Lifestyle

Help Control Type 2 Diabetes With Cinnamon

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Cinnamon, along with many other herbs, spices, and medications, is recommended to help improve type 2 diabetes. We are all individuals, and our bodies respond differently to the applications of meds, herbs, and foods, so, overall, treatments are a trial and error for what can improve our health. What works for you may not work for me. Cinnamon is not an alternative to medications, but it does help in the control factors that all people with diabetes face.

CINNAMON, BLOOD SUGAR, DIABETES

Photo: Flickr/Jacqueline

The American Diabetes Association has  conducted studies and concluded that after “40 days, all three levels of cinnamon reduced the mean fasting serum glucose (18–29%), triglyceride (23–30%), LDL cholesterol (7–27%), and total cholesterol (12–26%) levels; no significant changes were noted in the placebo groups. Changes in HDL cholesterol were not significant.”

So, does any cinnamon work? There are two main types of cinnamon available to the general public. They are Cassia and Ceylon. Cassia cinnamon contains higher levels of coumarin, which can cause toxicity in your liver but is reversible. A better alternative is a variety called Ceylon, a little more expensive, but if you are concerned with glucose levels, then this is the better choice.

A full teaspoon or more of cinnamon a day is too much, whereas a gram, or about a half teaspoon, is the recommended amount per day. Sprinkle it on cereals, toast, add it to pancakes or waffles, or use it as a rub for lamb or pork.  There are many different ways to incorporate cinnamon into your everyday diet. Even stick cinnamon used in hot teas is good. And, of course, there are always cinnamon capsules. Capsules are easiest to use, but not as delicious. Because cinnamon contains coumarin and can interact with several different medications, always let your doctor know that you have added it to your daily intake of protection against diabetes.

CINNAMON, BLOOD SUGAR, DIABETES

Photo: Flickr/Cinnamon Vogue

Have an informed and trustworthy doctor that is open to all forms of treatment of which you both approve. Monitor your body, every day, either medically or mentally and keep good records. Make sure that your doctor has a copy of those records on a regular basis. Study all information available that you can find if you want to be informed. Don’t depend on one resource.

Whatever type of diabetes you have, do not ignore it. There are numerous, serious side effects caused by this unforgiving malady, from numbness in your extremities to loss of limbs and blindness. Ignoring it will not improve your condition, but diet, supplements, and proper medications can keep it under control, and maybe even keep you from having to take daily injections. Hopefully, in the near future, a permanent cure will be discovered.

CINNAMON, BLOOD SUGAR, DIABETES

Flickr/ppc1337

Conclusions from different studies can all be different, depending on record-keeping, dedication, and products. It appears that diet is the main key in controlling diabetes, but it is a balance of nutrition at the cellular level that makes a difference. For instance, tryptophan is a α-amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins but eaten with a balance of protein, some natural sugar, as in fruit, and a smart carbohydrate, the impact on your glucose levels is astonishing. Just eliminating sugar, particularly natural sugars, is not a cure. We all know that white sugar is bad for us, so that is a “given.”  But, honey and monk fruit sugars are acceptable in moderation. Be wise, stay in control of your health and always keep your doctor informed of what is going on with you and your body.