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GYMNEMA
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Gymnema Sylvestre: Destroyer of sugar. Gymnema is an Arurvedic herb that has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels in both Type I and Type II Diabetes. |
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GYMNEMA |
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Regulate your blood sugar levels with Gymnema & take control over diabetes. |
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Gymnema sylvestre is a slow growing perennial climber out of central India. It is Ayurvedic herb used for centuries to promote blood sugar regulation and now a well-known and commonly used natural remedy for individuals with both type I and type II Diabetes. |
It is believed that Gymnema exerts its sugar regulating effects by blocking the absorption of glucose within the intestine, preventing it from getting into the blood stream. Gymnemic acids, which are considered the active component of Gymnema, compete with sugar at receptor sites, decreasing the amount of glucose that can bind and that is ultimately absorbed. This also serves to prevent the post meal spike in blood sugar that can be damaging for pre-diabetics and diabetics alike.
Type I Diabetes, once referred to as Juvenile Onset Diabetes, has a different pathophysiology and is often much more difficult to treat by natural means. Studies have found that gymnema can reduce the amount of insulin required by these individuals, as well as significantly lower serum lipids levels (often found to be high in Type I sufferers). It is possible that the herb may even act to repair the beta cells of the pancreas to a certain degree, causing these cells to begin producing their own insulin.
Gymnema is also included in many weight loss combinations, as it is said to decrease the sweet taste of sugar, and therefore decrease cravings for sweet (and maybe not so easy on the waistline) treats. It does this by blocking the glucose receptors on the tongue, similar to its effects in the gut. It has also been used for allergies, anemia, indigestion and hyperactivity, although much less widely studied for these purposes.
Gymnema can be found in liquid (tincture) form, capsule, or often combined with other herbs and anti-oxidants specific to blood sugar regulation and prevention of systemic effects of dysglycemia. Gymnema is recommended at a dose of 400-800 mg/day.
There are no known safety or toxicity issues with the use of gymnema. It may be wise to closely monitor your blood sugar levels when initiating treatment with gymnema, especially if already taking pharmaceutical medication aimed at lowering blood sugar, to avoid a state of hypoglycemia. |
Gymnema –
QUICK FACTS
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PARTS USED
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· leaves and stems |
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APPLICATIONS
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· blood sugar imbalances (dysglycemia) and sugar cravings. |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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· 400-800 mg/day |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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· Bitter melon, Chromium, Alpha-lipoic acid, Cinnamon, Fenugreek |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
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· If you are currently taking pharmaceutical medication for blood sugar regulation, and choose to take gymnema in combination, be sure to monitor your blood sugar on a regular basis, as to avoid a hypoglycemic episode. There are no other safety or toxicity issues associated with the use of gymnema. |
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copyright National Nutrition 2001
- 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
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see fit, that the information on
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