Herbal Nutrition Chronicle

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by complete inability, or decreased ability, of the body to utilize carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are normally broken down within the body in the form of glucose, the body's main energy source. The hormone, insulin, is produced in the pancreas and is essential for the conversion of glucose into energy. In the diabetic insulin production is insufficient; therefore, glucose cannot be converted to energy; but, instead accumulates in the blood.

The tendency to develop diabetes seems to be hereditary. However, there are other conditions that contribute to its development; such as, pregnancy, surgery, physical or emotional stress and obesity. Other possible causes include an immune response, following a viral infection that destroys the cells in the pancreas, and can also follow other diseases; such as, thyroid disorders, inflammation of the pancreas, or problems with the pituitary gland.

There are two basic forms of this disease. The more severe form, known as Type I (insulin dependant) is caused by damage to the insulin producing cells in the pancreas and affects males more often than females. It usually begins in childhood up to the age of 35.

Type II (non-insulin dependant) - the pancreas produces insulin, but the sugar remains in the blood stream. It develops slowly, over many years and usually occurs in middle aged and older people. It can develop in children and younger adults with poor diet and exercise habits. Those who do not have a regular blood sugar test often do not discover they have the disease until one of its complications develops; such as, eye or kidney problems, heart attack or stroke.

When symptoms do occur, they include: excessive thirst and urination, extreme hunger, fatigue, unexplained loss of weight, changes in vision, itching, slow healing of cuts and bruises, frequent or lingering skin infections; numbness, tingling or pain in the hands or feet, or abnormal drowsiness or weakness.

Not all cases of diabetes can be prevented, but many can. Maintain a healthy weight, eat a high fiber, low-fat diet, and of course, exercise regularly. Studies have shown that vigorous exercise can lower the risk of developing Type II diabetes by one-third. In fact, many experts consider exercise the most effective way to prevent non-insulin dependant diabetes.

Diabetes is a condition for which there are a large number of natural remedies that have been proven effective. The following natural remedies may prove useful and control or prevent diabetes.

CAUTION: It is important to work with a medical professional when taking any of these dietary supplements, as their use may significantly decrease or eliminate your need for anti-diabetic medicine.

Dietary Supplements:

Chromium picolinate. Chromium is a mineral essential for carbohydrate and fat metabolism. It helps normalize blood sugar levels in all people, but especially in the elderly. It also aids in weight loss in diabetics. Take 400 to 600 micrograms daily.

Coenzyme Q10 improves circulation and stabilizes blood sugar. Take 80 milligrams daily.

L-carnitine plus L-glutamine plus taurine.
L-carnitine may protect against diabetes. It mobilizes fat. Take 500 milligrams twice daily on an empty stomach. (Take with 50 milligrams vitamin B6 and 100 milligrams vitamin C for better absorption.) Take with water; do not take with milk.
L-glutamine reduces the cravings for sugar. Take 500 milligrams twice daily on an empty stomach.
Taurine aids in the release of insulin. Take 500 milligrams twice daily on an empty stomach.

Vitamin A is an important antioxidant needed to maintain the health of the eyes. Use emulsion form for best absorption. Take 15,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant do not exceed 10,000 IU daily.

Vitamin B complex plus extra biotin and inositol.
The B vitamins work best when taken together. Take 50 milligrams B complex three times daily. Do not exceed 300 milligrams daily from all supplements.
Biotin improves the metabolism of glucose. Take 50 milligrams daily.
Inositol is important for circulation and for prevention of atherosclerosis. Take 50 milligrams daily.

Biotin (vitamin B7) enhances insulin sensitivity and improves the utilization of blood sugar. Take 50 milligrams daily, under a doctor's supervision.

Vitamin C deficiency may lead to vascular problems in those with diabetes. Take 3,000 to 6,000 milligrams daily.

Vitamin E improves circulation and prevents complications through its antioxidant properties. When vitamin E levels are low, the risk of developing Type II diabetes rises dramatically. Supplements can improve sugar metabolism. Take 400 IU daily.

Calcium is important for pH balance. Take 1,500 milligrams daily.

Magnesium is important for enzyme systems and pH balance. It protects against coronary artery spasm in arteriosclerosis.

Manganese is needed for repair of the pancreas. Also a cofactor in key enzymes of glucose metabolism. A deficiency is common in those with diabetes. Take 5 to 10 milligrams daily. (Take separately from calcium.)

Zinc deficiency has been associated with diabetes. Use zinc gluconate lozenges. Take 50 to 80 milligrams daily - not to exceed 100 milligrams daily from all supplements.

Garlic stabilizes blood sugar, enhances immunity and improves circulation. Take 2 capsules each morning and evening or eat 3 to 6 cloves daily.

Maitake may help to normalize blood sugar levels. Take 1 to 4 grams daily.

Spirulina; a food supplement prepared from blue-green algae, helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

Herbal Supplements:

Dandelion contains the chemical inulin, which converts to fructose in the body. The liver can convert fructose into glycogen without requiring insulin, thus, inulin may be beneficial to those with diabetes.

Fenugreek helps to regulate insulin. Studies have shown that this herb can reduce urine sugar levels by 50 percent.

Ginseng has long been used to treat diabetes. Studies have shown it can improve glucose control and increase energy among those with Type II diabetes.

Huckleberry helps to promote insulin production.

Psyllium husks are a good source of fiber and fat mobilizer. Take as directed on label with a large glass of water. Take separately from other supplements and medicine.

