Natural Supplements and Home Remedies for Lowering Blood Sugar

I have family history of diabetes so I watch my Blood Sugar too. I heard about ACV and for a month now I always take 2 tblspoon before I ate a roll or high carb bread. But today, I intentionally ate a cinnamon roll without ACV and one hour after my BS spikes to 170 and that freaked me -- normally with ACV, it was 110 an hour after eating that bread. So this morning I freaked because I understand that we should not go over 140. So I immediately took 2 tblspoons of organic ACV to drag the BS down and 55 mins after my BS read 114. I now decide to always have ACV before eat high carb bread because it obviously worked for me -- I am now a believer that ACV can help slash the sugar spike after carb eating. Good luck to all.

In response to Cheryl above. In my beginning stages of adult onset diabetes 1, I had more lows than highs. I would eat and for about an hour or two, I'd have high #'s, then crash to the lows. So I'm not so sure the lows you are having are actually attributed to the ACV. You need to be sure you have a glucometer (most drs. give them for free or u can find them online for free) and test many times troughout the day.

apple cider vinegar does work for lowering your blood sugar. I have tried it and know it works. Thank goodness.

Interesting to hear about the walnut!! But is this just one.? once a day? and nothing else in supplement form? thank you.

I have always found your feeds, very informative, thank you. My partner is struggling to get his blood sugars regulated, and is refusing to take insulin. Instead he did a 2week detox, before regularly taking Apple Cider Vinegar as well as co. we have tried cinnamon and fenegreek tea.

I am now trying to control his general nutricion, paying special attention to his mineral intake. Still fumbling around unfortunately to find anything that makes any real differance... have you got any suggestions?

I have recently read your findings on onions and garlic, he naturally eats these regular in his native diet. He's half Goan half Portugese.

Thank you Ted.

Drink cinnamon tea it works.

I have been on Diabeta and Metformin for 20 years, and at the top doses of these meds for two years. I am now drinking lots of water, taking chromium picolinate, coconut oil and cinnamon, watching my diet (including increase in fiber), and have lost some weight. I have now cut my daily Diabeta dose of 20 mg to 10 mg, and hope to reduce my Metformin from 850 mg three times per day to 500 mg three times per day, if my next A1C (in 6 weeks) is down. I look forward to trying turmeric.

Hi Francisca, Check out your books by Adelle Davis as one of them tells you about the protein content in foods, this is where I started to learn about protein and its ability to help heal the body. I cannot remember which book though. You can also do a search on the web for "protein content food" and you will get several sites to go to with the info. Years ago to monitor diabetics diets you counted carbohydrate portions and protein. (A time when a lot were diet controlled and it worked. ) We were taught that a 100 grams of red meat was a 100 grams of protein but this is not correct, it's about 23 - 28 grams depending on cut. An egg is about 6 - 8 grams. I found it hard initially to get the amount of protein that was reccomended. It helped to also learn how to combine foods to make complete proteins, eg; nuts with seeds; nuts with grains; grains with legumes. All the best, Maria

Hi Francisca, I used to go on a low carb website regularly and the subject of how much protein is in each particular protein food ie: eggs, meat, fish, etc. often came up. The generic answer was that if an egg weighs 65gms then that is the protein count. If you eat 30gms of cheese then 30gms is the protein count. I know it sounds odd and we would like to disect it into the real protein grams but that is the way it is done for the most part. Cheers Lily.

Hi Che, I fully agree with what you say except for the soy. From what I have read it is better to avoid it altogether exept for fermented soy products. But I have a question regarding protein, you say how much protein one should eat a day, fair enough, I have read that in books too but no one ever says how much protein is in the meat, eggs, fish.... how do I calculate how much protein I am eating if I have no idea how much protein the food contains? And does the same food always contain the same amount of protein?

As far as coconut oil I agree with you but I got a bit scare with a posting here a while ago saying that some people are allergic to salicylates. Do you know anything about that?

Diabetics have a problem because sugar overstimulates the pancreas - therefore, try to get your fuel from fats. Fats are, for humans, the perfect fuel. They burn slowly and steadily, and do not stimulate the pancreatic/liver system so that they are taken up too quickly. Humans need moderate fats, not low fats, unless the fats are themselves unhealthy or rancid. A good breakfast would be bacon, eggs, milk, and some carbs such as toast, rolls etc. Butter is great. No sugars.

(Coconut 'oil, 'by the way, is very good for you. It is a very good fat that delivers energy over a long period of time. ) I am NOT a merchant for this product or anything like that, but have used it for years.

