Supplements To Help Control and Lower Blood Glucose

I have been a type 2 diabetic for going on 15 years now approximately. In the early days of being diagnosed, I was frankly shocked and bewildered and in a state of disbelief. I was always fairly active in that I worked out with the weights doing bench presses, push ups, pull ups etc. in addition to walking 3 or 4 times per week, deer hunting in the fall etc. During my stressful years of my 30's and 40's and running a multi-line insurance agency with all its responsibilities, my dietary habits were not the best. I ate lunches out every day and often breakfast too and was always on the run. Like a lot of guys raising a family and running a business, I always felt I was invincible. My attitude has changed over the years, especially after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. In July of 2013, I had to humble myself again when I had quadruple heart bypass surgery done. On the other hand I have always known that my gene pool on Dad's side of the family was NOT GOOD, especially in the cardiovascular end of health issues. My Dad and all of his brother's and sister's all died of heart disease, with one of his sisters whom I never met apparently dying around the age of 30. I also found out a few years ago that Dad was a type 2 diabetic although I had moved away from home at that time and never heard him mention it. I do recall my grandmother sitting at a Sunday family dinner when I was a kid and mentioning that she had a "touch of the sugar", which apparently was her way of saying she was also a type 2 diabetic though I never made the connection.

I have said all that, to say this:

I grew up hearing,  "that you can pick your friends, but you are stuck with your family." There isn't much one can do concerning your genetics except to recognize they exist and try to find out as much as you can about it. One thing you CAN CONTROL is what goes into your mouth, and how much exercise you get. What you eat is controlled by you and only you can put on a pair of walking shoes and decide to walk for 30-45 mins at least 5X weekly. (By the way, I love my family and did not mean to imply otherwise). My only point in mentioning genetic influence is that it is a factor for all of us.

This blog has numerous posts on exercise and the value of it along with articles on supplements you should be taking and foods to avoid, reading labels etc.

Today I wanted to list some herbal remedies and supplements that can help control and lower your A1C (mine is now 6.5).

Take a LOOK:

• Fenugreek - contains soluble fiber called mucilage which helps lower blood glucose levels and also boosts HDL (Good cholesterol?) while reducing total cholesterol readings
• Onions - also proven to lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol
• Garlic - Again lowers blood glucose and has heart healthy benefits
• Bitter Melon (balsam pear) tropical fruit found in Africa, Asia and South America - proven to lower blood glucose levels
• Milk Thistle - shown to protect and cleans the liver along with lowering blood glucose levels, triglycerides and other heart healthy benefits
• Bilberry - (Supplement form and also tea) - improve circulation to the retina of the eye and lower blood sugar and boost vitamin C levels
• Gurmar - Indian folk remedy for diabetes and helps with insulin production
• Ginko biloba - brain health, boosts circulation to extremities (arms, legs, fingers and toes)
• 
  
• Benfotiamine - (I have several posts dedicated to the role of Benfotiamine (Pronounced Ben Fo Ta Mean) and available in supplement form from several outlets such as Vita Cost, Swanson, Puritan Pride and others. This one is very good for the nerves and has shown promise in helping with diabetic neuropathy. I take this one 2X daily 300 mg. I do NOT HAVE AND HAVE NOT HAD ANY SIGN OF OR SYMPTOMS OF DIABETIC NEUROPATHY.
• Pomegranates - a whole pomegranate contains apprx 48 grams of sugar, however eating the pomegranate seeds of one quarter of pomegranate only adds 12 grams of sugar and it has numerous other benefits. It is also available in supplement form with ZERO sugar and in pure juice (PomPom brand) where you can regulate how much sugar you ingest at a time.

SEE:

Several studies suggest pomegranates may be helpful in the management of type 2 diabetes. The hard rind fruits contain compounds with antidiabetes properties and may help fight obesity as well.

Pomegranates may have a soft spot in the fight against type 2 diabetes. These tough skinned fruits have demonstrated some anti diabetes benefits in several recent studies.

For example, let’s consider the fruit’s role in AGEs (advanced glycation endproducts). AGEs are the product of foods that are fried or prepared at high temperatures. Basically these substances form when sugar reacts with proteins. Dietary AGEs are associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, which in turn are linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and its complications.

