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Rabu, 10 Maret 2010
Kamis, 04 Maret 2010
5 medication-free strategies to help prevent heart disease
You can prevent heart disease by following a heart-healthy lifestyle. Here are five strategies to help you protect your heart.
By Mayo Clinic staff
Heart disease may be the leading cause of death for both men and women, but that doesn't mean you have to accept it as your fate. Although you lack the power to change some risk factors — such as family history or age — there are some key heart disease prevention steps you can take.
Take steps to avoid heart disease — don't smoke, get regular exercise and eat healthy foods. Avoid heart problems in the future by adopting a healthy lifestyle today. Here are five heart disease prevention tips to get you started.
1. Don't smoke or use tobacco products
Smoking or using other tobacco products is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease. When it comes to heart disease prevention, no amount of smoking is safe. Smokeless tobacco and low-tar and low-nicotine cigarettes also are risky, as is exposure to secondhand smoke.
Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,800 chemicals. Many of these can damage your heart and blood vessels, making them more vulnerable to narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis can ultimately lead to a heart attack.
In addition, the nicotine in cigarette smoke makes your heart work harder by narrowing your blood vessels and increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke replaces some of the oxygen in your blood. This increases your blood pressure by forcing your heart to work harder to supply enough oxygen. Even so-called "social smoking" — only smoking while at a bar or restaurant with friends — is dangerous and increases the risk of heart disease.
Women who smoke and take birth control pills are at greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke than are those who don't do either. Worse, this risk increases with age, especially over 35.
The good news, though, is that when you quit smoking, your risk of heart disease drops dramatically within just one year. And no matter how long or how much you smoked, you'll start reaping rewards as soon as you quit.
2. Get active
Regularly participating in moderately vigorous physical activity can reduce your risk of fatal heart disease. And when you combine physical activity with other lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, the payoff is even greater.
Physical activity helps you control your weight and can reduce your chances of developing other conditions that may put a strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. It also reduces stress, which may also be a factor in heart disease.
Guidelines recommend that you get at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderately intense physical activity most days of the week. However, even shorter amounts of exercise offer heart benefits, so if you can't meet those guidelines, don't give up. You can even break up your workout time into 10-minute sessions and still get the same benefits.
And remember that things like gardening, housekeeping, taking the stairs and walking the dog all count toward your total. You don't have to exercise strenuously to achieve benefits, but you can see bigger benefits by increasing the intensity, duration and frequency of your workouts.
3. Eat a heart-healthy diet
Eating a special diet called the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan also can help protect your heart. Following the DASH diet means eating foods that are low in fat, cholesterol and salt. The diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products that can help protect your heart. Legumes, low-fat sources of protein and certain types of fish also can reduce your risk of heart disease.
Limiting certain fats you eat also is important. Of the types of fat — saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and trans fat — saturated fat and trans fat increase the risk of coronary artery disease by raising blood cholesterol levels. Major sources of saturated fat include beef, butter, cheese, milk, and coconut and palm oils. There's growing evidence that trans fat may be worse than saturated fat because unlike saturated fat, it both raises your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad," cholesterol, and lowers your high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol. Sources of trans fat include some deep-fried fast foods, bakery products, packaged snack foods, margarines and crackers. Look at the label for the term "partially hydrogenated" to avoid trans fat.
Heart-healthy eating isn't all about cutting back, though. Most people, for instance, need to add more fruits and vegetables to their diet — with a goal of five to 10 servings a day. Eating that many fruits and vegetables can not only help prevent heart disease but also may help prevent cancer.
Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat, may decrease your risk of heart attack, protect against irregular heartbeats and lower blood pressure. Some fish are a good natural source of omega-3s. However, pregnant women and women of childbearing age should avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish because they contain levels of mercury high enough to pose a danger to a developing fetus. But for most others, the health benefits of fish outweigh any risks associated with mercury. Omega-3s are present in smaller amounts in flaxseed oil, walnut oil, soybean oil and canola oil, and they can also be found in supplements.
Following a heart-healthy diet also means drinking alcohol only in moderation — no more than two drinks a day for men, one a day for women. At that moderate level, alcohol can have a protective effect on your heart. Above that, it becomes a health hazard.
source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
By Mayo Clinic staff
Heart disease may be the leading cause of death for both men and women, but that doesn't mean you have to accept it as your fate. Although you lack the power to change some risk factors — such as family history or age — there are some key heart disease prevention steps you can take.
Take steps to avoid heart disease — don't smoke, get regular exercise and eat healthy foods. Avoid heart problems in the future by adopting a healthy lifestyle today. Here are five heart disease prevention tips to get you started.
1. Don't smoke or use tobacco products
Smoking or using other tobacco products is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease. When it comes to heart disease prevention, no amount of smoking is safe. Smokeless tobacco and low-tar and low-nicotine cigarettes also are risky, as is exposure to secondhand smoke.
Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,800 chemicals. Many of these can damage your heart and blood vessels, making them more vulnerable to narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis can ultimately lead to a heart attack.
In addition, the nicotine in cigarette smoke makes your heart work harder by narrowing your blood vessels and increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke replaces some of the oxygen in your blood. This increases your blood pressure by forcing your heart to work harder to supply enough oxygen. Even so-called "social smoking" — only smoking while at a bar or restaurant with friends — is dangerous and increases the risk of heart disease.
Women who smoke and take birth control pills are at greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke than are those who don't do either. Worse, this risk increases with age, especially over 35.
The good news, though, is that when you quit smoking, your risk of heart disease drops dramatically within just one year. And no matter how long or how much you smoked, you'll start reaping rewards as soon as you quit.
2. Get active
Regularly participating in moderately vigorous physical activity can reduce your risk of fatal heart disease. And when you combine physical activity with other lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, the payoff is even greater.
Physical activity helps you control your weight and can reduce your chances of developing other conditions that may put a strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. It also reduces stress, which may also be a factor in heart disease.
Guidelines recommend that you get at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderately intense physical activity most days of the week. However, even shorter amounts of exercise offer heart benefits, so if you can't meet those guidelines, don't give up. You can even break up your workout time into 10-minute sessions and still get the same benefits.
And remember that things like gardening, housekeeping, taking the stairs and walking the dog all count toward your total. You don't have to exercise strenuously to achieve benefits, but you can see bigger benefits by increasing the intensity, duration and frequency of your workouts.
3. Eat a heart-healthy diet
Eating a special diet called the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan also can help protect your heart. Following the DASH diet means eating foods that are low in fat, cholesterol and salt. The diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products that can help protect your heart. Legumes, low-fat sources of protein and certain types of fish also can reduce your risk of heart disease.
Limiting certain fats you eat also is important. Of the types of fat — saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and trans fat — saturated fat and trans fat increase the risk of coronary artery disease by raising blood cholesterol levels. Major sources of saturated fat include beef, butter, cheese, milk, and coconut and palm oils. There's growing evidence that trans fat may be worse than saturated fat because unlike saturated fat, it both raises your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad," cholesterol, and lowers your high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol. Sources of trans fat include some deep-fried fast foods, bakery products, packaged snack foods, margarines and crackers. Look at the label for the term "partially hydrogenated" to avoid trans fat.
Heart-healthy eating isn't all about cutting back, though. Most people, for instance, need to add more fruits and vegetables to their diet — with a goal of five to 10 servings a day. Eating that many fruits and vegetables can not only help prevent heart disease but also may help prevent cancer.
Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat, may decrease your risk of heart attack, protect against irregular heartbeats and lower blood pressure. Some fish are a good natural source of omega-3s. However, pregnant women and women of childbearing age should avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish because they contain levels of mercury high enough to pose a danger to a developing fetus. But for most others, the health benefits of fish outweigh any risks associated with mercury. Omega-3s are present in smaller amounts in flaxseed oil, walnut oil, soybean oil and canola oil, and they can also be found in supplements.
Following a heart-healthy diet also means drinking alcohol only in moderation — no more than two drinks a day for men, one a day for women. At that moderate level, alcohol can have a protective effect on your heart. Above that, it becomes a health hazard.
source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
We Could Keep Our Hearts Healthy Through Exercise
It has been proven through research that an "exercised" heart is a healthy heart. This is because when a muscle is exercised it retains its normal tone and flexibility and does not atrophy due to inactivity.
Although the heart is only as big as your closed fist, it is composed of muscles too and is the center of the cardiovascular system which supplies the lifeblood of all cells and tissues in the
body.
Imagine, if the main source of your "lifeblood" is decaying and atrophied, then consequently, the supply will dwindle and imminent death will occur.
Here are specific reasons why we can achieve a healthy heart through exercise:
1. * Exercise causes the heart to pump vigorously therefore increasing cardiac muscle contraction and lengthening. This action would decrease the probability of developing noncontractile fibrous tissues. These noncontractile fibrous tissues are indications of myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack, which should be avoided at all costs.
The cardiac muscles should always maintain their flexibility and contractility to be able to function well.
2. * Bad lipids (fats) like cholesterol, triglycerides and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) are "flushed" out of the blood vessels because of the increased blood circulation caused by the exercise. Instead of these bad lipids being deposited in the arteries and blood vessels, they are converted into energy and burned out of the system.
3. * Exercise speeds up metabolism and increases oxygen delivery to the different tissues and cells in the body. This is because, as a person exercises respiration is also increased.
