevent cancer and HIV infections.

But we should be careful with such recommendations.

Aloe vera is in many products and is linked to many health claims, but you shouldn’t believe everything, says expert.

Be careful of big health claims

“Those are exaggerated promises,” says Bernhard Uehleke a phytotherapy expert who works in Berlin’s Immanuel Hospital.

Taking aloe vera to prevent cancer is nonsense, he stresses.

So can we dismiss the plant as completely useless?

Not quite.

A study has shown that it helps combat seborrheic dermatitis, a form of eczema where scaly patches form on the skin.

In one study, treatment with aloe vera gel led to improvements in about 60% of patients, compared with just 20% in a control group.

For the sexually transmitted disease genital herpes, the skin also heals faster with an aloe vera cream.

The verdict is less consistent when it comes to sunburnt skin, however.

That is where aloe vera is supposed to unleash its full force, but Brodschelm notes that it fails to substantially reduce skin irritation from sunburn.

In fact, he says, aloe vera is no better than a regular oil-in-water cream.

And yet Ulrike Bauschke, a member of the German Association of Non-Medical Practitioners, has had good experiences with aloe vera.

She thinks aloe gel is good for burns.

“It moisturises the skin and promotes wound healing and the formation of collagen,” she says.

Aloe vera gel also alleviates itching and inflammation, and it regenerates and rejuvenates the skin, Bauschke says.

The German Association of Consumer Organizations has tested aloe vera as a food supplement and posted the results on its website.

This kind of aloe vera is sold in capsules, as juice or as a gel, and these are said to contain carbohydrates, enzymes, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

However, these aloe products in fact contain mostly water – about 99% in the case of gels.

“Many of these substances are also found in regular fruit and vegetables,” the consumer advice association notes.

Uehleke offers this advice: if you eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, you do not need to pin your hopes on aloe vera. – dpa

http://www.star2.com/health/wellness/2017/07/06/aloe-vera-plant-health-benefits/

The green goo diabetes cure you can drink

If you’ve ever had a bad case of sunburn, you probably have a bottle of aloe vera gel in your medicine chest. And if you don’t, you should… because it has an amazing ability to heal wounds, burns and pretty much any other skin ailment under the sun.



Jenny Smiechowski

But the health benefits of this sunburn soother are more than skin deep. Aloe vera can heal your internal tissues just as effectively as it heals your external tissues. That’s why health nuts in the know take aloe vera orally.

A daily swig of aloe vera juice can do everything from cure bad breath to heal your stomach ulcers. It’s reported to even prevent cancer. And now researchers are adding one more health condition to the long list of ailments relieved by aloe vera…

A recent research analysis published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that aloe vera can potentially help cure one of the most widespread health epidemics of our time — diabetes.

After examining study after study, researchers determined that aloe vera significantly lowers the fasting blood sugar level of people with prediabetes and diabetes.

It also lowers hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) — an indicator used to gauge your average blood sugar.

Researchers believe aloe vera has the most benefit for people with a fasting blood sugar level that’s less than 200 mg/dL.

Just for a point of reference, a normal fasting blood sugar level is less than 100mg/dL. A blood sugar between 100 and 125 mg/dL is considered prediabetes. And anything higher than 125 mg/dL is considered diagnosable diabetes territory.

So if you have moderate diabetes or prediabetes, a few sips of aloe vera could very well be the silver bullet solution you’ve been looking for. But if you’re going to start using aloe vera for more than just sunburn there are a few things you should know…

First, make sure you only drink aloe vera that was created for internal use. Your best bet is to buy a bottle of aloe vera juice… which shouldn’t be a problem since it’s available at most (if not all) grocery stores and online.

And when you buy your aloe vera juice, read the label. Like a lot of natural health tonics, manufacturers of aloe vera juice sometimes dilute the good stuff down with filler fruit juices that add a lot of sugar and reduce the health benefits. Some aloe vera juices even have sugar added to them. So pay attention to what you buy if you don’t want to get too much of the sweet stuff and totally defeat the purpose.

