Natural Ways to Treat Type 2 Diabetes

Simple, straightforward advice on how to manage type 2 diabetes—or avoid it in the first place.

by Rebecca Wilcox

It should come as no surprise that diabetes is a major problem in the U.S. In fact, 25.8 million Americans suffer from it—that is over 8 percent of the population. Diabetes is this country’s leading cause of kidney failure, a major cause of heart disease and stroke, and the seventh leading cause of death overall. One of the reasons this is so tragic is because, as is underscored by a number of well-researched articles on diabetes, the condition is largely avoidable. Which is why anyone suffering from type two diabetes should look into the plethora of natural remedies that can help assist someone with a diabetic condition.

Stick to a Whole Foods, Plant-Based Diet.

The best diet for a person with type 2 diabetes is one consisting of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. These foods will provide you with antioxidants and fiber-rich phytochemicals that will not only regulate your blood sugar levels but also help you defend against cancer. Dietitians are also recommending more and more that diabetics stick to a vegan diet.

Look for Supplements that Help Regulate Blood Sugar.

Vitamins, minerals, and herbs can play a much larger role in our health than they’re given credit for. In the case of type 2 diabetes, Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin-D_,chromium, alpha lipoic acids, gymnema, zinc, ginseng, vanadium, magnesium, aloe vera, and cinnamon have all demonstrated abilities to help control insulin levels. These substances also have a wide variety of other health benefits. Talk to your doctor about combining supplements.

Exercise Multiple Times a Week.

Exercise is necessary in order to keep the heart healthy and flush out toxins. In the case of diabetes, exercising for 30 minutes four or five times a week is the number one way to regulate blood sugar levels.

Eliminate Synthetic Chemicals from Your Life.

The synthetic chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) has been vigorously studied in recent years and the conclusion is simple: it disrupts the body’s hormones, the endocrine system and wreaks havoc on blood sugar levels, thereby contributing to and exacerbating diabetes. Since it is so commonly found in household and consumer products, you have to make a sincere effort to avoid it. While you’re at it, get rid of Phthalates and Triclosan too.

Drink Plenty of Water.

When you’re dehydrated your glucose levels go up to compensate and this is bad for diabetics. Therefore, thorough hydration is an important natural remedy.

How to Wean Yourself Off Meds.

One should not discontinue any diabetes medication immediately. Talk to your doctor and express your desire to treat your diabetic condition naturally. Once you’ve discussed ways to wean yourself off of any prescription drug, adhering to the above regimen could greatly improve and in some cases entirely eliminate your type 2 diabetes.

Photo above by Pixomar. Click here to see portfolio.

Becky Wilcox is a freelance writer who has a passion for cooking and living a healthy lifestyle. In her spare time she likes to try out new dishes in the kitchen and travel to new places.

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