Diabetes is a serious medical condition that affects the blood sugar and insulin levels in the body. In diabetes, our body is either not able to produce enough insulin or do not utilize the produced insulin properly. In order to manage diabetes, some lifestyle changes are crucial, and some therapies, supplements, and treatments can also help.
Note: There are many herbs and supplements that can help you manage diabetes. But, no standalone treatment or supplements are enough. One must combine a healthy lifestyle, periodic treatment, and supplements intake to manage diabetes properly and reduce the associated risks.
Shilajit to Manage Diabetes
Shilajit is a natural herbal supplement that comes with an impressive nutritional profile. It is rich in 85 vital nutrients, and fulvic acid exhibiting many healing properties. As per various sources, Shilajit combined with conventional diabetes treatment & a healthy lifestyle can help in managing diabetes quite effectively. A research was conducted to study the effect of Shilajit on blood glucose levels and lipid profile in alloxan-induced diabetic rats in comparison with other anti-diabetic drugs. In these rats, three dosages of Shilajit in four consecutive weeks produced a significant reduction in blood glucose and improved the lipid profile effectively. The most effective dosage was found out to be 100 mg/kg/day dose of Shilajit. This study also concluded that Shilajit could be combined with glibenclamide (5 mg/kg/day) or metformin (0.5 gm/kg/day) to enhance the glucose-lowering effect and further improve the lipid profile.
That is why experts and nutritionists recommend Shilajit supplements to manage the symptoms of diabetes and minimize various risks that come along.
Herbs & Supplements That Can Help With Diabetes
Apart from Shilajit, there are other many herbs and supplements that can bring an effective improvement in people with type-2 diabetes. Here they are:
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a wonder herb known for many health benefits. Apparently, it can also slow down the progression of Type 2 diabetes. A study was published in 2019, according to which Aloe Vera was used to treat the symptoms of Type-2 diabetes in rats. According to the findings, due to its antioxidant properties, Aloe Vera can help protect and repair the beta cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin.
Bitter Melon
Bitter Melon, also known as Momordica charantia, is a fruit known for amazing medicinal properties. According to research, taking bitten melon can help in reduction of blood sugar levels. It is more effective when taken as a supplement.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a popular spice that can be used to add sweetness to your dishes without adding sugar. That’s the main reason why people with Type 2 diabetes use cinnamon to add sweetness to their food. Not only that, there is much more to it. According to a study published in 2010, cinnamon can be used to improve the levels of glucose, insulin, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, antioxidant status, blood pressure, and digestion leading to improvement in certain factors associated with diabetes.
Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle is a medicinal plant used for ages to treat many ailments. According to scientists, a compound named Silymarin is found in Milk Thistle which possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can be used to treat diabetes symptoms. According to a study published in 2016, silymarin has shown many promising qualities that can work in addition to other treatments to manage diabetes but there are not enough evidences that this herb alone can tackle the condition.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds are other herbal remedy that can improve the symptoms related to diabetes. The seeds are rich in fibre and chemical content that can effectively slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and sugar. According to a study published in 2016, people who take fenugreek supplements daily face 40% less risk of getting diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Taking fenugreek seeds may lead to:
- Increased insulin levels in your body
- Lower cholesterol levels
Thus, eating fenugreek seeds powder daily can help you manage diabetes in a great way.
People having diabetes should consult with healthcare professional before adding any of these supplements in their diet. Apart from that, they must make some adjustments in their dietary habits and add physical activity to their routine to make sure they can manage diabetes effectively and efficiently.
