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Fish Oil for Cats – Give Your Cat a Longer and Healthier Life With Quality Fish Oils

November 18, 2010 By Admin Leave a Comment

Whilst many of us think that our kitty gets all it needs from today’s cat food, what is very lacking is omega 3 fish oil for cats, as most cat food does not contain anywhere near enough. Find out how this oil can help and how to select the right one.

The range of health issues that quality fish oil for cats can help with is very large including helping to improve immune function, cognition, arthritis, behavior and prevent cancer. It also helps to lower cholesterol levels and give a healthy shining coat.

They are also exceptionally good for healing those hairless dry, irritated areas and encourage the hair to grow back and promote all round good health.
The results can be quite dramatic in older cats if they suffer from arthritis or other joint problems and I have witnessed this personally when after some weeks with a daily supplement, their movement was significantly improved and it seemed like they were a much younger cat again!

It is not necessary to buy special Fish Oil for cats as the ones we use work just fine, and even better in some cases as the purity levels tend to be higher.

The two omega 3 fatty acids that provide most of the benefits are DHA and EPA with DHA being by far the most effective and important one, so check the website or label carefully to ensure a high level of DHA, around twice the amount of EPA.

To help keep your kitty safe, make sure any oil you use has been molecularly distilled to remove all the dangerous toxins like mercury and lead which are present in many poor quality oils. This type can also be known as pharmaceutical grade oil.

If you want to help your cat to live a longer and healthier life, then fish oil for cats in the form of a daily supplement will go a long way to achieving that, more than any other addition to their diet.

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Fish and Chips With the Right Cooking Methods

November 14, 2010 By Admin Leave a Comment

Crisp-fried fish and chips. Moist, flaky grilled salmon. Firm, tender broiled swordfish. Fish is highly versatile, filled with valuable Omega-3 oils and bursting with flavor. But are you aware that not all fish is suited for every cooking method? Your dish could easily be ruined by choosing a fish that is too dry or too moist for the recipe you want to prepare. Those pursuing their culinary training in cooking school can learn how to properly select fish. Now you can benefit from their knowledge.

For dry, high-heat methods of cooking, fish that contain a lot of moisture are a best fit. Cooking school graduates know grilling, broiling, roasting and baking can leave fish tough and rubbery. This is because the dry heat extracts moisture – giving nothing back. If you plan to use these cooking techniques, choose a fish with high-moisture content. Swordfish, salmon, cod and halibut would all work well in these situations.

Sautéing, baking with a sauce, frying or steaming are other methods taught during culinary training for cooking fish. Students are instructed to select fish that are less moist for these techniques. The reason is two-fold. First, depending on the amount of water released from the fish during cooking, it may alter the flavor of sauces. Second, the moisture could turn batter or other coatings into mush.

Sautéing involves the use of oil or butter. This helps keep fish moist during cooking. Baking is usually done with a sauce. The sauce also would help retain the natural oils in a dryer fish. Steaming adds moisture rather than reducing it, and frying normally involves a batter or bread coating that locks in the natural oils and water. Cooking school instructors often suggest tilapia, catfish, haddock or orange roughly for these applications.

Another consideration when selecting fish for your recipe is firmness. For dishes where you want the fish to remain in its cut shape, a fish with firm flesh will be a best pick. Fish that don’t break apart when handled during cooking (during turning, etc.) will make the best presentation and be easier to eat. Grouper, swordfish, salmon, cod, tilapia, tuna, shark and others hold their shapes well.

However, if preparing fish in other ways, flakier fish are optimal. For instance, with fried fish (where the coating can help hold the shape), fishcakes, soups or stews (where the fish would be broken) or baked dishes (that require little handling), those with professional culinary training usually prefer a delicately textured fish to perk up the recipe.

Lastly, cooking school instructors and professional chefs stress working with the natural flavor of the fish. Salmon, tuna, grouper, monkfish and others have very distinct flavors. Most often, adding herbs, spices, rubs or light sauces to compliment the taste will give you a more savory result.