Your best bet is to buy pure, unfiltered aloe vera juice and drink two to four ounces per day with meals. If you do, you’ll be amazed at how much it helps your body from head to toe, whether you have diabetes or not.

Editor’s Note: In his book, The Insulin Factor, Dr. Michael Cutler reveals compelling facts on how insulin, your master hormone, plays such a critical role in your overall health — including chronic conditions your doctor won’t even discuss with you outside of diabetes. To learn more about the far-reaching affects of insulin… how to use it to disease-proof your body… and how groups of centenarians all over the world are thriving because of it… click here!

Sources:

1. R. Dick, E.A. Fletcher, S.A. Sachin. “Reduction of Fasting Blood Glucose and Hemoglobin A1c Using Oral Aloe Vera: A Meta-Analysis.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. June 2016, 22(6): 450-457.

2. “Diseases and Conditions: Diabetes.” The Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org. Retrieved June 28, 2016.

https://easyhealthoptions.com/would-you-drink-green-goo-to-cure-diabetes/

Skip the Botox with These 5 Anti-Aging Secrets

September 27th, 2013

It’s scary what people will do to hide their age. They go under the knife or use expensive, toxic cosmetics that don’t work. They even poison themselves.

We’re talking of course about Botox, a concentrated form of poison. It temporarily paralyzes the muscles under the skin. This makes wrinkles appear less dramatic.

But Botox is only a temporary fix that wears off… And it comes with risks, too.

Some risks are just cosmetic, such as drooping eyelids. But there are some pretty dangerous side effects. People can experience shortness of breath, muscle weakness, vision problems, and even loss of bladder control as a result of Botox injections.1

If you want to have smooth and supple skin, these 5 solutions are safe, natural alternatives to Botox. And they don’t wear off.

1. Avoid Sugar: The more sugar you eat, the older you’ll look. This happens through a process known as glycation. Glycation occurs when sugars bind to proteins and fats in the body. This damages sensitive protein fibers like elastin and collagen. And it’s a major reason for signs of advanced aging among people with diabetes.2 If you want to look younger and protect your skin, stay away from breads, candy, and hidden sugars in processed foods.

2. Embrace Aloe Vera: No, not the green goo that you put on sunburns. The real stuff works much better. Get yourself an Aloe Vera plant and squeeze the gel from a leaf. The gel is a natural moisturizer. Even better, the natural antioxidants in the gel will help eliminate free radicals that can cause crow’s feet in the first place.3 Keep it wrapped in the refrigerator. The cooling effect will freshen your eyes.

3. Pine Bark Extract: This is one of nature’s best-kept secrets. Pine bark extract—also known as pycnogenol—can increase skin elasticity and hydration by up to twenty-five percent in only twelve weeks.4 Pine bark extract raises your levels of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid provides moisture and keeps the skin firm. Firm skin means fewer wrinkles.

4. Resveratrol: Raise your glass to younger looking skin. Naturally occurring resveratrol, found in red wine and berries, activates SIRIT₁ production in the body. This creates sirtuins in the body that help slow cell aging.5 Slowing cell aging is one of the keys to reversing physical signs of aging. You probably won’t get enough from wine to make a difference (sorry). We suggest supplementing.

5. Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals. This keeps cells functioning properly and reduces cell damage. But vitamin E goes a step further by boosting collagen production in the body.6 Collagen keeps the skin supple and firm, which keeps you looking young. Vitamin E is easy to find naturally in nuts, eggs, and avocados.

Botox injections are temporary. And they’re dangerous. You don’t have to get jabbed with needles to have younger-looking skin. Start with these five natural anti-aging solutions and you’ll keep people guessing your age.