4. * One significant cause of coronary heart disease (CHD) and other heart ailments is obesity. Exercise will reduce this risk. Exercise reduces the concentration of stored fat (triglycerides) and some carbohydrates from the adipose tissues which will then decrease the weight of the person.
5. * Exercise also enhances fibrinolytic activity (activity that prevents blood clots) and therefore decreases the risk of emboli or blood clot formation in the heart and in the brain.
source: http://www.associatedcontent.com
Although the heart is only as big as your closed fist, it is composed of muscles too and is the center of the cardiovascular system which supplies the lifeblood of all cells and tissues in the
body.
Imagine, if the main source of your "lifeblood" is decaying and atrophied, then consequently, the supply will dwindle and imminent death will occur.
Here are specific reasons why we can achieve a healthy heart through exercise:
1. * Exercise causes the heart to pump vigorously therefore increasing cardiac muscle contraction and lengthening. This action would decrease the probability of developing noncontractile fibrous tissues. These noncontractile fibrous tissues are indications of myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack, which should be avoided at all costs.
The cardiac muscles should always maintain their flexibility and contractility to be able to function well.
2. * Bad lipids (fats) like cholesterol, triglycerides and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) are "flushed" out of the blood vessels because of the increased blood circulation caused by the exercise. Instead of these bad lipids being deposited in the arteries and blood vessels, they are converted into energy and burned out of the system.
3. * Exercise speeds up metabolism and increases oxygen delivery to the different tissues and cells in the body. This is because, as a person exercises respiration is also increased.
4. * One significant cause of coronary heart disease (CHD) and other heart ailments is obesity. Exercise will reduce this risk. Exercise reduces the concentration of stored fat (triglycerides) and some carbohydrates from the adipose tissues which will then decrease the weight of the person.
5. * Exercise also enhances fibrinolytic activity (activity that prevents blood clots) and therefore decreases the risk of emboli or blood clot formation in the heart and in the brain.
source: http://www.associatedcontent.com
How to Keep Our Heart Healthy When Drinking Coffee
Coffee drinking is now being linked to development of heart diseases. Many studies were conducted to prove the relation of coffee intake and heart diseases. According to the Harvard Women's Health Watch, drinking coffee moderately does not pose health risks to the coffee drinker. The debate on the effects of the caffeine content in coffee to development of heart diseases is still under scrutiny. No studies have directly given evidence that coffee especially the caffeinated coffees contribute to risk of heart disease. On the other hand, drinking coffee has deemed helpful for some because of its health benefits. Studies show that drinking coffee can:
* reduces the risks of Type 2 Diabetes
* minimize the development of gallstones because coffees are natural diuretics
* improve cognitive function
* Provide stamina and endurance in performing daily activities with long duration.
Experts advice that while no proofs has been submitted to directly prove the relationship of coffee drinking and development of heart disease, we have to drink coffee in moderation everyday because we do not have any idea what dangers can happen if we take too much. We all know that too much of something is not good. Coffee contains caffeine which is a mild and addictive stimulant. When taken in excess, the caffeine stimulates cardiovascular effects such as increased heart rate, occasional irregular heartbeats and mild palpitations. Take note, these stimulants are addictive so we may not notice that we have been drinking too much of it until such time that we start to feel uncomfortable due to the side effects.
Yet there are available blends of coffees in the market that has healthy benefits. These are not the pure coffee loaded with caffeine but rather the less caffeinated coffees with the blend of natural herbs or spices. Natural herbs are good for our body because it poses less harmful side effects. The uses of herbs date back to the ancient traditional Chinese medicine and, no doubt herbs have healthy and healing properties. Some herbs blended to coffees that are good for the body are Ganoderma herbs, Ginger, Ginko Biloba, and many more. These traditional herbs have healthy benefits like lowering blood sugar, lowering blood pressure and provide protection from developing heart diseases.
We love offering great coffee recipes for you on our blog Coffee Talk Chick Join us and enjoy this new enjoyable journey in combining coffee and improving our health at the same time.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henry_Laker
Solving the Diet-Cancer Mystery
Scientific studies provide clues
If you have an interest in the link between diet and cancer, it helps to
understand how we have come to learn what we know today, and how to
interpret what we’ll learn in the future.
Over the years, researchers have conducted thousands of studies of many
different types. It’s not the latest or most talked-about study that matters,
but what all of the research collectively indicates. WCRF UK’s advice is
always based on the research as a whole, never on one single study, so
the public can be confident in our message.
In preparing the landmark WCRF/AICR Second Expert Report,
Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global
Perspective, which was published in November 2007, thousands of leading
research studies from many different sources were evaluated in detail by
a group of independent international researchers, who made up our expert
Panel.
This brochure explains the different kinds of scientific investigation they
examined and notes the strengths and weaknesses of each type. It will
give you a better understanding of the range of research included in
the Second Expert Report and how the Panel went about preparing the
most comprehensive scientific assessment of the diet-cancer link ever
undertaken.
