When your body has difficulty transporting sugar in the blood to your cells, your blood sugar levels rise. If you have high blood sugar and don’t see a doctor, diabetes may occur. As it turns out, 50% of all adults in the United States have either diabetes or pre-diabetes. If you fall into one of these categories, you may be looking for ways to control blood sugar naturally.
Without further a due, here are 15 effective ways you can control blood sugar by using home remedies.
1. Get Regular Exercise
Regular exercise will help to maintain the overall health of your body and it will also help to control blood sugar by increasing your sensitivity to insulin. This means that your body will be able to more effectively use the sugar that is present in your bloodstream. Try weight lifting, walking, running, dancing, or even something crazy you’ve always wanted to try like surfing or mountain biking!
2. Watch Your Carb Intake
One of the easiest ways to control blood sugar naturally is by watching the number of carbohydrates you are taking in on a daily basis. Your body turns carbohydrates into sugars, and then insulin is responsible for transporting the sugars into cells. Eating too many carbohydrates can disrupt this process and cause your blood sugar to spike.
3. Consume More Fiber
Make sure you are getting your daily amount of fiber, as it slows down the digestion of carbohydrates and allows for sugar to be better utilized by the body. This will help you to control blood sugar because it will produce a more gradual rise instead of a spike.
4. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated will help keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. In addition to making it easier for your body to absorb nutrients, drinking water will also help your kidneys to flush out excess blood sugar through urine. Studies show that those who drink enough water have a lower risk of developing high blood sugar.
5. Portion Control
When you control your portions, you control blood sugar. Portion control helps you maintain a healthy weight, which keeps blood sugar levels at bay.
Meet a service dog who can respond to the owner’s blood sugar level.
6. Eat Foods with a Low Glycemic Index
Foods with a low glycemic index include lean meats and seafood, eggs, beans and legumes, and non-starchy vegetables. These foods will regulate your blood sugar levels.
7. Manage Your Stress
Stress can affect many things in your body, including your blood sugar levels. Make sure you are managing your stress levels by partaking in activities that relax you and give you peace of mind such as reading, exercising, going to places in nature you enjoy, or whatever else floats your boat!
8. Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels
One of the easiest ways to control your blood sugar is by monitoring it. By checking it regularly, you can figure out what causes your blood sugar levels to spike and avoid those things.
9. Sleep!
If you’re skimping on sleep, your insulin sensitivity will decrease and your blood sugar levels can rise as a result. It also decreases the release of growth hormones and increases cortisol levels which contribute to blood sugar levels.
10. Get Plenty of Chromium and Magnesium
Chromium is involved in helping the body metabolize fat and carbohydrates. A lack of chromium can create a carb intolerance in the body, leading to higher blood sugar.
A magnesium deficiency can be a contributing factor in the development of diabetes. One study found that people with a healthy intake of magnesium had almost a 50% lower risk of becoming diabetic. It’s best to get these nutrients from your food; however, if you are seriously deficient, a supplement may be best for you.
11. Give Apple Cider Vinegar a Try
Try taking a shot of apple cider vinegar to lower your blood sugar levels. Vinegar influences your body’s response to sugars and improves your insulin sensitivity. You can also add it to your salads, teas, and smoothies.
12. Cinnamon
Cinnamon decreases insulin resistance at a cellular level and can reduce blood sugar levels by up to 30%. Try ingesting 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon each day for the best results.
13. Berberine
Berberine is the active component of an herb used by the Chinese to treat diabetes. It can enhance the breakdown of carbohydrates in order to better utilize them for energy.
14. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds are full of soluble fiber which helps to lower blood sugar. Try putting them into your salads or smoothies on a regular basis to ensure you’re getting enough fiber.
15. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do to achieve healthy blood sugar levels. All of the tips found in this article will help to promote weight loss and aid in preventing future health problems.
Try any or all of these methods to control blood sugar from your home!