In closing out this post, I am a firm believer in taking positive action against type 2 diabetes as opposed to simply going on an insulin pump, or constantly increasing the number and doseage of various prescription drugs all of which have their own list of possible negative side effects.

Eat less, exercise more, do your own research and explore natural foods and herbs and supplements as opposed to simply taking more and more drugs and/or more insulin.

God Bless,

Dan

"Winners are self motivated. They don't wait for someone else to raise the bar. They raise it themselves"

Old Irish Proverb: "Get down on your knees and thank God you are still on your feet"

Supplements To Help With Lowering Your A1C Level Naturally

I am going to list some foods and supplements and exercises to help you maintain your type 2 diabetes and also to help prevent becoming a type 2 diabetic if you are in a pre-diabetic stage right now.

First of all, some common sense:

Exercise - You do not have to train for a 26 mile marathon, or go to a gym and get into heavy weight training exercises. WALKING on a regular basis (make that every day) will do wonders for your blood sugar. Make sure to do some light stretching along with it and buy a decent comfortable pair of walking shoes. Try to arrange your schedule to do it the same time every day until it becomes a habit and you crave the way it makes you feel and the sense of accomplishment. Start with 15 mins a session and over a two or three week period bump it up to 30 mins and then 45 mins.

SUGAR - Try and eliminate as much hidden sugar and glucose in your diet as you can. Become a label reader. IF you must drink carbonated sodas, realize that some 16 ounce Pepsi, Coke, Root Beer etc. contain up to 60 plus grams of sugar. Diet is better in that respect, however both regular and diet sodas will change the PH of your interstitial fluid that bathes your cells and wreck havoc with your PH which should be slightly alkaline and not acid. (SEE the labels on this blog concerning interstitial fluid and why it matters).

EMPTY CARBS - Get off the empty nutrition carbs, cakes, pies, puddings, baked goods, cookies, digestives, white bread, etc. READ LABELS / AVOID the crunchy/munchy isle of your grocery store and stay away from pretzels, potato chips, corn chips, bagged snack food of any kind

WATER - drink more of it.

Here are some proven supplements to help with blood sugar readings:

LINKS:
http://www.raysahelian.com/diabetes.html

http://diabetescureorcontrol.blogspot.com/2012/10/10-steps-to-cure-from-ph-miracle-for.html




Natural supplements for diabetes treatment, herbal productsBefore you embark on ingesting supplements, have a discussion with your health care provider to see if they are appropriate for you. If you doctor is not familiar with these herbs and nutrients, you may recommend he or she read this information. If you plan to take supplements for your diabetes, keep your dosages low and start with one or two rather than a whole bunch at one time. Over time you can gradually add more supplements as you become familiar on how they make you feel or influence your blood sugar.

