By Adam Garcia
In today’s Diabetic Lifestyle, we will be discussing three very good diabetic supplements that may help regulate blood glucose levels and promote heart health.
The following three supplements are routinely recommended for people diagnosed with diabetes. These three supplements may help regulate glucose levels and promote heart health, issues many diabetics face. Talk with your physician about the best way to integrate these into your overall diabetes treatment program.
Chromium
This is a mineral that humans require in trace amounts, although its mechanisms of action in the body and the amounts needed for optimal health are not well defined. Chromium is known to enhance the action of insulin, a hormone critical to the metabolism and storage of carbohydrate, fat, and protein in the body. In 1957, a compound in brewers’ yeast was found to prevent an age-related decline in the ability of rats to maintain normal levels of sugar (glucose) in their blood. Chromium was identified as the active ingredient in this so-called “glucose tolerance factor” in 1959. It also appears to be directly involved in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism, but more research is needed to determine the full range of its roles in the body. Chromium is widely distributed in the food supply, but most foods provide only small amounts (less than 2 micrograms per serving). Meat and whole-grain products, as well as some fruits, vegetables, and spices are relatively good sources. In contrast, foods high in simple sugars (like sucrose and fructose) are low in chromium. Chromium works with insulin to help transport glucose into cells. Take up to 1,000 micrograms of chromium daily.
Alpha Lipoic acid
Alpha Lipoic Acid, a.k.a – ALA, has been used to treat diabetes-related nerve damage and help regulate blood sugar; it has also been used to prevent diabetic retinopathy (damage to the eyes done by diabetes). In addition to being a powerful antioxidant and liver purifier, Alpha Lipoic Acid has shown promise in several areas of medicine including common degenerative diseases. Diabetes is one of the most common degenerative diseases in the United States. Clinicians and patients in Europe who have used Alpha Lipoic Acid have reported significant reductions in complications associated with diabetes, including neuropathy, and cataracts. ALA has shown benefits in reversing diabetic neuropathy and in assisting the body’s ability to utilize glucose. There is evidence which suggests that ALA my help diabetics reduce their reliance on insulin. This antioxidant can enhance glucose uptake, inhibit glycosylation (the non-enzymatic attachment of sugar to protein), and help promote and maintain eye health. Start with 100 mg a day.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant which may help maintain a healthy heart. Coenzyme Q10, a.k.a. CoQ10, is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like substance in every human cell. It’s involved in key biochemical reactions that produce energy in cells. Coenzyme Q10 is naturally present in a variety of foods. Organ meats such as heart, liver and kidney as well as in beef, soybean oil, sardines, mackerel and peanuts are particularly high in CoQ10. The effectiveness of Coenzyme Q10 needs to be further evaluated. Take 60-100 mg of a softgel form with your largest meal.
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