Diabetes

Get Email Updates

Resource Centers

Related Topics

More

Diabetes Guide

Christine Jeffries

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Free Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER!

Types of Alternative Supplements for the Heart and Diabetes

By Shamir Benji HERWriter February 27, 2009 - 6:38pm
 
Rate This
0 comments View Comments

The number of complimentary and alternative care medical treatments that are sold to cure or prevent diabetes and its complications are enough to full up a whole book- but in reality there are only a handful that are beneficial. The internet is inundated with sites selling cures for diabetes with powerful ads, astonishing claims, but very few scientific data. For the consumer the alternative health care market is a maze because each claim is stronger than the one before. There are thousands of anecdotal reports, which attest to the fact that these supplements cure diabetes, prevent heart attacks, improve sex life, and even restore memory.

Unfortunately, the alternative health care market is flooded with charlatans whose only ambition is to make money off desperate people- offering false promises.

The few alternative health care supplements that have been shown to be of benefit both in diabetics and those with heart problems are the following:

- alpha lipoic acid (ALA)
- chromium
- Coenzyme Q10
- garlic
- Magnesium
- omega-3 fatty acids

Of these six, only omega 3 fatty acid has lived up to expectations. The data on the other five supplements are not reproducible nor can they be verified. Some people say these supplements do wonders and others say the exact opposite. Until controlled clinical trials are held, the status of these supplements will always be questionable.

0 comments View Comments
 
Rate This

We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

Add a CommentComments

There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!

Image CAPTCHA
By hitting submit, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy

Take our Featured Poll

Who do you consult when making a health & wellness lifestyle decision?:
View Results