RSS FeedsThe People's Pharmacy
Spice, and everything is nice
I hate cinnamon. I always avoided it until I heard it was helpful for controlling blood sugar.
I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in April 2004. My doctor prescribed metformin, which has worked moderately well. I take 1,000 milligrams twice daily, and it has kept my blood sugar under 220.
Starting in January, I noticed my morning fasting glucose levels were completely normal again, between 73 and 92. I believe this is due to two things. First, I try not to eat any white flour, rice or bread. Second, I've been taking two capsules of cinnamon, a multivitamin and a B vitamin complex every morning. I don't have the eye-focusing problems, tingling or other symptoms I used to have. I've also lost 8 pounds.
Studies have shown that cinnamon can improve insulin sensitivity and blood-sugar control (Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, February 2008). We recommend taking a water-based extract rather than relying on cinnamon from the spice rack. Some cinnamon is contaminated with coumarin, which can cause liver toxicity.
I have read that magnesium is an important supplement, but I have no idea how much to take.
Magnesium is crucial for heart and bone health and is frequently in short supply in the diet. A safe dose ranges from 300 to 500 milligrams. Too much magnesium can lead to loose stools or diarrhea.
Joe Graedon, a pharmacologist, and Teresa Graedon, an expert in medical anthropology and nutrition, can be reached at www.peoplespharmacy.com or care of this newspaper.
I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in April 2004. My doctor prescribed metformin, which has worked moderately well. I take 1,000 milligrams twice daily, and it has kept my blood sugar under 220.
Studies have shown that cinnamon can improve insulin sensitivity and blood-sugar control (Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, February 2008). We recommend taking a water-based extract rather than relying on cinnamon from the spice rack. Some cinnamon is contaminated with coumarin, which can cause liver toxicity.
I have read that magnesium is an important supplement, but I have no idea how much to take.
Magnesium is crucial for heart and bone health and is frequently in short supply in the diet. A safe dose ranges from 300 to 500 milligrams. Too much magnesium can lead to loose stools or diarrhea.
Joe Graedon, a pharmacologist, and Teresa Graedon, an expert in medical anthropology and nutrition, can be reached at www.peoplespharmacy.com or care of this newspaper.
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