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Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
3 Herbal Teas You Shouldn't Be Drinking When You Have Diabetes, According to Dietitians
Key Points Herbal teas are popular as cozy drinks and as supplements with various health claims. If you have diabetes, be cautious about using certain herbal supplements, including teas. Aloe vera, chamomile and fenugreek may interact with medications if you have tea has become increasingly popular, largely due to its functional benefits. From lowering inflammation to improving gut health to easing nausea, there seems to be a tea that claims to cure every ailment, including diabetes. But are herbal teas safe for everyone, including those with chronic illnesses, like diabetes? 'When you have a chronic health condition like diabetes and are taking additional medications, it is even more essential to ensure there is no danger of adding a supplement to your daily routine, including herbal teas,' says Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDECS. 'Some herbal teas can interact with medications or have a dangerous impact on blood sugar levels, so it is always important to vet any new regimen with your physician and/or pharmacist first.' Here are three herbal teas that should be avoided or used with caution if you have diabetes, especially if you take medication for the condition. Aloe Vera Herbal Tea This popular plant is well known as a gel for sunburn pain relief, but it can also be found in tea form. However, Palinski-Wade recommends caution before sipping a cup of aloe vera tea. 'Research has shown that consuming aloe vera may have a drastic effect on blood sugars, raising concern of a hypoglycemic episode pending the individual patient's medication regimen,' she says. While research is scant, and much of it has been done on animals, one review explored the impact of aloe vera consumption on blood sugar response and blood lipids in people living with type 2 diabetes. Their findings: Consuming aloe vera orally led to a significant reduction in blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol. That might sound encouraging. However, these powerful effects have a potential downside, as they could cause dangerously low blood glucose for people taking blood-sugar-lowering medication, says Palinski-Wade. Chamomile Herbal Tea People with type 2 diabetes often have other health issues, including risk factors for heart disease. This means that they may also be on other medications, like blood thinners. While chamomile tea has been used for centuries to help with sleep, digestion, mental health and more, if you're taking a blood thinner, like warfarin, chamomile may dangerously interact with your medication. In fact, the potential interactions are so concerning that one study specifically advised against recommending chamomile to patients on warfarin due to the potential for increased risk of bleeding. On the upside, chamomile isn't a problem for everyone living with diabetes, just those on certain medications. So, if you love chamomile tea, speak with a healthcare provider to see if it's safe for you. Fenugreek Herbal Tea Fenugreek has a long history as an herbal remedy for diabetes management. And science agrees. Research suggests fenugreek may improve blood glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides. At the same time, it may not be safe for everyone. 'Fenugreek supplements may have hypoglycemic effects, causing a decrease in blood sugar,' says Lorena Drago, M.S., RDN, CDN, CDCES. 'Plus, they may also interact with blood-thinning medications, causing concern for those with diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.' Before using fenugreek as an herbal tea or supplement, speak with a physician or pharmacist to ensure it won't interact with your medications. Another Reason to Be Cautious with Herbal Teas Because herbal teas are technically supplements, the Food and Drug Administration doesn't regulate them the same way as foods and beverages. This has led to concerns over the quality of what's in the actual tea bag. 'It's important to ensure that any supplements, like herbal teas, you take are not causing harm,' says Drago. 'For instance, an herbal tea could interact with one or more of your medications, affect your blood glucose levels, cause hypoglycemia and lead to other health problems.' Tips for Healthy Eating If You Have Diabetes While teas and supplements may be tempting, the real key to managing diabetes is a blood-sugar-lowering diet plus exercise. That's why Palinski-Wade and Drago recommend saving your money and focusing on what's in your kitchen. These tips can get you started: Fill up with fiber. Fiber keeps you full and balances blood sugar. Try to add one fiber-rich food to every meal and snack. Want more guidance? Try our 7-Day High-Protein High-Fiber Meal Plan for Better Blood Sugar. Opt for powerful pairings. Fruit is great for you, even if you have diabetes. But for even better blood sugar management, pair it with healthy fat and protein, which can slow down carbohydrate digestion. It's as simple as a sliced banana over strained (Greek-style) yogurt with some slivered almonds on top! Volumize with veggies. Vegetables are the ultimate diabetes-friendly food. They're low in carbohydrates and rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Plus, their fiber aids with satiety. No time to cook? Stock up on frozen riced cauliflower and pre-washed spinach for a quick veggie fix. Supplement as a safety net. In some cases, certain supplements, like vitamin B12, may be helpful, especially if you're taking the diabetes drug metformin, notes Drago. 