Choosing the right fish to include in your favorite recipes will enhance the presentation and flavor. You’ll likely find yourself serving more fish to your family and guests… and that’s good for everybody!

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Fish Oil for Rheumatoid Arthritis – The Secret Weapon

November 10, 2010 By Admin Leave a Comment

Do you have red puffy sore joints? I’m feeling for you ..

A have a secret weapon I use for rheumatoid arthritis and it works a treat. Its fish oil and it gives great relief.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful chronic disorder that causes the cartilage and other tissue around the bone to become inflamed and damaged causing extreme discomfort to the sufferer. In rheumatoid arthritis the immune system attacks the bodies own joints and tissue this is called the autoimmune reaction joint pain and stiffness make the sufferer uncomfortable and inhibits them to do things they enjoy.

So can fish oil for rheumatoid arthritis help?
Studies have been shown that people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and take fish oil supplements daily have found that general stiffness in their joints was a lot less and the redness and puffiness was less severe.. This result was after taking fish oil supplement or oil over a period of a few months.

So what fish oil should I use?
Here is a simple step checklist before buying a fish oil for rheumatoid arthritis:
- Look for a fish oil supplement rich in omega-3 and a higher level of DHA
Look for a fish oil that has the suppliers certificate of analysis (COA.) on the label or on there website. Make sure the oxidation levels are low.
- Is the Fish Oil been purified/molecularly distilled? The Molecular distillation will allow the oils to be set apart from the bad contaminants. Leaving the rich, healthy golden omega 3 oils that can then be encapsulated into soft gels for easy swallowing.
- What is the species of fish used for this oil? You want to make sure the handling of the fish after being harvested is done correctly and also the right care has been taken in the oil storage to ensure you receive a quality oil product.
- It only takes a few minutes to look online and see if the fish oil you buy have all this information on there website or on the fish oil label, if not then find a fish oil supplement that does.
- Find out where the fish used for this oil has been caught. Is the oceans they have been harvested from polluted or pristine?

It really pays to do a little research in fish oil for rheumatoid arthritis .You want the best oil high in DHA and omega -3 and a fresh quality product that will give the best results .

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Nutrition Facts: Fats And Oils, Fish Oil And Folic Acid, Potassium And Food Labels

November 7, 2010 By Admin Leave a Comment

Choose vegetable oils and margarines with liquid vegetable oil as the first listed ingredient and no more than 2 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon. Examples include:
- Canola
- Corn
- Olive
- Safflower
- Sesame
- Soybean
- Sunflower oil

Choose liquid or tube margarines low in saturated fat and trans fat. Choose reduced-fat and no-fat salad dressings and mayonnaise with no more than 1 gram of saturated fat per tablespoon. Preparation tips include:
- Use fats and oils lowest in saturated fat and cholesterol for cooking, baking and in spreads sparingly.
- Use reduced-fat or no-fat salad dressings with salads and dips.
- Coconut oil, palm oil and palm kernel oil have no cholesterol; however, they are high in saturated fat.

Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The American Heart Association recommends eating fish, particularly fatty fish, at least two times per week. Good choices include:
- Mackerel
- Lake trout
- Herring
- Sardines
- Albacore tuna
- Salmon

Other good sources of omega-3 Fatty acids include:
- Soybeans
- Canola
- Walnut and flaxseed and their oils

The American Heart Association does not recommend widespread use of folic acid and B vitamin supplements to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Instead, they advise a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. Good sources of Folic Acid include:
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes
- Vegetables and grain products
- Wheat flour fortified with folic acid

There is a lack of evidence for the benefit of lowering homocysteine levels; however, patients at high risk should be advised to be sure to get enough folic acid and vitamins B-6 and B-12 in their diet. Sources of these vitamins include:
- Fruits and green, leafy vegetables eaten daily.

