Query Diabetics

Question
Good day
Can you recommend any diets to help a diabetic stabilize his blood sugar levels.
With reference to using apple cider vinegar and cinnamon to stabilize blood sugar levels for a diabetic, I have the following question.
The diabetic believes that using apple cider vinegar and cinnamon would hide the true blood sugar level(s). Is it true that apple cider vinegar and cinnamon would hide the true blood sugar level or would it be better for the diabetic to use the recommended quantities of apple cider vinegar and/or cinnamon to stabilize the blood sugar level.
Are there any dangers of using apple cider vinegar and cinnamon in the specified amounts required to help diabetics stabilize their blood sugar level(s)?

Answer
Dear Mr or Mrs S. Mahabir,

From a holistic point of view a predominantly raw vegetable,wholegrain (oats!), low protein diet can most certainly help to stabilize blood sugar levels. Jerusalem artichokes - of all things - seem to be particulary kind on the pancreas, requiring no insulin to be digested, hence giving the sugar household a bit of a break. Chicory, dandelion and salsify (a.k.a. winter asparragus, but it's a sunflower family root)are similar in effect,for being rich in inulin. It makes chicory and above all dandelion a typical liver elixer, aiding this organ to cleanse itself, after it has been hard at work on the blood sugar levels.

These two new fads you bring to my attention hope to do something similar, and must therefore only been considered as supportive and medical supplements. They will not cure or instantly lessen diabetes, but possibly in places or at times help to manage it. In all honesty however, considered as substances, their substantial efficaciousness must remain doubtful and mainstream scientific nutritional studies have their valid place. Also from a holistic stand point we need to be reticent in offering any miracle cures for diabetes. Above all we wish to HIDE nothing! The aim of a diet would be to strengthen the self and train it to handle sugar levels better. These levels, after all, are merely reflective of the Self's ability to be in charge of one's true self and let that shine through harmoniously. Often we clog ourselves up with non-self: the real underlying disturbing factor. Diabetes is always about getting right down to the marrow of who you are and what this special sap of blood really must contain to be healthy (i.e. a lot of spirit or Higher Self!).

I have answered several questions already on a diet suitable for diabetics with more details. I had not heard of cinnamon or vinegar as specifically beneficial for diabetes, but a quick Google search does inform me of the current popularity in uses for them as such. In aromatherapy or phytotherapy the antiseptic and anti-spasmodic, but also stimulating properties of cinnamon are mainly emphasised, hence it aids digestion and reduces inflammation.As a spice, a condiment, it is intended however to add a hint of heat which is not recommended for all persons (temperaments) with diabetes. Remember, we ought to aim to stimulate an inner (solar plexus) warmth and a strong, rhythmic circulation from the heart (chakra). The aroma of cinnamon (as an essential oil) aids concentration, which if practiced holistically and with pure and simple objectives is another stabilising factor on the sugar household.We are looking for a consolidation of self which aids connectivity between inner and outer worlds.

Apple-cider vinegar has always been a popular household and naturopathic ingredient.In the nutritional branch it started off as being generally preferred to wine vinegar as a more nutritious variant, with the positive of apples pitted against the drawbacks of wine. It remains a highly acidic if somewhat less (I think) fermented product, however, still with all the drawbacks for some yeast-sensitive individuals. Studies which are fairly empirical and statistical report some results in lowering glucose sugar (when taken at night - highly diluted!- with the aim of waking up refreshed). But one should take care to understand that the sugar household is farily complex and involves major organs like the liver/gall, pancreas and even the kidneys indirectly, which work only with the aggressive hit of the acidic kick on the tongue and stomach. The actual molecular components of the substance have not been proven to have a chemical-metabolic effect. This same aggression, however, comes with certain warnings. I copy/paste for you from http://www.webmd.com.the points I can agree with from my perspective.

What Are the Risks of Apple Cider Vinegar?

On the whole, the risks of taking occasional, small amounts of apple cider vinegar seem low. But using apple cider vinegar over the long term, or in larger amounts, could have risks. Here are some things to keep in mind.

   Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic. The main ingredient of apple cider vinegar is acetic acid. As the name suggests, it's quite harsh. Apple cider vinegar should always be diluted with water or juice before swallowed. Pure apple cider vinegar could damage the tooth enamel and the tissues in your throat and mouth.

   Long-term use of apple cider vinegar could cause low potassium levels and lower bone density. If you already have low potassium or osteoporosis, talk to your health care provider before using apple cider vinegar.
  
   Vinegar contains chromium, which can alter your insulin levels.

There it goes to show: quick fixes there are none! Supportive measures remain each to one's own. So best not to go overboard, and concentrate more on LESS interference with the body's natural self-regulation and always endeavour to keep detrimental (deadening) forces at bay. With this I mean to say, that the core treatment for diabetes may rest more on exercise (which in my book constitutes lively, graceful, joyful and meaningful movement) and less, ultimately, on a very exclusive or dramatically special diet.

The more we let the heart sing and the sensese dance the more sweetly in balance our blood shall flow.

Hope this helps you farther in your research, and if this concerns your own health, I send you much support in coping with your challenge.

Warmest wishes,
Evelyn.  

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