Cut Blood Sugar Levels by Nearly 50% — with Brewer's Yeast
In this three-month study conducted by researchers in India, people with type 2 diabetes who took nine grams of brewer's yeast every day decreased blood sugar levels by nearly 50% — from 198 mg/dL to 104 mg/dL (a measurement that just barely qualifies for a diagnosis of diabetes). Those taking brewer's yeast also had drops in bad LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Unfortunately, the researchers concluded that the 42 micrograms of chromium in the brewer's yeast was the cause of the drop in blood sugar — a conclusion that is likely flawed. The theory is that chromium and glutathione (also found in brewer's yeast) are critical for proper functioning of insulin, the hormone that moves glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells. Yes, they are critical. But when I conducted a double-blind study back in the early 1980s supplementing diabetics with chromium and glutathione (versus placebo), the drop in blood sugar was very modest (though significant).
On the other hand, my medical school roommate Gerald Butrimovitz looked at brewer's yeast for his PhD research in clinical biochemistry. He found it to be an amazing source of nearly all trace minerals (minerals needed by the body in very small amounts, such as zinc, selenium, and manganese). Brewer's yeast probably has many other nutrients that we have yet to discover. I think that the unique combination of nutrients in brewer's yeast is probably behind its power to regulate blood sugar.
If you're diabetic, it seems likely that nine grams of brewer's yeast daily (at a cost of under 10 cents) may be more effective than diabetes medications, and much safer and much cheaper. (The one exception to that statement is probably metformin, a medication I consider excellent for diabetes.)
Reference
"Beneficial effect of chromium supplementation on glucose, HbA(1)C and lipid variables in individuals with newly onset type-2 diabetes," Sharma S, Agrawal RP, et al, J Trace Elem Med Biol, 2011 May 11; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: College of Home Science, MPUA&T, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India).
Written by
ra123
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
There is some support for Brewer's Yeast on WebMD. I copy paste: Brewer's yeast is a kind of yeast that is a by-product of brewing beer. Dietary supplements containing brewer's yeast often contain non-living, dried yeast. People use brewer’s yeast to make medicine.
Brewer's yeast is used for diarrhea, the common cold and other upper respiratory tract infections, influenza, swine flu, loss of appetite, acne, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), recurring boils on the skin (furunculosis), and type 2 diabetes. It has also been used as a source of B vitamins, chromium, and protein.
How does it work?
Due to the chromium content of brewer's yeast, there is interest in using it for lowering blood glucose in people with diabetes. Chromium may help the body use insulin more effectively and this can lower blood sugar levels.
Additionally, brewer's yeast seems to stimulate chemicals (intestinal enzymes) that could help relieve diarrhea.
It also might help fight bacteria that cause infections in the intestine, as well as improve the body’s defenses against viral lung infections such as flu and the common cold.
Brewer's yeast is a source of B vitamins and protein.
medfree, you perhaps have a point. Stamina building, even for non-diabetic comes as CVD rescue for persons under 45 or 40 (those who have not developed capillary arteries) Because I walked 6.5 kilometres yesterday morning, I walked 2 km in the evening. Today I walked just 2.5 kilometres and my pulse rate is 5 less.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL AFTER EXERCISE
Blood sugar level under control.
How to control blood sugar level
Glucose: The silent killer
