Sensibly Sweet: Support for Healthy Glucose Levels
Occasionally, we might find it hard to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Many of us live fast-paced lives where time is a precious commodity. This can cause us to succumb to a sedentary lifestyle or poor eating habits, resulting in a negative impact on our blood sugar levels. However, we do not have to remain disempowered or defenseless. The key lies in understanding the interplay of glucose and insulin within our bodies and taking proactive measures to support their harmonious functioning.
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Glucose is the main sugar found in your blood. The hormone insulin regulates it. When your body struggles to use insulin effectively, the body can develop insulin resistance, a precursor to type II diabetes. Lowering blood sugar levels can mitigate this risk and enhance overall well-being. Let's delve into the empowering strategies below to bolster your health and vitality.
#1. Motion- If the idea of exercise conjures up images of grueling calisthenics or intense aerobics classes, it's time for a fresh perspective. Simply put, exercise is your body in motion. Focus on maximizing the opportunities to move, no matter how small those moments seem to appear. For instance, when shopping, park farthest away from the entrance. Before starting on your shopping list, take a lap around the store's perimeter. Opt to take the stairs instead of the elevator. Over time, these small consistent changes will add up and increase your exercise capacity along the way. Additionally, another valuable tool to gauge your progress is to get a simple pedometer that tracks your steps. By doing so, you'll have instant feedback on your movement.
#2. Conscious Eating- Instead of a complete diet overhaul, focus on one meal or change at a time. I suggest honing in on the first meal/snack you eat for the day. Research shows that protein in the morning can help glucose control. Protein, along with fiber and a portion of fermented food, can help get your health on the right track from the start of your day. It doesn't have to be complicated. A single egg and low-sugar yogurt with added chia seeds easily includes all three: protein, fiber, and fermented food.
#3. Supplementation- When it comes to supplementation think ABC!
A. for Alpha-lipoic acid- This is a wonderful antioxidant that helps our body turn nutrients into energy. One study showed that it can affect the liver cells' ability to receive insulin. Additionally, alpha-lipoic acid helps fight free radicals, which can also help bring down inflammation, further supporting our cells. Since alpha-lipoic acid has the ability to lower blood glucose levels, one should be careful if hypoglycemia is a concern.
B. Berberine- Berberine belongs to a group of chemical compounds called alkaloids, and is found in several different plants. Berberine has the ability to lower blood glucose both in and out of the cells. First, it can increase glucose metabolism by helping to break down the glucose to release energy. It also helps the oxidation of glucose, which stimulates the secretion of insulin.
C. for Cinnamon- One of your pantry staple spices could help you maintain a healthy glucose level. It can also be taken as a supplement. Cinnamon has been found to be loaded with antioxidants and can help fight oxidative stress. Additionally, cinnamon may imitate the effects of insulin and increase the movement of sugar into the cells.
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*As always, this article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. AND before undertaking any diet, dietary supplement, exercise, or other health program.