Potassium

Potassium is necessary for the body’s growth and maintenance. It plays an important role in the response of nerves to stimulation and in the contraction of muscles. Good sources of foods high in potassium include:
- Bananas
- Cantaloupe
- Grapefruit
- Oranges
- Tomato or prune juice
- Honeydew melons
- Prunes
- Molasses
- Potatoes

If you need to keep your weight under control eat lower calorie potassium containing foods such as fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.
Food labels are a major accomplishment for the American Heart Association who participated actively in the legislation and regulatory process that has made nutrition labeling more useful to consumers. It is now easier for consumers to choose foods low in saturated fat, total fat, cholesterol and sodium as well as foods that contain potassium, calcium and other nutrients.

I rarely purchase an item these days without first reading the nutritional label. Remember to read nutritional labels when provided on foods. Nutritional food labels are a tremendous asset for everyone.

Source: American Heart Association
Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

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Lowering Cholesterol – The Ulitmate Diet Guide

November 7, 2010 By Admin Leave a Comment

Today, more and more people suffer from high cholesterol and obesity due to improper food intake, unbalanced diet, and unhealthy lifestyle. Whatever the reasons behind the certain condition such as having high blood cholesterol level, the first treatment any physician will recommend is a low cholesterol diet.

A Guide to Low Cholesterol and Cholesterol Diets

As defined, cholesterol is a complex alcohol constituent of all animals fats and oils. It is a sterol that is related to other sterols and is contained in many foods such as dairy products and meat fats. Other sources of cholesterol include eggs, poultry, fish, and shellfish.

Studies show that that people with high levels of cholesterol are more likely to develop heart attacks more specifically, atherosclerosis which is a disease involving blockage of certain arteries compared to those with lower levels.

Diet is indeed very significant in treating high blood cholesterol level. If you would want to lower your cholesterol levels, try eating foods that are less high-fat food especially those high in saturated fat while replacing part of the saturated fat in your diet with unsaturated fat. You should also eat less high-cholesterol foods.

Aside from veering away in eating high-fat foods, you should also learn how to choose foods that are high in complex carbohydrates like starches and fibers. By lowering your carbohydrate intake, you can also reduce your weight especially if you are overweight.

Although the basics of low cholesterol diet may seem easy to follow, more people who have high cholesterol are having a hard time sticking to a specific low cholesterol diet.

But, if the person is really determined to lower his/her cholesterol levels, a low cholesterol diet can be easy to follow given the wide variety of foods available. In fact, more and more food manufacturers come up with foods that have low cholesterol content so if you are out shopping grocery items, take the time off to look at the labels. Here are additional tips to make a low cholesterol diet successful:

1. Load on lots of fruits and vegetables because these are low in calories, cholesterol, and fat.

2. Lower your intake of saturated fats or the foods that contain these to lower the possibility of developing heart diseases.

3. Take note of “trans-fatty” elements that are usually found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils like margarines and shortenings because they increases blood cholesterol levels the way saturated fat does.

4. Consume foods that use whole grain foods instead of those that contain white flour.

5. Compared regular, full-fat dairy products, opt for low fat or skimmed ones. These are not only good for your cholesterol level but also for your weight as well.

6. Choose lean meats like turkey and chicken meats instead of red meat because it is closely-associated with decreasing cholesterol levels.

7. Use olive and canola oils when cooking instead of using cooking oils because these are lower in monounsaturated fats that help lower cholesterol levels.

And since food and eating properly contribute so much to a healthy diet, people should focus more on considering the food their body needs especially on a diet. Experts remind that diet foods should contain the necessary vitamins and minerals that are quite essential for weight control and metabolism. These diet foods should include Vitamins B2, B3, B5, B6, Vitamin C, choline, inositol, chromium, manganese, and zinc. Here is a partial list of some of nutritious diet foods that can be taken by people who are on a diet plan or diet program.

1. Fruits. Studies show that the perfect diet food out there includes a wide range of fruits. Aside from being an all-natural product, fruits are low in calories, rich in dietary fiber that helps boosts satiety, and satisfies a person’s sweet tooth without worrying about weight gain.

Containing all the nutrients and vitamins it has, fruits are an ideal diet food for those who are into losing weight or weight reduction and those who are striving to maintain their weight. Other nutritional benefits of fruit include the prevention of vitamin deficiency, a rich source of dietary fiber and rich in folate.

