Diabetes is a prevalent and common disease. When coupled with a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diets, it is not surprising to see that it is affecting the young, who might not even be aware of the symptoms. Diabetes is a chronic condition associated with high blood glucose levels. Symptoms include extreme thirst, frequent urination and fatigue.
Blood glucose, also commonly referred to as blood sugar, is the amount of glucose circulating in the bloodstream. High blood sugar levels will cause chronic inflammation of the body and may also lead to many complications. Other than using drugs to control blood sugar levels, studies have found that there are natural ways to reduce your blood sugar levels. Here are 5 easy way that can help you to lower blood sugar naturally. However please don't cut off the medicine arbitrarily and always follow your doctor's instructions.
1. Eat foods rich in chromium and magnesium
High blood sugar levels and diabetes can sometimes be linked to micronutrient deficiencies such as deficiencies in minerals like chromium and magnesium. Chromium is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fat. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels. Hence a lack of chromium can adversely affect your blood sugar levels.
Magnesium helps to stimulate insulin secretion, allowing cells to easily absorb nutrients and reduce the amount of sugar in the blood. You can try incorporating more chromium and magnesium rich foods in your daily diet.
Chromium-rich foods: egg yolks, whole grains, coffee, nuts, mung beans, broccoli.
Magnesium-rich foods: dark green vegetables, fish, bananas, avocados, seaweed, kelp, shiitake mushrooms, fungus, various mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, etc.
2. Try apple cider vinegar
Consuming apple cider vinegar has many health benefits such as promoting a lower fasting blood sugar levels, possibly decreasing its production by the liver or increasing its use by cells. Studies have also shown that vinegar significantly influences the body’s response to glucose and improves insulin sensitivity. You can try including apple cider vinegar in your diet by adding it to salad dressings or drinking 2 teaspoons mixed in a glass with water.
3. Manage stress levels
Surprisingly, stress can also affect your blood sugar levels. When the body is in a heightened state of stress, hormones such as glucagon and cortisol are secreted. These hormones will cause your blood sugar levels to rise. Therefore it is important to manage your stress levels through exercise or relaxation methods, such as yoga, in order to regulate your blood sugar levels.
4. Get enough quality sleep
We all know that getting quality and sufficient sleep is vital for having good health. Poor sleeping habits and lack of rest may also affect blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. It may cause an increase in appetite and promote weight gain. Sleep deprivation decreases the release of growth hormones and increases cortisol levels. Both plays an essential role in blood sugar management. Therefore it is always important to get enough quality sleep daily!
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon also helps to lower blood sugar by inhibiting the activity of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism (pancreatic α-amylase and α-glucosidase), reducing the absorption of intestinal glucose after a meal. It can also stimulate the release of insulin and enhance the activity of insulin receptors, which has many beneficial effects on diabetes. However, cinnamon may have an interactive effect with diabetes medications, so be sure to discuss it with your doctor before taking it.
You can also consider:
LABO Nutrition VesseCLEAR CX
VesseCLEAR CX is a multi-benefit vegan formula developed with functional dosage of world-best nattokinase NSK-SD40® and gamma oryzanol ORYZA GAMMAX®, it has many beneficial health benefits faced by adults aged 40 and above, and those with compromised cardiovascular system.
Gamma Oryzanol ORYZA GAMMAX® in VesseCLEAR CX can also help to reduce blood glucose levels by increasing insulin sensitivity or improve insulin resistance. While also helping to normalise cholesterol and triglyceride levels so as to reduce the risk of plaque formation. Nattokinase NSK-SD40® helps to dissolve harmful clots in the blood vessels and prevents future clot formation. These two proprietary ingredients work synergistically to support healthy blood flow and healthy ageing.
LABO Nutrition Precious Dew
Precious Dew is a 100% natural mineral concentrate containing naturally-occurring ionic magnesium and trace minerals, including zinc, chromium and manganese that are important for blood sugar control. Magnesium supplementation may help reduce fasting blood sugar; supplemental chromium can decrease blood sugar levels in diabetics. Rather than drinking flat water, just 2 dew drops will help to richly remineralise your water. Precious Dew is free of preservatives, colouring, flavouring or sweeteners; certified halal. Suitable for vegans, children and seniors.
AFC Natural Vitamin B Complex
AFC Natural Vitamin B Complex is a high potency formulation of 6 all-natural vitamin Bs and Glutathione yeast extract; that provides the essential vitamins needed for good health. It contains B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 and Folic Acid. It is found that diabetics are often deficient in vitamin B6. And because vitamin B is water soluble, it cannot get stored in the body. But sufficient vitamin B can be obtained from a balanced diet or supplementation. Vitamin B3 (niacin), is an essential vitamin required for processing fat in the body, lowering cholesterol levels and regulating blood sugar levels.
