If you have type 2 diabetes, you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world have been diagnosed with it, and millions more are undiagnosed. The good news is that there are natural remedies for diabetes, including changing your diet and taking certain herbs and supplements, to manage the disease in an effective and safe way that doesn’t always require medication. In this article, we explore some of the best home remedies to help manage type diabetes naturally. Here are 10 Natural Home Remedies for Type Diabetes.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the most talked-about natural remedies, and with good reason. It’s been used to treat everything from heartburn to high cholesterol. According to WebMD, you can use apple cider vinegar as a natural remedy for type 2 by drinking it straight or mixing it with water. Some people also like to add a tablespoon of raw honey or an organic lemon to make the taste more palatable. If you have type 1 diabetes, be sure to talk with your doctor before using apple cider vinegar as a treatment option.
2. Fiber and Barley
The first home remedy is fiber and barley. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that your body cannot digest. It helps to reduce the absorption of sugar from the food you eat, it regulates bowel function, and it can help decrease cholesterol levels. Barley is another type of fiber-rich carb that has been shown to lower blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. The recommended daily intake of fiber is 25 grams per day, which can be difficult to get if you are only eating one or two meals per day.
The best way to incorporate both types of fibers into your diet is through whole grains like brown rice and barley, wheat breads, and oatmeal. The second home remedy is red onion extract powder or raw red onions. Red onions contain quercetin, an antioxidant that has been shown to lower insulin resistance and improve fasting blood sugar levels. Quercetin also reduces inflammation throughout the body. You can purchase quercetin supplements but they can be expensive so many people opt for cooking with red onion instead.
3. Chromium
Chromium is a trace mineral that can help regulate blood sugar levels. It is found in a variety of foods such as broccoli, eggs, and potatoes. However, it is not enough to simply eat these foods because they are cooked at high temperatures which reduces chromium levels. The best way to get the most out of chromium is by taking it in supplement form as chromium picolinate or alpha-lipoic acid (ALA).
4. Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that humans need to live and thrive. It is important in the function of your immune system, taste buds, and cellular growth. Zinc also plays a role in blood sugar control and insulin secretion from the pancreas. Zinc deficiency can lead to type 2 diabetes. This is because when levels of zinc are too low, you may experience delayed insulin release or low insulin sensitivity (both of which are hallmarks of type diabetes). Low zinc also causes higher levels of oxidative stress which can have a negative effect on your cells. Luckily, as zinc deficiencies are often caused by poor diet, dietary changes can be made to correct the problem.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of the most popular natural home remedies for type diabetes. It’s been used since ancient times as a treatment for various ailments, including diabetes. As early as 500 BC, Indian doctors were suggesting aloe vera to their patients with elevated blood sugar levels and in this century, there have been numerous studies on the effectiveness of aloe vera on 2 diabetes. Researchers found that aloe vera can control glucose levels in people with diabetes by increasing insulin production and improving liver function. They also found that it could help lower blood sugar levels in people without diabetes.
6. Berberine
Berberine is a natural compound found in the roots and stems of plants in the genus Berbers, as well as other plants. Berberine has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years to treat a variety of illnesses. It is currently being studied by modern science for its potential anti-diabetic and cholesterol-lowering effects. Clinical trials with berberine show that it may be effective in helping to control blood sugar levels and weight loss in people with type diabetes, although more research is needed before this can be confirmed.
7. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is not only a sweet spice that can be used in both savory and sweet dishes, it is also an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. The antioxidants in cinnamon help to reduce inflammation. It is also said to help control blood sugar levels which are high in people with type diabetes. Cinnamon’s ability to regulate blood sugar may be related to its effects on the hormone insulin, which manages the body’s glucose levels. People with diabetes should consult their doctor before starting any new treatment plan or changing their current one as this may cause complications with their diabetes medications.
Cinnamon has been shown to be effective at treating 2 diabetes when taken daily for three months or more.
8. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is one of the most well-known herbs that has been used in traditional medicine to help with diabetes. Fenugreek seeds are a powerful herb and when taken as a tea, can effectively lower blood sugar levels. A 2013 study found that fenugreek was more effective at lowering fasting glucose than any other drug or natural remedy studied. The best way to take fenugreek is as a tea. Here’s how:
- Add 1 tsp of ground fenugreek seeds to 8 oz boiling water and let steep for 10 minutes
- Pour the mixture through a strainer and drink
- Drink this tea twice daily until desired results are achieved
9. Gymnema
Gymnema Sylvestre is a small herb that grows in the South Asian region. It has been traditionally used to treat diabetes and control blood sugar levels. In India, it is used in Ayurvedic medicine to help regulate appetite, aid digestion and relieve pain. Gymnema Sylvestre also helps people with type 2 by reducing their cravings for sugar, which helps them lower their blood sugar levels.
10. Nopal
Nopal (a species of prickly pear) is a common ingredient in Mexican and Central American cuisine, but can also be eaten raw. Nopales are high in dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium and magnesium. They have been used to treat diabetes by regulating the digestive system and controlling blood sugar levels. They have also been shown to regulate cholesterol levels in the body. Nopales are usually boiled or grilled before being served as an accompaniment to other dishes, or they can be eaten raw with a little lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Conclusion
Type 2 diabetes can be a frustrating and challenging condition. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies that have been found to help control blood sugar levels. One or more of these remedies might work for you! Hopefully, this list has helped you understand some of the risks and side effects of type diabetes and given you hope that relief is available.