References:1 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/botox/MY00078/DSECTION=risks
2 http://www.nbcnews.com/id/21257751/ns/health-skin_and_beauty/t/face-facts-too-much-sugar-can-cause-wrinkles/#.UjerfWTEqBU
3 http://beyouthful.net/home-remedies-for-crows-feet-doing-it-the-natural-way/
4 http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pycnogenol-french-maritime-pine-bark-extract-shown-to-improve-visible-signs-of-aging-in-new-clinical-trial-138028973.html
5 http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57573590/resveratrol-does-provide-anti-aging-benefits-study-shows/
6 http://www.livestrong.com/article/25515-benefits-vitamin-e-oil-skin/

http://institutefornaturalhealing.com/2013/09/skip-the-botox-with-these-5-anti-aging-secrets/

4 Steps to Heal Leaky Gut and Autoimmune Disease

by Dr. Josh Axe on August 7, 2013


Leaky gut syndrome is a rapidly growing condition that more and more people are struggling with everyday. This condition may be the cause of your allergies, low energy, joint pain, autoimmune conditions and weight gain. In this article I will outline specifically how you can cure your leaky gut.

The Importance of Your Digestive Lining

Think of the lining of your digestive tract like a net with extremely small holes in it that only allow specific substances to pass through.  Your gut lining works as a barrier keeping out bigger particles that can damage your system.

When someone has leaky gut (often referred to as increased intestinal permeability) the “net” in your digestive tract gets damaged, which causes even bigger holes to develop in your net, so things that normally can’t pass through, are now be able to. Some of the things that can now pass through include proteins like gluten, bad bacteria and undigested foods particles. Toxic waste can also leak from the inside of your intestinal wall into your blood stream causing an immune reaction.¹

The Progression of Leaky Gut

This leads to inflammation throughout your system and can cause symptoms, such as:

• Bloating
• Food sensitivities
• Thyroid conditions
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Headaches
• Skin issues like rosacea and acne
• Digestive problems
• Weight gain
• Syndrome X

One of the biggest warning signs that you may have leaky gut can be that you’re experiencing multiple food sensitivities. Partially digested protein and fat can seep through your intestinal lining making their way into your bloodstream which will cause an allergic response.

This allergic response doesn’t mean you’ll break out in a rash all over your body, but it can lead to one of the symptoms I’ve mentioned above.  And, if left un-repaired can lead to more severe health issues like inflammatory bowel disease, IBS, arthritis, eczema,² psoriasis,³ depression, anxiety, migraine headaches, muscle pain and chronic fatigue.

According to the Journal of Diabetes there is a strong body of evidence pointing to leaky gut as a major cause of autoimmune diseases including Type 1 Diabetes.⁴ 

Another problem with leaky gut is that it can cause malabsorption of vital minerals and nutrients including zinc and iron.

What Causes Leaky Gut?

There are 4 main causes of leaky gut which include:

• Poor diet
• Chronic stress
• Toxin overload
• Bacterial imbalance.⁵

We’re about to cover some in-depth nutrition here.  Read carefully, and in a few sections I will outline the top 5 Foods and Supplements to heal your leaky gut…

The most common components of food that can damage your intestinal lining are the proteins found in un-sprouted grains, sugar, GMO’s, and conventional dairy.

The problem with unsprouted grains is they contain large amounts of nutrient blockers called phytates and lectins. Lectins are sugar-binding proteins that act as a natural defense system for plants that protect them from outside invaders like mold and parasites.

This is good news for plants but bad news for your body.

Your digestive lining is covered with sugar containing cells that help break down your food.  Lectins gravitate toward this area and when they attach to your digestive lining it damages your gut, causing inflammation.

Lectins and Problem Foods 

Lectins are found in many foods, not just grains, and consumed in smaller amounts your body will do just fine with them. But foods that have large amounts of lectins like wheat, rice, spelt, and soy are more problematic.

Sprouting and fermenting grains reduces phytates and lectins, and makes these foods easier to digest.

GMO and hybridized foods tend to be the highest in lectins since they have been modified to fight off bugs.

Also, gluten containing grains will damage your intestinal lining causing leaky gut.  So while you are working to heal your system stay away from all grains especially ones that contain gluten like wheat.  Once your gut is healthy you can add back in grains that have been fermented and sprouted to eat occasionally.

Conventional cows milk is another food that can cause leaky gut. The component of dairy that will harm your gut is the protein A1 Casein.  Also, the pasteurization process will destroy vital enzymes making sugars like lactose very difficult to digest. For this reason, I only recommend buying dairy that is raw and from: A2 cows, goat’s, sheep, or buffalo.

