High blood sugar level is referred to as hyperglycemia. This condition is caused by a mismatch in the insulin level and the glucose level. When the glucose surpasses the insulin levels, the blood sugar increase.
Many people with hyperglycemia have or are at risk of diabetes. People tend to depend on drugs and insulin shots to keep the blood sugar in check, but did you know that you can reduce your blood sugar levels naturally? Let us look at some of the natural ways.
1. Exercise
Your blood sugar can go down within minutes of light exercise. A short walk or a jog can make a huge difference in minutes. When your body is in motion, the muscles take in glucose for energy. The breakdown of glucose results to the sudden drop in the blood sugar.
Imagine what light exercise could do for your blood sugar if done regularly. When you exercise, your body gets used to burning glucose faster. The lesser the glucose, the lower the blood sugar becomes. Make exercise your habit whether you have diabetes or not.
2. Reduce Stress
When you get stressed, the body produces hormones that elevate the blood sugar. Cortisol and glucagon are responsible for the sudden rise in blood sugar when one is stressed. Life is full of stress, and there is little one can do to avoid these stresses; the best thing to do is to manage the stress levels.
When you feel stressed, try meditation and light exercise to cool you down. Yoga and jogging can help you relax and lower your blood sugar. Take a break from all the hustle and bustle and just relax your body and mind.
3. Ketogenic diet
A ketogenic diet is one of the most effective ways of reducing insulin insensitivity and lowering blood pressure. A keto diet includes very low carbs intake, high fat and protein intake. A person on a keto diet is required to take around 30 grams of carbohydrates in a day. How is a ketogenic diet helpful? When the body is withdrawn from its main source of energy, it looks for alternatives.
The body uses ketones and fat to keep it going. The fat in the storage is burned and turned into energy. This means that there is very little glucose in the body to cause hyperglycemia. The keto diet also results in weight loss, something that every person who has diabetes or is at risk should do. A ketogenic diet overview guide should get you started on this healthy journey.
4. Apple cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been known to lower the fasting glucose levels in the body. When taken before meals and before bedtime, vinegar can lower the blood sugar. Apple cider vinegar acts by reducing insulin insensitivity and increasing the absorption of glucose by the body cells.
Pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes patients can use this vinegar to lower the blood sugar. A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of drinking water will work the magic. Alternatively, you can pour some vinegar on salads and enjoy its health benefits.
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon reduces insulin resistance at the cellular level. This means that insulin sensitivity is increased and blood sugar is lowered. When taken before meals, cinnamon lowers the carbohydrates breakdown in the gut.
The low carbs breakdown results in low glucose which in turn results in low blood sugar levels. Cinnamon is sweet and taking it is not hard and unpleasant. Experts recommend taking it in pills form to get the maximum health benefits.
Bonus point (But most important). Drink Water
It has been said time and again that water is life. Besides keeping your body hydrated, plenty of water flushes out unwanted glucose from the body via the kidneys. Water is the best alternative to sweetened beverages that elevate blood sugar. Drinking water has been said to reduce the risk of diabetes.
High blood sugar levels can be life threatening, and this condition needs to be managed. The above natural ways can help to control the blood sugar when it elevates to unhealthy levels. Taking charge of one’s diet and living a healthy lifestyle is the surest way of managing diabetes and other health issues. Keep stress away and remember to consult with your physician on any diets and supplements.
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