There are two forms of thyroid disease:
Hyperthyroidism – overactive thyroid
Hypothyroidism – underactive thyroid

Your thyroid gland sits at the base of your throat and consists of two large lobes.  It produces hormones that are essential for the proper functioning and maintenance of all the cells in your body.  When the thyroid gland secretes too much thyroid hormone, a condition known as hyperthyroidism occurs.  On the other hand, when the thyroid gland secretes too small hormone, hypothyroidism occurs.  Hyperthyroidism affects more women than men and women between the ages of thirty and fifty are most affected.   Hypothyroidism is much more common than hyperthyroidism.

The symptoms of these disorders can appear very quickly and often mimics long-term depression.  All of your body’s processes speed up with hyperthyroidism and slows down with hypothyroidism.  Your thyroid gland also acts as a built-in, natural thermostat, regulating your body temperature and it controls how quickly your body burns calories and uses up energy.  

There are three forms of hyperthyroidism that all show several of the same symptoms, the most common form is Graves disease.

Several types of hypothyroidism are known of which the most common is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the thyroid gland.

An abnormal immune response is thought to be the cause of thyroid disorders.  Your immune system produces antibodies that invade and attack your thyroid which then disrupts the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.  Hyperthyroidism can also be caused by growths or tumors that form on the thyroid gland.  Temporary hyperthyroidism is often caused by infection or inflammation of the thyroid gland and certain prescription drugs.  Smoking and a diet high in unsaturated fats can also cause thyroid problems.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)                                                
A constant feeling of being hot and an intolerance to heatIncreased perspirationInsomnia and fatigueIrritability and nervousnessHair and weight lossLess frequent menstruation and decreases menstrual flowRapid heartbeatHand tremorsIncreased bowel movementsSymptoms of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Chronic fatigueLow body temperature and an intolerance to coldElevated cholesterolEasy weight gainSlow heartbeatMuscle weakness and muscle crampsPainful and heavy menstruationFertility problemsDry and scaly skinLoss of appetiteHoarsenessSlow speechDifficulty in concentratingDrooping and swollen eyesLemon balm is helpful to stabilize an overactive thyroid.  The recommended dosage is 300 – 500 mg three times daily.  Steep 2 tablespoons lemon balm in a cup of boiled water. Strain and cool, making sure that you drink the entire cup during the course of one day.Green tea adds extra antioxidant effects.  Use 250 – 500 mg daily of standardized extract, making sure that it is a caffeine-free product.Avoid the following herbs:
Ashwagandha, bladderwrack and Panax ginseng.  These herbs will further stimulate your overactive thyroid thereby making the problem worse. Green tea adds extra antioxidant effects.  Use 250 – 500 mg daily of standardized extract, making sure that it is a caffeine-free product.Use Gugulipid standardized extract 250 – 500 mg three times a day.Use 600 mg one to three times daily of Bladderwrack. Use Coleus standardized extract 50 – 100 mg two to three times a day. 
To determine if you have a thyroid problem, your doctor will do a simple blood test to measure the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).  This hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland and helps to regulate thyroid hormone production.

Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins are very vital in treating both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.  These vitamins work by improving the function of your immune system and your thyroid gland.  Check for a vitamin B supplement that contains 100 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin, 400 mcg folic acid and 100 mg of all other B vitamins, take one pill of this supplement daily.  A dosage of 1 000 mg vitamin C is recommended.  Also vital is vitamins A and E.  Take a mineral supplement daily that contains magnesium, selenium, zinc and calcium.

An omega-3 fatty acid supplement will help to decrease inflammation.  Take 1-2 capsules daily.

For antioxidant support, take 25 – 50 mg of Alpha-lipoic acid twice daily.

Kelp is one of the most beneficial herbal supplements used to treat thyroid problems, especially if your thyroid disease is caused by an iodine deficiency.  Take 10 grains of powdered kelp daily which will supply 300 mcg iodine.  Make sure that you check the expiry date of the kelp as the iodine content may decline with storage.

The amino acid L-tyrosine plays an vital part in maintaining healthy thyroid function.  Take 500 mg two to three times daily.  It is vital that if you are taking prescription thyroid hormone medication, to check with your health care practitioner before adding an L-tyrosine supplement.  Do not take L-tyrosine if you have high blood pressure.

