If you have diabetes, you must have heard about the various things you can do at home, along with the medications your doctor prescribes. Maybe you are already drinking some bitter gourd juice, or drinking a piece of cinnamon bark mixed with water. Today we are going to talk about these so-called natural remedies. Are these really good for your diabetes? Can they cause problems? Let's talk about all this clearly.
What are complementary and alternative therapies?
Simply put, there are two types of these.
1. Complementary Medicine: This is what you do in addition to the medication your doctor prescribes. Like doing yoga while taking your diabetes medication.
2. Alternative Medicine: This means stopping the medication prescribed by the doctor and using another treatment instead.
What we are saying here is that some treatments may be helpful. But some of them may not be of any use , and sometimes they may be harmful to the body . Therefore, before you try something like this, you should definitely talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of it, and whether it is suitable for you.
Other treatments that some people try
In addition to medication, some people turn to these things for mental well-being and pain relief.
- Acupuncture: You may have heard of it, a Chinese medical practice. It involves inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body. Some scientists say this stimulates the body's own natural painkillers. Some people use this treatment for chronic pain caused by neuropathy, a nerve damage caused by diabetes.
- Biofeedback: This is a slightly different approach. It's a technique that teaches you how to control your body's response to pain by making you aware of it. The key here is to reduce stress and relax your mind.
- Guided Imagery: This is also a way to relax. You imagine beautiful, peaceful things in your mind. Like waves crashing on a beach, or imagining that your illness is getting better. People who use this method say that these positive thoughts can help relieve the pain.
Natural Supplements for Diabetes
You've probably seen all kinds of supplements on the market that are sold as good for diabetes. Let's take a look at a few of them.
| Supplement | Current information |
|---|---|
| Chromium | This mineral is needed for the hormone insulin to work properly in our bodies. Some studies have shown that chromium supplements may help control diabetes. However, there is not enough evidence to recommend it as a treatment for diabetes. |
| Ginseng | Studies using American ginseng have shown that it can lower blood sugar levels both during fasting and after meals. However, more research is needed on this. Also, the amount of sugar-lowering compounds in different ginseng plants varies greatly. |
| Magnesium | Low levels of magnesium in the body can make diabetes worse because it interferes with insulin production. It has also been found that people who eat foods rich in magnesium, such as vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, have a lower risk of developing diabetes. |
| Vanadium | Although early research using animals has shown that it controls blood sugar levels, research is still ongoing to determine how this affects humans and what the safe dose is. |
| Coenzyme Q10 | This is something like a vitamin found in meat and fish. It helps the body's cells make energy. However, it has not yet been found to have any effect on blood sugar control. |
Plants to add to your diet
Many of the plant-based foods we eat are full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These can be beneficial for someone with diabetes:
- Cinnamon and cloves
- Coffee (not caffeine, but another compound in it)
- Okra
- Vegetables
- Uluhal
- Green vegetables like broccoli
Some research has shown that compounds in cinnamon and cloves can help reduce blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides by increasing insulin action. However, there is no scientific evidence that things like garlic and ginger can help control diabetes.
The most important thing is to talk to your doctor before using any herbal remedies, as some may interact with medications you are taking.
Are herbal remedies for weight loss really safe?
Because there is a strong link between obesity and diabetes, many people turn to herbal remedies that claim to help them lose weight. For example, things like garcinia cambogia and Chinese bitter melon.
But what is the reality? Many of these things have not been properly researched. Some of them have no effect, while others are very dangerous.
Consider this: In 2003, the FDA banned the herbal stimulant ephedrine from weight loss pills. While it had some benefits, it was found to have serious side effects, such as high blood pressure, insomnia, and stroke. It has also been found that some herbal weight loss pills can damage the liver and kidneys.
Sometimes these "natural" products can contain toxic metals like lead, arsenic, and other things that are not listed on the label.
So, no matter what anyone says, don't be fooled by things like "this will help you lose weight quickly." Don't try anything without consulting your doctor.
Things to consider before using these things
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or herbs you're using for diabetes. He or she can tell you if they're safe for you and if they'll interact with your medications.
- Don't believe claims of miraculous results: Stories like "This will cure diabetes in 7 days" are false. Only trust information that has a scientific basis.
- Just because something is "natural" doesn't mean it's safe: Just because something is "natural" doesn't mean it's safe. Choose a good, reliable product. Read the label carefully. Look at things like what it contains, who the manufacturer is, the expiration date, and how to use it.
- If you experience side effects: If you experience nausea, vomiting, chest tightness, diarrhea, skin rash, or insomnia after using something, stop using it immediately and talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Be sure to talk to your doctor before trying any other natural or Ayurvedic treatment in addition to your diabetes medication.
- Just because something is labeled "natural" or "herbal" doesn't mean it's safe. Some of them can cause serious side effects.
- These treatments are complementary to, not an alternative to, the medications prescribed by your doctor. Never stop taking your prescribed medication without your doctor's advice.
- Don't be fooled by miracle products that claim to help you lose weight and give you quick results. They can be harmful to your health.
- If you experience any unusual symptoms while using a supplement, it is important to stop taking it immediately and see your doctor.
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