Health
Cinnamon and diabetes: how to use it to lower your blood sugar level
Discover how to use Cinnamon for diabetes.
Why and how to use cinnamon to lower the level of sugar and fat in the blood?
Cinnamon, also known as “poor man’s insulin”, has long been known for its action on diabetes and cholesterol. Let’s see here why it is advisable to consume cinnamon when you have diabetes, and how to take cinnamon for an effective effect.
Be aware, however, that under no circumstances should you stop taking the medications prescribed by your doctor, and take advice from him if you want to take cinnamon.
This way to buy cinnamon, the aromatic bark of the cinnamon tree used in cooking and therefore as a natural remedy against diabetes.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is chronic hyperglycemia, an excess of sugar in the blood causing blood sugar that is too high compared to the average. This excess of sugar is the consequence of poor assimilation, poor use and poor storage of sugars by the body.
Indeed, in a normal organism, the carbohydrates in the diet are transformed into glucose, the pancreas then detects the increase in blood sugar and will produce insulin.
This insulin helps glucose to enter body cells (muscles, organs, etc.) and the liver where it will be processed and stored. Blood sugar levels then decrease in the blood.
For people with diabetes, this regulatory system does not work and must be supported by injections of insulin through injections.
There are mainly two types of diabetes :
- Type 1 diabetes: or insulin-dependent diabetes, about 6% of diabetics. It is characterized by insufficient production of insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes: or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, 92% of diabetics. It is characterized by initially an insulin resistance of certain organs which prevent the entry of insulin.
This resistance to the action of insulin leads to an overproduction of insulin by the pancreas to compensate, a pancreas which gets tired and after twenty years, no longer produces enough insulin: this is the insulin deficiency.
You should know that this type of diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by 2 to 4 times (heart attack, high blood pressure, etc.).
Can cinnamon lower your blood sugar
A simple answer would be: yes! But let’s dig into the subject a bit.
To go further, find out what are the virtues of cinnamon.
For the little story :
It is a happy mistake that led Western researchers to find the effect of cinnamon on blood sugar (although this effect has been known for ages in Asia).
Indeed, we owe this discovery to Dr Richard A. Anderson, who originally studied the properties of chromium. USDA researcher, senior scientist at Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Beltsville, and physician.
He has published over 230 scientific manuscripts and presented over 200 presentations at regional, national and international meetings around the world.
While studying the effects of chromium on diabetes, he realizes that apple pie stimulates insulin activity. No sense, the apple pie contains only a little chromium and a lot of sugar!
Anderson then thinks of the effect of apples, but quickly realizes that this effect is due to another ingredient in the pie… cinnamon!
The scientist will therefore focus his studies on the effects of cinnamon on diabetics. Many other scientists will follow, all convinced that cinnamon is the best hope for a natural cure for diabetes.
What evidence for the effect of cinnamon on diabetes?
Following Dr Anderson’s discovery, hundreds of studies are being conducted on the bark by hundreds of scientists. Finally, it is Dr Anderson who will publish in 2010, a scientific article taking stock of the 16 main studies on cinnamon.
Of these 16 studies, 11 show a significant effect of the spice, and 5 show little or no influence on the drop in blood sugar.
CASES WHERE CINNAMON HAS LITTLE OR NO EFFECT:
Regarding these latest inconclusive or inconclusive studies, patients were taking metformin, one of the most common treatments for type 2 diabetes.
According to Anderson: “Metformin acts like cinnamon, increasing insulin sensitivity. If you take enough metformin to manage blood sugar, cinnamon will not affect”.
The poor or inconclusive studies have shown no effect on young people with type 1 diabetes, a logical result, because people with type 1 diabetes have little or no insulin, and cinnamon is not a substitute for it. insulin.
A study has shown that cinnamon does not lower blood sugar levels in healthy people without any diabetes problem.
There are still studies, conducted on other patients that have not led to conclusive results.
CASES WHERE CINNAMON HAS A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT:
The most significant study was conducted by Dr Anderson with a team of researchers from the Peshawar School of Agriculture.
This study was carried out on 60 middle-aged patients suffering from type 2 diabetes, divided into 6 groups. Group 1 took 2 capsules of cinnamon per day, group 2 took 6 and group 3 took 12. The other groups had the same amounts of capsules, but a placebo.
