10 Herbs to Regulate Your Blood Sugar

Diabetes is a growing epidemic in the US. But it is not only people with diabetes that need to be concerned about blood sugar. Most people are at some level at risk for diabetes, even if you are not at risk for diabetes, controlling blood sugar is a very important part of being healthy. Blood sugar has a major affect on the rest of your body.

Blood sugar has affects on your cardiovascular system, your nervous system, your digestive system, your endocrine system and just about every system in a serious way. Which is why people with diabetes also tend to have significant other health problems such as hypothyroidism, heart disease, and adrenal fatigue. When your blood sugar is uncontrolled it bounces wildly back and forth which causes your cortisol (the hormone related to stress) levels to rise which makes you gain weight. When your blood sugar spikes it causes an inflammatory response in your arteries which causes minor "cracks" in them. This causes plaque to build up in those areas to clot it which eventually causes blood pressure problems and cardiac problems. When this happens over and over, it causes systemic problems.

So, here are some herbs that you can add to your diet that can help with the yoyo affect. The best thing to do is to limit your sugar intake as well as manage the way you consume sugar. But, for those times when you are jones-ing for something sweet (currently I'm eating cookie dough as I type this :P, maybe I'm not the best example lol) these can help you.

HERBS TO HELP WITH BLOOD SUGAR:

#1 - Cinnamon

Cinnamon is said to help lower insulin resistance so when you do eat sugar your body will handle it better in regards to how it is processed. Cinnamon can be taken in capsule form, in the oil form, or as powder. It is also tasty and can be easily added to drinks or desserts.

#2 - Rosemary

Tests are still being done on how exactly rosemary works with blood sugar but it does seem to work for many people. It it believed that it affects some of the enzymes that work during the break down of sugar. It's definitely a tasty alternative to medication!

#3 - Sage

Sage is said to increase sensitivity to insulin which is great if you do not need insulin shots because it will allow your body to produce less and use it more effectively. This is also great if you need insulin shots because it will slow the rate at which your body becomes resistant to insulin. Be careful when taking this however, especially with medication because it can cause hypoglycemia.

#4 - Garlic

Garlic is said to contain sulfur compounds that lower blood sugar. Plus it is quite tasty! Garlic has many added benefits for your diet and, for the blood sugar lowering affect you may have to consume quite a bit of garlic but capsules are always an option too.

#5 - Oregano

Oregano has been discovered to relieve the stress caused by damage to the cells and arteries from blood sugar fluctuations. This is huge! It means that even when you accidentally go a little overboard on the sugar oregano can help to bring balance back and help mitigate some of the damage and stress that the sugar has caused.

#6 - Curry leaves

Curry leaves, while not exactly an herb, help to regulate the carbohydrate metabolism, improve liver and kidney function, and improve insulin function. This is probably why Indian people eat so much of it! It does a whole lot with just a few leaves! Curry has often been known for its medicinal uses as well as delicious taste.

#7 - Ginger

Ginger has a great ability to normalize blood sugar as well as soothe the digestive system. As diabetes is a digestive disorder this can be of double use for people with stomach pains or other digestive problems as well as those who are just diabetic.

#8 - Turmeric

Turmeric is often hailed for its anti-inflammatory and immune boosting uses which is great for diabetics as they often have trouble healing. It is also a blood sugar stabilizer as well. It has been proven to lower A1C when used frequently which is good news for those who enjoy this orange herb.

#9 - Fenugreek

I can personally say that this one definitely works! I used this to try and boost my milk supply when nursing my son but never took it long enough to see effects because after three days my blood sugar was dropping so much that I had to discontinue it. Fenugreek slows down the digestion and absorption of carbs in the small intestine.

#10 - Ginseng

It is a popular tea all over the world and, it also reduces insulin resistance. Ginseng is easily consumed in tea form and has quite a pleasant taste. It is also said to lower A1C levels. There are several different types of ginseng, one of which also helps with Alzheimer's disease and another which balances the thyroid, making all types of this herb worth looking in to!

I hope some of these help you to be more balanced and live a healthier life! They are all tasty and worth an extra sprinkle here and there. Who knows, they may even change your life!

Blessings!

Kelsie

(The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.)