Friday, May 25, 2012

Whole Food Experiment: Chromium

What is it? A mineral used by the body to process glucose and increase insulin's efficiency.

Why take it? Chromium can help maintain normal blood sugars and reduce insulin needs.

Cautions: May significantly reduce your need for insulin, so always work with your doctor before starting on a chromium supplement.

Recommended dose for the average person: 20-45 mcg/day

Recommended dose for a diabetic: 400-600 mcg/day

Whole Food Sources:
High Quality Brewer's Yeast- 1 tbs = 60mcg
Corn on Cob- 1 ear = 52mcg
Sweet Potato- 1 medium = 36mcg
Apple- 1 medium = 36mcg
Organic Egg- 1 medium = 26mcg
Tomato- 1 medium = 24
Ham- 3oz = 10
Beef and Turkey- 3oz = 2mcg
Red Wine- 1 glass = 1-10mcg (depending on the brand)


Disclaimer (because this is America): I am not a dietitian or a physician. I am a diabetic armed with a giant book called Prescription for Nutritional Healing (Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, 2010) and access to a whole slew of nutritional websites. I experiment on myself constantly, but that does not mean you should. Unless, of course, your doctor says its ok.


Useful Sources: livestrong.com, guidetohealth.com





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