Living with diabetes can be challenging. And while it has no cure, it can be properly managed with proper diet, appropriate medication, and change in diet. Often, as part of their diet, diabetics will add more fruits, drinks and supplements that are known to bring down blood sugar – one of which is the mulberry. Learn more about its preparation and mulberry side effects, and whether they are truly effective in managing diabetes.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic illness that develops when the glucose in your blood or your blood sugar reach high levels. Blood glucose found from the food you eat is your main source of energy. A hormone that is produced by your pancreas called insulin helps in breaking down the glucose substances from the food you eat and helps cells absorb the glucose to be stored or to be used as energy. When you have diabetes, your body may not be producing enough insulin or does not utilize it efficiently.
Diabetes can be treated and managed, but it can also lead to serious complications. Some of the life-threatening complications that can develop overtime when you have diabetes are:
- Kidney problems
- Heart disease
- Nerve damage
- Stroke
- Eye problems
Some of the factors that can increase the risk of developing the diabetes are the following:
- Weight
- Family history
- Inactivity
- Age
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal levels of cholesterol and triglyceride
There is still no known cure for diabetes. Insulin injections are used to help regulate blood sugar levels among people who have a type of diabetes that cannot be controlled by oral medication alone. Insulin hormones will be able to stop the liver from producing excessive sugar. It also helps in distributing sugar from the blood to other body tissues to be used as energy.
It is also discovered that it’s possible for some people to reverse the effects of diabetes by lifestyle changes and weight management. This will put their diabetes into remission. Remission is when blood sugar levels gradually go back to normal.
How to Prepare Mulberry Tea
You can take 1 gram of the powdered mulberry tea dissolved in hot water, three times a day for 4 weeks. After this period, your blood sugar levels will decrease by 27%.
Mulberry Tea Side Effects and Benefits
Mulberry is a tree and the fruit can be eaten cooked or raw. The leaves can be powdered and are commonly used for medicinal purposes. Although there are no scientific evidence to support its healing quality, it is known to have benefits to several conditions which include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Common cold
- High cholesterol levels
- Muscle and joint pains
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Asthma
- Hair loss and premature graying
- Dizziness and ringing in the ears
- Constipation
White mulberry can be found in China and can be grown in the Philippine climate. During colonial times, it was introduced and bartered to other countries as a way to establish a silk industry.
Recently, it became known as very beneficial in treating diabetes, especially when prepared as tea. it Some chemicals found in white mulberry may work the same way as the medicine that is used for treating diabetes.
These chemicals are thought to slowly break down the sugars in the stomach for slower and more effective absorption of sugars into the blood. This help stabilize the blood glucose level. Still, the effectiveness of the herb and possible mulberry tea side effects are not yet confirmed by scientific studies.
Mulberry Tea Side Effects
There are several studies on possible mulberry tea side effects, however, they are not too many. For the most part, the studies showed that mulberry tea is safe to consume and there are no mulberry tea side effects observed in people who consumed the powdered leaf by mouth for up to five weeks.
Mulberry Tea Health Risks
Mulberry tea side effects on treating diabetes
While consuming mulberry tea might help in lowering blood sugar levels, it is better to monitor it closely. Drastic changes in blood sugar levels might have an effect on your overall health. Drink mulberry tea in moderation.
Mulberry tea side effects on pregnant women and breastfeeding moms.
There are not enough studies on the use of mulberry tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding. To be on the safe side, talk to your health care provider or avoid consumption until you are not pregnant or breastfeeding anymore.
Mulberry tea side effects when taken with other medication for diabetes
Mulberry tea lowers blood sugar levels and medications for diabetes also lowers blood sugar levels. Be very cautious in consuming mulberry tea while taking your medication. The combination of the tea and the medicines might cause your blood glucose to go too low. Consult with your doctor if it is safe before you take it along with your medications for diabetes.
Key Takeaway
Diabetes is a very unpredictable disease. With proper diet, exercise and weight management and close monitoring of your blood sugar levels, you may be able to prevent other complications and live a healthy, normal life.
Herbal medicines and natural treatments might help in managing your condition. However, you must be careful in combining herbal medication with your medicines for diabetes because it might have a negative outcome. It is very important to consult your doctor before taking any medications for safe management and control of your blood sugar.
Learn more about Herbals and Alternative Medicine here.
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