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Herbal Supplements For Diabetes Type 2

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Posted 5/14/2013 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
With more and more people opting for natural remedies to enhance their quality of life, herbal supplements for diabetes type 2 is also of no exception. Type 2 diabetes can be considered to be a non-insulin dependent diabetes which can occur due to pancreas not producing enough insulin or the body is not being use the insulin adequately and the condition is known as insulin resistance.
Posted 5/15/2013 12:27 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome Lewis Taylor. Do you have diabetes?
Posted 5/16/2013 8:35 AM (GMT 0)
I recently read that taking a tea spoon of coconut oil helps also about regeneration of beta cells by taking Gymnema sylvesre .Anyone here has personally experienced this?

For coconut oil
http://www.naturalnews.com/026694_oil_coconut.html

For Gymnema sylvesre

http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-gymnema-sylvestre.htm#slideshow
Posted 5/21/2013 11:41 AM (GMT 0)
A friend who is huge fan of Alpha Lipoic Acid is urging me to take it as well.....anyone here takes it? if yes then what dosage and brand. Thanks
Posted 5/21/2013 1:23 PM (GMT 0)
I don't use those. Some people may have success but others may not. The only suggestion I have for you is to inform your doctor that you are taking any of these supplements and to check your blood sugar. Keeping track of your blood sugar is important in any case, before and after eating, etc.

Because people may have different reactions to herbal supplements and because not all herbal supplements are manufactured under the same conditions, I would proceed with caution if I were you. There are many companies that manufacture herbal supplements here in the States. I don't know how to advise you about that if you live in India, only that you need to monitor your blood sugar carefully and inform your doctor of what you are taking. If you are taking any other medication for other conditions, you need to be aware of possible conflicting reactions.
Posted 5/21/2013 2:33 PM (GMT 0)
I take a multivite with micronutrients such as zinc, manganese, biotin, etc. to metabolize sugar. I also take extra chromium picolinate, vitamin D, and alpha lipoic acid which I find to be excellent for lowering blood sugar. I take various herbs from time to time such as Gymnema sylvesre or banaba.

I don’t mind taking these because I am only pre-diabetic and not taking meds. These supplements, (except vitamin D), can be a problem for some because they really do lower blood sugar somewhat and therefore interact with meds, especially if you are taking insulin.

These all help somewhat for my pre-diabetes. But what really, really makes a huge difference is monitoring my diet. These supplements help a little for when I inadvertently eat something bad. But all of these supplements are useless if, for example, I consistently and stupidly drink soda.

Funny, I can eat a little chocolate with no problems, even complex carbs like corn. But gluten or soda and candy from high fructose corn syrup elevates my blood sugar and these supplements are powerless.
Posted 5/21/2013 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
I did take alpha lipoic acid for about six months, but saw no change in my glucose ranges, so stopped taking it. I do take metformin, but the biggest factor for me is vigorous exercise at least three days a week, with moderate activity such as walking or housework the other days.
Posted 5/23/2013 6:02 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks a lot for your detailed replies everyone....appreciate that....as for me i am not even pre diabetic ...its just that during last two years i saw my fasting and post meal rising and want to do something pro active to check them. Also my recent Vit D tests show i am deficient in it.
I have joined this forum to know more abt the certain health issues and how people are coping with them to educate myself abt them. We used to be high carb eating family but since Feb this year I have changed my lifestyle and eating habits a lot. I eat every three hours...small low carb meals....monitor impact of food on my sugar levels by a glucose meter i have bought....have included lot of greens and complex carbs and protein in my meals..[ walk almost 7 days a week...but used to do that before also]..i take my multi vitamins and dropped three to four kgs...haven't seen drastic change in sugar levels but a more gradual one....so i am assuming I am more of a insulin resistant type hence need for supplements.

my earlier levels...
fasting 98/99
post meal 108/112

now
fasting 92/93
post meal
102/ or under 100 mostly on low carb food.
Posted 5/23/2013 12:14 PM (GMT 0)
I think you are wise to head off a possible health problem before you don't have a choice! No matter what the issue is, diabetes, heart, blood pressure, etc., I think walking more, being more active, eating more fresh vegetables, less meat and more fresh fish, more salads, no processed food will help anyone stay healthier longer! yeah
Posted 5/25/2013 7:32 PM (GMT 0)
I'm taking the CVS Diabetes Health Support pack, which I guess is nice. Plus I take Fish oil, Calcium, and Evening Primrose in addition to my Diabetes meds. I recently started taking SPIRULINA, I got a bottle for free and couldn't pass it up, LOL. I LOVE the Spirulina in a smoothie! But I'm afraid I'm getting TOO many vitamins with all that! Plus, I want to get the most for the $$$ I have to spend.

