Are any of these bad?`

[alexg]

Are any of these vitamins bad for diabetics or in general? Also do any of you know if they can be taken daily? or every other day?

Cactus
Ginseng
Yerba Mate
Guarana
Green Tea
Black Tea
White Tea

alexg

[shockme]

i don't know about the other supplements,but the teas should be ok....green tea supposedly has the most antioxidants,but black and white tea are still healthy.teas have caffeine,so that is something to consider.i love plantation mint tea-black tea with spearmint.i drink at least 4 cups every few days [i alternate between coffee and tea]. i've had no apparent adverse effects. trish

[Harold]

Those fall under herbs rather than vitamins.

[alexg]

Okay then are any of these herbs taken as recommended daily dosages bad? I am referring to this as capsules \ tablets and not liquid form. I see a lot of good things for the teas though, that is not really a concern, but the others are. I am thinking of taking these in combination for forms of energy and better health. I have found that all have their good benefits but don't know if they are bad long term especially for diabetics like myself. I am not about to ask the doctor as they aren't suppose to recommend herbal remedies.

1. Cactus
2. Ginseng
3. Yerba Mate
4. Guarana
5. Green Tea, Black Tea, White Tea

alexg

[BlueSky]

Personally, I think the benefits of herbal supplements are generally overhyped. The ones I have tried have made no noticeable difference. But they are generally pretty harmless. The only way to find out if they will do you any good is to actually try them out.

[alexg]

Hmmm I wonder how I would find out if they are doing me bad!

alexg

[BlueSky]

Your body will tell you to stop. You won't feel so good. :(

[alexg]

Okay I am not afraid to try them out, but is there any talk around here or proof elsewhere that any of these are bad for diabetics?

alexg

[Harold]

Look them up here Herbs and Supplements (http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=b696f142-edf4-4d7f-a7ba-dc89ceee0ace&chunkiid=33802&siteid=83CDF2B9-1739-11D4-A2D1-00508B62BE1F). Something like Cactus is too general, your going to need the variety.

[alexg]

Thanks this was exactly what I was looking for. I did some looking around and found the answer to my question. Now I know the safe dosage and warnings about them.

Found Pricky Pear Cactus (http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=b696f142-edf4-4d7f-a7ba-dc89ceee0ace&chunkiid=21820&siteid=83CDF2B9-1739-11D4-A2D1-00508B62BE1F) is good for Diabetes, High Cholesterol

Found Korean Ginseng (http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=b696f142-edf4-4d7f-a7ba-dc89ceee0ace&chunkiid=21536&siteid=83CDF2B9-1739-11D4-A2D1-00508B62BE1F) is good for Diabetes; Enhancing Mental Function; Immune Support; Improving General Well-being; Stress

Found Yerba Mate (http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=b696f142-edf4-4d7f-a7ba-dc89ceee0ace&chunkiid=111705&siteid=83CDF2B9-1739-11D4-A2D1-00508B62BE1F) and Guarana (http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=b696f142-edf4-4d7f-a7ba-dc89ceee0ace&chunkiid=104598&siteid=83CDF2B9-1739-11D4-A2D1-00508B62BE1F) are good for Enhancing Mental Function, Fatigue, Weight Loss

Found Black Tea (http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=b696f142-edf4-4d7f-a7ba-dc89ceee0ace&chunkiid=104343&siteid=83CDF2B9-1739-11D4-A2D1-00508B62BE1F) and Green Tea (http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=b696f142-edf4-4d7f-a7ba-dc89ceee0ace&chunkiid=21771&siteid=83CDF2B9-1739-11D4-A2D1-00508B62BE1F) to help with Diabetes; Heart Disease Prevention; High Cholesterol; Influenza Prevention; Liver Disease Prevention; Rosacea; Sun Damage Protection; Weight Loss, High Blood Pressure

[alexg]

Its interesting to find that a Cinnamon Gymnema Mulberry Complex can help extremely with Diabetes. Now that was interesting to read. I am not going to try that just yet, but maybe I will try that later and see how that complex, without my diabetic medication, helps my levels.