The diet-cancer mystery
It sounds like a simple question: can what we eat influence our risk
of cancer? In fact, finding the answer is a complex puzzle worthy of
Sherlock Holmes.
Do you eat exactly the same thing every day? Probably not. Most people’s
diets are complex, and they change over weeks, months and years. To
pinpoint associations between diet and cancer, researchers must analyse
this mass of information to isolate the specific effects of individual foods,
or their constituents such as nutrients, vitamins and minerals, as well as
combinations of foods – dietary patterns.
Each scientific study provides another clue to the evolving mystery of how
diet affects cancer. But as with any good mystery, some clues hold more
weight than others. Cancer is a complex disease and no single piece of
research can give us all the answers. The ‘body of evidence’ formed by
many studies together must be considered as a whole as we investigate
the diet-cancer connection.
Each kind of study has its pluses and minuses. Let’s consider the
following: epidemiological studies, laboratory studies and controlled trials.
for more click here; www.wcrf-uk.org
If you have an interest in the link between diet and cancer, it helps to
understand how we have come to learn what we know today, and how to
interpret what we’ll learn in the future.
Over the years, researchers have conducted thousands of studies of many
different types. It’s not the latest or most talked-about study that matters,
but what all of the research collectively indicates. WCRF UK’s advice is
always based on the research as a whole, never on one single study, so
the public can be confident in our message.
In preparing the landmark WCRF/AICR Second Expert Report,
Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global
Perspective, which was published in November 2007, thousands of leading
research studies from many different sources were evaluated in detail by
a group of independent international researchers, who made up our expert
Panel.
This brochure explains the different kinds of scientific investigation they
examined and notes the strengths and weaknesses of each type. It will
give you a better understanding of the range of research included in
the Second Expert Report and how the Panel went about preparing the
most comprehensive scientific assessment of the diet-cancer link ever
undertaken.
The diet-cancer mystery
It sounds like a simple question: can what we eat influence our risk
of cancer? In fact, finding the answer is a complex puzzle worthy of
Sherlock Holmes.
Do you eat exactly the same thing every day? Probably not. Most people’s
diets are complex, and they change over weeks, months and years. To
pinpoint associations between diet and cancer, researchers must analyse
this mass of information to isolate the specific effects of individual foods,
or their constituents such as nutrients, vitamins and minerals, as well as
combinations of foods – dietary patterns.
Each scientific study provides another clue to the evolving mystery of how
diet affects cancer. But as with any good mystery, some clues hold more
weight than others. Cancer is a complex disease and no single piece of
research can give us all the answers. The ‘body of evidence’ formed by
many studies together must be considered as a whole as we investigate
the diet-cancer connection.
Each kind of study has its pluses and minuses. Let’s consider the
following: epidemiological studies, laboratory studies and controlled trials.
for more click here; www.wcrf-uk.org
12 HERBS FOR DIABETES
There are great number of evidence suggesting that the use carefully chosen herbal remedies and dietary supplements can help to prevent diabetes and to keep it under control in those people who have already developed it. Herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and correct life style changes, all together in combination may reduce or eliminate the need for medication in diabetics. It also helps in preventing some of the tissue and organ damage associated with uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
Diabetes has been treated with plant medicines. Those herbs that are most effective are relatively non-toxic.
Hence, the common herbs used in diabetes are as follow.
(1) INDIAN KINO, MALABAR KINO
The tree (Pterocarpus massupium) is the source of the Kino of the European pharmacopeas. This herb has a long history of use in India as a treatment for diabetes. It has actually been used to regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells. No other drug or natural agent has been shown to generate this activity. The flavonoid, epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant has been shown to prevent alloxan –induced beta cell damage in rats.
(2) GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE (Gurmar, Cherukurinja)
Gymnema helps the pancreas to produce Insulin in Type 2 diabetes. It also improves the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar in both Type I and Type 2 diabetes. It decreases cravings for sweet. Some people use to take near about 500 mg per day of gymnema extract.
(3) BLUEBERRY LEAVE
Leave of the Blue berry are commonly used by the folk since many years, for the treatment of diabetes. It is most active ingredients is myrtillin (an anthocyanoside). Its single dose produces beneficial effects lasting several weeks. Blueberry leaves also increases capillary integrity, inhibit free-radical damage and improve the tone of the vascular system. It can be also in the treatment of eye disease chiefly diabetic retinopathy.
(4) ASIAN GINSENG
Asian ginseng is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It has been shown to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas and to increase the number of insulin receptors. It also has a direct blood sugar-lowering effect.
(5) GINKGO BILOBA
Ginkgo biloba extract may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early stage diabetic neuropathy.