'Metformin blocks the absorption of vitamin B12 in higher doses after long treatment, and with other high-risk factors, such as older age and use of antacids,' says Drago. Monitor your blood sugar. When it comes to your blood sugar numbers, don't wing it. 'I advise my patients to monitor their blood glucose and carry blood glucose tablets or fast-acting sources of carbohydrate like regular soda, juice or milk,' says Drago. Our Expert Take Certain herbal teas may interact with diabetes medications and other drugs. Diabetes dietitians advise anyone living with diabetes to exercise caution with herbal teas, especially aloe vera, chamomile and fenugreek. Instead of spending your money on herbal teas, speak with a healthcare provider to find a treatment regimen that works for you. At the same time, focus on diet and lifestyle changes, like staying physically active and eating more blood-sugar-friendly fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats. They're the best over-the-counter remedy for diabetes management! Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Scottish Sun
02-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
I tried the 16p Boots dupes of Kourtney Kardashian's Lemme gummies – there's an agonising side-effect I couldn't stand
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. And it's not just me who isn't keen on these gummies - scroll down to find out what others are saying GIVE IT A REST I tried the 16p Boots dupes of Kourtney Kardashian's Lemme gummies – there's an agonising side-effect I couldn't stand WITH a to-do-list as long as my forearm, getting a full eight hours of sleep is something that rarely ever happens in my life. As someone with a VERY busy social life and an incredibly intense job, a good quality night's sleep is something I often strive for, but often don't experience. Advertisement 5 Here, Abby Wilson shares her honest thoughts on the Lemme gummy dupes from Boots Credit: Abigail Wilson 5 So if you've been thinking about trying out gummies in the hope of getting a deep sleep, you'll need to listen up Credit: Lemme 5 The Habi Bedtime Sleep Gummies are £10 for a pack of 60 Credit: Supplied 5 But tossing and turning for hours was agonising Credit: Supplied So could a so-called 'science-backed' capsule created by Kourtney Kardashian's supplements brand be the answer? Lemme Sleep Tight Gummies claim to 'help you fall asleep and stay asleep', whilst helping you 'wake up feeling refreshed'. The supplement contains melatonin, which helps you to fall asleep and promotes restful sleep patterns, while Magnesium, L-Theanine and a dreamy blend of Chamomile, Lavender and Elderberry let you drift off in peace. But at £23 a pop and my purse feeling tighter than ever before, I was on a mission to find something slightly more purse-friendly. Advertisement Read more Fabulous stories WAKE-UP CALL The 3 sleep habits that increase risk of dying - as flag raised over napping And that's where the Habi Bedtime Sleep Gummies from Boots come in. At just £10 for a pack of 60, this high-street buy, which works out at just 16p per gummy, appeared to be a much kinder solution to my sore wallet. But could this dupe, which is part of Boots' 'vibrant and fresh' new approach to wellness, help me sleep? I've noticed numerous five star reviews of the gummies online and many have reported noticing improvements in sleep quality. Advertisement One happy shopper beamed: 'Bought when they came out a few weeks ago and I take one one hour before bed and definitely have a deeper and longer sleep.' Meanwhile, another added: 'Doesn't send me to sleep quicker, but definitely a deeper sleep!' The popular sleep position doctor warns should be avoided and could be the cause of your back and neck pain A whirlwind two weeks So in an attempt to feel less tired all of the time, I thought I'd see what the fuss was all about. But I can safely say, the past two weeks have been an absolute whirlwind in terms of my sleep. Advertisement The best sleep routine and environment Thomas Høegh Reisenhus, TEMPUR® sleep specialist & sleep counsellor, reveals the key components of a good bedtime routine and environment... A sure-fire way to facilitate a better night's sleep is to practice good sleep hygiene. Establish a sleep routine that works for you and stick to it. This will help your body establish a consistent, natural sleep-wake cycle which can do wonders for your overall sleep quality. As such, try to avoid making up for lost sleep with a lie-in. Instead of sleeping in, spend your morning reading a book in bed or having a leisurely coffee in the kitchen. Ensure that your bedroom, bedding, and sleepwear are fit for purpose too. The ideal sleep environment is dark, quiet, and cool – much like a cave. If you find unwelcome sources of light are