High levels of blood glucose, or blood sugar, might lead to diabetes and harm your health in other ways. When blood glucose is too high, it coats the surface of your red blood cells, stiffening them and interfering with their smooth passage through your vessels. This might lead to accumulation of cholesterol on vessel walls, eventually raising your risk for cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. Chromium and cinnamon are two natural supplements that may be taken in combination to help keep your blood glucose in a healthy range. Consult your doctor to determine if consuming them is advisable for you.
Chromium
Chromium is a mineral found in small amounts in food. It is part of a molecule your body makes called Glucose Tolerance Factor, or GTF. This molecule helps insulin work more effectively by moving glucose from your blood into your cells, where it is used for energy. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, as many as 90 percent of Americans do not consume enough chromium in their diets. Good sources of the mineral include brewer's yeast, whole grain foods, lean meat, cheese and certain spices, such as pepper and thyme.
Chromium Supplements
Chromium is available commercially in several supplement forms, with chromium picolinate being the most common. The usual dose of chromium for adults is 200 mcg several times daily. Although generally considered safe, chromium supplements might cause stomach upset, itching and flushing, especially at higher doses. Chromium might also interact with some medications, such as antacids. If you are diabetic and take insulin, discuss use of chromium with your doctor because consuming chromium might lead to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a common spice used in many foods, usually desserts, which also has medicinal properties. It has been a part of traditional herbal medicine for hundreds of years. Cinnamon is an antioxidant that also suppresses inflammation and supports the immune system. It also might help lower blood sugar by activating receptors for insulin. Several clinical trials have examined the potential of cinnamon to help patients with diabetes. In one study, published in the "Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine" in 2009, subjects who took cinnamon had lower levels of a type of hemoglobin that measures average blood glucose levels than subjects who took a placebo.
Recommendations
Cinnamon may be sprinkled on food, or it may be purchased as a supplement in capsules. Although no recommended dosage has been identified, it is generally considered safe and without significant side effects. However, cinnamon might interact with some medications, including blood thinners. Do not take cinnamon if you have an ulcer or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Consult your doctor to determine if taking cinnamon with chromium is a good strategy for you.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Why High Blood Sugar Is Bad
- Nutritional Supplements Health Guide: Benefits of Chromium
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Chromium
- Mayo Clinic.com: Can Cinnamon Lower Blood Sugar?
- "Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine"; "Effectiveness of Cinnamon for Lowering Hemoglobin A1C in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial"; P. Crawford; 2009
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Cinnamon
