Diabetes has run rampant in our society today. The link between that and the obesity epidemic cannot be understated. The two go hand-in-hand just like burgers and fries! But there is another part of the diabetes epidemic that The Hound finds particularly distressing. Among many people that have acquired the disease because of their poor diets and lifestyles, there is almost an acceptance of the condition, because – “they have pills for that.”
Here is the sad truth – no disease or condition is ever acceptable, especially one that can easily be controlled or avoided entirely by diet and exercise – and not medication!
There are genetic predispositions and hormonal problems that can lead to diabetes. However, the majority of Type II diabetes cases that are currently diagnosed in the US could have been prevented via dietary and lifestyle changes. And, the majority of those diagnosed could also treat and regulate the condition through diet, despite the ease and accessibility of the many different drugs used for regulating blood sugar.
Being able to regulate blood sugar levels naturally is a much better solution than over medicating with insulin shots and other diabetic medications, all of which have side effects. Understand that insulin shots and other diabetes medications do not “cure” the disease, the just take over your body’s ability to properly manage and metabolize sugar, or glucose.
Not only does natural regulation of blood glucose levels avoid the side effects of traditional medication, but it makes regulation a part of long term lifestyle changes, which will not only regulate blood sugar, but also improve overall health.
Regulating Blood Sugar Naturally – What to Cut Out
There are several ways to regulate your blood glucose levels naturally. It starts with losing weight! Is there a direct cause and effect between being fat and having diabetes? Not exactly, but they are so inextricably linked that once you go on a diet to lose weight, which will undoubtedly involve the reduction of your intake of sugar and carbs, you will automatically in the process positively effect your blood glucose levels.
High sugar consumption overworks the body’s glucose regulating mechanisms. All of those sweet treats lead to a rollercoaster of spikes and drops in blood sugar levels that eventually makes it almost impossible for your body to regulate blood sugar levels at all.
Regulating Blood Sugar Naturally – What to Cut Add In
Just as cutting down on the sweets and empty calories is one way to naturally regulate blood sugar levels, another is to add – you guessed it – MORE VEGGIES! Specifically, the cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, collard greens, kale and bok choy. All of the cruciferous vegetables are known super foods with tons of health benefits. They all are high in fiber, which helps your body flush out toxins. In addition, they stimulate the natural production of the hormones that keep your blood sugar levels in the “normal” range. Yes, we are talking about regulating blood sugar but all of the cruciferous vegetables also are high in anti-oxidants and are known for their cancer fighting abilities. This is why adopting a life style to naturally regulate your blood sugar will also improve your over all health and very likely add a few years to your life!
But there is a catch. When changing dietary habits to regulate blood sugar, even some apparently healthy foods may not be. Not all vegetables and fruits are good for you when it comes to regulating blood sugar. Some vegetable like carrots, corn and egg plants have very high glycemic indexes, (GI) and if eaten in too great an amount may actually raise blood sugar levels undesirably. Even root vegetables which are generally regarded as healthy can be risky when you are struggling with blood sugar levels. Potatoes, beets, turnips, and related vegetables break down in the digestive tract very quickly, releasing insulin, causing blood sugar to spike and drop in rapid succession – much like sugary desserts!
Foods with a lower GI include: Beans, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, chickpeas, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seed, most whole grains, the cruciferous vegetables, fruits such as strawberries, cherries, pears and dark varieties such as plums and blackberries.
Foods with a High GI and that should be limited or avoided when using diet to naturally regulate blood sugar include: white bread, most white rice, corn and corn products, most breakfast cereals, potatoes, parsnips and related vegetables, fruits such as pineapple, mangos and watermelon.
Supplementation
There are also a number of natural supplements that have been clinically studied and proven to control glucose and blood sugar levels as well as, and in some cases, even better then diabetes medications. Alpha lipoic acid, alone or in formulation has been the supplement most often tested, alongside diabetes drugs, and shown to be effective.
Learn more about what to eat for a healthy body!
