Vinegar and cinnamon affect blood sugar

Q. I suffer with type 2 diabetes. My doctor prescribed Glucotrol for my blood sugar. It helped to a degree, but I have found that by adding apple cider vinegar and cinnamon to a careful diet, I can control my blood sugar even better. I know I haven't made this up, but is there any data showing that these natural remedies work?
A. There is. High-carbohydrate meals containing white bread or rice can raise blood sugar. We would not have imagined that vinegar could counteract this effect, but there is growing evidence to support your experience. Scientists in Sweden report that vinegar given with white bread reduces blood sugar and insulin. It also helps people feel fuller up to two hours later (European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, September 2005).
Japanese researchers have found that vinegar can counteract the effect of white rice on blood sugar. And investigators at Arizona State University report that 2 tablespoons of vinegar before a starchy meal can significantly reduce the rise in blood glucose. There is also research showing that 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon daily can lower cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar levels (Diabetes Care, December 2003).
Q. Do you know of any vitamins or supplements for gum irritation? When I brush vigorously or floss, my gums bleed.
A. Check with your dentist to rule out a serious gum condition. If there is none, you may want to get more vitamin D. A study of more than 6,000 Americans showed that those with the highest levels of vitamin D in their bloodstream had gums that were 20 percent less likely to bleed when probed (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, September 2005). The investigators hypothesize that vitamin D helps fight inflammation.
During the winter months, many people don't get enough sunshine to make adequate amounts of vitamin D. Experts recommend at least 400 IU daily, and some believe that recommendation is too low, especially for older people.
Q. I am a substitute teacher. With all the colds the kids pass around, I am constantly fighting off a sore throat or sniffles. Too often it turns into bronchitis. I am already on my third cold of the season, and it's a doozy. I used to take echinacea, but I read that it's not very effective. What can you tell me about zinc or other natural remedies? I steer clear of over-the-counter cold remedies because I have heard they make things worse.
A. Results from echinacea studies have been disappointing. Several recent double-blind trials have found that this herb has no advantage over placebo for treating colds.
You're justified in doubting the value of some over-the-counter cold remedies. Common ingredients such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen may actually impair the body's ability to fight off a cold.
XIn their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10019, or e-mail them at peoplespharmacy@gmail.com or via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org.
& copy; 2005 King Features Syndicate Inc.