keeping you up, consider investing in an eye mask or black-out curtains. Adding soft furnishings can be a great way to reduce noise, with the surfaces having an absorptive quality, but if this doesn't work, consider embracing a soothing soundtrack to block it out. In terms of temperature, try to keep your bedroom at 18°C. You can further reduce the risk of waking up due to overheating by ensuring that all your bedding and sleepwear is made with natural, breathable materials such as cotton and linen. Bear in mind that everyone is different; what might work for most, may not work for you! Whilst knowing how much sleep you should get, how to overcome common barriers, and practicing good sleep hygiene can facilitate a great night's sleep, if you continue to struggle with sleep or fatigue persistently, do not hesitate to visit a doctor or health professional for support. From hours of tossing and turning to the most vivid dreams I've ever had, it's been bizarre. Despite that, normally I always wake up in the middle of the night, desperate for a wee, but thankfully, there's been none of that. Every night, just before bed, I've been having my dose of one capsule a day. Hours of tossing and turning But rather than 'drift into dream land' as Boots bosses suggest, I found myself tossing and turning for hours. Advertisement The first two nights after chewing on the gummy, which I have to say is delicious, I battled sleep until the early hours. I put my phone down and was ready to catch some Zs just before 10pm, but by 1am, I was still wide awake. I even resorted to the age-old classic of counting sheep - that's how agonising it was Abby Wilson I'm not someone who normally struggles to get to sleep, or has a brain overflowing with thoughts as soon as they hit the sack, but for some reason, my head was on overdrive. While I typically like to fall asleep to silence, I found myself desperately logging into YouTube and searching for 'sounds to fall asleep to', in the hope that anything would help. Advertisement Not only this, but I even resorted to the age-old classic of counting sheep - that's how agonising it was. 5 Lemme is a supplement brand created by Kourtney Kardashian Credit: Instagram/@kourtneykardash The 'flavoured food supplement' gummies, which are suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and over, contain Griffonia Seed and Lemon Balm Extracts, alongside Vitamin B6, which is said to help you end your day with a clear mind. According to those at Boots, the gummies, which are vegetarian and vegan, are 'believed to help support sleep and relaxation', but I can't say they worked for me. Advertisement Feeling exhausted Despite two nights of hell, the third night I actually had a decent sleep, but surprisingly, woke up feeling exhausted. But things soon began to pick up as a few days later, I had one of the best sleeps I've had in a long time. Unfortunately, the improvements in my sleep habits didn't seem to last, as on reflection, it appears that in the two weeks of taking these gummies, I've had many more bad nights than good. Not only does my brain appear to go into overdrive as soon as I hit the pillow, but I've never felt so restless, agitated and unsettled as much in my life. Advertisement Having said that, I do think my sleep is deeper once I'm finally off. The gummies, which are free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives, are DELICIOUS, so much so that I'd be tempted to demolish the whole box in one sitting. Top tips and tricks for winding down for sleep before bed EMILY Robertson, from Mira Showers, shared their top sleep hacks, particularly for during hot weather. Wind down with purpose About an hour before bed, start dimming lights around your home. This signals to your brain that it's time to produce melatonin, your natural sleep hormone. Think of it as helping your body shift gears from "daytime mode" to "sleep mode." Disconnect to reconnect Put away phones, tablets, and laptops at least 30 minutes before bedtime. The blue light from screens tricks your brain into thinking it's still daytime. Instead, try reading a physical book or magazine under soft lighting. Take a warm shower A 10-minute warm shower about an hour before bed helps trigger your body's natural cooling process afterward, which makes falling asleep easier. The gentle warmth also relaxes tight muscles from your day. Try gentle stretching A few simple stretches can release physical tension. Focus on your neck, shoulders, and back - areas where we tend to hold stress. Just 5 minutes can make a big difference. Sip something soothing A small cup of caffeine-free tea like chamomile, lavender, or valerian can be a lovely ritual. Just drink it about an hour before bed so you're not waking up for bathroom trips. They are part of HABI's new range of 15 supplement gummies and taste just like blackcurrant wine gums, an all-time favourite sweet treat of mine. But the mouth-watering taste of these lactose free gummies is not worth the agonising pain of tossing and turning for hours on end. Advertisement Nor is it worth the burning eyes the next day when I try to concentrate at my desk after getting just four hours of sleep, something that even a coffee can't fix. Joe Thorley-Mitchell, the Director of Boots Brand, said: 'I'm excited to finally be able to reveal HABI, which puts good habits over hype', but I can't say these gummies are a habit I'll be sticking to. I'm a fan of the bold, playful packaging, but for me, I think I'll stick to tuning into ASMR if I can't get a good night's sleep. 