|
Botanical Protocols for Diabetes by Jane Smolnik, Naturopath, Certified Intuitive, Master Herbalist and Iridologist
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent and illness. Please seek proper diagnosis, care and treatment when needed.
Diabetes is a chronic disorder of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Diabetes main symptoms include high blood sugar, sugar in the urine, arterial plaque, heart disease, kidney disease, nerve degeneration, and foot ulcers.
Diabetes falls into two main categories: Type I- Insulin dependent Diabetes Mellitus, primarily beginning in adolescence, accounts for about 10% of diabetics. Involves complete destruction of the beta cells in the pancreas that produce the hormone insulin. There is no known cure, requiring lifelong dependence on insulin. Type II- Non-insulin dependent diabetes, in 90% of all diabetics. Usually shows up in people over 40. Progressive insulin sensitivity is the main factor, which means that insulin in the blood actually increases, but the tissues have lost their ability to respond to the hormone. Obesity is a serious contributing factor. A change in Diet, Lifestyle, and Exercise is the ONLY true cure!
Possible Therapeutic Protocols 1. Change the DIET! Reduce and eliminate ALL simple carbohydrates (all sweeteners, white flour, and fats are to be severely restricted!) A high fiber diet is highly recommended! Include plants high in gums and fibers on a regular basis. Pectin fibers (from apples, pears, and other fruits and vegetables) and Guar gum (a common thickener agent from algae and sea weeds) are shown to have a positive effect on blood sugar control and should be included daily. Use ONLY Whole Grains, not processed flours, pastries, doughs, pastas, etc.
A High Complex Carbohydrate, High Fiber Diet is highly recommended: • 70-75% of calories from Complex carb's (vegetables and whole grains) • 15-20% from protein sources (all legumes are best, some meat is OK) • 5-10% from fats (cold-pressed vegetable oils preferably) • 15-20 grams of fiber (pectin fruits and veggies, guar gum, flax seeds, etc). Include all seeds, nuts, and beans (such as mung, black beans, kidney, green and wax beans). They have a hypo-gylcemic effect, are digested slowly, and slows the absorption of glucose from the intestines. Fresh veggies, especially raw or lighlty steamed are encouraged daily. Include onions and garlic daily! They lower blood glucose levels, raw or cooked. 25 grams, or 1 oz., or 1/4 onion, or several cloves of garlic are needed daily. Include inulin containing foods such as jerusalem artichokes, burdock, dandelion, elecampane, or echinacea roots whenever possible!
2. Weight Loss and Exercise. If obese, gradually build up the intensity of an exercise program, then go to the maximum you can do, on a regular basis. Thinner people should have regular, but a bit more moderate exercise. Physical activity is an important factor in blood sugar levels! The more you exercise, the more normal your blood sugar! Exercise reduces insulin resistance, the fitter you are, the more muscular and other tissues respond to insulin. Strength trainers can change their insulin levels with exercise alone. Try using the herbal formula “Experience”, one after each meal to help cleanse and reduce weight!
3. Supplements. Chromium- 400-800 mcg., enhances the utilization of glucose, activity of insulin. Vitamin E- 200-400 i.u. improves glucose tolerance, may reduce longterm problems. Magnesium- 400 mg. many diabetics have low magnesium, controls many processes. Vanadium-15 mg.,trace mineral improves gluclose metabolism, insulin-like activity. Vitamin C- 1,000-2,000 mg. daily, helps fight infections, etc. Essential Fatty Acids- Flax Seed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, or Borage Oil, 800 mg. CoEnzyme Q10- 30 mg. Daily, Vitamin B6- 100 mg., Zinc- 100 mg., Selenium- 400 mcg.
4. Botanicals- Herbal remedies Devil's Club- (Oplopanax horridum) contains active constituents with insulin-like action, helping to substantially reduce blood sugar without any toxic side effects.
Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) contains catechin and epicatechin compounds, powerful anti-oxidants. Studies show it prevents toxin-induced beta cell damage to the pancreas. May stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas. Drink daily. Also available in decaffeinated.
Fenugreek Seeds (Trigonella foenumgracum) Tasty, cheap, and effective, 28% protein, has significant anti-diabetic activities, helps to reduce serum glucose, glucagon, insulin, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Improves glucose tolerance, insulin response, and general blood sugar control. Use the concentrated extract or soak 100 grams (about 3 1/2 ounces) in water overnight before eating.
