What is the Best Artificial Sweetener for Diabetics?

The Best Artificial Sweetener for Diabetics

Although quitting refined sugars can be quite tough, it is definitely worth all the effort considering how incredibly damaging sugar can be especially for diabetics. Luckily, there are some artificial sweeteners that are actually great for your health. Besides tasting very sweet, they are low in fructose and low in calories. You will find artificial Sweeteners in many things – Desserts, yogurt, diet soda’s, breakfast cereals, snack bars and a myriad of other foods. In order to choose the best artificial sweetener for diabetics, it is essential to learn more about the properties and effects of these healthy artificial sweeteners:

Stevia – Can Diabetics Use Stevia?

Most certainly they can!

Steviol is a popular low calorie sweetener that is extracted from a plant in South America known as Stevia rebaudiana. It has been for many many years in South America, as a sweetener and best of all, contains virtually no kilojoules! Stevia leaves contain numerous sweet compounds including Rebaudioside and stevioside.

These sweet compounds are about 300 times sweeter than regular sugar. It is often sold as a powdered extract in most food stores. Moreover, stevia has been used for centuries by various native Indian communities especially in Paraguay.

What are the Health Benefits of Stevia?

best artificial sweetener for diabetics — Can Diabetics Use Stevia Sweetener?

Stevia can help lower high blood pressure by 6 to 14%. It has been shown to lower the level of blood sugar in diabetics.
It has been tested numerous times around the globe and found to be non-toxic.
Stevia can be incorporated in the diet of diabetics because it does not raise the blood sugar levels.
Both stevioside and stevia extracts can be used in cooking and baking because they are extremely heat-soluble.

Some studies show that stevia can also reduce oxidized LDL cholesterol, reduce the build-up of plaque in the aryeries and improve insulin sensitivity.

Erythritol

Erythritol is a low-calorie sugar alcohol that contains 6 percent of the calories or 0.24 calories per gram as sugar with about 70 percent of the sweetness. It does not have any effect on biomarkers such as triglycerides or cholesterol because it does not spike insulin or blood sugar levels. The body absorbs erythritol from the intestines but it’s eventually excreted unchanged from the kidneys. Although studies show that it is very safe, just like other sugar alcohols, consuming erithritol in high doses at a time can cause digestive issues.

Xylitol

This sugar alcohol has sweetness very similar to sugar. Xylitol contains about two thirds the calorific value of sugar or about 2.4 calories per gram. It helps prevent osteoporosis by improving bone density. It is also great for diabetics because it does not raise insulin or blood sugar levels. Xylitol offers some dental health benefits such as preventing dental decay and cavities. However, xylitol is toxic to dogs and should be kept safely away from them. It can also cause digestive problems in high doses.

Acesulfame-K (Also known as Ace-K)

Acesulfame-K is a tabletop sweetener that is commonly used as an additive to alcoholic drinks, pudding, and confectionery. It’s sweetness level is about 200 times that of sugar.

Benefits of using Acesulfame-K

There are no health or safety concerns associated with its use.
It can also be used in baking and cooking
Acesulfame-K is safe for use even during pregnancy.
It does not affect blood sugar levels

What are the Disadvantages of using Acesulfame-K?

When used on its own, Acesulfame-K can leave a sour or bitter taste in your mouth.

There are also some popular health conscious sweeteners you can use instead of sugar. These include maple syrup, honey, molasses and coconut sugar. This in-depth analysis will help you choose the best artificial sweetener for diabetics depending on your needs and preferences and help control your sugar levels.

Here’s to Controlling your Diabetes!

Homeopathic Treatment for Diabetes

There are many home remedies for diabetes, and herbal supplements for diabetes type 2, (some you may never have heard of!) Diabetes mellitus mainly affects the blood glucose levels and utilization of glucose as energy in the body. Glucose is vital for building up muscles and it also acts as fuel for numerous brain functions. However, the blood glucose level is usually high in diabetic conditions and it might cause serious health problems or even death. Homeopathy is one of the treatments for diabetes and it can improve the health of patients and also aid in achieving control over the blood glucose level.