'Complete waste of money' And despite the glowing reviews, it turns out I'm not the only one who's struggled to fall asleep since trying these high-street gummies. Advertisement Other Boots shoppers have been left equally as disappointed by the supplement and many have also claimed that it 'keeps you awake rather than helps you sleep'. Instead of helping me sleep I am instead still wide awake and struggling to sleep four hours after taking one Boots shopper One frustrated shopper angrily slammed: 'Does nothing at all, actually kept me waste of money.' Not only this, but a second agreed: 'Doesn't make you sleep faster at all, had no effect on my sleep.' Meanwhile, someone else claimed it had the 'opposite effect' of a deep sleep, just like I experienced, and chimed in: 'Instead of helping me sleep I am instead still wide awake and struggling to sleep four hours after taking one.' Advertisement For £10, they're not exactly going to break the bank, but you bet I won't be buying these gummies again. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
USA Today
11-03-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Try Needed Sleep + Relaxation Support for 25% off during Sleep Week 2025
Try Needed Sleep + Relaxation Support for 25% off during Sleep Week 2025 Transform your daily routine with this exclusive March offer on Needed sleep supplements. — Recommendations are independently chosen by our editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Did you know that Sleep Awareness Week is a real thing? The annual week-long event is celebrated across the country to raise awareness about the importance of quality sleep and how it can impact you health and wellbeing. According to the US National Sleep Foundation's Women and Sleep Survey, 78% of women face disturbed sleep during pregnancy. This period is crucial for women to get more rest so they are healthy and as strong as possible. Needed worked with more than 6,000 women's health experts to develop a pregnancy-safe Sleep + Relaxation Support supplement. It includes three forms of Magnesium, L-Theanine, L-Glycine and Chamomile to enhance sleep, reduce stress and promote relaxation. Learn more about how this sleep supplement can help you and get an extra 25% off your first order of Needed supplements with promo code BETTERSLEEP at checkout. How does the Needed Sleep + Relaxation Support supplement work? The combination of three forms of magnesium in the Needed Sleep + Relaxation Support supplement help support muscle relaxation and nervous system function, while L-Theanine and L-Glycine are known for promoting calmness to help improve sleep. Chamomile, known for its soothing properties, works to ease the mind and body, preparing you for a restful night's sleep! How do you use Needed Sleep + Relaxation Support supplement? Using the Needed Sleep + Relaxation Support supplement is super easy, convenient and actually tasty! Here is the best way to incorporate it into your daily routine: Mix with water: Add a scoop of Needed Sleep + Relaxation to two cups of hot, cold or room temperature water. It dissolves quickly and the brand says it tastes like a lightly sweetened Chamomile tea. Needed Sleep + Relaxation Support supplement What else does Needed offer? You can find a range of collagen formulated for specific needs like fertility, collagen production, pregnancy, postpartum and women's overall health. Check out a few popular picks below. 💋 Needed Collagen Protein: Needed Collagen Protein is a high-quality supplement made from sustainably-sourced, grass-fed bovine. It is hydrolyzed for better absorption and digestion by the body. It helps support the production of specific amino acids to strengthen skin tissue, maintain gut health, balance blood sugar levels and more. 🤰 Prenatal Multi Essentials: Take less pills with these citrus-flavored prenatal capsules. Each capsule includes 23 nutrients at more potent doses so you can take just three capsules per day. 🎯 The Complete Plan: Needed's best-selling plan includes a prenatal multi, collagen, omega-3 and pre/probiotics for the ultimate bundle. 💦 Hydration Support: This subtle lime-flavored powder is packed with electrolytes and trace minerals for serious hydration. 🍽️ Gut Health Plan: This top-rated plan include pre/probiotics and digestive enzymes to help promote healthier digestion and gut health. Shop Needed What is the Sleep Awareness Week offer on Needed supplements? For the duration of Sleep Awareness Week 2025, you can get an extra 25% discount on your first order of Needed supplements with promo code BETTERSLEEP at checkout. Don't miss out on this limited-time offer to elevate your sleep routine at a fraction of the cost. When is Sleep Week 2025? National Sleep Week 2025 is celebrated from Sunday, March 9 through Saturday, March 15 and highlights the importance of sleep and how to improve it. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
