Supplements To Help Lower Blood Sugar
High blood sugar can lead to a host of health problems, ranging from increased inflammation to chronic fatigue to skin issues, such as acne. So, needless to say, keeping it well-balanced is super important for your health and wellness.
Some medications can definitely work well to lower blood sugar. But for those interested in a more natural route, there are plenty of supplements to get the job done.
Here are six supplements to lower blood sugar naturally — along with how they work and the different ways you can take them.
1. Cinnamon
Our favorite baking spice, cinnamon, is super versatile and delicious to boot. You can add it to your morning coffee, yogurt parfait, or Sweetkick Clusters.
How It Works
Cinnamon powder is made from the bark of the cinnamon tree. You can find it in your supermarket’s spices section or at a health food store, usually in capsule form.
Cinnamon is incredibly high in antioxidants, which may reduce damage caused by unstable free radical molecules — air pollution’s greatest “gift.”
Cinnamon may also increase the body’s glucose-absorbing capabilities. It mimics insulin, the hormone responsible for “unlocking” the cells and allowing glucose to enter.
Not surprisingly, many studies show that cinnamon can lower blood glucose levels.
For instance, one study found that taking 500 milligrams of cinnamon supplements three times per day helped metabolize carb-rich foods more quickly. As a result, the study’s volunteers had much lower blood sugar compared to those who got a placebo.
How To Take It
Many studies on cinnamon get their participants a dose that ranges from one to three grams per day. (For references, there are three grams in one tablespoon.)
If you’re supplementing with cinnamon powder, sprinkle it into your food throughout the day — trust us, it’ll add up!
You can also add it to your morning coffee or tea to start the day off right.
Not a fan of the taste? Cinnamon is also available in capsule form. Take it 30 minutes before meals for effective blood sugar control.
2. Vitamin D
The “sunshine vitamin” is best when taken in its natural form: sun exposure. But for those living in colder climates, there are plenty of dietary supplements to raise vitamin D levels.
How It Works
Vitamin D is made from cholesterol when your skin is exposed to the sun’s UV rays. It’s a crucial vitamin, with its deficiency being linked to weaker bones, lower immunity, and even higher blood sugar.
That’s because vitamin D isn’t just a vitamin. It turns out that it acts like a hormone in the body. And one of its effects as a hormone is supporting insulin production, which helps clear the blood of sugar.
One meta-analysis shows that a vitamin D deficiency is linked to higher blood sugar, which increases the risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, regular sun exposure is also linked to lower blood sugar levels. Supplementing with vitamin D has been shown to improve blood sugar levels.
How To Take It
Getting vitamin D from the sun is effective, free, and feels oh-so-good. Depending on your skin tone, you can get your daily fix of the sunshine vitamin in as little as five minutes.
But if you’re living in a colder climate, then supplements are your best bet.
Since vitamin D is fat-soluble — meaning it can build up in your body — you don’t want to overdo it. Get your vitamin D levels checked and ask your doctor about the best dose for you.
3. Bitter Melon
Bitter melon is a fruit that’s been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. If the taste isn’t for you, there are plenty of supplements to reap its full benefits.
How It Works
In general, bitter plants have an awesome tendency to lower blood sugar. Bitter melon, in particular, does this quite well. It’s said to mimic the effects of insulin, helping to clear the blood of glucose and get it to your cells — stat.
Some researchers also think bitter melon can break down cortisol, a stress hormone that can spike blood sugar levels.
How To Take It
Bitter melon has a sharp flavor that can complement many dishes. But if you’re not crazy about its taste, you can find bitter melon extract as a supplement.
As with any new supplement, check the instructions on the packaging for the right dosage. And, of course, don’t forget to tell your healthcare provider that you’re starting a new supplement.
4. Gymnema
AKA “the sugar destroyer,” Gymnema Sylvestre is a vine found in the tropical regions of India, China, and even some parts of Africa. It’s long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to support healthy blood sugar levels.
How It Works
Gymnema mimics glucose receptors in the taste buds, which allows it to block the taste of sugar. This can seriously reduce someone’s cravings for sweet stuff.
Plus, it mimics receptors in the digestive tract, which can slow down the body’s rate of sugar absorption and keep blood sugar levels more stable.
How To Use Gymnema
Gymnema is traditionally taken as tea. You can find it in our Herbal Balance Tea with a blend of other superfood plants.
You can also take Gymnema as a fast-acting tablet. We got you covered here, too: Our small but mighty Sugar Control Tablets can be taken before meals to block the taste of sugar.
5. American Ginseng
Ginseng belongs to a class of herbs known as adaptogens. These powerful stress-relievers literally adapt themselves to your body, making changes where necessary. Amongst the many different types of ginseng, American ginseng is most commonly used in Native American Medicine.
How It Works
The pancreas is the organ that produces and secretes insulin, the hormone needed to get glucose from the blood and into the cells. American ginseng may help support the pancreas in producing insulin cells, which means higher insulin secretion to get sugar out of the blood quickly.
How To Use It
You can find American ginseng in every supermarket, drugstore, or health food store. There really isn’t a “standard” FDA-approved dose for American ginseng, so it’s important to follow the instructions on the packaging. And, of course, a quick check-in with your doctor can never hurt!
6. Berberine
Berberine is a compound extracted from the roots, stems, and bark of certain plants. It’s technically an alkaloid, putting it in the same category as nicotine and caffeine. Berberine has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory health benefits.
How It Works
Berberine works in several ways to balance blood sugar levels. It can help to regenerate insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, boosting glucose metabolism. It may also help to control a huge blood sugar spike after eating. Finally, it can lower fasting blood sugar levels.
How To Take It
Like with many supplements, there aren’t clinically-established doses for berberine supplements. Most studies administer about 1,500 mg of berberine per day. For best results, try to take a capsule of berberine before meals — up to three times daily.
Show Sugar Who’s Boss
High blood sugar levels are no fun. Fortunately, there are many natural supplements to help you balance them.
At Sweetkick, we’re committed to helping you live healthily. That’s why we made our products with superfood ingredients that have been shown to reduce cravings, support balanced blood sugar, and help you get the most energy out of your food.
You got this!
Sources:
Antidiabetic effects of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) and its medicinal potency | PMC
