Tips to Help Control Blood Sugar
By Sara Butler
Most people are under the impression that controlling blood sugar levels is only something that should concern diabetics, yet it’s crucial for your overall health and wellness. When your blood sugar is too low, you don’t feel well. When it’s too high, you don’t feel well either! That’s why it’s important to think about your blood sugar throughout the day. Here are a few tips to help.
Exercise
Exercise has many benefits to your overall health and wellness, and it also happens to help control your blood sugar. When you exercise, your muscle cells use up more glucose from your blood to energize them. This has the effect of lowering your overall blood glucose levels and reducing your blood sugar. Exercise also has the added benefit of increasing your insulin sensitivity, allowing insulin to work more efficiently in your body. You should try to get 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
Sleep Well
The importance of good quality sleep cannot be overstated. It plays a major role in blood sugar levels and hunger. In fact, glucose metabolism and the hormones that impact hunger can be altered if you don’t get enough sleep. If you have poor sleep habits, then your stress hormones can increase, increasing inflammation and your blood sugar. So, don’t cheat yourself of good, quality sleep.
Go for Complex Carbohydrates
There are different types of carbohydrates and they impact your body in different ways. Simple carbs, such as sugar, are digested quickly and absorbed into your bloodstream, driving up your blood sugar levels. Complex carbs, on the other hand, such as legumes, whole grains, and vegetables, are digested slowly. This helps to stabilize your blood sugar. If you combine them with healthy fats and protein, you can further balance your energy levels as well as your blood sugar.
Get Your Fiber
Many people tend to fall short on their fiber intake, not getting the 25-38 recommended grams per day. Vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and other fiber-rich foods can help protect your heart and protect against type 2 diabetes. Fiber also helps regulate your hunger and blood sugar. You should try adding extra vegetables or complex carbs to each meal to help increase your fiber intake.
Blood sugar is important to control, even if you’re not diabetic. So eat smart and eat a balanced diet that will help you stay healthier for years to come.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Farmington, Utah.
