Balancing Blood Sugar with Food
Balanced blood sugar levels are crucial to a healthy life. Balanced blood sugar levels prevent disruption of your body’s functions and help your overall health. For most, the body does a great job of balancing this main source of energy, but for some experiencing metabolic chaos the body struggles to maintain this balancing act which can result in a number of metabolic diseases, the most common being diabetes.
While it’s important to work with your healthcare provider if you feel you have blood sugar issues, an integrative health approach, like Stradtman Family Wellness, may be a great option to help you identify the root cause of your blood sugar issues and help to regulate it.
Scheduling a free wellness consult with Stradtman Family Wellness is a great option to get the proper lab work and guidance on balancing blood sugar and reversing metabolic chaos.
Diet can have a major role in balancing blood sugar and here are a few foods to add to your diet to help balance your blood sugar:
1. Greens:
You can never eat too many greens. For the best blood sugar benefits, go for nutrient-dense, low-carb greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli. These greens are also very rich in protein and calcium, which help your body in multiple areas. You can toss these greens in salads with olive oil and chunks of salmon. Studies have shown that these three vegetables contribute to a dramatic improvement in patients who are constantly battling with their blood sugar.
2. Low fructose fruits:
Fruit is always a must, but for blood sugar-specific management, choose fruits that are low fructose, such as cantaloupe, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi, and blackberries. You can snack on them throughout the day, or toss them in your salad, smoothies, or acai bowls.
3. Protein:
Protein is essential for slowing down glucose absorption in your body, which helps regulate your blood sugar levels. Add foods to your diet that are packed with protein, like wild salmon and other types of fish, beef and other types of lean meat, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and eggs. Make your diet interesting; try snack ideas as celery sticks dipped in all-natural peanut butter. This snack is rich in protein and only contains a good kind of fat. Remember everything in moderation, however. Too much protein actually can become sugar in your blood, creating a condition called gluconeogenesis; 40 to 70 grams of protein is enough for a day.
4. Herbs and Spices:
Herbs and spices are natural supplements for balancing your blood sugar levels. They not only add flavor to your dishes but they may also help your hormones lower your blood sugar. Some spices, like turmeric, contain anti-inflammatory properties, which help in balancing out your sugar.
5. Low-calorie drinks:
Cut out sugary, high-calorie drinks from your diet. Add drinks like cinnamon tea, lemon water, and cucumber juice to your daily routine.
6. Whole grain foods:
Whole grain foods that are also rich in protein, like millet and quinoa, provide and store energy without causing spikes in your blood sugar levels.
7. Beans:
Beans are a good source of protein, low carb, and rich in fiber, all important factors in balancing your blood sugar. Hummus, lentils, and garbanzo beans are good examples and great dietary choices. Remember to soak them the night before to promote easier digestion.
8. Nuts:
Nuts like almonds and walnuts contain healthy amounts of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, and are a low-carb snack idea.
This information is not meant to treat or diagnose any blood sugar-related issues. If you suspect blood sugar imbalances, please consult with your doctor. Consuming the foods listed above has been shown to help balance already normal levels of blood sugar and are in no way implying can treat any form of blood sugar issues.
