Easy Steps to maintain Blood Sugar Levels

Blood sugar or glucose is the main source of energy for every cell in our body. A figure indicates that diabetes affects one in every 19 people on the planet. If we can not stabilize blood sugar levels, glucose in the blood can cause complications such as heart disease, diabetes, and memory problems. We can stabilize blood sugar in natural way :

1. Exercise :

Physical activity helps control blood sugar in the body. Walking can extend the life of people with diabetes, insulin-sensitive cells such as controlling blood sugar better. Half an hour walk every day will help your blood sugar level. It helps the sugar and the sugar in the blood to absorb but also to increase insulin sensitivity and metabolism in general.

2. Eat Smaller Meals :

In order to stabilize blood sugar levels, you must eat small meals and eat balanced meals every 2-3 hours. In order to avoid peaks in blood glucose and high insulin release the results allow a full meal, and blood sugar levels for some time between meals. 

3. Dietary Fiber Foods :

Fibers are the undigested part of fruits, grains, nuts and legumes. While eating high-fiber foods, glucose is absorbed more slowly, so blood sugar and avoid the sharp spines. A diet containing insoluble fiber reduces the risk associated with type 2 diabetes.

4. Lemon Juice :

Lemon contains vitamin C, which can reduce the glycemic index of food sufficient. Drink a glass of lemon juice after each meal, it will help to maintain blood sugar. 

5. Protein :

The proteins are also known to degrade the quality of their blood sugar. The consumption of dairy products low in fat such, as low-fat milk, cheeses etc are useful for diabetic patient.

6. Green Tea :

Regular consumption of green tea without sugar helps to reduce blood glucose. You can also drink black tea without sweeteners to control blood sugar. It has the same effect with green tea.

7. Chromium :

Chromium is an active ingredient helps the glucose tolerance factor (GTF) to improve the effectiveness of insulin. chromium supplementation may improve diabetes control. The best sources of chromium are eggs, meat and cereals.

8. Laugh :

Researcher showed that people with type 2 diabetes, those watch the comedy programs immediately after a meal, their blood sugar levels get significantly lower. So, laughing can be helpful to maintain blood sugar too.

The levels of sugar in the blood of the healthy range can reduce the risk of complications and lead a healthy life.

Natural Remedies for Diabetes

Diabetes is among the most common disorders in the world today. Diabetes is a lifestyle disease caused when either levels of insulin drop in body or body cells resist insulin. Insulin is a hormone which lets blood sugar/glucose go inside body cells. Therefore its deficiency leads to increased blood sugar level in blood stream and keeps body cells deprived of energy. 

Here are a few natural remedies that can be helpful in reducing the sugar levels in a diabetic patient :

Fenugreek : Fenugreek seeds are rich in sugar-lowering properties. Fenugreek helps to reduce the insulin dependency when taken in regular intervals. A teaspoon-full of seeds should be soaked in a glass of water over night and the water along with the seeds should be drunk on empty stomach. This treatment is recommended for 2 – 3 times per week. 

Cinnamon : Cinnamon has beneficial anti-diabetic properties. It is recommended to take half spoon of cinnamon powder everyday to get the desired effect. It can also be chewed in its natural form instead of being made into a powder.

Jamun : The leaves of the Jamun tree are useful in reducing the sugar levels. 100 grams of this fruit consumed per day to maintain the blood glucose levels. Jamun fruit is considered as an effective medicine for diabetes considering its effect on pancreas. The seeds too can be dried, powdered and had with water twice a day.

Bitter Gourd : Bitter gourd is an ancient remedy to treat diabetes at home. It can be taken in the form of juice, or cooked and fried and consumed with food daily. The best effects can be gained when taken on empty stomach every morning.

Garlic : The chemical Allicin in garlic is believed to have hypoglycemic effects. Garlic has the cholesterol-reducing effect as well as anti-diabetic effect too.

Aloe Vera : Aloe Vera is well known for its hypoglycemic characteristics. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that promote wound healing. It is best taken with buttermilk to improve the taste. 

Neem : Neem has anti-diabetic properties as well. It has been found to reduce insulin requirements by up to 50%. 

Holy Basil : Basil leaves bring about a significant reduction in the blood glucose level. It is recommended to extract the juice from Holy Basil leaves and consume it. This leaf also has anti-stress, anti-asthmatic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, gastric anti-ulcer, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-mutagenic and immuno-stimulant properties. 

