Type II diabetes is a modern epidemic, affecting almost 10 percent of the adult population in the U.S.—not to mention the additional 100 million adults living in the U.S. with prediabetes. And the U.S. government’s old, misguided dietary recommendations about cutting fat and cholesterol have only exacerbated the problem.
But research is beginning to show that supplementing with potent plant extracts can control blood sugar as effectively as drugs.
I’ll tell you more about these plant extracts in a moment. But first, let’s talk about the scope of the epidemic…
Re-examining what causes Type II diabetes
As I explained last week, the mainstream has typically blamed adult-onset Type II diabetes on a diet high in processed sugar and carbs, obesity, and lack of exercise (Although, amazingly, some experts like those at the American Diabetes Association [ADA] clung to the myth of cholesterol and fats for years.)
But experts are now coming back around to an interesting, old theory—that an initial infection and ensuing inflammation may also play a role in the development of this chronic disease.
Of course, no matter the cause, Type II diabetes occurs when your body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin. As a result, sugar (glucose) doesn’t make it into your tissue cells. Instead, it remains in the blood, damaging other tissues in the brain, heart, kidneys, nervous system, and retina.
If not properly managed, Type II diabetes can cause a whole slew of problems, such as:
- Serious, long-term harm to your heart, kidneys, eyes, nervous system, and brain
- Reducing your quality of life due to fatigue, infections, frequent urination, and weight management problems
- Limb amputation
- Blindness
- Heart disease
- Death—in fact, diabetic complications cause two million deaths each year
Fortunately, you can reduce the risk of these complications by effectively managing diabetes and blood sugar with a sensible combination of dietary modifications, lifestyle adjustments, herbal supplements, and prescription drugs (when warranted).
Of course, the mainstream exclusively promotes prescription drug treatment. And there are now 26 different FDA-approved Type II diabetes drugs on the market. Including the ones that cause gangrene, which I told you about yesterday.
But metformin—the inexpensive, time-tested generic drug, which I also reminded you about yesterday—is the only prescription drug you should ever consider taking.
The only Type II diabetes drug I ever recommend
As you may recall, metformin derived originally from an ancient European folk remedy called French lilac. It effectively controls blood sugar and reduces the risks of long-term complications associated with Type II diabetes.
Still, metformin—as with any drug—causes side effects. Some people report gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort (which may be temporary) and fatigue. In addition, metformin interferes with your body’s absorption of vitamin B12. So, you should always take a high-quality B vitamin complex supplement that contains at least 55 mg of B2, 55 mg of B3 (niacin), and 12 mcg of B12.
In many cases, adding botanicals and herbal remedies to your regimen can really make a difference…
Natural plant remedies support healthy blood sugar
According to recent surveys, there’s been a recent shift among consumers in regards to managing blood sugar with natural remedies. In fact, it seems 75 percent of people with Type II diabetes believe natural supplements can lower blood sugar and control symptoms.
However, there’s still a disconnect…
Because just 21 percent of people with Type II diabetes actually take dietary supplements.
Which is a shame considering that the science on several key botanical remedies is very strong…
Take turmeric, for example. If you’re a fan of Asian foods, you’re probably familiar with this ancient spice that gives curry its flavor and bright yellow color.
But turmeric, which belongs to the Zingiber (ginger) plant family, is much more than just a delicious spice. It’s also an ancient herbal remedy that benefits blood sugar. In fact, it’s been widely used for centuries as a traditional herbal blood sugar and metabolism remedy.
Turmeric contains high amounts of curcumin, a compound shown to improve the body’s response to sugar even better than metformin! I recommend 200 to 250 mg daily of turmeric (Curcuma longa) powdered root.
Ginger also comes from Zingiber family of plants. And it, too, supports healthy blood sugar, digestion, and metabolism. It has even been shown to improve both fasting blood sugar and A1C numbers. I recommend up to 2 grams (2,000 mg) of ginger root powder daily, or as fresh ginger root added to your meals, essentially in food quantities. There are also new dietary supplement formulations that are much more potent at lower doses.
Other herbal remedies that support healthy blood sugar include bitter melon and fenugreek. And the minerals chromium and vanadium are key for healthy metabolism as well. (All of these natural plant remedies are readily available to you. Check out my website for my own personal recommendations.)
And perhaps best of all…
These effective plant remedies all have what I call “biome-availability.” In other words, they influence your GI microbiome, the environment in your gut where healthy probiotic bacteria thrive. In fact, they go to work right away inside the GI tract to improve the metabolism of sugar…before it ever gets into your blood.
You have many safe, effective options for managing your blood sugar…without resorting to drugs. You can learn all about these natural remedies to prevent—and even reverse—Type II diabetes in my online protocol, Dr. Micozzi’s Integrative Protocol for Defeating Diabetes. Click here to learn more or enroll today.