Providing a normal blood sugar level is an incredibly important condition for a he althy human existence. If fluctuations begin in the direction of increasing or decreasing from the normal state, then the body experiences great difficulties. The regulation of sugar levels and its retention at normal levels is done by our body on its own. But sometimes it can crash. Then such a serious metabolic disorder develops as the appearance of excess sugar. This disruption of the endocrine system is called diabetes mellitus.
At the initial stage of the disease, the body is still trying to resist this problem on its own, diluting excess sugar with water. That is why the patient at this stage begins to be disturbed by a strong thirst. This is the first bell, the appearance of which should immediately consult a doctor. Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the body feels a lack of insulin to process sugar and the content of the latter in the blood is constantly growing. There are more and more patients with diabetes mellitus and there are many reasons for this (heredity,wrong lifestyle, etc.).
Chicory
Treatment for diabetes is very long and tiring. Tired of endless drugs and diets, patients are trying to find more effective methods and often turn to traditional medicine. Of course, in order to improve well-being, any means are good. But such a serious disease does not tolerate self-activity and any addition to the traditional treatment and recommended diet must be agreed with the attending physician.
Traditional medicine considers chicory to be one of the most effective means that perfectly complements medical treatment and gives good results. So is chicory possible with diabetes? This drink has proven to be very useful in cases of other serious diseases, but will it be effective in this case?
How the plant works in diabetes
This herb can be a great addition to diabetes. Many studies confirm that chicory in diabetes shows good results. It is known as a wonderful drink, a coffee substitute, which tastes very similar to it, but does not contain caffeine. At the same time, it fills the body with a number of useful substances. The complex effect of the drink from chicory has a beneficial effect on the patient. It helps fight various diseases.
Composition of chicory
The amazing properties of chicory have been known since ancient times. Therefore, this plant was widely used in practice by various herbalists. Even the healers of Ancient Egypt used chicory in their therapeutic arsenal - a storehouse of various very valuable micro and macro elements for the body, as well as a whole group of vitamins. It consists of:
- inulin;
- tannins;
- choline;
- chicorine;
- organic acid;
- essential oil;
- vitamin complex from such a set of vitamins A, B1, B2, C, PP;
- sodium;
- phosphorus;
- manganese;
- iron;
- potassium and others.
Inulin in chicory: effects on the body
The main reason chicory is indicated for type 2 diabetes is its inulin content. Its impact on the body of a diabetic patient can hardly be overestimated. Inulin performs many important functions:
- Helps reduce glucose in diabetics, allowing insulin dependent patients to reduce their insulin intake.
- Releases the body from radionuclides and heavy metals.
- Helps strengthen bones, reducing the risk of fracture.
- Significantly improves immunity.
- Contributes to the normalization of carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
- Decreases appetite.
Why is this herb good for type 2 diabetes?
Among other herbs that help regulate glycemia, chicory has been very successful in type 2 diabetes. For treatment, flowers and roots of the plant are used. They are used in the form of decoctions. In addition to the fact that chicory contains many usefulsubstances and significantly reduces blood sugar, it also has diuretic, as well as wound healing properties, helps improve metabolism, strengthens blood vessels and stimulates the improvement of cardiac activity in diabetes. But its use should be agreed with the doctor. Since this remedy has some contraindications that you must know and consider when using chicory drinks.
Contraindications for drinking chicory drink
So, is it possible to drink chicory with diabetes? The elements, vitamins and minerals contained in the named plant affect not only the causes of the appearance of pathology, but also other organs that this condition can harm.
If you decide to try a chicory drink as an aid to diabetes, consult a polyclinic about its effect on your body, especially if you have diseases such as:
- allergic to substances that make up chicory;
- respiratory diseases;
- problems with the work of the gastrointestinal tract;
- varicose veins;
- renal or liver failure;
- chronic hemorrhoids.
Therefore, it is very important to know about your body's reaction to chicory even before you start using it. In general, apart from the patient's individual intolerance to any substances, there are no clear contraindications to the use of this remedy, and chicory in type 2 diabetes is not prohibited. The whole point is to do itnot uncontrolled, but under the supervision of a qualified specialist.
