Anti-Syndrome-X Nutritional Supplements
R-Lipoic Acid —Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Much More
This preferred, natural form of the antioxidant lipoic acid is much more effective than the synthetic form of lipoic acid for improving glucose metabolism. Lipoic acid has been shown to lower glucose levels by 10 to 30 percent and improve insulin function.10 Lipoic acid also has been used to positively prevent and treat diabetic nerve disease and reduce the incidence of cataracts in laboratory animals.11 Lipoic acid is also believed to reverse some of the fundamental signs of aging, according to a recently published animal study in which old rats that were given lipoic acid supplements had the same energy levels as young rats.12
Green Tea—The Natural Starch Blocker Plus
Studies confirm that tea catechins—potent antioxidants—are effective in suppressing increases of glucose and insulin concentrations in the blood. Since blood sugar tends to increase with age, this effect is an extremely important anti-aging benefit.13 Another study indicates that one of the specific catchins, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), lowers appetite, body weight, blood sugar, and insulin levels.14
Plus, tea polyphenols inhibit the activity of amylase, a starch-digesting enzyme found in saliva and in the intestines. Starch is broken down more slowly, and the rise in serum glucose is minimized, so that you don't crave sweets and other snack foods after eating a meal. 15 Since insulin is our most fattening hormone and, with cortisol, our most pro-aging hormone, if you take Green Tea in the form of a nutritional supplement, you gain a wide range of benefits that accompany calorie and insulin control.
This "starch blocking" effect of green tea may be part of the reason Japanese people living in Japan can eat so much rice but remain thin. They have a tradition of drinking green with every meal.
The antioxidants in Green Tea also help reduce the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol, a process that can lead to clogged arteries. 16
Chromium Picolinate—First Class Blood Sugar and Insulin Regulator
Nine out of 10 American diets fall short of this trace mineral, which is essential for the transfer of sugar from the bloodstream to muscle cells, thereby giving them the fuel they need to work. Chromium is involved in maintaining cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and it is also necessary for our muscles to function properly. Chromium picolinate is believed to be more effective than other chromium supplements tested because it transports chromium into the cells more efficiently. 17
Chromium is believed to help build new muscle and act as a fat burner. When combined with an exercise program, chromium supplementation, even without the other synergistic supplements we suggest, has been shown to produce significant weight loss. 18
Research suggests that chromium picolinate may help those with diabetes II and hypoglycemia.19 According to a study by U.S. Department of Agriculture researcher John Anderson, there is strong evidence that chromium picolinate may help to normalize glucose and insulin levels in diabetics. In this study, chromium was tested in 180 people in China with Type II (adult onset) diabetes. The scientists found that higher doses of chromium helped normalize glucose and insulin levels in the participants. "We've been doing chromium studies for 20 years and never saw anything this spectacular," said Anderson. "If you take people in the general population with slightly elevated blood sugar and give them chromium supplements, you'll see a drop in blood sugar in 80 to 90 percent of them." 20
Salacia Reticulata—Supports Healthy Blood Lipids
This herb has been traditionally used in Indian medicine to treat diabetes. It has potent antioxidant properties, 21, and triglyceride- and LDL cholesterol-lowering effects that aid in weight loss. Salacia contains mangiferin, which enhances the body's sensitivity to insulin, and also contains inhibitors of sugar digestion and absorption.22
Banaba—Effective in Supporting Healthy Body Weight
Banaba is a botanical extract that comes from the leaves of banaba trees and is traditionally used in the Philippines as an herbal medicine for diabetes. Corosolic acid, a triterpenoid in the leaves, acts as a glucose transport stimulator. It also appears to have strong antioxidant properties. Animal studies have shown it to be effective both for treating diabetes and obesity.23
Momordica—A Powerful Pancreas Protector
Also called bitter gourd or bitter melon, Momordica is used as a vegetable in India. Its extract improves glucose metabolism, protects the pancreas, slows carbohydrate absorption, and decreases gluconeogenesis, which is the production of glucose in the liver from other foodstuffs. It has also been shown to improve insulin resistance 24; protect and regenerate insulin-producing pancreas cells 25; and lower both blood lipids and glucose.26
Coccinia—Supports Normal Glucose Oxidation
Also called Ivy gourd, this Indian herb is related to bitter gourd and is used for similar purposes as Momordica. It decreases the liver's own production of blood sugar, and increases glucose oxidation in the liver.27