Treatment was carried out for 40 days in all groups, and the capsules contained 500 mg of cinnamon (approximately 1/4 teaspoon). The patients ate as usual while taking their diabetes medication, but not metformin.
The result: in the groups taking cinnamon, there was a drop in blood sugar levels of 18 to 29%. We also observed a drop in triglycerides from 23 to 30%, in total cholesterol from 13 to 26%, and bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) from 10 to 24%.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Pomona in California (USA) on 543 patients with type 2 diabetes arrived at the same conclusions, showing besides that cinnamon increases the level of good cholesterol (HDL).
How does cinnamon affect blood sugar
The magic compound that comes into play is called: polymer methylhydroxychalcone (MHCP), the most active compound in the bark.
Indeed, studies by Professor Anderson have shown that this substance increases the metabolism of glucose up to 20 times, the process which converts sugar into energy. As such, cinnamon is the ally of diets!
Cinnamon facilitates the work of insulin and therefore helps to get sugar into cells. As such, it would affect comparable to certain drugs such as thiazolidinediones (Actos®, Avandia®, etc.), which reduce insulin resistance.
Also, MHCP is a formidable antioxidant, from a class of polyphenols found in cocoa beans, which also has an impact on diabetes.
Antioxidants prevent the formation of free radicals, which damage the DNA of cells and which therefore lead to chronic diseases, including diabetes. There are many studies on the action of antioxidants on diabetes and cholesterol reduction.
What variety of cinnamon for diabetes?
As I explain in our article on how to lose weight with cinnamon, there are two varieties, which come from the bark of two very similar but different tree species:
- Cinnamomum Verum, known as Ceylon cinnamon, also known as real cinnamon,
- Cinnamomum aromaticum or Cinnamomum cassia, known as cinnamon from Indonesia or China, also known as false cinnamon.
Let’s be clear: when it comes to lowering blood sugar and cholesterol, variety doesn’t matter, they have the same effect. That said, for long term use, we still recommend Ceylon cinnamon.
Indeed, their health benefits are the same, with one exception that makes all the difference: coumarin. It is the coumarin concentration that differs in the two species.
Ceylon cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum Verum) hardly contains any, but on the other hand, Chinese cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum cassia) is rich in it.
Except that coumarin is potentially toxic to the liver because it has hepatotoxic properties. So for long term consumption, prefer Ceylon cinnamon.
How to take cinnamon?
The different ways to do it:
It should be consumed daily, whatever the way. We recommend doses between 1 and 4 g (between 1/2 and 1 teaspoon per day) of Ceylon cinnamon per day, even if studies have not made it possible to update an ideal dosage. You can consume it:
- For breakfast: in cottage cheese, on your cereals, on a fruit salad, etc.
- In your savoury dishes: yes, especially in the Maghreb and in the East, it is found in salty dishes: couscous, tagines, etc.
- In the preparation of your desserts: to add directly to your preparations.
- Like a drink: in milk ( recipe for cinnamon milk ), in your tea, fruit juice (apple, orange, grape, etc.), smoothies, etc.
You can also just make an infusion of cinnamon, by boiling a cup of water, then infusing a few cinnamon sticks, or a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, covered, for 10 min.
Do not hesitate to sweeten with honey, the benefits of both are very beneficial, discover, on this subject, our article on the virtues of honey with cinnamon.
Cinnamon has a sweet flavour that will replace sugar in all your preparations.
Does cinnamon work quickly?
The first effects on blood sugar are felt after 2 weeks of daily absorption.
The first effects on cholesterol and triglycerides may take months to appear.
Contraindication and side effects:
The consumption of cinnamon is not without risk, we have devoted an article detailing the possible problems associated with the consumption of cinnamon, where you will find the contraindications, drug interactions, side effects, etc.
If using Indonesian cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), do not exceed 1/2 teaspoon per day. The coumarin present in this variety is an anticoagulant, be careful if you are on anticoagulant treatment.
Rarer, coumarin, in large amounts and over long term consumption can cause liver damage.
Excessive consumption of cinnamon can cause side effects: increased heart rate increased blood pressure and palpitations.
To sum up “cinnamon and diabetes”:
Should we consult a doctor? Yes, yes, and again yes, never stop treatment and seek the advice of your doctor before embarking on any cure.
