How to Control Your Blood Sugar Levels the Natural Way
Blood sugar or glucose powers up your cells and organs by providing them the energy they need to carry out their functions. But having high blood sugar levels does not mean you have high energy levels, too.
You know what they say, too much of a good thing is bad. Your cells would need the help of insulin to let glucose in and absorb the energy.
If your pancreas does not produce enough insulin, the glucose in your bloodstream may reach high levels that put you at risk of diabetes-related complications.
Controlling your blood sugar levels is vital whether you have been diagnosed with diabetes or you want to prevent anything that might lead to this disease.
How do you maintain healthy levels of blood sugar and stop unhealthy spikes?
What causes high blood sugar levels
Hyperglycemia, the state when you have too much blood sugar, occurs when:
- You’ve had high-sugar or high-carbs food in your meal
- You’ve consumed too much alcohol
- You’re often dehydrated
- You’ve been losing sleep
- You’ve been sick
- You’ve been skipping breakfast
- You’re under a lot of stress
Effects of high blood sugar
High levels of blood glucose can lead to any of the following health concerns:
- Skin infections
- Increased urination
- Excessive thirst
- Wounds take longer time to heal
- Nerve pain and damage
- Vision problems
- Digestive issues
- Bone and joint problems
- Sexual dysfunction
- Depression
- Heart attack or stroke
How to keep normal blood sugar levels the natural way
Protect yourself from diabetes risk or if you’re already on the borderline, these are what you should always keep in mind to maintain normal levels of blood sugar.
- Reduce stress
Your body releases cortisol when you’re under stress. It gives your cells the energy you need when you’re caught up in a stressful situation. But when you have too much cortisol for a longer period, it will cause a spike in your sugar levels.
That’s why it’s important to manage your stress by doing relaxing activities or exercising daily. Try yoga or find a hobby that makes you forget about what stresses you out.
- Have a good sleep every night
A night of good sleep means quality sleep in seven or eight hours. Your sleeping habits affect your blood glucose levels depending on how your cells respond to insulin. This hormone helps glucose to enter the cells and remove them from the bloodstream.
People who sleep for six hours or less have the tendency to eat unhealthy food during the day to make up for the lost hours of sleep. They don’t have the energy to exercise so they become inactive. Your cells become less sensitive to insulin so any excess glucose will stay in your bloodstream.
- Be more active
Exercising daily boosts your insulin sensitivity. Your cells, tissues, and organs will have enough energy as they properly absorb the glucose. This brings your blood sugar to normal levels as it goes exactly to where it is needed and not get stuck up in your bloodstream.
- Stay hydrated
Drinking more water helps decrease the sugar in your system. If you’re suspecting that your glucose level is rising, drink up and flush out the excess blood sugar from your body.
Opt for water and stay away from sugary drinks (for obvious reasons). Quenching your thirst with any drink in mind does not really help. Hydrating with water is still your best bet.
- Cut carbs
When your body metabolizes carbohydrate from the food you eat, it turns into glucose. So the more carbs in your diet, the more glucose travels through your blood into the rest of your body.
If you want to maintain your blood sugar at normal levels, control your carbs intake. Eat less starchy food and eat balanced meals every day.
- Add more fiber in your diet
Another way to lower your blood sugar is to eat more fiber-enriched food. Fiber lets your body digest carb at a slower rate. This means it will also take time for glucose to go into your bloodstream.
Delaying glucose metabolism will prevent an immediate rise in your blood sugar levels. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to make sure you have enough fiber in your diet.
- Try berberine
Berberine is a bioactive compound found in plants such as Berberis aristata, Oregon grape, Californian poppy, goldenseal, Chinese goldthread, and Phellodendron.
This compound helps prevent blood sugar spikes because it decreases your insulin resistance and helps in glucose metabolism in cells. Berberine has been found effective in treating type 2 diabetes and makes the condition more manageable for people living with this health risk.
Our potent supplement comes in capsules and contains 1200mg of Berberine HCl (from Berberis aristata) per serving. Get your Berberine supplement here.
Takeaways
Controlling your blood sugar levels is solely up to you. Choose healthier food, adopt a better sleeping habit, and move more daily. Your health and well-being almost always depend on the kind of lifestyle you follow.
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