Tips on Keeping Your Blood Sugar Within Normal Limits

A normal glucose or blood sugar level is important to your health and well-being. Most importantly, a normal glucose level is necessary for proper brain function.

Blood sugar level that is too low is called hypoglycemia, while blood sugar level that is too high is called hyperglycemia. In diabetics the blood glucose level can be persistently high (hyperglycemia) and can lead to severe complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, loss of vision and neuropathy. In this case diet, exercise and medication are the keys to a normal blood sugar level.

So, what is the normal blood sugar level and what can you do to lower it to within the normal level. The normal blood sugar level runs 80 - 110 it raises above that immediately after a meal and returns to its normal limits within 2 hours. If you have diabetes you must follow your medical practitioner's advice in keeping your blood sugar within the normal limits.

Consulting your physician about testing your blood glucose level to see if it is within the normal level and following the advice that he/she may recommends is a good place to start in evaluating whether or not you need to lower your blood sugar.

Tips on Lowering Your Blood Sugar.

Carbohydrates

Reduce your carbohydrate intake and watch your blood sugar level go down.

Eat foods that are low on the glycemic index, these foods when eaten raises the blood sugar levels gradually. While high glycemic foods immediately raise blood sugar levels.

Vegetables

The following foods are low in carbohydrates and contain essential nutrients for your health and well-being.

Broccoli, lettuce of any variety, (romaine, iceberg etc.) Romaine lettuce is excellent to use as a wrap with chicken, meats or vegetables.

Cauliflower, steamed, mashed with cream or milk, then add butter and season to taste.

This is a great substitute for mashed potatoes without all the calories.

Green beans, peas, egg plant, olives, avocados, mushrooms, green peppers, spinach and cabbage are highly recommended for lowering blood sugar levels.

Onions and garlic are excellent for lowering the blood sugar levels as well as

soy, lentils and navy beans.

All Bran, Special K and Muesli are good cereals that won't spike your blood sugar level.

Fruits

Apples, oranges, grapefruits, limes, lemons and peaches.

Nuts

Almonds, cashews, Walnuts

Berries

Strawberries, blue berries and raspberries.

Lean Proteins

Cheese, yogurt, eggs, chicken, salmon, turkey, fish and other sea foods.

Other Things That Will Lower Blood Sugar.

Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is reported to be good for lowering blood sugar.

Bragg Organic Raw Unfiltered Vinegar (with the mother, a web like substance which becomes visible the brown liquid is held to the light) is touted as the best kind of vinegar for doing lowering blood sugar.

Chamomile Tea

Studies by researchers in Japan and the United Kingdom determined that daily consumption of chamomile tea lowers blood sugar.

Green Tea

Green tea is a powerful antioxidant, an excellent regulator of body temperature and blood sugar levels.

Cinnamon

Based on studies done in Pakistan in 2003 it appears that cinnamon may lower blood glucose, triglycerides and LDH cholesterol in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant that neutralizes harmful free radicals. It is a fatty acid needed by the body to produce energy, it converts glucose into energy. Foods containing high content of Alpha Lipoic Acid are, spinach, broccoli, peas and brewers yeast.

Lowering your stress levels, adequate sleep, rest, relaxation and exercise are important factors in lowering your blood sugar.

Avoiding The Following Things Will Also Lower Your Blood Sugar.

Avoid sugars, sodas and high glucose drinks, chocolate, honey, artificial sweetener, white flour, white breads and white potatoes.

Remember the foods you eat, the portions of food you eat and the frequency with which you eat make a significant impact on your blood sugar levels.

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