Sleep apnea is not a simple problem. There are problems that I have not covered and there is not one size fits all solution.
I have been covering obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) from mild, moderate, to severe.
OSA is the most common type of sleep apnea. It happens when the soft tissue in the back of your throat relaxes during sleep, causing a blockage of the airway (as well as loud snoring). Snoring is one of the symptoms of sleep apnea, but does not always mean that your have sleep apnea. (Don't let your non-snoring spouse see this).
Now I must add - central sleep apnea and mixed (complex) sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea, while much less common, is still serious. It involves the central nervous system, rather than an airway obstruction. It occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles that control breathing. People with central sleep apnea seldom snore. This is what makes it so serious – it is more difficult to diagnose.
Complex sleep apnea (some use the term of mixed sleep apnea) is a combination of OSA and central sleep apnea. Be sure to read this about sleep apnea.
Unlike OSA, in which you can't breathe normally because of upper airway obstruction, central sleep apnea results when your brain doesn't send the signals to the muscles that control your breathing. Central sleep apnea is less common, accounting for less than five percent of sleep apneas.
Central sleep apnea may occur as a result of other conditions, such as heart failure and stroke. Sleeping at a high altitude also may cause central sleep apnea. Other medical conditions also cause central sleep apnea. Life-threatening problems with the brain stem is also a cause. Read this for more on other medical problems.
Treatment can include CPAP or oral appliances, but often requires oxygen being supplemented. Your physician may preform a physical exam in addition to a sleep study. Other test that may be included are lung function studies and a MRI.
Central sleep apnea patients should avoid the use of any sedative medications Some types of central sleep apnea can be treated with drugs that will stimulate breathing. If it is due to heart failure, the goal will be to treat the heart failure itself. Other symptoms may include apnea due to neurological condition. The symptoms depend on the cause of the disease and what parts of the nervous is affected, but may include difficulty in swallowing, voice changes, and weakness or numbness throughout the body.
October 13, 2010
October 10, 2010
Identifying Sleep Apnea – Part 2
Who can have sleep apnea? Anyone at any age can suffer from sleep apnea, whether they are young children to the elderly. Risk factors become important in both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
The risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea include being overweight, a male, over the age of 65, black, Hispanic or a Pacific Islander, being related to someone who has sleep apnea, and a smoker. Other factors would be having a thick neck, deviated septum, receding chin, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids. You must also include other medical factors that cause nasal congestion and blockage.
The risk factors for central sleep apnea can have many factors, but is most common in males and people over the age of 65. Central sleep apnea is often caused by serious illnesses like heart disease, stroke, neurological disease, and spinal or brain stem injury.
When diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are some things that you can do to lessen the problems with mild to moderate OSA. Lifestyle modifications are the biggest area to improve the condition. These include losing weight, quit smoking, avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, sedatives, avoid caffeine, heavy meals before going to bed, and maintaining regular sleep hours.
When going to bed, learn to sleep on your side as this will help keep your tongue from relaxing and obstructing your airway. Prevent yourself from rolling onto your back by having something at your back that is rigid enough to stop you. Some people are able to elevate their head with a foam wedge or by using a cervical pillow. If you have nasal problems, use a nasal dilator, saline spray, or breathing strips.
Many people do not use some aids that should be done. Throat exercises can be successful in reducing the severity of sleep apnea by strengthening the muscles in the airway making them less likely to collapse.
Some of the exercises you can try (I found the first the most helpful but try them for yourself) include pressing the tongue flat against the floor of mouth and brush top and sides with toothbrush. Repeat brushing movement 5 times, 3 times a day.
I found this very difficult - press length of tongue to roof of mouth and hold for 3 minutes a day. The next exercise is place finger into one side of mouth. Hold finger against cheek while pulling cheek muscle in at same time. Repeat 10 times then rest and alternate sides. Repeat sequence 3 times.
I have not tried this one - purse lips as if to kiss. Hold lips tightly together and move them up and to the right the up and to the left 10 times. Repeat sequence 3 times.
If nothing more this will strengthen your lungs, but it seems to help. Place lips on a balloon to inflate. Take a deep breath through your nose then blow out through your mouth to inflate balloon as much as possible. Repeat 5 times without removing balloon from mouth.
One exercise that also helped me is holding both hands together at the back and forming a V, take the thumbs and massage the jaw area starting at the back near the jaw hinge and pulling the thumbs forward in the soft area under the jaw. Start at the outside and work toward the center. Just use care not to depress the arteries at the side of the neck, stick to the underside of the jaw.
What ever you do, find out what works for you and give it a consistent trial and a chance to work. Even though I have severe obstructive, the most aid I have received is by sleeping on my side and using a strong back support to prevent me from turning on onto my back. I still use my VPAP machine to get the restful sleep I need.
The risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea include being overweight, a male, over the age of 65, black, Hispanic or a Pacific Islander, being related to someone who has sleep apnea, and a smoker. Other factors would be having a thick neck, deviated septum, receding chin, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids. You must also include other medical factors that cause nasal congestion and blockage.