Lady's Finger : Lady's Finger helps to slow down the absorption of glucose from the intestine. It is rich in soluble fibers. You can soak one lady's finger slit in the middle in a glass of water overnight and consume it on an empty stomach. Done over a month, it reduces the blood glucose level to a great extent. 

Fig Leaves : Figs leaves are believed to have anti-diabetic properties that help them to reduce the sugar levels in the blood. Fig leaves can be directly chewed on an empty stomach, or the leaves can be boiled in water and the water can be drunk like tea. 

Grape Seed Extract : Grape seeds are a rich source of vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid and oligomeric proanthocyanidins. It proved that they can be used in treating diabetes. The grape seeds are ground and placed in capsules; the person can take up to 300mg per day to reduce the blood sugar levels. 

Indian Gooseberry : Indian Gooseberry is rich in vitamin C also has hypoglycemic properties. The seeds of this fruit are also taken in ground and powdered form which has much slower effect in reducing the blood glucose levels. 

Beans : Beans help to slow down the digestion process thereby preventing the rise in blood glucose level. 

Soy : Soy contains isoflavones that help to reduce blood sugar levels while keeping the body well nourished. It also prevents the accumulation of fat as it gives very little calories. 

Papaya : Papaya has natural blood sugar controlling capability that helps to control diabetes. It is also a rich source of vitamin C and anti-oxidants along with carotenes and flavonoids.

Guava : Guava has high vitamin C and fibre content that helps diabetics to reduce the sugar concentration in the blood. However, a recent study has shown that having guava with its skin can heighten the blood sugar levels, so make sure you peel off the skin before consumption.

Mango : The leaves of the mango tree are believed to have anti-diabetic properties. It helps to reduce the intestinal glucose absorption, which is the reason behind its anti-diabetic effect. 

Almonds : Almond is rich source of calories and protein. Regular consumption of almond can keep diabetes in control. It also improved LDL Cholesterol levels substantially in pre-diabetes adults. 

Vinegar : Vinegar helps diabetics to reduce the sugar concentration in the blood. Two spoons of vinegar before food helps in the reduction of glucose influx. 

Oysters : Oysters is a rich source of zinc and they help to promote wound healing in diabetics. It is advisable for diabetics to include oysters in their diet for better wound healing capability. 

Olive Oil : Olive oil have beneficiary effects such as reducing the cholesterol and triglycerides level in the blood. It also helps to reduce blood sugar level.

Black Coffee : Studies have shown that black coffee without sugar cuts the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Green Tea : Green Tea is also helpful in reducing the blood sugar and insulin levels in the body.

Vitamin C : 600mg of vitamin C daily can help to normalize the blood glucose levels. Foods rich in vitamin C should be consumed daily by chronic diabetics. 

Chromium : Studies have found that diabetics have lower levels of chromium in their bodies. Chromium is a mineral which facilitates metabolism and improves response of body cells towards insulin.

Magnesium : Magnesium is a mineral found in green leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts, whole grains etc. It is essential for more than 300 biochemical reactions in body. The mineral also helps in regulating blood sugar levels and facilitating normal functioning of muscles, nerves, heart etc. However, magnesium must be taken in appropriate quantity as high levels of magnesium could cause, diarrhea, nausea, weakness of muscle, irregular heart rate.

Zinc : Zinc is a mineral which helps in production and storage of hormone insulin. It found that people suffering from type 2 diabetes had low levels of zinc in their bodies. Zinc is found in egg yolk, oysters, ginger root, liver of beef, almonds, chicken, walnut etc.

Home Remedies for controlling Blood Sugar

There is an alarming rise in the prevalence of diabetes in India. Thanks to our eating habits and sedentary lifestyle, even gestational diabetes is not uncommon. 

The sad fact is that it could affect the baby too. According to recent statistics, India has more people with Type 2 diabetes than any other nation. As opposed to the misconception, eating sweets is not the only cause for this disease. Stress and genes too play a major role in this. Although one can not do much about it if it's genetic, it definitely does not harm to prevent it. 

Here are some things that you can do at home to prevent diabetes or reduce it if you already are affected by it. 