Alpha lipoic acid is one if the most important nutrients to consider for diabetes. Alpha Lipoic acid has been evaluated for blood sugar control, and it may also be considered in diabetic neuropathy and kidney disease. A dose of 10 to 50 mg two or three times a week appears to be appropriate.
Stevia is a no calorie natural sweetener and a wonderful alternative to artificial sweeteners. all diabetics should learn about it. Stevia is a substitute not only for artificial sweeteners, but also for sugar.
Fish oils maintain healthy blood flow, especially in the microcirculation and may increase levels of a hormone called adiponectin that's linked to insulin sensitivity. PLoS One. 2012. Marine N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are inversely associated with risk of type 2 diabetes in Asians: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Carnitine can reduce oxidative stress in diabetic patients.
Carnosine is a potent antioxidant and should be considered two or three times a week.Banaba has been used in the Philippines for the treatment of diabetes.Benfotiamine is a lipid soluble form of thiamine. Preliminary human studies indicate that benfotiamine may be helpful in diabetic neuropathy and to reduce microvascular damage from high blood sugar.
Cinnamon -- 1 to 5 grams daily improves sugar levels and reduces blood lipids (one small study)
Fenugreek is an herb that helps support healthy blood sugar levels.
Acetylcarnitine is a promising treatment for diabetic neuropathy, usually at a dose of 100 to 400 mg daily.
CoQ10 improves the function of endothelial cells lining blood vessels and may slightly help with blood sugar control.  A dose of 20 to 60 mg a day with breakfast
Psyllium half or one teaspoon in a glass of water twice daily with food. Or three capsules twice daily with a meal. Psyllium can lower cholesterol levels.
Cayenne pepper at 5 grams a day was shown in one human study to help keep blood sugar levels lower.
Multivitamins and minerals should be considered daily, they may reduce the risk for infections.
Natural Vitamin C with bioflavonoidsz
Chromium increases insulin sensitivity and binding, also increases number of insulin receptors.
Magnesium may help lower blood pressure in those with diabetes. Getting enough magnesium in your diet could help reduce the risk of getting this blood sugar management disease. People who consumed the most magnesium in foods and from vitamin supplements were about half as likely to develop this disease over the next 20 years as people who took in the least of the mineral. Diabetes Care, published online August 31, 2010. Supplements of this mineral improve insulin sensitivity. Dietary sources of magnesium include green, leafy vegetables, meats, starches, grains and nuts, and milk. Many adults do not meet the RDA for magnesium (320 mg per day for women and 420 mg per day for men). 
Vanadium Vanadyl sulfate mineral
Flavonoids could be quite helpful
Natural Vitamin E complex at a dose of 20 to 200 mg a few times a week.
Aloe vera gel has been found to be helpful in rodents with diabetes.
Spirulina is a superfood
Astragalus may be helpful in diabetic nephropathy.
Whey protein - For people with type 2 diabetes, adding whey to high-carbohydrate meals stimulates insulin release and reduces spikes in blood glucose levels after meals.
Ginkgo biloba can improve blood flow, particularly retinal capillary blood flow rate in type 2 diabetic patients with retinopathy.

God Bless,

Dan

Green Coffee Bean Extract For Weight Loss

Most of us could stand to lose a few pounds. Green coffee bean extract formulas are in the news. As a fan of Life Extension Magazine and the research work done by these folks, you might want to take a look at their particular formula. It is called "CoffeeGenic" and in addition to green coffee bean extract, it contains some other ingredients which make it perform better. In one placebo controlled study, subjects took 350 mg of green coffee extract three times daily with meals. Study subjects were not asked to change their calorie intake or exercise level, however obviously some did and some did not. The findings were published in Jan 2012 indicating that men and women lost an average of 17.6 pounds which amounted to over 10% of their body weight in just 12 weeks.

Those are impressive results which also included a 4.44% reduction in body fat.

Published studies show that the active ingredient in green coffee bean extract is chlorogenic acid. This ingredient demonstrates a wide range of supportive properties related to insulin sensitivity, and to glucose formation and absorption. It helps to limit after meal glucose surges, supporting blood sugar levels for those already in normal range.

Because of the ability to limit after meal glucose surges and supporting blood sugar levels already in the normal range, I feel this is a supplement worth taking a look at.

Dan
Other ingredients are:

• Green tea decaffeinated extract
• Iodine
• Chromium
• Integra-lean African Mango IGOB-131

(I have no financial interest and do not derive any income from Life Extension supplements)

They currently list a bottle of 90 vegetarian capsules for $48 which is a one month supply. IF you are a member of Life Extension, and purchase (4) bottle at a time, the price is $31.50 per bottle.

Here is a link to another green coffee bean extract product endorsed by TV's favorite doctor, Dr. OZ:

http://www.greencoffeeultra.com/?gclid=CJT-14_yw7YCFVN0MgodyxUAag

EXCERPT:

FACT: Most Green Coffee Products Don't Work.

Why? Because most products do not come from the same source proven effective in clinical studies nor do they have enough real Chlorogenic Acid to be effective. In addition, they are not formulated with the proper dosage.

The Truth is that the quality of most green coffee bean extracts is just plain bad.
Green Coffee Ultra™ was rated the #1 by Consumer Health Review:

Green Coffee Ultra™ was rated the #1 Green Coffee Product by Consumer Health Review. Click here to see full article. Green Coffee Ultra™ meets all of the doctor's recommendations (see chart below). Accept no imitations. Make sure you green coffee extract is the same extract proven effective in clinical studies.
The Truth about Green Coffee:

According to America's favorite doctor, Green Coffee is "The Magic Weight Loss Cure for Every Body Type" (click here for video). This statement spurred hundreds of companies to start selling green coffee bean extracts in bulk, but the quality of most of these products is below average.
Does Green Coffee Bean Extract Really Work?