(6) BILBERRY
It lowers the risk of diabetic complications such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy.
(7) STEVIA
It does not show direct anti diabetic effect, but its use as a sweetener could reduce the intake of sugars in diabetic patients.
(8) CINNAMON
Cinnamon is derived from the bark of a tree of the laurel family. In addition to spicing up foods; it also relieves stomach gas, eases nausea, and treat the loss of appetite. More than a decade ago, the researchers have discovered that Cinnamon makes fat cells more responsive to insulin. Cinnamon increases the conversion of glucose to energy by twenty times. It also blocks the formation of dangerous free radicals. Reduction in the free radical activity, helps to slow down the progression of diabetic complications.
(9) FENUGREEK
Fenugreek, when taken internally, reduces blood sugar, increases lactation and enhances wound healing. Fenugreek is cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region. The fenugreek plant produces seeds that have long history of use for various remedies, such as treating loss of appetite, digestive problems and inflammation of the skin. The fenugreek seeds are rich in fibres is mainly responsible for the herbs blood sugar lowering effect. The seeds also contains and active compound called trigonelline which acts as a blood-sugar lowering agent.
(10) INDIAN GOOSEBERRY
It is also known as Amla. Amala is very rich in Vitamin C. It has near about 20 times the vitamin C content of grapefruit and 15 times that of lemon. In dried amla (pieces or powdered) vitamins are retained and protected due to the natural antioxidant properties of the fruit. One teaspoon of Amla juice is mixed with a cup of bitter gourd juice and is used for diabetic patients. It is because amla contains the properties due to which it stimulates the Pancreas which secrete insulin for reducing blood sugar. Amla seeds or dried Amla are equally useful for controlling diabetes. Amla also serves several other functions such as it produces cooling effect and reduces body heat. It also inhibit phlegm and bile. It also increases the production of semen and thus helps in urinary and gynaecological problems. Amla is also good for lungs problems. It also reduces body fat, improves hair texture and eye health.
(11) ISPAGHULA
It can be used safely in diabetics because the sweetening agents used in it are, Aspartame and saccharin. It can be taken in the form of seeds or in the form of husk. It can be used during pregnancy and breast-feeding because ispaghula husk is not absorbed by the body. But them also doctor’s advice is necessary. It can be used in vegetarians because it does not contain any animal by-products. Ispaghula is also used to relieve constipation and are known to be as bulk forming to be as bulk-forming laxatives. This is to be used with care by individuals with diabetes. In case of diabetics, it controls blood sugar by inhibiting the excessive absorption of sugar from the instestines.
(12) MANGO LEAVES
The mango enjoys a unique status among the fruits. It is also known as the King of Asiatic Fruits. It is considered as a valuable item for both diet and a house hold remedy. But in addition it also possesses medicinal properties. Its leaves are of the utmost importance in diabetics. Mango tree has tender leaves which helps in lowering the blood glucose level in diabetics. The fresh leaves of mango are soaked in water for an overnight. Then they are squeezed well in the water before filtering them in the morning. Thus, this prepared infused water is taken every morning to control early diabetes. If patients don’t want to prepared infusion, then the leaves can be dried in shade, powdered and preserved. Half a teaspoonful of this powder is to be taken twice a day that is in the morning and evening.
The mango is of high value in diarrhoea heart stroke, gastrointestinal disorders, etc. The fruit is grown widely in China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Philippines. In Vedas, mango is praised as a heavenly fruit. The mango is used as food in all stage of its development. Green or unripe mango contains large amount of starch. It disappears completely when the fruit is fully ripe. Green mango is a rich source of pectin. Unripe mango is sour in taste.
source: http://www.diabetesmellitus-information.com
Diabetes has been treated with plant medicines. Those herbs that are most effective are relatively non-toxic.
Hence, the common herbs used in diabetes are as follow.
(1) INDIAN KINO, MALABAR KINO
The tree (Pterocarpus massupium) is the source of the Kino of the European pharmacopeas. This herb has a long history of use in India as a treatment for diabetes. It has actually been used to regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells. No other drug or natural agent has been shown to generate this activity. The flavonoid, epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant has been shown to prevent alloxan –induced beta cell damage in rats.
(2) GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE (Gurmar, Cherukurinja)
Gymnema helps the pancreas to produce Insulin in Type 2 diabetes. It also improves the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar in both Type I and Type 2 diabetes. It decreases cravings for sweet. Some people use to take near about 500 mg per day of gymnema extract.
(3) BLUEBERRY LEAVE
Leave of the Blue berry are commonly used by the folk since many years, for the treatment of diabetes. It is most active ingredients is myrtillin (an anthocyanoside). Its single dose produces beneficial effects lasting several weeks. Blueberry leaves also increases capillary integrity, inhibit free-radical damage and improve the tone of the vascular system. It can be also in the treatment of eye disease chiefly diabetic retinopathy.
