Natural Treatments for Diabetes -- Focus on Diet!

Natural treatments for diabetes are being recommended by many healthcare professionals even as they dole out prescriptions to the millions affected by this chronic illness. High blood sugar levels cannot be controlled by medications alone. Lifestyle and dietary changes are integral parts of diabetes management programs.

Experts and researchers are now looking into natural treatments for diabetes to find long term and sustainable solutions as medications are taking their toll on people. Weight gain, increased risk of heart disorders, anemia, headaches and persistent dizziness are some of the common adverse effects of diabetes medications.

As much of a cliché the adage "You are what you eat" is, there can be no escaping the magnitude of the truth of this statement. Diet is one of the primary criteria on which natural treatments of diabetes are based. The following list includes all such items which should be eliminated from your diet as the first step toward a healthier and diabetes free life:

• Sugar -- It goes without saying that when the problem is with the body being unable to convert the sugar into glucose, it is time to curb the sweet tooth.
• Refined flour -- Processed wheat is stripped off all fiber content and most of its essential nutrients before reaching the shelves as "all-purpose flour". It is a simple carbohydrate which is immediately converted into sugar by the body. Diabetic patients are already overloaded with sugar and would be wise in staying away from white bread, pizza, pasta and all such products manufactured with refined flour.
• Sodium -- Though sodium is not directly linked to diabetes mellitus, it increases water retention and causes high blood pressure. Processed foods, mayonnaise and cheese are high in sodium content.
• Saturated fat -- Fried foods, processed products, clarified butter, and certain oils are not good for diabetic patients.
• Starch -- Starchy vegetables should be avoided as far as possible. The list includes potatoes, carrots, beet, peas, squash and parsnips.
• Animal products -- Meat and dairy products are high in fat and are known to increase bad cholesterol levels in the body.

Individuals with high blood sugar may find the long list of restricted food items unnerving. However, when seeking natural treatments for diabetes, they must remember that nature abundantly caters to all. Here is a list of foods that diabetics can enjoy:

• Insoluble fiber lowers the risk of diabetes to a large extent. Soluble fiber reduces cholesterol levels. Whole wheat, bran, cereal seeds, nuts and fruits, when consumed with their skin or roughage, provide the much needed amount of insoluble fiber.
• Soluble fiber is present in oats, barley, dried beans and citrus fruits.
• Leafy vegetables can be eaten raw as salads or blended into fresh vegetable juices. They provide the body with complex carbohydrates and are low in sugar.
• Herbs like green tea, oolong tea, and ginseng tea can be used as substitutes for sugary drinks that include fruit juices, colas and the likes. They are known to reduce blood sugar levels and also detoxify the body.
• Garlic is known to add flavor, act as a detoxifier, and lower sugar levels.
• Protein should be included in the diet in the form of soybean, egg yolk, fish, kelp and spirulina.

Whether or not a patient is using natural treatments for diabetes or medications, nicotine and alcohol consumption must be avoided at all costs.