Sugar is another substance that will wreak havoc on your digestive system.   Sugar will feed the growth of yeast, candida, and bad bacteria which will further damage your gut. Bad bacteria actually creates toxins called exotoxins that damage healthy cells and can eat a hole into your intestinal wall.

 

Other Factors that Cause Leaky Gut

Chronic stress weakens your immune system over time which cripples your ability to fight off foreign invaders like bad bacteria and viruses leading to inflammation and leaky gut.  To reduce stress I recommend getting more sleep, schedule fun into your week, rest one day a week, meditate on scripture, and hang out with positive uplifting people.

Toxins. We come into contact with over 80,000 chemicals and toxins every single year but the worst offenders for causing leaky gut include antibiotics, pesticides, tap water, aspirin, and NSAIDS.  I recommend buying a high quality water filter to eliminate chlorine and fluoride and look to natural plant based herbs to reduce inflammation in your body.

Dysbiosis. Finally, one of the leading causes of leaky gut is a condition called dysbiosis, which means an imbalance between beneficial and harmful species of bacteria in your gut. For many, this imbalance can begin at birth because of a C-section or because the mother didn’t have a healthy gut herself. The overuse of prescription antibiotic drugs, tap water with chlorine and fluoride, and the lack of probiotic rich foods contribute to this imbalance of good and bad bacteria.

 

Leaky Gut and the Brain

Another topic I want to quickly discuss is how leaky gut can affect the brain.  If you’ve ever seen a child with autism experience a mood swing, this can be caused by intestinal permeability. Gluten and Casein-Free Diet’s have proven effective for many children with autism because these proteins can leak through the gut and then recirculate and act on the brain similarly to an opioid drug.

This is also why leaky gut has been linked to other psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. So, in many cases, if you can heal the gut you can heal the brain.

 

The 4-Step Plan to Heal Leaky Gut

The good news is there’s a solution to healing leaky gut. There is a four step process that includes:

1. Remove foods and factors that damage the gut
2. Replace with healing foods
3. Repair with specific supplements
4. Rebalance with probiotics

Here’s the protocol I have used with my patients over the years that has helped them see incredible results.

Remember, the top foods to remove that cause leaky gut are sugar, grains, conventional meat, conventional dairy and GMO foods.  The top toxic exposures to eliminate are tap water, pesticides, NSAIDS, and antibiotics but remember to always consult with your physician if he has prescribed these for you.

The Top 5 Healing Foods for Your Digestive Tract

#1 Bone Broth - broth contains collagen and the amino acids proline and glycine that can help heal your damaged cell walls. I’ve  had many of my patients do a bone broth fast for 3 days to help rapidly repair leaky gut.






#2 Raw Cultured Dairy - contains both probiotics and SCFA’s that can help heal the gut.  Pastured kefir, yogurt, amasai, butter, and raw cheese are some of the best.








#3 Fermented Vegetables - contain organic acids that balance intestinal pH and probiotics to support the gut.  Sauerkraut, Kimchi, and Kvass are excellent sources.









#4 Coconut Products – all coconut products are especially good for your gut.  The MCFA’s in coconut are easier to digest than other fats so better for leaky gut.  Also, coconut kefir contains probiotics that support your digestive system.








#5 Super seeds – chia seeds, flaxseeds, and hemp seeds are great sources of fiber that can help support the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Also, consuming foods that have anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fats are beneficial such as grass-fed beef, lamb, and wild caught fish like salmon.

 

Top 5 Supplements for Healing your Gut

There are many supplements that support your digestive health but I believe the most beneficial are: L-Glutamine, Probiotics, Digestive Enzymes, Aloe Vera Juice, and Licorice Root.

I believe L-glutamine is critical for any program designed to heal leaky gut.  Glutamine is an essential amino acid that is anti-inflammatory and necessary for the growth and repair of your intestinal lining.  L-glutamine acts a protector and coats your cell walls, acting as a repellent to irritants.⁶

Digestive enzymes (one or two capsules at the beginning of each meal) ensure that foods are fully digested, decreasing the chance that partically digested foods particles and proteins from damaging your gut wall.