2. Vegetables. Just like fruits, vegetables are also considered perfect diet foods especially for those who are controlling their weight control. Aside from being low in calorie-content, high in dietary fiber, and full of dietary nutrients that help maintain efficient metabolism, veggies in various preparations also make good and appetizing snacks.

Aside from being a rich source of important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B-complex micronutrients, vitamins C, E and K that combat vitamin deficiency, vegetables are also excellent sources of the protective plant micronutrient called “phytochemicals.” Having vegetables as diet food also lowers the risk of heart disease, cancers, and high blood pressure while protecting the body from having illnesses caused by muscle degeneration.

3. Grains. Whole grains have a long history of being an effective diet food for excellent weight management. Aside from heir high energy content, carbohydrate-rich grains especially whole grains are rich in dietary fiber and a useful source of dietary nutrients that helps metabolism.

4. Meats. Lean red meats or lean chicken/turkey meats, and fish are also ideal diet food because these are rich in protein, essential minerals and vitamins, and micronutrients for excellent metabolism.

5. Nuts and seeds. Although these are not high in calorie-content, nuts and seeds great diet foods because these satisfy the dieter’s appetite especially if consumed during snacks. These also make for a good diet food because they contain large amounts of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber for good metabolism.

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Avoiding Heavy Metals and Toxins in Your Fish Oil

November 7, 2010 By Admin Leave a Comment

Yikes! Mercury! You mean to tell me there might be mercury in my Fish Oil? Yeah, and PCBs too. If that’s the case, what’s a healthy consumer to do?
Wake up and pay attention is the first thing. Yes! Heavy metals, toxins and poisons in fish are a real concern, but only if you don’t know the source of your fish, the manufacturer’s practices, their scientific quality control and the commitment of the company behind the product (making a healthy difference vs. making a healthy profit).

You need to know that not all fish are created equal. Besides having varying amounts of important nutritional oils, they live in different places, have different feeding habits and react differently to captivity (as in “farm raised”).

Some fish live and feed in cold waters and are much richer in omega 3 fatty acids. Some fish are bottom feeders and have higher levels of toxins and heavy metals than open water feeders. Some fish feed predominantly in estuaries where industrial pollution flows down rivers. While still other fish are raised in collective tanks, ponds and pools with little to no efficient fresh water circulation, increasing the likelihood of contamination with things like PCBs.

So, my first recommenation is that you want to choose a company that uses specific fish (salmon, for example) that live and are caught in cold, open waters.

Then there’s the selecting of fish and processing of fish oils. How can you be sure a company that sells fish oils aren’t using the garbage fish, diseased fish or fish graded for cat food and fertilizer?

This brings us to my second recommendation. Only buy fish oils from companies that use health screened fish, graded for human consumption and listed on the label. This last point is important because otherwise you’d have no way of knowing what fish are being used.
And finally, how can you be certain their processing doesn’t include pressing the fish organs, which are high in Vitamin A, D, heavy metals and toxins?
My third and final recommendation is to buy fish oils from a company that only presses the oils from the flesh – not the organs. This is the only way you can be sure there are no heavy metals and toxins and no hidden Vitamin A and D. Not that there’s anything wrong with A and D, but it’s important to know how much you’re getting, because too much can be harmful for certain people.

Follow these tips and you won’t go wrong. You may have to ask the company who supplies your omega 3 fish oils if they follow these practices too. If you get unfavorable or evasive answers then you need to get online and do more research.

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Benefits Of Fish Oil Supplements – Using Oil In Ester Form

November 5, 2010 By Admin Leave a Comment

Loaded with omega 3 fatty acids, the benefits of fish oil supplements are numerous. Known for the positive effect it has on heart health, joints and the brain, omega 3 is one of the latest buzzwords in a healthy diet. Because the body does not naturally produce this vitally important compound, it needs to be obtained through foods or supplements.

While many people believe the best source of omega 3 is in plant foods such as walnuts or flax seed, they may be unaware that there are two different types. Plants produce short chain omega 3’s, however, the long chain version of this compound contains DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), which have been proven to provide more abundant health benefits. DHA and EPA are known as essential fatty acids (EFA’s).