The risk factors for central sleep apnea can have many factors, but is most common in males and people over the age of 65. Central sleep apnea is often caused by serious illnesses like heart disease, stroke, neurological disease, and spinal or brain stem injury.
When diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are some things that you can do to lessen the problems with mild to moderate OSA. Lifestyle modifications are the biggest area to improve the condition. These include losing weight, quit smoking, avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, sedatives, avoid caffeine, heavy meals before going to bed, and maintaining regular sleep hours.
When going to bed, learn to sleep on your side as this will help keep your tongue from relaxing and obstructing your airway. Prevent yourself from rolling onto your back by having something at your back that is rigid enough to stop you. Some people are able to elevate their head with a foam wedge or by using a cervical pillow. If you have nasal problems, use a nasal dilator, saline spray, or breathing strips.
Many people do not use some aids that should be done. Throat exercises can be successful in reducing the severity of sleep apnea by strengthening the muscles in the airway making them less likely to collapse.
Some of the exercises you can try (I found the first the most helpful but try them for yourself) include pressing the tongue flat against the floor of mouth and brush top and sides with toothbrush. Repeat brushing movement 5 times, 3 times a day.
I found this very difficult - press length of tongue to roof of mouth and hold for 3 minutes a day. The next exercise is place finger into one side of mouth. Hold finger against cheek while pulling cheek muscle in at same time. Repeat 10 times then rest and alternate sides. Repeat sequence 3 times.
I have not tried this one - purse lips as if to kiss. Hold lips tightly together and move them up and to the right the up and to the left 10 times. Repeat sequence 3 times.
If nothing more this will strengthen your lungs, but it seems to help. Place lips on a balloon to inflate. Take a deep breath through your nose then blow out through your mouth to inflate balloon as much as possible. Repeat 5 times without removing balloon from mouth.
One exercise that also helped me is holding both hands together at the back and forming a V, take the thumbs and massage the jaw area starting at the back near the jaw hinge and pulling the thumbs forward in the soft area under the jaw. Start at the outside and work toward the center. Just use care not to depress the arteries at the side of the neck, stick to the underside of the jaw.
What ever you do, find out what works for you and give it a consistent trial and a chance to work. Even though I have severe obstructive, the most aid I have received is by sleeping on my side and using a strong back support to prevent me from turning on onto my back. I still use my VPAP machine to get the restful sleep I need.
October 6, 2010
Identifying Sleep Apnea – Part 1
Do you know what a sleep apnea episode is? Unless you have a recorder and record yourself, you are probably like the rest of us, you could describe in words, but not what it sounds like. Since I have not really discussed this in previous blogs, I am taking this blog and the next blog to write about the areas not covered previously.
A sleep episode is basically when the air flow stops and the oxygen level in your blood drops. This drop causes your brain to jump start your breathing and briefly disturb your sleep. This often causes a gasp or choking sound as you body restarts the breathing. If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), chances are you may not remember these brief awakenings as you will stir just enough to tighten your throat muscles and open your windpipe. In central sleep apnea, you may be conscious of your awakenings.
In sleep apnea that is untreated, breathing is briefly interrupted or becomes shallow during sleep. These breathing interruptions normally last ten to twenty seconds and can happen hundreds of times each night thus preventing you from getting a restful night's sleep.
When breathing is paused, you can be jolted out of your normal sleep, and I can remember this happening, sometimes completely waking me up. It did not happen all the time, but still I was not getting the restful, restorative sleep I needed. This meant that I was sleepy during the day, I had poor concentration, and I was extra careful to avoid accidents.
Sleep apnea can also bring on other serious health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and weight gain. Once I was on a CPAP machine, I felt more refreshed and alert and not sleepy during the day, but I still got diabetes.
My wife was smart enough to have me get an appointment with a doctor that was a sleep specialist. She said I was snoring loudly and most of the night, and I was choking or gasping for air during my sleep. I was waking up with a dry mouth, but not a sore throat. I did not have morning headaches, but was still tired the entire day. I don't remember going to the bathroom more frequently or being moody and irritable and at least my wife agreed with me.
My sleep specialist asked lots of questions of both me and my wife. He did feel from that answers that I had sleep apnea. He did tell me that not all people that snore have sleep apnea, but based on the answers to his questions, he was scheduling me for a sleep study.
One thing you may do for yourself is keep a sleep diary. Record the hours in bed, any nighttime awakenings, and whether you feel rested and refreshed after waking. If you are married or have a significant other sleeping with you, get them to add what they witnessed and have them make a note about any gasping, choking, or other sounds.
If you live alone and have video or audio equipment, set them up to record you while sleeping. Hopefully you can set the equipment up to be sound activated or have a connection to your computer to do the actual recording.
The sleep study did show that I had very severe obstructive sleep apnea and though I was not the worse he has seen, I was near the top. Not what I wanted to hear, but at least with the CPAP, I started to get the restful and restorative sleep that I desperately needed.