(4) ASIAN GINSENG
Asian ginseng is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It has been shown to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas and to increase the number of insulin receptors. It also has a direct blood sugar-lowering effect.
(5) GINKGO BILOBA
Ginkgo biloba extract may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early stage diabetic neuropathy.
(6) BILBERRY
It lowers the risk of diabetic complications such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy.
(7) STEVIA
It does not show direct anti diabetic effect, but its use as a sweetener could reduce the intake of sugars in diabetic patients.
(8) CINNAMON
Cinnamon is derived from the bark of a tree of the laurel family. In addition to spicing up foods; it also relieves stomach gas, eases nausea, and treat the loss of appetite. More than a decade ago, the researchers have discovered that Cinnamon makes fat cells more responsive to insulin. Cinnamon increases the conversion of glucose to energy by twenty times. It also blocks the formation of dangerous free radicals. Reduction in the free radical activity, helps to slow down the progression of diabetic complications.
(9) FENUGREEK
Fenugreek, when taken internally, reduces blood sugar, increases lactation and enhances wound healing. Fenugreek is cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region. The fenugreek plant produces seeds that have long history of use for various remedies, such as treating loss of appetite, digestive problems and inflammation of the skin. The fenugreek seeds are rich in fibres is mainly responsible for the herbs blood sugar lowering effect. The seeds also contains and active compound called trigonelline which acts as a blood-sugar lowering agent.
(10) INDIAN GOOSEBERRY
It is also known as Amla. Amala is very rich in Vitamin C. It has near about 20 times the vitamin C content of grapefruit and 15 times that of lemon. In dried amla (pieces or powdered) vitamins are retained and protected due to the natural antioxidant properties of the fruit. One teaspoon of Amla juice is mixed with a cup of bitter gourd juice and is used for diabetic patients. It is because amla contains the properties due to which it stimulates the Pancreas which secrete insulin for reducing blood sugar. Amla seeds or dried Amla are equally useful for controlling diabetes. Amla also serves several other functions such as it produces cooling effect and reduces body heat. It also inhibit phlegm and bile. It also increases the production of semen and thus helps in urinary and gynaecological problems. Amla is also good for lungs problems. It also reduces body fat, improves hair texture and eye health.
(11) ISPAGHULA
It can be used safely in diabetics because the sweetening agents used in it are, Aspartame and saccharin. It can be taken in the form of seeds or in the form of husk. It can be used during pregnancy and breast-feeding because ispaghula husk is not absorbed by the body. But them also doctor’s advice is necessary. It can be used in vegetarians because it does not contain any animal by-products. Ispaghula is also used to relieve constipation and are known to be as bulk forming to be as bulk-forming laxatives. This is to be used with care by individuals with diabetes. In case of diabetics, it controls blood sugar by inhibiting the excessive absorption of sugar from the instestines.
(12) MANGO LEAVES
The mango enjoys a unique status among the fruits. It is also known as the King of Asiatic Fruits. It is considered as a valuable item for both diet and a house hold remedy. But in addition it also possesses medicinal properties. Its leaves are of the utmost importance in diabetics. Mango tree has tender leaves which helps in lowering the blood glucose level in diabetics. The fresh leaves of mango are soaked in water for an overnight. Then they are squeezed well in the water before filtering them in the morning. Thus, this prepared infused water is taken every morning to control early diabetes. If patients don’t want to prepared infusion, then the leaves can be dried in shade, powdered and preserved. Half a teaspoonful of this powder is to be taken twice a day that is in the morning and evening.
The mango is of high value in diarrhoea heart stroke, gastrointestinal disorders, etc. The fruit is grown widely in China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Philippines. In Vedas, mango is praised as a heavenly fruit. The mango is used as food in all stage of its development. Green or unripe mango contains large amount of starch. It disappears completely when the fruit is fully ripe. Green mango is a rich source of pectin. Unripe mango is sour in taste.
source: http://www.diabetesmellitus-information.com
Herbs for Diabetes
ince antiquity, diabetes has been treated with plant medicines. Recent scientific investigation has confirmed the efficacy of many of these preparations, some of which are remarkably effective. Only those herbs that appear most effective, are relatively non-toxic and have substantial documentation of efficacy are covered here.
Pterocarpus marsupium (Indian Kino, Malabar Kino, Pitasara, Venga)
The tree is the source of the Kino of the European pharmacopeas. The gum-resin looks like dried blood (Dragon's blood), much used in Indian medicine. This herb has a long history of use in India as a treatment for diabetes. The flavonoid, (-)-epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant has been shown to prevent alloxan-induced beta cell damage in rats.
Both epicatechin and a crude alcohol extract of Pterocarpus marsupium have actually been shown to regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells. No other drug or natural agent has been shown to generate this activity.
Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)
Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, is a tropical vegetable widely cultivated in Asia, Africa and South America, and has been used extensively in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes. The blood sugar lowering action of the fresh juice or extract of the unripe fruit has been clearly established in both experimental and clinical studies.
Bitter melon is composed of several compounds with confirmed anti-diabetic properties. Charantin, extracted by alcohol, is a hypoglycaemic agent composed of mixed steroids that is more potent than the drug tolbutamide which is often used in the treatment of diabetes. Momordica also contains an insulin-like polypeptide, polypeptide-P, which lowers blood sugar levels when injected subcutaneously into type 1 diabetic patients. The oral administration of 50-60 ml of the juice has shown good results in clinical trials.
Excessively high doses of bitter melon juice can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Small children or anyone with hypoglycemia should not take bitter melon, since this herb could theoretically trigger or worsen low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Furthermore, diabetics taking hypoglycemic drugs (such as chlorpropamide, glyburide, or phenformin) or insulin should use bitter melon with caution, as it may potentiate the effectiveness of the drugs, leading to severe hypoglycemia.
Gymnema Sylvestre (Gurmar, Meshasringi, Cherukurinja)
Gymnema assists the pancreas in the production of insulin in Type 2 diabetes. Gymnema also improves the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It decreases cravings for sweet. This herb can be an excellent substitute for oral blood sugar-lowering drugs in Type 2 diabetes. Some people take 500 mg per day of gymnema extract.
Onion and Garlic ( Allium cepa and Allium sativum)
Onion and garlic have significant blood sugar lowering action. The principal active ingredients are believed to be allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and diallyl disulphide oxide (allicin), although other constitutents such as flavonoids may play a role as well.
Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that APDS lowers glucose levels by competing with insulin for insulin-inactivating sites in the liver. This results in an increase of free insulin. APDS administered in doses of 125 mg/ kg to fasting humans was found to cause a marked fall in blood glucose levels and an increase in serum insulin. Allicin doses of 100 mg/kg produced a similar effect.
Onion extract was found to reduce blood sugar levels during oral and intravenous glucose tolerance. The effect improved as the dosage was increased; however, beneficial effects were observed even for low levels that used in the diet (eg., 25 to 200 grams). The effects were similar in both raw and boiled onion extracts. Onions affect the hepatic metabolism of glucose and/or increases the release of insulin, and/or prevent insulin's destruction.
The additional benefit of the use of garlic and onions are their beneficial cardiovascular effects. They are found to lower lipid levels, inhibit platelet aggregation and are antihypertensive. So, liberal use of onion and garlic are recommended for diabetic patients.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated the antidiabetic properties of fenugreek seeds. The active ingredient responsible for the antidiabetic properties of fenugreek is in the defatted portion of the seed that contains the alkaloid trogonelline, nicotinic acid and coumarin.
Blueberry leaves (Vaccinium myrtillus)
A decoction of the leaves of the blueberry has a long history of folk use in the treatment of diabetes. The compound myrtillin (an anthocyanoside) is apparently the most active ingredient. Upon injection it is somewhat weaker than insulin, but is less toxic, even at 50 times the 1 g per day therapeutic dose. A single dose can produce beneficial effects lasting several weeks.
Blueberry anthocyanosides also increase capillary integrity, inhibit free-radical damage and improve the tone of the vascular system. In Europe, it is used as an anti-haemorrhagic agent in the treatment of eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy.
Asian Ginseng
Asian ginseng is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It has been shown to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas and to increase the number of insulin receptors. It also has a direct blood sugar-lowering effect.
A recent study found that 200 mg of ginseng extract per day improved blood sugar control as well as energy levels in Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM).
Bilberry
Bilberry may lower the risk of some diabetic complications, such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy.
Stevia
Stevia has been used traditionally to treat diabetes. Early reports suggested that stevia might have beneficial effects on glucose tolerance (and therefore potentially help with diabetes), although not all reports have confirmed this. Even if stevia did not have direct antidiabetic effects, its use as a sweetener could reduce intake of sugars in such patients.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba extract may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic neuropathy.
Cinnamon - Triples insulin's efficiency
Barberry - One of the mildest and best liver tonics known.
Dosage: tincture, 10-30 drops; standard decoction or 3-9 g.
Herbal Combinations
For all pancreatic problems:
1 part uva ursi
1 part goldenseal
1 part elecampane
2 parts dandelion root
2 parts cedar berries
1 part fennel part ginger
source: http://www.holisticonline.com
Pterocarpus marsupium (Indian Kino, Malabar Kino, Pitasara, Venga)
The tree is the source of the Kino of the European pharmacopeas. The gum-resin looks like dried blood (Dragon's blood), much used in Indian medicine. This herb has a long history of use in India as a treatment for diabetes. The flavonoid, (-)-epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant has been shown to prevent alloxan-induced beta cell damage in rats.
