Chromium and Diabetes
Who knew Chromium did all that?
The chromium and diabetes "buzz" has been growing. Many diabetics, and a growing number of scientists, believe Chromium helps lower blood glucose levels. What exactly is the diabetes and chromium connection?
Chromium is considered an essential mineral. It is not produced by the body and must be consumed in our diet or through nutritional supplements.
You need chromium to help metabolize fats and carbohydrates. The mineral also helps brain function and other bodily functions through fatty acid stimulation and cholesterol synthesis. Importantly, it also activates several key enzymes that produce chemical reactions in the body that are essential for life. Chromium is also needed for insulin metabolism. Wow! Who knew chromium did all that?
Chromium naturally occurs in the following foods:
- Beef
- Liver
- Eggs
- Chicken
- Oysters
- Wheat germ
- Green peppers
- Apples
- Bananas
- Spinach
The key issue of chromium and diabetes health is whether the substance can be used to lower blood sugar levels. Several studies have concluded that chromium does lower blood sugar levels. Other studies found no effect on blood sugar level, while still others were inconclusive. Importantly, no studies found that it raised blood sugar levels!!
Scientists have generally advocated what they usually advocate: more studies are needed! The only caveat is to not overdo it. High doses of chromium can cause blood sugar levels to go too low!
MY BASELINE NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT RECOMMENDATION
Body Balance is what I have been taking for almost 10 years. It is a liquid wholefood supplement derived primarily from Aloe Vera and SeaNine™ vegetables, a proprietary blend of nine different sea vegetables.
Body Balance has over 120 naturally occurring nutrients useful for optimal nutrition, including vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids and enzymes, in synergy with a broad spectrum of phytonutrients (plant nutrients)
I believe you need to establish a basic level of nutrition. Most people simply do not get the neccessary nutrition to lead healthy lives.
Please take the time to check out Body Balance, including a special video from the Public Broadcast Service on the benefits of Sea Vegetables, featuring this product.
Looking For More Natural Diabetes Treatment Information?
For information on Top Nutritional Supplement Ingredients, such as Omega-3, Sea Vegetables, Aloe Vera, Alpha Lipoic Acid, etc. Click on the Dibetes Nutritional Supplements link at the TOP of the page.
Source:
Gloria Y. Yeh, David M. Eisenberg, Ted J. Kaptchuk, and Russell S. Phillips, Systematic Review of Herbs and Dietary Supplements for Glycemic Control in Diabetes, Diabetes Care 26: 1277-1294.
CAM and Diabetes: A Focus on Dietary Supplements, National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine, NNCACM Publication No. D416, June 2008.