Similarly to how Aloe Vera helps burns heal faster, it can also support the healing of ulcers and areas on injury in your digestive system.

Demulcent herbs like Licorice Root and slippery elm soothe the mucus membranes that line the digestive system, acting as a bandage.  Other herbs like ginger and peppermint can also be beneficial because of their anti-inflammatory properties.

Probiotics Are a Vital Part to Healing Your Gut.  Finally, if you’re going to heal your gut you MUST consume probiotics in food and supplement form. I see people all the time only follow part of the protocol in healing their gut by removing the damaging irritants. But the part they often leave out is re-inoculating their gut with beneficial bacteria that will keep bad bacteria at bay.

So load up on BOTH probiotic rich foods and take AT LEAST 100 billion units of probiotics daily from a high quality brand.

If you can follow the above protocol you are well on your way to healing your gut for good!

The Dr. Axe Secret Detox

If you want a more detailed plan on how to heal leaky gut, how to burn off the remaining belly fat and cleanse your body, check out my Secret Detox Program.

Visit thesecretdetox.com now to sign-up and learn more.


References:

Kiefer D, Ali-Akbarian L (2004). “A brief evidence-based review of two gastrointestinal illnesses: irritable bowel and leaky gut syndromes”. Alternative Therapy Health Medicine 10 (3): 22–30.

Pike, M. G.; Heddle, R. J.; Boulton, P.; Turner, M. W.; Atherton, D. J. (1986). “Increased Intestinal Permeability in Atopic Eczema”. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 86 (2): 101–104.

Humbert, P.; Bidet, A.; Treffel, P.; Drobacheff, C.; Agache, P. (1991). “Intestinal permeability in patients with psoriasis”. Journal of dermatological science 2 (4): 324–326.

Vaarala O, Atkinson MA, Neu J (2008) ‘The “Perfect Storm” for Type 1 Diabetes The Complex Interplay Between Intestinal Microbiota, Gut Permeability, and Mucosal Immunity’, Diabetes Journal,  (57)10(2555-2562).

Z Liu, N Li, J Neu (2005) ‘Tight junctions, leaky intestines, and pediatric diseases’, Acta Paediatrica , 94(4), pp. 386-393.

Maes M, Leunis JC (2008) ‘Normalization of leaky gut in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is accompanied by a clinical improvement: effects of age, duration of illness and the translocation of LPS from gram-negative bacteria’, Journal of Neuro Endocrinology, 29(6), pp. 902-10.

http://www.draxe.com/4-steps-to-heal-leaky-gut-and-autoimmune-disease/

Colon Cleansing Foods and Herbs

Ten Medicinal Herbs to Boost Your Immunity

By Wendy Warner and Kellyann Petrucci from Boosting Your Immunity For Dummies

 

Medicinal herbs really are nature’s gift. They work wonders at alleviating and preventing many ailments, and herbs are an effective, inexpensive, and convenient way to manage your health.

Herbs can help many conditions. If you suspect vitamin or mineral deficiencies, lack proper rest, are under chronic stress, or get numerous colds or infections, you probably have a lowered immune system and medicinal herbs may help.

If you’re considering herbs to boost your immune system, discuss your particular needs with a health practitioner who understands your individual situation. Some herbs for the immune system may enhance or interact with the action of synthetic medications and should be monitored by an herbalist or a doctor who understands how herbs interact with other treatments.
 

