Natural Remedies For Diabetes In Pets

What is the pancreas and what does it do?

The pancreas is a large organ (approximately six inches long) of the digestive and endocrine systems. It is located deep within the upper abdomen, surrounded by the stomach, small intestine, liver and spleen. This body is shaped like a pear, wider at one end and narrow at the other end. It is divided into three sections - the broad end of the pancreas is called the head, the middle is called the body, and the narrow end is called the tail.

The pancreas performs two important functions within the body.

The pancreas produces digestive juices and enzymes to help digest fats and proteins. When food is partially digested by the stomach, is pushed into the duodenum (first part of the small intestine). The secretion of the enzymes in the duodenum helps prevent digesting enzyme known as trypsin-protein eating the pancreas or its duct. The digestive juices and pancreatic enzymes are released through a small tube attached to the duodenum to mix with food. The pancreas also produces enzymes that break down carbohydrates (amylase) and fats (lipase) and sodium bicarbonate, which helps to neutralize stomach acids in the food.

Another important function of the pancreas produce the hormone insulin along with a variety of other hormones. Glucose is produced from the breakdown of starches and carbohydrates. It is absorbed through the wall of the digestive tract and enters the bloodstream. Insulin helps control blood sugar levels in the body (glucose) and keep them within safe levels. It is produced by small groups of pancreatic cells called the islets of Langerhans, which are also known as the "islet cells?.

Insulin is secreted when blood sugar rises and causes the muscles and other body tissues take up glucose from the blood to fuel their activity. Insulin also promotes the absorption of glucose in the liver, where it is stored as glycogen for use in response to stress or exercise. If the islets of Langerhans produce too little insulin, raises the level of glucose in the blood. This can lead to diabetes and increased risk of a number of other problems throughout the body. It is therefore important to encourage and support pancreatic health!

Prevention is better than cure!

Modern diets high in sugar and fat content have affected the health of people around the world - and our furry friends are no exception. Find the best diet for your pet. A diet that is high in fiber and complex carbohydrates slows the digestive process and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

In obese animals, it is advised to lose weight, and your veterinarian can advise you on a diet. However, you can prepare the food cooked at home (do this in consultation with a veterinary nutritionist). Avoid prepared foods by trade, which may contain high amounts of sugar and preservatives.

Exercise is another important part of keeping the blood sugar levels of your pet under control. However, be sure to keep the activity level the same day. The time when you exercise, how vigorous the activity, and how long the activity lasts, will influence the levels of blood glucose in your dog or cat. If you suddenly double the amount of exercise, caution that the blood glucose levels of your pet might drop too low, because the body needs more glucose during exercise.

How can herbal remedies and dietary supplements help?

There is much evidence to suggest that the use of carefully chosen herbal remedies and dietary supplements can help promote pancreatic health naturally and keep blood sugar levels of the pet within the normal range.

Along with the correct changes in the way of life, herbal remedies and dietary supplements can make a difference to the health of your dog or cat.

There are natural remedies for pets containing a specially selected combination of herbs known for their ability to maintain pancreatic health and support the pancreas function of normal production of insulin.

* Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) in the twelfth century, Abbess Hildegard of Bingen wrote of bilberry for its use to induce menstruation. Recently, several active constituents have been isolated from the berries and leaves of bilberry plant, including anthocyanoside flavonoids (anthocyanins), vitamins and pectins, which are found in berries, and quercetin, catechins, tannins, iridoids and acids, found in the leaves. Bilberry also has excellent antioxidant properties due to high levels of anthocyanosides, increasing the benefits of this remarkable herb. Regular use of Bilberry helps to promote healthy vision and to support the tiny capillaries of the blood that carry oxygen to the eyes. A double-blind, placebo-controlled bilberry extract in 14 people with diabetic retinopathy or hypertensive retinopathy found significant improvements in the treated group.

* Chromium Picolinate is a mineral supplement and highly absorbable nutritional form of chromium - an essential nutrient for sugar metabolism and fat. The adequate daily dietary intake for chromium is 50 to 200 micrograms, but most diets contain less than 60% of this product! The FDA agrees that chromium may be of benefit in reducing risk of insulin resistance and possibly type 2 diabetes. In a controlled study, subjects were administered a placebo or 100 or 500 micrograms of chromium picolinate twice daily for four months. Those subjects receiving 100 micrograms per day demonstrated no significant improvement, while in the group receiving 500 micrograms per day were found highly significant improvements in the system glucose / insulin.

* Galega officinalis (Goat's Rue) was traditionally used in medieval Europe to help support pancreatic health and encourage healthy insulin levels and this has been confirmed more recently by clinical trials. Studies have also suggested that this potent herb has been shown to help the body into glucose equlibrar bloodstream.

* Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) is one of the oldest medicinal herbs and their use has been documented in ancient Egyptian history and traditional Chinese medicine. Recent research in the West has highlighted the features of this highly versatile herbal remedy. Clinical trials in India suggest that regular use of fenugreek can help naturally maintain blood sugar levels within the normal range. Fenugreek is also very beneficial as a digestive tonic and kidney, which in turn helps maintain healthy urinary tract and without problems!

* Astragalus membranaceus is also known as Huang Qi in traditional Chinese medicine. More recent research has highlighted the ability of this remedy to improve the functioning of the immune system and protect against disease. Astragalus has also been shown to help in the maintenance of blood sugar levels healthy and can help promote natural energy and feelings of vitality due to its wonderful tonic properties.