Another big element of beating diabetes: Humans need about 0.3- 0.5 grams of protein per day, X each lb of body weight, in general. Multiply your weight in pounds times 0.4 and see what you get. I am willing to get you almost never get this much protein per day. I weigh 150 lbs, X 0.4 = 75 grams of protein I should eat every day. Do you think that's easy? Think again. If you eat meat you might get that every day. Otherwise you better eat lots of milk and cheese - soy is no substitute and has a tendency to raise estrogen levels. It is hard to get anywhere near the optimal amount of protein without overeating, if you are out, so plan accordingly and eat concentrated protein at home, like steak and hamburger, fish, protein drink, eggs, etc.

Soy is fine in small doses - can be eaten frequently but not as a substitute for better proteins, and not in large amounts.

With a moderate/high protein, moderate fat, low carb diet, some diabetes is eliminated or reduced. In all cases this is a great diabetic diet. Three of my four grandparents were diabetic, my father died of diabetes, and I have symptoms within days of eating high carbs and low protein. However, when I truly practice what I preach, I have no symptoms of diabetes whatsoever, and have lots of youthful energy, even though I am in my sixties. So - low carbs, moderate fat, moderate protein.

I have had the same experiences, so good for you. For lowering my cholesterol and triglycerides, I have added two Ayurvedic herbs that have completely eliminated my need to be on medications. They are: triphala, and guggulu. Look them up. I buy them from a local shop in powder form and stir them into water and drink. It is quite nasty tasting but you get used to it. Blah... Really nasty, lol... The guggulu tastes like church incense smells, if you know what I mean. It is local for me to get and I just go pick it up. Good luck.

Flax seed oil capsule warnings. I don't know who wrote this post/message but I would love to contact this person or someone give me some follow up info on this subject. I am a diabetic and my sugars were under 120 after a hour. A diabetic should keep his or her blood sugars below 140 after a hour. That has been the case for about 5 months. I have read that from a researcher(or so he says he is, that is you supply yourself with flaxseed oil you can began to correct the processes of diabetes and even get more control of your blood sugars. I have been taking flaxseed oil for about 5 weeks now, and I cannot control my blood sugars they go into the high 200's now after 1 hour. I may have a condition called gasparetis(misspelled). It is a condition which causes you to digest food later(delayed digestion. I will have to go see if I have it. My sugars could only be rising for 3 reasons:Gasperatesis, Pancreas producing less insulin, or the taking of flaxseed oil) please contact me about this post

I have been taking ACV for some months and my fasting blood sugar is down to between 4-6 mmol - I have managed to reduce my diabetes medication. I never add Honey or sweetner and find it tastes great with sparkling mineral water - just add 2 Tablespoon and drink before meals and before bedtime. Ash

Hi Sherri, I would also add hard boiled eggs and lean meats to that list, and some veggies and whole grain crackers maybe. This is assuming you are not gluten intolerant or allergic to eggs of course. I would research taking large doses of vitamin C (I take about 3-4 grams a day and it seems to make me feel better). I was reading on here about 5-HTP the other day, and it sounds like something you might want to read about. It can be found under the "supplements" section as well. It sounds promising for anxiety, and I am going to try it. Good luck to you, and let us know how it is going. Thinking good thoughts, Carly

I have been told that I may have fluctuating blood sugar levels because I lost my appetite and do not eat much at all. I have anxiety that begins shortly after waking up until when I go to bed (I take medication for sleep that deadens the anxiety). I also have shakiness and a bit of nausea. A friend told me to eat 6 small meals or snacks each day to begin and then move into 3 meals and 3 small snacks once I am able to eat more. She suggested that I eat maybe some cheese and 4 or 5 crackers but to eat the protein first. Is this the right thing to do? Also, how long does it take to stablize your blood sugar? I appreciate all assistance as I am developing headaches, low grade fevers, and severe fatigue. I am tired of feeling the way I do but not sure how to find my way out. Thanks to all and Thank You to Earth Clinic. Sherri

I also had bloating problem. It was caused by Giardia Lamblia, a bacteria found in western states produce fields and irrigation systems. Ask your doc to do a stool check for this. Ten little yellow tablets later you'll feel great if this is the cause. I had to give up on the ACV until after the antibiotics. If I have a flare up now I eat a massive quantity of Plain Yogurt. No problems since. Good luck.

