(NaturalNews) For people flirting with elevated blood glucose levels, the looming threat of having to take insulin shots can truly be frightening. Diabetes has become more prevalent than ever due to the All-American diet consisting of fast junk food, sodas, and the variety of other garbage people consume -- counter to common rational health advice. Even for many participating in healthier lifestyles and eating whole foods, blood sugar levels may still be troublesome. Whether you're diabetic or prediabetic, there are a variety of home remedies available to help manage your numbers and eliminate the need for insulin.
The basics
· Drink more water, especially immediately after a meal. Water aids digestion and flushes the system. Although there are some branches of alternative medicine that advise against drinking with meals, it's in your best interest to ignore that advice if you want to lower your glucose levels. Try it and observe how you feel. Take blood sugar readings and see the proof.
· Exercise! When exercising, your muscles burn sugars stored in the body, lowering overall blood sugar levels.
· Change your diet. Add more vegetables, legumes, lean protein and whole grains while reducing the amounts of simple carbohydrates. Choose foods that are lower on the glycemic index.
· Eat frequent, smaller meals throughout the day every three to four hours to maintain stability for blood sugar levels
· Lose weight to help manage glucose levels and lower blood sugar
· Eliminate alcohol and sodas, both which cause
blood sugar to fluctuate
· Check your thyroid levels. It's not uncommon for people with under-active thyroid to have concomitant problems with their pancreas and insulin production.
Supplements
·
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) -- ALA is an antioxidant whose action help to lower blood glucose levels by assisting the body in better use of its insulin. In addition, ALA has been found to reduce or eliminate diabetic neuropathy and other nerve-related conditions. Because ALA is so effective at reducing blood
sugar, diabetics should monitor levels closely.
·
Chromium -- Low doses of chromium supplementation have been shown to help with blood glucose control. Like ALA blood sugar levels should be closely monitored if you're diabetic.
Foods, herbs, spices
·
Chia Seeds prevent blood glucose levels from spiking. Make a chia smoothie or some breakfast porridge. Soak two tablespoons each of chia and hemp seeds in boiling water for five minutes. Add your favorite raw nuts, berries, coconut flakes,
coconut oil and stevia.
·
Apple cider vinegar -- organic please -- works wonders in reducing blood sugar, along with its other miraculous benefits. Take one to two tablespoons in water before or with meals, three times a day to prevent spikes in
blood glucose levels.
· Add
fiber and a digestive enzyme to your meals to help increase the motility of your digestive tract and prevent gas and bloating
· Eat
cinnamon to lower blood sugar. Make tea by boiling two to three fresh cinnamon sticks in a quart of water for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the cinnamon and drink the tea straight hot or chilled. Add cinnamon to porridge, smoothies and any other dishes to enjoy its remarkable benefits. The recommended dose is one gram daily for 40 days -- and it's effects will last an additional 20 days.
·
Salacia is an ayurvedic herb used in India to treat diabetes, stabilize blood glucose levels and regulate metabolic imbalances. It's recommended to only use this potent herb when necessary to lower spikes in
blood sugar, rather than taking it daily.
·
Green tea is high in polyphenols and has been found to protect against wide swings in glucose levels; however, it contains caffeine which may cause side effects for some people.
Sources for this article include:http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/blood_sugar.htmlhttp://nccam.nih.gov/health/diabetes/CAM-and-diabetes.htmhttp://www.squidoo.com/balancebloodsugarAbout the author:READ MORE OF JEAN (JB) BARDOT'S ARTICLES AT THE FOLLOWING LINKS:
Natural News:
http://www.naturalnews.com/Author1686.htmlThe Best Years in Life:
http://www.tbyil.com/JB_Bardot_Articles.htmReal Health Talk:
http://www.realhealthtalk.com/JB_Bardot_Published_Articles.htmlJB Bardot is an herbalist and a classical homeopath, and has a post graduate degree in holistic nutrition. Bardot cares for both people and animals, using alternative approaches to health care and lifestyle. She writes about wellness, green living, alternative medicine, holistic nutrition, homeopathy, herbs and naturopathic medicine. You can find her on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001364941208&ref=tn_tnmn or on Twitter at jbbardot23 or https://twitter.com/jbbardot23
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