Your blood sugar is the level of sugar, or glucose, present in your blood. Blood sugar levels are tightly regulated in most people. However, some people, especially diabetics, experience sustained high blood sugar levels, which can damage various organs throughout your body. Certain nutrients have long been used to help regulate blood sugar. Ask your doctor if nutritional therapy is appropriate for you and your health problem.
Blood Sugar Problems
Blood sugar problems can arise for several reasons, especially high blood sugar levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, some of the most common causes of elevated blood sugar levels among diabetics include increased food consumption, excessive exercise, illness-related stress and emotional distress. Frequent urination and increased thirst are among the most common signs and symptoms associated with elevated blood sugar levels. If you are a diabetic, you must check your blood sugar often to monitor the level of glucose in your blood.
Effective Nutrients
Some of the most effective nutrients for regulating blood sugar include brewer's yeast, zinc picolinate, magnesium, vitamin D, defatted fenugreek seed powder, quercetin, vanadium and biotin. Although these nutrients have historically been used to help control blood sugar levels, some of them might require more scientific research to support their use for this health purpose.
Zinc
Zinc picolinate might be among the most commonly used nutrients in controlling your blood sugar levels. Zinc picolinate is intimately involved in the production, secretion and utilization of insulin and itself creates an insulin-like effect. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, zinc supplementation might be particularly helpful in treating diabetes, as diabetics have a tendency to hyper-excrete this substance. Nutritionist Russell Marz, in "Medical Nutrition From Marz," recommends a dosage of 30 mg of zinc picolinate per day for this health purpose. Always discuss proper dosage with your doctor before using zinc medicinally.
Additional Information
Abnormal blood sugar levels can cause both immediate and long-term health problems. If you are diagnosed with elevated blood sugar levels, review all relevant treatment methods with your family doctor. Avoid self-treating your abnormal blood sugar levels with nutrient supplements until you have discussed nutrient-related topics -- dosage, treatment duration, side effects -- with your doctor. Supplements, when used medicinally, should be afforded the same respect given to prescription drugs and other substances used for this health purpose.
References
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Prevent Diabetes Problems
- American Diabetes Association: Living With Diabetes
- "Medical Nutrition From Marz"; Russell Marz; 1999
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Zinc
