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10 foods that naturally reduce blood sugar

10 foods that naturally reduce blood sugar

Stress, physical activity, and lifestyle habits can affect the management of diabetes and other conditions that impact one’s blood sugar levels. But nutrition is perhaps the most crucial factor. Eating the wrong foods at the wrong time can spike glucose levels and lead to other complications. On the other hand, research suggests that certain foods can help lower blood sugar levels and should, therefore, be included in the meal plan.

Flax seeds
Flax seeds contain fiber and healthy fats that help control blood sugar levels. Research shows that adding around 30 grams to daily meals can help maintain blood glucose.

Broccoli
Rich in sulforaphane, broccoli has been shown to lower blood glucose and enhance insulin sensitivity, making it healthy for diabetics.

Shellfish
Shellfish are excellent sources of protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Their high antioxidant content is particularly helpful in regulating blood sugar levels.

Salmon
Salmon is another seafood that can reduce glucose surges and slow down digestion. Its omega-3 fatty acids also help with several other health disorders.

Oats
Oat bran is rich in soluble fiber, which can control fasting blood sugar levels, especially in type 2 diabetes patients. Oats are a perfect breakfast or post-workout option.

Chia seeds
As per a study published in a reputed health journal, chia seeds have been proven to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Nuts
Nuts like almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, and pistachios are low in carbs and high in fiber, which helps regulate blood glucose.

Turmeric
Turmeric is a traditional spice that has been proven to lower inflammation, blood sugar levels, and the risk of heart disease, making it a perfect addition.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds flavor and improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels. Besides adding cinnamon to dishes, those with diabetes may consider using supplements like GlucoTrust. It contains cinnamon and other natural ingredients, including licorice and juniper berries.

Berries
Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are rich in antioxidants and tend to lower insulin and cholesterol levels after meals. Their sugar content is also lower than fruits like apples and bananas.

Besides choosing these foods, patients must follow a healthy eating routine. It is advisable not to skip breakfast since eating directly during lunchtime can cause glucose levels to spike. A protein-rich, low-carb breakfast helps slow digestion and increases blood sugar slowly after meals. A study shows that consuming approximately 500 calories with 35% protein for breakfast will likely help maintain sugar levels throughout the day. To monitor sugar levels at any point, one can use Roche’s Accu-Chek monitoring system, which displays readings in under four seconds.

Diabetes can be expensive to manage since Original Medicare does not usually cover it. So, getting a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan from a Medicare-approved private company is advisable. Besides general diabetes expenses, it may cover doctor visits and suitable fitness programs. If necessary, one can also buy supplemental health insurance, such as a Medigap from UHC (UnitedHealthcare), to reduce expenses further.

Blood sugar spikes may sometimes be a result of therapies and vaccinations like Novavax. While joint clinical trials between the company and the government have deemed Novavax safe, diabetes patients should monitor their blood sugar levels for a few days after a dose.

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Coping with urges that can trigger a relapse post treatment

Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them.Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage one’s time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. EmotionsThere is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing. Often, one turns to a glass of alcohol or relies on prescription medications to put the mind at ease. It is not a permanent solution and prolonged use of these substances can cause more harm in the long run. One must learn and explore productive ways of controlling emotions better to avoid a relapse during recovery. For example, writing and maintaining a journal that contains one’s feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel one’s energy and manage emotional responses.Positive conditioningPeople who have addictions such as smoking or drinking may often find themselves in situations where a lit cigarette or a glass of wine can trigger a relapse. This is understandable considering these substances were the primary source of comfort and relaxation. However, with positive reinforcement and reconditioning one can train the mind and curb such urges. Relaxation doesn’t always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Year’s events, and any celebration in general call for alcohol consumption and smoking. At times, these could be the very addictions one is recovering from, and in a social gathering, such temptations can be strong. However, a recovering addict should refrain from indulging in any of these as even a taste can turn into a relapse. For instance, a recovering alcoholic must avoid having a single drink as that could put him/her on a slippery slope to relapse. Here, one-on-one counseling can help prepare the mind to resist the urge. It is never healthy for a recovering addict to simply avoid socializing fearing a relapse.

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5 superfoods to lower blood sugar

According to CDC, approximately 1 out of 10 people live with diabetes. In fact, high blood sugar-related diseases are problematic globally too. High blood sugar causes many health issues and lifelong problems for people of all ages. One way to control and reduce one's blood sugar is to include certain foods in daily meal plans. These foods contain specific nutrients and elements that help lower one's blood sugar levels. Oatmeal Oatmeals are highly effective in countering diabetes due to their high fiber content and low glycemic index value. Eating whole oats can reduce a person's blood glucose levels by boosting their insulin sensitivity. While adding oatmeal to your daily meals, people need to choose steel-cut or rolled oats as they can be absorbed into the bloodstream slowly. One needs to avoid eating oatmeal with added sugar while purchasing it. Walnuts Like oatmeal, nuts of all kinds are also low-glycemic, high-fiber food that helps reduce blood sugar. Additionally, nuts are rich in nutrients such as vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and similar other foods. Walnuts are one of the best nuts, which, apart from reducing blood sugar, also help improve the heart health of individuals. Walnuts also help people balance their meal routines due to the wide range of nutrients they contain. Broccoli Broccoli and sprouts are rich in a type of isothiocyanate known as sulforaphane. This element has been known to drastically reduce blood sugar in people over time. Additionally, sulforaphane-rich broccoli is loaded with other anti-diabetic elements too. This food helps to boost an individual's insulin sensitivity and reduce markers of oxidative stress in people.  Pumpkin Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds are other foods that are packed to the brim with fiber and antioxidants. These elements are highly useful in regulating alarmingly-high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Additionally, pumpkin is high in carbohydrates, known as polysaccharides, another element renowned for reducing sugar levels in a person's blood. All in all, pumpkin, whether roasted or steamed, inhibits blood sugar levels in consumers. Garlic Garlic contains certain compounds, such as S-allyl cysteine sulfoxide and allyl propyl disulfide, that enhance its consumers' insulin sensitivity. In this way, it helps to drastically limit the blood sugar in a person's body. Besides following a meal plan, people can also consider certain products and treatment avenues to gauge their blood sugar levels and regulate them. For example, Roche's Accu-Chek products, such as their blood glucose monitors, mobile apps, insulin pumps, and others, can help people monitor and regulate their blood sugar levels. Apart from that, people can also use GlucoTrust, a treatment alternative, to reduce sugar cravings and facilitate healthy blood flow, among other benefits. Also, people need to know that Medicare Advantage (part C) plans cover the cost of anti-diabetic supplies. Some insurance providers, like UnitedHealthcare, also help cover some out-of-pocket costs regarding the same under their UHC Medigap plan. People with high blood sugar and diabetes must always find ways to boost their immunity and avoid exposing themselves to other complications that can worsen their health. One of the best ways to boost immunity and prevent infections is through vaccines. Several vaccine makers, such as Novavax, run clinical trials to maximize their efficacy. However, one must consult a healthcare expert before getting vaccinated to confirm if vaccines such as Novavax are safe for diabetes patients.

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