Do not take an iodine supplement unless recommended and prescribed by your health care practitioner.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is key to treating both thyroid disorders.  Make sure that you drink plenty of water and start with a mild exercise program.  

There is evidence that soy products interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone, so if you are taking thyroid hormone medication, talk to your doctor before consuming soy products. Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes and vegetables.Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.Eat foods high in B-vitamins and iron, such as whole grains.Use olive oil which is a much healthier cooking oil.Avoid alcohol, tobacco and caffeine.Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats.  Supplement your diet with cold-water fish, or beans for protein. Limit the intake of processed meats.Certain foods interfere with thyroid function, these include broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, spinach, turnips, soybeans, peanuts, linseed, pine nuts, millet, cassava, and mustard greens.Your health care practitioner might want to test you for certain food allergies, but you can also try to eliminate foods that can cause allergies such as dairy products, wheat, preservatives and chemical additives in food.Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids.
Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

Tags: body burns, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid hormone, unsaturated fats, autoimmune disease

The Aztecs and the Maya first used wild yam for its pain relieving properties.  Centuries later, European settlers used wild yam to treat joint pain and muscle cramps.

It is only the roots of this herbal plant that contain any medicinal value and once dried, it is used to make an herbal tea.

The roots of the wild yam contain a substance called diosgenin, a phyto-estrogen, and in the 1950′s scientists learned that this substance can be chemically converted into the hormone progesterone.  The first birth control pills were manufactured in the 1960′s and contained diosgenin.

Most of the claims that wild yam can relieve PMS and menopausal symptoms are yet to be scientifically proven.  Although this herbal medicine contains diosgenin, this substance cannot be converted into progesterone by your body, it can only be done in a laboratory.  Some holistic health care practitioners claim that their patients found relief when using a cream that contain wild yam herbal extracts.  These creams have to be applied to the belly and thighs, but how the cream works, is not clear.

Be very careful when purchasing creams and lotions that claim to contain a natural progesterone such as wild yam.  The molecules and particles in wild yam are too huge to be absorbed through your skin, and as mentioned, your body cannot convert diosgenin into progesterone on its own.

Wild yam does but have other herbal benefits.  In tea, tincture or capsule form, wild yam acts as a muscle relaxant and an anti-inflammatory.  Some health care practitioners prescribe wild yam in capsule form to relieve joint and muscle pain.  If you are looking to use wild yam as an herbal medicine to relieve menstrual cramps, combining it with herbs such as chasteberry is your best option.

Substances called alkaloids are also found in wild yam.  Alkaloids are muscle relaxants that specifically work on the muscles in your abdomen and pelvis.  People who suffer from Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome and other painful digestive disorders report that they find relief after drinking wild yam herbal tea.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

Do not exceed the recommended dosage as it can cause diarrhoea and nausea.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use wild yam herbal supplements.

Do not use wild yam if you are on a birth control pill or using hormone replacement therapy, as wild yam can negatively interact with the hormones found in these prescription medicines.

Wild yam herbal medicines are available in capsule, tea or tincture form.  Take half a teaspoon of tincture three times a day, or 500 mg of wild yam in a capsule form.  You can drink a cup of wild yam herbal tea three times a day to relieve cramps and muscle aches.

To make the tea, use a cup of boiling water with two teaspoons of dried wild yam root and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.  Combining wild yam with other herbal teas such as peppermint tea will increase the benefits when using it for digestive disorders.

Wild yam herbal supplements should be taken with food to minimize the risk of nausea and stomach upsets.  

Tags: health care practitioners, muscle aches, european settlers, birth control pills, Hospitality Recreation

Type 1 diabetes – insulin dependent diabetes
Type 2 diabetes – non-insulin dependent diabetes

Diabetes is also known as hyperglycemia.  When a person’s blood sugar levels are too low, they are hypoglycemic.

When you have diabetes, it means that your body is not producing enough insulin and that it is unable to use insulin effectively.  This causes high blood sugar levels.  Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and is responsible for controlling the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood and also the rate at which glucose is absorbed into cells. Glucose is needed by your cells to produce energy and is also needed by your brain to maintain healthy, normal brain function.

Type 1 diabetes

People with type 1 diabetes will have to take insulin for life.  This type of diabetes occurs when your pancreas stops producing insulin.  It affects 5 – 10 percent of people with diabetes and normally starts at an early age.  Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and experts believe that it is caused by your body’s immune system attacking and destroying the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas.  Often type 1 diabetes starts after a viral infection.  This disease is more common amongst men than women.

Type 2 diabetes

This form of diabetes is the most common and affects 90 – 95 percent of people with diabetes.  Type 2 diabetes develops when your pancreas produces insulin, but not enough to fuel your cells.  Type 2 diabetes often only starts in later years, but recent research has revealed that younger people are now also more commonly affected.  Obesity is one of the main causes of type 2 diabetes.  Genetic factors play an vital role, and often type 2 diabetes will run in your family.  Other risk factors include a diet high in stout, alcohol abuse and smoking.

Symptoms of diabetes

Unexplained weight loss – even though people with diabetes eat normally, their bodies cannot process the calories in the food that they eat, causing them to lose weight rapidly.Fatigue – because the body is unable to utilize glucose for energy, it starts to use up stout for energy.  This makes the body use more energy and causes fatigue.Excessive urination – the body tries to get rid of excess glucose by excreting it in urine.Excessive thirst – the body encourages more water consumption to dilute the high blood sugar back to normal levels and to compensate for the water lost by excessive urination.Excessive eating – increased hunger and eating is caused by higher levels of insulin.Disturbed vision – high blood sugar levels can cause blurry vision.Slow wound healing and infections – when your blood sugar levels are too high, white blood cells cannot function properly and wounds can take longer to heal.  Other infections such as urinary tract infections and frequent yeast infections can also occur. The supplements below can all be used with prescription medication used to treat both types of diabetes.  By taking some of these supplements, you might have to consult your health care practitioner in order to adjust dosages for insulin or the hypoglycemic medicines used to treat type 2 diabetes.  Please only alter dosages or medicines used to treat diabetes under the care of your physician. Vitamin B complex – B vitamins produce enzymes that convert glucose to energy and these vitamins also help to prevent nerve hurt due to diabetes.  Take 1 pill each morning with food, ensuring that the supplement contains 100 mcg B12 and biotin, 100 mg of other B vitamins and 400 mcg folic acid.Chromium – lowers blood glucose and cholesterol levels.  Take 200 mcg 3 times a day with meals.  Consult your health care practitioner as chromium might alter insulin requirements.Gymnema sylvestre – this herbal medicine improves blood sugar control.  Take 200 mg twice a day.  Consult your health care practitioner as gymnema sylvestre might alter insulin requirements.Essential fatty acids – these supplements play an vital role in protecting you against nerve hurt caused by diabetes.  Take 1000 mg evening primrose oil 3 times a day and 1000 mg fish oils daily.Antioxidants can help to prevent hurt to your eyes, heart and nerves.  Take 1000 mg vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E and 150 mg alpha-lipoic acid daily.Zinc – zinc plays and vital role in wound healing and also helps your body to use insulin.  Take 30 mg zinc a day.  If you are taking zinc longer than 1 month, add 2 mg copper per day.Bilberry – this herbal medicine can prevent eye hurt caused by diabetes.  Take 160 mg twice a day.Ginko Biloba – this herbal medicine is very beneficial because it can improve nerve hurt due to diabetes and will also improve blood circulation.  Take 40 mg three times a day.Adding soya foods to your diet may be beneficial as these products could improve glucose control.Eat a low-stout, high-fiber diet that includes raw fruits and vegetables.  Fiber assists to reduce sudden blood sugar spikes.Avoid smoking and alcohol.  Smoking constricts blood vessels and can worsen nerve hurt due to diabetes.Avoid high-glycemic foods such white flour products, white rice, pasta, starches and processed foods as these foods convert into blood sugar and can cause insulin levels to surge.  Instead, eat low-glycemic foods such as asparagus, cabbage, broccoli, green beans and low-starch vegetables and fruits.  These foods convert into blood sugar slowly and only gradually raise insulin levels.Start an exercise program.  Please ensure that you consult your health care practitioner before starting any exercise.Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

Tags: frequent yeast infections, herbal medicines, Glycemic index, genetic factors, insulin dependent diabetes

Menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop releasing eggs in her early 50′s and her menstrual cycle stops.  When a woman has not had a period in six months, it is considered that she has completed menopause.  Even though menopause should not be considered as a disease, it can have unpleasant symptoms.  Before a woman has her last period, she can experience menstrual irregularities, hot flushes and irritability.  After menopause, vaginal dryness, loss of bone mass and an increased risk of heart disease can occur.  This happens because the ovaries stop manufacturing estrogen and progesterone.

To try and counter these problems, women in general opt for hormone replacement therapy (HRT).  Recent studies have but increased concern that long-term HRT can cause breast cancer, and many women are searching for a natural alternative.

One of the natural herbal alternatives is Black Cohosh which is widely used to help stabilize hormone levels.

The healing abilities of Black Cohosh were recognized centuries ago when Native American women started using the root of this plant to treat a variety of ailments, specifically problems related to the menstrual cycle and menopause.

Black Cohosh was the main ingredient in one of the most well loved folk remedies in the early 1900′s.  Lydia Pinkham’s Vegetable Compound was sold as a women’s tonic and is still available today.

The Black Cohosh plant is a member of the buttercup family and is recognized by its tall stalks of fluffy white flowers.  This perennial plant is native to North America and has quite a few other common names such as black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, rattletop and rattleweed.

Traditional uses of Black Cohosh included treating menstrual problems and reducing the symptoms of menopause.  Today, Black Cohosh is used for similar purposes, but also as an anti-inflammatory that can relieve muscle aches and pain.

In Europe and increasingly in the United States, Black Cohosh is recommended by homeopaths to treat hot flushes, vaginal dryness and other menopausal symptoms.  A hormone called LH (luteinizing hormone) is produced by the brain’s pituary gland and when the levels of LH rise, it can cause hot flushes.  Scientific studies have revealed that Black Cohosh can reduce the levels of LH in the body.

In addition, Black Cohosh contains phyto-estrogens which are plant compounds that have a similar effect to that of estrogen produced by your body.  When these phyto-estrogens bind to hormone receptors in the uterus and breast it can ease menopausal symptoms without increasing your risk of breast cancer, which is a possible side effect of conventional hormone replacement therapy.  Some experts even believe that Black Cohosh can prevent breast cancer by keeping the body’s own estrogen from locking onto breast cells.

Black Cohosh is very effective to alleviate menstrual cramps due to its antispasmodic properties.  This herbal remedy increases the blood flow to the uterus and reduces the intensity of uterine contractions, which also makes it useful during labour and after childbirth.

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Black Cohosh might be valuable in treating muscle aches and pain, joint inflammation and nerve-related pain.  More scientific studies are being done to prove the herb’s value as a pain killer.

Black Cohosh is often recommended by homeopaths to help in clearing mucus from the body.  This makes it an effective herbal medicine to treat sinus infections, coughs and bronchitis.  

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

Black Cohosh has basically no toxic effect, although a few people have reported stomach upsets.  If you are taking medicine for high blood pressure, make sure that you consult your health care practitioner before taking Black Cohosh as this herb can lower your blood pressure.  

Do not increase dosages of Black Cohosh as this can have serious side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, heavy perspiration and a reduced pulse rate.

Make sure that you buy capsules or tablets that are standardized to contain 25 percent of triterpenes which are the active components in Black Cohosh.

For menopausal symptoms, take 40 mg of Black Cohosh twice a day.  To ease menstrual cramps and PMS, start taking 40 mg of this herbal remedy a week to 10 days before your period.  

Black Cohosh can be taken at any time of the day but to minimize the chance of a stomach upset it is best to take it with a meal.  Allow four to six weeks to see the benefits of this herbal remedy.  Some experts have recommended that Black Cohosh not be used longer than six months continually, but more recent studies have shown that longer use seems safe and that there are no significant side effects to long term use.

Compresses soaked in Black Cohosh tea can be applied to sore muscles and joints to ease pain.  Boil dried root in water for 20 to 30 minutes and let it cool off until it is warm enough for you to tolerate holding a compress against your skin.  Apply the warm compress for 20 minutes, repeating this every 4 hours if the pain does not improve.

Tags: United States, perennial plant, menstrual cramps, buttercup family, high blood pressure

Red clover (trifolium pratense) is a species of clover, native to Europe, western Asia and northwest Africa, but planted and naturalized in many other regions.

The common names are wild clover, cleaver grass, purple clover, trefoil and cow grass.

The herb can be used as a tea to treat gastrointestinal problems. The tea has a pleasant taste and the parts used are the flowers.

The flowers were used in ancient times to treat respiratory problems, colds, flues and infections. Just make a strong tea and use it as salve for any skin condition.

It has been used for a variety of other medicinal purposes, such as bronchitis, burns, cancers, ulcers, sedation, asthma, lung congestion, and syphilis.

Drinking the tea helps stimulate immune function to help the body to remove toxic waste products. It is often useful for relieving skin problems and to boost estrogen levels in women with estrogen deficiencies.

It contains calcium and magnesium which can relax the nervous system and improve fertility.

Do not use this herb if you are pregnant.

 View the original article here

Tags: skin condition, western asia, purple clover, Health Medical Pharma, red clover

Natural breast enlargement pills are advertised on the Internet, television, and in women’s magazines. Some of the ads focus on women’s insecurities about their breasts, especially after childbirth, weight loss, and the removal of breast implants.

Women in search of an alternative to breast enlargement surgery are trying these herbal pills, without realizing that there is small-to-no evidence about the safety of breast enhancement pills. Most websites selling natural breast enhancement pills do not list any potential risks.

Natural breast enlargement pills could theoretically increase breast size because some of them contain herbs that have known estrogen-like effects on the body.

Birth control pills are thought to temporarily increase breast size in the same way–estrogen causes fluid retention in the breasts and may have an effect on breast tissue.

But if natural breast enlargement pills do work, there is no evidence that they’re safe. Adriane Fugh-Berman, M.D., professor of complementary and alternative medicine at the Georgetown University School of Medicine, said in an article published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, “The use of bust-enhancing products should be discouraged because of lack of evidence for efficacy and long-term safety concerns.”

If breast enlargement pills do have estrogen-like effects in the body, there are some safety concerns. Estrogen given on its own stimulates the growth of tissue in the uterus and is believed to promote uterine cancer, which is why birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy normally contain progesterone to counter estrogen’s effects on the uterus. We don’t know if natural breast enhancement pills stimulate the growth of uterine tissue.

There is also no evidence about whether natural breast enlargement pills interfere with fertility, menstruation, or the effectiveness of birth control pills.

Ethnobotanist James A. Duke, PhD, discusses breast enlargement herbs in his book, The Green Pharmacy (Rodale, 1997). Many of the herbs Duke talks about, such as fenugreek and fennel, have centuries-ancient folk reputations as breast enlargers. But, there is small discussion of safety, and Duke does not address the safety concerns of taking large quantities of these herbs in pill form.

Here is a rundown of some of the most common ingredients in natural breast enhancement pills:

Blessed Thistle – The herb blessed thistle is approved by Germany’s Commission E for the treatment of loss of appetite and indigestion. It was used historically by nursing women to increase the flow of milk.

There have been no published clinical trials on blessed thistle for natural breast enlargement, so we don’t know whether it is effective or safe for regular use in large doses.

Blessed thistle is believed to stimulate the production of stomach acid, so it can cause mild irritation of the digestive tract lining. It should not be used by people with gastrointestinal reflux disease, ulcers, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Blessed thistle should not be used by pregnant women, as it can increase the risk of birth defects and spontaneous abortion.

People who are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or daisies may be allergic to blessed thistle, because they belong to the same plant family.

Dong Quai – Dong quai is a Chinese herb used primarily to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, reduce menstrual cramps, and regulate menstrual cycles.

The only published study on dong quai and breast enlargement was a case report of a man who took a combination herbal pill and had temporary breast enlargement. The pill was thought to have been contaminated with synthetic estrogen. There are no other published clinical trials on dong quai for breast enhancement.

One potential risk is that dong quai has been found to stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells (estrogen receptor-positive and negative) in test tube studies.

Dong quai can increase the sensitivity of skin to the sun’s rays. Sunscreen should always be used before any exposure to the sun. Dong quai should not be used by pregnant women.

Dong quai contains chemicals called coumarins, which slow blood clotting, so it should not be taken by people using the “blood-thinning” drugs such as Coumadin (warfarin), Plavix (clopidogrel), Ticlid (ticlopidine), Trental (pentoxifylline), or aspirin. For the same reason, dong quai should not be taken two weeks before or after surgery.

Fennel Seed – Fennel has been used for centuries as both food and medicine. It was used traditionally to increase the flow of breast milk in nursing women, enhance libido, and increase menstrual flow. There are no published studies examining the use of fennel seed for breast enhancement in humans. In the 1930s, there was some interest in fennel in the development of synthetic estrogens, due to compounds called dianethole and photoanethole.

One study found that after consuming fennel seed for 10 days, the weight of breast tissue in female rats increased. Higher doses increased the weight of the uterus, which suggests that fennel in high doses may stimulate the growth of uterine tissue. Fennel may decrease the effectiveness of the antibiotic Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and possibly other drugs in the ciprofloxacin family and should not be combined.

Fenugreek – Although there is an unsubstantiated claim that women in harems were fed fenugreek seeds to increase their breast size, no studies confirm fenugreek can result in breast enlargement.

Fenugreek contains a compound called diosgenin. In laboratories, diosgenin can be converted to estrogen and progesterone but that same conversion doesn’t occur naturally in the body.

People who are allergic to peanuts or soybeans may also be allergic to fenugreek. Side effects from oral fenugreek supplements may include diarrhea and gas. Fenugreek, in large quantitites, may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It should not be combined with diabetes medication unless under a doctor’s supervision.

More breast enlargement herbs on the next page…

Tags: Combined oral contraceptive pill, breast size, menstrual cramps, Dong Quai, breast enhancement pills

According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 21 million people in the United States have diabetes, with about 90 to 95% having type 2 diabetes.

Sugar, in the form of glucose, is the main source of fuel for body cells. The hormone insulin allows glucose in blood to enter cells. In type 2 diabetes, either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cells are resistant to effects of insulin.

As a result, glucose builds up in the blood instead of entering cells, which causes cells to be deprived of energy. If high glucose levels in the blood persist, it may hurt the eyes, heart, kidneys, or nerves.

There are some natural treatments that are being explored for type 2 diabetes. If you are interested in trying a natural treatment in addition to standard treatment, be sure do so only under the close supervision of a qualified health professional. If diabetes is not properly controlled, the consequences can be life-threatening.

Also inform your physician about any herbs, supplements, or natural treatments you are using, because some may interact with the medications you are taking and result in hypoglycemia unless properly coordinated. Consider keeping track of your herbs, vitamins, and supplements with the Supplement Diary and giving your doctor a copy.

Although there are several different types of ginseng, most of the promising studies on ginseng and diabetes have used North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Those studies have shown that North American ginseng may improve blood sugar control and glycosylated hemogobin (a form of hemoglobin in the blood used to monitor blood glucose levels over time) levels.

Chromium is an essential trace mineral that plays an vital role in carbohydrate and stout metabolism and helps body cells properly respond to insulin. In fact, studies have found low levels of chromium in people with diabetes.

There are many promising studies suggesting chromium supplementation may be effective, but they are far from conclusive. For example, a small study published in the journal Diabetes Care compared the diabetes medication sulfonylurea taken with 1,000 mcg of chromium to sulfonylurea taken with a placebo. After 6 months, people who did not take chromium had a significant increase in body weight, body stout, and abdominal stout, whereas people taking the chromium had significant improvements in insulin sensitivity.

Another study published in the same journal, but, examined the effect of chromium on glycemic control in insulin-dependent people with type 2 diabetes. People were given either 500 or 1,000 mcg a day of chromium or a placebo for six months. There was no significant difference in glycosylated hemoglobin, body mass index, blood pressure, or insulin requirements across the three groups.

One form of chromium not recommended is chromium picolinate. For more information, read Chromium Picolinate Side Effects.

Magnesium is a mineral found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains and in nutritional supplements.

Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and is needed for normal muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, immune function, blood pressure, and for bone health.

Some studies suggest that low magnesium levels may worsen blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes. There is also some evidence that magnesium supplementation may help with insulin resistance.

For example, a study examined the effect of magnesium or placebo in 63 people with type 2 diabetes and low magnesium levels who were taking the medication glibenclamide. After 16 weeks, people who took magnesium had improved insulin sensitivty and lower fasting glucose levels.

High doses of magnesium may cause diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, irregular heart rate, and confusion. It can interact with certain medications, such as those for osteoporosis, high blood pressure (calcium channel blockers), as well as some antibiotics, muscle relaxants, and diuretics.

A couple of studies have found that cinnamon improves blood glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes. In the first study, 60 people with type 2 diabetes were divided into six groups. Three groups took 1, 3 or 6 g of cinnamon a day and the remaining three groups consumed 1, 3 or 6 g of placebo capsules. After 40 days, all three doses of cinnamon significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol.

In another study, 79 people with type 2 diabetes (not on insulin therapy but treated with other diabetes medication or diet) took either a cinnamon extract (equivalent to 3 g of cinnamon powder) or a placebo capsule three times a day.

After four months, there was a slight but statistically significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels in people who took the cinnamon (10.3%) compared with the placebo group (3.4%), but, there was no significant difference in glycosylated hemoglobin or lipid profiles. For more about cinnamon, read Cinnamon and Blood Sugar and Is Cinnamon a Proven Diabetes Remedy?

The mineral zinc plays an vital role in the production and storage of insulin. There is some research showing that people with type 2 diabetes have suboptimal zinc status due to decreased absorption and increased excretion of zinc.

Food sources of zinc include fresh oysters, ginger root, lamb, pecans, split peas, egg yolk, rye, beef liver, lima beans, almonds, walnuts, sardines, chicken, and buckwheat.

Although aloe vera gel is better known as a home remedy for minor burns and other skin conditions, recent animal studies suggest that aloe vera gel may help people with diabetes.

A Japanese study evaluated the effect of aloe vera gel on blood sugar. Researchers isolated a number of active phytosterol compounds from the gel that were found to reduce blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. For more information about aloe vera, read the Aloe Vera Fact Sheet

Tags: trace mineral, north american ginseng, several different types, high glucose levels, qualified health

For women suffering from hot flashes during menopause and perimenopause, finding a cure is often a long process. But amid all of the synthetic treatments on the market, none compare to natural herbal treatments that have been used for centuries by women in the know.

Hot flashes, which are noted by increased heat and flushing in the face, is common among women approaching menopausal age, and some are afflicted by severe symptoms. Finding relief in the form of natural herbs helps eliminate stress that accompanies the problem.

While hormone therapy is used by many women, others prefer the natural route, taking doses of Vitamin E and Vitamin B to aid in the easing of symptoms. But herbs play an vital role in natural hot flash therapy.

Flaxseed, also known as linseed, is used in whole seed and oil form to help ease hot flash symptoms. While there is no hard scientific evidence to back up the support of this claim, women have used it successfully for years.

Evening primrose oil is another herb commonly used to treat hot flashes during menopause. But, this botanical is sometimes accompanied by side effects such as diarrhea and nausea. It’s vital to talk to your doctor before combining evening primrose with other medications, such as blood thinning drugs, because it could cause adverse reactions.

Soy products such as plant estrogen, which is found in isoflavones, contribute an estrogen-similar effect to the body to weaken hot flash symptoms. Many women concentrate on using soy-based food products to treat hot flashes, not soy supplements.

Another herbal remedy for hot flash symptoms during menopause and perimenopause is the use of black cohosh. As a small-term remedy, it works well. But side effects can include an upset stomach, so it needs to be used carefully.

With so much controversy in the news about hormone replacement therapy, it’s vital that women find reliable natural ingredients they can use to treat various symptoms associated with menopause.

The herbs mentioned here only serve as a small reminder of natural cures you can find to treat a single symptom – hot flashes. There are dozens of other herbs that can help alleviate the other menopausal symptoms women have to endure over the years.

Tags: adverse reactions, evening primrose oil, natural herbal treatments, blood thinning drugs, soy-based food products