A sleep episode is basically when the air flow stops and the oxygen level in your blood drops. This drop causes your brain to jump start your breathing and briefly disturb your sleep. This often causes a gasp or choking sound as you body restarts the breathing. If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), chances are you may not remember these brief awakenings as you will stir just enough to tighten your throat muscles and open your windpipe. In central sleep apnea, you may be conscious of your awakenings.
In sleep apnea that is untreated, breathing is briefly interrupted or becomes shallow during sleep. These breathing interruptions normally last ten to twenty seconds and can happen hundreds of times each night thus preventing you from getting a restful night's sleep.
When breathing is paused, you can be jolted out of your normal sleep, and I can remember this happening, sometimes completely waking me up. It did not happen all the time, but still I was not getting the restful, restorative sleep I needed. This meant that I was sleepy during the day, I had poor concentration, and I was extra careful to avoid accidents.
Sleep apnea can also bring on other serious health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and weight gain. Once I was on a CPAP machine, I felt more refreshed and alert and not sleepy during the day, but I still got diabetes.
My wife was smart enough to have me get an appointment with a doctor that was a sleep specialist. She said I was snoring loudly and most of the night, and I was choking or gasping for air during my sleep. I was waking up with a dry mouth, but not a sore throat. I did not have morning headaches, but was still tired the entire day. I don't remember going to the bathroom more frequently or being moody and irritable and at least my wife agreed with me.
My sleep specialist asked lots of questions of both me and my wife. He did feel from that answers that I had sleep apnea. He did tell me that not all people that snore have sleep apnea, but based on the answers to his questions, he was scheduling me for a sleep study.
One thing you may do for yourself is keep a sleep diary. Record the hours in bed, any nighttime awakenings, and whether you feel rested and refreshed after waking. If you are married or have a significant other sleeping with you, get them to add what they witnessed and have them make a note about any gasping, choking, or other sounds.
If you live alone and have video or audio equipment, set them up to record you while sleeping. Hopefully you can set the equipment up to be sound activated or have a connection to your computer to do the actual recording.
The sleep study did show that I had very severe obstructive sleep apnea and though I was not the worse he has seen, I was near the top. Not what I wanted to hear, but at least with the CPAP, I started to get the restful and restorative sleep that I desperately needed.
October 4, 2010
Sleep Apnea Surgery Options
So you have sleep apnea and want to have surgery. Before you settle on something like surgery, do your homework. Many surgeries do not accomplish what was wanted and once done, you will have to live with it.
After I was diagnosed, I was made aware of this, but discouraged by my sleep doctor until after I had tried other options and learned more about the different surgeries. I am happy that he had that attitude. After doing a lot of reading and research, I will put up with a nasal mask before I will do something that can't be reversed.
In my second year shortly after I was diagnosed with diabetes, a surgeon specializing in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) surgery was brought in to examine about a dozen of us. There was only one person that fit the criteria he was willing to do surgery for. I don't know what happened, but I am very thankful he felt I did not qualify for surgery.
From my knowledge now, I would try different CPAP equipment and if necessary all of the oral dental appliances until I had exhausted every other facet before I would consider surgery.
Now that I have said that, for those that cannot accept the continuous positive pressure (CPAP) for OSA or oral dental appliances, the following surgery options are available.
1. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
2. Tracheostomy
3. Other Surgical Options
I will not summarize these, but urge you to read about them here. It does discuss the complications involved especially UPPP.
More sites that will give you a better understanding of the successes and failures of surgeries for sleep apnea.
Site 1 This site does have information about surgeries for adults and children.
Site 2 Excellent coverage about treatments and drugs.
Site 3 Conversations with two individuals who regret having the surgery.
Site 4 From Sleep Apnea Organization.
Site 5 The U of Maryland an excellent discussion about the success rates and types of complications to expect.
I urge you to do your homework and research diligently before accepting surgical solutions.
After I was diagnosed, I was made aware of this, but discouraged by my sleep doctor until after I had tried other options and learned more about the different surgeries. I am happy that he had that attitude. After doing a lot of reading and research, I will put up with a nasal mask before I will do something that can't be reversed.
In my second year shortly after I was diagnosed with diabetes, a surgeon specializing in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) surgery was brought in to examine about a dozen of us. There was only one person that fit the criteria he was willing to do surgery for. I don't know what happened, but I am very thankful he felt I did not qualify for surgery.
From my knowledge now, I would try different CPAP equipment and if necessary all of the oral dental appliances until I had exhausted every other facet before I would consider surgery.
Now that I have said that, for those that cannot accept the continuous positive pressure (CPAP) for OSA or oral dental appliances, the following surgery options are available.
1. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
2. Tracheostomy
3. Other Surgical Options
I will not summarize these, but urge you to read about them here. It does discuss the complications involved especially UPPP.
More sites that will give you a better understanding of the successes and failures of surgeries for sleep apnea.
Site 1 This site does have information about surgeries for adults and children.
Site 2 Excellent coverage about treatments and drugs.
Site 3 Conversations with two individuals who regret having the surgery.