Is it effective? Yes, but not for everyone.
For who? People with prediabetes, metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes, if you are not taking metformin. It is possible to consult your doctor to see if it is possible to lower the doses of metformin by adding cinnamon to your diet.
How? ‘Or’ What? Add cinnamon (preferably Ceylon) every day to a healthy diet and exercise for 20 minutes per day.
Health
Managing Chronic Pain: Integrative Techniques for Wellness
Key Takeaways
- Understanding chronic pain and its various treatment options is essential for effective management.
- Lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, and sleep, can significantly influence chronic pain.
- Integrative techniques, including medical treatments and complementary therapies, are vital in tackling pain holistically.
Understanding Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a persistent type of pain that can last for months or years and may be caused by various factors. In contrast to acute pain, it can continue even after the original injury has healed. Healthcare professionals evaluate a patient’s self-reported pain level and the impact it has on their daily activities to address the complexity of chronic pain. When the underlying cause is unknown, multidisciplinary approaches are necessary to relieve pain.
The Role of Lifestyle in Chronic Pain Management
In the quest for relief, many find solace in discovering a reputable pain clinic near me that employs a range of treatment options. Diet and chronic pain have a significant, if not entirely understood, relationship. Pro-inflammatory foods, excessive caffeine, alcohol, and refined sugars tend to exacerbate inflammation, potentially intensifying pain. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, greens, nuts, and seeds may help reduce inflammation and, as a result, pain. Consistent hydration and balanced meals can support the body’s natural coping mechanisms. Creating a personalized diet plan with a nutritionist or dietician can be a proactive step in managing chronic pain through lifestyle. Being physically active is critical to managing chronic pain.
Medical Treatments for Chronic Pain Relief
Medications often serve as the first line of defense in chronic pain management. NSAIDs, for example, are commonly used to alleviate inflammation and pain. Antidepressants and anticonvulsants can also be prescribed for their pain-relieving properties. Caution must be taken, especially with more robust, potentially habit-forming medications such as opioids; these should only be used when necessary and with a strict plan for monitoring and tapering. Furthermore, patients are encouraged to ask their healthcare providers about potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
Beyond pharmacological measures, interventional treatments like nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, and radiofrequency ablation offer non-surgical pain relief for various conditions. In some cases, these targeted procedures may provide lengthy periods of relief and help patients engage in physical therapy and rehabilitation more effectively.
With chronic pain being such a dynamic and individualized issue, research into new therapeutic methods is ongoing. Treatments such as platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) and stem cell injections are emerging as potential alternatives. They focus on repairing damaged tissues and reducing pain naturally. However, consulting with experienced pain management specialists before considering these advanced options is essential.
Psychological Approaches to Pain Management
Chronic pain has deep psychological and emotional roots in addition to physical causes. Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) address the thought patterns that can worsen pain perception and decrease the quality of life. Patients can learn to change these thoughts, engage in positive behaviors, and develop strategies to manage setbacks in their pain journey. Biofeedback is a technique that measures and provides real-time data on bodily functions, such as heart rate, muscle tension, and skin temperature. It helps patients gain voluntary control over these functions, and mastering such autonomic processes can improve pain management and give a greater sense of personal power.
Emotional well-being is integral to pain management, as negative emotions can intensify pain perception. Healthcare providers may recommend therapy sessions to address the psychological impacts of chronic pain, helping individuals cope with associated feelings of frustration, depression, or isolation. These therapeutic approaches highlight the importance of treating chronic pain as a comprehensive, biopsychosocial condition.
Navigating the Healthcare System
The complexity of healthcare systems can add a layer of stress for those managing chronic pain. Advocacy is critical. Patients must feel empowered to ask questions and make informed decisions regarding their care. Understanding how health insurance works, what treatments are covered, and how to access necessary medications is imperative. Healthcare professionals can also be invaluable allies in helping patients navigate these systems and ensure that they receive appropriate and timely care.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Pain Management
As we learn more about pain, there is hope for better pain management through new treatments and technologies. For example, virtual reality therapies can help distract patients from pain and reduce its intensity by immersing them in relaxing environments. Scientists are also exploring innovations in pharmaceuticals, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy apps to treat chronic pain more effectively. Additionally, personalized medicine, which considers an individual’s genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environmental factors, is set to revolutionize pain management.
