Drug Interaction And Monitoring During Use Of Diabetic Herbs And Supplements
For people with diabetes, blood sugar levels can be a constant worry. But there are the herbs we discussed above that can help to lower blood sugar levels, giving you one less thing to worry about. SugarMD Advanced Glucose Support and SugarMD Super Berberine are supplements for diabetes with a blend of herbs specifically designed to support healthy blood sugar levels. And because its all-natural, you can be sure that its safe for long-term use. Plus, its easy to take just take it right before a meal 2 capsules for Advanced Glucose Support and 1 capsule for Super Berberine with a glass of water right before or right after a meal.
Of course, if youre taking diabetes medication, youll need to monitor your blood sugar levels closely and adjust your dose as needed. But adding SugarMD Advanced Glucose Support to your regimen can help give you the support you need to keep your blood sugar levels under control.
Indian Goosberry interacts with medications that slow blood clotting . Blood clotting may be slowed by Indian gooseberry. Taking Indian gooseberry with blood clotting medications may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
People taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin , clopidogrel , and aspirin should avoid taking curcumin or turmeric supplements because the supplements can increase the blood-thinning effects of the drugs to dangerous levels.
Cassia Vs Ceylon Cinnamon
There are two types of cinnamon now. Ceylon and Cassia Cinnamon . Usually sold as plain cinnamon. Its important to know which has which advantages and disadvantages.
Both varieties have the same flavor and active ingredients, but their potency varies.
Cassia Cinnamon
Also known as chinese cinnamon since many Cassia cinnamon subspecies are now grown in Asia.
Color: Dark brown-red Its denser and rougher than Ceylon. The same active ingredients as Ceylon cinnamon, but a lower quality spice. It is much cheaper than Ceylon cinnamon and available in supermarkets worldwide.
Chinese herbalists have long used Cassia cinnamon. Cinnamaldehyde is 95 percent of Cassia cinnamon oil, giving it a strong aroma.
However, Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, a toxin. Coumarin is a well-known plant compound. The toxic effects of high doses harmed the lungs, liver, and kidneys of rats in studies. Overdose may cause cancer. Humans have had similar isolated incidents.
Cinnamon Cassia has coumarins which is 1% of the product vs Ceylon cinnamon is only 0.004% coumarin which is negligible. Ceylon cinnamon has 250 times less coumarin than Cassia cinnamon.
True cinnamon/Ceylon cinnamon is grown in Sri Lanka and southern India. Ceylon is a soft brown stick from the Cinnamomum verum tree. Ceylon cinnamon is highly sought after and considered premium.
Due to its high quality, it is rare. In addition to its delicate and light flavor, Ceylon cinnamon is ideal for use for medicinal purposes.
Natural Bitters Help Regulate Appetite
The regulation of appetite involves a lot of different mechanisms. But research does indicate that bitter flavors activate receptors cells in several different locations within the digestive system that have an impact on hunger, satiety, how carbohydrates and fats are metabolized or stored, as well as a number of responses relating to blood sugar and insulin.
Research continues to explore how these multiple avenues of bitter receptor responses control appetite, improve digestive efficiency, and support healthy metabolism of carbohydrates and sugars resulting in reduced levels of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions relating to high blood sugar, blood pressure, and body fat that is associated with high risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
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Health Benefits Of Digestive Bitters
While we need more research, digestive bitters seem to have some health benefits.
Helps with diabetes. Bitter melon is used traditionally in India, Asia and South America as a natural remedy for diabetes. In people with diabetes, bitter melon lowers blood glucose levels. It might help your body release and use insulin, too. But we need more research to know for sure.
Eases appetite. A study showed that people who took bitter herbs ate less calories. Digestive bitters might act on bitter receptors in parts of the digestive system that make your body release gut hormones that make you feel full.
âHelps you make more saliva. Your saliva has enzymes that help you start to break down your food. Bitters can help you make more saliva, which could help with digestion.
Release gastric juice. Your stomach contains different chemicals like pepsin and stomach acid that help you break down food. Bitters can make your stomach release more gastric juice. This can help with heartburn, cramping, and indigestion.
