Now Gymnema Sylvestre 400mg - 90 Caps

Gymnema Sylvestre

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.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Obesity is causally linked to Type II Diabetes. If you are going to take only one thing from this article, take the following message: Exercise and weight loss can prevent and, in large part, reverse diabetes. In individuals who are at high risk, diagnosed pre-diabetic or found to have impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, weight loss can prevent diabetes and reverse these diagnoses. It can also provide significant support for individuals already diagnosed with type II diabetes, by increasing insulin sensitivity, lowering the need for medication and most importantly reducing diabetes related mortality.

These effects seem to be largely irrespective of genetic background or family history. When you factor in that diabetics have an increased risk of myocardial infarction, cardiovascular disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and nerve damage, a little (weight) loss is well worth all that is gained. Effective and sustainable weight loss needs to include both caloric restriction and exercise. Some data is showing that as little as a 4.2 kg loss for an average of 3.2 years can reduce progression of Type II diabetes by 50%.

Refined carbohydrates and refined sugars need to be a thing of the past. High fibre, low glycemic complex carbohydrates, like whole grains (whole oats, brown rice, spelt, etc.) are more slowly broken down/released and can prevent spikes in blood sugar, as can protein, which should be included in every meal or snack. Aim for healthy protein options, like poultry or fish, as red meats tend to be high in saturated fat and cholesterol, leading to access weight and also worsening blood glucose control on their own. Incorporate high amounts of vegetables into your diet and a moderate amount of fruit. This is one of the only time I will say to be cautious of fruit. Fruit contains a lot of 'natural' sugars and is digested quickly. It can lead to spikes in blood sugar. In this case it is best to limit your servings of fruit to 1-2 day and try to pair it with a protein like nuts or yogurt to slow its absorption. Individuals who eat a high amount of white breads, baked goods, potatoes, white rice and candy, all high on the glycemic index and causing rapid and profound increases in blood sugar, are at an increased risk of developing type II diabetes.