Balancing Blood Sugar

Balancing blood sugar

Blood sugar is the sugar that the bloodstream carries to all cells in the body this provides us with energy. Sugar imbalances play a vital role in cardiovascular health, hormone production, immune system functioning and brain function. We look at some ways we can begin balancing blood sugar in the body.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise can help you lose weight and increase insulin sensitivity. Increased insulin sensitivity means your cells are better able to use the available sugar in your bloodstream. Exercise also helps your muscles use blood sugar for energy and muscle contraction.

Increase Fibre

Fibre slows carb digestion and sugar absorption. For these reasons, it promotes a more gradual rise in blood sugar levels. There are two kinds of fibre: insoluble and soluble. While both are important, soluble fibre specifically has been shown to lower blood sugar levels.

Drink enough Water

Drinking enough water can help you keep your blood sugar levels within healthy limits. In addition to preventing dehydration, it helps your kidneys flush out the excess blood sugar through urine. Drinking water regularly re-hydrates the blood while balancing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of diabetes.

Replace Simple Carbs with Low GI Root Vegetables

Processed foods and convenience foods are simple carbohydrates. These foods tend to be the low-octane fuel. This type of carbohydrate or sugar burns within minutes, which causes your blood sugar levels to spike at ridiculously high levels and then drop suddenly. Low GI root vegetables include green and red vegetables in the green leafy family, like chard, kale, spinach, and lettuce. Remember, it takes hours to burn low GI foods, which results in feeling fuller longer.

Sleep

Not getting enough sleep may directly relate to higher blood sugar. A lack of sleep tends to increase stress and cravings for sugary foods both of which are bad for blood sugar. Getting at least seven hours a night will help regulate your hormones, fatty acids, and stress. Try going to bed at the same time every night and putting screens away an hour before snooze time.