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
Brain Fog? Your Thermostat Could Be the SURPRISING Culprit
Cranking up the heat in winter or blasting the AC in summer can send your utility bills soaring. So, it’s no surprise that many of us choose to grit our teeth and endure it. But that could be a huge mistake. New research reveals that extreme indoor temperatures don’t just make you uncomfortable—they could be...
Nature's Powerful COVID-19 Defense REVEALED
While Big Pharma scrambles to cash in on new COVID-19 treatments, Mother Nature already has powerful allies waiting in the wings. A groundbreaking review in the journal Nutrients revealed a secret that Big Pharma won’t advertise—common herbs and supplements could ease mild COVID-19 symptoms. And the best part? You won’t need a prescription or to...
Women, Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs!
I’ve spent decades in medicine, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that women are tough as nails. They’re pros at pushing through discomfort and brushing off warning signs. But that strength can also be their biggest health risk. Feeling tired? Well, of course—after all, you’re juggling a million things! Short of breath? It...
5 Warning Signs Men Should NEVER Ignore!
Men—listen up. I know you pride yourself on being tough. You insist on pushing through and refuse to make a fuss about “every little ache and pain.” But here’s the cold, hard truth… That tough guy act? It could KILL you. As a doctor I get an unwanted first-row seat to some hard-learned lessons. Hardly...
Mailbag: Is Your Gut Secretly Attacking Your Joints?
“Can a leaky gut cause sudden onset arthritis? My wife has developed arthritis over a 2-month period that is almost debilitating at this point, and she has constant diarrhea. Are these symptoms connected in some way?” -Leaky and Lost Hi Lost, When my patients ask me about leaky gut, my answer is always the same: “It’s...
“Brain Brew” SLASHES Dementia Risk
If you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you know I’m a coffee fan. There are plenty of good reasons to stay that way. In fact, I shared a reason just last week. But I’ve also made room in my life for another hot beverage—and that’s green tea. Now, new research suggests it was a...
Nature's New Mood Booster? (It's Already in Your Kitchen!)
Scientists uncovered something surprising hiding in plain sight in our kitchens. And it might turn out to be nature’s answer to fighting depression. The best part? You’re probably already eating it… Let’s find out. An exciting new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that naturally occurring spermidine could help keep the blues...
Coffee Mug Hack Could Head Off Cancer
If you’re a coffee lover, it doesn’t get much better than that first cup of morning coffee. But before you reach for your favorite mug, I have some news that might make that java taste EVEN better. A new study finds your coffee habit could protect you from one of the world’s most common cancers…...
WALK Away from Cancer? Study Says “Yes!”
When you’re battling cancer, the LAST thing you need is more questionable advice. Yet a parade of well-meaning folks will insist you must do everything from running marathons to moving to a Greek island in order to outsmart the disease. But what if something as simple as a daily walk could give you the extra...
Separating Diet Fact from Fad
We’ve all been there, scrolling through social media, bombarded by images of perfectly arranged açai bowls and bulletproof coffee, wondering if this is the secret to optimal health. In a world of juice cleanses, paleo, gluten-free, and acai-topped everything, it’s easy to get lost in the maze of the latest and greatest diet trends. But...