Maintaining a healthy blood sugar level is important for a healthy body. If your blood sugar is too low, this can lead to weakness, fatigue, hunger and lack of focus. If your blood sugar is too high, this can lead to blurry vision, thirst and fatigue. In addition, unstable blood sugar levels can lead to or aggravate symptoms of diabetes. The foods you eat can affect your blood sugar and many of them can raise your blood sugar to unhealthy levels.
Starchy High-Glycemic Foods
High-glycemic foods will increase your blood sugar levels, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Gylcemic Index is a scale that ranks carbohydrate-containing foods based on how much they raise your blood sugar compared to pure glucose. Foods with a high Gylcemic Index score raise your blood sugar more than those that have a low Glycemic Index score. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, you should limit your consumption of starchy, high-glycemic foods to avoid raising your blood sugar levels. Examples of starchy, high-glycemic foods include white bread, white potatoes, white rice and soda crackers. These foods enter your bloodstream at a fast rate and cause your blood sugars to surge.
Sugary Foods
Sugary foods can also raise your blood sugar levels, says the Linus Pauling Institute. These foods include jelly beans, doughnuts, cookies, pies, and cakes and are often commercially prepared. These foods rank high on the Glycemic Index and can enter your bloodstream at a fast rate, causing your blood sugar levels to rise. The Linus Pauling Institute advises that you limit your intake of these foods to avoid blood sugar spikes.
Foods Low In Fiber
According to the Mayo Clinic, fiber plays an important role in maintaining steady blood sugar levels. Fiber can help absorb sugar in your body and this may help normalize your blood sugar. Foods that are high in fiber can slow the rate at which food enters your bloodstream, allowing a steady supply of energy and nutrients. Foods low in fiber enter your bloodstream faster and can raise your blood sugar at a fast rate, leading to less satiety and a quick energy decrease. Foods low in fiber include grains made from white flours, such as white spaghetti, corn flakes, white bread, cookies, pies, candies and chips.