Both epicatechin and a crude alcohol extract of Pterocarpus marsupium have actually been shown to regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells. No other drug or natural agent has been shown to generate this activity.
Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)
Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, is a tropical vegetable widely cultivated in Asia, Africa and South America, and has been used extensively in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes. The blood sugar lowering action of the fresh juice or extract of the unripe fruit has been clearly established in both experimental and clinical studies.
Bitter melon is composed of several compounds with confirmed anti-diabetic properties. Charantin, extracted by alcohol, is a hypoglycaemic agent composed of mixed steroids that is more potent than the drug tolbutamide which is often used in the treatment of diabetes. Momordica also contains an insulin-like polypeptide, polypeptide-P, which lowers blood sugar levels when injected subcutaneously into type 1 diabetic patients. The oral administration of 50-60 ml of the juice has shown good results in clinical trials.
Excessively high doses of bitter melon juice can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Small children or anyone with hypoglycemia should not take bitter melon, since this herb could theoretically trigger or worsen low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Furthermore, diabetics taking hypoglycemic drugs (such as chlorpropamide, glyburide, or phenformin) or insulin should use bitter melon with caution, as it may potentiate the effectiveness of the drugs, leading to severe hypoglycemia.
Gymnema Sylvestre (Gurmar, Meshasringi, Cherukurinja)
Gymnema assists the pancreas in the production of insulin in Type 2 diabetes. Gymnema also improves the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It decreases cravings for sweet. This herb can be an excellent substitute for oral blood sugar-lowering drugs in Type 2 diabetes. Some people take 500 mg per day of gymnema extract.
Onion and Garlic ( Allium cepa and Allium sativum)
Onion and garlic have significant blood sugar lowering action. The principal active ingredients are believed to be allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and diallyl disulphide oxide (allicin), although other constitutents such as flavonoids may play a role as well.
Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that APDS lowers glucose levels by competing with insulin for insulin-inactivating sites in the liver. This results in an increase of free insulin. APDS administered in doses of 125 mg/ kg to fasting humans was found to cause a marked fall in blood glucose levels and an increase in serum insulin. Allicin doses of 100 mg/kg produced a similar effect.
Onion extract was found to reduce blood sugar levels during oral and intravenous glucose tolerance. The effect improved as the dosage was increased; however, beneficial effects were observed even for low levels that used in the diet (eg., 25 to 200 grams). The effects were similar in both raw and boiled onion extracts. Onions affect the hepatic metabolism of glucose and/or increases the release of insulin, and/or prevent insulin's destruction.
The additional benefit of the use of garlic and onions are their beneficial cardiovascular effects. They are found to lower lipid levels, inhibit platelet aggregation and are antihypertensive. So, liberal use of onion and garlic are recommended for diabetic patients.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated the antidiabetic properties of fenugreek seeds. The active ingredient responsible for the antidiabetic properties of fenugreek is in the defatted portion of the seed that contains the alkaloid trogonelline, nicotinic acid and coumarin.
Blueberry leaves (Vaccinium myrtillus)
A decoction of the leaves of the blueberry has a long history of folk use in the treatment of diabetes. The compound myrtillin (an anthocyanoside) is apparently the most active ingredient. Upon injection it is somewhat weaker than insulin, but is less toxic, even at 50 times the 1 g per day therapeutic dose. A single dose can produce beneficial effects lasting several weeks.
Blueberry anthocyanosides also increase capillary integrity, inhibit free-radical damage and improve the tone of the vascular system. In Europe, it is used as an anti-haemorrhagic agent in the treatment of eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy.
Asian Ginseng
Asian ginseng is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It has been shown to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas and to increase the number of insulin receptors. It also has a direct blood sugar-lowering effect.
A recent study found that 200 mg of ginseng extract per day improved blood sugar control as well as energy levels in Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM).
Bilberry
Bilberry may lower the risk of some diabetic complications, such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy.
Stevia
Stevia has been used traditionally to treat diabetes. Early reports suggested that stevia might have beneficial effects on glucose tolerance (and therefore potentially help with diabetes), although not all reports have confirmed this. Even if stevia did not have direct antidiabetic effects, its use as a sweetener could reduce intake of sugars in such patients.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba extract may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic neuropathy.
Cinnamon - Triples insulin's efficiency
Barberry - One of the mildest and best liver tonics known.
Dosage: tincture, 10-30 drops; standard decoction or 3-9 g.
Herbal Combinations
For all pancreatic problems:
1 part uva ursi
1 part goldenseal
1 part elecampane
2 parts dandelion root
2 parts cedar berries
1 part fennel part ginger
source: http://www.holisticonline.com
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