7 Powerful Herbs For Diabetics

Before we get to the 7 Herbs all diabetics should know about we must first briefly address insulin resistance.

Insulin Resistance: The basis or forerunner of diabetes is insulin resistance.

At least twenty-five to 30 percent of all Americans 60-75 million people are insulin resistant. At least 5-10 percent of whom will develop type 2 diabetes. However Insulin Resistance is associated with more than just diabetes. It is also regarded as a fundamental factor in other serious medical conditions such as…obesity, hypertension, abnormalities in cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, and increased risk of heart disease.

Fact: 90 percent of all diabetics (those with type 2 diabetes) have a pancreas that produces plenty of insulin.

Fact: Their cells resist the efforts of insulin and refuse to let the insulin in.

Fact: Research suggests that the root cause of insulin resistance is found in an intercellular breakdown in signaling. Insulin is a chemical messenger. It sends signals to proteins called GLUT- 4 transporters. These transporters reside within the cell. Upon receipt of the signal they are to rise to the cell’s membrane where they grab glucose and take it inside the cell. In those who are insulin resistant the GLUT-4 transporters don’t get the message…They can’t hear the knock of the insulin on the door.

 Fact: The pancreas responds by churning out more and still more insulin…the knock becomes louder and louder on the door of the cells…The levels of glucose as well as the levels of insulin in the blood rise, sometimes significantly. In the earlier stages of insulin resistance the message eventually gets heard, and the glucose is let in…this is called compensated insulin resistance. It is called “compensated” because the pancreas responded by producing more insulin, and glucose levels eventually normalized. However, with the passage of time the pancreas is worn out by this over production… glucose levels remain elevated for prolonged periods; this is identified as uncompensated insulin resistance, and is “the essence of advanced type 2 diabetes.”

Uncontrolled Diabetes Can Cause: Blindness: (#1 cause in of blindness in people 20-74), Kidney Failure :( diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure) Nerve Damage: (diabetic neuropathy effects 60-70 percent of all diabetics…nerve damage may also impair digestion and sexual function, especially in men, it may also cause a number of other complications. Amputations: (Over 56,000 amputations are performed annually…In 2004, about 71,000 non-traumatic lower-limb amputations were performed in people with diabetes. Heart disease and stroke: (Heart disease and stroke account for about 65% of deaths in people with diabetes, Adults with diabetes have heart disease death rates about 2 to 4 times higher than adults without diabetes. The risk for stroke is 2 to 4 times higher and the risk of death from stroke is 2.8 times higher among people with diabetes). There are many other complications as well.

7 Herbs That All Diabetics Should Know About…

The herbal aspect is only one aspect of a total program which includes lifestyle and eating habit changes. However the herbal element must not be overlooked. There are more than just seven herbs that are helpful but these are some of the good ones…:

•Licorice: Acts like the hormone cortin and helps the blood sugar…Maybe the best single herb that you can take for this condition. Increases the effectiveness of glucocorticoids (adrenal hormones) circulating in the liver and mimics the action of those hormones. Eating this herb helping prevents the destruction of the pancreas.

•Bilberry: Helps control insulin levels, and helps with diabetic retinopathy.

•Wild Yam: Helps control insulin levels.

•Cedar Berries: Helps rebuild and rejuvenate the pancreas.

•Ginger Root: Works indirectly to the availability of dietary nutrients necessary for digestion and metabolism.

•Fenugreek: The seeds have been shown to lower blood sugar.

•Golden Seal: Golden seal has the ability to lower bleed sugar. Once in the blood stream it can also regulate liver functions.

In my herbal practice and ministry I am encountering more and more people that need help with diabetes. Diabetes has been, and can be reversed naturally...by combing lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, a herbal program, and maybe even some supplements.