alexg

[alexg]

Wow check out burdock (http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=b696f142-edf4-4d7f-a7ba-dc89ceee0ace&chunkiid=21622&siteid=83CDF2B9-1739-11D4-A2D1-00508B62BE1F) and what is says in its Interactions You Should Know About.

alexg

[alexg]

Anyways back to my subject. I found Ginseng (http://health.yahoo.com/alternativemed-therapies/ginseng/healthwise--d04412a1.html)in this website to say regarding diabetes. Does this mean I can't take it?

alexg

[parrotletzoo]

I found this :

he following are the examples of known interaction between popular herbs, foods, and prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Hawthorn, touted as effective in reducing angina attacks by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, should never be taken with Lanoxin (digoxin), the medication prescribed for most for heart ailments. The mix can lower your heart rate too much, causing blood to pool, bringing on possible heart failure.

Ginseng, according to research, can increase blood pressure, making it dangerous for those trying to keep their blood pressure under control. Ginseng, garlic or supplements containing ginger, when taken with the blood-thinning drug, Coumadin, can cause bleeding episodes. Coumadin is a very powerful drug that leaves little room for error, and patients taking it should never take any medication or otherwise before consulting a qualified health professional. In rare cases, ginseng may overstimulate resulting in insomnia. Consuming caffeine with ginseng increases the risk of overstimulation and gastrointestinal upset. Long tern use of ginseng may cause menstrual abnormalities and breast tenderness in some women. Ginseng is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

Garlic capsules combined with diabetes medication can cause a dangerous decrease in blood sugars. Some people who are sensitive to garlic may experience heartburn and flatulence. Garlic has anti-clotting properties. You should check with your doctor if you are taking anticoagulant drugs.

Goldenseal is used for coughs, stomach upsets, menstrual problems and even arthritis. However, the plant's active ingredient will raise blood pressure, complicating treatment for those taking antihypertensive medications, especially beta-blockers. For patients taking medication to control diabetes or kidney disease, this herb can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalance. High amount of consumption can lead to gastrointestinal distress and possible nervous system effects. Not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

Feverfew, believed to be the natural remedy for migraine headaches, should never be taken with Imitrex or other migraine medications. It can result in the patient's heart rate and blood pressure to rise dangerous levels.

Guarana, an alternative remedy being used as a stimulant and diet aid, contains 3 percent to 5 percent more caffeine than a cup of coffee. So, if you are taking any medication that advises you against taking any drink with caffeine, you should avoid taking this stimulant. It may cause insomnia, trembling, anxiety, palpitations, urinary frequency, and hyperactivity. Avoid during pregnancy and lactation period. Long term use of Guarana may lead to decreased fertility, cardiovascular disease, and several forms of cancer.

Kava, a herb that has antianxiety, pain relieving, muscle relaxing and anticonvulsant effects, should not be taken together with substances that also act on the central nervous system, such as alcohol, barbiturates, anti depressants, and antipsychotic drugs.

St. John's Wort is a popular herb used for the treatment of mild depression.

The active ingredient of St. John's Wort is hypericin. Hypericin is believed to exert a similar influence on the brain as the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors such as the one in major antidepressants. Mixing MAO inhibitors with foods high in tyramine, an amino acid, produces one of the most dramatic and dangerous food-drug interactions. Symptoms, which can occur within minutes of ingesting such foods while taking an MAO inhibitor, include rapid rise in blood pressure, a severe headache, and perhaps collapse and even death. Foods high in tyramine include aged cheese, chicken liver, Chianti (and certain other red wines), yeast extracts, bologna (and other processed meats), dried or pickled fish, legumes, soy sauce, ale, and beer.

Some patients report that Saint Johns Wort caused excessive stimulation and sometimes dizziness, agitation and confusion when taken with other antidepressants or over-the-counter medications like Maximum Strength Dexatrim and Acutrim. It also caused their blood pressure to shoot up.