Bitter Hearts & Minds
If enteroendocrine receptors arent impressive enough, bitter receptors are also found on the heart, arteries in the brain, and in smooth muscle tissues. Smooth muscles control the involuntary muscle movements responsible for internal functions like digestion, respiration, and circulation.
Researchers believe that the receptors on the heart, vascular system, and smooth muscles are why bitter chemicals seem to influence the regulation of blood flow.
When bitter substances stimulate receptors in these areas, the smooth muscles tend to relax. This may be why many bitter herbs tend to have antispasmodic properties. It is also part of why bitters for digestion can help ease stomach cramping and bloating by stimulating the digestive muscles to relax.
These smooth muscle reactions in response to bitter flavors also help increase blood flow to the digestive tract. In fact, the increased blood flow response can happen in as little as five minutes after ingesting bitter foods. This effect is particularly noted in the research with the medicinal bitter herbs, such as gentian and wormwood but also may help explain why bitter medicinal herbs like vervain have notable antispasmodic properties as well.
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Helps Treat Ulcerative Colitis
In a review published in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, researchers have found that when it comes to treating ulcerative colitis, Sinta extract has superior effects as compared to a placebo in inducing remission or response.
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease. It causes irritation, inflammation, and ulcers in the lining of your large intestine.
Health Benefits Of Andrographis Paniculata
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, the gold standard of scientific studies, have demonstrated the efficacy of extracts from Andrographis on infectious diseases.1 This herb has potent anti-viral activity against many viruses including dengue virus, herpes simplex virus type one, influenza A, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.1 Specifically, the bioactive compounds andrographolide and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide exhibit anti-HIV properties, although to a far lesser extent than standard HIV pharmaceutical treatments.1 Both the aqueous and ethanol extract of Andrographis also exhibit anti-microbial properties, with the ethanol extract of aerial parts inhibiting growth of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.1
Andrographis also possesses anti-infectious activity against influenza and uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infections including the common cold, rhinitis, pharyngitis , and pharyngotonsillitis .1 Pills from the whole powdered plant and tablets of the water extract of Andrographis have cure rates of 88 and 61 percent, respectively.1 It was also able to prevent common colds, with the incidence reduced by nearly 50 percent compared to the placebo group and reduced the intensity of symptoms of tiredness, sleeplessness, sore throat, and nasal secretions.1,3 Similarly, a daily regimen of Andrographis extract from dried leaves was as effective as acetaminophen as a treatment for patients with symptoms of pharyngotonsillitis.1
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Helps Boost Liver Health
The plants star compound known as andrographolide is effective against alcohol-induced liver toxicity, supports high levels of glutathione in the liver , and stimulate bile flow which promotes healthy liver function. It has been found to be as effective as milk thistle and can provide protection against infective hepatitis.
Determination Of Total Nitrogen Content In A Paniculata
In a micro Kjeldahl digestion flask, 0.15 g of powdered A. paniculata leaf sample was digested by boiling with 2.5 mL of concentrated H2SO4 and 0.8 g of mixed catalyst until the mixture was transparent and bluegreen. After the temperature of the mixture reached 40 °C, 10 mL of distilled water were added and the digested product transferred to a distillation tube, fixed with a condenser. Fifty milliliters of 45% sodium hydroxide solution, 10 mL of 2% boric acid and a few drops of indicator were added to the digested product. Ammonia was steam distilled from the digested product, and excess acid in the flask was estimated by back titration against unreacted boric acid with 0.05 M sodium hydroxide solution until neutral. The nitrogen content was calculated as follows:
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Health Benefits Of King Of Bitters
The herb is used historically to treat common cold, infections, flu and various diseases. It treats various ailments and diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, swollen lymph nodes, pneumonia, leprosy, sore throats, bronchitis, tuberculosis, coughs, chicken pox, headaches, inflammation, ear infection, mumps and burns. This plant is bitter and possesses immunity enhancing properties that stimulates the immune system of the body. The researchers made by Japanese shows that it also prevents the multiplication of the cancer cells. The studies made in China helps to prevent the formation of blood clot. It is an effective treatment of heart attack and atherosclerosis. It has antioxidant properties which help to regulate diabetes by lowering the content of blood sugar. It is used in folk medicine for the treatment of digestive, urinary systems and cardiovascular problems.
