When you consume carbohydrates, your body uses the hormone insulin to convert them to glucose, a form of sugar the cells absorb for energy. Sometimes, the body cannot do this properly and too much glucose can remain in the blood stream, a characteristic problem with diabetes. Excess glucose can lead to a host of problems. You can do several things to lower your levels naturally that include lifestyle changes and if approved by your physician, natural supplements like vitamins. You should always consult with your doctor before using any supplements and never discontinue or alter medications on your own.
Step 1
Reduce your intake of simple sugar foods like refined, white flour foods, cookies, cakes, candies and other sugary treats. The blood stream absorbs these foods very quickly, causing dramatic rises in blood sugar.
Step 2
Eat complex carbohydrates like whole-grain breads and pastas, brown rice and non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, asparagus and cabbage. Their more complex molecular structure, coupled with their high-fiber content, prevent the body from breaking them down too quickly. This leads to a more steady release of glucose over a longer period of time.
Step 3
Increase your intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium. Noted physician, author and alternative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil states that research has shown foods rich in these nutrients help control glucose levels. Examples include spinach, broccoli, lentils, tofu, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, fatty fish like salmon, flaxseeds and walnuts.
Step 4
Exercise regularly. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises at least 30 to 60 minutes of activity three to four days a week. Exercise improves the absorption of glucose into the muscle cells, which can prevent excess from circulating in the bloodstream. Regular exercise can also head off many other problems common of type 2 diabetes sufferers including high blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol.
Step 5
Talk to your health care provider about the possibility of adding natural supplements to your treatment regimen. According to the Weil and the University of Maryland Medical Center, research indicates some natural supplements might have a beneficial effect on lowering blood sugar. They include chromium, magnesium, alpha lipoic acid, beta-glucan, vanadium, bitter melon, fenugreek seeds, gymnema, cinnamon and American ginseng. Your doctor can suggest appropriate dosages.
Step 6
Manage stress with mind/body techniques such as biofeedback, yoga, meditation, visualization or any other activity you find enjoyable. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that stress exerts effects on several areas of the body and this leads t an increase in blood sugar levels. Therefore, it stands that stress reduction can serve as an important tool in reducing your glucose levels.
