Best Benefits Obtained With A Level Of 95% Curcuminoids
Much of the existing research on turmeric shows that supplements containing at least 95% curcuminoids offer the most promising benefits. Anything less than that percentage and the results from taking this type of supplement are likely to be less than anticipated. The reason is simple. Curcuminoids are the bioactive ingredients in turmeric that deliver their beneficial capabilities. They are the most important component of this ancient remedy. Therefore, it is essential that a turmeric supplement contains 95% curcuminoids to ensure its use proves beneficial.
High doses of turmeric can lower blood sugar or blood pressure, Ulbricht said, which means people taking diabetes or blood-pressure medication should use caution while taking turmeric supplements. People preparing for surgery should avoid turmeric supplements because turmeric can increase the risk of bleeding.
What Is The Fastest Way To Bring Down High Blood Pressure
Here are some simple recommendations: Exercise most days of the week. Exercise is the most effective way to lower your blood pressure. Consume a low-sodium diet. Too much sodium causes blood pressure to rise. Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 to 2 drinks per day. Make stress reduction a priority.
/8can Turmeric Help Manage Diabetes
Turmeric is a common spice thats widely used in Indian cuisine. It is not just food turmeric is used in however, there are various other uses that you might not know about, such as cosmetics and religious ceremonies. Because of its bright yellow colour, turmeric is also known as the Indian saffron or the the golden spice. With more than 100 chemical compounds present in it, turmeric is often called a miraculous spice. However, its the active compound of turmeric curcumin that helps the most in fighting several diseases. Apart from healing, turmeric has several other health benefits too and one of which is fighting against diabetes! Of late, there have been several studies, which prove that turmeric is a boon for those who are diabetic. However, one should always take turmeric in moderation as it can decrease the blood sugar levels to quite an extent, which is not safe for diabetes patients. Here are 7 ways in which turmeric can help you fight against diabetes:
Also Check: How To Decrease Sugar Level Immediately
Diabetes Control: Benefits Of Turmeric For Diabetics
Turmeric is loaded with medicinal properties. This amazing spice is found in almost every Indian kitchen and is widely used for both medical and non-medical purposes. A study published in 2013 also suggested that curcumin present in turmeric can reduce the level of glucose in blood and control other complications of diabetes.
Also read: Diabetes: Exercise Tips To Manage Blood Sugar Levels Benefits Of Exercising For Diabetics
Chief Dietician Ms. Pavithra N Raj explains, “Turmeric is made up of a component called curcumin and substance is called Curcuma Longa, which has many health benefits because it is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidants help in fighting against free radicals which can cause oxidative damage. Curcumin component in turmeric helps to prevent fatty deposits in the blood vessels of your body and prevent the growth of fatty tissue.
Studies on animals have shown that curcumin, improves the activity and performance of pancreatic cells, called beta cells, by repairing and regenerating these beta cells. The spice also reduces glucose creation in the liver. Increase insulin sensitivity, which leads to lower blood sugar levels. It can be used for the preparation of all curries as a major spice or a pinch can be added to a glass of milk daily.
Turmeric has following beneficial effects:
- Glucose lowering effect
- Improved fatty acid oxidation and utilization
It Is Beneficial For Heart And Vascular Health
Curcumin has protective effects on the cardiovascular system. It is found to be effective in the treatment of cardiotoxicity, diabetes-induced cardiovascular complications, heart failure, etc.
It reduces cholesterol levels and is effective in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Curcumin is found to reverse aging-related changes in arteries and its function. It inhibits hypertension-induced heart failure and also protects the heart from drug-induced toxicity.
Endothelial dysfunction is a condition where the endothelium or lining of the blood vessels is affected and there imbalance between biological molecules that regulate constriction and relaxation of blood vessels.
Hypertension can occur as a result of endothelial dysfunction.
Researchshows that curcumin can help in ameliorating endothelial dysfunction and improve vascular health.
What does this mean?Curcumin has protective effects on cardiovascular system. Research suggests that curcumin can help in restoring vascular function and ameliorate structural changes which occur in diseased states in the blood vessels.
