How Cinnamon and Stevia Regulate Diabetes
It creeps up on you. Type 2, the most common form, is a silent killer – but if you know the symptoms, you can regulate diabetes by changing your lifestyle. A major key to understanding the disease is knowing that the pancreas produces insulin that the body, in a diabetic state, can’t use properly. Mainstream treatment involves medication, insulin or both. Specific symptoms can be difficult to recognise if you don’t know the hallmarks.
It’s vital to be alert. When left untreated, diabetes can result in damage to your sight, your kidneys and your nerves. If you suspect that you’re suffering, make an appointment to see your GP. Don’t wait! With this article, our aim is to help you to treat your diabetes in a more natural, non-invasive way. We’ll explain to you how cinnamon and stevia work to help you achieve equilibrium and control your condition.
Get a proper diagnosis
Your GP will refer you to a specialist who will assess you and outline suitable treatment. One of the main components will be dietary guidelines. They’ll ensure that you’re eating the right things and eliminating those that exacerbate your condition. Regular exercise and weight control will also be advised. You can enhance the effectiveness of diet and exercise with the addition of natural supplements. Cinnamon and stevia are two examples. Together, they form a pretty impressive team.
Sweet, sweet stevia
Recently, stevia rebaudiana has been all the rage in Europe. It’s no new kid in its native Paraguay, where it’s been in use for centuries. Given this plant’s excellent profile, it’s plain to see why. Not only is it an unrefined sweetener without calories, but it also regulates blood glucose levels. You can safely take up to three daily infusions and enjoy its distinctive taste. If that sounds like too big a commitment, there are extracts and tablets readily available to buy. Just make sure that you’re getting pure extract that hasn’t been industrialised to remove its healthy attributes. Stevia crystals should be dark in colour.
Cinnamon
Clinical research has illustrated how well cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) lowers lipid, glucose and cholesterol levels in those with type 2 diabetes. This brilliant bark even continues to regulate them for a good while after eating it. According to studies, cinnamon works so well because it increases insulin sensitivity. This switches on glucose control. Cinnamon is benefits your body in many other ways, too. It’s packed with antioxidants.
Defeat diabetes
Intrigued by these two partners in health? If you’re keen to incorporate cinnamon and stevia, first have a chat with your GP or naturopath to give you the green light.
Once you’ve got the go-ahead, sort out a period of between one and three months. During this time, you’ll drink three infusions each day. Cycle them as follows: one in the morning (preferably on an empty stomach), one after lunch and one in the late afternoon. Making the infusion is simple. Add two tablespoons of high-quality stevia leaves or powder and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder to water and boil for five minutes. Leave it to cool until you can sip it.
To adjust the sweetness, add a squeeze of lemon juice.
Other good things to know…
A few times during the treatment, consult with your GP. Have your glucose levels measured to see how effective the infusions have been. Your medication can be adjusted according to the results of the blood tests. You might be in for a very pleasant shock!
Other foods that our excellent additions to your diet are:
- Beer yeast contains chromium for controlling sugar levels.
- Fresh watercress is another super source of chromium.
- Fresh peas act as a natural plant insulin.
- Whole grain cereal – particularly rice and oats – can stabilise blood sugar levels.
- Natural coconut water is naturally hypoglycaemic.
- Shiitake, reishi and maitake mushrooms regulate blood glucose and are beneficial in loads of other ways.
Remember: listen to your GP. Follow medical guidelines. Exercise regularly, avoid exposure to intense sun and seek treatment for any emotional issues that present themselves. These things can inhibit health and affect the course of the disease.