Yes, pure green coffee bean extract is safe and has been shown in clinical studies to break down fat and help with weight loss. The problem is when companies try to use a low quality extract or use a weak amount that they become ineffective.

The most famous clinical study of green coffee was published in the Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity journal and used GCA® green coffee with 50% chlorogenic acid. Results revealed that the addition of green coffee extract helped reverse the weight gain induced by a high-fat diet and appeared to protect against the buildup of fat in the liver.On average, the participants in that study lost 17 lbs each. That's 16% of their overall body fat and 10.5% body weight. The full clinical study can be found by clicking here.
So, How Do You Know If a Green Coffee Product is Any Good?

4 Factors To Check In a Green Coffee Product:

1. Check the label - Make sure it has only 100% Pure Green Coffee Bean Extract(not synthetic grown in a lab) and has no binders, fillers or added ingredients - like green tea, African mango, acai, kelp, caffeine, etc. Adding these ingredients takes away from the quantity and effectiveness of the green coffee extract.
2. Make sure it has at least 800mg of green coffee per serving. Most products contain only 400mg of actual green coffee, which is just a fraction of the amount found effective in clinical studies.
3. Make sure it is made with GCA Green Coffee and has 50% Chlorogenic Acid. GCA is the only green coffee used in the clinical study published in the Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity journal.
4. Make sure that the manufacturer is FDA registered and cGMP certified.
The product must conform to the tested grade strength and purity of USP quality standards. If the product is not of the highest quality, stay away from it.

3 Factors to Avoid In a Green Coffee Product:

1. Avoid "Free Trials" that usually look too good to be true. - Many companies offer free trials to hook you in. But once you buy, they make it difficult to cancel and you are stuck paying more than you would for a better product.
2. Avoid Automatic Re billing. - Many companies will automatically bill your credit card monthly and make it difficult to cancel.
3. Avoid Proprietary Blends. - If you're looking for a high quality Green Coffee then make sure there are no added ingredients that might lower the amount of green coffee and interfere with its progress.

So, What Green Coffee Should You Buy Now?

Step 1: Buy Green Coffee Ultra™. It's the only product we know that not only meets all of these standards but exceeds them.

Green Coffee Ultra™ is produced in the United States in a state-of-the-artFDA registered laboratory that conforms to the tested grade strength and purity of USP quality standards and is manufactured under the strict guidelines of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's cGMP certification.

Step 2: When you get your supply take 2 capsules a day. That's 1600mg's of Pure Green Coffee per day. That's the actual amount needed to be effective, so don't be fooled by those offering any less. If this green coffee bean extract does not help you lose weight, then none of them will.

So look, if you're serious about losing weight, then you should try a product that is serious about helping you achieve your goals. We put in the research and made sure Green Coffee Ultra™ is the best product available. And if you buy today, you can get a packaged deal for less than $23 a bottle... click here to see the prices.

Prescription Drugs That Deplete Vital Nutrients, Vitamins and Minerals LIKE ZINC

Since my last post concerning the importance of ZINC in your diet, I have looked at dozens of websites and blogs showing that you need to be aware of the side effects of any and all prescriptions drugs you are taking as many of them can and do deplete essential minerals and vitamins and nutrients from your system. In some cases, the so called CURE can be worse than the DISEASE.

Here is a LINK to the Health Ranger (Mike Adam's Website). Mike's booklet about how to cure Type 2 Diabetes in 25 Day was the very first booklet I purchased after being diagnosed with Type 2  Diabetes.

http://www.naturalnews.com/036828_nutrient_depletion_prescription_drugs_vitamins.html

EXCERPT:

What you are losing

Below are a few examples of some commonly prescribed drugs and a list of the nutrients that are automatically depleted.