Donât Miss: Does Claritin D Raise Blood Pressure
Don’t Miss: Sugar Free Pedialyte
Role Of Turmeric Extract In Diabetes
Since ancient times, natures gifts have been used for treating different health conditions. Multiple herbal remedies have been tried and tested in the treatment of diabetes and complications arising out of it. Turmeric, a spice commonly used in our kitchen, is derived from the root of the turmeric plant.
It has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. Curcumin, the most active component of turmeric, has been proven to possess anti-diabetic properties. It has been shown that curcumin may reduce the risk of developing diabetes in prediabetic patients. Curcumin has been demonstrated to have a direct impact on pancreatic cells causing increased secretion of insulin. This results in increased glucose uptake, thereby, controlling hyperglycemia.
Curcumin is also found to effectively reduce hyperlipidemia, that is, increased cholesterol. Curcumin possesses strong anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic, that is, anti-cancer properties.
Apart from decreasing blood glucose levels, curcumin has proven to be effective in various other conditions and complications associated with diabetes.
Effective in Diabetes-related Liver Diseases
Patients suffering from diabetes usually develop fatty liver disorder and other liver related disorders. Studies conducted to assess the effect of curcumin in such patients revealed that curcumin significantly improved the condition of such patients.
Role in Diabetic Neuropathy
What About The Glycemic Index
Your daily carb total, spread steadily across the day, is one key to good blood sugar control. Some people also use the glycemic index , a rating of how individual foods raise blood sugar levels. Beans and whole-grain breads and cereals have a lower GI than white bread and regular pasta. Juice has a higher GI than whole fruit. Craving a high-GI food? Eat it along with a lower-GI choice to help control your levels.
David McGlynn / Photographers Choice David Malan / Photographers Choice RF Maximilian Stock Ltd. / Photographers Choice Peter Dazeley/ Photographers Choice Paul Poplis / FoodPix Jeffrey Hamilton / Lifesize, Thinkstock Nick Daly / The Image Bank Ailbhe ODonnell / Flickr Open Ross M Horowitz / Stone John Slater / The Image Bank Yo Thinkstock
You May Like: 15-15-15 Rule Hypoglycemia
Study : Turmeric Supplementation Protects The Heart In Type 2 Diabetes
240 individuals with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in the 9-month study.
For the first 3 months, they were counseled and provided diet and exercise recommendations by nutritionists.
Individuals receiving oral anti-diabetes medication, insulin injection, herbal medicines, anti-platelet drugs, blood pressure medications or any other medicines were excluded from the study to avoid any interference from any other medications.
Individuals received 6 capsules of curcumin or placebo in a day. Each curcumin capsule had curcuminoid content of 250 mg. This supplementation continued for 6 months.
Parameters such as pulse wave velocity, change in the level of anti-inflammatory agents, abdominal obesity, uric acid levels, triglyceride levels, and insulin resistance were monitored.
What were the results?
Pulse wave velocity is a measure of arterial stiffness or the pressure obstructing the blood flow. At the end of 6 months, it was found that curcumin reduced pulse wave velocity.
Curcumin increased the levels of an anti-inflammatory agent, adiponectin and reduced levels of leptin.
The curcumin-treated group also had a reduced level of insulin resistance, reduced cholesterol, and uric acid levels and reduced abdominal obesity.
At the end of 6 months, a slight reduction in body weight was observed in the curcumin group.
Curcumin was well tolerated throughout the 6-month study.
How did this occur?
Dietary curcumin also prevents cholesterol accumulation and exerts an anti-atherogenic effect.
Screening For Vitamin B12 Deficiency Among Patients With T1dm
Among patients with T1DM, there are no clear guidelines regarding screening for vitamin B12 deficiency. However, due to the high prevalence of pernicious anaemia and subsequent vitamin B12 deficiency among T1DM patients reported in most cross sectional studies, it would be pragmatic to screen at diagnosis and then later yearly for 3 years, then five yearly thereafter or in presence of any clinical indication since vitamin B12 deficiency can develop at anytime . Screening should involve assessment of serum vitamin B12 levels and markers of gastric autoimmunity like PCA and AIF especially among T1DM patients with GAD-65 and thyroid peroxidase antibodies. Presence of these auto antibodies increases the propensity to developing vitamin B12 deficiency .