Site 4 From Sleep Apnea Organization.
Site 5 The U of Maryland an excellent discussion about the success rates and types of complications to expect.
I urge you to do your homework and research diligently before accepting surgical solutions.
September 30, 2010
Sleep apnea – using oral appliances
When I wrote the first blog on Sleep Apnea, I was not intending for this much time to pass until the second, actually third. A short one about nasal mask liners was the second. I am a confirmed CPAP user, but I want to explore the area of oral appliances.
Yes, people do use oral appliances for sleep apnea. Oral appliances for sleep apnea have now existed for about 16 years. At one time oral appliances were only for mild to moderate sleep apnea. Now even severe obstructive sleep apnea can be handled by some dentists. Not all dentists are trained for treating sleep apnea, or I should say trained in sleep medicine.
Also be careful of dentists, and doctors, as well, that prescribe sleep apnea equipment without a sleep study. A sleep study tells the doctor or dentist the severity of your sleep apnea so that it can be properly treated. There are some of each on the internet where I would seriously wonder about their ethics. Some do have you do the home sleep study which is now accepted by most insurance companies.
For a discussion about oral appliances, read this. Oral appliances work very effectively for many sleep apnea patients. If you are interested, use the following link to find a qualified dentist, or try this link.
You will need to investigate oral appliances and talk to a qualified dentist as I have no experience other than having communicated with the dentist about two hours distant from me. She is very experienced and it was her advertising on the radio station I listen to, that woke me up to know that there were dental appliances for treatment of sleep apnea.
Oral appliances and oral appliance therapy is helpful for those that snore and have mild obstructive sleep apnea and do not respond to behavioral modifications such as weight loss or sleep-position changes. It is helpful for those with moderate to severe OSA who can not or will not tolerate nasal CPAP and those who are not open to tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy or other medical procedures.
Please research carefully any medical procedure as often they can make the condition worse and not solve the problem.
Currently there are about 70 different oral appliances available. They are classified into two main categories of oral appliances. The first is tongue retraining appliances and works by holding the tongue in a forward position by means of a suction bulb. This prevents the tongue from relaxing or collapsing during sleep and obstruction the airway in the throat.
The second category is the mandibular retraining appliances which reposition and maintain the lower jaw in a protruded position during sleep. This also opens the airway by indirectly pulling the tongue forward and stimulating activity of the muscles in the tongue and making it more rigid. It aids by holding the lower jaw and other mouth parts in a stable position to prevent the mouth from opening.
Dentists with training in oral appliance therapy and sleep medicine are familiar with the various designs of appliances. They can determine which oral appliance is best suited for your needs and will work with and consult your doctor as part of a medical team in your diagnosis, treatment and continued care.
The initial evaluation can several weeks or months to determine the most effective oral appliance, the fitting, adaptation of the appliance and function of the appliance. Continued care will include short and long-term follow-up to assess the effectiveness of the treatment, the condition of your appliance, how you are adapting to the appliance, and check the comfort of the appliance.
Oral appliance are generally comfortable and easy to use. Many find that in a couple of weeks they have become accustom to using it. Oral appliances are small and easy to carry when traveling.
Please check out these sites: Site 1, Site 2, and Site 3.
There will be more blogs about sleep apnea.
Yes, people do use oral appliances for sleep apnea. Oral appliances for sleep apnea have now existed for about 16 years. At one time oral appliances were only for mild to moderate sleep apnea. Now even severe obstructive sleep apnea can be handled by some dentists. Not all dentists are trained for treating sleep apnea, or I should say trained in sleep medicine.
Also be careful of dentists, and doctors, as well, that prescribe sleep apnea equipment without a sleep study. A sleep study tells the doctor or dentist the severity of your sleep apnea so that it can be properly treated. There are some of each on the internet where I would seriously wonder about their ethics. Some do have you do the home sleep study which is now accepted by most insurance companies.
For a discussion about oral appliances, read this. Oral appliances work very effectively for many sleep apnea patients. If you are interested, use the following link to find a qualified dentist, or try this link.
You will need to investigate oral appliances and talk to a qualified dentist as I have no experience other than having communicated with the dentist about two hours distant from me. She is very experienced and it was her advertising on the radio station I listen to, that woke me up to know that there were dental appliances for treatment of sleep apnea.
Oral appliances and oral appliance therapy is helpful for those that snore and have mild obstructive sleep apnea and do not respond to behavioral modifications such as weight loss or sleep-position changes. It is helpful for those with moderate to severe OSA who can not or will not tolerate nasal CPAP and those who are not open to tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy or other medical procedures.
Please research carefully any medical procedure as often they can make the condition worse and not solve the problem.
Currently there are about 70 different oral appliances available. They are classified into two main categories of oral appliances. The first is tongue retraining appliances and works by holding the tongue in a forward position by means of a suction bulb. This prevents the tongue from relaxing or collapsing during sleep and obstruction the airway in the throat.