I've read that TOO MANY VITAMINS IS AS BAD AS NOT ENOUGH! Is that something we should also be concerned about? My head spins when I come to HealingWell. You all are SO SMART. Am I supposed to be a walking medical book/PDR to keep up with this disease???

UGH...I want to downsize. I've read the above posts and it seems to me that people are doubling up on vitamins that they're already getting in the multi-vitamins. Plus, all this healthy eating adds even more. I don't want to become obsessive and burn out or become a slave. I just want to find a comfortable routine that I can commit myself to ONCE AND FOR ALL.

My doctors are robotic because I'm in a low income gov't program. They're not even allowed to tell me to "be good" or be upset if I have bad numbers. It's a little creepy if you ask me. Once when I was "bad" they just upped my meds and I asked them "Why don't you just tell me to be good, or God forbid, yell at me?" I just got a blank stare...no response. It's creepy I tell you.
Posted 5/25/2013 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Diane, Welcome to our forum. Yes, I think too many vitamins can be bad for you as not having enough. Ideally, we should have all that we need from our food but that might rarely happen. What caught my eye recently and why I started the thread about gummies is that we do have to be aware that there are added vitamins and minerals in many products (fortified cereal, for example).

What are the ingredients in the CVS Diabetes Health Support package?
Posted 5/26/2013 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! Thank you for asking. It contains...

1. Mulitivitamin/Mineral. High potency
2. Cinnamon/Chomium Picolinate
3. Alpha Lipoic Acid
4. Folic Acid
5. Vitamin C w/Bioflavonoids
6. Selenium
7. Co Q-10

I'm Type 2 BTW

Then the Spirulina (1tsp) I take in a morning smoothie with a small banana, egg, light yogurt, light cranberry juice, and berries. I also have a bowl of oatmeal and that's my breakfast.

Spirulina is said to be "Nature's Multivitamin" with over 100 nutrients. OMG, since I started taking it I have not been craving sugary things anymore. I feel satisfied and HOPEFUL! But I haven't heard much about it on the Diabetes forum.
Posted 5/27/2013 6:55 AM (GMT 0)
we all have diff lifestyle and genes.....what we eat and how our body metabolizes food is different in different ppl.....yearly check-ups help us keep an eye on our overall health.....acc to latest reports abt 80% of Indians are deficient in vit D....BUT in varying degrees......from acute to insufficient to just not optimal enough....our bodies are deficient in vitamins in diff degrees......so WHAT dosage we take should depend on individual need or deficiency......a basic multi vitamin is ok for all...but whatever EXTRA we take shld be acc to our individual health....I have seen ppl poppin anything new in market...brand matters a lot too....do take reputed ones only because these days lot of harmful stuff is passed on in the name of anti oxidant......
It always helps to KNOW.....usage, side effects and interactions of anything.....some vitamins clash with each other and affect absorption.
Posted 5/27/2013 11:44 AM (GMT 0)
I agree and this is why we should all be aware of the total dosages we're getting from all the supplements and should not be self-dosing with high amounts of any vitamins and minerals.  The CVS Diabetes package may be fine if the person is just taking a multi besides it.  I doubt CVS would sell a product with extreme amounts of any one ingredient - although a person should still consider the contents along with the multi.
Posted 5/27/2013 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
Bottom line, would the Spiruina AND the CVS package be too much? I see my doctor early next month and I'll ask her about any deficiencies from my labs but I'm just afraid I'll just get that robotic gov't stare again. Do you know what the symptoms are of getting too many vitamins? Yeah, I know that sounds a little too vague, but my doctor will never have the time to sufficiently to answer all my questions...so I come here.
Posted 5/27/2013 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Diane. I don't know. If the Diabetes Pack has a multivitamin and mineral, I probably wouldn't take another multi vitamin pill on top of that. I'm not familiar with the spirulina so I can't comment on that. Of course, you should monitor your blood sugar before and after and keep this record for the doctor to see.
Posted 5/27/2013 10:41 PM (GMT 0)
The Spirulina isn't a multi-vitamin, it's a blue-green algae. It's so cool!

