cow’s milk as youngsters. Chromium may help lower blood
glucose levels in cases of Type 2 diabe- tes, with the most recent study from the Pennington Biomedical Research Cen- ter. A typical dose is 200 micrograms daily.
Magnesium is also important, as
Harvard University scientists discovered a significant inverse association be- tween magnesium intake and diabetes risk. A large population-based study in Taiwan, published in Magnesium Re- search, showed that adding magnesium to drinking water led to a lower risk of death from Type 2 diabetes. The best sources of magnesium are amaranth, sunflower seeds, qui- noa, spinach, wild rice, tofu, almonds, halibut, brown rice, white beans and avocado. If these foods are not regu- larly on the menu, consider a magne- sium supplement. A typical daily dose begins with 500 to 750 milligrams (mg), although this may be reduced in the event of diarrhea or loose stools. Zinc also may assist the body’s use of insulin. Suggested dosage is 30 mg a
Diabetics may benefit from
eating small meals throughout the day, to help maintain blood sugar balance.
day, balanced with 2 mg copper. Antioxidant vitamins (A, C, E, beta-
carotene) and B complex vitamins, as well as other antioxidant nutrients from superfoods such as green tea, blueberries and pomegranates, may help prevent diabetes-related nerve damage, accord- ing to research published in the Bratisla- va Medical Journal and Diabetes Care. In addition, studies of calcium and vitamin D have shown some initial promise in middle-aged and older women in warding off metabolic syndrome, a known diabetes precursor.
(Reports in Menopause, Current Drug Targets and Diabetes Care.)
Finally, a host of scientific journals support the helpfulness of certain herbs. Bilberry and Gingko biloba may help prevent or delay diabetic-related eye damage. Gymnema sylvestre, fenugreek and bitter melon have been shown to help control blood sugar levels. Physical activity, which certainly
helps reduce weight, may also help in regulating overall blood glucose. Exercise facilitates circulation, while working to prevent some of the com- plications associated with diabetes, in- cluding peripheral vascular and heart disease. It’s recommended that diabe- tes sufferers have a snack just prior to and immediately following exercising to help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
James Rouse is a naturopathic doctor, entrepreneur, Ironman triathlete and wellness media personality, best known on the West Coast for his Optimum Wellness TV segments. Learn more at
OptimumWellness.com.
natural awakenings
November 2010
31
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72