Other herbs that may benefit the diabetic include: alfalfa, bilberry, black cohosh, cinnamon, ginkgo biloba and red raspberry.

Do you use natural remedies for prevention of diabetes?

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Natural Acne Remedies

Posted On 2011-03-15 , 9:52 AM

Acne is a common disorder of the oil glands in the skin characterized by the recurring formation of blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. These oil glands, known as sebaceous glands, are found in large numbers on the face, back, chest and shoulders - the sites acne prefer.

The sebaceous glands (located in each hair follicle) produce oil (sebum) that lubricates the skin; if some of the oil gets trapped or pores get clogged, bacteria multiply in the hair follicle and the skin becomes inflamed.

Typically, acne appears during puberty, when hormones influencing the secretion of the oil glands are at their peak level of activity. It is more common in males because androgens (male sex hormones) like testosterone stimulate the production of oil, which leads to clogged pores. During puberty, androgens increase in both sexes, making girls in this age range susceptible as well.

Adult-onset acne typically appears in people who are thirty and older. It is often caused by an allergic reaction to food or cosmetics, menstruation or PMS.

Psychological stress may be a significant cause of acne; therefore, all nutrients needed to meet stress should be emphasized. A natural low-fat diet and skin cleanliness together with adequate rest, exercise, fresh air and sunlight, are helpful in treating acne.

Studies have shown that chocolate, fried foods and sugar do not cause acne - hormones do, although these factors can make it worse. Indigestion of too much salt has been shown to cause acne, because of the iodine in salt. Fast foods have been found to contain 30 times the RDA of iodine. Milk is also high in iodine.

Other factors that can contribute to clogged pores include cosmetic products, skin moisturizers, airborne grease and grime from pollution, irritating clothing or hairstyles with long bangs.

Sometimes rashes, allergies and other skin conditions such as; eczema, produce eruptions similar to acne. If in doubt, or a painful cyst or nodule develops, consult a dermatoligist.

Nutritional Supplements:

Vitamin A is especially beneficial for healthy, clear skin. It is also extremely toxic taken in large doses. Taking vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene is highly recommended. Take 25,000 to 50,000 IU daily for 1 month, then 10,000 to 25,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily.

B complex plus extra B3, B5 and B6 - these nutrients help reduce facial oiliness and blackhead formations.
B complex is important for healthy skin tone.Take 100 milligrams three times daily - high potency formula B complex.
+ B3 improves blood flow to the surface of the skin. Take 100 milligrams three times daily and do not exceed this amount.
+ B5 is the anti-stress vitamin. Take 50 milligrams three times daily.
+ B6 is involved in cellular reproduction. Deficiencies have been associated with acne. Take 50 milligrams three times daily.

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids promotes immune function and aids in resisting the spread of acne infection. Take 3,000 to 5,000 milligrams daily in divided doses.

Vitamin D promotes healing and tissue repair. Take 400 IU daily.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that enhances healing and has been found helpful in the prevention of scarring. Take 400 IU daily.

Calcium helps maintain the acid-alkali balance of the blood necessary for a clear complexion. Take 800 milligrams total daily.

Potassium deficiency has been associated with acne. Take 99 milligrams daily.

Zinc is an efficient bacterial suppressor and a necessary element in the oil producing glands of the skin and has been found to be deficient in many who suffer acne. It aids in healing of the tissue and helps to prevent scarring. Take 30 to 80 milligrams daily. DO NOT exceed a total of 100 milligrams daily from all supplements.

Brewer's yeast stirred into skim milk and accompanied with two lecithin capsules has cleared many cases of acne.

Charcoal - taking two activated charcoal tablets after each meal for 2 weeks, then two tablets daily, thereafter, has accomplished astounding results in clinical tests. DO NOT take for an extended period of time because it can interfere with nutrient absorption.

Chromium picolinate aids in reducing infections of the skin. Take as directed on label.

Essential fatty acids (flax seed oil and primrose oil are good sources) supply essential gamma linolenic acid, needed to repair damaged skin cells and dissolve fatty deposits that block pores. Take as directed on label.

Herbal Remedies:

One or two capsules of any of the following herbs can be taken daily, or one or two cups of the tea may be sipped and some of the liquid may be sponged over the lesions for relief: alfalfa, basil, burdock, chickweed, dandelion, echinacea, gotu kola, red clover, saw palmetto, white oak bark, valerian and yellow dock.

Chaparral and comfrey tea are considered excellent facial rinses.

Basil is good for acne and is an immune system stimulant which aids in fighting infection.

Burdock root and red clover are powerful blood cleansers. Milk thistle aids the liver in cleansing the blood.

Lavender oil added to water is used as an astringent for cleansing the face and treating acne.

Poultices using chaparral, dandelion and yellow dock root can be applied directly to the skin with acne.

Tea tree oil is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic. Dab full strength (sparingly) on blemishes three times daily with a clean cotton ball. Tea tree oil soap also works well.

Home Remedies For Spot Treatment:

Before bed, apply a coating of milk of magnesia with a clean cotton ball, let dry. A hard paste will form. Rinse with lukewarm water.

An overnight coating of toothpaste is another option.

A spoonful of cornstarch mixed to a paste with rubbing alcohol.

An old-fashioned practice of rubbing lesions with fresh garlic several times a day is believed safe and effective; however, it does have its drawbacks.

What do you use for a natural acne remedy?

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March 2011

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