We eat to live and carbohydrate is called
the fuel of the human body. Every day we take carbohydrates as our main food and
our body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose a form of sugar. Then sugar
moves to the body's cells by insulin one kind of hormone which is produced from
the pancreas and cell produce energy. If our body cannot transport sugar
effectively from the blood to cells then sugar accumulates in the blood and
causes high blood sugar levels.
Here we discuss some ways to lower blood sugar naturally :
Eat the right carbohydrates: Two
main types of carbohydrates are simple and complex to affect blood sugar levels
differently. Simple carbohydrates are made up of one kind of sugar. Simple
carbohydrates are found in foods, like white bread, pasta, candy, etc. Our body
can easily break down these carbohydrates into sugar quickly, which causes high blood
sugar levels quickly. Complex carbohydrates are composed of three or
more sugar units that are connected to each other. Because the chemical structure of these
kinds of carbohydrates is complicated, it takes the body a long time to break
down them. As a result, gradually sugar is released into the body and
blood sugar levels rise slowly after eating them. Complex carbohydrates
are found in whole grain oats, sweet potatoes, etc.
[In order to know about Diabetes; Click here ]
Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has many benefits for
our health. It helps to lower fasting blood sugar levels, Research has shown that vinegar significantly
influences the body’s response to sugars and improves insulin sensitivity. To
incorporate apple cider vinegar into the diet we can add it to salad dressings
or mix it with water. It is important to consult with our doctor before taking
apple cider vinegar if we already take medications that lower blood sugar.
Control portion size: Portion size means the amount of food we
choose to eat and it may be more or less than a serving. Portion control helps
to control calorie intake and can lead to weight loss. If we control our weight
then it helps to lower blood sugar levels. A person should follow portion guidelines
provided by a doctor or a nutritionist. Overeating at a sitting can cause high
blood sugar. Carefully control the size of our portions can keep our blood
sugar levels more controlled. In order to control portion size, we can do-
- Eat slowly
- Use smaller plates
- Share our meal with a friend
- Drink a glass of water before start meal
- Avoid eating directly from the container
- Measure and weigh portion
- Read food level and check the serving size
Consume herbal extracts: Herbal extracts can play an effective role in treating and control of blood sugar levels. Most people should try
to gain nutrients from the foods they eat. However, supplements are often
helpful for people who do not get enough nutrients from natural sources. Most
doctors do not consider supplements as treatment. So, all of us should consult
our doctor before taking any supplement, as it may interfere with any
prescribed medications. Some supplements are-
- Green tea
- American ginseng
- Bitter melon
- Cinnamon
- Aloe vera
- Fenugreek
- Chromium
Increase fiber intake: Foods that are high in fiber can play a
significant role in our body to lower blood sugar levels. Fibre can slows down carbohydrate
digestion that helps to reduce sugar absorption. For this reason, blood sugar levels rise gradually. Fiber is
two types: soluble and insoluble. Both are important but especially
soluble fiber is the most helpful in controlling blood sugar. Soluble fiber is
found in foods: vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fruits.
Maintain a healthy weight: A healthy weight is crucial to lead a
healthy life. If our weight is healthy, our body will be sound and our mind will be
sound. A healthy weight helps to keep us healthy and prevent us from future
health problems. Weight control helps to keep our blood sugar levels healthy and reduces
the possibility of diabetes. Research has shown that 7% reduction in body
weight can decrease the risk of developing diabetes up to 58%, improve
cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of complications and it seems to work even
better than medication. We should be conscious of our own waistline, as it is
perhaps the most important weight-related factor for estimating diabetes risk.
A study has shown that waistline measurement for women 35 inches (88.9 cm) or more and for men 40 inches (101.6 cm)
or more has an increased chance of developing insulin
resistance, high blood sugar levels. Eating a healthy diet full of fruits and
vegetables and getting enough exercise can help a person lose weight and
maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce carbohydrate intake: We take carbohydrates as our main food every
day. Our body breaks down the carbohydrate into glucose a form of sugar and
insulin moves the sugar into the cell then it turns into energy. A diabetes
patient has a problem producing insulin. So, he has insufficient insulin to
move sugar from the blood to the cell. As a result, our blood sugar level
increases. If we reduce our carbohydrate intake then we can get a good result
for sugar levels. Research has shown that for those who intake fewer carbohydrates
as food his sugar level is less than those who intake more carbohydrates. So, we can
add less carbohydrate and more protein-rich food to our food menu. As a result, we can
lower blood sugar levels.
Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water helps us to keep our
blood sugar level within healthy limits. For people who are worried about lowering
high blood sugar, it is crucial to drink enough water. Drinking enough water
prevents us from dehydration and also helps the kidneys to flush out the excess
blood sugar through urine. Research showed that those who drank more water had
a lower risk of developing high blood sugar levels. So, by drinking water, we
can rehydrate our blood and lower blood sugar level. For staying hydrated water
and other non-caloric beverage are best sugar-sweetened drinks raise blood
sugar.
Choose low glycemic index foods: The glycemic index was developed to assess
the body's blood sugar response to a food that contains carbohydrates. The
amount and type of carbohydrate determine how food affects blood sugar levels.
Research shows that following a low glycemic index diet decreases long-term
blood sugar levels in type -1 and type -2 diabetes. Low glycemic index food is those
that score below 55 on the glycemic index. Some low glycemic index foods: lentils, seafood, meat, peas, eggs, oats, barley, beans, corn, most fruits, and non-starchy vegetables.
Manage stress: Stress has a significant effect on blood
sugar levels. The body secretes glucagon and cortisol hormone during stress and
these hormones cause blood sugar levels to go up. Research shows that managing
stress through meditation, exercise or relaxation can help to lower blood sugar
levels.
Regular exercise: Regular exercise helps a man to keep his
weight healthy and increase insulin sensitivity. Insulin is a kind of hormone
that helps people to break down sugar and to make energy in the body. Exercise
burns our calorie and then encourage our muscle to use sugar for
energy.
Monitor blood sugar levels: Regular blood sugar level monitoring can
help a diabetes patient to reduce blood sugar level. By measuring blood sugar
level one can decide whether he needs to make adjustment in meals for
medication and it will also help him to find out how his body reacts to certain
food.
Get enough quality sleep: To keep our health fit and sound enough
sleep is crucial for everyone. Poor sleeping habits and lack of rest affect blood
sugar level and insulin sensitivity. Sleep deprivation releases growth hormones
and increases cortisol levels and both of us play an important role in
blood sugar control. Research has shown that people who sleep poorly have an
increased risk of developing blood sugar levels and found that diabetes patients
who slept 6 to 7 hours per night had better blood sugar control compared to
those who slept for less or more time.
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