• Nobody likes bitter things. But is not it better to take a fruit or a vegetable instead of medicines? Having bitter gourd juice on an empty stomach has proved to prevent diabetes. You could make stuffed karela (bitter bourd) or fry them like chips and have them as a snack. This will not just bring a change in your menu and give a respite to your taste buds, but also be beneficial to your health. 
• Soak a few seeds (1/4 tsps) of methi in water overnight and sallow down the methi along with the water on an empty stomach in morning. 
• Jambul fruit is considered as an effective medicine for diabetes considering its effect on pancreas. The seeds too can be dried, powdered and had with water twice a day. 
• With its vitamin C property and high fiber content, guava is perhaps one fruit that diabetics can fearlessly have. However, a recent study has shown that having guava with its skin can heighten the blood sugar levels, so make sure you peel off the skin before consumption. 
• Gooseberry/amla juice too cuts the blood sugar levels. 
• If you can not do without sugar in your coffee or tea, try and substitute honey. 
• Studies have shown that black coffee without sugar cuts the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
• Among other benefits, green tea is also helpful in reducing the blood sugar and insulin levels in the body. 
• Besides, make regular walk and exercise part of your routine.

Diet Tips for Diabetic Patients

• Diabetics have to limit their carbohydrate intake because it takes such a long time for most carbohydrates to digest. The carbohydrates that take a longer time to digest, cause higher blood glucose level.
• Diabetics have difficulty breaking down in their system, foods which are high in carbohydrates. Digestion is slow and sugars and starches are absorbed into the blood stream, causing an excess blood glucose level.
• Glycemic Index measures how quickly the carbohydrate present in the food raise your blood sugar and for how long. 
• The Glycemic Index is a very helpful tool for diabetics who need to monitor their glucose level. 
• The Glycemic Index ranges from one to one hundred. A low food in the glycemic index has a rating of below 55. 
• The GI for Wheat – India is 90. Hence it is advisable to avoid wheat if one wants to maintain the blood sugar level without any medication.

Herbal Benefits of Bitter Gourd

Herbal Benefits of Bitter Gourd :

• It is good for rheumatism and gout and diseases of the spleen and liver.
• It aids in lowering blood sugar levels.
• It helps in lowering blood pressure.
• It relives headaches.
• It disinfects and heals wounds and burns.
• It can be used as a cough and fever remedy.
• It is helpful for Treatment of intestinal worms, diarrhea.
• It helps prevent some types of cancer.
• It enhances immune system to fight infection.
• It is helpful for treatment of hemorrhoids.
• It is an antioxidant and parasiticide.
• It is antibacterial and antipyretic.

Preparation and Use of Bitter Gourd : 

• For coughs, fever, worms, diarrhea, diabetes, juice Bitter Gourd leaves and drink a spoonful daily.
• For other ailments, the fruit and leaves can both be juiced and taken orally.
• For headaches wounds, burns and skin diseases, apply warmed leaves to afflicted area.
• Powdered leaves, and the root decorations, may be used as stringent and applied to treat hemorrhoids.
• Internal parasites are proven to be expelled when the bitter gourd juice, made from its leaves, is extracted.

The bitter gourd juice and grounded seeds is to be taken one spoonful thrice a day, which also treats diarrhea, dysentery, and chronic colitis.

Bitter Gourd Juice for Diabetics Patient

Bitter gourd is a green vegetable with a bitter taste. In India it is used as a household medicine because of its medicinal and curative properties. It is a very nutritious vegetable. It contains a hypoglycemic substance which helps in lowering blood and urine sugar levels. Intake of bitter gourd in any form will be of immense help in controlling the blood sugar level.

Ingredients (for 1 Glass) :

• Half piece of Bitter Gourd.
• Half Lemon.
• A pinch of Salt.
• Half teaspoon Turmeric Powder

Method :

• Wash the bitter gourd thoroughly.
• Cut it into small pieces.
• Soak the cut pieces in water with little salt and half teaspoon turmeric powder for 15 minutes
• Remove the pieces from the water and grind it in the mixer with enough water.
• Remove the fibers by passing the juice through sieve.
• Add lemon juice and stir well.

Suggestion : Drink the juice in the morning on empty stomach daily.

Some Quick Tips

• Soak the pieces in water with little salt and turmeric powder for 15 minutes to remove the bitter taste.
• Instead of lime amla can also be used along with bitter gourd.