Health
Benefits of okra Health
Table of Contents
Health
10 shocking health benefits of tequila
Table of Contents
- Health benefits of tequila
- 1.-Benefits of tequila for weight loss
- 2.- Tequila for Digestion
- 3.- Tequila for Diabetes
- 4.- Tequila for Dementia
- 5.- Tequila for insomnia
- 6.- Hangover
- 7.- Tequila boost the immune system
- 8.- Helps the necessary medications reach the colon
- 9.- It can help prevent type 2 diabetes.
- 10.- It can help fight osteoporosis
- What is Tequila?
- Types Of Tequila
- Nutritional value of tequila
- How To Make Tequila At Home?
- Side Effects of Tequila
- Tequila is one of the most popular spirits in the world, famous for its key role in legendary cocktails and its strong cultural roots, but it also has certain health benefits that many people are unaware of!
- Did you ever know that tequila can help you lose weight? While tequila is not a “health food,” it has several surprising health benefits. Look for “100% agave” tequila, get the best health benefits, and take 1 or 2 shots. Here are 10 surprising benefits of tequila.
Health benefits of tequila
There are several surprising benefits of tequila that can help you with your health, including its ability to do the following:
• Regulates blood sugar levels
• Improves digestion
• Weightloss
• Minimize hangover symptoms
• Prevent dementia
• Prevent nausea
• Boost immunity
1.-Benefits of tequila for weight loss
Being lower in calories than most other forms of liquor, this Mexican specialty can help you lose weight by cutting a few calories from your daily or weekly alcohol intake.
Crazy, right? In general, the rule of thumb is that if you want to lose weight, don’t drink alcohol.
- Remember, liquid calories go down much more easily than we think, so it’s still true; But if you can drink a controlled amount of tequila, you can benefit from the weight loss properties of agavins, which are a particular type of sugar in tequila.
Not to be confused with agave nectar, agavies have a less refined molecular structure that does not raise blood sugar levels.
As a result, many of the calories pass through the system unused compared to other sugars in alcohol, which are not as glycemic-friendly. It also stimulates the metabolism and helps dissolve fats.
2.- Tequila for Digestion
Research has shown that the benefits of tequila are capable of stimulating the activity of probiotics in the gut, and thanks to the yeast present in this alcohol, it can help balance the bacterial environment in your gut.
- Taking a shot of tequila after a meal has also been linked to aiding digestion. Some suggest a drink before a meal to boost your metabolism and appetite, followed by a shot to calm and aid digestion.
3.- Tequila for Diabetes
The fructans present in this alcohol have been shown to slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream, which improves the symptoms of diabetes.
-
4.- Tequila for Dementia
Some studies claim that the agavines present in tequila benefits and other active ingredients in this alcohol can help stimulate neuronal activity and slow down the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.
- The BBC reported studies showing a link between people who drink moderate amounts of alcohol (including tequila) and a lower incidence of dementia later in life.
But be careful! It also showed a correlation between people who drank too much alcohol and those who had much higher rates of dementia onset.
5.- Tequila for insomnia
Like many alcohols, tequila is a sport, in the sense that it will make it easier for the body to calm down and sleep; however, excessive consumption can cause unconscious and unhealthy sleep, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Thanks to its relaxing benefits, tequila can help calm the nerves and can even help induce sleep for the homeless; It is best not to depend on any substance, particularly alcohol, regularly. But now and then it can be something extra that you can enjoy to relax. And doze!
6.- Hangover
Unlike many other types of alcohol, this liquor is believed to minimize many side effects of a hangover.
That’s if you drink things off the high shelf. Again, you must drink “100% agave” tequila to get this benefit; the cheaper brands will be filled with other sugar alcohols, which will blow you away.
No alcohol is healthy, but if you’re inclined to have a drink now and then, tequila might not be such a bad option. Cheers!
7.- Tequila boost the immune system
Popular natural remedies for the common cold and flu include the use of lime and tequila.
8.- Helps the necessary medications reach the colon
People with illnesses that affect their digestive systems, such as Crohn’s disease, IBS, and colitis, could be getting a boost from the fructans present in tequila, as it contains natural chemical vehicles that protect the medications necessary for them to can pass acid from the stomach and into the colon where it is needed. Scientists are studying the use of these fructans in prescription drugs for these diseases.
