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To herb or not to herb, -- that is the question
Have you ever been tempted to try herbs or supplements that promise amazing things? Surprisingly, some actually do deliver. If you have diabetes, here are a few that may have what you are searching for:
- Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)
Popular in Germany, ALA may help improve diabetes-related nerve pain such as burning, numbness, and tingling in the feet and legs. It may also improve insulin sensitivity.
- Benflotiamine)
This synthetic form of Vitamin B1 may help treat nerve problems and prevent diabetes-related eye disease.
- Chromium Picolinate)
Current research highlights chromium picolinate's ability to improve insulin resistance.
- Cinnamon)
This popular spice may help normalize blood sugar levels. Try adding 1/8th to 1 teaspoon at each meal.
- Gymnema)
This herb may improve the body's ability to use insulin.
- Ginseng)
American ginseng may help lower post-meal blood sugar levels. The effect can be quite rapid, so frequent blood glucose checks are recommended.
- Psyllium)
A popular aid for digestion, psyllium helps slow carbohydrate absorption.
But…don't buy anything just yet. Herbs and supplements are not regulated as closely as medications, so products claiming to contain specific ingredients, may actually NOT have them or may contain them in inadequate amounts. They might even be contaminated with unsafe items, such as pesticides or carcinogens. To fracture William Shakespeare's prose once again, "…a supplement by any other manufacturer, might not smell as sweet."
Fortunately, help is just a mouse click away. Before purchasing an item, visit www.consumerlab.com. This independent group tests assorted brands of supplements and herbs, and provides research and information about their effectiveness.
Other websites worth noting:
- Quackwatch.com - offers information regarding fraudulent medical claims.
- Nutrition.gov - has supplement information
- Urbanlegends.about.com - debunks internet rumors
Don't believe everything you learn from friends, health food store employees, or the Internet. Supplements should be taken only after careful review of their effectiveness and safety. If you do use them:
- Start with a low dose and observe any negative affects.
- Try one item at a time.
- Check your blood sugar level frequently.
- Tell your doctor what you are taking:
Susan decided to tell her physician about her supplement use. She proudly mentioned the items that she was taking and how she had researched each one carefully. She even highlighted the improvement that she observed in her diabetes control since starting her supplements. Her declaration was met with silence and disbelief. "I guess it is all right, but if you have a REAL problem, be sure to let me know," answered her doctor. Susan felt totally put off and decided to keep this information secret from now on.
Not all health care providers welcome the knowledge that you are using something that they haven't prescribed, but don't give up. Open the discussion and supply them with research and website information about the products you have chosen. They DO need to know. Some items, such as ginseng, may significantly affect your diabetes control, and most supplements must be stopped prior to any surgical procedure, as they may affect your rate of healing.
Herbs and supplements can be positive additions to your diabetes treatment plan. Choose them wisely and take care to use only quality products.
(Originally published in the eDiets.com Living With Diabetes newsletter.)
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