Ginger Root (Zingiber officinalis) Consumed as a food or medicine daily acts as an anti-diabetic remedy. Stimulates pancreas cells and lowers lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood.
Bilberry and Blueberry leaves (Vaccinum myrtillus) A decoction (strong tea) made from these leaves is considered a valuable diabetes folk remedy. The active ingredient myrtillin, acts like insulin in the body, but is much less toxic, even at 50 times the therapeutic dose! Its action in the body is quite prolonged, with a dose active over several weeks. It especially helps to prevent free radical damage, damage to the vascular walls, and retinopathy and nephropathy, and enhances circulation.
Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) Also known as balsam pear, it is a folk remedy for diabetes in Asia. Although very bitter, two ounces shot down every day shows good results. It seems to have some action on the pancreas, described as "plant insulin".
Asana (Pterocarpus marsupium) This ayurvedic bark is known to have an effect on Type I diabetes, reporting to regenerate the insulin producing cells of the pancreas, but only if the disease is of recent origin.
Burdock, Dandelion, Elecampane, and Echinacea are Inulin-containing botanicals known to be of benefit in lowering hyperglycemia. It does not require insulin to be absorbed into cells. Inula breaks down into fructose which is better metabolized by diabetics than glucose.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) enhances peripheral circulation, benefiting peripheral vascular diseases. Promotes blood flow in both healthy and compromised blood vessels. Reduces symptoms of tissue hypoxia.
Stevia (Stevia Rebaudiana) is a natural sweetener, and has also been investigated as an aid in regulating blood-sugar metabolism, and as an anti-hypertensive agent. The leaves are 30 times sweeter than sugar and the powdered leaves can be used in cooking, teas, and baking to replace sugars. The book, Stevia, Nature's Sweet Secret, by David Richard is worth picking up for some excellent recipes for cooking with stevia as well as recent research.
(Diabetics should avoid any extracts made with a vegetable glycerin base, since this is a very sweet substance! Also avoid artificial sweeteners as they are very toxic to the liver)
Easiac – The herbal folk cancer formula called Easiac is also know to have blood sugar balancing effects, as well as helping to rid the body of toxins, support the immune system and reduce any growths.
5. Detoxifying- All Diabetics have been proven to have a common fluke parasite, Eurytrema pancreaticum), or the pancreatic fluke, in their pancreas. These are ingested by eating raw meat or milk products. This parasite will not settle and multiply in the pancreas without the presence of wood alcohol (methanol). It is found in processed foods, artificial sweeteners, soda and bottled water. Artificial sweeteners are polluted with wood alcohol and are toxic to the liver as well. Allergy to wheat and other grains containing gluten is common in diabetics. 50% improvement is currently possible by killing the fluke parasites with an herbal parasite killer (I highly recommend the product called "Clear"), stopping wood alcohol consumption, and could be improved further by eating a grain-free diet for a month. While recovering from diabetes, it is very important to check your blood sugar every day. Improvement is so rapid, you may suddenly be over-insulinized by your next shot. Cut down your dose to suit your actual need.
Successful Treatments -Diabetics must always be willing to substantially alter their lifestyle habits. Type II Diabetes is the end result of a long period of chronic metabolic insult, and may require many years of persistent effort to reverse. Normalize body weight, follow the above diet (NO refined or white carbohydrates will be allowed!), with an emphasis on high fiber. Include botanical medicines (herbs) to support the body and make improvements. Good quality food and supplements will nourish and rebuild the body! Doing a parasite cleanse and detoxifying the body will also greatly improve the condition. Careful Blood Monitoring is essential! Exercise, to maximum tolerance, is encouraged. The more of these elements that can be included, the more likely success will occur. Modern studies can be quite spectacular, showing that diabetes can be controlled, or for 90% of Type II sufferers, it can be reversed completely. Type I will probably always need to take insulin, but their dose can be reduced quite substantially.
All of us can avoid these problems by avoiding too much stress, poor eating habits, a diet high in sugars and refined carbohydrates, white flours, red meats, and loads of fat. Also avoiding a sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise.
To contact Jane Smolnik or make an appointment, please call (828) 777-JANE or visit www. UltimateHealing.com.
|