Can diabetics safely use barley grass?
Written by
Leilani Ibeh
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.Diabetics can safely use barley grass, taking precautions. The fiber content slows the absorption of glucose, preventing blood glucose levels from spiking. Chromium improves insulin sensitivity, enabling your body to utilize blood glucose more efficiently. Both of these processes help to stabilize blood glucose levels throughout the day.
Barley grass contains insoluble fiber, thus creating a physical barrier in your intestines. This, in turn, delays the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose molecules. Your blood sugar level rises slowly after meals, rather than rapidly, which helps prevent the common hypoglycemic reactions often seen in diabetes management.
Fiber Systems
- Insoluble fiber: Slows carbohydrate digestion rate
- Soluble fiber: Forms gel reducing sugar absorption
- Prebiotic action: Supports gut microbiome balance
Mineral Support
- Chromium: Activates insulin receptor sites
- Magnesium: Powers glucose transporters
- Vanadium: Mimics insulin effects moderately
Plant Compounds
- Flavonoids: Reduce insulin resistance markers
- Antioxidants: Protect pancreatic beta cells
- Enzymes: Improve metabolic efficiency
Medical supervision is necessary when using barley grass. Particularly, people with diabetes should check their glucose levels several times a day. Barley grass may increase the effects of your medications, possibly requiring you to lower the dosage. Do not substitute prescribed treatments with supplements. Make sure everyone on your healthcare team is informed about all supplements.
Begin with small doses, such as half a teaspoon, before meals. Mix powder with water or a sugar-free beverage. Taking it in the morning will help you monitor your glucose levels during the day. Do not combine with high-carbohydrate meals when you first start. Responsiveness should be observed in your glucose log.
Select barley grass products that are certified gluten-free. Some diabetics have co-occurring celiac disease. Organic products help minimize potential exposure to pesticides. If desired, third-party testing can confirm the accuracy of the nutritional label in each product. The barley grass powder will be dark green, indicating the presence of a satisfactory quantity of chlorophyll.
Utilize barley grass in conjunction with a healthy diabetic lifestyle. Eat the same amount of food at the same time each day. Exercise regularly every day. Make sleep a priority for overall metabolic health. These habits will help you maximize the health benefits you gain from using barley grass and do so safely.
Read the full article: 10 Amazing Benefits Barley Grass