Also Check: Vitamins To Stop Sugar Cravings
Study : Turmeric And Nigella Sativa Is Therapeutic In Metabolic Syndrome
250 men diagnosed with metabolic syndrome were recruited in this study. They were given either: Kalonji 1.5g/ day Turmeric 2.4g/day 900mg kalonji and 1.5g turmeric per day
The treatment lasted for 8 weeks. BMI, body fat %, hip and waist circumference, cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure etc were measured.
What were the results?
Within 4 weeks of individual treatment with kalonji and turmeric improved BMI, waist and hip circumference in comparison to the measurements recorded prior to the study.
Combination of the two improved all parameters except for cholesterol.
At 8 weeks, kalonji and turmeric individual treatment improved only specific metabolic parameters while the combination formula at 60% dose improved all parameters compared to baseline values.
How did this occur?
Turmeric has multiple pharmacological properties that aid in treating metabolic syndrome: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective etc. It also aids in lowering cholesterol, accumulation of fat and reducing blood sugar.
Kalonji seeds are also found to beneficial in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar. The combination hence works towards attenuating individual features of metabolic syndrome.
What does this mean?
Turmeric and Nigella sativa or kalonji seeds provided at 60% of individual dose mentioned in the study improve all parameters of metabolic syndrome without causing side effects.
Read full paper here:
How Turmeric Can Help Fight Diabetes
Turmeric is an ancient Indian spice and a perennial herb that is also mostly found in Asian parts. Turmeric spice is extracted from Curcuma, which is a perennial ginger family plant and is used extensively in cooking the Indian cuisines. It is also used as coloring agent in Hindu and Buddhist in their ceremony practices and also considered sacred.
Turmeric has component known as Curcuminoids, which contains curcumin, a magical content that is working wonders in healing capabilities for both type 1 and 2 diabetes according to the research and findings. Curcumin is capable of mitigating the primary features of diabetes such as higher blood sugar levels and the inability for the body to respond to the insulin.
Type 1 diabetes occurs as a result of the destruction of pancreatic cells through inflammation and eventual cell death. The inflammation impairs the functioning of the insulin as well as contributing to the insulin resistance. Turmeric has an anti-inflammatory property that works by modulating protein’s activities and their pathways in the body. This also enables the proteins that mediate inflammation to be hindered from their activities as well.
Turmeric plays a major role in reversing pancreatic damage in diabetic persons are often told that their condition cannot be treated. This is possible because the dysfunction of the beta cells in the pancreas where the insulin is produced can be repaired.
Don’t Miss: How Much Sugar In Hard Cider
Study 8 Curcumin & Black Pepper Combination Reduces Blood Lipids In Metabolic Syndrome
Patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome were recruited for this study and assigned to placebo and curcuminoid groups.
Standard medications were provided to all. The curcuminoid group received the C3 complex at a dose of 1000mg per day. The C3 complex is a bioavailable form of curcumin containing all 3 curcuminoids.
Additionally, they also received biopiperine, active constituent of black pepper to increasethe absorption of curcuminoid. The study lasted for 8 weeks.
What were the results?
Curcuminoids were successful in reducing bad cholesterol levels- LDL and elevating good cholesterol-HDL. Overall cholesterol levels and blood lipids were reduced better than the reduction brought about standard care alone.
How did this occur?
Curcuminoids are strong antioxidants. Curcumins antioxidant property is comparable to that Vitamin C and E. This property helps in combating oxidative damage and increases the level of lipid metabolizing enzymes. It also activates genes that would be involved in lipid metabolism.
This ensures proper function of the liver to prevent fat accumulation and also protects blood vessels and heart from cholesterol-induced damage.
What does this mean?
Curcuminoids with piperine can be used as an add-on therapy with standard treatment to treat dyslipidemia in metabolic syndrome and lower cholesterol levels.
