Your blood sugar levels -- the amount of glucose in your blood -- may fluctuate slightly throughout the day, although these levels usually are kept within a narrow range by your body. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, and high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, are two unique types of blood sugar problems that may cause significant health consequences, states the American Heart Association. A proper diet and nutritional supplementation may help balance your blood sugar, although you should always clear the use of these therapies with your physician first.
Blood Sugar Issues
If you suffer from low blood sugar levels, you may experience numerous signs and symptoms. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, common signs and symptoms associated with low blood sugar levels include shaking and trembling, cold sweats, convulsions, blurred vision, hunger and irritability. Common signs and symptoms associated with high blood sugar levels, notes MayoClinic.com, include increased urinary frequency, thirst, blurred vision, headache and fatigue, abdominal pain, confusion and shortness of breath.
Dietary Support
Dietary support is an important natural treatment method in regulating your blood sugar levels. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that a low-fat, high-fiber diet -- including significant amounts of raw fruits and vegetables and fresh vegetables juices -- reduces your need for insulin. Increased fiber in your diet helps decrease blood sugar surges and promotes balanced blood sugar levels. Consider avoiding high-glycemic index foods containing white sugar and white rice, instead choosing whole grains, legumes and root vegetables.
Vital Nutrients
Several nutrients are essential in controlling your blood sugar levels. Among the most vital nutrients for this health purpose, notes naturopathic physician Russell B. Marz, author of "Medical Nutrition From Marz," are brewer's yeast, chromium, biotin, vitamin D and vanadium. Other vital nutrients in regulating your blood sugar levels may include zinc, L-cysteine, magnesium, calcium and manganese. Not all of these nutrients may have been subjected to rigorous clinical studies examining their efficacy for this health purpose.
Warning
Prolonged unbalanced blood sugar levels can injure your organs and cause other serious health complications. If you are diagnosed with blood sugar abnormalities, meet with your primary care provider to discuss all relevant treatment options, including both conventional allopathic and complementary alternative health measures. Some therapies, such as nutritional supplementation, may cause unexpected health effects in your body and should only be used if you are under the supervision of a licensed health care professional.
References
- American Heart Association: Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Hypoglycemia
- MayoClinic.com: Hyperglycemia in Diabetes
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Medical Nutrition From Marz"; Russell B. Marz, N.D.; 1999