Enlarge 1 Tap the healing powers of aloe vera. You can either keep an aloe plant at home or purchase aloe vera from a natural health store. You can use aloe vera topically or take it orally. If you’ve never eaten aloe before, start slowly. Any aloe vera plant you consume needs to go through quality assurance standards. Having certification by the International Aloe Science Council and purchasing your aloe from a natural products retailer or health food store increase your probability of a healthier plant. However you include aloe in your healing arsenal, just include it! It’s the wonder gel of herbal superfoods and deserves all the accolades it receives.	Enlarge 2 Astragalus works by stimulating the immune system. Chinese medicine has many little herbal gems. One of them is astragalus, an herb that’s been used for centuries in China. This plant is harvested for its roots and has many healing properties. You can buy the loose leaves and simmer slices in teas or soups. You can also get it in capsules, extracts, and powders. Astragalus can amp up the immune system and even help you beat the flu or stop a cold in its tracks.	Enlarge 3 Cat’s-claw contains chemicals that stimulate the immune system, helping you fight viruses. This medicinal herb helps lower blood pressure and acts as a diuretic, helping the body lose excess water. Studies show that cat’s-claw may even kill tumor cells. Cat’s-claw is particularly useful against the aches and pains of arthritis. The anti-inflammatory nature of this medicinal herb may provide relief from both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Enlarge 4 Use echinacea to treat or prevent colds, flu, or other infections. This herb has been used in many households for quite some time at the first sign of sniffles and colds. Even gargling with it for sore throats is effective. Some evidence suggests that echinacea may be used to treat or prevent upper respiratory infections. Some people even use echinacea for success in treating skin conditions, such as skin wounds, burns, eczema, psoriasis, UV radiation, herpes simplex, bee stings, and abscesses.	Enlarge 5 Elderberry plus some zinc is like the dream team for colds and flu. This herb works amazingly to enhance the immune system and also reduce inflammation, lower fever, and sooth the respiratory tract, and it has powerful antioxidant power to boot. Elderberry prevents the flu virus from attaching to the cell, so it shortens the duration and lessens the severity of the flu. One of the biggest bonuses of elderberry is its fantastic taste, making a sweet elderberry syrup or tincture.	Enlarge 6 Ginseng is used as a tonic to combat weakness and fuel your body with extra energy. Although ginseng’s superpower lies in its ability to give you energy, it has a host of other attributes, including healing bronchial disorders, improves fatigue symptoms, and helps with inflammatory diseases, like arthritis.
Enlarge 7 The healing virtues of hyssop are due to its oil, which has a stimulating affect that promotes expectoration. Hyssop is cultivated for its flower tops, which are often steeped in water to make an infusion for use as an expectorant to thin and loosen mucus. Hyssop also helps with asthma, arthritis, and wound healing. It comes in tablet, capsule, tea, dried herb, or tincture forms. The most favored way to take hyssop is in warm water, such as in a tea, because it provides more of a catalyst to loosen mucus.	Enlarge 8 Scientists have identified many healing substances in licorice root. The herb’s key compound is called glycyrrhizin (which is super sweet — about 50 times sweeter than sugar, in fact). Licorice root can prevent the occurrence of and heal ulcers, cleanse the colon, relieve heartburn and indigestion, lower cholesterol, enhance immunity, and many other things.	Enlarge 9 Nettle, also called stinging nettle, may be your answer if you have hay fever or other allergies. Nettle is a great natural alternative to antihistamines — which don’t actually change the allergic process but just block its expression. Steroid nasal inhalers used for treatment of hay fever and other seasonal allergies can be effective, but some of the steroids are bound to get into the rest of the body, and these hormones weaken the immune system.
Enlarge 10 St John’s wort acts as a natural antidepressant. In some countries, St John’s wort is commonly prescribed for mild depression, especially in children and adolescents. Studies show that this herb is superior to placebo in patients with major depression and is as effective as standard antidepressants. Another huge benefit is that St John’s wort has fewer side effects than standard antidepressants. There have also been benefits in using St John’s wort as a pain reliever for nerve pain.

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/ten-medicinal-herbs-to-boost-your-immunity.pageCd-storyboard,pageNum-11.html#slideshow

Natural Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes

By Cathy Wong, About.com Guide

Updated September 26, 2011

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 21 million people in the United States have diabetes, with about 90 to 95% having type 2 diabetes. Sugar, in the form of glucose, is the main source of fuel for body cells. The hormone insulin allows glucose in blood to enter cells. In type 2 diabetes, either the body doesn't produce enough insulin or cells are resistant to effects of insulin.

As a result, glucose builds up in the blood instead of entering cells, which causes cells to be deprived of energy. If high glucose levels in the blood persist, it may damage the eyes, heart, kidneys, or nerves.

