Top 7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Sugar

Hyperglycemia, also known as high blood sugar, is commonly associated with prediabetes and diabetes. The body regulates blood glucose levels by secreting a hormone called insulin, which allows cells in tissues to use blood sugar for energy. Therefore, insulin is one of the most important regulators of blood sugar levels.

However, several factors can impair the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, heading to hyperglycemia.

Some of the internal factors that may lead to high blood sugar levels include when the body produces too little insulin, when the liver produces too much sugar, or when the body is unable to use insulin effectively (insulin resistance).

External causes include certain medications, stress, dietary choices, and a sedentary lifestyle.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates that about 13% of American adults are living with diabetes and another 34% have prediabetes.

Blood sugar management is extremely important for diabetes patients, as consistently high blood glucose levels can lead to a variety of life-threatening complications.

How To Lower My Blood Sugar Naturally

     1.  Regular physical activity

Natural ways to lower blood sugar levelsExercising regularly can help you increase insulin sensitivity and achieve and maintain moderate weight. Increasing insulin sensitivity helps the cells in your muscle and tissue use the available sugar in your bloodstream more effectively. Moreover, exercise can help muscles use blood glucose for muscle contraction and energy.

If you’re having any problems managing your blood glucose levels, be sure to keep track of your levels before and after working out. This will help you understand how your body responds to different activities and help maintain your blood sugar levels within the target range.

Moreover, experts recommend doing regular “exercise snacks” to prevent the problems that may arise as a result of sitting all day. Exercise snacks mean breaking up your sitting routine every 30 to 45 minutes for about 10 minutes throughout the day. You can engage in exercises such as light walking, leg raises, or squats. You can also beat a sedentary lifestyle by doing other useful exercises such as dancing, swimming, hiking, weightlifting, biking, and more.

     2.  Control your carbs intake

Carbs strongly influence blood sugar levels because they are broken down into sugars and used or stored for energy. Therefore, if you have insulin function complications or eat too many carbohydrates, this process can fail, and blood sugar levels can rise.

This is why the ADA (American Diabetes Association) strongly recommends that diabetes patients control their carb intake by consuming the amount recommended by their doctor. Being aware of how many carbs you need helps you in planning meals and further improving blood glucose management.

Studies show that a low-carb diet can help prevent blood sugar spikes by reducing blood sugar levels. However, it is important to keep in mind that no-carb diets and low-carb diets are vastly different.

Have a closer look at the different carb counter apps available HERE!

     3.  Eat more fiber

Research shows that soluble fiber slows carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption, thus promoting a gradual increase in blood sugar levels. A high soluble fiber diet improves the body’s ability to control blood sugar levels, which could aid in managing type 1 diabetes.

Some of the foods that are rich in soluble fiber include:

  • Whole grains
  • Fruits
  • Legumes
  • Vegetables

Eating a high-fiber diet has been shown to improve blood glucose management. However, when it comes to blood sugar management, it is essential to keep in mind that soluble fiber has been shown to be more effective compared to insoluble fiber. The recommended intake of fiber is 14 grams per day for every 1,000 calories.

     4.  Stay hydrated

In addition to preventing dehydration, drinking enough water helps keep blood sugar levels within the target range. Moreover, it helps the kidneys get rid of excess glucose through urine. In fact, recent studies show that people who drink more water have a significantly lower risk of developing hyperglycemia.

Water and other non-caffeinated and zero-calorie drinks help lower blood sugar levels, rehydrate the blood and reduce the risk of diabetes. Avoid sugar-sweetened drinks as these have been shown to drive weight gain, raise blood glucose and increase diabetes risk.

     5.  Adhere to portion control

Portion control helps you maintain moderate body weight and control your calorie intake.

Tips for implementing portion control to lower blood sugar levels naturally:

  • Use smaller plates
  • Keep accurate food journals
  • Weigh and measure your portions
  • Avoid all-you-can-eat buffets and restaurants
  • Check serving sizes
  • Read food labels
  • Eat slowly

In addition to promoting healthy blood sugar levels, studies show that weight management also reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. It is also important to monitor your serving sizes in order to prevent blood sugar spikes.

     6.  Choose foods with a low GI (glycemic index)

How can I lower blood sugar levels naturallyThe GI (glycemic index) is a measure of how quickly carbs are digested and how fast the body absorbs them. Therefore, the GI affects how rapidly blood sugar levels rise.

Natural ways to lower blood sugar

The GI categorizes foods into high, medium, and low GI by ranking them on a scale of 0 to 100. A ranking of less than 55 is considered low GI.