The studies conducted on the various respiratory tract infections. Andrographis paniculata possess anticancer, antidiabetic, hepaprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. It has therapeutic agents which help to treat various health ailments. The researchers target on the plant multiplication to reconcile the demand of the study.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCP1Fx9SS8c
Precautions
References:
Bitter Melon In The Diet
Bitter melon grows in parts of Asia, South America, the Caribbean, and Africa, where it is a popular ingredient in a variety of dishes.
For people with type 2 diabetes, a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is part of treatment, and it may help reverse the progression of prediabetes.
People with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and other complications. A healthful diet that includes foods rich in antioxidants can help prevent many health problems.
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Effect On Hemoglobin A1c Levels
A study published in 2007 compared the effects of a placebo with those of bitter melon supplements. Among the 40 participants, one group took two capsules of the supplement three times a day for 3 months.
The aim was to see whether the bitter melon would cause a drop in participants A1C levels. These are average blood sugar levels over a 23-month period.
The researchers noticed a small decrease in A1C levels, of less than 0.25%. The placebo group, meanwhile, showed no change.
Though the size of the study and the drop in A1C levels were small, the authors hope that they will encourage larger studies.
A 2014 review from Nutrition & Diabetes looked at four studies that compared the effects of bitter melon supplements with those of no diabetes treatment at all.
The authors found no evidence that bitter melon had any significant effects on A1C levels or fasting plasma glucose levels.
They determined that most results were inconclusive, but that larger studies might help determine bitter melons effectiveness as a supplemental treatment for diabetes.
Here, learn more about A1C tests and what the results mean.
Medicinal Bitters Improve Nutrient Absorption
We know from the research above that when our bitter taste receptors detect bitterness, they signal the brain to increase gastric secretion and decrease gastric motility during digestion.
The research above also indicates that bitter flavors can increase blood circulation to your digestive tract in as little as five minutes after you ingest bitter foods. So you can still get the benefits of healthy bitters whether you take them before, during, or after your meals.
Increased gastric secretions of digestive enzymes and bile, coupled with slower motility,allows for the optimized breakdown of nutrients and slower delivery of nutrients to the bloodstream.
This is also significant as it relates to blood sugar levels. Proper blood sugar is not only critical in maintaining good health, but reducing blood sugar volatility also helps maintain proper appetite control and prevents more serious conditions like insulin sensitivity and diabetes.
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Reasons You Should Use Medicinal Bitters For Digestive Health
Bitter foods andbitter herbshave a long and well-documented history as digestive aids. The use of bitters for their digestive benefits is consistent across many different cultures and medicinal systems. Based on our review of research on bitters and digestion, as well as the traditional uses recommended inTraditional German Medicine here are our 6 reasons to explore digestive health and bitters.
How To Use Bitter Leaf For Natural Diabetes Treatment
Diabetes Globally the prevalence of diabetes in adults is 8.5 %. An estimated 1.5 million deaths are directly linked to diabetes each year in addition to 2.2 million deaths attributable to high blood glucose levels.
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high glucose levels in the blood caused by insulin related abnormalities within the body. Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancrease. This hormone facilitates the production of energy from glucose provided by carbohydrates in the food we consume.
TYPES OF DIABETES
Based on the relationship with insulin, diabetes is categorized into two type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Click to read All You Need To Know About Diabetes
Bitter leaf plant otherwise known as Vernonia amygdalina is an important component of many local cuisine especially in the tropics where it is used in the preparation of bitter soups, bitter leaf tea, dishes and for medicinal purposes. A recent study published in the journal of food biochemistry exposed the huge potentials of the bitter leaf plant. Click to See The Health Benefits of Bitter Leaf
Bitter Leaf and Diabetes
How To Make Bitter Leaf Juice For Diabetes
-.Get a handful of fresh bitter leaf and wash them properly checking beneath the leaf for insect eggs and other contaminants.
