Some foods, herbs and spices are used as natural remedies to reduce blood glucose levels. Researchers have conducted studies on several of these remedies to determine their active compounds and their effects, some of them have found positive associations.
Before consuming any natural remedy, people should consult a doctor to avoid interaction with medications, negative effects and dangerous rapid changes in blood glucose levels.
1. Apple cider vinegar
Several studies have found that apple cider vinegar reduces blood glucose levels after meals.
“Apple cider vinegar will not cure diabetes, but it can moderately reduce glucose levels in the blood. It won’t replace any diabetes medication, but it’s a safe enough addition to a diabetes treatment plan (as long as you don’t have kidney disease),” shares the University of Chicago Medical Center.
Apple cider vinegar should be diluted as it erodes enamel and irritates the throat. One or two tablespoons of vinegar in a glass of water.
2. Cinnamon
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) indicates that cinnamon has a long history of use in traditional medicine in various parts of the world, including China, India, and Persia ( Iran).
Cinnamon may lower blood sugar by acting like insulin and increasing the insulin’s ability to move blood sugar into cells, according to Healthline.
3. Berberine
Berberine intake appears to slightly reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, shares MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Berberine is an active component found in some plants such as European barberry and tree turmeric.
Berberine has been used safely in doses up to 1.5 grams daily for 6 months . Among the side effects that can cause its consumption, include diarrhea, constipation, gas and upset stomach.
4. American ginseng
American ginseng also contains chemicals called ginsenosides, which appear to affect insulin levels and lower blood sugar.
MedlinePlus notes that the American ginseng is probably safe when used short-term. Doses of 100 to
have been safely used mg daily for up to 12 weeks.
5. Fenugreek seeds
Fenugreek seeds have been used in alternative medicine to lower blood sugar levels after meals in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Studies have found that people who ingest fenugreek experience a drop in blood sugar levels, one of them conducted by researchers at the University of Basra (Iraq).
Fenugreek seed powder has been used most frequently by adults in dose of 5 to 03 grams orally daily. Fenugreek seed extract has been used most frequently in doses of 0.6 to 1.2 grams orally per day.
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