Vitamins, Supplements, and Herbals. Oh my!
This Holy herbal is likely effective for depression, but has shown no evidence in treating diabetes. In fact, there are potentially serious interactions between this herbal and many prescription drugs. Talk to your pharmacist before starting!
What is St. Johns Wort?
These vitamins are more likely to buildup to toxic levels in patients with CKD. Talk with your provider before starting these vitamins!
What are any vitamin? :)
Not 1, not 2, but... This fatty acid is an essential nutrient and has been shown to lower cholesterol. There is also some evidence that it lowers blood sugar, but the evidence is a little fishy. What do I know? It's all Greek to me.
What are Omega-3s?
This diet emphasizes foods such as fruit, beans, lentils, nuts, fish, and olive oil as a healthy fat.
What is the Mediterranean Diet?
Commonly called retinol, this vitamin can help promote night vision and may play a role in reducing the risk of diabetic retinopathy. That sounds A-OK to me!
What is Vitamin A?
This mineral is used to promote heart health. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of developing diabetes. If your body ran out, you would have 0 Mg.
What is Magnesium?
Working in a cubicle may make you deficient in this vitamin. This vitamin is important for bone health!
What is Vitamin D?
Often called nature's Ozempic, this product can reduce blood sugar and promote cardiovascular health.
What is Berberine?
Yum! This spice always reminds me of the holidays. I love when my mom adds just a little bit extra of this spice to the gingerbread cookies. No one told me this spice could lower my blood sugar too.
What is Cinammon?
This antioxidant may be beneficial in relieving pain as a result of diabetic neuropathy.
What is alpha lipoic acid?
This mineral may actually cause diabetes! Don't take this if you're at risk unless you don't want to Se in the future!
What is Selenium?
Give me a dozen of those! This vitamin is sometimes used to supplement a deficiency that can B a side effect of an antidiabetic medication. Patients with CKD may also benefit from this vitamin as it can help prevent anemia.
What is Vitamin B12?
This drink contains antioxidants which have mixed evidence for lowering risk of cardiovascular disease as well as LDL cholesterol.
What is Green Tea?
This diet was originally proposed for high blood pressure management, but it can be used for diabetes too! It limits food high in salt, while promoting lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Wow! He's quick!
What is the DASH diet? (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)
This supplement, and metal on the periodic table, has mixed data for blood sugar control. I learned this on Google Chrome!
What is Chromium?
This regulatory body does not regulate the efficacy, safety, or sale of supplements.
What is the FDA?
This electrolyte is in salt and many processed foods. It can cause the body to retain fluids. This can increase blood pressure which, longterm, can worsen kidney function.
What is Sodium?
This dietary supplement, available as a prescription at higher doses, is used for high cholesterol and can help raise HDL.
What is Niacin?
Used to keep vampires away, this plant may lower LDL and fasting blood sugar. This plant may also reduce blood pressure.
What is Garlic?
This has mixed evidence on weight loss benefit and can be found in red wine.
What is Resveratrol?
Often used topically to help relieve sunburn, this supplement, taken orally, may help to reduce blood sugar and A1c.
What is Aloe?
You're making me go bananas! This mineral should be monitored regularly in individuals with CKD as elevation of it can cause muscle spasms.
What is potassium?
This food commonly causes an increase in plaque and overall cholesterol build-up over time. It is high in saturated fat and should be consumed in moderation.
What is Red Meat?
This visual representation of the recommended daily food intake was created in 1992 and was replaced in 2011 by MyPlate.
What is the food pyramid?
This substance can help increase digestion and is contained in oat, oat bran, barley, and vegetables.
What is Fiber?