Anti-inflammatory drugs deplete: Calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, Vitamins B6, C, D, K, folic acid, chromium, glutathione, Vitamins B6, C, D, and K

NSAIDs: Folic acid, melatonin

Aspirin/Salicylates: Vitamins C, K, B5, folic acid, calcium, iron and sodium

Corticosteroids: Vitamins A, C, D, B6, B12, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium and zinc

Cochicine (used for gout): Vitamin B12, calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, Beta-carotene

Statins (Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor,etc.): Coenzyme Q10

ACE Inhibitors for hypertension (Lisinopril, etc.): Zinc

What's the big deal?

Zinc is a master mineral necessary in hundreds of enzymatic reactions throughout the body and plays a vital role in immune function. Zinc is not stored in the body and must be ingested through diet or supplementation. If you are chronically sick, you may be deficient in zinc due to poor dietary intake or from drug induced nutrient depletion. A good way to see if you are zinc deficient is to buy organic zinc lozenges, hold in your mouth, if it tastes sweet, you are deficient, if it tastes bitter, you are not. Once the sweetness wears off and there is no taste/bitter, discard the lozenge.

Coenzyme Q10 is a very powerful vitamin and antioxidant, also known as ubiquinone ("found everywhere"), because it is found in every cell of the body. Energy and ATP production are the main functions of this important vitamin. Research has shown that people with heart failure have lower levels of coenzyme Q10 and the vitamin may help to increase the energy production, pumping action and strength of the heart muscle.

Folic acid, also known as Vitamin B9, helps convert food into energy, assist with proper brain function, DNA/RNA synthesis, red blood cell production and iron functions. This vitamin may also aid in the prevention of heart disease, although further studies are still needed. Folic acid deficiencies may occur due to drug induced nutrient depletion, Celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and alcoholism, just to name a few.

These are only a few examples of very important vitamins and minerals that are automatically depleted when taking certain medications. Zinc, coenzyme Q10, folic acid and the other vitamins and minerals are essential for good health and the processes that go on inside of our bodies on a constant basis.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/036828_nutrient_depletion_prescription_drugs_vitamins.html#ixzz2PXp6IYxt

Here is another LINK that is certainly not all inclusive, however it is comprehensive and informative. IF you look up your particular prescription drug or medicine on this chart and then find out what nutrients it may be interfering with, you can then check symptoms that you may be experiencing that might be related to a deficiency of a vitamin, mineral or other nutrient and get it checked out.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/HE/HE77600.pdf

One piece of excellent advice in this article is to carry a list of the exact medicines and dosages you are on in your wallet or purse in case of an accident where you are unconscious etc. It just MIGHT save your life.

Dan

Truth About Calcium Supplementation

From an article in Life Extension magazine dated November 2010, I feel better about the calcium supplements I take. On July 30th, 2010 a meta-analysis published in the British Journal Of Medicine reported that calcium supplementation was associated with a significant increase in risk for heart attack. According to the Life Extension Magazine article and comment by Steven Joyal MD, the published analysis was not accurate. In addition four of the contributing authors of the meta-analysis were INVOLVED IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL DEVELOPMENT TRIALS INVOLVING CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTATION, INCLUDING WYETH, MISSION PHARMACAL, SHIRE PHARMACEUTICALS AND NYCOMED. The article goes on to say that in a biased and horrifically flawed analysis, a group of doctors came to the conclusion that calcium supplements increase heart attack risk by 27%.

OMITTED from the media reports were critical facts such as the exclusion of people who took vitamin D, magnesium or other nutrients typically found in bone protection formulations. In other words those calcium-supplemented study subjects (who the mainstream claims suffered higher heart attack rates) would have been seriously deficient in vitamin D and magnesium which are two essential nutrients that protect against heart attack.

The doctors who completed this analysis also conveniently OMITTED major clinical trials showing those with HIGHER calcium intake had significant;y LOWER cardiovascular rates. Vitamin K also plays an important part in keeping heart healthy.

There are four major flaws in the UK analysis per Steven Joyal MD:

Alarming levels of vitamin D deficiency and exclusion of trial date involving vitamin D3 supplementation in combination with calcium supplements
Exclusion of several major trials that showed significant reductions in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality with calcium intake
Lack of consistency with other studies showing reduction in biomarkers of cardiovascular risk with calcium supplementation.
Lack of appreciation for the critical role of vitamin K in bone and cardiovascular health

As for me, I will continue to take calcium supplementation along with magnesium and vitamin D3.

