Certain home remedies can be made from common ingredients from the pantry to help reduce and stabilize high blood sugar. Additionally, various supplements are available that contribute to keeping blood sugar from fluctuating, helping diabetics and pre-diabetics become healthier. Home remedies are no replacement for diabetes medications; however, they do offer solutions for prevention and work well alongside medication to control blood sugar.
Sweet Potatoes
Yams and sweet potatoes are very low on the glycemic index, meaning their natural sugars digest slowly and do not cause the body's blood sugar levels to fluctuate. Add sweet potatoes to your diet to help mitigate the effects of other foods on the blood sugar. Sweet potatoes high in nutrition and filling enough to keeping hunger at bay. They also provide cholesterol-lowering features for a healthy heart.
Avocados
Avocados are a healthy fat, which help to prevent the metabolic process known as insulin resistance, explains the Fat Free Kitchen website. They support the metabolism by raising insulin sensitivity. Avocadoes are a slow-burning fat producing an excellent source or energy and nutrients for the body.
Magnesium
Magnesium assists the pancreas with the metabolism of carbohydrates and helps regulate blood glucose levels preventing diabetes, according to the National Institutes of Health. In addition, magnesium protects the heart and keeps the blood pressure regulated. Magnesium is lost through urination and can be replaced by taking supplements and eating foods high in elemental magnesium. Natural food sources of magnesium are peas, seeds, nuts, spinach, whole grains and unrefined grains.
Dietary Fiber
Consuming foods or supplements high in dietary fiber prevents fluctuations in blood sugar, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fiber provides a low glycemic index product that assists the body in the absorption of other sugars. Natural sources of dietary fiber are whole grains, legumes, flaxseed, nuts and psyllium husk. Psyllium husk is available in powder and capsule form at most pharmacies and health food stores.
Chromium Picolinate
The University of Maryland Medical Center discusses the effects of chromium picolinate on blood sugar, explaining that the mineral chromium appears to reduce the amount of insulin needed in diabetics and lowers blood sugar levels. More research is needed to confirm these effects. Natural sources of chromium are molasses brewer's yeast, lean meat, pork kidney, whole grains and processed meats. Chromium picolinate is also available in supplement form at health food stores.