9.- It can help prevent type 2 diabetes.
It also presents the opportunity for diabetics to enjoy the benefits of tequila from time to time, since fructans are indigestible, it acts like fiber. Bypassing through the body undigested prevents the dangerous spike in blood sugar and stimulates insulin production.
If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before starting tequila, as each individual is different and reactions can vary.
10.- It can help fight osteoporosis
Again with those agavins, the benefits of tequila have been linked in several studies to its ability to aid the body in absorbing calcium, and therefore could be a viable option to prevent the development of brittle or brittle bones.
• It’s pro-biotic: You’ve probably heard about probiotics by now, but if not, probiotics are the healthy bacteria that populate our intestines; They are responsible for the majority of our immune system and help our bodies maintain a healthy balance.
Some of the fructans that tequila is derived from really supply these good guys; Again, we are talking about small amounts of tequila; Getting drunk will do the exact opposite and wipe out your natural stores of healthy bacteria, as your immune system is forced to work overtime with the toxins inherent in any alcohol.
• It’s pre-biotic: Setting the stage for good bacteria, prebiotics help take care of the soil, so to speak. They create a living space for themselves.
According to this study, the prebiotic attributes of tequila help make the intestines a friendlier environment for healthy bacteria to thrive.
What is Tequila?
Tequila is a popular type of liquor made from the blue agave plant, and limited in terms of production to the Jalisco region of Mexico. The extracted agave juice is allowed to ferment, which eventually leads to the formation of alcohol in the liquid.
The name itself comes from the city of Tequila, where a large percentage of the production is still produced. It is often confused with mezcal and is a type of mezcal, but mezcal can be made from any type of agave.
Types Of Tequila
There are over 300 different types of tequila on the market, and they range in color from completely pure to dark brown. The aroma is similarly diverse, depending on the type of alcohol you are consuming. There are four main types of tequila:
• White: a pure or transparent white liquor that has been allowed to age less than 2 months
• Reposado – Aged between 2 months and 1 year in oak barrels
• Anejo – Aged between 1 year and 3 years in oak barrels
• Extra Anejo – Aged for at least 3 years
Nutritional value of tequila
When it comes to nutrition, this liquor contains just 64 calories per serving, compared to nearly 100 calories in a vodka dose.
Also, you are less likely to require sugary mixers with this alcohol, as it has a natural sweetness, thus reducing your average caloric intake with this type of cocktail.
This Mexican favorite is also gluten-free, making it ideal for celiac patients. There are also against and fructans in tequila, unique compounds that have various effects on our health.
In terms of alcohol content, this liquor generally ranges from 32% -60%.
How To Make Tequila At Home?
For those who love this alcohol, it is possible to make your tequila at home, but it can be a complicated process.
• First, you must harvest the agave from one of the limited regions where blue agave plants grow in Mexico.
• You will need to cook the agave and then crush the agave hearts, which grind and squeeze the juice that is necessary for the production of the alcohol.
• Next, you need to store a large amount of agave juice in a fermentation tub until the alcohol begins to form.
• At this point, you can store the alcohol in large oak barrels and allow it to age between two months and five years.
It is possible to make your own, but given the time-consuming nature of production, people usually leave it to the professionals.
Side Effects of Tequila
If consumed in excess, tequila will result in the following:
• Potential nausea
• Dizziness
• Lack of coordination
• Dehydration
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Throwing up
• Body pain
• Soft spot
Essentially, tequila is a form of alcohol that can get you drunk, and while hangovers are less likely, binge drinking will result in a painful morning.
-
Food2 months ago
8 shocking benefits of leek juice and side effects
-
Food2 months ago
10 + Benefits of carrot juice and side effects
-
Health2 months ago
Benefits of guava leaves Sensually
-
Health2 months ago
10 shocking health benefits of Canary seed milk
-
Weight Loss2 months ago
Chrissy Metz Weight Loss Secret (2022)
-
Health2 months ago
7 health benefits of cashew leaves and side effects
-
Weight Loss2 months ago
Kelly Osbourne weight loss 2022
-
Food2 months ago
Health benefits of gongolili or vetiver and side effects