Dan

Genesis 1:29 KJV
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

Here is a link for food sources of vitamin K and the role that it plays in our cardiovascular health:

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=112

EXCERPTS:

vitamin K

What can high-vitamin K foods do for you?

• Allow your blood to clot normally
• Help protect your bones from fracture
• Help prevent postmenopausal bone loss
• Help prevent calcification of your arteries
• Provide possible protection against liver and prostate cancer

What events can indicate a need for more high-vitamin K foods?

• Excessive bleeding, including heavy menstrual bleeding, gum bleeding, bleeding within the digestive tract, or nosebleeding
• Easy bruising
• Problems with calcification of the blood vessels or heart valves
• Problems with bone fracture or bone weakening

Excellent sources of vitamin K include parsley, kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, Swiss chard, green beans, asparagus, broccoli, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, collard greens, thyme, romaine lettuce, sage, oregano, cabbage, celery, sea vegetables, cucumber, leeks, cauliflower, tomatoes, and blueberries.

World's Healthiest Foods rich in
vitamin K

FoodCals%Daily Value

Kale361327.6%

Spinach411110.6%

Collard Greens491045%

Swiss Chard35715.9%

Turnip Greens29661.6%

Mustard Greens21524.1%

Brussels Sprouts38194.7%

Parsley3155.8%

Romaine Lettuce16120.4%

Broccoli31115.5%

For serving size for specific foods, see Nutrient Rating Chart

Other Sources For Purslane For Type 2 Diabetes

I have been doing a little more research on the herb called "Purslane" and have found a fair amount of evidence that it is indeed a good addition to any Type 2 diabetics diet regimen. Here are some other sources of supplements containing Purslane.

"Glucose Essentials" from Dr, Whitaker is another formula that has just added Portusana Purslane Extract to his existing formula to make it better. Here is a link to his product:

http://www.drwhitaker.com/featured-products-2/glucose-essentials/?key=209569&utm_source=shopping&utm_medium=cse

EXCERPT:

Get ready to impress your doctor with even better glucose numbers!

Glucose Essentials and Blood Sugar Concerns

Glucose Essentials is now even better! A brand new Swiss discovery called Portusana™ Purslane Extract takes my acclaimed formula to a whole new level. It not only promotes normal blood sugar levels and better insulin sensitivity—but helps lower the critical hemoglobin A1C blood sugar marker! But this is more than numbers on a blood test—these are benefits you’re going to feel! By helping to even out the blood sugar spikes and drops, Portusana helps to give you a slow, steady supply of energy.

Glucose Essentials gives you:

• Portusana™ to support normal blood sugar—and help lower hemoglobin A1C! I just added a brand new Swiss discovery called Portusana Purslane Extract to Glucose Essentials. It not only supports normal blood sugar levels, but is clinically shown to help lower the critical A1C blood sugar marker. Plus, it helps to even out blood sugar spikes and drops, giving you a slow steady supply of energy!
• Vanadyl sulfate mimics insulin—helping to keep blood sugar steady. Vanadyl sulfate has been one of my top-recommended nutrients for blood sugar support for more than 30 years. The reason is it has an insulin-like effect in your body, helping to transport glucose into your cells—benefiting both your blood sugar and A1C levels.
• Silbinol^™ to move sugar out of your bloodstream and into your cells. Silbinol™, a specialized extract of P. marsupium from the Indian Kino tree, helps to move glucose out of your bloodstream and into your cells more rapidly. In an open-label trial participants experienced an average fasting blood sugar drop of more than 32 points—and in another study an average drop of almost 56 points.
• Chromium helps to overcome insulin resistance—naturally. Chromium, an essential trace mineral, facilitates the action of insulin, glucose, protein, and fat metabolism. It enhances the body’s sensitivity to insulin for sugar and fat metabolism, and it facilitates insulin’s uptake of glucose into the cells.
• Glucohelp™ helps to activate transporters on your cells—so they let glucose in. Glucohelp™, a specialized extract of banaba leaf, is standardized to 18% corosolic acid—the ingredient that helps to activate the glucose transporters on the surface of your cells, so they let glucose in. Research also suggests it improves your body’s ability to produce and utilize insulin.
• GS4 Gymnema helps slow the release of sugar into your bloodstream. Research shows 400 mg of GS4 Gymnema—the form and dose you get in Glucose Essentials—helps with blood sugar control by slowing the release of sugar from your digestive tract into your bloodstream.

