The condition where your blood sugar spikes is called hyperglycemia. It is a problem particularly for diabetics, but it can affect others as well. After you eat, your body converts carbs into glucose, to use as an energy source. But, when you produce more glucose than necessary for energy, your blood sugar levels can spike. There are certain foods that are likely to spike your blood sugar, and should be avoided.
High Sugar Snacks
Sugary snacks are a staple in traditional Western diets, and are a major culprit for high blood sugar. Foods like white flour and refined sugars quickly enter your bloodstream as glucose, creating elevated blood sugar levels. Some common foods with refined sugar and flour include candy bars, sodas, ice cream, donuts, pies and cookies.
Alcohol
Alcohol is usually touted for its ability to lower blood pressure and relieve stress. However, moderate to excessive alcohol consumption can spike your blood sugar. Alcohol is a toxin, so your liver breaks it down into simple sugars. Simple sugars enter your bloodstream very quickly and cause immediate elevated blood sugar levels.
Refined Grains
The University of Maryland Medical Center, reports that your body converts all carbohydrates into glucose, which elevate blood sugar. Grains such as wheat, rye and corn contain mostly complex carbs, which do not spike blood sugar to the same degree as refined grains. Examples of these foods include white rice, pasta, bagels, pizza crusts and sugary cereals.
Starchy Vegetables
Starchy vegetables like beets, sweet potatoes and squash, can cause blood sugar levels to increase. These are high carbohydrate foods to do not contain as much fiber as other starches like multi-grain breads and whole wheat pasta. Since fiber helps clear extra sugars from your bloodstream, you should consume fiber-rich grains and vegetables instead.