Fish is the best source of these beneficial fatty acids. However given the influx of deadly toxins that are carried by fish, it is recommend they only be consumed one to two times a week. Given this fact it is difficult to get adequate amounts of omega 3 in our diets. Thankfully, fish oil supplements can safely help to make up the omega 3 shortfall.

If you have no serious health conditions, you need about 1000 mgs of omega 3 daily. This means in order to see the benefits of fish oil supplements you should take two 500 mg soft gels daily.

What Are The Health Benefits?
With the American Heart Association recommending that everyone increase their intake of omega 3, the health benefits of Fish Oil are numerous. Studies have shown that a diet filled with omega 3 fatty acids helps improve cardiovascular health, immune response, anti inflammatory action, brain function, vision, joint function and mobility and skin. In addition, with more than 100,000 scientific studies published on the benefits of fish oil supplements, and fish oil, it is a wonder that everyone does not include it in their diet.

The Superiority Of Fish Oil In Ester Form
Most people have not heard of the ester form of fish oil, largely because it is so expensive to manufacture. There is only a handful of manufacturers out there which produce fish oil in ester form. From a bioavailability point of view it is the most superior form of fish oil. Fish oil is usually manufactured in triglyceride form, and while still beneficial, it cannot be readily absorbed until the body converts it to ester form. In triglyceride form, the oil has a difficult time passing through the cell membranes, thus the body sees significantly less of its benefits. By contrast, if the oil is converted to an ester form during the manufacturing process it is easily able to enter cell membranes, allowing the body to use it as instant energy, or store it for later use.

Ensuring Purity
Because of toxicity issues with most cold-water fish, it is crucial to research where the fish, from which the oil is harvested, are derived from. The majority of lakes in the northern hemisphere have heavy levels of mercury, PCB’s and other contaminates. Because of this, most fish oils are imported and transported a considerable distance before they are made into a capsule form. Given their long trek, additives must be put into the oil so that it will not spoil during the journey. In order to ensure that the oil you are using as pure it is important to use a product that has been molecularly distilled to filter out contaminates, impurities and additives.

Benefits of fish oil supplements – The Importance Of DHA
DHA is the more important Omega 3 fatty acid. It is believed to constitute the ‘building blocks’ of the brain. In addition it has been shown to provide greater cardiovascular benefits than EPA and is more effective at boosting ‘good’ HDL cholesterol and lowering the levels of dangerous triglycerides in the blood. Because of this, DHA content should be one of your main considerations when comparing fish oil brands and you should aim for at least 250mg. The average industry standard is 120mg of DHA but this is way too low to produce the health benefits associated with this amazing EFA.

While the benefits of fish oil supplements are many, it is important to remember that they are not all created equal. When looking for a quality supplement, make sure it is the highly superior ester form, has been molecularly distilled and contains at least 250mg (and preferable more) of DHA.

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The Role Of Omega 3 And Eczema

November 5, 2010 By Admin Leave a Comment

The essential fatty acids that are found in fish oils have become main stage in the treatment of eczema, as there is an ever growing connection between omega 3 and eczema. In fact, not only are Fish Oils containing omega-3 popular for only helping in heart health, they are also recommended for such skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Many research scientists and medical professionals are now under the belief that it is from a deficiency in these essential fatty acids that are contributing to omega 3 and eczema, psoriasis and other skin diseases.

Omega 3 and eczema, psoriasis and other skin disorders have been conclusively connected in many studies that have been done throughout the world. The deficiency in omega 3 and other essential fatty acids is thought to be caused by the over processing and steroid induced foods that are typically consumed in today’s society. When our foods are over processed they lose much of their original nutrition content and this directly correlates with the deficiencies found in today’s society and the connection between omega 3 and eczema.

Omega 3 and Eczema Facts

There are a few factors that play a role in the connection between omega 3 and eczema such as the fact that our bodies are incapable of creating omega 3 and the essential fatty acids that our bodies require. For that fact is the very reason that we have to introduce these fatty acids through our diets and unfortunately most of our foods are completely saturated with the fatty acids that are not healthy for us.

