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Archive for January, 2009

Diabetes Treatment Using Alternative Therapies

Friday, January 16th, 2009

Diabetes treatment is one health problem that has been the topics of a certain number of studies now. Past researches have provided results, and up until now, the search for other means of treatment for this disease is still on its peak.

One of the many treatments discovered is the means of alternative therapies. The following are the alternative therapies used in treating diabetes.

• Water therapy is one of these alternatives. Water is best in cleaning our body and in flushing out of toxins. It is also effective in lowering the sugar level in blood.
• Weight loss is another means recommended for diabetes. Weight has always been associated with diabetes. Weight loss in terms of exercise and proper diet are both suggested. There are also other weight loss products considered as means of alternative therapy that can help treat diabetic people.
• Supplements like chromium, magnesium, and vanadium are used to control glucose, or sugar, inside our bodies. These supplements are yet to be recommended for issues about their benefits against risks.
• A lot of plant foods are beneficial to diabetic people. Quite a good number of plant foods rich in fiber are good in controlling the glucose levels in blood. Garlic, ginger, hawthorn, and nettle are some herbs being proposed as diabetes treatment. However, these are still yet to be clinically proven. Sage, peas, buckwheat, okra, brewer’s yeast, fenugreek seeds, broccoli and other related greens are some of the plant foods found to help those with type 2 diabetes.

A lot of herbal stimulants for diabetes have been banned due to issues about their side effects. While herbs are said to be effective in most cases, talking to the doctor first is still very important. Herbal stimulants for diabetes were found to have positive effects. However, to some people, the side effects were greater, resulting to other health problems such as urinary infection, high blood pressure, insomnia, and glaucoma. Some of these herbal stimulants were also associated to stroke.

The following are guides when considering using herbal products.

• Be sure to consult your doctor. Discuss with him or her all medications including herbal products. Even herbs can be dangerous when taken without approval from your doctor. Herbal products are indeed natural; however there are still side effects that might be harmful to your health.
• Side effects like skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, or diarrhea should be discussed with your doctor.
• When choosing a herbal product, as much as possible, avoid those made of more than one herb, unless with the approval from your doctor.
• Herbal products should be backed up with information that is scientific-based.
• Even herbal products expire. Be sure to have the expiration date in mind. Also, keep in mind the potential side effects. Know the herb used in the product, and also the manufacturer.

There are a lot more alternative therapies that are said to help treat diabetes like acupuncture. When considering any of these, ensure that you know how it works, including its potential risk.