Answer to Myhealth from Warri, Delta, Nigeria about Sodium and increased Fasting Blood Sugar

Hi, From http://www.acu-cell.com/dis-hyp.html

"Many practitioners recommend nearly identical dietary lifestyles for people suffering from Low Blood Sugar (hypoglycemia), and diabetes (hyperglycemia), whereby adequate consumption of Protein and Fiber, as well as Sodium management, are important considerations to help improve sugar metabolism in both situations.

Sodium (salt) slows insulin response, which with diabetes contributes to poor blood sugar control, however some hypoglycemic individuals with no sodium sensitivity, aldosterone issues, and generally a disposition for low blood pressure can use sufficient sodium intake to their advantage, because it diminishes a quick rise and fall in insulin levels and subsequently reduces those dreaded blood sugar highs and lows they commonly experience."

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. Therefore I would advice to reduce by half the baking soda and replace the removed portion with potassium citrate or bicarbonate. You will have to tweak it for better results.

I suspect it is related with excess uric acid which can cause high blood pressure and may induce later insulin resistance as some recent researches suggest. Ans some postulate that human react this way to acid uric (unlike most animals) as an evolution defense against too much potassium from vegetables inducing lower blood pressure.

Read some posts from Ted where he suggests BS with potassium citrate/bicarbonate. He might suggest a different ratio of sodium/potassium.

It is important to realize that not only the ratio sodium/potassium is important but also sodium/calcium, and calcium/magnesium. So a pH protocol would be preferable with a combination of several minerals.

Good Luck. Alain

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes some 2 years ago. I took prescription drugs for about 6months but stopped to depend on diet and exercise for my Blood Sugar control until I came upon this beautiful website. I call it beautiful cause it is amazingly rich with life saving informations.

I started taking 1table spoon of ACV twice a day for about 2months now and my Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) now averages at 115. I test my FBS every morning when I rise to prepare for work at about 6.00am. In addition I also test my Urine and saliva. My urine and Saliva has consistently stayed at Ph 6.0 and 6.2 respective.

Last week feeling that my body is acidic from the ph reading, I decided to alkalize by adding 1/4teaspoon of baking soda to my ACV. Suprisingly my Urine ph consistently stayed at 7.2, same as my saliva but my FBS went up and averaged at 160. I have stopped the addition of baking soda for the past three days and my FBS has returned to a healthy range. This morning I woke up with an FBS of 87 and urine ph of around 5.8

I am not able to explain the baking soda influence on my body pH and my Blood sugar. Please can someone help?

I am concerned with my pH level as I understand that it is not healthy to consistently have acid condition(I do not want to age that fast. I love my life at this time). Is there some other ways for me to alkalize fast without raising my FBS?.

God Bless you all contributors and thanks for all the beautiful work published on this website.

Too much Apple Cider Vinegar can cause a loss of potassium, because if you notice you will lose a-lot of water weight while taking ACV, This will deplete Potassium & Sodium fairly quickly. I am a medical researcher & have used myself as a atudy for the last year & noticed very quickly of Potassium & Sodium Loss With Apple Cider Vinegar:

Symptoms Loss Potassium: Itchy Scalp, Tiredness, Irregular Blood Pressure & High Heart Rate Are Signs of Low Potassium,

Low Sodium: Leg Cramps, Very Weak & Tired, Low Blood Pressure.

Also when these are low I noticed worsening of allergies. So if you do take ACV for any Ailments make sure you take In more potassium & sea salt. ACV contains only a trace of Potassium. I take in Potassium Citrate 99 mg a day. Very Inexpensive. Too much ACV causes too much Hydrochloric Acid In the stomach so don't take too much. If you develop heartburn or acid reflux after taking ACV, you having taking too much & to reverse this take 1/2 teaspoon of Baking Soda. Good Luck!

Most all toothpastes contain glycerin, even brands from the health food store. Glycerin is a kind of a sugar and stays on your teeth a long time. It actually breaks down the enamel. I found from the internet that using dissolved sea salt and water for brushing works very well and helps heal the teeth. My teeth used to be sensitive but the sea salt prevents that. It makes sense that toothpaste made with glycerin could affect someone's blood sugar.

Opuntia cactus - AKA Prickly Pear Cactus - AKA "Nopalitos", Nopal Cactus: Lowers blood sugar (not the fruit, the cactus leaves). They can usually be found at markets that carry Mexican produce.

Burn off the spines over a hot stove. Take two to three leaves about the size of the palm of your hand, slice them up and put them in a juice machine: The juice will be a very dark green viscous liquid, very slimy, almost like algae. Drink about 8oz. whenever your sugar is high. For example, my evening blood sugar was 242 after a meal. 25 minutes after drinking 8oz of nopal cactus juice it went down to 124. By morning it was 105. This juice obsoletes metformin and has no side effects (your sugar will not crash, only brings it down to normal). My doctor was going to put me on insulin - I use nopal cactus instead. It brings down your sugar within minutes. You can also freeze the pulp into a patty and cook it up with seasoning, also helps.