It is believed that over 100 million people in the United States alone suffer from eczema an overwhelming 25 million more suffer from psoriasis and another 5 million more suffer from some form of allergic skin reaction from unknown sources. That is an astonishing number of people that clearly suffer from a deficiency in omega 3 essential fatty acids. In order to maintain healthy skin it is imperative to recognize the importance of omega 3 and eczema because once you see the connection, you can typically begin to reverse it.

In order to correct and stabilize the deficiency of omega 3 and eczema skin problems, it is recommended that you consume a healthy balance of omega 3 and omega 6 and as a generality, today’s society consumes on average 20:1 ratio. That means that we are consuming 20 parts of unhealthy fats to one part of essential fatty acids.

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Avoid Heartburn Food

November 5, 2010 By Admin Leave a Comment

You may not believe it, but your heartburn may not be caused by stress and strain. This is especially true if you feel an unpleasant contraction below the ribs in the left side of your body and in addition often have diarrhea. Below the ribs is where the pancreas and the spleen are located, and it is the spleen that we are concerned with in this case.

That feeling of contraction could be that your spleen is working too hard. The function of the spleen is to filter the blood, and something has created the need for extra blood filtering in your body. While this is happening, your stomach reacts by over producing extra gastric juice, which then brings on your heartburn.

The reason for this has happened is that you have eaten something your body can not handle well and recognizes as harmful to you. If you recognize the above symptoms, then it’s highly likely that your digestion doesn’t handle wheat and cereals very well. However, it does not necessarily mean than you are gluten intolerant only that your body may have problems producing certain enzymes necessary to break down wheat products. Therefore, the over production of stomach acid could be an attempt of your body to compensate the lack of these enzymes.

Here are some steps you can take. The first thing is to stop eating wheat and cereals altogether and eat more fruits and nuts instead. Fruit fibers have the same function as cereal fibers and are much healthier for the body anyway.

The next thing you can do is eat less carbohydrates. You can continue to eat rice, corn and potatoes, but reduce these foods to be a much smaller percentage of your food intake. You can swap wheat-based pasta for rice noodles and naturally gluten-free pasta.

Another thing you can do is reducing the amount of salt you are using. You can always use instant bouillon powder instead of ordinary salt.

Try eating more fat fish and small animals from the sea. Mankind’s step from being monkeys and the development of our brains began during a period when we started to hunt small animals along the beaches in Africa. Our nails are flat today because we had to pry open clams and nuts. Our nervous systems need Fish Oils in order to work properly.

You must never stuff yourself while eating. This is especially true for grown men who have grown up with the idea that they have to eat up everything which is put on their plate and that nothing should go to waste.

Avoid being without food for long periods of time. Eat small amounts often and slowly. You can treat yourself to a pizza if you really want one, but see to that the dough is well baked, preferably close to being burned.

Forget the myth that sugar is dangerous. Pretty much everything we eat is broken down into simple sugar molecules – glucose – in our digestion and the brain’s fuel is almost 100% glucose. Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame could be harmful since they pass through the membranes of the brain where only glucose would normally pass, but sugar is only dangerous if it’s not used up by the body.

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Vitamins for People with Diabetes

September 29, 2010 By Admin Leave a Comment

Vitamins are important to sustain life and we need to take the required amounts from our daily foods or dietary supplements. The benefits they offer help people feel more energetic, and assist the body in its regular functions.

As a diabetic patient is not able to get all the required nutrition from diet because of impaired functioning of the system, some vitamins may be required to take together with the regular medication. But, before taking any vitamin supplements, it is important to check with a physician for what affect it may have upon diabetes.

The following are some of the important vitamins for diabetics.

Vitamin E
Individuals with diabetes need extra vitamin E, which improves insulin activity and acts as an antioxidant (helps reduce the potential risk of diabetic complications), fights toxins and oxygenates the blood. Research has shown that people with low blood levels of vitamin E are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. In type 2 diabetics, it improves glucose tolerance.

