CAM Support for Diabetes (complementary alternative methods of medicine)

A photo of whole grains you say? Carbohydrates? I thought they were bad for diabetics?? Well, simple carbohydrates such as refined sugars and white flour should be avoided by those with diabetes but complex carbohydrates, such as those present in whole grains, are quite beneficial to diabetics (as well as everyone!). Whole grains, wheat germ, brewer's yeast as well as dark leafy greens, onions, garlic, legumes, brightly colored vegetables and fruits such as dark berries and apples are essential to include in one's diet. Brewer's yeast is loaded with chromium and most diabetics are subject to a chromium deficiency so adding brewer's yeast to the diet can help to balance blood glucose levels.

CAM protocols can be quite beneficial to diabetics and include massage therapy, acupuncture and herbal protocols. Diabetics are often prone to edema and neuropathy in their extremities. Massage therapy is a wonderfully successful tool in relieving edema and even sometimes successfully reversing neuropathy. Massage techniques such as Swedish, help to stimulate the circulatory system; a necessity for diabetics. Other techniques such as lymphatic drainage help to move the fluid in the body, which is quite effective in helping edema. Acupuncture is also a wonderful technique to open the meridian lines of the body to help the flow of lymph and to stimulate circulation.

Herbal supplements such as bilberry, buchu, dandelion root and uva ursi are beneficial for diabetes and should be considered as a viable treatment option. Again, as with any herbal protocol, dosage and herb-drug interactions should be looked into with the help of a licensed herbalist, naturopath or nutritionist.

Exercise is our friend! Diabetics can find great success in stimulating circulation through exercise such as yoga. Yoga does not only improve one's physical state, but mentally as well as dealing with disease can greatly affect one's mental wellbeing.

Should you have any questions regarding this information or would like to seek references to find further information regarding diabetes treatments, please check further pages or leave a comment!