The second category is the mandibular retraining appliances which reposition and maintain the lower jaw in a protruded position during sleep. This also opens the airway by indirectly pulling the tongue forward and stimulating activity of the muscles in the tongue and making it more rigid. It aids by holding the lower jaw and other mouth parts in a stable position to prevent the mouth from opening.
Dentists with training in oral appliance therapy and sleep medicine are familiar with the various designs of appliances. They can determine which oral appliance is best suited for your needs and will work with and consult your doctor as part of a medical team in your diagnosis, treatment and continued care.
The initial evaluation can several weeks or months to determine the most effective oral appliance, the fitting, adaptation of the appliance and function of the appliance. Continued care will include short and long-term follow-up to assess the effectiveness of the treatment, the condition of your appliance, how you are adapting to the appliance, and check the comfort of the appliance.
Oral appliance are generally comfortable and easy to use. Many find that in a couple of weeks they have become accustom to using it. Oral appliances are small and easy to carry when traveling.
Please check out these sites: Site 1, Site 2, and Site 3.
There will be more blogs about sleep apnea.
September 27, 2010
Natural treatments for diabetes. (Not a cure) Part 4
Because of some of the problems and people that won't read labels or follow their doctors directions, I feel that the following is in order for all natural remedies.
The following information is for your reading and is not a cure. I am not endorsing any of these herbs, supplements, or natural remedies.
This is important!!! WARNING If you are taking supplements or anything that is not prescribed by the doctor, please make sure that the doctor is informed. Some of the supplements when taken with oral medications and/or insulin can cause hypoglycemia or have toxic results, even cause death.
This is important enough to tell you to maintain a Supplement Diary of every herb, vitamin, and supplement you are taking and give a copy to your doctor. I am aware that many people do not feel this is important, but the consequences for persons with diabetes can have severe medical implications.
This discussion is about natural treatments known as Naturopathy. This is a system of healing (not curing) in which diseases are assisted by natural remedies. I am not sure I agree with their reasoning, but I do find it interesting. I find their claims not backed by science, however, while they do claim a multitude of healing, some may have short-term benefits and very little is likely to cause serious harm, except make your wallet lighter.
Then they start to make some sense when they say that the various type of natural methods – normally the natural method aims at educating people about adopting the type of lifestyle which promotes good health.
First is treatment based on nutrition and diet in which the dietitian decides a menu for healthy diet for diabetic patients. You may read about this here.
The next discussion is about hydrotherapy. This I can understand and agree that there can be some very real benefits for type 2 diabetes. Just the relaxation can reduce stress since it is done in hot tubs of various sizes and shapes.
Then they cover detoxification. Short periods of fasting, controlled diets, and supplements to help the body rid itself of toxic substances. This is then followed by methods to control and reduce stress.
The next item of natural treatment takes some gumption. I am not sure that I can handle mud therapy. Read about it yourself down the page on the first link above.
Massage is something that I have had done to me by my wife, and it is very relaxing, reducing stress and relaxing muscles. Here there may be some short-term benefits when the person giving the massage can do the many types of massage. The deeper manual techniques can really assist in helping the body relax.
Herbal medicines has been around for years and have some minor benefits. I also have my doubts about chromotherapy. I know people believe in color therapy and the use of certain colors for enticing people to eat and for other functions, but I still have my doubts.
There are many other web sites selling home remedies which doubtfully will not do anything other than make your wallet lighter or drain your bank account.
While some of the home concoctions do contain some of the herbs and spices in the first two blogs (Part 1 & 2), they are not FDA approved and manufactured in often less than ideal or sanitary conditions and with little or no quality control.
There are many more articles, blogs, and snake oil advertisements, but these are basically repeats of the information I have given you. Most do not warn of the side effects or medication conflicts that can occur. Most do not encourage or even advise you to talk to your doctor before taking. Those I would advise strongly against using.
This will be the final in this series for now. Part 4 of 4.
The following information is for your reading and is not a cure. I am not endorsing any of these herbs, supplements, or natural remedies.
This is important!!! WARNING If you are taking supplements or anything that is not prescribed by the doctor, please make sure that the doctor is informed. Some of the supplements when taken with oral medications and/or insulin can cause hypoglycemia or have toxic results, even cause death.
This is important enough to tell you to maintain a Supplement Diary of every herb, vitamin, and supplement you are taking and give a copy to your doctor. I am aware that many people do not feel this is important, but the consequences for persons with diabetes can have severe medical implications.
This discussion is about natural treatments known as Naturopathy. This is a system of healing (not curing) in which diseases are assisted by natural remedies. I am not sure I agree with their reasoning, but I do find it interesting. I find their claims not backed by science, however, while they do claim a multitude of healing, some may have short-term benefits and very little is likely to cause serious harm, except make your wallet lighter.
Then they start to make some sense when they say that the various type of natural methods – normally the natural method aims at educating people about adopting the type of lifestyle which promotes good health.
First is treatment based on nutrition and diet in which the dietitian decides a menu for healthy diet for diabetic patients. You may read about this here.