Place the washed leaves in a blender, pour the desired amount of water and blend to desired texture.
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Bitters Reduce Gas Bloating Acid Reflux And Digestive Discomfort
The combination of digestive health and natural bitters makes sense to help prevent gas, bloating, and other discomfort like cramping is one of the oldest and most reliable indications. Research seems to back this up. When the bitter receptors on our tongues detect bitterness, they immediately signal the brain to release oral and gastric secretions.
The increased secretions help break down food more efficiently. This, coupled with the increased blood flow and slower gastric movement, seem to significantly reduce indigestion, gas, and acid reflux.
Traditional Chinese Medicines In Treatment Of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Yaou Zhang
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus occurs in 95% of the diabetic populations. Management of T2DM is a challenge. Traditional Chinese medicines are usually served as adjuvants used to improve diabetic syndromes in combination of routine antidiabetic drugs. For single-herb prescriptions, Ginseng, Bitter melon, Golden Thread, Fenugreek, Garlic, and Cinnamon might have antidiabetic effects in T2DM patients. Among 30 antidiabetic formulas approved by the State Food and Drugs Administrator of China, top 10 of the most frequently prescribed herbs are Membranous Milkvetch Root, Rehmannia Root, Mongolian Snakegourd Root, Ginseng, Chinese Magnoliavine Fruit, Kudzuvine Root, Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber, Common Anemarrhena Rhizome, Barbary Wolfberry Fruit, and India Bread, which mainly guided by the theory of TCM. Their action mechanisms are related to improve insulin sensitivity, stimulate insulin secretion, protect pancreatic islets, and even inhibit intake of intestinal carbohydrates. However, it is very difficult to determine antihyperglycemic components of TCM. Nevertheless, TCM are becoming popular complementary and alternative medicine in treatment of syndromes of T2DM. In the future, it requires further validation of phytochemical, pharmacological, and clinical natures of TCM in T2DM in the future studies, especially for those herbs with a high prescription frequency.
1. Introduction
2. Methods
3. Results
3.1. Single-Herb Prescriptions
3.2. Ginseng
3.3. Golden Thread
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Why We Taste Bitter Flavors
The key to understanding the relationship of digestive health and bitters begins with the question of why we can detect bitter flavors in the first place. As it turns out, our ability to taste bitterness is only the beginning.
The consensus among researchers is that our ability to taste bitter flavors adapted as a defense mechanism against toxic substances.
In nature, bitter and sour flavors are often associated with harmful plants. But many healthy plants we consume contain a variety of flavor profiles, bitterness included. So the defensive notion of bitter receptors is only part of the story.
You may remember working with tongue diagrams from school. But when it comes to bitter flavors, the notion that specific areas of the tongue correspond with specific flavors is out-dated. We now know that our ability to sense taste is much more complex. In fact, the more our ability to sense different flavors is studied, the more complex the question of why do we taste bitter flavors? becomes.
Researchers have discovered that natural bitter taste receptors are located throughout our digestive tract. Further, those receptors are involved in many functions other than just detecting potentially toxic substances.
Research into bitter flavors and how our receptors react to bitterness is rapidly expanding our knowledge of how bitter plants affect digestion. In fact,bitters for digestion seem to be just the beginning of a long list of ways that bitter substances and our bodies interact.
Bitters For Appetite Control & Weight Loss
Much like how bitterness can slow gastric motility to help promote appetite control and a feeling of satiety, bitter flavors can also activate the enteroendocrine cells in our digestive tract. When these cells detect bitterness, they release peptide YY and glucagon-like-protein 1 , which are the hormone-like substances that make us feel full.
This is fascinating not just because it can subdue the feeling of hunger and make us feel full, but also because the unique nature of the receptor cells means that the reaction does not have to operate through the central nervous system. This means that bitters may act directly as localized hormone triggers to control appetite and other metabolic functions in digestion.
These hormonal triggers in the GI can reduce appetite and increase satiety, which leads to a reduced caloric intake and thus potential weight loss.
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