Some of the most Effective Natural Remedies for Diabetes include:

Uranium nitrate

The use of uranium nitrate as a Homeopathic treatment for diabetes originated due to dyspepsia. The signs and symptoms of dyspepsia include; polyuria, polydipsia, dry skin and dryness in the mouth. Uranium nitrate lessens the sugar level in urine and also reduces frequent urination. However, people under this treatment will feel thirsty frequently and also experience an increased appetite. Despite the increased food consumption, such individuals will still lose weight. Fatigue is also common for patients under this treatment. An example of this treatment method is Syzygium jambolanum. However, it is vital to consult a homeopathic doctor in order to ensure that this treatment suits your body and the stage your diabetes is at.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is another one of the home remedies for diabetes – very beneficial for pancreatic disorders including diabetes. This treatment is also very useful when diabetes occurs with other conditions including tuberculosis and gouty diathesis. It gets rid of symptoms such as sudden dryness in the mouth, thirsty, feeling, emaciation and frequent urination. Examples of this treatment method in homeopathy medicine include natrum sulphuricum and arsenicum. Arsenicum is effective for reducing thirst and diabetic gangrene. On the other hand, natrum sulphuricum is used for hydrogenic constitution and dry mouth.

Use of lactic acid in Homeopathic Treatment for Diabetes.

This homeopathic treatment method is highly effective in treating diabetes that is associated with any gastro-hepatic conditions. Symptoms such as

constant and frequent hunger,
thirst with nausea and
frequent urination, show that patients need this treatment. This homeopathic remedy reduces chronic pain, dryness in the mouth and dryness in the skin which are typical symptoms for gastro-hepatic diabetes. This symptom can be used along with acetic acid as well as carbolic acid to improve diabetic symptoms.

Insulin

Long before the effects of insulin on diabetic patients were proven, pancreatic juice was often used to treat diabetes in homeopathy. The pancreatic juice should be administered along with water under supervision in doses of 10-20 drops. Supervision is very important in order to avoid overdosing especially in this treatment method. A small dose of pancreatic juice has a huge effect. Pancreatic juice is one of the best homeopathic treatment for diabetes.

Bryonia

Bryonia is a native European perennial vine with red berries and white flowers. The root of the Bryonia plant is used in healing. It has a bitter smell and strong taste. Bryonia is also known as devil’s turnip.

Homeopathic treatment for diabetes, natural herbs for diabetes — Bryonia

This treatment method is highly effective especially for diabetic patients who are also affected by hepatic disorders. Hepatic disorders cause difficulty in eating which might result in fatigue and tiredness. Patients may also experience general weakness, bitter taste in the mouth and dryness in lips. The tongue will also become flabby and the patient might suffer from mood disorders as well. This remedy can also be used to treat various digestive disorders.

It is vital for diabetes to be diagnosed and treated early in order to avoid further complications. If left untreated, diabetes can damage tissues that are vulnerable to the effects of high blood sugar levels such as the eye, kidney, large blood vessels and the nerves. Remember, It is essential to eat well and take regular exercise for good health. This, along with the numerous natural remedies for diabetes will certainly improve and help to reverse your condition.

Coconut Oil and Diabetes – Health Benefits!

Diabetes has become prevalent with rising obesity and sugar consumption. 8.3% of the entire population in the United States has diabetes. This is approximately 2.8 million adults and children. Moreover, the rate of Americans becoming diabetic doubles every 10 years. Therefore, pharmaceutical companies are capitalizing on this epidemic especially with drugs for type 2 diabetes. However, these drugs are not dealing with real underlying causes. Besides improving the regulation of blood sugar, coconut oil can also eliminate cravings and relieve neuropathy; improve circulation in order to get rid of numbness.

How does Coconut Oil Reverse the Effects and Symptoms of Diabetes?

Imagine being able to eliminate or reduce the amount of medications you are taking. There are various beneficial properties of coconut oil that make it very effective in reversing the effects and symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

Try using Coconut Oil for Diabetes Control!

It nourishes your body

The digestive system normally converts what we eat into glucose. The glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream hence triggering the production of insulin by the pancreas. Insulin hooks to the cells in order to help bring the glucose into the cells. The cells use glucose as energy. However, with diabetic people, either insulin is not produced or it can’t attach to cells. As a result, the cells can neither absorb nor use glucose.

However, coconut oil can be absorbed by the cells and used as energy even in the absence of insulin. Moreover, the body can use MCFA’s (Middle chain fatty acids) in the same way as glucose without necessarily depending on glucose in order to do so. This gives the pancreas time to heal. In some cases, the pancreas may rest and recover the ability to manufacture insulin.

Boost your Metabolism – Use Coconut Oil for Weight Loss

Due to the problems with the absorption and use of glucose, weight gain and lower energy levels are common problems with most type 2 diabetics. When your cells lack glucose to power them, the metabolic rate drops thus resulting in low energy levels. (We all know that feeling!) However, coconut oil counters this effect due to its structural composition and the way it is used by the body. Coconut oil boosts metabolism and as a result, the body burns fat at a faster rate. Moreover, it slows digestion allowing you to feel fuller and energetic for longer.

