Take cinnamon to maintain good health

Q. My neighbour has been taking cinnamon, as you recommended, for his diabetes, and making changes to his diet and lifestyle in general. 

He is now completely off the insulin injections and is very fit and healthy. Is cinnamon helpful in general for people without diabetes?

A. Cinnamon works by balancing blood sugar levels through improving the metabolism of glucose. As little as 1-6 grams daily is all that you need to get these benefits.

While I typically recommend true cinnamon for culinary purposes, also known as Sri Lankan or Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), in the case of treating blood sugar issues, you will want to track down Cassia instead (Cinnamomum cassia).

Cloves have also been shown to reduce the insulin-sensitising effects in abdominal fat cells and liver cells.

This valuable kitchen spice is useful for maintaining general good health. It is well known for helping improve circulation, balancing blood pressure, and preventing heart disease. It is also useful in the treatment of candida, stomach bugs, arthritis, muscular and skeletal pains, depression, memory and cognitive behaviour, ADHD, PMS, Alzheimer’s, tooth decay, gum disease, e-coli and salmonella, and reducing cholesterol.

Researchers at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago have found that cinnamon interferes with the development of Parkinson’s disease, even appearing to reverse some of the damage caused in the brain. While this research is promising, the tests so far have been on mice rather than human subjects. In this case it is the Cinnamomum verum that has shown to be more effective than Cinnamomum cassia.

It is important to note that using too much cinnamon could cause irritation to the mouth, lips, and other mucous membranes. In fact, some people are very sensitive to cinnamon, so it is worth making sure that it is safe for each individual before taking therapeutic amounts. High doses of cinnamon are not recommended for children or women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding.

Q. My sister-in-law struggles with tinnitus. Are there vitamins she could take to improve the condition?

A. The nutrient your sister-in-law might find useful is vitamin B12. She will need to take a therapeutic dosage of 2,000 micrograms (mcg, ug) daily for a month, then reduce the dosage to 1,000mcg daily until her symptoms are no longer an issue.

Vitamin B12 works by helping to repair the myelin sheaths, which are crucial in protecting the nerve cells of the inner ear. Many tinnitus sufferers are found to be deficient in this nutrient. Vitamin B12 can also be found in dairy products, meat, and eggs.

I would usually suggest that caffeine is to be avoided, however, current research shows that sufferers who drink four to five cups of coffee per day actually find that their symptoms improve. Scientists are yet to discover what the exact link between coffee intake and tinnitus is, but we do know that caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and can have an effect on the workings of the inner ear.

Aspirin, quinine (a component of tonic water), nicotine, and alcohol are all best avoided, since they have been shown to worsen tinnitus symptoms. Reducing exposure to loud noises is a must, even to the point of carrying a set of ear plugs in her handbag in case of emergencies.

It is worth suggesting that your sister-in-law see a specialist to rule out any underlying disorders such as ear infection, acoustic neuroma or Ménière’s disease — all of which require appropriate treatment. For further support and information she can contact The Irish Tinnitus Association on 01-8723800.

Solgar makes a 1000mcg vitamin B12 (11.85 for 100 nuggets; www.hereshealth.ie), take two tablets daily for one month, then reduce your intake to one per day.