Your body needs a healthy amount of blood sugar to give you energy. Blood sugar content in your body needs to be at a normal level that is neither too high nor too low. However, this is not the case for millions of people.
Having too much glucose in the blood is harmful to any individual, and one should always keep their blood sugar in check. Many people today suffer from high blood sugar that leads to diabetes, obesity, and other chronic illnesses that come with being insulin resistant.
Reduce Blood Sugar in 7 Natural Ways
Besides food, other factors such as sleep and exercise affect our blood sugar. To maintain normal glucose levels and maybe even try to reduce them, here are 7 natural ways to keep your blood sugar down and stay healthy:
1. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to fit exercise into your schedule. Whether its a high cardio session or a weight training class, exercise is extremely beneficial in keeping a low blood sugar count.
When you exercise, your muscles will naturally utilize and break down sugar to release energy. With regular exercise, you can increase your insulin sensitivity and help regulate your hormone imbalances.
Exercise can also help to combat stress, improve your mood and prevent weight gain that contributes to high blood sugar.
2. Drink Lots of Water
Drinking lots of water can help lower your blood sugar by encouraging the kidneys to flush out the excess through urination. Water is the best alternative to sugary drinks, as it comes with 0 calories, no weight gain, and a reduced risk of developing diabetes.
3. Control your Stress
Stress causes a lot more than just raising your blood sugar. Your mood takes a hit leaving you with anxiety and depression and initiates sugar cravings that make you gain weight.
When you are engulfed in stressful situations, you forget to prioritize yourself. You might not think you need to work out or maintain a healthy diet because the thing that is causing you stress takes precedence.
It’s time to put yourself and your health first. Relaxation methods such as yoga, swimming, massages, and meditation can help you clear your mind and take a much-needed break from whatever is causing you stress.
By managing your stress levels, you manage your blood sugar levels and maintain a happier mood.
4. Avoid Highly Processed Foods
There are many types of foods out there that boost our blood sugar levels. Foods that are high in carbohydrates, for example, contain a lot of sugar and, if consumed too often, can lead to a spike in your blood sugar level.
Foods that are highly processed have a lot of unnecessary sugar in them, which ultimately raises your blood sugar. If you’re looking for a quick tip, high fructose corn syrup and any ingredient with the word “refined flour” in it should be avoided at all times.
Practice reading labels carefully when shopping for your groceries. If you have to question any of the ingredients, it probably does not belong in your cart.
5. Sleep Is Very Important
Sleep is the building block of good health. While you’re asleep, the body is still working hard to prep your mind and body for the next day. Sleeping at regular hours will also help you curb your midnight cravings.
Studies have shown that individuals with poor sleeping patterns are highly prone to weight gain and suffer from high blood glucose.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a more unconventional method but it’s one that works. The vinegar present in apple cider vinegar can help increase your body’s insulin sensitivity and improves your body’s response to sugars.
The next time you are making a salad dressing, try adding a few drops of apple cider vinegar to incorporate it into your diet.
7. Have a Diet High in Fiber
Not only does fiber regulate digestive functions, it also regulates your blood sugar. Fiber targets and slows down the digestion of carbohydrates and sugars, which leads to a slow rise in blood sugar as opposed to a spike.
Maintaining a high fiber diet can be very beneficial for patients with type 1 diabetes because it reduces blood sugar levels and improves blood sugar control.
Artichokes, avocados, lentils, and almonds are among the top foods that contain high amounts of fiber.
If you are suffering from high or even low blood sugar, continue to visit your doctor for regular check-ups. It is also important to check in with your doctor when you want to add or make any changes to your diet that affect existing or potential health conditions.
The content of this Website is for is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References:
Babcock, J. (2017, June 22). Tired? Moody? Struggling with Your Weight? Your Blood Sugar May Be Off. Retrieved March 30, 2018, from https://draxe.com/normal-blood-sugar/
15 Easy Ways to Lower Blood Sugar Levels Naturally. (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2018, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/15-ways-to-lower-blood-sugar#section16