Coconut Oil for Diabetes Control – Helps Regulate Blood Sugar

In my daily diet, I use coconut oil for diabetes control, as I had to deal with many complications as a result of my body’s inability to regulate the blood sugar levels. These problems mainly include constant hunger, obesity, food cravings and hypoglycemia. However, I realized that my blood sugar level which was usually 80 to 90 points above normal reduced within half an hour after taking a teaspoon of coconut oil. This helped reduce my cravings and hunger. Moreover, it helped me avoid other life threatening complications such as severe hypoglycemia, diabetes shock and loss of consciousness.

Coconut oil has a very low GI (glycemic index) of about 35 which helps prevent fluctuations in blood sugar by balancing the amount of insulin produced with the amount of sugar in the bloodstream in order to improve glucose control and reverse insulin resistance.

Neuropathy and Blood Circulation

Good blood circulation is very important for diabetics. Many diabetics who experience numbness in their limbs get cuts or infections on the limbs without realizing it until it is too late. This can lead to serious complications. Coconut oil helps to get rid of numbness by improving blood circulation.

My feet and legs used to get numb constantly! However, feeling returned to my feet and legs within ten days of eating 2 teaspoons of coconut oil! Therefore, eating 2-3 teaspoons of coconut oil per day can help reduce or even eliminate tingling and diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain) that occurs in the limbs.

Improving brain function

This is vital especially for type 1 diabetics. The MCFA’s (Middle chain fatty acids) found in coconut oil improves brain function. The medium chain triglycerides help improve and preserve brain function under ideal hypoglycemic condition. However, using coconut oil for diabetes control, helps preserve the brain without causing the deadly hyperglycemia.

15 Home Remedies For Diabetes

Despite being a grave medical condition, I would like to share with you a few hints on how to treat diabetes naturally. Diabetes can be managed effectively with regular exercise, good eating and various natural home remedies so here are some home

remedies for diabetes that every diabetic can use to keep fluctuations of blood sugar level under control.

1. Bitter Gourd (bitter melon)

Bitter gourd prevents insulin resistance and also helps increase the secretion of pancreatic insulin. Drink a glass of bitter gourd juice each morning for at least two months. You can also increase a dish made of bitter melon in your diet on a daily basis.

2. Cinnamon

Powdered cinnamon lowers the blood sugar level because it contains bioactive components that stimulate insulin activity. Add 1 tablespoonful of cinnamon to a glass of warm beverage preferably warm water and drink it daily

3. Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a great home remedies for diabetes. It lowers blood sugar levels and improves glucose tolerance due to its hypoglycaemic properties. It also slows down the absorption of sugars and carbohydrates because it is high on fiber. Add two tablespoons of powdered fenugreek to a glass of milk. Drink it on an empty stomach every morning.

4. Indian Gooseberry

Indian Gooseberry (Amla) is very rich in vitamin C which promotes proper functioning of the pancreas. Mix two tablespoon of amla juice in a glass of water and drink it each morning on an empty stomach.

5. Black plum (Indian Black Berry/jambul)

Indian black berry helps in controlling the blood sugar level because it contains hydrolysable tannins, ellagic acid and anthocyanins. Make a powder of dried black plum seeds and eat the powder twice per day. You can also include the fruit in the market whenever it is available.

6. Mango leaves

The tender mango leaves treat diabetes by regulating the level of insulin in the blood and improving blood lipid profiles. Dry the tender mango leaves in a shade before grinding them into a fine powder. Eat half a tablespoon of the powdered mango leaves twice per day.

7. Curry leaves

Curry leaves help reduce the rate at which starch is converted to glucose in diabetics. Moreover, they reduce the levels of bad cholesterol and obesity. Chew a few (about 10) fresh curry leaves every day in the morning. Continue this treatment for about 4 months for best results.

8. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera contains phytosterols that have an anti-hyperglycemic effect. Mix 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera with 1 tablespoon of ground bay leaves and a tablespoon of turmeric in a glass of water and drink the solution twice per day.

9. Guava

Due to the fiber content and vitamin C, eating guava is n effective measure of regulating the blood glucose level. You can incorporate the fruit in your daily diet and always ensure it is peeled.

10. Water

Water mobilizes the sugar content in your blood so that it can be taken in by cells and organs to be used as a source of energy. Moreover, water flushes out excess sugar and toxins and lowers the risk of other complications and ailments that are associated with diabetes. Drink 2.5 liters of water every day.

