Whole Food and Herbal Supplements for Blood Sugar Management
by Cindy Harrington, CNC, CHS, CINHC, CYT
Nutritional Counselor & Nutrition Response Testing® Master Clinician
Center for Nutritional Healing
More Americans than ever have blood sugar issues. Changes to nutrition and lifestyle are key to successfully managing the condition. This cannot be overstated! Here are some well-researched nutritional supplements to consider on your journey to better health. I’ve also provided links to some of the best products available from our online store.
1. Aloe (Aloe vera L) is a desert plant and its sap contains glucomannan, known in two studies to lower blood sugar in fasting glucose and HgA1C levels. Due to its high fiber content, glucomannan’s mechanism of action is glucose uptake into the cells. Center for Nutritional Healing stocks several brands of Aloe. Contact us to order.
2. Chromium (Cr3) is a trace element that can be found in whole grains, green vegetables, meats, nuts, egg yolks, brewer’s yeast and certain beers and wines. It is believed chromium level may be deficient in persons with diabetes. It may also have a positive effect on weight control, lipids, and bone density. Diaplex, a whole-food supplement from Standard Process, is an effective, well-absorbed source of chromium.
3. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed is used to help diabetes as it is known to lower fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, HgA1C, insulin levels, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels. It contains chemical components that may improve the overall health of the pancreas and other tissues, which then improves glucose and carbohydrate absorption and decreases insulin resistance. Fen-Gre and Metabol Complex are two high quality supplements that provide this important herb.
4. Ginseng (Asian Ginseng & American Ginseng) can lower postprandial and fasting glucose responses. The active ingredients are ginsenosides which account for the positive change in a variety of mechanisms. Cellular Vitality is an herbal complex containing American Ginseng which not only helps process glucose but supports the body as a whole.
5. Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) is shown to lower HgA1C, average fasting glucose, and average insulin dose. It contains gymnemosides and amino acids, which are believed to stimulate beta-cell function, and glucose uptake and utilization. Gymnema is widely known to inhibit the ability to taste sweetness so it can possibly help curb sugar cravings. MediHerb’s Gymnema is one of the purest, most effective sources of this important herb.
6. Magnesium (Mg) is often deficient in patients with diabetes and this deficiency may result in insulin resistance. Food sources include tofu, legumes, seeds, nuts, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables. It may help with insulin production, insulin sensitivity, and peripheral glucose uptake. Magnesium Lactate from Standard Process is a well-tolerated and absorbed form of this important mineral.
7. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) contains silymarin which consists of silybin, silychristine, and silidianin. It is known to help people with diabetes and those with hepatic disorders and disease. It has been reported in studies to decrease fasting glucose, HgA1C, daily insulin doses, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. It is believed Milk Thistle works as an insulin sensitizer by addressing the core problem of diabetes - insulin resistance. It allows cells of muscle, fat and organs such as the liver to more readily accept insulin. Check out Milk Thistle Forte, a supplement of the highest quality from MediHerb.
8. Vitamin E is suspected to help mitigate free radical activity by providing antioxidants that nourish the body with the powerful antioxidants Vitamin E provides to improve insulin response. Cataplex E and Wheat Germ Oil Fortified are two superb whole food supplements and excellent sources of this important vitamin.
Do you have questions? Would you like to speak to me about how you can improve your health and your life? I invite you to contact us so we can help you get well from blood sugar issues and live a life of health and vitality!
References:
Chang, Tsu-Chung, Shu-Fen Huang, Te-Chun Yang, Fang-Na Chan, Hang-Ching Lin, and Wen-Liang Chang. “Effect of Ginsenosides on Glucose Uptake in Human Caco-2 Cells Is Mediated through Altered Na + /Glucose Cotransporter 1 Expression.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 55, no. 5 (March 2007): 1993–98. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf062714k
Masharani, U., P. Sherchan, M. Schloetter, S. Stratford, A. Xiao, A. Sebastian, M. Nolte Kennedy, and L. Frassetto. “Metabolic and Physiologic Effects from Consuming a Hunter-Gatherer (Paleolithic)-Type Diet in Type 2 Diabetes.” European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 69, no. 8 (August 2015): 944–48. https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2015.39
Pizzorno, J. E., Murray, M. T., & Joiner-Bey, H. (2016). The Clinician’s Handbook of Natural Medicine (3rd edition). Elsevier.
Shane-McWhorter, L. “Dietary Supplements for Diabetes: An Evaluation of Commonly Used Products.” Diabetes Spectrum 22, no. 4 (October 1, 2009): 206–13. https://doi.org/10.2337/diaspect.22.4.206
Yeh, G. Y., D. M. Eisenberg, T. J. Kaptchuk, and R. S. Phillips. “Systematic Review of Herbs and Dietary Supplements for Glycemic Control in Diabetes.” Diabetes Care 26, no. 4 (April 1, 2003): 1277–94. https://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.26.4.1277