High blood sugar levels can be a serious health concern, and while changing your diet or incorporating more exercise can help control them, there are also many supplements that can help. Common examples include vitamin D, cinnamon and magnesium, among others. Here are 10 supplements that can help lower blood sugar.
Cinnamon
supplements are made from whole cinnamon powder or an extract. A study conducted in 1996 on the effectiveness of aloe vera juice found that drinking one tablespoon of juice twice a day for at least two weeks on people with diabetes resulted in decreased triglyceride levels.The authors suggested that more research is needed to investigate the benefits of oral aloe vera. Aloe vera comes in the form of juice that is ingested by mouth, and it is best to choose products made only with the inner part of the leaf or fillet, to avoid any laxative effect. It may also exacerbate the side effects of sevoflurane, an anesthetic, which can cause excessive bleeding during surgery.Another study gave people with prediabetes 250 mg of cinnamon extract before breakfast and dinner for three months and reported an 8.4% decrease in fasting blood sugar levels compared to those receiving placebo. The recommended dose of cinnamon extract is 250 mg twice daily before each meal, while cinnamon-based supplements without extract have a recommended dose of 500 mg twice daily.
Cassia cinnamon is the most studied and may have blood sugar control effects.
Vitamin D
has been linked to improved insulin sensitivity and better blood sugar control. Consult your healthcare provider and mention that you are using vitamin D before undergoing surgery. It is recommended that you adopt a nutritious and complete diet to ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs.Aloe Vera
has been studied as a way to regulate blood sugar for a long time. One review noted that aloe vera is particularly useful for lowering blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes.Oral aloe vera has been shown to cause diarrhea, hives and cramps, and research has shown that aloe vera extracts can cause intestinal cancer.
Magnesium
is a common mineral that plays a central role in regulating blood pressure, muscle function, heart rate and blood sugar levels. In general, diets with higher amounts of magnesium are linked to a lower risk of diabetes, suggesting that it plays a role in glucose metabolism. Magnesium supplements come in different forms, including magnesium oxide and citrate, as well as chloride. It is recommended to take magnesium with a meal every day for better absorption.Bitter Melon
, or Momordica charantia, is a fruit that has been used for medicinal purposes in Chinese and Indian medicine for centuries.It is often used as an herbal remedy for diabetes because it contains active antidiabetic substances that are said to lower blood glucose levels. Bitter melon can be eaten as a whole fruit or squeezed into a juice, or its seeds can be crushed into powder for consumption. For those considering using bitter melon as a supplement to lower blood glucose levels, limit the amount you eat or take, as consuming too much of it can cause diarrhea and mild abdominal pain.
Gymnema
, or Gymnema sylvestre, is a perennial woody climber native to India and Africa. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as an herbal remedy for diabetes due to its ability to reduce sugar cravings and improve glucose metabolism.Studies have found that taking 400–500 mg of Gymnema sylvestre extract per day can reduce fasting blood sugar levels by up to 20%.
Chromium
is an essential trace mineral found in some foods such as broccoli, potatoes and whole grains. It helps the body metabolize carbohydrates more efficiently by increasing insulin sensitivity. Studies have found that taking chromium supplements can reduce fasting blood sugar levels by up to 30%. The recommended dose is 200–400 mcg per day.Berberine
, an alkaloid found in several plants including goldenseal and barberry, has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine as an herbal remedy for diabetes due to its ability to reduce insulin resistance and improve glucose metabolism.Studies have found that taking 500–1,000 mg of berberine per day can reduce fasting blood sugar levels by up to 20%.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
, or ALA, is an antioxidant found naturally in some foods such as spinach and broccoli. Studies have found that taking 600–1,800 mg of ALA per day can reduce fasting blood sugar levels by up to 25%. ALA may also help reduce nerve damage caused by diabetes.Vanadium
, an essential trace mineral found in some foods such as mushrooms and shellfish, helps the body metabolize carbohydrates more efficiently by increasing insulin sensitivity. Studies have found that taking vanadium supplements can reduce fasting blood sugar levels by up to 30%.The recommended dose is 200–400 mcg per day.These 10 supplements may help lower your blood sugar, but it's important to consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplement or making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
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