Question: Has anyone noticed a difference in blood sugar reading when testing upon waking in the morning, before and after brushing with regular toothpaste? Mine seems higher after brushing. I know the toothpast have sugar products in it but doesn't it take at least half to 1 hour for sugar to reach the bloodstream? Please explain.

I'm a diabetic too. I know sugar in a simple form or in fruit still needs to be watched. There are some fuits better than others like banana is very high in sugar vs. apples. The t-tapp excerise for me has been very effective to bring the blood sugar down as well as ACV. I watched a very educational show on diabetes yesterday on Operah here is the link if you care to read it. http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Diabetes-101-with-Dr-Oz-Dr-Ian-Smith-and-Bob-Greene

I wish more people would be tested for H-Pylori. It's a bacteria in your stomach that causes bloating to many foods. It took twenty some yers and a very good Docter to find this out. A very simply test. I also was told I am very lactose intolerant, again a very simple test. Demand to be tested. H-Pylori is very common and much overlooked. I am diabetic too and have gone from very low numbers to high. I watch my diet like a hawk but don't know it all yet. What's high in sugar and what's not. Is natural sugar in fruit good or bad????

Am using raw honey and cinnamon as well as acv. I do see a reduction in glucose reading! I mix by the gallon using alkaline water.

My formula is :
4 tablespoons of raw, unfilered honey
1 oz ACV
5 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon

I DRINK 8 OZS BEFORE BREAKFAST
My glucose reading is now 135,
down from average of 155.
Trying to get lower (119 or lower)

i am a diabetic on insulin and i recently discovered that peppermint oil lowers blood sugar - a LOT.

how i found this out is i took a bath with 5 drops of peppermint oil and i also have a tooth powder that i mixed up with several drops of peppermint oil and powdered sea salt.

after soaking in the bath - which felt wonderful - i brushed my teeth with the tooth powder and also rinsed my mouth out with a little in water.

after this i started feeling weird. i had eaten whole grain pasta and veggies for dinner and couldn't believe my blood sugar was low. but it was 81 - and it continued going lower even after i ate 1 1/2 kashi cereal bars - 1 teaspoons of karo syrup - and 1 whole wheat gingerbread cookie. i ended up eating another cereal bar and finally got it up to 120.

this morning it was still lower than usual after all those mid night carbs - it was 177.

usually the morning after something like this happens it will be in the 200's - since it finally all catches up again.

so be careful with peppermint oil if you are a diabetic on insulin.

i plan to still use my tooth powder - but i have lowered my insulin doses!!!

i am also taking ACV and water a very small amount 2 x a day.

I also used acv with no results but I am not giving up. I still use it every morning. I think that after reading all these mails, I may have been using too little so I will try it morning and evening. lately my sugar level has been really high, over 200. I am using my medication and diet but it is very frustrating. I do not want to go on insulin. any suggestions?

I was recently diagnosed as a "borderline diabetic" and higher cholesterol and triglycerides than normal. Also going into the lovely stages of menopause. My hemoglobin test came back at 5.8 which is just short of the cut off point. At 6.0 you are considered a diabetic. I stopped eating junk food entirely and started exercising and testing my blood sugar three times a day (even though I was not told to do so). Both of my parents are diabetics and I was determined that this was NOT going to happen to me. I started taking 2 Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar right before my lunch and supper. I was startled to see how drastically my blood sugars had come down in only 1 week. When I had my first "glucose" test my number was 121. 126 you are considered a diabetic. I have been testing my blood sugars for the last week and they are now running in the 70's - 90's. WOW! Just a note....there were a few times that my sugar dropped too low so make sure you eat enough of a proper balanced diet and make sure to have your snacks in between meals. I am going to wait one month before I have more blood work to see if it is working on cholesterol and triglycerides.

Does anyone know where Koritje cinnamon come from? Does it come from Sri Lanka? It's the only kind our health store carries, and I'm wondering if it's the right kind, with low coumarin levels. Thank you.

Using Cinnamon to reduce Glucose Levels.

I have read much research on the internet that shows 3-6 grams per day of Cinnamon included in the daily diet will reduce Glucose levels. It consistently states that regular, daily intake of cinnamon improves glucose control and cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. 3-6 grams of Cinnamon would be approximately the tip of a teaspoon.