All together, Glucose Essentials:

• Promotes normal blood glucose levels
• Supports normal hemoglobin A1C levels
• Improves glucose tolerance
• Enhances glucose transport in your body
• Increases insulin sensitivity
• Keeps blood sugar levels in the normal range
• Fights free-radical damage

From your blood sugar to your A1C levels, your doctor is going to want to know your secret!

ANOTHER LINK to Natural Plantation Formula:

http://www.thepowermall.com/thecenterforhealth/healthy_bodies/purslane.htm

Here is what it looks like:

Portulaca oleracea L. - Purslane Dan

GlucoProtect 6X / New Blood Sugar Product

Ever heard of GlucoProtect 6X? Neither have I until today as I received one of their infomercial type brochures in the mail.  This product claims to do all the following with a MONEY BACK GUARANTEE:

• Stabilize blood sugar levels
• Control after meal blood sugar spikes and crashes
• Curb extreme hunger and intense cravings'
• Promote steady, strong energy levels
• Help clear away brain fox and daytime drowsiness
• Fight creeping weight gain and belly fat
• Protect and support vulnerable parts of your body including your eyes, nerves, arteries, kidneys, liver and pancreas

INGREDIENT LIST:

• Biotin - 2mg
• ChromeMate in the form of Chromium polynicotinate 600mg, which is a more biologically active from of chromium compared to store bought chromium picolinate
• Standardized milk thistle seed extract
• Purslane herb extract (plant) (Portusana) 180mg
• ClucoPhenol - 60mg
• Orleans strawberry extract (10% polypheols)
• Cranberry extract (40% polyphenols)

WOW......................I cannot speak to the effectiveness and I can't find any testimonials on the Internet or reviews etc. at this time.

I get these infomercial type colored brochures on fantastic looking products all the time and throw the majority of them in the trash. This one caught my eye so I thought I would pass it along to you to investigate yourself.

The product contains "Portusana" which is a purslane extract made from the finest quality of Portulaca Oleracea L. reputed to be 4X more potent that regular dried purslane. (Purslane is an unusually powerful herb originally used by ancient Egyptians) for its health boosting effects. It has also been proven to dramatically improve blood sugar levels.

There is also a study that showed that the chromium/biotin combination as exists in GlucoProtect 6X 60% more than a placebo. No reference for the size of the study or the time frame involved.


Bottom line:

6 bottles of this product which is 6 months worth / 1 capsule with each meal 3X per day / 90 caps to one bottle  $199.00 plus 4 free health reports (FREE shipping)

3 bottle or 90 days worth is $109.95 with 2 free reports (FREE shipping)

1 single bottle is $39.95 plus $6.95 shipping and handling

Call toll free 1-800-914-6311 or go to Nutri-Health Supplements, 260 Justin Drive, Cottonwood, AZ 86326

(OR LINK BELOW)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GlucoProtect-6X-Normalizing-Blood-Sugar-Levels-/320912475288

Will I personally try this product? I am not sure at this point. I think it might be worth trying a 3 month supply at the $109.95 price with the money back guarantee. I would like to see some on line review and forums concerning personal results first.

Dan

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 Amplified Bible (AMP)
I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live and may love the Lord your God, obey His voice, and cling to Him. For He is your life and the length of your days, that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Side Effects Of LOVAZA (fish oil supplement)

I have learned that the FDA has approved a new drug called "Lovaza" to compete with over the counter fish oil (Omega 3 type supplements).