Alternative Treatment for Diabetes : Bitter Gourd

Bitter Gourd and Diabetes Mellitus

Momordica charantia is a vine that belongs to Family Cucurbitaceae, and it is a relative of cucumber and squash. It is called bitter gourd or bitter melon in English speaking countries, kerala in India and Pakistan, and ampalaya in the Philippines, and it grows in damp and wet places. Upon reaching its reproductive stage, it produces a cucumber shaped fruit with wrinkled skin. It is known for its bitter taste, which makes some people uncomfortable eating it. Its taste, though, is overshadowed by the health benefits it offers.

It has been used as traditional medicine in India and China for thousands of years. People used it to treat various diseases, including diabetes mellitus. It is consumed as a salad, as an ingredient for other food recipes, or as a tea. It is a very popular herbal medicine to poor and diabetic people who cannot afford expensive drugs to treat their diseases, and they have found it to be very effective. In fact, wealthy people are now also taking bitter gourd supplements (in capsule form) because of its anti-diabetic effect.

Diabetes mellitus is caused by the failure of cells to absorb glucose, the main energy source of the cell. It must go inside the cell to be transformed into the energy rich chemical compound Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). The hormone insulin helps the cell to absorb glucose by initiating the necessary biochemical pathways in the cell membrane. When glucose molecules are not absorbed by the cells, glucose will concentrate in the blood – a condition called hyperglycemia. If there is not enough insulin produced by the Islet of Langerhans (specialized cells in the pancreas), Type 1 diabetes mellitus occurs. On the other hand, if the cells became resistant to insulin, Type 2 diabetes mellitus occurs.

Hyperglycemia is the major symptom of diabetes, but it is not the direct cause of death in diabetic patients. Body tissues are destroyed when cells produce too many toxic by-products through the metabolism of fats as an energy source. These toxic by-products are not produced if glucose molecules are used instead of fats. Unfortunately, cells have no choice but to metabolize fats, in the absence of glucose inside the cell. Too much of these toxic compounds can shut down vital organs, leading to death.

The hypoglycemic effect (lowering blood glucose level) of Momordica charantia has been investigated by biochemists, medical researchers, and pharmaceutical companies for decades. These studies broaden our knowledge of the positive effects of bitter gourd in treating diabetes mellitus.

The Hypoglycemic Effect of Bitter Gourd

Welihinda et al. (1982) investigated the effect of bitter gourd extract in stimulating the cells of the Islet of Langerhans to produce insulin. They found that the extract significantly affected the cells to produce insulin. This experimental result tells us that bitter gourd can be an alternative treatment for Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Further research is needed to investigate the effect of bitter gourd extract for patients with Type 1 diabetes.

Another study found that an active compound in bitter gourd is able to inhibit the absorption of glucose in the intestinal lining. If glucose uptake in the intestine is decreased, there would be a lower glucose concentration in the blood. This study, however, was performed on laboratory rats. More studies are needed to know if bitter gourd effectively inhibits glucose absorption in the intestinal tract of humans (Meir and Yanib 1985).

Khanna et al. (1981) investigated the hypoglycemic effect of a polypeptide-p isolated from bitter gourd. They claimed that polypeptide-p is an insulinomimetic agent – an agent that mimics the biochemical activity of insulin in the plasma membrane. It helps the cell to absorb glucose just as natural insulin does.

Sridhar et al. (2008) investigated the effect of bitter gourd extract in stimulating the sensitivity of insulin in the muscle cells of laboratory mice. Muscle cells need a continuous supply of glucose. If the muscle cells are resistant to insulin, glucose molecules cannot enter. The animal would then experience weakness or fatigue. In the experiment of Sridhar and colleagues, insulin sensitivity in mice was induced by giving them high fat diet. After injecting the mice with bitter gourd extract, the researchers measured increased insulin sensitivity in muscle cells. The result of their experiment is in agreement with the findings of other studies. The exact biochemical mechanism of the effects of bitter gourd in enhancing insulin sensitivity are still unknown, but scientists are working to unravel this mystery. Nevertheless, these experimental findings imply that bitter gourd can help patients with Type 2 diabetes, because it helps the cells to absorb glucose.

Recommendations

Bitter gourd is highly recommended as an alternative treatment for diabetes mellitus. There are now bitter gourd supplements available in capsule form for people living in the temperate region. If raw bitter gourd is available, diabetic people can eat it raw, blend it into a juice, or add it to their favorite salads and soups. It is, however, important for diabetic people to consult their doctors before they take bitter gourd.

Allowable dosage for common illness is at 50 to 100 ml per day. Though over dosage do not show any significant side-effect, it is discourage to take more than the normal dosage.

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