4 tips for balancing normal blood sugar levels
Your body uses the glucose in your blood as a source of energy, so you always need a certain level of blood sugar.
However, certain factors can tip your blood sugar levels out of balance, which can cause either elevated or decreased levels. The resulting spikes and dips in blood sugar can lead to anxiety, cravings for sugary foods, fatigue, weakness, and a feeling of "brain fog."
Fortunately, blood sugar imbalances can usually be prevented through diet and lifestyle.
Here are some tips on how to keep your blood sugar levels in balance.
1. Avoid sugary foods, including "simple" carbohydrates.
You should be careful not to consume too many sugary foods in your diet, as these enter the blood directly as glucose, which leads to elevated blood sugar levels. In addition to obvious sugars like cakes, sweets, sodas, and cookies, watch out for carbohydrates that also break down into sugar in the body. "Simple" carbohydrates, such as white bread, cereals, and white pasta, behave similarly to sugary foods and can cause blood sugar spikes. Avoid these simple carbohydrates in favor of "complex" carbohydrates, such as whole grains and beans, which convert to glucose more steadily.
3. Consume protein
Like healthy fats, protein also breaks down into glucose much more slowly than carbohydrates, which means your blood sugar levels will not rise rapidly after consuming a protein-based meal or snack. Carrot sticks and hummus make a great protein-rich snack that keeps blood sugar balanced.
4. Eat regularly
If you don't eat for long periods, it causes your blood sugar levels to drop. Symptoms of low blood sugar include weakness, feelings of hunger, and dizziness, as your body isn't getting the glucose it needs for energy. Letting your blood sugar drop too low can also lead to increased hunger, particularly for sugary foods, which increases the likelihood of overeating and poor food choices. Greek researchers have found that eating six small meals a day is more effective at stabilizing blood sugar levels than three large meals at longer intervals, so be sure to consume small amounts of healthy food regularly.
These tips are for information purposes only and cannot replace medical care. Please consult a doctor or healthcare professional before trying any remedy.
Vitamins for a healthy lifestyle: Holland & Barrett vitamins
Sources:
1. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/high-low-blood-sugar-symptoms.html
2. https://idmprogram.com/understanding-digestion-eat-carbohydrates-fat-fibre-vinegar-idm-3-2/
3. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02248272
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.