MY VOTE stays with the over the counter Omega 3 fish oil caps and more specifically the better "Krill Oil" caps as spelled out in a previous posts from:

• 1/25/11 Krill Oil Vs. Store Bought Fish Oils
• 7/2/11 Omega XL supplement
• 8/1/11 Importance Of Omega 3 Fatty Acids For Diabetics

I thought I would post the dangerous side effects of the Lovaza supplement and my personal opinion is that one would be better off using Krill Oil and Flax seed oil etc. as opposed to going on another prescription with a list of more side effects to deal with.

A partial list of side effects include burping, upset stomach, abnormal taste, infection and flu like symptoms, headache, muscle aches, chills, fever, runny nose, sore throat, general and BACK pain, skin rash, irregular heart beat, and chest pain.

Dan

http://www.livestrong.com/article/301610-prescription-strength-fish-oil-side-effects/

Trace Minerals/Elements In General and Deficiencies (Iodine)

I came across a site that spells out symptoms of trace element deficiencies such as IODINE as it relates to brittle nails or nails with ridges, thinning hair, dry skin etc. It list symptoms and several possible nutritional deficiencies, amongst them of course is IODINE.

As already mentioned, the body is complex and it is often times difficult to nail a problem or a symptom down to one specific missing mineral or trace element. Since many nutrients and minerals, herbs etc. work together, it is often hard to find the missing pieces of the puzzle.

For example if your are looking up thinning hair, dry skin and brittle nails, parts of the puzzle MAY include Biotin, Calcium, Maganese, Selenium, Copper, Iron and Iodine. We should not just start taking mega doses of one or more of these elements as they need to work together in perfect harmony and taking too much of one or (NOT enough) can throw the others out of whack.

Dan

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.) Genesis 2:7
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

This web site is a good read and a good reference LINK:

http://www.healthsupplementsnutritionalguide.com/brittle-fingernails.html

I will post an excerpt for iodine, however suggest you look at all of these :

Iodine | More on Iodine
Deficiency of iodine may also result in brittle fingernails or brittle toenails indirectly, as it causes hypothyroidism (under-production of thyroid hormones) which can lead to symptoms such as dry brittle hair, hair loss, brittle nails, coarse dry pale skin, intolerance to cold, fatigue or weakness, poor memory, depression, irritability, weight gain, muscle or joint pain, constipation, decreased libido, infertility, menstrual irregularities or heavy periods, and in more severe cases, hoarseness, decreased sense of taste and smell, mental impairment, skin thickening, and puffy face, hands or feet.

Other symptoms that may indicate deficiency of Iodine :
	goiter characterized by an enlarged thyroid gland which may cause a choking feeling or difficulty with breathing and swallowing
	impaired immune system leading to susceptibility to infections
	hearing loss in children
	severe deficiency during pregnancy, breastfeeding or infancy can lead to neuro-cognitive defects in the baby and problems with growth, speech and hearing; a very severe form is cretinism, characterized by brain damage, speech problems, hearing loss, apathy, spasticity, and stunted growth
	even mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy can hamper growth of the child's brain and lead to low intelligence
	congenital hypothyroidism is the most common cause of mental retardation in children

Foods rich in iodine that can help prevent hypothyroidism, and resulting brittle fingernails / brittle toenails, include · salt-water fish · seafood and shellfish · seaweed like dulse, bladderwrack, kelp, nori · iodized table salt.

Wellesse Liquid Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D3

I was in the Rite Aid store this morning picking up a prescription and wanted to see if the store carried any Liquid Calcium. Lo and behold, they do carry Wellesse Liquid calcium, vitamin D3 and magnesium and it was discounted to $4.83 for a 16 ounce/16 day supply. I immediately picked up a bottle and am going to switch over to the liquid for better absorb ability.

I understand it is also available at Costco, and Walmart. The advantage of this is that if you forget to order on line, you can pick it up while grocery shopping.

http://www.wellesse.com/where_to_buy_wellesse_products.asp?SelectProduct=3&SelectState=-1


They apparently have a full line of liquid supplements including Aloe Vera, separate vitamin D3, multiple vitamins, glucosamine, digestive health, B-complex, liquid Protein etc. all reasonably priced.

I am NOT saying they are the best, however the customer satisfaction and review section was very favorable and they are readily available.

http://www.wellesse.com/calcium_vitamind3_liquid.asp

The product has no sugar and the taste is pleasant.

Dan