Blood sugar is necessary for providing energy for your body. It also aids in the production of brain, organ, muscle and connective tissue cells. However, a blood sugar imbalance may contribute to hypoglycemia or diabetes. These conditions may produce fatigue, dizziness and mental confusion. Diabetes may also lead to heart disease, coma and death, if left untreated. Simple strategies can help you manage blood sugar levels and avoid the symptoms and complications of hypoglycemia and diabetes.
Step 1
Limit your caloric intake to 1,500 calories per day to lose excess weight. Obesity and excess body weight contribute to blood sugar imbalances, according to Dr. Alan Rubin, author of "Diabetes Cookbook for Dummies." If your weight is appropriate for your height and body time, limit your intake to 1,800 calories per day to maintain your body weight.
Step 2
Consume beans and legumes, such as black beans, lima beans, chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans and green peas. These foods are high in dietary fiber, a type of carbohydrate that may help lower excess sugars in your bloodstream, according to Dr. James Balch and Mark Stengler, authors of "Prescription for Natural Cures."
Step 3
Use whole-grain flour in recipes instead of white flour. Whole grain flour is a complex carbohydrate that your body converts into blood sugar at a slow, consistent rate, according to Balch and Stengler. Conversely, white flour is a simple carbohydrate that your body converts into blood sugar quickly, triggering fluctuations and causing hypoglycemia and diabetes symptoms.
Step 4
Add garlic to casseroles, stir fry dishes and side dishes. Garlic contains chemical compounds that may help regulate blood sugar levels, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs."
Step 5
Use raw, fresh vegetables as snacks instead of relying on packaged snack foods. Raw vegetables are low in calories and fat, which may help prevent weight gain that can cause blood sugar imbalances. They are also abundant sources of dietary fiber.
Tips and Warnings
- Divide your food consumption into five or six small meals spread throughout the day instead of consuming two or three large meals. This may help keep blood sugar levels consistent. It also helps provide consistent energy to fight fatigue.
Things You'll Need
- Beans
- Legumes
- Whole-grain flour
- Garlic
- Raw vegetables
References
- "Diabetes Cookbook for Dummies"; Alan L. Rubin, M.D.; 2010
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James Balch, M.D., and Mark Stengler; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
