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While there are many medications that have been developed to help
treat various forms of diabetes, there is still no known medical
cure for the disease. There are, however, a number of natural cures
for diabetes that have been proven to help control and manage the
blood sugar levels that typically fluctuate in a diabetic, as well
as natural remedies to alleviate other symptoms associated with
diabetes.
Most doctors recommend a high fiber diet to those with diabetes.
Studies have shown that a daily fiber supplement, like oat bran or
glucomannan, may improve the body’s tolerance to glucose. Fish has
also been reported to help keep glucose levels in balance by
improving metabolism.
Diabetics who suffer from nerve damage may be able to alleviate
their pain by switching to a vegetarian diet. In one study, over 80
percent of those tested ended all their pain associated with
diabetic nerve damage by excluding meat, eggs, and dairy products
from their diet.
Some reports suggest that chromium and chromium supplements can
increase glucose tolerance in a diabetic because it makes the body
more susceptible to insulin. This can also have a negative affect on
a person with diabetes because it could increase the effects of
certain medications, resulting in too low of a glucose level in the
blood.
The consumption of onion has been stated to lower the blood sugar
levels of several patients with diabetes when it is eaten raw.
Extracts from the leaves of the Crepe Myrtle tree, or lagerstroemia
speciosa, have also been used to significantly lower blood glucose
levels. It is thought that up to 6 grams of cinnamon in the diet
each day may help maintain blood sugars as well.
Both mistletoe and hibiscus plants have been used in teas as natural
remedies for diabetes. Hibiscus tea, commonly used in India, is made
by mixing 1 or 2 teaspoons of the dried plant in one cup of water.
For best results, the tea should be drank 3 times a day. Mistletoe
may boost the body’s insulin level by stimulating its release in the
pancreas. One cup of mistletoe tea should be consumed in the morning
and another in the evening. It is generally made by steeping about
3teaspoons of chopped mistletoe in 2 cups of water for several
hours.
Acupuncture treatments have been shown through numerous studies to
improve several symptoms and complications associated with diabetes.
Acupuncture can not only lower blood glucose levels, it may also
improve the body’s production of insulin, at least providing
short-term benefits. Acupuncture has also been shown to
significantly reduce pain in those with nerve damage, and to improve
bladder control as well.
Both aloe and fenugreek seeds have been used to lower and control
blood sugar levels in diabetics. A dose of 1 tbsp. of aloe gel taken
each day was effective at decreasing these levels significantly in
clinical trials, while fenugreek and fenugreek seeds can produce
results when taken daily or if it is mixed into food.
A small amount of cayenne pepper in a topical cream, applied to the
skin, can improve conditions of diabetic neuropathy and may also
help circulation. Studies have shown that at least four applications
a day can even reduce extreme pain from nerve complications.
Most natural cures for diabetes have not been approved for medical
use and some may have severe side effects. It is best to consult
with a doctor or qualified medical professional before beginning any
sort of alternative treatment to discuss the possible effects.
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