Both the type and amount of carbs consumed determine how food affects blood glucose levels. Studies show that eating low GI foods helps reduce blood glucose levels, even in people with diabetes.

Foods with a moderate to low GI include:

  • Barley
  • Beans
  • Lentils
  • Bulgur
  • Unsweetened Greek yogurt
  • Oats
  • Non-starchy vegetables
  • Legumes
  • Whole wheat pasta

Moreover, adding healthy fats or protein to your diet helps reduce the risk of blood sugar spikes after meals.

     7.  Manage your stress levels

Stress has been explicitly shown to affect blood sugar levels. When stressed, the body secrets cortisol and glucagon hormones which cause blood glucose levels to rise. Studies show that relaxation, meditation, and exercise can help reduce stress, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.

Relaxation methods and exercises like yoga may also help improve insulin secretion problems among diabetes patients.

The bottom-line

There are many different natural ways to lower blood sugar. Most of them typically involve making lifestyle changes, such as managing stress levels, sleep quality, weight, staying hydrated and exercising.

However, it is essential to consult your doctor before trying new supplements or making lifestyle changes, especially if you are under medication or are having problems managing your blood sugar.

How do you lower blood sugar naturally

Continue ReadingTop 7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Sugar

Alternative Treatments for Diabetes

Looking for Alternative treatments for Diabetes?

When it comes to treatment, I’m sure you would agree that we’re always looking for alternative treatments for diabetes, in particular, alternative ways to Control our blood sugar levels and cut down on medications. It would be great to alleviate some of the medical problems that stem and arise in diabetics, in a more natural fashion by using natural herbs for diabetes.

There are many alternative treatments on the market, but how do you know which one will work for you, which one doesn’t and what are just gimmicks? There are many different websites on the market that cater to just selling and specializing in alternative medication and treatments for diabetes, but often times they can get confusing and leave us wondering if it is a waste of money or actually work.

Alternative Treatments for Diabetes using Herbs and Spices.

natural herbs for diabetesMany studies have showed  that North American ginseng may improve blood sugar control and glycosylated hemoglobin (a form of hemoglobin in the blood used to monitor blood glucose levels over time) levels.

In another study, 79 people with type 2 diabetes (not on insulin therapy but treated with other diabetes medication or diet) took either a cinnamon extract (equivalent to 3 g of cinnamon powder) or a placebo capsule three times a day.

Although aloe vera gel is better known as a home remedy for minor burns and other skin conditions, recent studies suggest that aloe vera gel may help people with diabetes.

A Japanese study evaluated the effect of aloe vera gel on blood sugar. Researchers isolated a number of active phytosterol compounds from the gel that were found to reduce blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels.

A lot of these herbal medications, including cinnamon, Nature’s Bounty Cinnamon 1000mg, 100 Capsules (Pack of 3) ginger, and aloe vera
will help lower all the medical problems, signs and symptoms associated with diabetes so why not use something alternative for diabetes instead of the more expensive medications that are generally prescribed, in order to keep your diabetes well managed and taken care of the healthy way, the safe way.

Continue ReadingAlternative Treatments for Diabetes

Natural cure for diabetes type 2

natural cure for diabetes type 2
natural cure for diabetes type 2

Considering that healthcare, like everything else, often runs through fads it should be no surprise that one of the new fads in healthcare is holistic or natural remedies for diseases, like a natural cure for diabetes type 2. One of the newest ideas to come down the pipes in diabetes treatment is the use of vanadium and other trace minerals in the treatment of diabetes because in higher doses these minerals can mimic the effects of insulin and lead to a lowering of serum glucose levels. There are also a great number of supposed herbal remedies that are purported to be a natural cure for diabetes type 2.
Diabetes type 2 is a metabolic disorder that results in hyperglycemia, high blood sugar, due to the body being resistant to the action of insulin, or not producing enough insulin. This condition usually presents itself during adulthood and may be associated with obesity and genetic factors as its cause. The classic symptoms of the disease are increased thirst, increased urination, and increased hunger, though blurred vision general malaise, and even coma may result in severe cases. Due to the serious health effects that can come rather quickly it is never a good idea to try a natural cure for diabetes  without a doctor’s advice and guidance.
There are many different types of natural cures for diabetes type 2 such as herbal medications, prescribed medications and many other natural cures such as plenty of exercise with a combination of eating right and changing up your diet so that not only can you live a longer healthier life but that you can also take care of yourself and prevent diabetes from hitting you.

Continue ReadingNatural cure for diabetes type 2