I also saw that other factors can also raise or lower your Blood Glucose levels.

FOOD: Bread, pasta, rice, pastry, and some types of fruits and vegetables can all contribute to a rise in blood sugar. Research this on the internet to see what works for best you.

EXERCISE: Even the smallest amount of daily exercise can help to lower blood glucose levels. I suggest that you work a little exercise into your daily schedule - walk more, park your car a little further away from the store, use the stairs instead of the elevator.

SUNLIGHT: Low levels of vitamin D in the body have been linked to insulin insensitivity and lowered glucose tolerance. Sitting in full sunlight for 20 to 30 minutes, at least three times a week, can help maintain calcium levels and help lower blood glucose levels.

Hopefully one or two of these will appeal to you and you will use them.

I also experience what feels like low blood sugar attacks when I take apple cider vinegar? I know I have low blood pressure and I alot of problems with my digestion. So yes iam lacking in the proper enzymes. Iread about someone else who got bloated when they take acv. That happens to me too! As soon as I take it I hear sort of bubbely sounds from my stomache and then within minutes I bloat?!! Itook the acv for six months. Another interseting thing that happens to me when I take the acv is I get a itchy scalp and hair loss. Ihave tested this on and off and it seems to be the acv?! I believe have a bacterial over growth in my gut and I know I am too acidic. Even when I take the acv with baking soda I still get the same reaction! To the person who said there might be other mechanisms involved please let me know. IF anyone else has suggestions or comments please fill me in!

Thanks in advance!

Apple Cider Vinegar - and all other acidic drinks (e.g., orange juice and lemon juice) - deactivate an enzyme, amylase, in the saliva. Amylase in the mouth splits food starches into glucose molecules, which can enter the blood stream immediately. (Amylase is also released by the pancreas and enters the small intestine later when the food finally arrives there.) The deactivation of amylase in the mouth might account for the lowering of blood sugar in individuals who drink ACV BEFORE a high-carb meal.

However, if you achieve lower blood sugar levels by taking ACV AFTER a meal, then there is obviously some other mechanism at work.

Please e-mail me and let me know.

how much tumeric? what milligram did you take?

Try the remedy again without the honey. Honey made my bloodsugar spike too (I used to add it to tea a few times a day)... now I only use raw sugar, no more than 1 teaspoon at a time. But I suggest you try ACV without any sweetener unless it's something like stevia.

high blood sugar: my blood sugar runs between 170 to 205, I watch my diet and exercise and i drink acv mixed with lite (amt) honey and distilled water..I have seen no results with the ACV, what am I doing wrong. I take 2Tbl ACV with 1tsp honey in 8 ounces distille water...

I tried taking the vinegar in water and was disappointed as I had no change in my glucose reading. Yesterday I made a salad for lunch and dinner and added shredded Chicken, garlic and Ginger, with a dressing of Olive Oil and ACV. This morning my glucose was down from 11.5 to 7.8 [Canadian]. I haven't had a reading that low for many months. I hope this will continure. Oh, and in between meals I drank 1 cup of Fenugreek tea, and 2 glasses of water with Husks.

Hope this helps you,
Joan

funny you should mention this. when i first started taking ACV - and i only take 1 teaspoon a day - suddenly my sex drive re-awakened. i think that it just gives your immune system a kick in the pants and when you feel good - you feel good!

i took apple cider vinegar (2 tbl spoons per bottle of water) to help lower my blood sugar. not only did it bring my levels down substantially, but it's also helping me lose weight and something i haven't read on here - it has increased the amount of semen i produce. great site - thank you!

I have tried apple cider vinegar in the past with mixed results. I have diabetes and take insulin. When I started taking ACV before I was taking 1 tablespoon and it really did lower my blood sugar - in fact, I had to make sure that I ate enough carbs or it would be too low - like in the 40's. also it was giving me very bad gas. I was taking it in a glass of water 2x a day and my teeth were becoming sensitive.

Well, I started taking it again - but this time in a much smaller dose. now i put it in a dropper bottle and take a dropper - approx. 1/2 - 1 teaspoon and i put it in the back of my throat so it doesn't touch my teeth.

This works much better for me and I do get some of the blood sugar lowering effects - but what I really noticed is that in the morning my face is not puffy. It also makes me pee a lot more and i just feel 'cleaner'. It seems like my body is 'clearer' or something. And at this dosage it isn't giving me gas. I do this 2 times a day and maybe i will be able to work up to more eventually - but for now this is helping me.