White Willow, an herb traditionally used for fever, headache, pain, and rheumatic complaints may lead to gastrointestinal irritation, if used for a long time. It exhibits similar reactions as aspirin (aspirin is derived from white willow). Long term use may lead to stomach ulcers.

[alexg]

I've dropped the cactus (nopal) and ginseng from my list as they can mess a lot with diabetic conditions. I've decided to try this out for a while....

----------------------------------

For short term I am going to use as an energy and weight loss combo:

Taurine, Guarana, and Yerba Mate

As long term health improving herb:

Green Tea, Black Tea, and White Tea

As long term vitamin and minerals:

Century Formula (15 essential vitamins and minerals including B -Complex)

As long term for digestive improvements and well being:

Tri-Fiber Complex (psyllium powder, oat bran and apple pectin powder)

----------------------------------

alexg

[Harold]

Sounds like a plan. Good Luck!

BTW have you looked into corn silk as a fiber option?

[alexg]

Corn Silk is rich in vitamin k and I already have a supplament in my list that has vitamin k. I read about vitamin k and you have to keep the dosage low on that. Also Interactions Information says people taking medications should first check with their doctor or health practitioner before using cornsilk. Thanks

alexg

[alexg]

Got my first batch today of the herb supplements (http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/282614-post15.html) that I stated I would start taking in the prior post. Lets see how it goes from here.

alexg

[alexg]

Been reading around and most I see recommend taking herb supplements 30 - 60 minutes before meals, yet this generic supplements I bought just say i.e. take 2 caps two time a day with water. I know some might be only at morning and at night (twice a day). What is better, following the pre-meal plan or taking them right after the meals, anyone know from prior experience with other supplements that you have taken in the past?

alexg

[volleyball]

Are you taking a good senior daily vitamin? That would be my first step. I do that and cinnamon on my food, which I watch what I eat. Are you eating mostly good carbs and keeping your glycemic load down

[alexg]

A senior daily vitamin? Hmmm I am not that old :). Anyways I haven't taken one yet, I did buy some, but haven't taken one. I bought a century formula that has the right amounts as recommended here (http://www.americandiabetes.com/supplements.htm). Some people tell me to take them others say don't, so I am still waiting and looking for more information.

Well I eat whole grains a lot so I am not on a high glycemic diet. Not too much vegetables and fruits, though a small portion from time to time. I just can't eat a lot anymore, I get full right away.

alexg

[alexg]

Well don't know if the herbal stuff worked but I went to the doctor today and I lowered my A1c from 6.6 (with insulin) to 6.3 (without insulin). He did say my Cholesterol is still high, changed me from Welchol to Pravachol and also gave me so Lovaza for high Triglycerides.

I still had some of the herbal and vitamin stuff I listed in the prior post here (http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/282614-post15.html) but I think I should just throw them away and not mess with them. What do you think? Anyone care to give an opinion? Should I finish any of them? I was thinking of keeping the Fiber and Green\Black\White Tea stuff only, throw the rest even the vitamins. They say that taking vitamins when you don't need them is bad.

I haven't told my doctor that I am taking them since he will think I am trying to find an alternative to medication ;)

alexg

[volleyball]

Senior vitamins have a better formulation, I think the reduced iron was one of them.
I think a good daily vitamin is good insurance. I am not talking megadosing which may be too much of a good thing.
As for your trigs, I had good ratios but high trigs for awhile. no one linked it to future diabetes. I found reducing the junk carbs solved that without ever taking any meds.
You may want to continue taking your purchases in lesser doses as you felt they were good for you. Just test to make sure the medicine and the natural stuff don't compound themselves

[morrisma]

Parrotletzoo,
Thanks for the very informative, easy to read summary of herbal interactions. Yikes!
Just now I think I'll drink a glass of filtered water and lie down....:o
Mike

[alexg]

Well since my Doctor changed my Cholesterol medication and gave me this Lovaza Omega-3 stuff, I am afraid all this stuff I've been taking might prevent those meds from working good.

About vitamins, I have read various reports where taking too much vitamins in the long run is bad and has side effects. Like everything, too much is bad.

alexg