Read paper here:
How To Make Turmeric Milk/tea To Manage Diabetes:
You can try this Ayurvedic concoction too. According to ‘The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies’ by Dr. Vasant Lad, “To help regulate blood sugar levels, you can try taking ½ teaspoon of ground bay leaf and ½ teaspoon of turmeric, mixed in 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel. Take this mixture twice a day before lunch and dinner.”
: Getting Back To The Roots)
Turmeric milk has been India’s favourite go-to beverage to soothe pain and boost immunity
It is always advisable to consult an expert before making any drastic changes in your diet. Do check for allergies before you make turmeric a common affair in your daily diabetes diet. Other spices that are also known to have a positive impact on blood sugar levels are cinnamon, cumin, and basil.
Recommended Reading: Which Cells Produce Hormones To Regulate Blood Sugar
Tips For Choosing A Safe Turmeric Supplement To Add To Your Diabetes Treatment Plan
The Food and Drug Administration doesnt regulate supplements the same way it regulates traditional medication, Chaparro says. Getting recommendations or looking at websites that could provide information on what the supplement really has is important, she says. If you are a general Joe and you want to start taking curcumin, just make sure it’s an adequate dose, that it’s from a manufacturer you trust, and you know what is actually in it. Of course, thats easier said than done, but luckily, the FDA does offer a tip sheet to help you get started.
If you want to take turmeric or any supplement, for that matter talk to your healthcare team first, especially if youre taking a medication to treat diabetes, Chaparro advises. If you’re not taking diabetes medication, a supplement that you know is going to be safe and have those compounds you are looking for is worth looking into, she says, adding that the benefit of curcumin on beta cell function may result in hypoglycemia. Research cited in the aforementioned Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine review also notes that potential side effect of turmeric.
RELATED: 11 Vitamin-Packed Superfoods for People With Type 2 Diabetes
Metformin Causing Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A Guilty Verdict Without Sufficient Evidence
Metformin causing vitamin B12 deficiency has become a traditional myth in medical literature . But what evidence do we have? The possibility to measure holotranscobalamin and the metabolic marker, methylmalonic acid , has changed the practice of diagnosing B12 deficiency in recent years. We have learned that not all low plasma B12 means a deficiency and not all high plasma B12 mean sufficiency. When B12 is internalized and is able to maintain the B12-dependent intercellular enzyme activities , plasma total homocysteine and MMA will be within the reference range. This revolution in diagnosing B12 deficiency has provided convincing evidence that metformin is not as bad as its reputation.
Taken together, there is no evidence that pathological levels of the biochemical markers of B12 are more common in metformin-treated compared with nonmetformin-treated patients, despite lowering B12 in serum or plasma. This letter aims to raise the consciousness of medical practitioners of the common misleading statements on metformin causing vitamin B12 deficiency. A combined assay of vitamin B12 and MMA can identify the deficiency in suspected cases.
You May Like: What Causes High Glucose Levels
When To Avoid Taking Turmeric
Its important to be cautious with all herbal supplements. Turmeric is safe when taken in recommended doses by mouth or applied to the skin.
In most cases when people take turmeric to relieve pain its safe. But, you should consult your primary care physician and use caution in the following situations:
Can Vitamins Cause Blood Sugar To Rise
4.8/5vitaminsblood sugar
Subsequently, one may also ask, what supplements can raise blood sugar?
There are a few supplements which may worsen blood sugar control or insulin sensitivity in certain people: excessive amounts of niacin may elevate blood sugar levels, and prescription digestive enzymes may cause an increase or decrease in blood sugar levels in people with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
Secondly, what is the best supplement to lower blood sugar? Here are 10 supplements that may help lower blood sugar.
Similarly one may ask, can b12 cause high blood sugar?
It is more likely that you are deficient in iron, folate and/or vitamin B12. When red blood cells are old and A1c values show blood sugar levels to be higher than reality, insulin regimens can be mistakenly increased. This can cause hypoglycemia.
What can cause blood sugar to spike?
Causes
- A lack of physical activity. Having a sedentary lifestyle can cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
- Smoking.
Recommended Reading: What Brand Of Yogurt Has The Least Amount Of Sugar