The next discussion is about hydrotherapy. This I can understand and agree that there can be some very real benefits for type 2 diabetes. Just the relaxation can reduce stress since it is done in hot tubs of various sizes and shapes.
Then they cover detoxification. Short periods of fasting, controlled diets, and supplements to help the body rid itself of toxic substances. This is then followed by methods to control and reduce stress.
The next item of natural treatment takes some gumption. I am not sure that I can handle mud therapy. Read about it yourself down the page on the first link above.
Massage is something that I have had done to me by my wife, and it is very relaxing, reducing stress and relaxing muscles. Here there may be some short-term benefits when the person giving the massage can do the many types of massage. The deeper manual techniques can really assist in helping the body relax.
Herbal medicines has been around for years and have some minor benefits. I also have my doubts about chromotherapy. I know people believe in color therapy and the use of certain colors for enticing people to eat and for other functions, but I still have my doubts.
There are many other web sites selling home remedies which doubtfully will not do anything other than make your wallet lighter or drain your bank account.
While some of the home concoctions do contain some of the herbs and spices in the first two blogs (Part 1 & 2), they are not FDA approved and manufactured in often less than ideal or sanitary conditions and with little or no quality control.
There are many more articles, blogs, and snake oil advertisements, but these are basically repeats of the information I have given you. Most do not warn of the side effects or medication conflicts that can occur. Most do not encourage or even advise you to talk to your doctor before taking. Those I would advise strongly against using.
This will be the final in this series for now. Part 4 of 4.
September 22, 2010
Natural treatments for diabetes. (Not a cure) Part 3
Because of some of the problems and people that won't read labels or follow their doctors directions, I feel that the following is in order for all natural remedies.
The following information is for your reading and is not a cure. I am not endorsing any of these herbs, supplements, or natural remedies.
This is important!!! WARNING If you are taking supplements or anything that is not prescribed by the doctor, please make sure that the doctor is informed. Some of the supplements when taken with oral medications and/or insulin can cause hypoglycemia or have toxic results, even cause death.
This is important enough to tell you to maintain a Supplement Diary of every herb, vitamin, and supplement you are taking and give a copy to your doctor. I am aware that many people do not feel this is important, but the consequences for persons with diabetes can have severe medical implications.
Having a healthy diet and lifestyle, emphasis on exercise, are the most important factors in preventing or managing Type 2 Diabetes. There are a number of herbs, vitamins and minerals that have been shown to give some help to people with diabetes. Here are a few more herbs and plants that may have some benefits.
Prickly pear cactus:
When you look at a cactus plant it’s difficult to imagine that the plant can have any benefits, especially after a few of the spines have pierced your hand! However, some scientists have discovered that blood sugar levels can be decreased by 17% or higher in people with type 2 diabetes when the cactus pad is eaten on a regular basis. The fruit also has similar blood sugar lowering properties. Check the benefits under the "Uses" tab.
Turmeric:
Turmeric is a yellow herb that is often found in Indian and Indonesian dishes. There is some scientific research that suggests that using this herb may aid in reduction of inflammation which leads to obesity and diabetes. There is also some suggestions that it may aid in blocking some carbohydrates from being totally digested and entering the blood stream.
Milk thistle:
Many people are familiar with milk thistle and use it to help cleanse their liver of toxins that have been accumulated especially fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease affects over 50% of people with diabetes. Milk thistle may also aid in decreasing blood sugar levels, cholesterol, HbA1c, and triglycerides. Read this by David Mendosa.
Holy Basil, also called Hot Basil:
An extract of Holy Basil may decrease fasting blood sugar levels up to 17.6%. Holy Basil may also help decrease you blood sugar level if you eat too much food at a meal. The relevant studies are small in size; however, some success was achieved.
Psyllium:
Are you familiar with the over-the-counter product called Metamucil? It’s used to help keep you regular. This product basically contains psyllium, a plant that is high in fiber, and some additives and preservatives.
Psyllium is similar to other fibers that reduce serum glucose levels and insulin levels. The extra benefits of psyllium include lowered total cholesterol levels and lowered LDL cholesterol levels. There is little evidence that diabetes is greatly helped.
Other berries:
Many people are climbing on the nutritional bandwagon when it comes to berries. They consume acai berries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, hawthorne berries and exotic berries. The berries are often prepared in fruit drinks that tend to be pricey. These berries have high nutritional value and are loaded with antioxidants.
If you’re interested in these herbs for lowering blood sugar, please investigate their dosages, contraindications, and length of time the herbs can be used safely. I would recommend reading much of the information listed in the post mentioned about Milk Thistle above by David Mendosa and this post on blueberries.
Part 3 of 4
The following information is for your reading and is not a cure. I am not endorsing any of these herbs, supplements, or natural remedies.
This is important!!! WARNING If you are taking supplements or anything that is not prescribed by the doctor, please make sure that the doctor is informed. Some of the supplements when taken with oral medications and/or insulin can cause hypoglycemia or have toxic results, even cause death.
