Having too much sugar in the blood for long periods of time can lead to serious health problems. It can lead to hyperglycemia which can damage the vessels that supply blood to the vital organs.
Hyperglycemia is common in those who have type 1 and type 2 diabetes and it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, vision problems and nerve problems.
There are many factors that can contribute to high blood sugar but one that is often sited is a high sugar diet. Fortunately, the right diet can also work to lower blood sugar making it an effective way to treat diabetes and other related conditions. A plant-based diet is highly recommended.
Exchanging high sugar foods for fruits and vegetables is a great way to lower blood sugar and maintain a healthy weight. Beyond that, there are specific herbs that are recommended for their ability to lower blood sugar in the body. These include the following:
Bitter Melon: This perennial herbaceous tropical vine has hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) properties. It promotes insulin release and increases its effects. It also reduces cholesterol and triglycerides. Anyone taking bitter melon alongside their diabetes treatment should take no more than 2-3 ounces throughout the day.
Silk Cotton Tree: The silk cotton tree yields seeds that produce an oil that has an anti-diabetic effect. It has been shown to treat hyperglycemia in cases of type II diabetes in animal studies.
Shatterstone: This annual weed has been shown to improve insulin resistant diabetes in animal studies. One of its extracts, Phyllanthus niruri, may have the ability to lower blood glucose and glycogen content in the livers of diabetic rats. It has liver protecting, anti-bacterial and hypoglycemic properties.
Ponkoranti (Sabtrangi): This woody plant has been used for diabetes treatment in Ayurvedic and traditional Indian medicine for years. Its extract binds to enzymes that break down sugars into glucose in the body working to inhibit it. The inhibition prevents glucose from being released in the bloodstream.
Eating the wrong kinds of foods can elevate our blood sugar, but including plant-based foods and herbs into our diet can counter these effects lowering chances of hyperglycemia and making us healthier overall. How will you be changing your eating routines to give your health a boost?
