Alternative medicine is a health-related treatment that is not formally classified as a western medical practice. Also known as complementary medicine, alternative medicine can include dietary and lifestyle changes, and includes everything from acupuncture to supplement use. In some cases, alternative treatments are unproven or even dangerous, so it is important to identify the treatments that are safe and those which pose a potential treat. Always consult a physician before including alternative treatments into your diabetes management routine.
To illustrate this point, it is important to recall the Ephedrine (aka ma huang) ban in early 2003. It was the first herbal stimulant ever banned by the FDA. A popular component of anti-obesity medications, ephedrine was found to cause more harm than good, with side effects including insomnia, high blood pressure, glaucoma, urinary retention, and stroke. For this reason it is strongly recommended that you always consult a doctor before introducing alternative therapies into your health regimen.
Supplements. Perhaps the area in which you should take the most care is in the arena of supplements. There are many snake oil salesmen out there, happy to exploit your desire for better health. Here is a quick reference list of the supplements that are most frequently associated with diabetes management.
- Magnesium has been a subject of interest in medical circles for its potential for improving glucose levels, as a lack of magnesium has been correlated with abnormalities in insulin secretion.
- There have been several studies that support the use of chromium use for diabetes control, though there are no formal medical recommendations for its use in diabetes management.
- A few studies have suggested that vanadium, a plant derivative, can increase a person's sensitivity to insulin.
- Some other supplements believed by some to manage diabetes include garlic, ginger, ginseng, hawthorn, and nettle. ALWAYS talk to your doctor before you introduce significant increases of these items into your diet.
Weight Management.Weight and diabetes are often linked, so weight management is frequently a corner-stone of diabetes treatment. Many diabetics turn to alternative therapies to help with weight loss. Some possible (though unproven and potentially dangerous) weight loss supplements include chitosan, momordica charanta, sauropus androgynus, aristolochic acid, camsogia garcinia (hydroxycitric acid), pyruvate, germander, momordica charanta, chromium, pyruvate, germander, and momordica charanta. ALWAYS discuss weight management with your personal physician prior to introducing any of these into your diet.
Plant and Natural Foods. Brewer's yeast, buckwheat, broccoli and other related greens, okra, peas, fenugreek seeds, and sage are all examples of plant foods believed by some to help with diabetes management. The vast majority of plant foods are high in fiber which is certainly helpful in controlling both glucose levels and appetite. Likewise, a recent report in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that individuals who drank 3 to 4 cups of coffee (decaf or regular) had a 25 percent lower risk for diabetes than those who did not. Further studies are required, but there may be a link between the coffee bean and diabetes prevention.
Alternative Physical Therapies. Exercise is truly the only FDA-approved physical therapy, and even with exercise, it is important to consult a physician before implementing drastic changes to your exercise regimen. In addition to exercise, some alternative treatments include meditation, acupuncture, yoga, aromatherapy, massage, and even hypnosis. Again, discuss these practices with your doctor before including them as they can be expensive and are not proven diabetes management tools.
Note: This information is not intended to supplement or replace advice from a medical professional, or to diagnose or treat any condition.
About the Author:
About the Author: Chris Dillon is the V.P. of MMAR Medical Group Inc., a wholesale medical supplier specializing in diabetic footwear including shoes for diabetics, and custom made orthotics.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Alternative Treatment for Diabetes
No items matching your keywords were found.
Energize yourself without stimulants with the naturally balancing power of Swanson Ginseng. A proven adaptogen, ginseng's properties support the nervous system in its task to regulate and normalize actions throughout the body...
|
|
Metabo-Slim Extreme has become one of our most popular herbal thermogenic fat burners. Metabo-Slim Extreme our new high-energy products, is designed to give you amazing results when you are dieting, working out, or when you just need lots of extra, high energy!
Metabo-Slim Extreme is highly effective and will help you reach your weight training and fat loss goals in record time! No other thermogenic Fat Burner, has been proven more effective than Metabo-Slim Extreme...
|
|
100% Natural. Jump into your day with Honey Lemon Ginseng Green Tea, our lively blend of green tea and healthful herbs. This energizing boost begins with a vital core of fine green tea, fortified with highly prized Siberian ginseng...
|
|
Blackcurrants, Ginseng and Tahitian Vanilla All natural and caffeine free herbal tea with great taste of zesty blackcurrants, invigorating ginseng and aromatic Tahitian vanilla. Our expertise in sourcing and blending herbal ingredients from all around the globe allows us to select flavors that achieve a taste like no other...
|
|