This is important enough to tell you to maintain a Supplement Diary of every herb, vitamin, and supplement you are taking and give a copy to your doctor. I am aware that many people do not feel this is important, but the consequences for persons with diabetes can have severe medical implications.
Having a healthy diet and lifestyle, emphasis on exercise, are the most important factors in preventing or managing Type 2 Diabetes. There are a number of herbs, vitamins and minerals that have been shown to give some help to people with diabetes. Here are a few more herbs and plants that may have some benefits.
Prickly pear cactus:
When you look at a cactus plant it’s difficult to imagine that the plant can have any benefits, especially after a few of the spines have pierced your hand! However, some scientists have discovered that blood sugar levels can be decreased by 17% or higher in people with type 2 diabetes when the cactus pad is eaten on a regular basis. The fruit also has similar blood sugar lowering properties. Check the benefits under the "Uses" tab.
Turmeric:
Turmeric is a yellow herb that is often found in Indian and Indonesian dishes. There is some scientific research that suggests that using this herb may aid in reduction of inflammation which leads to obesity and diabetes. There is also some suggestions that it may aid in blocking some carbohydrates from being totally digested and entering the blood stream.
Milk thistle:
Many people are familiar with milk thistle and use it to help cleanse their liver of toxins that have been accumulated especially fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease affects over 50% of people with diabetes. Milk thistle may also aid in decreasing blood sugar levels, cholesterol, HbA1c, and triglycerides. Read this by David Mendosa.
Holy Basil, also called Hot Basil:
An extract of Holy Basil may decrease fasting blood sugar levels up to 17.6%. Holy Basil may also help decrease you blood sugar level if you eat too much food at a meal. The relevant studies are small in size; however, some success was achieved.
Psyllium:
Are you familiar with the over-the-counter product called Metamucil? It’s used to help keep you regular. This product basically contains psyllium, a plant that is high in fiber, and some additives and preservatives.
Psyllium is similar to other fibers that reduce serum glucose levels and insulin levels. The extra benefits of psyllium include lowered total cholesterol levels and lowered LDL cholesterol levels. There is little evidence that diabetes is greatly helped.
Other berries:
Many people are climbing on the nutritional bandwagon when it comes to berries. They consume acai berries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, hawthorne berries and exotic berries. The berries are often prepared in fruit drinks that tend to be pricey. These berries have high nutritional value and are loaded with antioxidants.
If you’re interested in these herbs for lowering blood sugar, please investigate their dosages, contraindications, and length of time the herbs can be used safely. I would recommend reading much of the information listed in the post mentioned about Milk Thistle above by David Mendosa and this post on blueberries.
Part 3 of 4
September 19, 2010
Natural treatments for diabetes. (Not a cure) Part 2
Because of some of the problems and people that won't read labels or follow their doctors directions, I feel that the following is in order for all natural remedies.
The following information is for your reading and is not a cure. I am not endorsing any of these herbs, supplements, or natural remedies.
This is important!!! WARNING If you are taking supplements or anything that is not prescribed by the doctor, please make sure that the doctor is informed. Some of the supplements when taken with oral medications and/or insulin can cause hypoglycemia or have toxic results, even cause death.
This is important enough to tell you to maintain a Supplement Diary of every herb, vitamin, and supplement you are taking and give a copy to your doctor. I am aware that many people do not feel this is important, but the consequences for persons with diabetes can have severe medical implications.
Also, use the name below and use your search engine with “and diabetes” to check out warnings and problems of over use.
Zinc:
This mineral is important to people with diabetes and is involved in the production and storage of insulin. Be careful not to over use zinc. Food sources of zinc are many and the following article gives a few of them.
Aloe Vera Gel:
This common home used remedy for minor cuts, burns, and skin problems is the subject of a small Japanese study which shows some benefits from some compounds in the gel that help reduce blood glucose. Most effective use is from the compounds and not the gel.
Gymnema:
The warning is out big time for this herb! While it has good properties for lowering blood glucose, this will cause problems for people taking medications or insulin and should only be used under the close supervision of their doctor. NO EXCEPTIONS.
This source gives the warning and this source does not – I would suggest following the warning.
Vanadium:
Repeat the warnings! This trace mineral found naturally in many foods and mimics many of the actions of insulin in the body. Just do not use this without supervision of a doctor. The dose large enough to have an effect on blood glucose can be toxic to humans.
Herbs for Diabetes
Pterocarpus marsupium:
This herb has been used for a long time in India as a treatment for diabetes. The flavonoid, (-)-epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant has been shown to prevent alloxan-induced beta cell damage in rats.
Both epicatechin and a crude alcohol extract of Pterocarpus marsupium have actually been shown to regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells. No other drug or natural agent has been shown to generate this activity. This may not be available in the US, and should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Bitter Melon:
Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, is a tropical vegetable widely cultivated in Asia, Africa and South America, and has been used extensively in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes. I will let you read about this here.
