MAILBAG! Ditch Drugs and Beat Diabetes NATURALLY?!
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 30, 2022
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
“Are there any supplements that work as well as medication for diabetes?”
— Anne from Greensboro, North Carolina
Hi Anne,
To be honest, finding a natural solution that works as well as a diabetes drug isn’t all that hard. And that’s simply because so many of those drugs aren’t effective. Even worse, they can come with horrible side effects.
In fact, there are stacks of studies on my desk right now that have titles that say something like, “Natural medicine X is just as effective as Drug Y.”
This isn’t always the case, of course. In some situations, the best treatment IS going to be a medication. But when the goal is to tame blood sugar, the natural route is often the best one.
Keep in mind that natural diabetes solutions can often be VERY effective. However, if you’re not careful, combining them with medications could lower blood sugar levels too far.
That’s why it’s critical to consult with your doctor BEFORE making any changes to your treatment plan.
But with that in mind, that ARE some natural ways to get better blood sugar control. Following are a few I have found to be the most effective.
- Diet: Better blood sugar control always STARTS with diet. Cut out as much sugar as you can. Tossing sodas and sweets into the trash is obvious. But also look for hidden sources of sugar like empty refined carbs (such as white bread and rice cakes). Instead, focus on eating more unprocessed (or lightly processed) proteins and vegetables.
- EASY Exercise: Many folks find it hard to fit in a formal exercise routine. But “easy exercise” is something anyone can do. Look for opportunities to sneak extra movement into your day with little extra effort. For example, take the stairs, walk to do your errands, and stand during television commercials. Then find something active and fun you LIKE to do. Maybe it’s square dancing, gardening, or swimming. The activity doesn’t matter. As long as it gets you moving, it can help control your blood sugar.
- Weight Control: One of the best ways to get diabetes under control is to maintain a healthy weight. There are many ways to drop a few pounds, but I typically encourage starting with getting blood sugar under control, reducing inflammation, and giving your metabolism a kick. There are three supplements that I often recommend that can help with those.
- Supplements: In the West, cinnamon is often accompanied by sugar and sprinkled onto toast or added to sweetened pumpkin spice coffee. But it’s actually a potent herb that can be a powerful weapon against high blood sugar. Cinnamon can imitate the action of insulin, helping to move glucose out of your bloodstream and into your cells. Concentrated cinnamon extracts and supplements are easy to find and affordable.
The herb turmeric is a traditional Indian spice that contains a potent compound called curcumin. Curcumin is naturally anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory. The spice extract helps to reduce insulin resistance allowing glucose to enter the cells effectively. You can add more turmeric to your meals or look for a turmeric or curcumin supplement.
As the name implies, olive leaf extract comes from the leaves of the olive plant. The herb can help improve insulin secretion in cells, naturally reducing excess blood sugar.
Natural medicine has much to offer when managing diabetes and high blood sugar. Work with your doctor on a plan to try some of these natural approaches. Eventually, they may help you be able to wean off of the drugs entirely.
P.S. Did you know working muscles are blood-sugar-burning MACHINES? More muscle increases insulin sensitivity clearing excess glucose from your bloodstream. Discover the secret to fighting muscle loss in your senior years RIGHT HERE.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Why Your Muscles Are Your Brain's Best Defense
Forget expensive brain scans and head-scratching cognitive tests that make you feel like you’re back in school. Japanese researchers have stumbled onto something that could change how we screen for memory problems—and it’s so simple, you’ll wonder why nobody thought of it sooner. A quick, painless measurement you can get during a routine checkup might...
Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life
You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...