It may require at least 2-3 months or more of regular intake of Vitamin E supplementation for benefits to become apparent. If your are taking an anticoagulant like ecospirin, aspirin (blood thinner), consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin E.

Dietary sources include fortified & multi-grain cereals, nuts, wheat germ, vegetable oils, green leafy vegetables.

Vitamin C
Type 1 diabetic patients generally have low vitamin C levels. By increasing the number of vitamin c in the bloodstream, the amount of sorbitol may get reduced. Sorbitol is a destructive sugar that can accumulate and lead to increased risk of diabetic complications such as retinopathy (eye), neuropathy (nerves) and renal damage. Vitamin C also helps improve glucose tolerance in the case of type 2 diabetic people. Doctors recommend between 1  3 g of Vitamin C dosage daily for diabetics.

Dietary sources include fresh vegetables and citrus fruits, like broccoli, green and red pepper, cauliflower, lemon, cabbage, pineapples, strawberries, oranges, olives, and citrus fruits.

Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is also referred to as pyridoxine. Diabetics who have a deficiency of this vitamin mostly suffer from neuropathy (or nerve damage), and benefit from its supplementation. Peripheral neuropathy is a common outcome of vitamin B6 deficiency. Pyridoxine supplements can improve glucose tolerance, particularly for women with gestational diabetes, or impaired glucose tolerance caused by intake of contraceptive pill.

Vitamin B6 is also essential in preventing other diabetic complications as it is an important non-protein compound that combines with the protein  collagen to create an active enzyme.

Dietary sources include chicken, fish, liver, whole grains, nuts, and legumes.

Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 supplementation does to quite an extent help treat diabetic neuropathy. The presence of Vitamin B 12 is necessary for the correct functioning of nerve cells, and therefore taking it as a supplement may help reduce nerve damage.

Vitamin B12 may be taken orally in capsule form or intravenously or by injection to lessen nerve damage caused by diabetes in many people.

Recommended dosage is up to 500 mcg of Vitamin B12 three times a day.

Dietary sources include liver, yogurt, dairy products, fish, and non-fat milk.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is both a hormone and a vitamin. Vitamin D deficiency predisposes individuals to type 1 and type 2diabetes. Low levels of vitamin D interfere with the proper functioning of insulin-producing cells. If not enough insulin is present, blood glucose levels will start to rise.

People with higher blood levels of vitamin D have better sensitivity to insulin and lower blood glucose levels compared to those with low vitamin D levels.

The skin is the most plentiful source of vitamin D. When exposed to ultraviolet light, our skin can produce as much as 20,000 IU of vitamin D. Food sources are limited to egg yolks, liver, cod liver oil and fortified milk.

Biotin (Vitamin B8)
Biotin is a B vitamin required to process glucose. It works in harmonization with insulin in the body, and independently increases the activity of the enzyme glucokinase (responsible in the primary step of glucose utilization). Glucokinase is formed only in the liver, and its concentration may be extremely low in diabetic patients.

Supplements of biotin may have a significant impact on glucose metabolism for both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. It might to an extent help reduce pain from diabetic nerve damage.

Experts advise taking 16mg of biotin a couple of weeks to see for any changes in blood sugar levels.

Dietary sources include cereal, grain products, yeast, liver, legumes.

Niacin (Vitamin B3)
High levels of niacin may actually weaken glucose tolerance, and should therefore be avoided by diabetics. However, smaller amounts (500-750 mg daily for one month followed by 250 mg per day) can help some type 2 diabetics to lessen their glucose levels.

Dietary sources include liver, poultry, milk, leafy green vegetables.

ALA and GLA
ALA (alpha-lipoic acid) is a potent and natural antioxidant, and may function to help diabetic neuropathy and lower pain from free-radical break up. Some studies link ALA to decreased insulin resistance and thus, the control of blood sugar.

GLA (gamma-lipoic acid) is another naturally occurring antioxidant. It is helpful for improving damaged nerve function, that is common in diabetes.

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