Managing blood sugar is an essential component of good health. When levels get too high for too long and sugar (glucose) accumulates in the blood, it can leave you at risk for several symptoms.
Over time, high blood sugar can lead to metabolic deficiencies and type-2 diabetes. Reducing blood sugar can lessen the risk of these conditions as well as heart disease and can be accomplished even if you’ve already got one of them.
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These days, managing blood sugar may be even more important than it was in the past, as it can contribute to illness that may impair immunity and boost the risk of COVID-19.
One of the best ways to control and reduce blood sugar is with a healthy diet. Food and drink that don’t cause spikes are ideal and can regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and prevent or reverse type-2 diabetes over time.
So, what are these foods? There are a bunch. But as a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to find foods with a low glycemic index, or GI. These items don’t have a major effect on blood sugar levels, and sometimes, they can even be used to balance out a high GI food.
- Whole wheat/pumpernickel bread
- Most fruits, except pineapple, melons, and fruit juices
- Sweet potatoes/yams
- Oatmeal/oat bran
- Nuts
- Beans/peas/chickpeas/lentils (legumes)
- Garlic
- Yogurt
- Fish/poultry/meat
Many of these items are simple substitutes for common high GI foods that are dietary staples. Things like white bread, French fries, candies, cakes, and sweets are all foods that can overload blood sugar and lead to metabolic disorders.
Aside from these dietary approaches, other steps to manage blood sugar include regular exercise, staying hydrated with clear, sugar-free liquids, eating small meals more frequently, and not skipping meals.
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