It's a NATURAL superfood that supports cardiovascular, eye, and brain health as well as boosts immunity and energy. More Beta-Carotene than carrots, more iron than Spinach, more protein than Tofu and more antioxidant potency than Blueberries! It has Vitamins A, B12, K1, and K2, Superoxide Di****ase (SOD), and Zeaxanthin.

It's also a NATURAL source of Omega-6 Fatty Acid GLA and Phytochemicals. All in one level teaspoon added to a morning smoothie!! HOW FUN IS THAT! And as far as I can tell it doesn't affect the taste of your yummy fruit smoothie despite turning it green! LOL. One serving is equal to more than 5 servings of fruit and veggies.

AND IT MAKES GREAT GUACAMOLE!!!!

But with all that good stuff it makes me wonder if I should downsize my other vitamin intake so I don't get too much of a good thing vitamin wise. I've been taking this for 2 weeks now and it's helped me SO much with my cravings for sugar. (addiction) I don't crave any food in particular anymore! I finally feel healthy. I really LOVE it and it doesn't affect my BG levels.
Posted 5/28/2013 1:03 AM (GMT 0)
I have read about it online but I'm just not familiar with it.  You would have to ask a nutritionist if you think it might be too much in addition to the CVS package.
Posted 5/28/2013 2:25 AM (GMT 0)
As far as vitamins go, the water-soluble vitamins (B & C) are just excreted in the urine if you have more than needed. The fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E & K) are stored in your body if you take too many, and can cause serious symptoms if the overdose is prolonged.
Posted 5/28/2013 3:14 AM (GMT 0)
You wouldn't happen to know what those symptoms are, would you?? Just for reference sake.

This vitamin "juggling game" is a challenge. I want to be healthy, however I have a LONG LONG way to go. But I feel like I finally "want" to get there! Know what I mean? So many years I felt hopeless and I stubbornly clung to my friend, "food". I'm sure there are a lot of Diabetics who got "here" the same way. I'm also exploring the dreaded "E" word (exercise, ewwww) I'm hoping to find a routine that I can live with...(literally) and tame my rebellious old self. Does that make any sense?

Trying to be good, Diane
Posted 5/28/2013 6:04 AM (GMT 0)
Diane this website has some very good write ups abt supplements....hope this helps...

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/how-to-evaluate-vitamins-supplements?page=3
Posted 5/28/2013 2:45 PM (GMT 0)

Diane D. said...
I've been taking this for 2 weeks now and it's helped me SO much with my cravings for sugar. (addiction) I don't crave any food in particular anymore! I finally feel healthy. I really LOVE it and it doesn't affect my BG levels.


If Spirulina makes you feel so much better than don’t give it up. This guy's article says that Spirulina is a superfood, (but remember that he is a salesman). I wish “superfoods” (or anything) worked for me as well as they seem to work for you.

products.mercola.com/spirublue/

The following article breaks down the nutrients in Spirulina. For the most part it doesn’t appear that there is any danger of overdosing on any nutrient, except perhaps iron and copper. There is a lot of Riboflavin (vitamin B2) but your body excretes any excess of B complex vitamins. But don’t take my word for it, consult with your doctor to be safe.

nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2765/2
Posted 5/28/2013 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
For vitamin D:

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/symptoms-of-vitamin-d-toxicity.html

For vitamin A:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-a/NS_patient-vitamina/DSECTION=safety

I once saw a baby who was being prepped for brain surgery when her vitamin A toxicity was discovered. This has always stuck with me.

For vitamin E:

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/vitamin-e-toxicity.html

For vitamin K:

http://www.helium.com/items/1352792-vitamim-k-overdose-symptoms

Vitamin E & K toxicities are very uncommon, and it's nearly impossible to get an overdose of any of these from our normal diet. It's when we start taking mega-doses of one or more vitamin preparation that we can get into trouble. Once again, the importance of reading labels.

Posted 5/28/2013 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you both, Judy and Babe, for the links. I was very surprised at the very high sodium content of the spirulina according to the nutritiondata website, 49% or our RDA. So, proceed with caution.
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