Natural Remedies for Type 2 Diabetes

There are some natural treatments that are being explored for type 2 diabetes. If you are interested in trying a natural treatment in addition to standard treatment, be sure do so only under the close supervision of a qualified health professional. If diabetes is not properly controlled, the consequences can be life-threatening. Also inform your physician about any herbs, supplements, or natural treatments you are using, because some may interact with the medications you are taking and result in hypoglycemia unless properly coordinated. Consider keeping track of your herbs, vitamins, and supplements with the Supplement Diary and giving your doctor a copy.

1) Ginseng

Although there are several different types of ginseng, most of the promising studies on ginseng and diabetes have used North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Those studies have shown that North American ginseng may improve blood sugar control and glycosylated hemogobin (a form of hemoglobin in the blood used to monitor blood glucose levels over time) levels.

• Ginseng Fact Sheet
  
• Ginseng and Blood Sugar

2) Chromium

Chromium is an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism and helps body cells properly respond to insulin. In fact, studies have found low levels of chromium in people with diabetes.

There are many promising studies suggesting chromium supplementation may be effective, but they are far from conclusive. For example, a small study published in the journal Diabetes Care compared the diabetes medication sulfonylurea taken with 1,000 mcg of chromium to sulfonylurea taken with a placebo. After 6 months, people who did not take chromium had a significant increase in body weight, body fat, and abdominal fat, whereas people taking the chromium had significant improvements in insulin sensitivity.

Another study published in the same journal, however, examined the effect of chromium on glycemic control in insulin-dependent people with type 2 diabetes. People were given either 500 or 1,000 mcg a day of chromium or a placebo for six months. There was no significant difference in glycosylated hemoglobin, body mass index, blood pressure, or insulin requirements across the three groups.

3) Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains and in nutritional supplements. Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and is needed for normal muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, immune function, blood pressure, and for bone health.

Some studies suggest that low magnesium levels may worsen blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes. There is also some evidence that magnesium supplementation may help with insulin resistance. For example, a study examined the effect of magnesium or placebo in 63 people with type 2 diabetes and low magnesium levels who were taking the medication glibenclamide. After 16 weeks, people who took magnesium had improved insulin sensitivty and lower fasting glucose levels.

High doses of magnesium may cause diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, irregular heart rate, and confusion. It can interact with certain medications, such as those for osteoporosis, high blood pressure (calcium channel blockers), as well as some antibiotics, muscle relaxants, and diuretics.

4) Cinnamon

A couple of studies have found that cinnamon improves blood glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes. In the first study, 60 people with type 2 diabetes were divided into six groups. Three groups took 1, 3 or 6 g of cinnamon a day and the remaining three groups consumed 1, 3 or 6 g of placebo capsules. After 40 days, all three doses of cinnamon significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol.

In another study, 79 people with type 2 diabetes (not on insulin therapy but treated with other diabetes medication or diet) took either a cinnamon extract (equivalent to 3 g of cinnamon powder) or a placebo capsule three times a day.

After four months, there was a slight but statistically significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels in people who took the cinnamon (10.3%) compared with the placebo group (3.4%), however, there was no significant difference in glycosylated hemoglobin or lipid profiles. For more about cinnamon, read Cinnamon and Blood Sugar and Is Cinnamon a Proven Diabetes Remedy?

5) Zinc

The mineral zinc plays an important role in the production and storage of insulin. There is some research showing that people with type 2 diabetes have suboptimal zinc status due to decreased absorption and increased excretion of zinc.

Food sources of zinc include fresh oysters, ginger root, lamb, pecans, split peas, egg yolk, rye, beef liver, lima beans, almonds, walnuts, sardines, chicken, and buckwheat.

6) Aloe Vera Gel

Although aloe vera gel is better known as a home remedy for minor burns and other skin conditions, recent animal studies suggest that aloe vera gel may help people with diabetes.

