Nutrition Questions and Answers
Vital Health Zone is proud to announce Anastacia Sampson , who is our resident naturopathic expert and who is available to answer questions about nutrition and health.
Anastacia Sampson has a private practice and is available for consultation in a number of ways.
Anastacia Sampson will answer your nutrition-related questions.
Q: My mom has type 2 diabetes.
Last year her glucose level was 100 which is normal but the doctor just did a test and it is now 280. I am concerned about this because she also has high cholesterol.
I was doing some research about diabetes and I found that the mineral vanadium can solve both problems. Now the only problem is we don't know where to find it or where to find a clinic in the area that can treat her naturally.
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A: The best micro-mineral I recommend for diabetes is chromium. This micro-mineral can reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, it actually stabilises the blood sugar levels.
I truly recommend she begin taking chromium in the GTF (glucose tolerance factor) form at about 200 mcg and not more than 400 mcg daily. A nearby health shop should be able to source you an adequate and reputable local product.
As for vanadium, this mineral is not essential for health and there are reports that it has helped yet the research needs to be expanded to confirm it has an actual beneficial effect for people with type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. As for where you can find a supplement, that may be difficult as this is not one of our prime essential minerals.
Basically the best is to manage cholesterol and type 2 diabetes with dietary control and especially as your mom is older her needs for minerals may increase. Do ensure she has plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and juice them or make home made soups to ensure fibrous chewing is not problematic. The more fibre she has the better to reduce cholesterol absorption, and foods high in fibre bring in complex carbohydrates which is great for diabetics. Try brown rice, oats and pulses such as lentils.
All the best to you and your mom.
Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Consult with your medical physician regarding appropriateness of using supplements in your healing process.
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