Benefit
Most people are familiar with chicory as a he althy coffee substitute, because it also has a dark color and a bitter taste. It is drunk by everyone who is worried about their he alth and proper nutrition. The root of this plant is most valued, but other parts of the plant can provide good results: leaves, flowers and stems.
Back in the 18th century, the gardener Tamme prepared the first drink from chicory roots. And since then, many have fallen in love with its tart taste, softer and more delicate than coffee, and much whiter for the body. Its beauty lies in the fact that it can be drunk by children, the elderly, pregnant or nursing mothers.
Why is chicory so useful for type 2 diabetes? What is the impact of its beneficial properties on the causes of diabetes? After all, it is not without reason that they resort to the help of this plant in the treatment of pathology. And the secret here is simple - chicory root contains fructose, which can replace sugar. And this allows you to reduce its level in the patient's blood.
Inulin, which creates a hypoglycemic effect in diabetic patients, is also of great importance. It is able to have an excellent effect on reducing blood sugar, makes it possible to monitor glycemia and maintain sugar at a normal level, preventing its hyperglycemic surges.
How is chicory commonly prescribed for prevention?
Inulin is useful in the primary stage in violation of carbohydrate metabolism or pre-diabetes, whichleads to hypertension and hyperproteinemia. Therefore, chicory in diabetes is prescribed as a drink for prevention in order to prevent possible diabetic complications: angiopathy, peripheral neuropathy, retino-, nephro- and encephalopity. The most popular is instant chicory.
Types of processing
The main raw material for obtaining a chicory product is the rhizome of the plant. It is dried and processed, and obtaining one or another type of drink depends on the way it is processed. There are three in total:
- Concentrated liquid extract - a kind of extract from the rhizome of the plant, which is added in the manufacture of confectionery or in some sauces as a flavoring, and also taken in a diluted state from insomnia and nervous stress.
- Dry ground - fried root is ground into powder and used for food, pouring hot or cold water, used to improve bowel function and ensure the normal functioning of the biliary tract.
- Soluble powder - the most difficult to manufacture, but also the most useful for diabetes. It is much more convenient than the first two, because it is not required to insist, and it can be stored much longer.
Regular consumption of chicory for diabetes can lower cholesterol along the way.
Chicory during pregnancy and diabetes
Various natural supplements can also be used to enhance the existing healing agents. For example, allInterested in whether it is possible to drink chicory with diabetes during pregnancy or during lactation? Of course, you can, this drink with the addition of blueberries will be especially useful. Just do not abuse daily doses so that there is no harm.
Traditional medicine in the treatment of the described disease has never denied how useful chicory is for diabetes. Folk methods of treatment with various plants still find a response in the medical environment today. But only these methods should be used not instead of drug therapy, but together with it, under the supervision of the attending physician and in therapeutic dosages, along with medication and strict adherence to the diet. Such interaction can bring good results and make the treatment more effective and faster.
Advice from endocrinologists
If you still doubt whether chicory can be used for diabetes, consult your endocrinologist. Based on the results of the tests, he will determine whether chicory will harm you and prescribe doses that are harmless to your body.
Recent studies have convinced physicians of the absolute benefits of chicory for the prevention of hypoglycemia. Therefore, this drink is recommended for diabetics with any type. In addition, endocrinologists offer a number of useful tips for people with this diagnosis:
- Strictly adhere to the diet, because the foods consumed directly affect the increase in blood glucose levels.
- Avoid stressful situations, with high nervous tension, the hormone cortisol is released into the bloodstream, which contributes toincrease in blood glucose.
- Control body weight as being overweight reduces the effectiveness of insulin and makes the situation worse.
- Be more active so that more glucose is spent on muscle work and less of it remains in the blood, exercise makes the body less dependent on insulin.
- Use instead of sugar its artificial substitutes: aspartame and saccharin, which are less caloric and do not lead to the accumulation of excess glucose in the blood, while its natural substitutes, xylitol and fructose, are very high in calories and can lead to hyperglycemia. You can occasionally indulge in diabetic confectionery with artificial sweeteners.
- Take vitamin complexes designed specifically for diabetics.
So, we found out that you can drink chicory in diabetes. By following these tips and using the drink as a catalyst, it will be easier to make significant progress in the fight against diabetes and start living a simple normal life of a he althy person.