A Japanese study evaluated the effect of aloe vera gel on blood sugar. Researchers isolated a number of active phytosterol compounds from the gel that were found to reduce blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. For more information about aloe vera, read the Aloe Vera Fact Sheet

7) Gymnema

Several preliminary studies suggest that the herb gymnema can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Because gymnema may lower blood sugar levels, people taking medications for diabetes or using insulin shouldn't take gymnema unless they are closely monitored by their health care provider.

8) Vanadium

Vanadium is a trace mineral found naturally in soil and many foods. It is also produced during the burning of petroleum. Vanadium has been found to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It appears to mimic many of the actions of insulin in the body.

The use of vanadium for diabetes, particularly without the supervision of a qualified health care practitioner, is not recommended, because the dose needed to affect blood glucose levels can be potentially toxic. The typical amount of vanadium found in the average diet (less than 30 micrograms per day) appears to have little toxicity.

Other Herbal Remedies

• Momordica charantia
  
• Nopal
  
• Fenugreek
  
• Vitamin D
  
• Tea

Sources

Al-Maroof RA, Al-Sharbatti SS. Serum zinc levels in diabetic patients and effect of zinc supplementation on glycemic control of type 2 diabetics. Saudi Med J.27.3 (2006): 344-350.

Boshtam M, Rafiei M, Golshadi ID, Ani M, Shirani Z, Rostamshirazi M. Long term effects of oral vitamin E supplement in type II diabetic patients. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 75.5 (2005): 341-346.

Chen H, Karne RJ, Hall G, Campia U, Panza JA, Cannon RO 3rd, Wang Y, Katz A, Levine M, Quon MJ. High-dose oral vitamin C partially replenishes vitamin C levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes and low vitamin C levels but does not improve endothelial dysfunction or insulin resistance. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol.290.1 (2006): H137-145.

Fukino Y, Shimbo M, Aoki N, Okubo T, Iso H. Randomized controlled trial for an effect of green tea consumption on insulin resistance and inflammation markers. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 51.5 (2005): 335-342.

Khan A, Safdar M, Ali Khan MM, Khattak KN, Anderson RA. Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 26.12 (2003): 3215-3218.

Kleefstra N, Houweling ST, Jansman FG, Groenier KH, Gans RO, Meyboom-de Jong B, Bakker SJ, Bilo HJ. Chromium treatment has no effect in patients with poorly controlled, insulin-treated type 2 diabetes in an obese Western population: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Diabetes Care. 29.3 (2006): 521-525.

Kudolo GB, Wang W, Elrod R, Barrientos J, Haase A, Blodgett J. Short-term ingestion of Ginkgo biloba extract does not alter whole body insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic, pre-diabetic or type 2 diabetic subjects--a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. Clin Nutr. 25.1 (2006): 123-134.

Martin J, Wang ZQ, Zhang XH, Wachtel D, Volaufova J, Matthews DE, Cefalu WT. Chromium picolinate supplementation attenuates body weight gain and increases insulin sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 29.8 (2006): 1826-1832.

Rodriguez-Moran M, Guerrero-Romero F. Oral magnesium supplementation improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic control in type 2 diabetic subjects: a randomized double-blind controlled trial. Diabetes Care. 26.4 (2003): 1147-1152.

Ryu OH, Lee J, Lee KW, Kim HY, Seo JA, Kim SG, Kim NH, Baik SH, Choi DS, Choi KM. Effects of green tea consumption on inflammation, insulin resistance and pulse wave velocity in type 2 diabetes patients. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 71.3 (2006): 356-358.

Tanaka M, Misawa E, Ito Y, Habara N, Nomaguchi K, Yamada M, Toida T, Hayasawa H, Takase M, Inagaki M, Higuchi R. Identification of five phytosterols from Aloe vera gel as anti-diabetic compounds.Biol Pharm Bull. 29.7 (2006): 1418-1422.

Woodman RJ, Mori TA, Burke V, Puddey IB, Watts GF, Beilin LJ. Effects of purified eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids on glycemic control, blood pressure, and serum lipids in type 2 diabetic patients with treated hypertension. Am J Clin Nutr.76.5 (2002): 1007-1015.


Natural Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes