Introduction:

Diabetes is a general term for diseases where excessive urination occurs, this usually refers to diabetes mellitus. This type alternates between episodes of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia. In general terms this means that there is an inability to metabolize blood sugar correctly. Insulin is an important hormone and vital for the body to be able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the body and insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems:

Cells starved of energy and eventually - high blood glucose levels may hurt the eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.

High blood sugar levels that are excreted in the urine can lead to low blood sugar levels and energy drops and in extreme cases even coma. Hypoglycaemia can be a precursor and taken as a warning to act before the more serious condition of diabetes develops. Under the age of 25 this is disease is classified as Juvenile diabetes Type 1 and after 40 as late-onset, when it is usually caused by a poor diet rich in refined sugars and carbohydrates. As these foods are increasingly consumed, late-onset diabetes is becoming more common, affecting 1% of the Western populating and killing 1 in 7 Americans.

Diabetes must be diagnosed and treated by a professional. Below are some support suggestions:

Nutritional Advice:

Three to six large cloves of garlic per day would be a minimum requirement. It balances the amount of sugar in the blood by producing more insulin (check that your stomach can cope with this, the majority of people can cope).

Eating enough of the right things at the right time is important in the control of diabetes. At no time should the person ever go without food. Diabetes is all about maintaining correct carbohydrate metabolism. Food should be high in fibre and complex carbohydrates. Six small and easily digestible meals a day may be better than three large ones.

Do not drink tea, coffee, alcohol or fruit juices.

All sugars are to be totally avoided. Use instead rice syrup in minute quantities also barley malt, unrefined cane sugar. Very occasionally you can use very small amounts of raw unheated honey. Also avoid fructose, dextrose and molasses.

Nourishing 'earthy' foods that are rich in low burning carbohydrate will be invaluable; whole grains like millet, quinoa, oats and barley are all good whole grains. Avoid all processed grains. Try the sweeter vegetables like Jerusalem artichokes, pumpkins onion and parsnips. High glycemic index (GI) foods should not be consumed either at all or not very often like potatoes, yams and carrots. They affect the blood glucose levels badly, the faster a food is broken down during digestion, the quicker blood glucose levels will rise. Foods that cause a rapid rise in blood glucose will have a high GI. Low GI foods which are beneficial are peas, sweetcorn, beans, lentils, citric fruits, oats and rye. Blue green algae are also good at normalizing blood sugar levels. See also Glycaemic Index Foods.

Try Superfood for both plant ingredients which will really help to balance blood sugar levels.

Avoid white bread and preferably consume rye bread or oat cakes.

Oats are rich in many vitamins and minerals, they are generally very nourishing. They can slow the rate of sugar metabolism, thus aiding the work of the pancreas. Organic oats are best, they can be soaked overnight in spring water and cinnamon powder, and eaten for breakfast.

Seaweed's, especially hijiki normalize blood sugar levels. Cook them with whole grains and add to salads and soups.

Drink one cup of home-made barley water daily.

At least one or two apples per day are the best fruit for diabetics. wild fruits like blackberries, bilberries, quince and pomegranate with their naturally sharp and bitter flavours are also suitable. Do not drink fruit in their 'juiced' forms, the sugar content will be too high. Other suitable fruits would be; pears, grapefruit, grapes (in small quantities), and bananas. Bananas are known to lower blood sugar levels, but only use overripe (nearly black for levelled amounts of carbs and fruit sugar) ones and only have two or three a week as they are rich in sugars. Diabetics due to their high sugar content best avoid dried figs, dates, raisins and other dried fruits. If they are eaten they must be soaked for at least 12 hours.

Cut down or cut out meat, especially red meat. Use vegetable protein sources instead. Avoid milk and cheese. Fish, particularly oily fish can protect against heart problems. With this in mind choose 'low salt' foods to avoid high blood pressure and strokes. It is processed, manufactured foods that have the most salt in them. With homemade food you can control salt intake to a better degree.

To nourish and keep blood sugar levels steady consume Superfood and drinks containing nettles and alfalfa amongst others are invaluable giving almost instantaneous energy, and provide good nourishment between meals.

All vegetables raw and steamed are helpful, particularly those that are opposite to sweet in taste, i.e. sour and bitter like chicory, dandelion leaves, artichokes and olives.

Herb Quality:

A large proportion of our herbs are grown in English soils, harvested using bio-chemistry analysis and many but not always, processed fresh, which heightens their remedial properties. The majority are grown organically and or sustainably wild-crafted. All manufacturing is carried out using licensed good manufacturing practice.

DO NOT MIX HERBAL MEDICINE AND GP PRESCRIBED MEDICATION WITHOUT THE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF YOUR GP OR PRACTIONER

Natural Healing:

Hot and cold showers will help but longer on the cold than hot.

Juniper essential oil in bath water or added to a massage oil.

Stress and shock (past and present) are a huge factor in diabetes. Work on enjoyable exercise, relaxation and yoga / meditation.

More detailed advice must be given to every patient in order to address their particular details needs, be they overweight, underweight or have any other important and individual trait.

If the pancreas is swollen, then try hot castor oil packs.