Excessively high doses of bitter melon juice can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Small children or anyone with hypoglycemia should not take bitter melon, since this herb could theoretically trigger or worsen low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Furthermore, diabetics taking hypoglycemic drugs (such as chlorpropamide, glyburide, or phenformin) or insulin should use bitter melon with caution, as it may affect the effectiveness of the drugs, leading to severe hypoglycemia.
Onion and Garlic:
I will let you read the information about these two herbs. Generally, these can be used liberally and if you reek of garlic, you can definitely get rid of the diabetes police.
Fenugreek:
This herb has some beneficial properties and studies have given some credence to its benefits. It is the defatted portion of the seed that gives the greatest benefit.
Blueberry leaves:
I will let you read about this here. The leaves of the blueberry has a history in the of folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. In Europe, it is primarily used as an anti-haemorrhagic agent for the treatment of eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy.
Asian Ginseng:
Asian ginseng is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It has been shown to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas and to increase the number of insulin receptors.
Bilberry:
Bilberry is useful as it may lower the risk of some diabetic complications, such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy.
Stevia:
Stevia has been used traditionally to treat diabetes. Not all reports confirm the beneficial effect of Stevia. At best it is good as a sweetener to lower the sugar intake of people with diabetes.
Ginkgo Biloba:
Ginkgo biloba extract seems to be limited in use and may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic neuropathy.
Barberry:
One of the mildest and best liver tonics known. I am not sure of any other uses for people with diabetes other than inflammation reduction. Warnings are important and are discussed here.
This is Part 2 of 4.
The following information is for your reading and is not a cure. I am not endorsing any of these herbs, supplements, or natural remedies.
This is important!!! WARNING If you are taking supplements or anything that is not prescribed by the doctor, please make sure that the doctor is informed. Some of the supplements when taken with oral medications and/or insulin can cause hypoglycemia or have toxic results, even cause death.
This is important enough to tell you to maintain a Supplement Diary of every herb, vitamin, and supplement you are taking and give a copy to your doctor. I am aware that many people do not feel this is important, but the consequences for persons with diabetes can have severe medical implications.
Also, use the name below and use your search engine with “and diabetes” to check out warnings and problems of over use.
Zinc:
This mineral is important to people with diabetes and is involved in the production and storage of insulin. Be careful not to over use zinc. Food sources of zinc are many and the following article gives a few of them.
Aloe Vera Gel:
This common home used remedy for minor cuts, burns, and skin problems is the subject of a small Japanese study which shows some benefits from some compounds in the gel that help reduce blood glucose. Most effective use is from the compounds and not the gel.
Gymnema:
The warning is out big time for this herb! While it has good properties for lowering blood glucose, this will cause problems for people taking medications or insulin and should only be used under the close supervision of their doctor. NO EXCEPTIONS.
This source gives the warning and this source does not – I would suggest following the warning.
Vanadium:
Repeat the warnings! This trace mineral found naturally in many foods and mimics many of the actions of insulin in the body. Just do not use this without supervision of a doctor. The dose large enough to have an effect on blood glucose can be toxic to humans.
Herbs for Diabetes
Pterocarpus marsupium:
This herb has been used for a long time in India as a treatment for diabetes. The flavonoid, (-)-epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant has been shown to prevent alloxan-induced beta cell damage in rats.
Both epicatechin and a crude alcohol extract of Pterocarpus marsupium have actually been shown to regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells. No other drug or natural agent has been shown to generate this activity. This may not be available in the US, and should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Bitter Melon:
Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, is a tropical vegetable widely cultivated in Asia, Africa and South America, and has been used extensively in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes. I will let you read about this here.
Excessively high doses of bitter melon juice can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Small children or anyone with hypoglycemia should not take bitter melon, since this herb could theoretically trigger or worsen low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Furthermore, diabetics taking hypoglycemic drugs (such as chlorpropamide, glyburide, or phenformin) or insulin should use bitter melon with caution, as it may affect the effectiveness of the drugs, leading to severe hypoglycemia.
Onion and Garlic:
I will let you read the information about these two herbs. Generally, these can be used liberally and if you reek of garlic, you can definitely get rid of the diabetes police.
Fenugreek:
This herb has some beneficial properties and studies have given some credence to its benefits. It is the defatted portion of the seed that gives the greatest benefit.
Blueberry leaves:
I will let you read about this here. The leaves of the blueberry has a history in the of folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. In Europe, it is primarily used as an anti-haemorrhagic agent for the treatment of eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy.
Asian Ginseng:
Asian ginseng is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It has been shown to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas and to increase the number of insulin receptors.
Bilberry:
Bilberry is useful as it may lower the risk of some diabetic complications, such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy.
Stevia:
Stevia has been used traditionally to treat diabetes. Not all reports confirm the beneficial effect of Stevia. At best it is good as a sweetener to lower the sugar intake of people with diabetes.
Ginkgo Biloba:
Ginkgo biloba extract seems to be limited in use and may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic neuropathy.
Barberry:
One of the mildest and best liver tonics known. I am not sure of any other uses for people with diabetes other than inflammation reduction. Warnings are important and are discussed here.
This is Part 2 of 4.
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