11. Sunlight

Sunlight helps improve the functionality of vitamin D which is vital for the production of insulin. Moderate exposure to the morning sunlight for a few minutes is essential for a healthy life.

12. Neem Margosa leaves

Neem is very beneficial to diabetics mainly due to its anti-hyperglycemic effect. These leaves also boost insulin receptor sensitivity. Crush the tender shoots and leaves of the neem plant and strain to get 1 tablespoon of neem juice and have this on an empty stomach every day in the morning.

13. Holy Basil Leaves

The leaves of holy basil which is also commonly known as tulsi are composed of essential oils and antioxidants which help stimulate proper functioning of beta cells of the pancreas. Crush a few basil leaves to get 1 tablespoon of juice and have this on an empty stomach every day in the morning.

14. Lady’s finger (Okara)

Lady’s finger is very rich in magnesium, vitamins A, B6, K, C, soluble fiber and zinc making it an excellent stabilizer of blood sugar. Slit the lady’s finger vertically to get two long pieces. Place the pieces in a glass of water and let it soak overnight. Drink the water in the morning every day. You can also eat the vegetables raw.

15. Flax seed

Flax seed is very rich in protein, essential omega 3 fat ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) and lignans which are plant compounds that function as antioxidants. The high fiber content helps in absorption of sugars and fats. Add 1 tsp of flax seed powder in a glass of mild of water and have it with breakfast. You can also add flax seed powder to soups, gravies and breakfast cereal.

Manage your diabetes naturally if you can! It is vital for diabetics to exercise regularly, as it also helps to regulate blood sugar levels.

These home remedies for diabetes, can help to manage and control diabetes effectively.

How Effective Are Goji Berries For Diabetes?

Goji berries which are also known as Chinese Wolfberries, Tibetan goji, Mede berries, or Murali (India) are orange-red berries that come from scrubs that are native to China. They are also found in moderate and sub-tropical regions of China, Himalayas and Mongolia. These berries can be eaten raw, dried or cooked and are also used in

juices
wines,
herbal teas and medicine.

Goji Berries are very rich in:

polysaccharides,
zeaxanthin,
beta-carotene,
amino acids,
calcium,
potassium,
iron,
zinc,
vitamins, A, C, E, B6, B1 and B2,
flavonoids and trace minerals.

Goji Berries for Diabetes? YES!

. Improved vision Besides improving vision, the berries also make the eyes more adaptable to various environments, less prone to soreness and fatigue and more resistant to infections and diseases.

• Diabetic retinopathy Goji berries protect the eyes from diabetic retinopathy which is a very serious diabetes-related disease which can even lead to blindness. Diabetic retinopathy is a result of high glucose levels in the eyes resulting in the death of retinal cells due to oxidation of proteins. The berries contain a compound known as taurine which prevents loss of eyesight by protecting the retinal cells.

• Macular degeneration Macular degeneration is a disease which causes loss of vision in the center of the visual field and it is commonly associated with diabetes and its complications. Goji berries are very rich in antioxidants such as carotenoids and zeaxanthin which are vital in protecting and nourishing the macular. Therefore, eating goji berries is a great preventive measure for people who are at a higher risk of developing macular degeneration such as diabetics because these oxidants are easily absorbed from the berries.

• Eye fatigue and soreness Eating goji berries helps your eyes adjust rapidly to various levels of darkness because they revitalize the eyes quickly. This makes you less overwhelmed by the bright sun and less vulnerable in dark areas. The berries not only make your vision sharper but they can also help you when driving at night because they also fight eye fatigue. Carotenoids which give the berries a bright red pigment are a great source of vitamin A and they also act as antioxidants. Besides preventing eye disease, the carotenoids in these healthy berries are extremely beneficial for people who have already been diagnosed with diabetes related eye problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Although these conditions may not disappear completely, these healthy berries make them more bearable.

. Antioxidant Well, we all know how good antioxidants are for us! Goji berries play a very critical role as an antioxidant which lowers the risk of heart-related complications as well as preventing other age-related diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. This is mainly because the antioxidants are very effective in minimizing damage from the free radicals that damage DNA and injure cells. The protective effects on DNA damages oxidative stress are a result of the reduction in the levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides. The Chinese and Mongolians have been using goji berries for centuries to improve longevity and treat various health problems such as diabetes, hepatitis, cancer, male infertility, eye disorders and immune system disorders. Their antioxidant and anti-aging properties nourish the blood and are also used as tonic for kidneys, lungs and the liver.

For a great afternoon snack – try mixing some Goji berries with almonds or other raw nuts – yum!!

Stevia – Can Diabetics Use Stevia?