Diabetes and Ganoderma lucidum
Diabetes or diabetes mellitus is now considered one of the most common endocrine diseases, with a steady increase in the number of cases. Diabetes is a chronic, systemic metabolic disorder, characterized by continuous high blood glucose, ie. Hyperglycemia.The basis of this disease is inadequate insulin secretion or reduced biological activity of insulin. Insulin is a hormone formed by beta cells of Langerhans islets in the pancreas and is responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates, ie. sugar (glucose regulates the entry of blood into most cells, except in the central nervous system).
Without insulin, glucose can not enter the cells, leading to an increase of its concentration in the blood, ie. hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia causes other disorders of metabolism with fat and protein.
After a while and numerous other complications (changes in the skin, heart and blood vessels, kidneynephropathy, ocular disease - retinopathy, diabetic foot, diabetic coma..) it can lead to disability, and to increased morbidity and mortality.
Numerous causes and risk factors can lead to damaged beta cells of Langerhans islets in the pancreas and reduced insulin secretion and function, including diabetes (genetic predisposition, pancreatic disease - inflammation, degenerative changes and tumors, obesity, alcoholism, stress, pregnancy, drugs , preference for large quantities of sweets intake, reduced physical activity, tendency to infection, injury, surgery, etc.
The main goal of diabetes treatment is in the regulation and maintenance of nearly normal blood glucose values, including the elimination of subjective symptoms, prevention of acute and chronic delay (vascular) complications, thereby extending the life of patients, and improving their quality of life.
The conventional treatments of diabetes include insulin and/or oral antidiabetics. They help to regulate and maintain blood sugar levels and prevent possible complications. However, they can not regenerate the pancreas and prevent loss of its natural functions. Also, long-term use of medications for diabetes can cause side effects - a disorder in the metabolism of fat, blood vessel damage, which in turn can lead to stroke, heart disease, kidney disease and other complications.
All this suggests that conventional therapy is not sufficient for the treatment of diabetes and that, even under the influence of drugs, diabetics are still at risk of heart disease, kidney disease, stroke ...
Medical research suggests that the fungus, Ganoderma lucidum has an important role in regulating blood glucose levels, as well as rehabilitation and maintenance of pancreatic function, but also in the prevention of possible complications.
Ganoderma lucidum, a fungus, known as Linghzi, or Reishi mushroom, belongs to a group of edible mushrooms, but because of its wooden structure and the bitter taste is not used in the diet. It consists of a stalk and a scarlet cap with glossy lacquer, after which it was named, but also because it is growing on the stump or roots of trees, especially oak and chestnut. The data suggests that the Reishi is used in traditional medicine back over 2000 years. It was believed to prolong life, invigorates, and heals.
Considered a Chinese symbol of the nation's prosperity, and longevity of the emperor.
More recently, from the Ganoderma lucidum there were isolated over 200 bioactive compounds (triterpenes, polysaccharides, Proteoglycans, organic Germanium Ge-132, adenosine ...) and nutrients, minerals, essential amino acids ... Preparations containing Ganoderma lucidum extract are being used in the treatment of many diseases and conditions.
Also, it is used to strengthen the immune system and as a powerful antioxidant.
A large number of scientific studies confirm the positive effect of active ingredients of Ganoderma lucidum on diabetes mellitus. It has been shown that polysaccharides and triterpenes protect the remaining beta cells of Langerhans islets of the pancreas from further damage by free radicals, reduce serum glucose levels and according to some studies, can reduce levels of triglycerides.
It is also shown that the Ganoderma Lucidum can increased activity of the enzyme present in skeletal muscle cells, which convert glucose to glucose-6-phosphate, preventing it to leave the cell (glucose lowering).
Immunomodulatory protein reduce insulinitis which is often expressed in the beginning of diabetes mellitus type I.
In addition to regulating blood sugar levels, Ganodema lucidum strongly influences the strengthening of the immune system, lowers cholesterol, protects blood vessels from atherosclerosis, prevents platelet aggregation, improves circulation, speeds recovery after infections, and after the surgery ...
It may not be sufficient as self-therapy, but with all the exhibited effects, Ganoderma lucidum prevents worsening of diabetes and prevent possible complications.
Ganoderma lucidum has proven to be safe during oral intake, and shows no toxicity.
