Exploring Holistic Ingredients for Glucose Support

Written by: Brilliant Staff

Fact checked by: Kelsey Butler, RDN

cinnamon powder and cinnamon stick

Maintaining healthy blood glucose levels is a cornerstone of good health and well-being. For those looking to support their glucose levels naturally, in addition to regular exercise and a nutritious diet, certain naturally sourced supplements and herbs may offer additional benefits. 

Still, it's crucial to approach these holistic alternatives with both curiosity and caution, emphasizing the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before adding any new element to your health regimen.

Let's explore some of the naturally derived ingredients that have been studied for their potential to support healthy glucose levels.

Cinsulin

Cinsulin, a trademarked form of water-extracted cinnamon, is heralded for its potential in managing blood glucose. Research suggests that cinnamon's components may aid in supporting insulin function and, consequently, could play a role in glucose management for individuals. Cinnamon's antioxidant properties may also contribute positively to metabolic health.

Chromium

Chromium, a mineral involved in metabolizing food, is believed to support the action of insulin. Some studies point to chromium supplementation as a possible aid in glucose metabolism, particularly with insulin activity. However, it's essential to note that while there's supportive evidence, it's not uniformly conclusive, and more research is needed.

Lion's Mane

This medicinal mushroom has a history of use in traditional medicine, and recent studies on animals indicate it could help maintain healthy blood glucose levels. Lion's mane's potential glucose effects stem from its polysaccharide content, which helps promote insulin function and maintain blood sugar levels.

Berberine

Berberine, found in plants such as Goldenseal, has a rich Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine tradition. Recent studies have demonstrated its potential in blood sugar management. Its function appears to be related to the activity of the AMP-activated protein kinase enzyme, which plays a role in regulating metabolism.

Fenugreek

Besides its culinary uses, fenugreek has a long history in alternative medicine. The fiber in fenugreek seeds can slow down the absorption of sugars in the stomach and support insulin, both of which can help manage healthy blood sugar.

Bitter Melon

Bitter melon, a vegetable commonly used in traditional medicinal practices, may have blood sugar effects. It contains compounds such as charantin, which has been found to have a blood glucose effect, vicine, and polypeptide-p, which are known to assist in the management of blood glucose health.

Gymnema Sylvestre

Referred to as the "sugar destroyer" in Ayurvedic medicine, Gymnema Sylvestre may help reduce sugar cravings and maintain healthy blood sugar. It appears to support the production of insulin and the function of pancreatic islet cells, both of which can help blood sugar levels.

Final Thoughts

While these ingredients are associated with potential benefits for glucose management, it's vital to understand that supplements should complement, not replace, prescribed treatments. Given the variability in supplement quality and potential interactions with medications, always get advice from a healthcare professional before integrating new holistic supplements into your glucose management plan.

Finally, remember that the information provided here should be used as knowledge rather than medical advice. No claim made is endorsed as a universal truth but rather as findings from research available to us. Always prioritize FDA-approved treatments and medications and consult healthcare providers for personalized care.

Please note that adherence to FTC guidelines and FDA regulations is observed. This article does not promote non-FDA-approved treatments, and the views shared should be interpreted as informational and should not replace professional medical advice or consultation.

Citations

  1. Anderson, Richard A., et al. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, vol. 6, no. 4, Oct. 2016, pp. 332–36, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2015.03.005.
  2. Havel, Peter J. The Diabetes Educator, 2004, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15208835/.
  3. Łysakowska, Paulina, et al. Molecules, vol. 28, no. 14, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, July 2023, pp. 5393–93, https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28145393.
  4. Mahwish, et al. Plants, vol. 10, no. 4, Apr. 2021, https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10040730.
  5. Shrivastava, Suyesh, et al. Heliyon, vol. 9, no. 11, Nov. 2023, p. e21233, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21233.
  6. Turner, Sophie, et al. Nutrients, vol. 12, no. 4, Apr. 2020, p. 1046, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12041046.